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Barely three months later, S'fara found herself pregnant. She had missed her cycle, which for a Khajiit of breeding age could only mean one thing, and a visit to the local apothecary confirmed her suspicions.

'But this is unheard of! A Nord and a Khajiit having a child together?'

'Not entirely unheard of, there have been several unproven stories of such unions producing offspring in past eras, but until now there was never any real evidence.' replied the apothecary

'So what now? How do I tell my husband?'

'Is he likely to take the news badly?'

I don't know, It's possible. Then again he has been praying a lot to the Gods about it, and we have been "trying" a lot too if you get my meaning.'

'Well then, I see no fear. If he does accuse you of infidelity, there are potions that can prove paternity.'

'I see, thank you.' she replied

That evening, S'fara very gently broke the news to Folcwine who let out a roar, which terrified her.

'Please don't be angry! The Ja'khajiit, the child is yours!' she begged him, ears folded flat in fear

'Angry! How could I be angry? This is the best news I've had in a long time! How long have you known? He replied, taking her in his arms

'I've suspected for a few weeks, but only got confirmation today.' she told him

'This is wonderful news! We must celebrate! I'll send word to all our friends.' he told her happily

And three weeks later they had all arrived. There was the Dunmer who only called herself by her family name, Hlaalu, and the Thalmor hating Altmer, Rynandor who travelled with her. Representing clan Gray-Mane was Avulstein. And Ri'saad came on behalf of his caravan.

'Thank you all for coming at such short notice, but I - we have an important announcement to make. Beyond all our wildest hopes, it seems Folcwine and I are going to be parents!' she told them excitedly

Their friends looked astonished

'Can this be true?' asked Ri'saad

'Yes, Ri'saad, I thzina ualizz .' she replied, putting her hands on her belly, accentuating the growing bump

'By Azura, it's true!' cried Hlaalu, 'Have you chosen any names yet?'

'Not yet, we don't even know if it's a boy or a girl. And we certainly don't know what the ja'Kha'jay will shape them as.' S'fara replied

'Judging by the current moon phases, I'd say it will most like be a -' began Rynandor

'Ah! No, don't tell me!' S'fara cried, cutting the High Elf off mid sentence

'Why ever not? Surely, you wish to take the guesswork out of things?'

'Oh no, the ja'Kha'jay is scared. A gift from Lady Azurah to allow us to survive. It is impious to presume to know what form ones child will take.' she explained

'Very well, I will respect your wishes. Though I cannot pretend to understand them.'

'Thank you.'

Soon she and Hlaalu were deep in discussion about babies, as was the way of women.

20 years later...

Windhelm, 15th of Sun's Dusk

It was a cold, grey day over Windhelm, and the two guards were busy trying to keep warm next to the large braziers either side of the massive city gates. As they rubbed their hands, they made idle talk.

'Shh! Do you hear that?' interjected the younger of the two

'Hear what?' replied the other

Listening hard, they heard the sound of hooves clattering on the stone bridge. Out of the frosty mist came the form of a huge black stallion, on which sat an equally large person.

To their surprise, when horse and rider stopped a handful of paces from them, they saw that the rider was a Khajiit - but not like any they had seen before. He was wearing carved Nordic armour with gold inlay, and his cloak was of fine fur and lined in rare blue silk from Stros M'kai and held closed with a jewelled silver fastener. On his back was a Nordic battleaxe. His fur was pale grey, with dark rosettes and his hair was the colour of ripe wheat. As they watched, the mysterious Khajiit dismounted with casual ease and strolled towards them. The guards gulped in awe - he was well over 6 feet tall and as muscular as any Nord.

'Hail Kinsmen! Please find someone to tend to my horse, I have business at the Palace.' he said to them in a tone that suggested he was accustomed to having his orders obeyed.

'E-excuse me, but who are you?' asked the young guard

The Khajiit shot him a haughty look that suggested he thought the question was a joke, but saw that it was not.

'I am Beorn M'aiq, son of Folcwine Strong-Arm, Jarl of Falkreath. I am son of S'fara of Pelletine. And I demand you allow me passage!'

A slow look of dawning realization crept across the guards faces, and they hastily bowed.

'Forgive us, lord, we had not been told to expect your arrival. Please go inside, we'll see to your horse.'

Windhelm had changed since the civil war, new stonework had replaced the crumbling old, and Ysgramors' city looked better than it had in years. Folcwine made his way directly to the barracks inside the palace.

'Beorn M'iaq Strong-Arm, reporting for duty!' he said to the captain

'Ah, we did not expect you for another month! Still, it seems you had no trouble getting here.'

'No sir, none at all.' he answered diplomatically

'Well then, you'd best get settled in. Go through that door, and pick a bed. Induction is tomorrow.'

'Sir!' Beorn replied with a respectful bow

He entered the long, narrow room which was clearly for new recruits, as all the young men had no uniforms. Choosing a bed close to the door, he began unpacking.

'Wow, what a beauty! Who is she?' asked a fellow recruit, pointing at a portrait of a pretty young woman with a charming smile and ample bust Beorn had just put up

'My sister, Atahbah.' he replied tersely

'Wait, you mean Atahbah, the Jarl of Falkreath's daughter? Atahbah heart-breaker, Atahbah the rising star of the Bards college?'

That's right.'

'Oh, er sorry.' replied the man

Beorn slapped the man on the back, 'An honest mistake, kinsman! I'm Beorn, pleased to meet you.'

'Froki, and likewise!' he replied, shaking his hand

'So why don't the two of us go grab a few mugs of mead? First round's on me.'

'Sure!' Froki replied eagerly