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True daughter of Skyrim	By : EiraWolfsoul Category: +A through F > Elder Scrolls - Skyrim Views: 6362 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, it is property of Bethesda. Eira however is my own character. No money is being made from writing this fanfiction.

Chapter List
- 6
- 7
[IMPORTANT] I just posted two chapters, so be sure to read chapter 6 first!
[A/N] I hope you enjoy reading this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it! RL is still in the way, but the next chapter is well underway! Please review and let me know what you think!
True daughter of Skyrim

Chapter 7. Working, talking, children, wait… children?
The next morning, after her talk with Danica about the Gildergreen, Eira set out with Lydia to retrieve a special blade called Nettlebane. The blade was needed to be able to get close enough to the Eldergleam's trunk to retrieve some sap to revive the Gildergreen. As Danica expected, the blade was found in a Hagraven's nest called Orphan Rock. The Hagraven had been protected by four witches, but between her and Lydia, they easily took care of them. The Hagraven too wasn't terribly hard to take out and they sustained only a few minor cuts, bruises and burns, easily healed with a healing potion. Eira had no problem finding the blade, Nettlebane. It felt… wrong, dark. She instantly understood why even an ancient tree would lift its roots for such a weapon.
Upon showing the blade to Danica the following morning however, the woman seemed very hesitant. "I'd rather not touch that thing", she'd said. Eira had actually rolled her eyes at that, asking the priest where she needed to go and what she had to do to get the sap. Before they could leave, a man approached them "was I correct in hearing that you were travelling to the grove of the Eldergleam?" Eira nodded. "I'm Maurice Jondrelle, a traveller, a pilgrim. I follow the voice of Kynareth wherever it can be heard", the man explained. "I've dreamed of seeing Eldergleam for years. Might I travel alongside you? I promise not to get in the way!". Eira shrugged "sure".
They made their way to Eastmarch in reasonable time, they spotted the entrance to the sanctuary just as night fell. "Finally! This is it, the Eldergleam sanctuary! I've waited years for this!" Maurice cried out in jubilation at finally seeing his dream come true. A loud roar however quickly ended that joyous feeling. "What was that? Did you hear that?" Both Eira and Lydia reached for their bows. "I did. Get inside the sanctuary Maurice. We'll deal with this". The pilgrim didn't need to be told twice and quickly scurried inside.
"Are you sure we can handle this, my Thane?" Lydia asked her. "I sure hope so, but I'm not taking the chance of this dragon creeping up on us when we come back out of that sanctuary. Better we take it down now. Aim for its wings, we need to get it out of the air". She had barely gotten the words out when the dragon flew over them, releasing a blast of frosty air.
Thane and housecarl drew their arrows back and released, aiming for the dragon's wings. 'I'm glad Lydia is here too, I'm not sure I could do this on my own', Eira thought as she released two more arrows in quick succession. The dragon circled them and continued its assault of ice cold air. Eira jumped aside to avoid another blast of cold and quickly fired another arrow at one of the dragon's wings. Finally they were able to ground the enormous dragon and Eira quickly drew her Skyforge sword and dagger and rushed the animal while it was recovering from its fall.
The dragon lifted its head to release another blast of cold and Eira quickly ducked to the side slashed her sword at the dragon's neck. The massive head turned and snapped at her, forcing her to jump back. Suddenly the dragon roared and snapped at something on the opposite side of her. In a flash, Eira saw Lydia firing arrows from a short distance. The dragon had seen her too and turned its massive body her way.
Taking her queue Eira quickly jumped up onto it's back, and plunged her sword and dagger into its back. When there was no immediate effect she continued pulling them out and plunging them back in, essentially stabbing the creature. Lydia meanwhile continued firing her arrows and ducking behind a boulder every time the dragon released another breath of frosty air. When the dragon wasn't attacking Lydia with its breath, it tried throwing her off or snapping at her. Eira held on and continued stabbing the creature, slowly making her way forward towards its head.
Finally its movements stopped and the dragon crumbled to the ground. Eira quickly jumped off and sheathed her weapons. She watched as this dragon too dissolved into flames and again there was that strange orange light transferring, she could think of no other word for it, from the dragon to her. Again she was unable to move until the light entered her body. Where Mirmulnir's light had been warm, this dragon's light was ice cold and for a moment Eira feared she would freeze to death, but the unpleasant feeling quickly faded.
