"Absolutely not!" barked Alarys Drethen with a sharp, booming voice. "Loan money to the Empire?! Have you lost your damned mind, woman?!"
Lady Valarya stood by the window, watching in silence as her husband paced back and forth across the bedroom. Glass of wine in hand, she took a long, drawn out sip in an attempt to calm herself as she gracefully withstood Alarys's temper.
"Alarys, would you just calm down and listen to me for one moment?" Valarya pleaded, trying her best to remain calm and collected so as to hopefully curb her husband's anger. "There's an opportunity for you and I to profit from this, Alarys, if you can put aside your disdain for the Empire momentarily."
"You know, sometimes I think that wine goes straight to your head, Valarya," Alarys retorted, pointing a finger at his wife. "Where on Nirn did you ever get such a ludicrous, asinine notion?!"
"Vicentus Antorius came to the manor today," Valarya replied. "We discussed a few things, and he-"
"Vicentus Antorius?!" Alarys exclaimed, his rage burning even more fiercely as a deep scowl crossed his face. "You let that fetcher into my house?! My. House?!" Valarya hung her head, her whole body trembling. With a shaking hand, Valarya took another sip of her wine, looking down at her feet as she bore the brunt of her husband's wrath.
"I leave you to run the plantation for one day while I'm gone," spat Alarys, "and you allow that Imperial dog to saunter into my home like he owns the damn place."
"Yes, because unlike you, I understand the importance of being cordial and gracious with people of significance, no matter how much I may dislike them," Valarya shot back in self-defense. "I acted precisely how a good host is expected to act towards their guest. I offered him wine, I showed him around the manor and the gardens, I ensured all his needs were met and that he was comfortable. Is that truly such a crime, husband?" Alarys snorted in contempt at his wife's words.
"Did you bed the man as well?" he brashly remarked.
Valarya Drethen slammed her wine glass onto the nearby table, storming over to where her husband stood.
"What. Did you. Just. Say?" Lady Drethen's eyes narrowed as she glowered at her husband, burning like the fires of Red Mountain itself. Even the ever stoic Alarys quivered faintly at his wife's livid, incensed glare.
"Valarya, I-"
"How dare you…" Valarya's quavering voice was naught but a whisper, but that did nothing to mask the hurt and anger that coated her words.
"For centuries, I have been the most loyal, devoted wife I could possibly be to you," Valarya asserted. "For centuries, I have diligently stood by you, supported you, and helped you whenever you needed it. Not once did I ever protest, or argue. All these years, I have unfailingly served this plantation, served this family, with every ounce of my being. And now…you possess the nerve to speak to me like I'm some harlot?!" Lady Drethen's voice raised then, several tears beginning to flow from her eyes.
"I had no idea you thought so lowly of me, Alarys," Valarya sobbed, bringing her face into her hands.
"Oh by Azura, it was a bloody joke, Valarya!" Alarys crossly retorted.
"I gave you a son, Alarys!" Valarya cried, her ire now on full display. "Since the day we were wed, I have strived to be nothing but the best wife to you I could be. Every waking second of every day, I have devoted my entire life to you, and to Serys. Every day, I pour my heart and soul into this family, acting only in its best interests, and now you stand here and utterly disrespect and degrade me! Do I truly mean that little to you, Alarys?"
Well, looks like it's the couch for me tonight, Lord Drethen mused to himself. Any anger Alarys may have held had now vanished entirely, melted away like snow. As he stood there, silently watching his crying wife, his rage very quickly gave way to remorse and shame. Alarys had made that remark to her purely off the cuff, driven by his intense aggravation. He didn't mean for his words to cut Valarya as deeply as they did.
"I'm sorry, my love," said Alarys after a moment of tense silence, trying to sound as apologetic as he could. "I shouldn't have said that." Valarya looked at him, wiping a tear from her eye.
"Do you know what hurts me the most, Alarys?" Lady Drethen wept. "The way you so openly deride our son right in front of me, without a single thought as to how it might make me feel. You ruthlessly disparaged him when Orvas Dren was here for dinner, Alarys, and you did not so much as glance at me to gauge my reaction. I held my tongue, Alarys, but I want you to know right now how deeply that hurt me." Valarya continued to weep. Alarys shut his eyes, letting out a long, exasperated sigh.
