Chapter 4 – Parents

"Out of my way you damned fool!" a controlled yet irritated voice snapped as Tai rounded the corner towards Malketh's chambers. He blinked in alarm as he leapt to the left, barely avoiding the High elf charging through with an arm full of steaming rags. She was tall, with copper flaming hair and he assumed the typical High Elf expression. Her clothing was the typical Mages Collage master. Dark with faint red patterns weaving around her torso, then a simple line down the centre of her lower robes. Tai quickly assumed these robes were her own personal variant however, considering the designs were in the shape of the stars that represented restoration. He quickly put her down as a mage healer, what he didn't understand was why a mage healer was in his castle, striding around as if she owned the place. It even set his teeth on edge, considering how rude the Elf already seemed after he had known her all of three seconds.

"If you want to see this damned baby being born I suggest you hurry up" The Elf snapped again, turning to face Tai with lowered brows and a stern, subdued aggression in her yellow, catlike eyes.

Her chin was pointed, continuing out in a v shape along her thin yet elegant jaw. Her lips were small and thin, pursed in a seemingly permanent angry line. Her nose was pointed, hawklike even and hauntingly proud. It seemed to be turned up at the world around her, despite her flawless yet aging skin to her high cheekbones. Her eyes were angled and catlike, a bright yellow that seemed to burn with a deep anger towards everything around her. It was her highbrow however that shocked Tai. It had the typical dark elf raised area over her brows, angling harshly as if small horns wanted to work their way from beneath her golden skin.

"Oh. You're looking for Malketh. I'm Tai, Serana's husband" Tai introduced himself politely, despite his urge to see the High Elf taken down a peg. Her hauntingly proud expression never vanished completely as she screwed her nose up, rolling her eyes in a simple expression of exasperation. Tai couldn't understand why she felt the way she obviously did, but he put it down to her being High Elf.

"Yes, well I don't know why I was expected to identify you from the Breton. Men and their racial flaws being what they are, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised" The High elf spoke in an arrogant tone, turning her nose up slightly in disgust. Tai fought every urge to lash out at the Elf, instead opting to try and charm her with a polite nature. He saw the expectance in the Elf's eyes as he began to speak, and realised a moment too late that he had made a dreadful mistake.

"Do you mean facial flaws?"

"No" The Elf replied simply. Her expression remained steady in its slight disgust as her eyes raked over Tai, pausing at his shoulders and then his face. Tai resisted the urge to fidget under her judgemental gaze, knowing it would only satisfy the abrasive High Elf. He was not about to just lay down and accept the accusations of his faults from an Elf he didn't even know.

"Although you have several of those as well. Nonetheless, find the Breton and tell him he must come within the hour if he wishes to see his son being born. If not, I am sure his wife will be better off" The Elf concluded, walking to a side table and placing the basket down on it. Tai watched the way she cracked her fingers and began to sort to rags, waving her hand over them and causing a fresh burst of steam to hiss from them.

"I would stay and talk if I had time, but I must be going. It has been a real pleasure" Tai lied politely, bowing his head as he began to walk past the Elf. He felt the air cool for a moment as he passed her, and instantly he knew the Elf had seen through his politeness to the core of his anger.

"Do I appear like someone who cares for your lies?" She demanded as he passed her. Tai stiffened for a moment before answering. Like fire and ice their personalities violently clashed as their eyes met. Unlike Serana's ice, this Elf did not tame Tai. Instead, it enraged Tai and carried his flames to new heights. Instead of lashing out however he controlled his burning rage, keeping the aura of calm for the time being.

"No. You don't" he then rushed away before the Elf could say anything else to him to sour his mood. He needed to find Serana, he realised with a loud, irritated sigh… Soon.

