A Stormcloak Affair
Part 7
Weeks had passed since the battle for Solitude. Aine grown accustom to sleeping beside the Jarl and took up permanent residency in his chamber. Sofie moved into Aine's chambers and sometimes came in at night what she was scared and was either comforted by Aine or Ulfric. They seemed to make a cute little family. The wedding was a few weeks away and Aine had already been fitted into a gown.
Ulfric awoke to the sound of Aine heaving into one of the silver bowls. "Are you alright, my love?", asked Ulfric seemly genuinely concerned.
"I'll be fine. I will pass. I'm sorry to wake you.", replied Aine.
"No worries, I'll fetch Wuunferth the Unliving. Surely he'll have a potion for you.", said Ulfric leaving the bedroom. Ulfric returned with Wuunferth.
"How long have you been feeling like this, Dragonborn?, inquired the court wizard.
"It has been off and on for the past two weeks.", said Aine. "Do you have any other symptoms that I need to know about?", inquired the wizard further. "I've been sleeping more than usual and been getting dizzy spells.", replied Aine.
"And when was the last time you bled, my dear? "I haven't bled since Ulfric sent me to Whiterun. So nearly two months…", said Aine realizing something.
"My Jarl, there is nothing I can give her. She's perfectly healthy. We just need to let nature take its course and make sure she gets enough rest.", said the wizard with a smile on his face.
"What ails Aine, then?", asked Ulfric.
"My bear, nothing ails me. You are to become a father. I am with child.", said Aine.
"But we aren't married yet. When did this happen?", asked Ulfric in mild disbelief.
"I think I should give you two some privacy.", said the wizard leaving the room.
"Do you remember what we did right before we took Solitude?", asked Aine looking into Ulfric's eyes.
"Of course I do. That was the happiest moment of my life.", said Ulfric giving Aine a kiss on the forehead. "Are you happy, my heart?", asked Aine. "You have no idea how happy you've made me.", said Ulfric pulling Aine close to him.
"We need to expedite the wedding, so you can still fit into your dress.", chuckled Ulfric. "I don't feel up to traveling to Rifton. Carriage ride has always taken a toll on me., especially since Helgen.", said Aine.
"Then we must request that the priest of Mara pays Windhelm a visit.", said Ulfric.
"We need to be careful who knows about my condition. Our child will be heir and is a target of the Thalmor.", said Aine with concern in her voice.
"I will speak to Galmar and Ralof later today. Ralof has been tasked with rebuilding Helgen. He is due in later today to inform me of his progress. Whiterun has sent their best builders.", he said.
That afternoon Ralof arrived in Windhelm safe and well. He had much to report to the Jarl. Whiterun was fully rebuilt and they had control over Helgen. Aine, the Jarl, Galmar and Ralof all sat in the great hall. "What news do you have of Helgen?", said Ulfric opening the conversation.
"Restoration is well under order. It shouldn't be too long before we have people settle there.", exclaimed Ralof. "That's good news.", praised Ulfric. There is something of great importance I need ask of you, Ralof.", said Ulfric while holding Aine's hand.
"I need you to make a trip to Rifton and persuade the priest of Mara to come up to Windhelm. You must also be discrete. For Aine is carrying my cub in her belly.", said Ulfric with a smile on his face. Aine rests her head briefly on Ulfric's.
"That's wonderful news. I had no idea you two were a couple until the announcement in Solitude. I did notice Ulfric giving Aine a few looks on the carriage but I didn't know what to make of it.", said Ralof with excitement.
"I would have never guessed. After all, you two couldn't keep your hands off each other before we got to Solitude.", said Galmar sarcastically. "We need you go soon. Because I really want to be able to fit in my dress for the wedding.", stated Aine.
"I will gladly speak to Maramal for you. I'm sure he will gladly help.", replied Ralof. "Tell me Ralof. In Helgen you mentioned you used to be sweet on a girl there. Did you ever find her?", inquired Aine.
"Oh, you mean, Angi. Yes, I found her near Falkreath. And she has agreed to marry me once Helgen is rebuilt.", said Ralof showing off his amulet of Mara.
"Glad to hear it, Ralof. Let us know when the big day is, and we'll be delighted to attend.", stated Ulfric.
"Ralof, I have something for you. I think you will like it. I found them when I returned to Helgen briefly.", said Aine pulling couple of bottles out of a chest.
"You don't mean, Mead mixed with juniper berries do you?", asked Ralof.
"Of course; what did you have in mind?", asked Aine.
"It has always been an honor serving you, Jarl Ulfric. Would you mind sharing a drink with me?", said Ralof.
"Sure", said Ulfric taking a sip of the juniper berry mead." "I'll leave for Rifton right away, my king.", said Ralof.
"I'm not High King yet. The moot has yet to vote. If there will be no more, I'd liked to call this meeting is adjourned. We shall take a short recess.", said Ulfric motioning at Aine to follow him up to their chamber.
Aine and Ulfric arrive at their chamber. Ulfric closes the door and then wraps his arms around Aine. "You have no idea, how happy you've made me. I'm sorry; I didn't realize sooner how you felt about me. I'm sorry it took a Thalmor prison for me to really see what you mean to me. We would have had more time together.", said Ulfric.
"Shh, Ulfric. Let's just enjoy the time we have now. I love you and always will.", said Aine while pressing her lips against his. They decide to take a rest on the bed. Aine takes a nap while Ulfric gently rubs her belly saying, "I can't wait to meet you little cub."
Meanwhile, Ralof leaves for Rifton by horse. It takes him half a week to get there. He arrives at the temple of Mara, and sees Maramal standing near the altar. Maramal greets Ralof, "To what do I owe this visit, friend."
"You need to come with me to Windhelm right away. The Jarl Ulfric requests your service.", what's the hurry said Maramal.
"The Jarl wishes to be wed while his bride still fits into her gown.", exclaimed Ralof.
"It's good to see love blossoming, even during these difficult times. I'll be happy to perform a wedding in Windhelm. Let me just find my travel Mara and we will be off. "Dinya, I need to take off to Windhelm. Please take care of the temple while I am gone.", said Maramal to his wife.
"I know darling. Mara has been looking over her destined couple for a long time. She choose them at birth and is delighted they finally found each other. Their unborn child is meant for great things, of this Mara has informed me. Please don't take too long., darling.", said Dinya. Maramal sets off for Windhelm with Ralof not before giving his wife a kiss.
Back in Windhelm, Jorleif the Jarls's steward sends for Niranye, Aine's friend and confidant who tailored the wedding attire for the future High King and Queen. She arrives in the palace and is sent to the Jarl's quarters. She sees Aine sitting at the table and asks, "Is there something wrong with the gown, my dear friend?"
"No, but I am afraid you may need to make an alteration. Can you keep a secret?", asked Aine.
"Of course I can. We've known each other for ages. We are like sisters.", stated Niranye.
"I am with child, and I am afraid you may need to loosen my dress around the waist.", said Aine.
Niranye gave Aine a hug and said, "Congratulations! Of course, my dear; anything for you." Niranye proceeded to take a few of Aine's measurements and chuckled, "It finally happened. You've had your eye on him not long after you joined his army, but he was always too oblivious to see." "
He was preoccupied with the never ending war.", said Aine.
"You two must have gotten together rather quickly. It was only yesterday, Jarl Ulfric was in my shop looking for a ring.", said Niranye.
"Did you hear, Sofie is in charge of flowers? She's so happy.", rambled Aine.
"I'm sure she is. She has a good eye for color.", said Niranye. After Niranye finished taking the measurements, Aine dismissed her.