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Another chapter of Dannee's story and the progression of her relationship with her unusual friend and it also describes rather sad possibility of the reason why the heroine could be the last Dragonborn.


The Confession

Looking back at that day Dannee didn’t even know how he managed to get this confession from her. Maybe because she has grown to care for him, even to be fond of him, or more likely that she has become so used to indifference from other men that his gentle, hesitant kindness and care continued to destroy the walls that she built around her heart. It destroys her guard so thoroughly that she trusted him with her deepest secret. It all started like another day, they set a camp not so far from Riverwood, where recently he had presented her with a gift – a pink rose and an absolutely adorable teddy bear. However Dannee still sometimes had hard time even looking at such present and of course Sanguine had noticed this. There was something in her stare – a longing, a hope and an ultimate sadness. Although she would not speak the true reason of her grief to him right now, he still wondered what was this all about. Dannee had very stubborn nature and he doubted that she could confess her hidden secret to him so easily, so while they were sitting on the wood bench near hunter’s cabin, he asked her another question that bothered him very much.
“Dannee, I was just thinking… have you ever dreamed about settling down, having a real family?”
Dannee’s shoulders tensed, she tried to hide her sorrow after hearing his question.
“I… Well, back at Cyrodiil I wanted to have a real family, since I wondered from one foster family to another for many years. Since I stayed with my friend Daynilla, I imagined how nice this could be – Daynilla, me and my true love, and later our children living together and having our happy ending. But life is not a fairy tale. That's not how the real stories end. They don't end like the songs where the man and woman live happily ever after and there are no heroes in the end. I have lost my dream, the Thalmor made sure it was shattered into pieces.”
“Dannee I understand your grief over Daynilla who was like a grandmother to you, she is your friend and your mentor and Bethany... your first and best friend. I know that Thalmor also took away your comrades and they can’t be brought back… But life goes on and… you can still find someone who will marry you,” Sanguine didn’t continue this statement, because in truth he wanted Dannee to stay with him forever. But he wanted to hear her opinion, because he couldn’t give her a normal family, the ultimate party maybe, but not her fairy tale dream.
“I… When I told why I am so distant from everyone this was not the whole truth… Yes, I am afraid to love someone not because I am afraid of love itself but because of the fear what it might do to me… because loving someone can hurt you, because your loved one can leave you or worse - you can discover that the love you shared with your mate is just a mere fantasy… just your dream. I paid a heavy price when my first love Ermil turned to be a Thalmor agent, who betrayed me and just wanted me to confess the names of mages in College of Whispers who opposed his fellow Thalmor… “
“Yes, but you have survived and didn’t betray your friends…” he stopped seeing her expression. He has seen her in happiness and seen her cry in the deepest of despairs, but he has never seen her sat staring despondently with so sad eyes.
“Why do you look like you are about to cry? What is it?” he whispered out, sadness tingling his own words at how helpless she seems to her own emotions. Dannee just shook her head, gulped audibly and blinked the tears back into her eyes.
“I'm not.” She holds her hands tightly, but he watches as she forces herself to believe that she is not upset. “Fine. I'm fine.” But despite her words Dannee looks completely vulnerable.
He suddenly stand up and pulled her to his chest, hugging her tight. Dannee didn’t even hesitate to lean heavily into him. He lifted her effortlessly, and then he sat on the wood bench, still holding Dannee in his arms, so she partially lied on him. His heart raced as he held her lovely frame in his arms; her eyes looking at him, head tilted back, exposing the soft and delicate skin of her neck. She has the most beautiful bright dark blue eyes; no one could deny that simple fact. They shine a little brighter whenever she smiled, but held a cold look without a smile. He always liked it better when she smiled those striking blue eyes were unnerving to look at without the extra shine and shimmer. It was the type of smile that believed that even he couldn't be a bad person and that he was innately good on the inside. But right now her eyes revealed nothing more then her broken heart.
His hands were running over her shoulders and back as he whispered into her hair, “You're very much not fine. Tell me.”
Dannee looked into his eyes and saw just genuine care… almost affection. She knew that Sanguine will not stop until he gets what he want and decided to tell him about everything. Maybe after her confession he will leave her…
“You know when I came to Skyrim, I still hold to my dream about family. But here… Nords and other men expect from their wife not only battle prowess and cooking talents, they also want children to continue their legacy, to make sure that their family name will not be forgotten and disappear without a trace. I agree with this, I am old fashioned in this way too… but after I went to Danica Pure-Spring- the healer in Whiterun to make sure that I was fine after Alduin attack in Helgen and after my caption by the Thalmor, I’ve discovered something…” She forced composure over her body and shook her head, remembering how after that day she sometimes cries herself to sleep at night because she will not get her dream… ever.
“And what did you discover?”
“No one will ever want a wife like me!” said Dannee in utter sadness.
