Valadel

Chapter XXXVII

"Make sure these documents make it to their kings as quickly as possible." Said Joras. His messenger stuffed the rolled letters into his satchel. He stood fast and saluted the king. Joras nodded and sent the messenger on his way. He went back to his chair in his refuge. He felt most of his time was spent in this forsaken chamber, writing away and giving orders. Ever since Ragnar, ever since the castle, and ever since the elves, he's been confined to his chair, doing what he hated most. Being king.

The scholar, Jazmyn, had left days ago with Miles Vallyrian. He insisted he go to voice the opinion of the king. They would no doubt be in Valdor soon, hopefully with all of their charm about them. Jenna Thornshield had signed and given her support to Joras' letter before he sent it to Arnland, even if she didn't know it's intention. That left Farrenhelm, the kingdom that worried Joras the most. They were a traditional people, set in their beliefs and enemies of change. Convincing them to restore the elves would be difficult, even that term being an understatement. Joras just hoped Agner was in a good mood.

"My king!" Joras heard a voice from down the hall behind his closed door. Running footsteps bounced off the walls as the messenger got closer and closer. The door flung opened and a panting young messenger stood his doorway.

"My king!" He said, hunched over and catching his breath.

"Aye? What is it?"

"Your...your wife! She's giving....she's having your child!" He said in between breaths.

Joras stood up from his chair quickly. "Are you sure?! Where is she!"

"In your chambers!"

"Who is with her?" Asked Joras.

"The midwife and some of her companions."

Joras had calmed down now. "Ok, good, good. Thank you, messenger. Buy yourself a drink," said Joras, tossing him a coin.

"Thank you my liege. Congratulations," said the messenger as he slipped the piece of gold into his pocket and left.

Joras slumped back in his chair. He felt joyful tears brim at his eyelids. He put his face in his hands and wiped the tears away, gently chuckling. He finally had his heir coming. For years, they tried and tried, and now...a new Freemane was to be born, after all the miscarriages, the born children not making it past infancy, young August choking on his cough. He joyously laughed a little, and sharply inhaled, ridding himself of his tears and laughter. In a mere day or so, he would have his child. He wouldn't see his wife for many days. He just hoped she could survive the actual birthing. It was what killed so many mothers. He would pray for her.

He wished he could be there with her, but tradition demands the father leave her to the midwife. It was a womanly thing to be done, a man's presence would just be taboo. He started thinking of names for his child. If a boy, perhaps Kristopher or maybe Edward. Should it be a girl, he always thought the name Penelope to be pretty. Whichever he was blessed with, he couldn't wait to cradle the baby in his arms. He just hoped this coming war would let him.

"My king," said Aldrien as he came through the door.

"Aldrien...how are you?"

Aldrien smiled and shook his head. "How are you, brother? I've heard word of my coming niece or nephew. You have my congratulations."

"Heheh, yes. Thank you. Come, have a drink."

Aldrien did as his brother requested. He sat in the chair opposite of his and took a sip of the wine the king poured for him.

"So, do you wish for a boy or a girl?"

"I'd be happy with either. Although...I've always wanted a girl. I think I would be a good father to a girl."