"Serys joined the Imperial Legion to spite me, Valarya," Lord Drethen replied, his voice now quiet, almost melancholic, "I know he did." Valarya looked into her husband's eyes, placing a gentle hand on his cheek.
"Does that truly matter, Alarys?" she asked softly. "Children act in ways to spite their parents all the time, when they are young. Serys is our son, Alarys. We may not approve of his choice to join the Legion, but we are still his parents, and as such, it is on us to place Serys's happiness before our own feelings. You cannot spend the rest of your life being angry at him." A brief, gloomy silence lingered between the Drethens.
"Serys loves you, Alarys," said Valarya. "And you love him. I know you do." Alarys gazed into his wife's still tear-filled eyes, running a hand through her hair. He slowly pulled her close to him, wrapping his arms around her in a loving embrace, which she reciprocated.
"Forgive me, Valarya," said Alarys, giving her a kiss. "It was never my intent to hurt you, my love. I should not have said what I did. And…perhaps I have been overly harsh on Serys."
"It's just…I was hurt that day, when Serys told us he was enlisting in the Legion," Alarys said solemnly. "I…I felt like my own son was betraying me. I've carried that resentment with me ever since that day, and I suppose I neglected to contemplate how that was affecting you. I am sorry, my love." Lady Drethen gave her husband a faint smile, and they shared a passionate kiss as they lovingly held one another close.
"I spoke with Grandmaster Seralas today, when I was at Tear," said Alarys.
"How is Gelthryn?" asked Valarya, her expression one of concern.
"He is not well, Valarya," Alarys answered glumly. "Last time I saw Gelthryn Seralas, he was sick, but still had the use of his legs. Now, he's confined to a wheelchair. The old man will be lucky if he's got a year left in him."
"I am so sorry to hear that, my love," Valarya consoled. "I know how much Gelthryn means to you."
"Gelthryn and my father were close as kin since before I was even born," said Alarys. "Indeed, I very well consider Gelthryn to be almost a second father to me. House Dres has prospered greatly during his tenure as Grandmaster, and it truly broke my heart to see him so weak and frail today."
"What did the two of you discuss?" Valarya inquired. "Anything important?"
"We did, as a matter of fact," Alarys answered.
"Well please, do tell," urged Valarya. Alarys looked at his wife, taking a moment to clear his throat.
"As of today," began Alarys, pausing briefly, "due to his increasingly deteriorating health, Gelthryn Seralas has officially stepped down as Grandmaster of Great House Dres." Valarya gasped in shock.
"Gelthryn has stepped down?!" she exclaimed, putting a hand over her mouth. Her husband nodded his head.
"He stated to me his intent to live out the days that remain to him in peace, free from the bickering and squabbling that comes with that life," said Alarys. "To be honest, I don't think I've ever seen the man so relieved."
"So, if Gelthryn has stepped down, then what does that mean for House Dres?" Valarya queried. Alarys was silent for a moment, shutting his eyes and taking a deep breath.
"Valarya, my beloved wife," Lord Alarys Drethen began, taking her hand, "you now stand before the new Grandmaster of House Dres." Lady Valarya gave a gasp of astonishment at her husband's announcement.
"Gelthryn proclaimed his final act during our meeting, naming me his successor," Alarys declared. A brief silence followed.
"Alarys, that's…that's wonderful!" an amazed Valarya joyfully replied, hugging her husband tightly. "You have my most sincere congratulations, my love." The Drethens shared another kiss, and even Alarys managed to allow a smile to cross his face that moment.
"This is still just between Gelthryn and I for now," stated Alarys, "but the full council is set to gather at Tear in a fortnight, where my succession will be formally announced. But, for all intents and purposes, as of today, I am now Alarys Drethen, Grandmaster of Great House Dres, and Lord of Tear."
"This is certainly quite unexpected, but also quite welcome news," Lady Drethen said with an elated smile. "You deserve this, my love."
"To be entirely honest, I'm not sure how I feel about taking Gelthryn's place," confided Alarys, with clear doubt in his voice. "I can't even begin to imagine how I will measure up against him." Valarya placed a hand on her husband's face, turning his head so that he was looking into her eyes.
"That is an entirely normal thing to feel, Alarys," she said, encouragingly. "You've just been made the head of a Great House, my love. This is no small undertaking for you, I know, and I imagine you probably feel overwhelmed, and doubtful in your own abilities."