“Why? You are so kind, witty, loyal and devoted to those you care about. You are brave and honorable young woman. What else could anyone ask for?”
“I am truly the last Dragonborn…” said Dannee still looking at him with sad eyes. She can’t bring herself to answer because in this moment she is so painfully vulnerable that it makes her tremble. If she opens her mouth to speak she fears that the words to undo her will come tumbling out… She couldn’t decipher his expression, did he understand her message?
“Yes, it is true, but that is written in the prophecy, that the last Dragonborn will defeat Alduin and save the mankind from the black wings unfold. But still why do you think that no one will ever want you?”
Dannee sighed, ether Sanguine didn’t get her hint or maybe which was more likely he just wanted to hear it from her directly. Dannee held her breath and finally confessed her darkest secret and the source of her inner grief. ”I don’t know when and why it happened… maybe because I was left in the cold and frizzing dungeon for so long by the Thalmor… Or maybe because they repeatedly tortured me with their destruction magic…. But Danica said about it first, but I didn’t want to believe her and went to Sybille Stentor in Solitude, and even to Colette Marence the expert in Restoration Magic in Winterhold College, but they all confirmed that I am perfectly healthy and fine except for one thing… I can never have children.” The last word left her lips like it breaks her heart to say it. She's shaking with the anguish, remembering when she was among Companions and talking about good wife qualities… when Dannee only hinted about some women problem, she has received harsh answer from Vilkas that no one will want such damaged wife. His brother seemed to agree with him, which saddened Dannee because she held some sort of sympathy and liking for Farkas, but after hearing that answer, she distanced herself from brothers forever, for each of them deserved someone much better than her. Even mages in College were not far away from famous and noble Companions in their opinion, as Onmund said ‘such woman deserves only pity’. Elves were much calmer upon discussing such matter but they simply didn’t consider her desirable woman, because she was too tall for them and well… human. Sadness and grief coursed throughout her being, but there's also something else—something akin to relief of some sort, gnawing at her heart and catches deep in her throat that she finally confessed that to someone she cared about and someone who cared for her too. Dannee sighed and said:
“Instead of just mere thoughts of what it might be like in the future - thoughts that I cherished for so long… now I know that it will never be. I also know that I was normal woman before my capture by the Thalmor, me and Daynilla even joked how she will look in grandma role someday… But I paid the ultimate price for my trust in wrong person. My dream is shattered forever…” she didn't finish her sentence, just dropped her hand loosely.
Sanguine looked down at Dannee, his chin quivering for the sadness for her, but also for the sheer force of relief of understanding why she’s been so distant and cold to everyone for so long. His mind raced round and round in circles, tripping over itself and growing dizzy as he tried to think of something to say, anything, so long as it will make her stop grieving. He could understand her emotions, the one who never had any real family will never have her dream to come true. this is a hard blow and a tragedy even for strongest women. Dannee’s dream of her holding a baby, cooing softly and singing to the child with her sweet soprano as she carries her or him about her home is gone. He rested his hand on her shoulder and let his eyes drift down over her body. The thoughts rooted in his subconscious, taking their hold and produced even more fantasies. He had thought how wrong it was to present her such a child toy as teddy bear without even asking, because instead of joy it awakened her saddest memories. He imagined how it was hard for her to look at it and know that her belly will never swell with life, that she will stay as lithe as she is today forever. Then it came to him, the reason why she had forgiven him for all his pranks so easily, why she tolerated his bad jokes and sometimes shameless behavior because she hoped that he would not judge her for he is not what they call ‘family type’. Poor, sweet and shy Dannee… long ago she had awakened in him so many emotions and now they became even stronger. He could clearly say that he was very fond of her, and he can’t help but to feel sympathy for broken hearted and lonely Dragonborn. Poor Dannee certainly didn’t deserve such cruel fate that the Thalmor had bestowed upon her. Their cruelty truly had no bounds, so Dannee’s desire to destroy them was perfectly understandable; even he was beginning to feel hatred for them instead of simply indifference. But he also felt some relief, that maybe with some measured careful moves and tenderness she will stay with him after all, because other men, who were fools didn’t need her because of her… problem. Dannee though interpreted his silence in her own way, afraid that he will also dismiss her as some sort of freak:
“Maybe Ermil was right, such ‘Nord beast’ as me doesn’t deserve to have a real family… I screw up everything, if I couldn’t even protect Daynilla and my friends properly, how could I protect my own child? And the irony is that was all my fault and my alone. If only I never met and trusted that Altmer rat, I could be perfectly normal woman. But now I am just like a barren tree and maybe because of my past stupid behavior I really deserve it.”
“No, No. If anyone deserves a child to love and to care for, it is you. I am so sorry for you, as I have once said that should never happen to you in the first place. I know you may not trust me completely but for me you are exceptional person. Don’t you ever think otherwise.” Sanguine tried to comfort her and Dannee’s eyes gleamed with the spark of hope.