…

Z smiled softly as she felt the warm breath against her ear. In another few moments large arms had wrapped around her midsection, carefully pulling her back into a bare chested body. She could feel the definition of his strong muscles against her shoulders through her thin shirt. She couldn't help her foolish soft smile from growing as she felt his blunt chin rest against her shoulder, and his rough cheek rest against hers. The affection he had shown towards her had only increased once she had told him they were expecting their first child, which played to both sides of Z's nature. Her darker side began to think about how to use Farkas as a shield, a defence to protect herself and her child. Her human side however wanted to protect Farkas even more, she already knew that many would attack Farkas to get to her and she hated it. She hated putting the man she loved in danger, even if he could transform into a giant animal that could tear out someone's throat with a little claw.

"Is there a reason for this sudden outburst of affection and caring?" Z asked as Farkas placed a loving kiss to her cheek. Her heart melted with love for the huge warrior she had wrapped around her little finger, but even so her voice held a certain edge of warning. Z herself was conflicted about how she felt about having a child, especially knowing her blood birthright. The assassin within her was bursting with pride, but her newest side was cringing. She wanted her child to have a choice, the choice she had never been given.

"I love you, and our little guy. You deserve some extra care, with our baby growing inside you" Farkas' voice was filled with the love he felt as he trailed one of his hands to Z's still flat stomach. He felt the Assassin tense in his arms, but he was either too brave or too stupid to move away. He held Z as her icy persona emerged. He then continued with his soft hold as her anger and fear bubbled to the surface. Unlike how many felt when they saw some of Z's inner negative emotions, Farkas felt loved and trusted when her anger erupted at him, or she began to show her scared side. He felt honoured to be the only man in Tamriel that got to see those human sides of Z. His Z.

"I am not made of glass!" Z hissed in warning. Somehow the very suggestion made her bristle and feel a burning need to prove herself stronger. Farkas must have felt it through their bond, yet he was completely at ease with her rapidly changing emotions. Farkas didn't say anything, he simple chuckled and kissed her cheek. After a moment he spoke.

"I know you're not, love" his voice was amused. It only made Z angry. Why in Night Mother's name was he amused? By Sithis, it infuriated her beyond reason. Her emotions boiled past the point of no return as her muscles tensed, singing in anticipation for the coming battle. It was a problem for Z, that only made her feel worse. Farkas was not a battle, but the prize for winning. Why was she fighting two wars that had her running in emotional, metaphorical circles?

"Have you hit your head recently?" Z demanded, pulling out of Farkas' grip. Why couldn't he understand how petrified she was of this child? How could she protect a baby from everyone who wanted the Dragonborn dead, let alone those who wanted the Listener dead? Already, her child would be born to a world of darkness. How could she and Farkas protect a child from that? The guilt and anger ate at her as she remembered her own upbringing, the rewards for killing and the joy when she showed off any of her deadly skills. How could she encourage a child to be a happy, normal child when her own happiness revolved around death? Why couldn't Farkas understand her?

"You're going to be a great mother" Farkas reassured, as if he had read her thoughts. He had hit his head recently, but he couldn't understand why that would matter to Z. All he knew is he could see the subtle change in Z's eyes, as if she had embraced a newer side of herself. He could see she was afraid, but he couldn't understand why. Among her family she was a different person than she pretended to be, she was a strong role model and a hero to Skyrim. She would make a wonderful mother, and she would fight past death itself to protect her child. Their child.

"We have to tell everyone eventually" Z whispered, dropping onto the bed silently. Her stealthy movements were second nature by now, which only made her feel worse lately. She was excited to tell everyone, but wary to risk the information leaving the room. Farkas had been remarkably quiet about it; even his brother had no clue what so ever.

"In your own time. I can remain silent until people start asking" Farkas said with a smile, forever the proud father to be. Z sighed as she bent and began to do her boots up, pausing to leave a hand over her belly for a moment longer than she should have. Farkas would be the perfect father. He already was the perfect husband.

"I love you" Z whispered loudly as another smile worked its way onto her face. Farkas smiled at her, revealing his wolfish teeth.

"I love you too, dear"

….