"Are you alright, my Thane?" Eira opened her eyes to look into Lydia's worried ones and nodded. "Is this what happens when you slay a dragon? That light… was that its soul?" Eira shrugged making her way over to the dragon's remains, "I'm not really sure but I guess so". She stuffed a few of the smaller bones and some scales in her backpack. "What are you doing?" Lydia asked her confused. Hoisting her backpack back onto her bag Eira smiled, "collecting some souvenirs. I'm not sure what I'll do with them yet but you never know, they might come in handy". Lydia just shook her head before following her Thane into the sanctuary.
The Eldergleam sanctuary was a very peaceful place, untouched by the war or dragons. They found Maurice talking to two other pilgrims visiting the sanctuary. "We'll spend the night here. I'm exhausted, we'll make our way up to the Eldergleam tomorrow". Eira and Lydia left Maurice to continue his conversation with the other pilgrims and found a quiet, somewhat secluded spot to set up camp for the night.
They laid out their bedrolls, sat down and drank from their water skins, before pulling out some bread and dried meat. After they had eaten, both set to work cleaning their weapons. "Eorlund's craftsmanship is truly astonishing", Lydia breathed in awe at seeing her weapons without having to worry about an enemy. Eira smiled, admiring her weapons. "We forged these together when I was recovering. Working the Skyforge is… I don't know, amazing doesn't quite seem to grasp it".
"He let you work his forge?" Lydia was clearly surprised. Eira smirked, "well partially, like I said we forged these blades together. He guided me through it. He liked that I was interested in his craft. Apparently none of the other Companions know the first thing about blacksmithing, or showed any interest in learning the art". Eira handed the now clean sword to her housecarl and watched amused as she admired the blade before testing it out. "It is truly magnificent, my Thane".
The next morning they made their way to the Eldergleam. Drawing Nettlebane, Eira carefully, for she did not want to hurt the tree more than needed, slashed at the first root blocking their path. It lifted slowly allowing them further up the path. Slowly, slashing carefully at each root in their way, they made it up the path until they finally reached the stem.
"WAIT!" Maurice cried out. "I had no idea you were a woman of such violence! Please sheathe that awful weapon. Let me pray to Kynareth, there is no need for any more violence". Eira looked at him "I need some sap from the Eldergleam to revive the Gildergreen". Maurice stepped forward "sometimes renewal is better than revival, please let me try" he pleaded. "Very well". Eira and Lydia stepped back and watched as Maurice prayed to Kynareth. Sure enough a small sapling appeared. "I will stay here for the time being", the pilgrim said. Eira nodded her thanks and carefully picked up the sapling, returning it to Danica, who was sceptic at first, but agreed in the end.

Middas, the 17th of Hearthfire, the day after bringing the sapling to Danica, she went on a mission with Aela to take care of a rampant giant near Rorikstead. Now that she knew about the Circle being werewolves, it seemed so obvious, Aela was a hunter in every sense of the word. She was constantly alert and carefully sniffed out her surroundings whenever she heard something. Surprisingly they were never attacked by wolves even though Eira heard and sometimes even saw them. 'It was the same with Farkas though I didn't put much thought into it at the time'.
"Aela? How come the wolves won't attack us or flee?" The huntress shrugged, "you know what I am. They can sense my beastblood, it is strong in me, and they accept me as one of their kind". "So you could walk right up to them without being attacked?" Aela shook her head, "no, they see me as one of their kind, as long as I respect their boundaries they will leave me alone. Should I overstep them, they'll see me as a threat to their pack and attack".
They walked in silence for a while before Aela suddenly spoke. "Vilkas seems interested in you". Eira noted the mischievousness in Aela's voice and scoffed. "I don't understand that man. When I joined he was downright icy, obviously not at all pleased with Kodlak's decision. And now suddenly he's all warmed up to me?" Aela considered her for a moment before answering. "Vilkas doesn't take to newcomers easily. Especially women. Too many turn out to be milkdrinkers who only join in an attempt to get in his or Farkas' bed. Sometimes they last a while before they leave, get killed or in rare cases get sent away because they don't take their job seriously and thus endanger their shield siblings". Eira frowned, "so he thought I was one of those milkdrinkers? Eager to throw myself at him, whatever the cost?"