“Do you really think so?” She felt that she might burst with her fondness and gratitude, or from the warmth that filled her from head to toe.
“Of course I do!” Hearing his answer Dannee has stared at him in awe, exhaling a breath that she doesn't realize she's been holding.
“Thank you… for not shooing me aside and thank you for comfort… But hasn’t you ever thought of having your own child?" she asked in the silence, still looking into his dark eyes. "Or even - I don't know- do you have kids?"
His heart ached at her question although he didn't know why. He'd never given any thought to it before. When he'd pictured their future, he'd always just seen the two of them. "No. I don't have any children, I am perfectly fine living without them," he told her.
“And you don’t think that I am well… damaged?” asked Dannee almost in whisper.
“Dannee, sometimes you could be so silly! You are everything that normal man could have wished for. You are smart, and strong, gentle, and caring and brave…and you did it all on your own. I am very lucky to have you as my companion. And what happened to you was not your fault, you were not a prophet to see things to come. Now I know perfectly why you were so cold to everyone, me included…”
“Yes. I didn’t want to confess that to you, I was too ashamed… I don’t know why I did it but I am so happy that you did not think of me as some freak.”
“Dearie… you are not a freak, what happened was a tragedy but stop blaming yourself. Even without children many couples live very happily. Your confession doesn't change anything. It is you I want, not some perfect image; I need you and desire only you. I am very selfish maybe but your presence made me happy and for me it is enough. I am not family type and an image with you, me and a bunch of children simply freaks me out!”
Dannee smiled the first time since the beginning of their conversation…
“Dannee I know that I am not the man of your dream, but if you allow me to court you… well I can’t give you a child, I don’t have such power to change human nature, but I can conjure anything you desire from material world – jewelry, gold, dresses…”
‘I don’t need them, but I do appreciate your concern, care and kindness, this is what I value most not some dresses.”
“Oh, Dannee you are always so humble and modest maiden. But think about my offer. I swear I will never hurt you in any way and you will have everything you desire… Don’t let the Thalmor do this to you, don’t help them to ruin your life by grieving about the past and shattered dreams. Life goes on and you can have your happiness if you only believe that someone will need you.”
“Someone like you?” said Dannee raising her brow in amusement.
“Yes, someone like me. I know this is very hard to you, but there are still wars to stop, fun to participate, joys and pleasure to discover and indulge. Stay with me and you will never be bored. Don’t tell me this is not sounds tempting…” he playfully said.
“Oh, you are sounding very seductive. I appreciate what you do to me and I will never forget this day… I will consider your generous offer, but speaking about pleasures… I just can’t… I need more time.”
He nodded in understanding, happy with the knowledge that finally he has got Dannee’s trust. For now it was enough for him. She had too horrible and traumatic past to make any advances towards her right now, it will only turn her away or worse - repulse her, so he just needed to wait a little longer.
Dannee also were lost in her thoughts. For all the time they have been speaking she looked into his eyes searching them for even a hint of scorn or deception, but found none. Even if Sanguine was sweet and kind to her because of his desire to claim her as his prize then he was damned good liar. But no one from his Daedric kin bothered with her that much… so maybe he even loved her in his own way, but one thing Dannee knew for sure, that finally she could sleep without nightmares because her heaviest burden has been lifted. She wasn’t a complete fool and knew that maybe as time will pass Sanguine could tire of her and leave her alone but still his sympathy meant so much to her today, since he didn’t have any obligations to be kind to her or keep listening to her whining anyway. Dannee was still afraid to give her heart to him but the strange and friendly relationship they had shared perfectly suited her. Dannee also thought that even that she can’t be a mother, there are still orphans waiting to be adopted, maybe after the defeat of Alduin and peace treaty between the Empire and Stormcloaks she could think about this matter further. But for now… Maybe she couldn’t have her own children but Dannee swore to herself that she will do everything in her power to save other families. She will end the civil war and she will kill Alduin if he won’t leave her other choice and that oath she was intent to fulfill. As in answer to her thoughts, Sanguine suddenly said:
“You are stronger than that, Dannee," he told her. "You are the hero of your own story, and your story will end however you want it to end."
“Sanguine, I…"
"You are the Dragonborn, Dannee," he said, pulling her hand into his. "Do you know what the people say?" She shook her head, a smile on her face. Whenever he spoke about her and the people, he always got so passionate. He couldn't help himself; he always managed to get carried away whenever she seemed to lose faith in herself. "They say that the darkness began to fade the day you were named as Dragonborn, and I believe it." He kissed her fingertips, cold as they were, and warmed them in his hands. Dannee only smiled at him and for the first time looked into the future with real optimism and hopes that he is right.