Hello everyone, this is my first story, so any feedback is helpful. I'm hoping to upload my drawings of these characters soon. Also, the names after the locations show the point of view.

Windhelm

Lydia

Lydia looked up at the city that stood before her. She had been to Windhelm before, but something was different this time. For one two large warships were next to her on the docks, both being loaded with arms and soldiers. Second, she was alone, no Dovahkiin standing next to her. Tyr was never in Whiterun anymore, this would be the first time she would see him in ages. She heard the Jarl call to her, and began to trudge up the stairs to the city.

The war on Cyrodil had been thought up by the Stormcloaks ever since they retook Skyrim, and once they told the rest of the holds, Whiterun was first to answer. Vignar came to Windhelm with soldiers to aid in Ulfric's efforts, as he was a huge supporter. Lydia agreed to help, because of her want to get out of Whiterun.

Once inside, she noticed more and more changes as she walked. Soldiers walked in larger numbers, people who looked to be bandits or adventurers wandered about the town, and shopkeepers were using supplies for the war efforts. Once up to the palace doors, she was told to wait at the entrance as the Jarl went inside the large hall.

"So, another dignitary enters the hall." She turned to the speaker. A Khajit, giving her a grin, stood up. "The jarl gathers troops for his great war. Even calling on people like us to aid him." Lydia took a step back, when a Nord intervened.

"Quiet, Shajirr. We are not here to talk to every person who walks up to the palace, we wait for the captain, and that is all," he sternly put in.

"So I take it those boats in the harbor are yours?" Lydia inquired.

"Ah, so you saw them?" the khajit, Shajirr, pushed past the big man. "Yes, those are The Red Diamond and The Warhammer, two of our best boats. If you are lucky, you'll be stationed on them." By then, the doors had opened, and five people walked out. Lydia recognized Vilkas of the Companions, Vignar, Jarl of Whiterun, Ulfric Stormcloak, and Tyr, the Dragonborn. The fifth was a stranger to her, but by the way the two others snapped to attention, this was the "Captain". He had a coat, the kind that sailors from Cyrodil wear, rather nice clothing underneath that, leather greaves and dark boots. A crossbow was slung over his back, and she could see a decorative sword under the coat. He looked about the age of her and Vilkas, younger than the two people who reported to him. He nodded to the two others and they walked to his sides.

"So you will help us?" Ulfric asked.

"Yes," the "Captain" said, "it is our obligation to aid in the liberation of the Empire. We will stand by you, and our Navy will be open to your use." He walked down towards the docks.

"Pirates? You call upon pirates, Ulfric?" Vignar gave the High King a stern look.

"They are the best naval fighters in the Empire, besides the legion. Besides, our Nordic boats can't do much out in the open seas, what cannons we have aren't strong enough." Lydia couldn't help but agree their boats were for transport, not fighting. When Vignar walked off, she followed, Vilkas next to her. Tyr had been quiet, and had ignored his old housecarl, making her feel a bit discouraged. With a sigh, she went into Candlehearth hall, where she would be staying, ate, and then slept.

Ralof

While most of the army slept, Ralof was getting promoted to Lieutenant by Galmar Stonefist. He got his armor and a new axe, and smiled. Going into a war with the command over a group of twenty to fifty soldiers was a boost to his courage. Before this, he would be going into battle with five or so men, and no real support. He had been scared that his group would be killed, himself included. He walked outside to the cold Windhelm night.

"Good job being promoted." Ralof turned towards the speaker with a grin. Tyr was smiling, and he held out his hand. Ralof shook it and laughed a bit.

"Makes me feel better that I'm not just some infantryman now. I am important," he turned back to the courtyard, looking at the few night guards they had.

"You ever been to Cyrodil?" Tyr asked.

"No, but I heard that it was a lot warmer. That might be nice for a change."

"It's mostly forests, according to Esbern. Although we won't be enjoying the weather."

"Stonefist says that the Imperials number at least over two or three thousand. We only have about five hundred."

"It won't be easy, but we'll win. Go get some rest. And congratulations again." Tyr walked off, and Ralof smiled. He went to the barracks and went to sleep instantly.

"

So this first bit isn't very good, but I kinda want to get to the boats. I like boats. And a bunch of this story is in, you guessed it, boats. The next bit will be better, I promise.