"But do you truly think Gelthryn would have named you his successor, if he did not feel you were capable of that responsibility?" enquired Valarya. "The old man is no fool, Alarys. Gelthryn Seralas chose you, because he has full confidence in you. And that same confidence is shared by me, my love. I know there is no one more suited to the job than you, Alarys. You will lead House Dres to greatness, just as Gelthryn did."
"I suppose you're right," said Alarys. "But this is still going to take some getting used to, being the leader of House Dres." Lady Drethen smiled at her husband, giving him another kiss.
"So, Grandmaster Drethen, just what do you plan to do with your newfound power and authority?" asked a curious Valarya.
"Interesting you should ask, dear wife," Lord Drethen replied, stroking her hair.
"Well, don't leave me in suspense now," said Valarya.
"This may come as a surprise to you, Valarya, but that night Orvas Dren was here, we didn't spend the whole time merely getting drunk off our rumps," said Alarys.
"That is a surprise, actually," Valarya replied.
"Orvas and I spoke extensively of the future of this great land of Morrowind," Alarys proclaimed. "And we have begun to formulate a plan, that we soon hope to witness come to fruition."
"I seem to recall Orvas making a cursory mention of having his brother dealt with when he had dinner with us," said Valarya. "Would this plan of yours be in relation to that?"
"It would," Alarys affirmed.
"So you are conspiring with Orvas Dren to help murder his elder brother?" probed Valarya. "A man you grew up with? A man you considered a close friend for many years?"
"There was indeed a time, long ago, that I looked up to Vedam Dren as my own older brother," stated Alarys. "But, those days have long passed. Vedam revealed his true colors when he threw in with the Empire, and he no longer means a damn thing to me now."
"I'm not sure I'm understanding this, Alarys," said Valarya. "Say for a minute that your little plot succeeds, and Vedam Dren is taken out. What exactly does this accomplish, my love?"
"This 'little plot' goes far beyond Vedam Dren, my dear wife," Alarys responded. "Getting rid of Vedam is merely the first step in our plan. A plan that, if successful, will not only see the overthrow of King Hlaalu Helseth from his cozy throne in Mournhold, but will also see the complete and utter removal of the Empire from Morrowind, once and for all." Lady Drethen raised an eyebrow, giving her husband a most curious, intrigued gaze.
"Look at you, my dear husband," she said with an amused smile. "You have not been Grandmaster for even a day, and yet here you are, already hatching conspiracies and plots, despite your perpetual scorn for such matters."
"The humor is not lost on me," said Lord Drethen.
"I'm intrigued thus far, Alarys. But how exactly does killing Vedam get rid of the Empire?" Alarys looked at his wife, watching as she crossed her arms.
"Vedam Dren has no sons, Valarya," the Dunmer explained. "As his younger brother, Orvas is Vedam's closest male relative. If some…tragic accident, were to befall Vedam and claim his life, then what would that mean for Orvas?"
"Orvas would…become Duke of Vvardenfell, as well as the head of House Hlaalu," Valarya replied.
"And who has been, without a doubt, the Empire's firmest supporters all these years?" Alarys queried. Valarya's mouth hung open just then as the realization dawned upon her.
Now you understand, thought Alarys with a grin.
"With House Hlaalu completely under his control, Orvas would have the power to cripple the Empire's occupation of Vvardenfell," said Valarya.
"And I have just been made the head of House Dres," said Alarys. "As Grandmaster, I plan to commit the Dres armies and resources to aiding Orvas in liberating Vvardenfell from the Imperial menace. If what you have told me is true, and the Legion is struggling to even pay its own soldiers and maintain its holdings, then they are as weak as they're ever going to be, Valarya."
"The Empire is dying, my dear wife," Alarys asserted. "And what do you do when you come across a dying animal? You cut its throat, and put it out of its misery. The time to strike against the Empire is now. Thousands across this land share our sentiment, Valarya. When we mount our insurgency against the Imperials, I predict it will not be long before those who would see Morrowind a free nation begin to flock to our cause."
"I must say, dear husband, you and Orvas have put much thought into this," admitted Valarya. "If the Imperials lose Vvardenfell, their grip on Morrowind will be weakened substantially. At that point, I would presume you will turn your sights to the mainland?"
