Note : The Iona pictured in this Fanfic is different than the one from the vanilla Skyrim, the idea of her look come from the skyrim mod, Bijin Warmaidens (find it on the skyrim nexus). She is seriously not the same than the vanilla one.
Jarl Ulfric stood on his throne. As he was wondering how was his favorite doing, the palace of the king's doors opened, letting a cold and refreshing wind come in with some snowflakes. Two woman entered, one of her, a white haired Imperial, was wearing a stomcloak general attire and had a big blade, just like an Akaviri's one on her back. The other was a red-headed Nord, she whore ancient nord armor that seemed like new and wielded an ebony axe and shield. As the red-head closed the door, the other made her way up to Ulfric. Few meters from the throne, she bowed and got on one knee.
"I bring great news, my Jarl. The sons of Skyrim are ready to begin their last fight."
The Jarl stood on his throne no more, he walked to finally get on one knee too, and lifted the woman's chin. "No need to be so formal, Nora." he said, before taking her in a hug and adding, "It's good to see you've returned."
Nora smiled and gave back Ulfric's hug, "You always worry too much."
"Of course I do! I don't want my future wife to get killed!" Said the Jarl, approaching his lips from hers.
Nora put her hand between them. "I'm sorry, Ulfric." she said, kissing his cheek to apologies. "We have a more important matter at hand now : Skyrim's liberty."
The both of them got up as she continued, "See you at Solitude's gate, I need to go supervise the troupes." planting a new kiss on his cheek and departing with her partner.
Letting the warmth of Ulfric's cheek get cooled up by the frost brought by the doors.
A few days later, Ulfric was side by side with Nora as all the Stormcloaks soldiers heard his speech.
"All of you have fought bravely! And many were sent to Sovngarde in a glorious death! But we won't stop right here! For today is a glorious day! The day the sons of Skyrim took it back from a decaying Empire! Today! We free Skyrim! Today! We free ourselves! Today we will fight a last time! Together! For Skyrim!" he finished by unsheathing his sword and letting out a war cry to begin his way inside Solitude, soon followed by Nora and her partner, leading the other soldiers into combat.
After several minutes of countless killing, Nora was side by side with her friend.
"Iona, do you see Ulfric?" asked Nora.
The red-head looked around her and responded "Cutting his way to the castle up-stairs."
"Unkillable..." sighed Nora. She began her way up the stairs and shouted her orders "Soldiers! In formation! Shield bearers in front, no enemies get through! Archers behind! Stay close! Greatswords-men, between archers and shield! Ready to leap a close strike! Marching for the back door! Onward!" she finished seeing another general in her side-view. She shouted to him, "Galmar! Let's meet each other at castle door! I take the back entrance!" As the old Nord nodded, Nora got down and got side by side with her two-handed fighters, marching with them.
The bloody-way began, wave after wave, the legion's soldiers got broke on the Stormcloak's shield as the archers were taking the defenders up the walls, blood filled the side-ways of Solitude like it was raining.
Breaking through the last barricade, Nora's troopers joined Galmar's on destroying the remaining Legionnaires. Galmar and Nora entered the castle as their soldiers were making sure no one else could get in or out.
When the two entered, they heard Ulfric's voice. "This is the end, Tullius."
They arrived to see, the Imperial general, Tullius, disarmed and on his knees. His own legats at his side : dead.
Tullius panted, "This... is only the beginning..."
"The beginning of a free era, where people can worship the nine, and where they don't have to apologies to their elven masters for simple belief." Cut Nora.
"The sons of Skyrim are taking back their land as free men and women." added Galmar.
"If you want this... you... you'll have to kill me... I'll defend Skyrim and Uriel Septim's empire till my last breath." said Tullius.
Ulfric tightened his grip on his sword and said, "So be it..." before stabbing it right into Tullius' heart.
As his lifeless body fell on the floor, his hand let go of an amulet of Talos, now tainted in blood.
Only Nora saw it. While Ulfric and Galmar were preparing to go out here to rejoice over Skyrim's freedom, she took it before following.
Just outside the castle, Ulfric made a speech while Nora was wondering : Why would he had an amulet of Talos with him?
She snapped out of her through when she heard Ulfric say her name.