Serana walked out of her mother's Library with a sad expression on her ageless face. Her brows were lowered in defeat, her eyes downcast and on the toes of her boots. Her lips held a fine line, just beginning to curl downwards. Her shoulders were hunched and her gait was slow, as if she knew the world was passing her by as she moped. Still, she couldn't help but feel disappointed. Impossible. After feeling sick and her mood swings she had wondered, by the blood of her ancestors she had wondered. Hoped even. But after hours of reading every book they could get their hands on they had found no explanation, and found mortal explanations were quite impossible. Yet again, the news tore her heart out. Serana had never wanted children, but the inability to have children hurt more than any scar on her body. Her ultimate choice had been raped away, replaced with a certain longing. She had to admit, she had hoped for a while now but the courage to go to her mother had taken a long time to build up. The crushing news wasn't unexpected, but after defying so many odds to save Skyrim she wished the odds would favour her in her personal life.

"Serana? Can you explain why there is a High Elf strutting around the castle?" Tai's voice floated to her ears from behind her. She smiled despite herself, erasing any signs she held any sorrow as she turned to face Tai. Instantly her sorrow melted away, but the concerned expression in Tai's eyes did not. He had noticed. She gave him a small shake of her head, so subtle it looked as if she hadn't moved at all. Tai's eyes flashed hurt and concern, but he made no further motion to question her on the sadness. To people watching, it appeared as if Serana had simply paused to speak.

"I see you've met Arada" Serana said with a gleefully arched brow. Tai raised his brows at her for a moment, giving her a disbelieving stare. Still, humour filled his voice as he nodded at his stunning wife. He was afraid of what had her so upset, but he knew better than to push for answers. There were times he had to, and times it was pointlessly cruel. He felt it would be cruel to Serana before the festival; he did however store the memory of the wisp of sadness in her eyes away for later. He would erase the sadness from her if it killed him… again.

"High Elf with a bad superior attitude, smart mouth and shocking manners? Yeah, I've met her" Tai said in a strained voice, rolling his glowing eyes in irritation as a sigh left him. Serana chuckled softly, forgetting her sorrow as Tai gave her a mock glare. His eyes shone with love as he rolled his shoulders, rubbing the back of his neck for a moment. Next Serana knew she was being thrown over his shoulder, her belly somewhat uncomfortably resting over the bone of his shoulder. She screamed in mock terror as Tai's arm wrapped around her thighs, holding her to him. She laughed until he suddenly dipped her out the window, almost dropping her in the process.

"Tai no! Stop!" Serana squealed in terror as he dipped her head out the window. The wind assaulted her face, causing her to notice the heat beneath her skin as the cold winds almost froze her flesh. Her eyes went wide as she gazed down at the rocks beneath her, with the waves from an especially stormy ocean assaulting them in foam-covered crests with a loud, whooshing roar. Suddenly Serana felt her chest grow tighter and tighter around her dead heart as she gasped for the breath she shouldn't have needed. Memories flashed before her eyes, blood mixed with sand and the icy blue of Tai's human eyes. She knew she was shuddering a moment after she heard Tai's laugh as he let her legs go for a millisecond. Before Serana could begin to plummet towards the rocks below Tai caught her again and gathered her legs to his chest, pulling the rest of her body up to him.

"Serana?" he whispered, all the mocking joy leaving his eyes the instant he saw her reaction. He quickly cursed himself as he saw the pain and fear in Serana's eyes. What had inspired him to lean her out the window? He knew, of course. He wanted to give her the feeling of flying and love, freedom from whatever pained her so before she had seen him. He could remember the sadness in her eyes, the way she had looked so defeated. It didn't take a genius to know it was most likely related to her vampirism, and Molag Bal. The Daedric prince hadn't interrupted his thoughts or attacked his dreams since he had become a vampire, but every night he would be on edge with Serana. They would comfort one another until they fell asleep, safe in their lover's embrace. He felt Serana wrap her arms around him as he allowed her feet to hit the ground, still shuddering. It was after the moments their gaze met that he leaned down to claim her lips in a hungry kiss. He pushed her backwards gently as he did so, hoping her back would find the wall, completely forgetting about the window. Luckily his push had been gentle, and Serana was able to catch herself before she went stumbling out of the huge open window, stepping to the side and resting her back against the cold, thick castle wall. He was about to say something to comfort her and apologise when a blinding pain spread through his shoulder and blood splattered across Serana's chest, where his eyes had most certainly not being lingering. He yelled and grabbed his shoulder, falling sideways with a gasp. He raised his hand to his shoulder, feeling the ice jutting out from his shoulder. He almost laughed before he felt the waves of panic flooding from Serana.