"If we're lucky, perhaps even the other Great Houses will throw in with us," said Alarys.
Lady Drethen gave a smile. "House Indoril despises the Empire more than anyone else in Morrowind," she stated. "And fortunately for us, with me having been born into the House, as well as serving as a representative for them on the Grand Council for many years, I hold no small influence within their hierarchy. House Indoril has vociferously resisted Imperial rule right from the start, and have longed for the opportunity to cast them out of this land and regain the power they have lost. With one letter from me, they'll back us in a heartbeat, I know they will."
"House Indoril still commands a respectable force," said Alarys. "Having them on our side would prove invaluable to our cause."
"I am no stranger to plots and conspiracies," said Valarya, with a grin, "but treason…well, that's a new one."
"We cannot get ahead of ourselves though, Alarys," Valarya warned. "This entire thing seems to hinge upon the assassination of Vedam Dren. Has Orvas given you his assurances that this can be done?"
"Several of his agents are in place at Castle Ebonheart, and they surround the Duke day and night," Alarys asserted. "They relay information to Orvas about his brother by the day, and Orvas has assured me they will strike when the timing is right. If all goes according to plan, Vedam's death will be ruled an accident, and no one will ever suspect foul play."
"I suppose I can be satisfied enough with that," Lady Drethen replied, with seemingly no objections.
"So, let's assume for a moment this grand scheme works out perfectly at every turn," Valarya postulated. "And let us also assume that the Imperial Legion is soundly defeated and cast from Morrowind, and King Helseth is successfully deposed. What then, exactly? Surely this plan you and Orvas have concocted does not end here?"
"Indeed it doesn't," replied Alarys. "Orvas and I spoke at length about this as well, and we were able to reach an agreement about what is to be done afterwards."
"With Helseth and the Imperials gone, you would see the governance of Morrowind return solely to the five Great Houses?" Valarya deduced.
"That was our original idea, yes," answered Alarys. "After all, the whole institution of a monarchy in Morrowind was one of the Empire's terms of the Armistice, and it is little secret that whomever sits the throne of Mournhold is little more than a figurehead that merely bows to the Empire's every wish."
"Are you saying you would preserve the monarchy?" inquired Valarya.
"Valarya, think about it for a moment," said Alarys. "For as long as our people have inhabited this land, all the way back to the days of Nerevar, the Great Houses have shared lordship over Morrowind. And during those millennia, all the Houses have ever done is bicker, squabble, argue, and backstab each other almost ceaselessly."
"You certainly aren't wrong there," Valarya concurred. "Sometimes, I am amazed the Great Houses can even agree on what color the sky is."
"Thousands of years of petty feuds, trivial disputes, and borderline pointless infighting and scheming," spat Alarys. "And when Tiber Septim and his newfound Empire came knocking at our door, his forces amassing at our borders…just what happened, Valarya?" Lady Drethen stood silent, but her expression made clear she was deeply pondering Alarys's words.
"The Houses could not even stand together to mount a proper resistance against Septim's forces," Valarya answered. "And thus, with the Armistice, signed by Emperor Tiber Septim and Vivec, Morrowind was assimilated into the Empire." Alarys nodded his head.
"Morrowind was assimilated into the Empire," he repeated.
"If this plot you and Orvas have hatched succeeds, and all that you hope for comes true, and Morrowind officially secedes from the Septim Empire, I fully suspect Cyrodiil will not simply take it sitting down," said Valarya.
"Oh I agree completely," Alarys replied. "Should Morrowind achieve independence, and the Dunmer people regain their rightful freedoms, there is no doubt in my mind the Empire would invade again."
"And that is precisely why Morrowind needs to continue to have a centralized ruler in Mournhold," stated Alarys. "Only, not a puppet figurehead chosen by the Empire. But a true ruler. A ruler chosen by the Dunmer people of Morrowind themselves. A ruler who will work tirelessly to undo everything the Empire has done to this nation these last four centuries, and restore this land to the forgotten glory days of Resdayn. A ruler who commands respect amongst the nobles of Morrowind, and will at long last end the perpetual rift between the five Houses."