Aela smirked playfully at her, "it would seem so. His suspicions lessened after you killed that Centurion and then when you didn't throw yourself at him during your recovery I guess he finally understood you didn't join us to get into his or his brother's pants". "And now he's acting like he wants to get into mine". Aela grinned, "I noticed that. Vilkas is a man who's used to getting what he wants and to women throwing themselves at him. You didn't and it both intrigues and frustrates him".
"If he thinks I'm going to be his next conquest he has another thing coming", Eira blurted. "Oh come now. Vilkas is a great man once you gain his respect and good looking too. And I'm sure his bed is far more comfortable than the one you're currently sleeping in", Aela answered with a wink. "So why don't you jump into his bed then?" Aela's look softened for a moment as she answered, "because I much prefer Skjor's bed".
"So the two of you really are an item then?" The huntress turned her attention back to the road ahead, "We haven't married and it is likely that we won't. We prefer the way of the beast". Eira frowned in confusion, "the way of the beast?" Aela nodded, "a mating. After a period of courtship, Skjor has accepted me as his mate as I have accepted him. We are loyal and devoted to each other. I suppose it is a bond similar to that of marriage except that there is no ceremony or ring involved".
"What does this courtship entail?" Aela threw her another playful smirk, "wondering if Vilkas is courting you?" She could feel the blush rising on her cheeks, "no, just curious" she said far to casually. "He isn't, right now he's just testing the waters, flirting. Trust me, you'll know when he starts courting you". With those cryptic words and Aela's slight emphasis on 'when' they reached their destination and the conversation was effectively cut short as bows were drawn, arrows nocked and the giant taken down.

The following day, Eira and Lydia helped the Redguard maid in The Bannered Mare, Saadia to escape the clutches of the Alik'r sent after her. Initially the Alik'r, not allowed into the city, had approached her for help, but upon discovering that Saadia was actually the Redguard woman they were looking for, Eira chose to hear her out first. It was hard to tell who had been telling the truth, but something in her told her to help Saadia. She had learned the location of the Alik'r hideout from a prisoner and, with Lydia's help she was able to take care of them.
After dismissing Lydia, Eira continued to run some small, local errands, by helping the priest Andur in the Hall of the Dead to recover his lost Amulet of Arkay, delivering some Frost Salts from Farengar to Arcadia and making sure that Braith would stop bullying Lars.
When she went to Adrianne to sell her loot, the blacksmith asked her to deliver a greatsword to her father Proventus Avenicci. Eira took the opportunity to ask the man if there were any houses available for purchase. "Actually we do have a lovely house available, it's called Breezehome. It has everything you need, two bedrooms and room for a third if you're looking to expand your family, a living room, kitchenette, dining area and bathing chamber. There's a small storage cellar and if you're into alchemy or enchantments there is plenty of room to set that up too", he explained. "I'll take it. Can you deliver it fully furnished?" she asked the steward. "Of course, no problem at all. I'll make sure everything is in order as soon as possible".
Jarl Balgruuf called out to her as she made to leave. "Walk with me Thane". Eira nodded and followed the man as he led her upstairs and into his private quarters. "You have yet to visit the Greybeards", he finally said. "I know, I needed some time. This is all... I don't know. I'm just a bit overwhelmed I guess". The Jarl regarded her for a moment before speaking. "This won't go away. You are Dragonborn, whether you want to be or not. It is your destiny".
"I know. But why me?", the slight whining quality to her voice disappointed her. She hadn't meant to whine, certainly not to her Jarl. Balgruuf's strong hand came to rest on her shoulder and squeezed gently. "I do not know why, but any questions you have, I'm sure the Greybeards can help you with them. Go to them and learn. Stop hiding from it and accept your destiny". Eira sighed, knowing he was right. She felt oddly comforted by his words. "I will. I have a few things I need to do, then I'll go".