"Mother!" She yelled in a high pitched, frightened tone of voice. She was on her knees beside Tai as he turned to look up at his attacker. Valerica stood with an ice spike spell in her left hand, and her dagger in her right. Her purple shirt was still in perfect place over her aging yet beautiful body, the leather corset she wore pushed her breasts up in a very tempting way. Tai personally found her appearance in clothes like Serana's a little unsettling, but he said nothing to her. He groaned as Serana's hand came in contact with the ice spike, giving Valerica a look that could have frozen Morrowind twice over. His expression turned from one of chilling rage to pain as Serana poked the area surrounding the spike gently. When Serana's gazed turned to her mother the fury contained within her eyes could have burned Skyrim to ash. Valerica winced under their duel gazes of flaming and icy rage.

"What in Skyrim inspired you to attack Tai?" Serana demanded, gathering her fist as her mother brows rose. At first, Tai believed it was defiance and amusement that made her brows move as such, much like Serana and Z. Eventually he realised Valerica's brows had risen in surprise.

"Serana, open your eyes. He was trying to throw you out the window!" Valerica declared, gesturing with an elegant yet wild gesture to the window. Tai's eyes widened in horror as he heard the words fall from Valerica's lips. Instantly the fire of his pain was nothing compared to the sudden flare of anger he felt towards Valerica. How could she even think he would ever hurt Serana. After a moment of thought however he realised how the situation may have looked to anyone that hadn't seen the entire banter. Serana glared at her mother for a moment before understanding flooded into her features.

"Mother. Tai would never hurt me" She began in an angry tone of voice.

"I understand how she saw it Serana, she missed the playfulness" Tai whispered in a soft voice, groaning as Serana's knuckle knocked the spike through his shoulder. Serana quickly switched to his opposite side, holding his shoulder without touching the spike as he leaned backwards against the wall. He wanted to sleep, but the spike was just so painful and Serana's face was just so beautiful in his rapidly blurring vision. The blur came and went in waves, along with his pain. After a moment another voice accompanied the lowered voices of Serana and her mother.

"We must melt that ice spike. It seems like more trouble than he's worth" Arada, the High Elf's tone was perfectly regal, which only made Tai clench his teeth together in a small snarl. Arada clucked her tongue at him disapprovingly as she knelt down beside him, placing her hand on the tip of the ice spike. Tai winced as she applied a little pressure. It was Valerica however, who made him truly wince.

"Don't be rude to our guest" Valerica warned in an icy tone. Tai grunted a reply as he felt the ice beginning to melt under the flame in the high Elf's hand. Slowly his grunt became another loud sound as the heat through his shoulder began to burn. Eventually he flinched in pain, only to be held firmly in place by well-practiced hands. For a healer, Arada was a grumpy woman. Her magic however was warm and caring despite being hidden by the aura of aloofness, he could feel his body embraced as the magic honed in on his injured shoulder. Slowly the threads of muscle and flesh began to weave together, until the faintest line was obvious on his shoulder. When Arada managed to heal this however Tai was both amazed and grateful. The Elf had put extra effort into healing him, which earned his respect. He never even bothered replying to Valerica as he felt himself drifting into sleep. He forced himself to stay awake for Serana and Arada's sake as the healer stood to her feet with a huff.

"It's in his nature" Arada commented calmly.

"Mother… You should be apologising to him, not scolding him for his manners when he's injured by you" Serana growled. She took a sharp, angry breath before she continued.