"Should Morrowind split from the Empire, and if we the Dunmer are to entertain any thoughts of protecting that independence," continued Alarys, "the Houses will need to stand as one, lest we simply suffer a repeat of Tiber Septim's invasion." Alarys gazed keenly at his wife as he finished speaking, and she fortunately seemed to give no sign of disagreement with his assertion.
"You know, with the impressive amount of thought and planning you and Orvas have put into this, I almost wonder if the two of you were stone-cold sober the entire night," quipped Valarya. In an exceptionally rare moment, Lord Alarys burst into laughter at that, and his wife giggled along with him.
"So, with that said, is it safe to assume you and Orvas have a particular candidate in mind to replace Helseth, should this whole thing work?" inquired Lady Drethen.
"Indeed we do," confirmed Alarys.
"Hmm, and just who would that be, dear husband?" Valarya probed. "You?"
"By Azura, no," Lord Drethen scoffed. "Even if I wanted the throne, I could never garner the required support for it."
"Gods, please tell me not Orvas Dren," Valarya nearly begged.
"Now you're just being ridiculous," Alarys retorted.
"Well I must say, Alarys, you have me quite curious now," said Valarya. "If not you, and not Orvas Dren, then just who exactly would you see ascend to the throne should this plan succeed? Just who is this 'true ruler' you speak of, who will supposedly unite the Houses, and replace Hlaalu Helseth as King of Morrowind?"
Lord Alarys Drethen gave no answer, and was silent for several moments, taking a deep breath as neither of them spoke a word. The new Dres Grandmaster turned to face his wife, slowly walking towards her. He took her hands, gently holding them inside his own as he gazed into her deep red eyes.
"Umm, Alarys…?" Valarya's eyebrow nearly rose straight off her head. Her husband gave her a sly smile.
"I never said it would be a king, Valarya."
Valarya Drethen's eyes grew so wide, they looked as if they would burst from her head.
"You can't…you can't be serious…" she whispered in disbelief. Alarys said nothing, still staring into his wife's bewildered eyes.
"This whole scheme you and Orvas have hatched…this is all to put me on the throne?" Lady Drethen queried, in complete shock and bemusement. "You want me to rule Morrowind? What on Nirn makes you think…" Valarya's voice trailed off as she became visibly overwhelmed, her eyes darting in a hundred different directions.
"I've never known you as a woman to doubt herself, Valarya," stated Alarys, stroking his wife's hair. "If I recall correctly, it was only minutes ago that you expressed your confidence in me when I doubted myself. What happened to that attitude?"
"This…this is completely different, Alarys!" exclaimed Valarya.
"Is it truly?" he asked her.
"Alarys, what in Oblivion makes you think I could be Queen of Morrowind?" Valarya queried with a trembled voice.
"What makes you think you couldn't, Valarya?" Alarys replied.
"Alarys, I…I don't..." Words failed Lady Valarya that moment, and she had to take a seat on the bed as she tried to collect herself.
"Politics has always been your game, Valarya," said Alarys. "Do you not want to be queen?" Valarya looked over to her husband, still utterly taken aback, her eyes swelling with uncertainty.
"I would love nothing more in this world, my love," she answered, her voice barely above a whisper. "I just…I didn't think it could ever be possible. This is so much for me to take in."
"Valarya, there is nobody within the entirety of this great land more suited to hold Morrowind's highest office than you," stated Alarys. His wife merely gazed at him in silence as he spoke, still trying to compose herself.
"For as long as the Great Houses have existed, they have fought each other, hated each other, and vied for political dominance over one another for countless centuries," Lord Drethen proclaimed, "but in spite of all that…you, my beloved wife, you manage to command the respect of all five Houses. Your shrewd mind and keen political savvy has allowed your influence to extend beyond just your own House Indoril. You are held in high esteem amongst Morrowind's nobility, and many of this land's most prominent individuals heed your counsel."
Lady Drethen stood up again once she was finally able to calm herself down. Walking over to her husband, she gently took hold of his hand, looking intently into his eyes. Lord Alarys touched her cheek and gave her a light kiss.
"You truly think I could make a bid for the throne, my love?" Valarya's voice still betrayed her uncertainty, but Alarys held every hope she would take to the idea.
