The war was over! Much of Skyrim would soon be rejoicing but not Elisif the fair. For her the price had been to high, her crown, her husband, and most likely her very life. Most people would feel anger, fear or even hopelessness. But she was filled with hate. It seeped into her hardening the ice that used to be her heart. The city was eerily quiet as she left the Blue Palace surrounded by Stormcloaks.
As the group progressed, she began to notice the carnage visited on her city. Black smoke hung acridly in the cold air. The town was peppered with fires in the aftermath of battle. Elisif tried not to look closely at the bodies which lay where they fell. They were the lucky ones, granted Sovngarde. Everyone else was left to grieve and rebuild their broken lives.
The rebels were amassing in the courtyard of Castle Dour, cheering started, becoming loud almost deafening. Her escorts surprised her by avoiding that area entirely and heading towards the city gates. She suddenly felt a wild hope that perhaps she was being escorted out of the city. Maybe all was not lost and she would be allowed to leave Skyrim altogether.
That hope was quickly dashed when she was led into a grassy area near the alchemy shop. She saw several rebels standing near an open sewer apparently their destination . She hesitated when asked to climb down the ladder, but felt she had no choice at this point. The sewer led to a crumbling abandoned stone tunnel covered with spider webs and dust. There was a lone stormcloak officer waiting for them carrying a torch.
She realized she was in the dungeons under Castle Dour. This must have originally been an escape route for its inhabitants, which she had never known existed. Her escorts quickly led her up some steep stairs into a small hall littered with loose bricks. It opened into an area which originally housed officers quarters. It was currently being used as a storage area. Fresh torches had been placed in the wall sconces. The room was well lit.
The second room which served as a sleeping area was dark. She could barely make out shadowy beds and cupboards. There were two benches, several storage crates, and a large confiscated good chest pushed against the walls.
Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak, Galmar Stone-Fist and a familiar looking orc were standing near the stairs leading to the main floor. Jarl Ulfric turned towards her group, his eyes searching until they came to rest on her. A flash of relief flickered in his eyes, but his face was otherwise neutral. He nodded towards her.
In victory, she had expected him to be larger than life, relishing the defeat of the empire. Instead the warrior standing before her seemed battle worn and tired. His steel armor was splattered with dirt and blood. His strawberry blond hair was plastered to his head with sweat.
His eyes never left her as he spoke " Lady Elisif, many of our people have died. Our children have been left as orphans to fend for themselves. We are overrun with bandits. Skyrim itself bleeds. It's time to put aside our differences and come together to heal. Lady Elisif will you swear fealty to me? Do you have the courage to end Skyrim's suffering?".
Every eye in the room was riveted on her, awaiting her answer. There were several less hurtful responses she could have given, but ice had encased her heart. She spit towards him and missed. She only said one word "Never". She crossed her arms, looking down her nose at him.
Ulfric sent her a disgruntled look, his fists clenching at his side. He looked haggard there were shadows under his eyes, "Lady Elisif if you have any hope of remaining Jarl you will swear fealty to me." She deliberately turned her face to the side refusing to look at him".
She heard footsteps approaching and braced herself for some type of physical violence which never came. Instead, the orc came to stand in front of her. Her hear leapt as she realized why he seemed familiar. She was facing the savior of all Tamriel the dragonborn!.
There had been rumors floating about that he had joined the rebellion. His gravelly voice was startling as he spoke "Lady Elisif the imperials are defeated, General Tullius is dead. The people are hopeless, suffering." He began to pace seemingly gathering his thoughts. "What's next for the Lady Elisif? How will you be remembered? As Elisif the Brave? She who put hatred aside for the sake of her people? If you forsake your allegiance to the emperor, the people will follow. The people need you, Skyrim needs you…. Ahh, your example", having said his piece he crossed him arms and waited.
The orc had made an eloquent argument, one she couldn't dismiss out of hand. Her people! So many had fought with bravery and courage on her behalf. If she threw in her lot with Ulfric, would they see it as a betrayal, or a selfless act?
She couldn't just abandon them to the Stormcloaks. Ulfric had hinted she could remain Jarl. Would she have any political power? Or would she be used as a simple pawn? She decided to test the waters. Turning to face Ulfric she locked eyes with him "I will swear fealty on two conditions. The remains of Generall Tulluis's will be returned with military honors to Cyrodiil. My second condition is Skyrims deposed Jarls will be given the choice of exile to anywhere they choose.". She smirked slightly. It was out of her hands now.