"He brought you back from the soul cairn and this is how you repay him?" Serana accused, placing her hands on her hips as she gazed at her mother in disbelief and rage. It was the last thing before his vision went black, leaving his world noises and smells. He couldn't stop the pang of guilt that struck him however. All he had wanted was for Serana to be happy, yet all he had done was cause problems with her mother. He never wanted to make Serana choose between him and her mother, and was even a little hurt she seemed to choose him, yet at the same time he was joyful.

"I'm only trying to keep you safe" Valerica's voice was genuinely guilt ridden, quiet like a scolded child and somehow strong like a loving mother. Tai was shocked to hear the change in her voice, but he doubted her opinion had changed so quickly.

"I know you're trying to keep me safe, but Tai has done more for me than you have in centuries. I love you mother, but I love Tai too. Why can't you accept that?" Serana's voice was filled with pain.

"I…" Valerica began, lost for words. Tai never heard the rest of her answer before he finally gave into the blackness and faded into the realm of dreams.

…

"Keep your mind off my Khajiit! Keep it on your own or Aela's" Serana said with a slight blush. Tai could see her from across the yard as he watched his wife and the Wood Elf speak. He caught wisps of their conversation on the air, but the other sounds of the busy City of Whiterun took away from his hearing. He felt his own skin warm in response to Serana's flush and suddenly shy act, lust burning in his blood as he crossed the yard. It was when his eyes met Serana's that he tamed himself, forcing his wolfish nature and vampiric side away in a flash. He caught a reflection of himself in a passing silver plate. His hair was strangely brushed back, his face just growing its stubble back giving him a very Vilkas look. He couldn't help but feel a little proud of himself as he straightened the cuff of his red shirtsleeve, aware of the royal cloak falling behind his shoulders. He dusted a spec from his matching red pants before eyeing over his dark leather chest plate, which appeared a formal part of his attire. Overall, he felt very noble and most certainly looked like royalty.

"I'm nothing compared to Serana. By Talos, I am lashed" he thought as he saw some men and women eyeing him with the hunger of passion shining in their mortal eyes. His own gaze was filled with lust as he gazed at her red gown, which hid the leather chest plate she wore beneath well while appearing to cling to her form. His eyes travelled appreciatively down her form, pausing at her rump for a moment. A small frown graced his face for a moment as he remembered the first night he had learned of how scarred she was, it was also the first time he had touched her flesh. He still trembled as he remembered the excitement and curiosity he had felt at the beginning, until his touch had brushed over the sickly smooth texture of her first scar. His excitement had turned to confusion and amazement before it eventually had become heartbreak as he realised what a terrible fate had befallen Serana that had ruined her trust in men. He still trembled when he remembered the dance, and how she had told him he could be personal now… The words haunted him in such a pleasant way he again shivered.

"Lucky Bastard" Vale mumbled, bringing Tai from his memories. He covered up his thoughts well, following Vale's gaze and taking her appearance in. The first thing that shocked him was that she was wearing leather boots, buckled up elegantly on the outside. The hem of a pretty yet Nordic green dress fell just above her anklebones, which again was most unusual for Vale. The Elf had amazingly muscled calves, and she liked showing them off. Especially for Aela. The leather corset holding the dress together was not armor, but formal dress ware. The shock of Vale's attire left Tai speechless for a fraction of a second before he laughed.

"For my armor? Hardly… For my Serana, I am the luckiest bastard in the world" Tai felt he should speak the words aloud as he wrapped an arm around Serana's waist. He didn't have to wait long as he dipped his head, pulling Serana closer as he placed his lips gently to her neck. When she did not immediately respond as soon as vampiricly able he grew somewhat impatient and gently nipped her open throat. While Serana made no sound, she raised an arm and placed her hand against his cheek. His lips immediately travelled towards hers. He was given a ghost of the kiss his body and soul craved before Serana moaned softly, mixing words into her sound.