The Jarl nodded, "you will do fine young one. Do not fear your destiny, do not fight it, it is one battle you cannot win. Accept it, embrace it. I will keep your secret, but it is only a matter of time before others find out. Have you told you Harbinger?" Eira shook her head. "Then it is time you did so. At least one of the Companions needs to know who you truly are". Averting her eyes, Eira whispered, "I'm just me, Eira Wolfsoul". The Jarl squeezed her shoulder again, "you are more than that Eira, you are Dragonborn". With that he dismissed her.
Eira knew he was right. She had to tell Kodlak. If she was going to the Greybeards she would be gone for an undeterminable amount of time. She could not explain her absence to the others without arousing suspicion, not without Kodlak's help. 'I guess it's time to face the music', she thought wryly as she made her way to Jorrvaskr.
The little girl, Lucia, sat on one of the benches in front of the Gildergreen, begging people for some coin. Eira knelt down in front of the little girl, "Hi Lucia, I'm Eira". The girl smiled, "I know you! You're the pretty lady from the inn". Eira chuckled at that, "I guess that's me. Why are you begging?" The girl's smile faltered, "It's what Brennuin said I should do when I'm hungry". "Is no one looking after you then?" Lucia shook her head. "What happened to your parents sweetie?"
The little girl's story of how her aunt and uncle, who should have taken care of her after her parents died, cast her out tugged at her heartstrings. Digging in her coin purse she handed the child a Septim. "Oh thank you pretty lady!" Eira smiled at the child before moving on to Jorrvaskr. She had a job to do.
She made her way downstairs and headed for Kodlak's chambers. Thankfully the man was alone, immersed in a book. Eira gently knocked on the open door to announce her presence, though she was certain he already knew she was there, thanks to his werewolf senses. "Come in", he said as he closed his book and put it aside before turning to her. "What can I help you with?" he asked. "I was hoping I could talk to you privately for a moment".
"Of course. Have a seat", Kodlak indicated the empty chair Vilkas had occupied when she first walked into the Harbinger's chambers. She sat down and took a deep breath before revealing her little secret. "Are you familiar with the legend of the Dragonborn?" she asked him. "Of course, I have yet to meet a Nord, at least one of my age, that doesn't know". Nodding Eira asked her next question, "did you know a dragon was sighted and killed over at the Western Watchtower?"
"Yes, I have heard the news. Are you worried more dragons will come?" he asked her. "No... no that's not it. I..." she sighed, 'why is it so hard to tell him?' "There is a rumour... that the Dragonborn was found". Kodlak smiled, "ah yes I heard Vignar talking about it too. No surprise there. When people fear something they look to others to take that fear away. In the case of dragons I am not surprised they look to the legendary Dragonborn to be their hero. If he exists, I have not met him yet".
"Actually...", Eira began, "you have". Kodlak frowned in confusion, "really? So there is a Dragonborn? And you know his identity?" Eira nodded, "Yes, I know HER identity", she put emphasis on the her and watched in amusement as Kodlak's confused frown made room for shock. "You", he whispered. "You're the Dragonborn?!" 'What?! How did he know?' "It would certainly explain your quick ascension to Thane of Whiterun", he continued. Eira could only nod, indicating that his guess was right. "Why did you not tell us sooner girl?" he wondered. "I'm still trying to understand it all. I was overwhelmed. Only a select few know and I'd like to keep it that way, please".
The Harbinger was silent for a moment. "Very well, though I believe it is in your best interest if Skjor knows. I may be Harbinger, but he is the Alpha of our pack. As Dragonborn I imagine you'll be away more often than not, between the two of us we can pretend you've been given missions. In some cases Skjor could go with you as shield-brother to prevent suspicion". Thinking his words over, Eira nodded her consent. 'He has a point. If I don't want others to know yet I need help finding excuses for my absences. It might be best if he knew'.
"I can see you're having trouble accepting that you're Dragonborn, or that others will find out. See if you can find Skjor and bring him here. We will tell him together. Don't you worry young one, we'll figure things out". Eira nodded, "thank you Kodlak". Rising from her chair she left the room and went in search of Skjor. She found the man in the courtyard, sparring with Njada. "How long have they been going at it?" she asked Aela, who was watching from one of the chairs. "A little while now. Want to hit the archery range?" Shaking her head Eira answered, "sorry, Kodlak sent me on a mission and he wants to talk to Skjor". Aela nodded before turning back to Skjor and Njada and calling out to them, "Skojr! Kodlak wants to see you!" Eira quickly made her way back inside and to Kodlak's chambers to await Skjor's presence.