"You, perhaps more than any Dunmer in this land, have the potential to unify the five Great Houses, and put an end to this perpetual schism that has divided us since the founding of Resdayn," Alarys asserted with absolute confidence. "You have the influence, and the political sway, Valarya, to bring the Great Houses to your cause. Redoran, Telvanni, Dres, Indoril, Hlaalu. Five Houses, united under one purpose, joined together into one army, standing behind one queen. With all the Great Houses at your back, I have not a shadow of a doubt you can not only challenge Helseth, but also rid Morrowind of this dying Imperial Legion, and at last restore our ancient freedoms that were robbed from us four hundred years ago."
"You make this all sound as simple as throwing a ball, Alarys," replied Valarya. "The Great Houses of Morrowind are nothing if not stubborn. It is true I have political pull within the Houses, some more than others, but that does not mean they would necessarily support me as their queen."
"I never said it would be easy, Valarya," Alarys replied in agreement. "If usurping a nation's monarchy was such a mundane undertaking, no ruler would last beyond a fortnight. But you certainly stand a better chance than most, my dear wife."
"Well, you are now the Grandmaster of House Dres, and control of House Hlaalu will soon pass to Orvas Dren once his brother is dealt with, so I presume I already have two of the Great Houses on my side," said Valarya.
"You'd best believe I will gladly give the life of every single Dres soldier if it means putting your ass in that throne, Valarya," Alarys asserted. "And Orvas Dren has not forgotten the favor you did for him, getting his shipment out of the East Empire Company's hands. He is only eager to return that favor to you. Once House Hlaalu, as well as Vvardenfell are under his control, you can consider him an ally."
"Certainly not a bad start," commented Valarya, "though that still leaves the other three Houses. You know, the more I ponder this whole thing, the more plausible its success becomes to me."
"I would never propose this to you were I not completely certain it could work," said Alarys. "The Legion in Morrowind is weak, its strength and influence wanes by the day. We may never receive a more ripe opportunity to overthrow the Imperials than we have now. Reach out to the Great Houses, Valarya. Win their support and loyalty, and join them to our cause. With their armies at your back, you will have the strength to take the fight to the Empire. You can cast them out of Morrowind at long last, and throw Hlaalu Helseth to the gutter where he belongs. The Empire's days in Morrowind are numbered. After several centuries under their rule, we now have the means to throw them out of this land forever, and reestablish Morrowind as an independent sovereignty."
"And you, my dear wife," said Alarys, "you will be at the helm of it all."
Silence lingered in the master bedroom for several moments, neither Drethen uttering a word. Alarys gazed keenly at his wife, her facial expression making it clear she was ruminating this grand scheme he had laid before her. A wide smile crossed Lady Drethen's face.
"Queen. Valarya. Drethen…" she spoke slowly, the words rolling eloquently off her tongue. "Has a nice ring to it, I must admit."
"With the five Great Houses sworn to you, the throne of Morrowind will be yours for the taking, my love," stated Alarys, taking her hand in his, "and once you take it, you will rule with absolute authority. You will not be a measly figurehead. You will not be a puppet. You will not be a vassal to a foreign Emperor who lives in some tower a thousand miles away. You will be a Queen, Valarya."
"So, what say you?" asked Lord Drethen. A confident smile swept across Valarya's face then, and she gave her a husband another long kiss.
"We have work to do, my love," she simply said. Alarys gave a sly grin.
"That's the Valarya Drethen I know," he remarked.
Just then, Lady Drethen gave a sudden, brief cry of pain, clenching her stomach. She stumbled forward, and would've fallen over had her husband not been there to catch her.
"Valarya?! Are you alright?" Alarys panicked, holding his trembling wife in his arms as she leaned right into him for support.
"Yes, I…I'm fine, my love," she answered with a pained wince.
"Valarya, what's wrong?" Alarys asked with great concern. He gently stroked his wife's hair as she steadied herself again.
"Alarys…there's something I must tell you, my love," she whispered. "Something wonderful."
"What is it, Valarya?" Lord Drethen inquired.
Valarya did not give her answer with words. She grabbed Alarys's right hand, placing it gently on her stomach. The brightest, most heartfelt smile Alarys had ever seen swept across his wife's face that moment.
Alarys's heart skipped a beat when the realization dawned on him.
"Valarya, are you…?"
"Yes, Alarys," she answered softly, her eyes filling with tears of joy. "I am with child."