"Tai, we're in public" she said quietly. It took Tai a moment to realise what Serana had said as he caught his breath, gazing into her eyes as if they were the window to her soul. He could see the tension she felt also in her eyes, the annoyance with her mother for ruining their every moment and especially when she had last thrown an ice spike through Tai's shoulder not a day before hand. Silently Serana showed her worry, which made Tai want to smile and yet he couldn't force his body to move a single muscle in the gaze of his beautiful wife. As Serana tilted her gaze away his eyes followed, eventually resting on Vale with just a little more aggressive heat than he intended. He saw her cringe slightly as he wrapped an arm around Serana and rested his chin on her shoulder. Silently his gaze warned Vale away, hoping she got the message he was sending.

"I'm hers. Back off" his hand travelled of its own accord to the front of her dress, allowing his fingertips to brush across Serana's skin. She didn't make a sound, but she shuddered slightly and leaned into his touch. He wanted to smile at her reaction, but suddenly he wanted the beautiful gown she had selected on the floor instead of on his wife. He cursed his lust, before he indulged it by pulling some of the dress aside to reveal the leather chest plate beneath.

"You could wear it underneath" Serana suggested as Tai tugged on her dress. After a moment he seemed to realise where they were and straightened the dress as if he had not just partially removed it in front of one of his friends. His skin was on fire, and his embarrassment wanted to be an overwhelming force yet somehow he couldn't bring that emotion to the surface. Lust and pride burned stronger, he was sure it was written all over his body for the way he moved and the glow in his immortal eyes. Vale gasped as she ran off, not wanting to see what was obviously on the couples mind. Tai began chuckling as Serana gripped his leg aggressively, digging her nails into the tender flesh in both warning and wanting.

"Maybe I should take your pants off next time" Serana growled mockingly. Her nails in his leg began to hurt a little, but he was beyond caring. His nose was sniffing in the scents of all the humans in Whiterun, his sensitive ears listening to their heartbeats like a roar in his ears. His mouth was watering at the sudden hunger that claimed his body. His chuckle sounded strained, even to him. Serana's worry was reflected in her eyes as she turned within his arms.

"Go ahead" he almost purred back, holding her steady gaze with one of his own. Eventually she blushed and hung her head.

"Mother clearly doesn't like it when we…" she left the words unsaid, but the way she bit her lower lip made it pretty clear what she meant. His eyes zoomed in on the bitten flesh, the urge to replace her teeth with his lips becoming overpowering his sense of decency and his manners. Below the surface of his lust he felt terrible for giving into such urges, but he had to admit Valerica had made anything more than platonic between he and Serana increasingly difficult. After one more moment he decided to take advantage of her absence.

"But Valerica isn't here" he breathed, giving his wife a meaningful look. Serana could feel herself giving into her husband's charm, and by the blood of her ancestors, she did not care. Her mother's interference had been sweet at first, but after a few weeks it had become quite irksome. Serana had grown bolder since being with Tai, but to outright challenge her mother and confront her on this just felt more than a little awkward, especially since she would have to give an explicit reason to why she wanted her mother to stop. Unless of course, her mother wasn't there to interfere. After a moment she gave him a sultry smile and placed a soft yet promising kiss to his lips.

"Follow me, Dovahkiin" she whispered, winking at him before turning away and allowing her hand to slide from his shoulder to his hand, where he held her. He would not allow her to drift away again. He followed her towards the Living Quarters of Jorrvaskr, holding her hand tenderly yet firmly. His hunger for blood was all but forgotten, replaced by mortal needs.

