Chapter Twenty-Nine

I was awakened by a giggle. It was a quiet, stifled giggle but it brought me out of my sleep all the same. I blinked my eyes to see Jordis and Milly hanging over the railing of the stairs. Soundlessly, I approached to see what was so funny.

Ralof was pestering Hadvar mercilessly as he tried to start a fire. Poking at him and mocking how long it was taking. Hadvar sighed irritably. "You do it then!" He snapped. Ralof just gave him a slow smile and knelt down before the fireplace. Within moments, a fire was started.

Hadvar threw his hands up in disgust. Ralof rose and pressed a kiss to Hadvars jaw, grinning.

"Awwww." Milly and Jordis murmured softly.

"For shame!" I admonished. They both jumped.

"Oh Gods, ya bout scared me over this rail!" Milly laughed.

"Would serve you right, spying like a schoolgirl!" I teased. "And you Jordis!"

Jordis gave me a guilty grin. "It's just so odd to see. I don't know how poor Hadvar puts up with him. He's incorrigible!" Jordis said.

"Ahem!" Hadvar called. "We can hear you!"

Milly and Jordis just looked at one another and burst into a fit of giggles. I rolled my eyes. Women.

"Arryn a courier dropped off this letter for you. Said it's from Jarl Elisif." Hadvar called to me.

"Thank you brother." I called back, pulling on a loose white tunic to go with my brown pants.

I read the letter quickly and sighed. I looked to Jordis sadly.

"I need to go to Markarth." I told her. "Ralof, Hadvar, will you join me?" They nodded. She smiled at me.

"I have a midday meal prepared. Perhaps you could leave after we enjoyed that?" She said. "I thought we could eat by the lake?"

I nodded. "Aye. That sounds perfect." I agreed. Milly was helping Sissel with her letters and Ralof was making eyes at Hadvar over their toasted bread.

We left the house and I took her hand. She smiled at me and didn't even complain when I took the basket of food from her.

"No lifting." I chided softly. She rolled her eyes. We sat down by the edge of the lake and watched a fox swim around in a circle.

"It's beautiful here." Jordis said. "Perhaps after the child is born we could come back?"

I smiled at her and nodded. She was so beautiful. Her long brown hair was swept up into a graceful knot. She wore a simple, short sleeved dress. It was Elves Ear green. "This is my favorite home. It's peaceful here." I told her. I lay on my back to stare up at the clouds. "My da always talked about moving out here."

Jordis snuggled up next to me. "Will I meet your parents?" She asked. I chuckled.

"They're in Cyrodil. I'll write to them and ask if they'll attend the wedding." I told her. "They moved there shortly before I joined up with Ulfric." I told her.

"Are we still getting married?" She asked, sounding surprised.

I turned my head to look at her. "Don't you want to?"

"I wasn't sure you would still want to." She admitted.

I laughed outright. "Of course I do. I would never put you in family way and dishonor you." I said seriously when she didn't join in my laughter.

"I don't intend to be a duty." She said sharply, sitting up. She looked angry.

I was startled for a moment before I sighed. "Your temper is too quick Jordis. I will marry you simply because you are mine. I love you. Now lay back down with me." I ordered mildly. She looked sheepish as she obliged. "You're so quick to be offended. I think very highly of you Jordis. It's starting to insult me that you think I'm such an oaf." I teased her.

"You are an oaf." She grumbled, kissing my cheek. "You're my oaf."

"And you are my hot blooded harpy." I joked with a sly grin. She laughed.

"Oh I was so angry that night! I wanted to punch you. My brothers used to call me a harpy. Ma used to laugh and tell me to stop screaming so often. Only Pa stuck up for me." She giggled. "Ma was a fierce warrior but no one messed with Pa."

I nodded. Baylord was a mountain of a man, bigger than Farkas. I could understand completely. "Have you told them about the child?" I asked.

Jordis shook her head. "No. I didn't want to disappoint them." She said. I frowned.

"Why would my child be a disappointment?" I growled.