Lord Alarys Drethen did not know what to feel when he heard those words. The man stood in perplexed silence, his eyes widened as he felt his heart begin to race, his gaze zipping in every which direction. His thoughts began to scramble uncontrollably into a swirling mess within his mind. Valarya looked at him with what appeared to be an anxious, uneasy expression, perhaps suddenly fearing her husband's reaction.
"We're…we're going to have another baby?" Alarys finally managed to speak once he collected himself. "You…you're sure?"
"Yes, my love," Lady Drethen smiled, tears still flowing from her eyes. "Our physicians confirmed it when they examined me only last week. I was also able to get a brief glimpse of the baby with a life detection spell." Valarya took her husband's hands inside of hers.
"Alarys," she spoke softly, smiling, "we're going to have a girl!"
Lord Drethen was silent once more, his mind continuing to race wildly as he tried to muster just the right words to say. Valarya gazed at him with tearful eyes, still holding her husband's hands within her own. After another moment of silence, much to Lady Drethen's joy and relief, a smile then crossed Alarys's face, and this was perhaps the most genuine, warm, and affectionate smile she had ever seen him give.
"A girl?" Alarys whispered, now allowing himself to express the newfound joy inside him. His voice made it obvious he was still dazzled at this revelation. "We're really going to have a baby girl?"
"Does this…does this please you, Alarys?" Valarya asked, putting a hand to her husband's cheek.
Lord Alarys said not another word. He pulled his wife up against him, holding her firmly in his hands as he kissed her fiercely. Valarya pressed herself into him, wrapping her arms around him as if it were her intent to never let go.
Alarys scooped his wife right off her feet and into his arms then, with Valarya letting out a giggle as she was lifted off the floor. Continuing to kiss her with burning passion, Alarys carried her over to their bed and gently laid her on her back.
Not wasting a single second, Alarys was soon on top of her, and Valarya pulled him closer to her as they continued to make love. Alarys took hold of his wife's arms, pinning them above her head, and Valarya gave a pleasured moan when her husband began kissing all up and down her body. Valarya ran a hand through her husband's shoulder-length hair.
"Alarys…" she whispered softly, completely and utterly surrendering herself to the moment as her husband kissed and felt every inch of her. Alarys himself felt as if he were centuries younger then, a fiery, intense vigor burning inside of him.
"All these years we've been together," spoke Alarys, moving down to kiss Valarya's stomach. "All these years, and you're not a shred less beautiful than the day I laid eyes on you for the first time." Alarys kissed her again, his hands then slinking down to his wife's waist.
Lord and Lady Drethen looked at one another once more, with lust, passion and desire burning in both their eyes. Alarys smiled, and Valarya then gave a soft, pleasured whimper as her husband slowly lifted off her blouse.
A loud knock sounded at the bedroom door suddenly, startling both Drethens. Alarys let out an aggravated grunt at this unwelcome interruption, and the knocking only grew louder and more frantic.
"Lord Drethen!" Malisarr called from the other side of the door with clear urgency, his voice noticeably panicked. "Lord Drethen!"
"Leave it to that idiot to ruin this," Alarys muttered angrily. "What in bloody Oblivion do you want, Malisarr?!" The bedroom door opened then, the guard captain hurrying inside.
"My lord! There-," Malisarr paused when he saw Alarys and Valarya on the bed. Immediately noting the incensed glower Alarys gave him, it did not take him long to figure out what he was interrupting.
"A hundred apologies, my lord and lady," said Malisarr with a small bow. "Please forgive my intrusion."
"Malisarr, you have exactly five seconds to explain the meaning of this," Alarys snarled, his voice resembling a growl. The young Dunmer guard captain cleared his throat as he stepped forward.
"I have failed you, my lord Alarys," declared Malisarr, hanging his head in shame. "I come before you to beg you for your forgiveness."
Lord Alarys Drethen stood up from the bed, walking towards Malisarr. The partially undressed Valarya promptly covered herself with the sheets.
"What in Dagoth's name are you talking about, Malisarr?" Lord Alarys stood only inches away from the quivering guard captain, his face contorted to a scowl.
"I have just been informed that a group of the slaves working the ebony mine attacked my men as they were being led back to the plantation, my lord," Malisarr answered, his voice quiet. The guard captain looked his employer straight in the eyes, clearing his throat again before continuing.
"Three of them have escaped."