A Stormcloak Affair
Part 4
Aine awoke in the Palace of Kings only reuniting with Ulfric the night before. She was home in Windhelm. She loved it here despite the cold weather. She loved its people but didn't approve of the segregation. If Ulfric were to succeed he would need the support of all of Skyrim, not just the Nords, she thought. That is something she desperately needed to get across to Ulfric. Inside the room she saw a pitcher of water with a bowl next to it, some cloth and a small bar of soap. Aine went to the bowl and began to wash herself. She started with her face, then dampened her amber curls and proceeded to loosen her linen slip and began to lightly wash her body.
Ulfric awoke shortly after. He went down the stairs to see if Aine was making out okay. The door to her chamber being ajar, Ulfric quietly peeks in and realizes Aine is indecent. He closes the door startling Aine. She quickly dries herself and pulls the tunic over her linen slip and ties it tightly around her waist and back. Aine looked in to the mirror and reshaped her curls, making them even. Aine leaves her chamber walking down to the war room where Ulfric and Galmar are looking at the map of Skyrim theorizing a strategy at opposite sides of table. Ulfric and Galmar look over to Aine.
Galmar greets Aine, "Nice seeing you in Windhelm. It has certainly been a while." "Aine, did you sleep well?", said Ulfric admiring her curves realizing he hadn't seen her in a dress for a long time. Last night she wore simple armor. Aine approaches Ulfric noticing that he is looking her up and down.
"I slept better last night than I have in months.", said Aine in response. Aine walks over to Ulfric lightly brushing his fingers with hers, both feeling the sexual tension rise between them. Galmar discreetly rolls his eyes with a bear on his head.
"We need to send Whiterun a message. Aine you've dealt with the Jarl of Whiterun. Please bring him my ax.", exclaimed Ulfric.
"He's either with us or against us.", snarled Galmar. "It's time Jarl Bargruuf comes to a decision. He can't remain neutral forever.", replied Ulfric. "
Ulfric, I'll gladly deliver Whiterun the message. If may interject, should you win the war, you would become High King correct. Don't you think it would be better if you had the support from the other races in addition to the Nord?", stated Aine.
"Do you think the Dunmer, Altmer and the Argonians will fight for our cause?", snapped Galmar. "If we give them a reason to, they will.", said Aine by elevating her voice a bit.
"Many of the Altmer oppose the Thalmor. If we rebuild the Grey Quarter, provide more guards there and slowly allow Argonians to settle within the city, surely they will fight for their home.", continued Aine. Ulfric looked at Aine with bewilderment. He couldn't believe his ears. Looking at her speak he came to the realization that she had the makings of a good a fair queen. Could she be his queen? She loved Skyrim and all her people. "Do you think we can get the other races to talk?", asked Ulfric trying to stay calm.
"I think we can make it work, but Aine needs to be in the meetings. If they fight for our cause, I can see no fault in it.", said Galmar.
"Aine, you deliver the message to Whiterun. Galmar, you need to find representatives and request a meeting. Also, have a few of our city guards on hand. This needs to be organized before Aine returns.", ordered Ulfric. Galmar leaves the room looking for breakfast.
Ulfric turns to Aine. "I'm sorry, Ulfric. I just feel you need the support from everyone, not just the Nord. After all Skyrim is big enough for us all.", said Aine in a soft voice.
"There is no need to apologize. I have been too hard on the other races and some even think I'm a racist. It's true; I haven't been as tolerant as my father. But I don't hate non-Nords. I had no idea you felt this way about Skyrim. Even after all the Thalmor did to you, you still have faith in the Altmer.", said Ulfric lightly touching Aine's face.
"I have a problem with the Thalmor not the Altmer. There's a difference, Ulfric. I know the Altmer here. I've grown up with them.", said Aine defensively.
"Aine, we have a problem. You continue to amaze me and I don't know how to handle it.", said Ulfric before leaning in to kiss her.
Aine falls into Ulfric arms kissing him back while he pushes her against the table. She feels the same excitement as she felt last night on the balcony. Ulfric briefly loses his control and moves his hand up her dress, feeling her thighs. Aine doesn't stop him and let out a soft moan, inadvertently inviting him in. Meanwhile, Galmar comes back eating a half a loaf of bread.
"I guess I should have taken my time with breakfast, giving you two love birds enough time getting reacquainted." says Galmar interrupting them while with his mouth full. Immediately they break the kiss. Aine's face is flushed and Ulfric gives Galmar a dirty look.
"There is much to do.", said Ulfric in disappointment.
Aine decides to take a step outside to cool herself down before finding some breakfast. Later that day she packs her things, changes into Stormcloak armor and goes to Ulfric. "Give me your ax, my love and I will deliver your message.", said Aine with a heavy heart.
"Promise me, you will return. I need you by my side, my bear.", said Ulfric.
"I promise Ulfric. There is no place I'd rather be.", said Aine looking into Ulfric's eyes. They kissed farewell and Aine took the next carriage to Whiterun.