…

Z was furious as she returned to the halls of Jorrvaskr where she lived so comfortably. Ironically she found the Companions a worse influence for her child than the Dark Brotherhood. The Assassins were not an influence she wanted for her child, but she did not want her unborn child chasing the legends of the Companions either. She wanted her child free of influence, other than the skills to survive in the harshest lands. She wanted her child to be free to make his or her own choices. Her rage faltered for a moment as she remembered the debate she and Farkas had shared the morning she had told him she was pregnant. He had instantly assumed their unborn child was a son, a strong little Nord warrior waiting to be born. Z had disagreed, despite the mindfulness that a son was likely, considering Farkas' father's luck as seen thus far, she couldn't deny the strong feeling beneath her breast that said her unborn baby was a girl. She had already begun to think of her baby as a daughter, despite Farkas' arguments. Both parents operated on a logic they couldn't explain to the other, and so their conflict would continue until the baby was born or someone could break their stalemate. It was this reason she was so furious as she stormed the halls of Jorrvaskr with Farkas, Vale, Aela, Serana and Tai on her heels. She hadn't exactly intended to shout the table across the room when Ulfric had tried to pull her aside to speak with her as the harbinger of the Companions, no doubt to complain further than his already crude objections to Aela and Vale's betrothal. Not only did he object to two women being married, but he objected to a Nord and an Elf. She knew the judgement a lesbian could face from the traditional Nords, and she wanted better for daughter if that was the romantic path she took. She wanted a world where her daughter could be free.

"Z! What the dovah got into you?" Vale demanded, reaching forwards for the assassin. After a moment the Elf thought better than to touch the clearly furious Z, which made Z smile inside. Her friend, dare she think it, knew her well enough to avoid provoking the powerful assassin. Z had been placid lately, keeping her assassins on a tight leash and the Companions mostly sober. Now however, Z was more enraged than a Dragon who had suffered the Dragonrend shout. Her eyes flashed dangerously in her rage before she stopped walking and turned to face everybody. Only Farkas looked unconcerned.

"I made myself perfectly clear" Z said in way of explanation. She saw Vale's eyes widen in horror, and Serana's jaw drop open in amazement. She took a moment to inspect the perfectly pointed fangs Serana had before Tai spoke up, standing tall in his prowess. Like his brother he was either too brave or too stupid to get out of Z's way and leave things that bothered her alone.

"Z you shouted at the Jarl, not just shout but shout. Dragon tongue shouts" Tai pointed out in a concerned tone of voice. It was true, Z had shouted one of the abandoned tables across the training yard and almost squished several of the conversing Jarls and Housecarls in the process. It had been quite impressive, almost as impressive as Laila Law-Giver's squeal when she realised the table was inbound for her head.

"Tai" Serana warned him using only his name. How could she possibly explain to her husband the finer points of female emotional swings? It was times like this that she envied Vale for being romantically involved and newly engaged to Aela, the Nord woman may have been brutish but at least she understood the female things that men just couldn't grasp. She could see the change in Z, she had noticed it from the moment she had first seen the assassin. She had ignored the feeling she had gotten, on the count she had received crushing news before arriving. She now realised however that it wasn't her imagination, Z had the motherly glow about her, as well as the pregnant anger. To make matters worse, her dipstick of a husband was poking the hornets' nest.

"I mean, what has gotten into you Z?" Tai continued full steam ahead, ignoring Serana's quiet warning.

"Tai…" Vale, Farkas and Serana spoke in unison. Even Farkas was trying to warn his brother of the doom he was stepping into that was Z's hormonally driven actions. The assassin could kill with a single, barehanded blow, and she already had several daggers that Farkas had failed to remove on her person. Some of her daggers were in the last place Farkas would look, which was pretty much where he looked at other times. He had missed the tiny dagger in her hair however, as well as a few small shivs hidden in the hair behind her ear. He had also missed daggers that Z concealed before he had bothered to search. No detail was needed to where those daggers were hidden. Vale was not stupid; she could see her fiancé remaining perfectly silent. Aela was quite obviously allowing Tai to fight and lose his own battles, which brought a smile to Vale's face. Farkas was too dumb to notice Aela's selective silence. Serana was absolutely horrified that she would be picking up pieces of her husband after this encounter… pieces she still had plenty of use for.

"And…" Tai began. It was then Aela took mercy on the poor soul, noticing he would not stop on his own accord. It was moments like these she could see Farkas and Tai were related, beyond their simular looks.