Jordis rolled her eyes. "Not the child you oaf. Me. My pa would be so disappointed if I had a child on my own. Pa is big on family." She explained. "My gran, his ma, raised him and his brothers alone. She struggled. He used to roar at my brothers when they took up with random tarts." She sighed. "He used to say 'no decent woman beds a man before they marry!' And it would break my heart if he thought that of me."

I squeezed her hand. "I could tell him when we get back to Solitude. I think it's my duty." I told her. "I have every intention of marrying you. I am sorry I put you in this situation."

Jordis snorted. "Half of the blame is my own." She dismissed.

"My love I need to set out for Markarth." I said reluctantly.

She smiled. "Don't look so troubled. You will come home to me soon, won't you?" She asked.

"As fast as I can." I nodded. "Rayya will be here to protect you."

"I don't need protection Arryn!" She snapped.

I cupped her cheek. "My love you are a strong warrior but you aren't alone anymore. Please don't take risks." I plead softly.

"Fine. No risks." She sighed. I kissed her sweetly.

"Let's get you back to the house." I told her, helping her up. We walked back slowly, enjoying our last few moments before I left in silence. I said my goodbyes and Rayya assured me that her first priority was keeping Jordis safe.

We decided to walk to walk to Falkreath, to take a wagon to Markarth.

"Why do you run around like a courier?" Ralof asked as we approached the wagon.

"I'm the only one half of these people trust. This is a delicate situation." I shrugged. "Elisif needs it done right."

Ralof grinned at me. "Now THAT is a beautiful woman!" He laughed. "Those lips..."

I grinned. "Aye." I agreed, climbing up.

Hadvar looked sullen as the wagon started rolling. Ralof didn't appear to notice.

"Your woman is a looker." Ralof said. "Has she any sisters?" He joked.

"No but plenty of brothers!" I laughed.

Ralofs grin reminded me of a wolf. "Are they as pretty as she is? Could work with enough ale." Hadvars jaw set as he viewed the scenery and I decided it was best to change the topic.

"While I see the Jarl, you lot should get us a room at the Silverblood Inn. I have the feeling we won't be staying for more than one day. I'm just here to deliver a message." I said.

Hadvar nodded. "Easy enough." He said shortly. We didn't say much more for the trip. The stone walls loomed over us soon enough. I hopped down with a sigh.

"I'm off to see the jarl." I said. I watched my friends walk into the inn, wondering when Ralof would realize why Hadvar was upset.

The walk to the Understone Keep always seemed so long. By the time I threw open the doors, I was already irritated. I stomped to the throne room.

Igmund was sitting upon his throne looking as irritated as I felt. He smiled when he saw me. "Dragonborn!" He called. "You come bearing good news I hope?"

"Aye my lord. News from Solitude. What you had asked for will arrive within the month." I replied cryptically.

Igmund laughed. "You may speak freely Thane of Markarth."

I nodded. "The miners will be here soon my jarl. Cyrodil reported that the gems can be melted down into ingots and used to make armor lighter than glass, but as strong as ebony." I relayed quickly.

Igmund smiled. "Excellent news Dragonborn. Soon this city will be free of corruption." He said happily. I bowed my head. "That will be all Dragonborn. No messages today. I hear tell that you're busy rebuilding Helgen."

"I am my jarl. A gift for my betrothed." I said.

"A city of her own?! You've spoiled her already!" Igmund roared with laughter. "I can hear the maidens now! The Dragonborn gave his wife a city! A ring simply won't do after that!"

I smiled politely, staring at my feet. He dismissed me with a wave of his hand. I sighed and made the lengthy walk back to the inn.

When I stepped inside, the first thing I saw was Hadvar dancing with Hroki. He smiled down at her as he spun her in circles. He was a much better dancer than I was.

I plodded over to sit with Ralof as Hroki let out a flirtatious giggle.

"Oh Hadvar!" She cooed.

"I suppose he'll share her bed tonight." Ralof growled sourly, not taking his eyes off of Hadvar.

I laughed. "He does seem to have taken a fancy to her." I couldn't resist baiting him.

"Yes. Well. She can have him." Ralof grumbled.

"You started it brother. Talking of Elisif and Jordis's brothers." I reminded him.

"As did you!" He protested, facing me now.