They didn't have to wait long before the imposing man walked in. He seemed confused at her presence there but before he could send her out, Kodlak spoke up. "Skjor, my boy, there is something of importance that we must discuss". Skjor's eyes, one seeing, the other not, again flicked to her, his message clear "leave", but again Kodlak spoke up, "it involves her Skjor". The message faded from his one good eye to be replaced with confusion and then anger. Eira instantly understood that he believed she had done something terribly wrong, something to warrant her being send away.
"Nothing of the sort Skjor", the Harbinger said, reading the alpha's thoughts. Skjor's piercing eye finally left her and returned to Kodlak. "You've heard Vignar talking about the appearance of a Dragonborn right?" Skjor simply nodded once before saying, "what does that have to do with her?" He gestured at her with his head. Eira swallowed thickly, 'why am I so nervous?'Kodlak looked at her and decided to speak for her, "the Companions have been blessed with a Nordic hero of old, my boy. She is the Dragonborn".
Eirai sighed inwardly, 'did he have to embellish it like that?' The look on Skjor's face was priceless though. His features shifted from neutral to confusion and disbelief, to understanding and 'was that pride?' and finally returned to their neutral state. "It explains your quick promotion. Though I have to admit, I expected it would be man", he said calmly. "That's a bit sexist don't you think?", Eira blurted, her eyes immediately widened in shock at how she'd spoken to her superiors. Both Skjor and Kodlak merely laughed. "I suppose it is", Skjor admitted, "I've simply never heard of a female Dragonborn before. As long as you can stop these dragons it doesn't really matter though".
"I might need some help with that. I'm nothing special really". Skjor huffed, "then we'll have to make you into something special. We'll start by having you believe in yourself and your ability. You singlehandedly took down a Dwarven Centurion woman! That in itself is a feat many a warrior cannot claim to have accomplished". Eira could only nod, her amazement at his praise having taken away her voice for the moment.
"Skill and training aside, she will not be able to spend all her time her. In fact, her new title will require her to travel throughout Skyrim". The Harbinger turned to her then, "am I correct in assuming that it was you the Greybeards summoned?" Eira nodded. "So then you have yet to visit them as well?" Again, she nodded, "yes, Jarl Balgruuf says they'll be able to teach me everything I should know. I've no idea how long that will take though". Kodlak nodded his understanding. "Then we will have to cover for your absences".
"Why would we have to cover for them?" Skjor wondered. "I would like to keep my being Dragonborn quiet, at least for the time being. I'm still trying to get my head around it all". His good eye focussed on her, seemingly piercing her into her very soul. "You do not want people to think of you any differently or treat you differently just because you are Dragonborn", he concluded. Eira nervously bit her bottom lip before nodding. "I can respect that. Very well we will keep this quiet as long as possible, but the Circle at least may need to know sooner than you're ready".
"I understand. Thank you Skjor". He nodded. "Take some time to yourself. Rest up before your journey to High Hrothgar. Climbing the 7000 steps is no easy task. Kodlak and I will take care of things and cover your absences. Check in with us as often as you are able to". Eira nodded her consent, "I will. Thank you for helping me Skjor". It was Kodlak who spoke up next, "I believe we should be thanking you in the near future young Eira. You have a difficult road ahead of you. We will do all we can to help you walk it". With that their meeting was over and Eira headed back into the courtyard to take Aela up on her offer of practice.

As she walked past the Gildergreen sapling, one Sundas morning, little Lucia called out to her. "Look what I found Lady!" she said, holding out a pretty red mountain flower. "That's a very pretty flower Lucia". The little girl smiled prettily "it's for you Lady" and thrust the flower towards her. Eira smiled, her heart warming at the gesture. "Thank you Lucia, that's very sweet of you. I'll be sure to give it a special place". Lucia shuffled her feet awkwardly for a moment before softly asking "Lady… Could you… would you… would you be my…. my mother?"
