Secrets

Entering Riverwood in a plain green dress is an odd feeling to me. I do have my Dark Brotherhood gear again but some things show through tight fitting armour.

Walking through the main street I'm given a few cautious stares from the likes of Sven, Faendal and Embry but for the most part, I am very much welcomed here. I make my way to the Western gate where Hadvar is stood waiting, his arms folded impatiently.

"You got my letter."

"Niki what is this about?" I stare at the floor uncomfortably. Hadvar grabs my left arm and squeezes it gently.

"We are married Hadvar. Just remember that when I tell you this news." He seems to stop breathing for a second. Then he rests his hand on my stomach. The warmth that floods my face greatly embarrasses me. "I'm with child."

"When did you find out?"

"Recently I have been sick a lot in the mornings. I have not bled for a moon and on the way out of the Thalmor Embassy I think I might have felt a kick." His face lights up.

"We need to create a child's room in one of your homes then, surely."

"I have been thinking about Whiterun. It is child friendly enough. I hear that the Jarl has very young children and interaction would be brilliant." He nods, words failing him. "Well say something, fool!" He simply laughs and shakes his head.

"Can we tell people?"

"Of course. I just wanted to make sure that you are happy with this before I told Rikke. If you weren't happy then I would have left it with Sorex to care for. It's the closest he would get. Still, if you're happy to keep the child then we could tell people."

"You, the Dragonborn, was worried that I wouldn't be happy with being the father of your child? Oh how mistaken you are." He kisses me on the forehead before leading me into Alvor's house.

I silently stand behind him, surprisingly shy.

"Hadvar? Niki? How lovely to see you both!" Sigrid welcomes us.

"Sigrid we have some exciting news. Bring Uncle Alvor and Dorthe downstairs, please." She raises an eyebrow at me somewhat warily. She doesn't say anything anyway.

We both go downstairs and sit at the table. I look into Hadvar's reassuring eyes and know that we are doing the right thing. Moments later, the whole family sits with us.

"So my boy, what is this exciting news you speak of?" Hadvar takes a deep breath.

"Well, as you are aware, Niki and I are happily married. I trust that you have kept this a secret?" Both adults nod. "Well. Niki is with child." Both adults rush to their feet excitedly.

"Congratulations!" Sigrid proclaims to both of us.

"I'm gonna be an aunt!" Dorthe exclaims. She won't actually be a blood related aunt but if she wishes to believe that then she can.

"How did you both find out?"

"I worked it out and then told Hadvar." I say quite quietly. Sigrid pulls me into a tight hug, surprising me to no end.

"So where will you live? If you ever feel unsure during the pregnancy you could stay with us for a while."

"Sigrid, there is no room. Where would we sleep?"

"Oh yes, of course. Sorry dear. I just got a little excited."

"So far our plan is to live in Whiterun. It is close to you and it really is a lovely city." The warm smiles of Alvor and Sigrid remind me of the family I have always been dreaming of.

We then spend an hour drinking mead (and milk in Dorthe's case) to celebrate the pregnancy and then we both leave. Hadvar and I both ride on horses (Hadvar owns both of them. A pregnant woman on a demonic looking horse is not good press) to Whiterun and once we get to the stables we leave both horses there, paying a year long fee of 1000 Septims.

I unlock the door to Breezehome and we clean up the slightly dusty house. I then show Hadvar the child's bedroom that I fitted before going to Riverwood. Then I collapse on the bed in the master bedroom, completely exhausted after the long day. Hadvar changes into simple clothing.

He makes strange spiral patterns on my stomach and frowns at me.

"So when were you planning on telling your father?"

"Oh you know, just never."

"You must tell him."

"I haven't told Rikke yet and she at least tried to raise me." He rests his arm over my waist.

"But she isn't related to you. I will go with you to Morthal if it helps. Just go." I wipe my eye and feel moisture.

"I do not know if I can do that, love. Every time I see him I feel rage beyond anything and I almost take on my beast form. I don't want you to see me like that." He grabs my hand and looks into my eyes, searching for something. He plants a kiss on my forehead and lies on his side, facing away from me to get to sleep. I am left lying on my back, facing the ceiling. I suppose I should go and tell Gorm. He does make up half of my genes and whether I like it or not, our personalities are rather similar. Hadvar can come with me.

We will leave for Morthal tomorrow.