"Aye, but not in front of Jordis. There's no shame in appreciating but at the end of the day, I'd like to think Jordis believes me to be the best man in all of Skyrim. I'm sure Had feels the same way." I explained.

"It's hard." He admitted. "All this. We used to talk about women together. Even when we were whelps sneaking off together. But now it seems more serious and I don't know how to tread."

I nodded. "I understand. I used to speak with Jordis so easily. She wasn't always so sensitive and temperamental. It has to do with feeling vulnerable, at least it does for me. I've become quite good at making an ass of myself in spectacular ways. I think Had is afraid to lose you again."

"Gods." He groaned. "I'm the one bedding a man and you're a damn woman."

I laughed. "Using your head doesn't make you a woman. Not that you've ever used your smarts." I teased.

"So what do I do?" He asked.

"Tell him he looks pretty." I quipped. I got a glare. "Oh relax Ralof. Just ask him if he'd have a drink with you."

"Hadvar!" Ralof bellowed. I cringed. "Come have a drink with us!"

Hadvar hesitated, before placing a polite kiss on Hroki's knuckles. Hroki looked disappointed.

"'Lo Arryn." Hadvar said with a grin, taking a seat next to me. "Your errand go well?"

I nodded. "Aye. Spoke with the jarl, he asked about Helgen. Doesn't even have a message for me to run back to Solitude for." I said.

"Then it is a good night for both of us!" He exclaimed. "The innkeepers daughter is a fine amusement."

I raised my eyebrows, waiting for Ralof to go off. It didn't happen. Instead, Ralof leaned around me to speak to Hadvar.

"I was hoping to retire for the night." He said quietly.

"Goodnight then." Hadvar said dismissively, his grin looking forced. Ralof blinked a few times.

"Come with me Had?" Ralof asked.

Hadvar nodded. They rose and headed towards our room without a word.

"That's fine." I grumbled. "I'll just stay here and pay for the drinks."

"Well if you're paying, how could I resist?" A female voice broke in. The most exotic looking woman I had ever seen stood before me. She was tall and had the golden skin of an Altmer, but large green eyes and a face like a Nord maiden.

"How can I help you?" I asked bluntly.

The woman smiled. "Right to the point? Admirable. I came here with a business proposition. I heard tell from some cousins of mine that the Dragonborn was getting married. Now, for such an occasion, one would require a dress without equal for the bride, would they not?" She said. I nodded slowly. "I can make you such a dress, but it requires certain materials that can be, shall we say, difficult to obtain. One of them being Netch jelly."

I sighed before saying, "You want me to go on a hunt in Morrowind for a dress? You're mad."

She giggled. "Alright, you've caught me. To be honest, I had heard you were getting married and used it as an excuse and hoped that you would introduce me to your housecarl. I hoped to bed her myself."

I glared at her. "Who are you?"

"My name is Ellen." She purred.

"Lies. Who are you really?" I snapped.

The beautiful woman frowned. "This body is perfect. How could you tell?" She asked.

"If you were mute you could pass for a beautiful woman. And the story is the same as the last. No drinking contest this time?" I said irritably, taking a drink of my ale.

"You're no fun at all anymore Arryn." The woman pouted. "I think I'll sleep with the innkeeper and his wife. See what comes of that disaster."

"Sanguine!" I called softly. "The jarl in Falkreath would be a fun mark." The woman smiled.

"So there is some mischief in you yet. "She crowed, blowing me a kiss. She disappeared out the door. I slapped some septims down and went to my room before any more Daedra could show up.

Without thinking, I opened the door unannounced and regretted it immediately. Ralof and Hadvar were laying in bed kissing.

"Gods! A warning if you would !" I yelled, covering my eyes with my hand.

"It's nothing you've never seen before." Hadvar quipped.

"He what?!" Ralof said sharply.

"Not that!" Hadvar laughed.

"Oh Gods!" I groaned, still covering my eyes. "Just cover up so I can go to bed!"

"You're fine, ya milk drinker!" Ralof laughed.

I stomped to my bed an pulled off my armor. As I crawled into the bed, Ralof threw one last barb my way.

"Just be glad there's two beds. You'd be a mess." All I could do was groan.