Eira was shocked for a moment, but she could not deny the little girl, especially now that she had a house and enough money to take care of them both. "I would love to be your mother… daughter". Lucia's eyes were wide, obviously not expecting her to agree, "really? You… you have somewhere I could stay?" "Actually I just bought Breezehome a few days ago, it should be ready now". "Oh wow! I'll gather my things!" the little girl said as she ran off. Eira just smiled and quickly checked on the state of Breezehome, pleased to find it finished.
She waited for Lucia to find her way to her new home. "Is that all you have, Lucia?" she asked incredulous upon seeing the small pack the girl brought. Lucia nodded timidly. "Will you show me what's in there?" The little girl shuffled her feet nervously before kneeling on the floor and opening her pack. She pulled out a piece of stale bread, some dried meat, a hat to protect her from the rain, a spare dress, faded from wear and a tattered blanket that had obviously seen better days as well. Eira's heart broke seeing what little the girl possessed.
"Is there anything of sentimental value to you?" she asked. Lucia shook her head. "Anything you want to keep?" again she shook her head. "Then how about we get rid of this and go out to buy you some new clothes and toys?" Lucia's eyes were wide as saucers as she looked up. "You would do that?" Eira smiled warmly at the child, "of course, you're my daughter now aren't you? That means I get to spoil you. Come on let's go". With that she helped Lucia put her things back into her pack and watched as the child set it by the hearth to be burned later.
As she walked towards the General Goods shop, Eira felt a small hand carefully grasp hers. She looked down and smiled to find Lucia's small hand in hers. She led the girl into Belethor's shop and led her to the clothing section. "What are your favourite colours Lucia?" she asked as she looked at the dresses. "I like blue… and red" she answered shyly. "Very well, a blue and a red dress it is", picking out the dresses Eira laid them over her arm before picking out some underwear and leading the girl over to the toys section. "Go on pick something out".
Eira stood back and watched Lucia admire the toys. She picked up a beautifully carved stick-horse and quickly looked to her for approval. Eira smiled and nodded her consent. Lucia carefully carried her chosen toy over to Eira who took it from her before saying, "go on, pick out another toy". Lucia's eyes widened before she slowly turned to find something else. Eira meanwhile handed the dresses, underwear and stick-horse to Belethor before returning to the clothing section to pick out some shoes and two night shifts for the little girl.
After giving them to Belethor she made her way over to Lucia who was clearly having trouble deciding. In one hand she was holding a ball made of fine leather and filled with cloth, in the other she was holding a plain wooden yo-yo. "Take them both", Eira said and steered the little girl towards the counter. Lucia shyly handed her toys to Belethor. "So she's yours now?" he asked her. "Yes, I adopted her today". Eira paid the man for her purchases and handed the ball and yo-yo to Lucia while she carried the clothes and stick-horse.
Lydia was waiting for them outside Breezehome. "My Thane, the Jarl's steward told me your house was ready. It is my duty to look after your property". Eira's eyes widened, "oh! Of course, I completely forgot! Erm Lydia, this is Lucia… I erm… adopted her, I hope you don't mind". Lydia smiled warmly at Lucia before answering, "of course not. This is your home my Thane. Besides, I love children". Eira let out the breath she'd been holding. "Well, I'm glad that's settled, could you hold this so I can open the door", she handed the stick-horse and some of the clothes to Lydia so that she could unlock and open the door, leading her daughter and housecarl in.
"Your room is upstairs to the left Lydia", she said, taking her things back from the housecarl and leading Lucia to the children's room in the back of the house. "There we go. I'll put your clothes and shoes in this dresser Lucia. You can keep your toys and anything else you want in that chest". She said indicating one of the two empty chests. Lucia nodded, smiling brightly, "thank you mommy!" Eira smiled, "you're welcome Lucia".

[A/N] I'd really like to know your thoughts on this chapter! Also if you have any questions, just ask! I'm considering a one shot providing a glimpse into Vilkas' mind, from the moment Eira walked up to him and Kodlak to where this story is now or maybe even further, would you be interested readers of TDOS?
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True daughter of Skyrim