"...Her loyalty have been very precious to me. Without her, I would never have been here. She saved many at Helgen, fought the empire like no one. She might be Imperial, but she is a true child of Skyrim! She saved us from Alduin to insure our future, and fought by our side with the strength of a hundred men! And I'm proud to announce that, we will unite our fate in a week! Just after everyone has recovered from tonight's banquet!" At his final words, everybody cheered.
The night settled quickly. Every Stormcloak's city was cheering and drinking like there were no tomorrow.
Inside the palace of the kings, Ulfric held a reception for his fellow citizens of Windhelm, all were only asked to avoid bringing weapons or armors.
They all arrived little by little, but one was to be missing. One that was supposed to be at his side. He waited for her. He was losing his patience. But then, he heard the doors open. Letting a feminine looking silhouette show. Nora arrived in a beautiful gown, green and white with navy blue highlighting. Her hairs let loose and waiving behind her every step. Light make-up on her face, just enough to make her gorgeous emerald green eyes and pink lips stand out.
She was followed by a red gowned Iona. She too, let loose of her Autumn hairs, letting part of them to highlight her face's side, forcing her deep brown eyes to get noticed by their intensity.
Everyone was dumbfounded as they all were harshly reminded that the two fierce warrior, were also women of high beauty.
Ulfric approached Nora, as Iona was getting surrounded by men, he, he only saw her, his love.
Taking her hands in his, he looked her in the eyes, "You made me wait... but I believe it was worth it." he smiled.
She returned the smile as bards began to play. Ulfric bowed to Nora and asked, "My lady, would you please, give me this dance?".
Nora failed to keep her smirk as she accepted.
The two of them waltzed. While dancing, they chatted a little.
"Skyrim is finally free from the empire's grasp... thanks to you." said Nora.
"I never could have done that without your help. You are as important in this as me, my love."
"Thank you." Said Nora, looking uneasy.
"No need to be embarrassed, that's the truth."
"It's not it... it's... well, a little but... I feel like I need fresh air, sorry."
"Follow me." asked Ulfric.
He took Nora by the hand and led her to his balcony, Nora was enjoying the night as Ulfric said, "I'll get us something to drink, I'll be back."
Nora was alone on the balcony while she looked in the starry sky, she remembered part of her past. Her once family, her childhood in Skyrim. Her brother who taught her to fight, all against their parents' will (of course). Her being presented to Ulfric Stormcloak for the fist time. Her being captured by the Legion. Her becoming Thane of Riften. Her fight against Alduin. Fighting side by side with Iona.
Thinking about all that, she put her forehead on the snowy fence, letting the snow fall on her bare back.
"You're going to catch a cold like that, lass." said a voice.
Startled, Nora turned to see a brown-haired Nord man in thief leather armor, standing on the roof up the balcony.
"Brynjolf! You scared me." said the Imperial.
"Me? Scaring you? Lass, you sure you okay there?" he said, faking concern.
"Shut up, you. So, what brings you here?"
"Well, I saw light and asked to myself : What is it that I can take here?"
"Special and rare breed of Nord mead in the left cupboard of the desk." responded Nora.
"Thank you!" smiled the Nord as he made his way to the desk.
Once the bottle and some other things in his pocket, he walked to the balcony and prepared to jump to safety with his booty. Before going, he turned his head to Nora, who was looking in the distance, "Lass?"
"Hum?" she turned her gaze to him.
"You look gorgeous."
"Thank you." she said, as he jumped to safety.
Seconds after, Ulfric came back with mead and offered Nora his fur cloak.
She took it and thanked him.
"What were you thinking about?" he asked.
"Nothing."
Ulfric chuckled a bit, "May I remind you that I know you better than that? What were you thinking?"
Nora sighed, "What had happened. I was thinking about what happened lately. As soon as I killed Alduin, my mind was already set to liberating Skyrim... I didn't had any real time to let all that had happened sink in..."
"That must have been rough..." said Ulfric, sympathizing on her feeling. "Do you want to take the evening for yourself? You can't enjoy such a feast when you have your head somewhere else."
"Wouldn't you mind me leaving your side?"
"I wouldn't... but I need a night kiss."
Nora lifted one brow and then, leaned in to kiss Ulfric.
As their lips parted, she whispered to him, "Good night."
On her way outside, she crossed Iona, still surrounded by men.