"Stow it, Ice brain" she said with a harsh elbow to his ribs. Tai grunted in shock and slight pain at the Werewolf woman's well placed elbow. He saw the flicker of lust in Vale's eyes, which only led him to shudder at their night time adventures, and he wasn't thinking about hunting. While he had never seen Vale sporting any bruises or injuries, despite the occasional scratch or bitemark, he didn't dare wonder what clothes hid. All he knew is he would hunt and kill Aela if she harmed the little Elf. Although come to think of it, Aela would hurt herself, kill herself even, before harming Vale in the slightest. Aela often yelled, growled and beat it into people's skulls, nobody messed with her girl and lived. Lust driven and inflicted injuries didn't count in Aela's threats it seemed, or Aela would have been in much worse condition than she was. The Werewoman flicked a small smirk to her betrothed then turned her eyes back to Tai. It seemed everybody was in on what was going on with Z but him, which just wasn't fair.

"What? Can't I be concerned for Z, she does have a history of being a little unstable" Tai pointed out bluntly, his courage overriding his mouth. For a man with a silver tongue he was not managing to sooth the assassin's nerves. Before Z realised what she had done she struck him, a punch to the shoulder that left him wincing. The wolf within her sprung to life, snarling in pleasure at the pain it had caused. A moment after and Farkas had a hand on her cheek, gazing into her eyes with moonlight orbs that soothed Z's raging soul. Her wolf died down, calming at the touch of its mate. Z however was still somewhat annoyed.

"I'm pregnant" she stated flatly. All jaws hit the ground, eyes went wide in astonishment. The only face that was not pale with shock was Farkas' rough one. His eyes and smile light up the room with their happiness and joy, but somehow he knew Z was apprehensive. She had to tell people, it wasn't easy to hide but she had wanted a little less of a scene. She thought they had guessed by now, but obviously the shock of hearing their suspicions confirmed left them speechless. Was it really that hard to comprehend? Her gut knotted and her eyes narrowed on each and every pale face. It was Tai who spoke first.

"Oh" was all he said in sync with Aela. It seemed they were the men of the group. Serana simply smiled with a smile that did not reach her eyes. Again the wisps of sorrow clouded her, but Tai was too dumbfounded to even register the look of pain on his wife's face.

"Wow… I ah… wow" he concluded lamely. Joy and pride was also evident in his eyes as he gazed at his sister in-law, who was a sister of the Dark Brotherhood as well. She had planned his whole journey to Skyrim, and how he would save it. Truth be told he owed Z everything, including the name she had given him when she was still young. He still couldn't believe his ears. Z pregnant. He had never even thought about Z having children, and frankly with all the daggers and concealed weapons she kept he was more than a little concerned for the child's wellbeing. He was also a little jealous. He wanted nothing more than a family, except Serana. He had agreed to no children when he married her, but that didn't mean it didn't ware on him. Still. Z pregnant. He could barely keep the foolish smile from his face.

"I ah… Congratulations, Shield Sister… harbinger. You will make an excellent mother" Aela said with a glowing smile as she grasped Z's hand, holding it in a firm shake with a respectful bow of her head. Aela held Z's gaze as the doubt fluttered into Z's eyes. Eventually Z forced the false confidence to the surface, even to her eyes. She thanked everyone and made them swear to keep it secret. She was even touched by how they promised to help her conceal her pregnancy until the child was born, and then all swore to protect the child. Her wolf pack, added two vampires, was stronger than ever before. All thanks to a being they had yet to meet.

…..

AN: Yes a LONG chapter, I've actually being working this down from over 10,000 words so I have halved it. Sorry I took forever.
THIS CHAPTER is taking place when THE SKYRIM ALLIANCE; VALE starts, so if you can keep up with some reading go check it out.
I am still working on Z, just needing a break before I come back with fresh eyes and ideas. Also got to play her up in Skyrim to the point so I can remember what happens next.

I am uber stoked by everybody's support, Z has broken 17,000 reads and to me that rocks. Tai has even more, which blows me away. Thank you all SO SO SO MUCH :D