The red-head said to her fans "Sorry, I need to stick with my Thane." following Nora outside.
On their snowy way to their House in Windhelm, Hjerim. Iona thanked Nora, "Thank you my Thane, I was having so much trouble to get rid of them all..."
"The great Iona can't send a few men away?"
"I could have said that I was dating the Dragonborn, but, meh, I didn't."
Nora didn't answer, simply smiled and lightly laughed.
Few days after, in Solitude, Nora was preparing for her wedding. Iona was helping her prepare. The final touch of her make-up was ready, all that was left was for Nora to fit in her robe.
Finally ready, Iona looked at her friend and gave her a forced smile. "You're gorgeous."
Nora sighed and answered, looking in Iona's eyes, "Although it's not for the good one..."
"You could always say no."
"I already told you... I can't... I'm promised to him since my twelfth birthday. If I say no now... My father wouldn't accept it... As a noble, it's a duty I have." she said, turning her back to Iona.
"The situation have changed." she argued.
"It would have... only if Ulfric wouldn't have loved me... but he do, that can't be changed."
"Don't you feel used?! Didn't you have your say in all that?"
"No I didn't! And still don't have!" snapped Nora, now facing Iona.
Iona felt shocked with how Nora just talked to her. She didn't respond and turned her eyes away from Nora's, looking at the floor.
The dragonborn took her in a hug.
"We knew this day would come... we can't back away now..."
"It's supposed to be a happy day... but you're not... It's not natural to marry without being happy..." pleaded Iona.
Nora was about to answer when she heard a knock on the door. It was the priest of Mara. Nora had to go.
Without further words, she began her way to her wedding.
Nora arrived near the altar outside the temple of the nine. Led by Iona who forced herself to lead her friend to her unhappy ending.
She finally left Nora by Ulfric's side, taking place next the only family Nora have left, her high-elf step-sister, Ariana. The Jarl looked at her and said, "You're magnificent.". Nora closed her eyes and put her most beautiful smile on, then, answered a simple "Thank you. You're not bad yourself.".
The priest began his speech about Mara, goddess of love, "May she, look after you, always." and the speech continued for some minutes, until the priest ask of Ulfric, "Do you, Ulfric Stormcloak, vow to protect her until the end of your life and so after if your destiny demands it?".
"Yes, I do."
The priest turned to Nora and resumed his speech, "and do you, Nora Raunbag, make oath to cherish, protect and stand by his side until the end of your life and so after if your destiny demands it?"
Nora couldn't believe what she was doing. She said, "Yes, I do." feeling her heart sink at each words.
As the priest was sealing their union, they had to kiss. Approaching their lips, Nora hear Iona screaming her name. She turned her head to see her friend extending one arm, like she was trying to reach her, to put her out of danger. She didn't had a second before feeling something in the back of her neck cutting Tullius' amulet to fall, soon followed by the woman, falling into darkness.
Ulfric received his love's lifeless body in his arms, seeing an elven arrow in her neck.
The audience was screaming in horror as a team of Talmors commando entered the courtyard of the temple, weapons ready. One of the two mage aimed a fire ball to Iona, which she ducked under. She only had an ebony dagger on her. She tried to lead the guests out of danger, but saw a Talmor archer, he already had killed five of them and was now aiming at Ariana. Iona jumped to move her out of the arrow's way. She took the arrow in the shoulder, taking Ariana out of the archer's view, she took the arrow out and asked Ariana, "Do you know some spells?", "Only some basics, sorry.", "I only need you to launch some fire at the archer while I deal with the mages.".
Suddenly, the two heard a powerful shout. "Fus Ro Dah!". They turned their gaze to Ulfric, who had send the mages flying and bashed one of the four soldier's head with his own axe. Taking the elven dagger from the corps and launching it in the archer's jugular.
Iona turned to Ariana and said to her "Take this opportunity and flee!"
Ariana was so shocked by what was happening that she just followed Iona's orders.
By the time Iona got up to help Ulfirc, the Nord already had killed the commando and walked up to Nora. He took her in his arms and began to shock and cry, but soon exploded his rage and sadness in a scream. Iona approached him and, seeing that she couldn't be woke up, she fell on her knees. Iona was about to cry, but she did her best to stop, that didn't work, sadness took the best of her and she cried her loss.