You guys are gonna like the bottom btw. Oh and if anyone is confused, everything that happens in the bottom portion is his imagination! None of that is really happening with Eco.

Ulfric ignored him that whole day. He tried to knock on the door and was met with silence. When Eco tried to talk to him in the hallway, Ulfric gave him a cold look and continued to where he was going, meeting with Galmar as he slammed his hands down on the table. His friend looked up with curiosity, not used to this kind of anger so suddenly. They haven't even begun discussing the new reports. "Ulfric? Is there something trou-" "ECO! That godsdamn, hypocritical, tall piece of shit! I accidentally gave him one of my journals and he admitted to reading through it! He said he knew it was wrong and he still…" Ulfric trailed off and groaned, looking down at the map. "Galmar… he knows about the torture… what we saw in the war."

Galmar frowned and was at his friend's side in an instant. Ulfric found the courage to bite back his coming anxiety and look into his friend's eyes. "Ulfric… Whatever he may think of you now doesn't matter. You are not that tormented Nord who sat for years trying to cope with his trauma anymore. You are a warrior, a leader and the strongest man I have ever had the pleasure of being around." He patted his friend's hand and smiled at him. "Please believe me."

Ulfric smiled a bit but lowered his head and shook it. He was still unsure of himself and he took a shaky breath. "He read what I had written Galmar… The Dragonborn will believe I am pathetic. Will he ever want to join our cause after what he has seen of me?" Galmar groaned and rolled his eyes. "My Jarl! How many times must I tell you that we do not NEED him, okay? He should feel honored that you would extend your home to him and he should feel honored if he becomes your soldier. Do not let him make you think you are at his mercy." He looked intensely at Ulfric before pulling him into a hug.

Ulfric looked rather happy at the simple gesture and rested in his arms. He eventually pulled away and gave a smile to his good friend. "And you know… we could always make him leave. Just let me give him the boot if it ever becomes the case." He chuckled as Ulfric pushed him away with a laugh. He sat beside his friend and went over the map through the rest of the day. As he was walking to his room, Ulfric looked away from Eco, who was sitting on the stairs with a blanket huddled around him. He paused as Eco grabbed onto his pants and he finally gave the man a blank look. "Ulfric… please just… let me explain," Eco said before shaking his head. "It won't work anyway… Just… read it please."

Read it. Ulfric was confused on what he was supposed to read as he went back to his room. He went to his bed and saw his journal he had thrown onto the nightstand in anger. It looked thicker than usual and he picked it up, watching a journal beneath it fall to the floor. He picked that one up and inspected it curiously, noting that it had Valenwood carved and seemingly painted in a gold color. He opened it up and noticed a scrap of paper fall out, the words telling him to read it, even though it will never compare to his journal. Ulfric looked at the journal before sighing and reading through it curiously, seeing that the handwriting was a bit messy and there are doodles around the page. They were good though, which surprised Ulfric and he read on. Most of the pages recounted what Eco had done that day and what he saw in full description. He would mention feeling tired even after a long rest and say that a dream had left him that way, making him wake up every few hours.

Ulfric was a bit curious about that and wondered what troubled Eco in his dreams. As he read on, it mentioned the two brothers Eco had talked about and how he reluctantly agreed to travel with the pair until the next city. The next two pages contained sketches of the Bosmers and small notes about the things Eco had noticed. After those two pages, there were time skips he was noticing. They would be three to four days apart but held great detail of what had transpired over that time. Eco had gotten closer to the brothers and decided to stay with them, traveling around Valenwood as a dynamic trio, as he had put it. After a few more descriptions of his adventures, Ulfric noticed that the writing seemed tired and distracted. He read that Eco started to develop nightmares about his family.

Eco recounted the endless repeats of watching his family die and him being powerless to help them. He went into detail of how he had found his father on the ground, surrounded by other men, being kicked and beaten into the dirt for standing up for the elves. His father had been bloody and even looked him in the eye, as if to tell him to run. He then described how he was in his home, his mother shoving him in a crawlspace as men yelled obscenities at her and broke down the door. How he was sat paralyzed in that space as they tortured his mother and eventually burned the house down when she was dead too. He had wandered alone for a long time after that mess, barely surviving on his own and hiding from everything and everyone. He was fearful of the people, scared they would kill him just like they had killed his parents.

Eventually, Ulfric found a page, saying that Tadus had brought him in front of a mirror, told him to draw what he saw and reflect on it. He had complied, drawing himself in the mirror on the page next to it and it made the Jarl pause. He had forgotten how young Eco was when he lost his parents and fled to Valenwood. But that drawing said it all, and he felt sick looking at it. There was a child sitting in front of it, with short wavy white hair, a thin frame and a haunted look in his eyes. There was a scratchy black line going across his face like there was a mask to hide it and it just accented the eyes even more. Even then he was hiding who he was, Ulfric concluded. Despite how happy he had seemed with the men, he looked depressed and on the verge of passing right there.

Ulfric stared at the drawing for a long time before reading the rest of it, watching his mind crumble into vivid nightmares. Eventually, the pages recount the adventures once again and the final pages hold a memorial page for the passing of his friends. The last one is a rough design of the mask Eco is donning, with a different pattern going around the metal and notes written to the side. There's a side view and a back view of it, showing a seal that closes in the middle and magical properties in the notes to help it seal. He wondered if taking off that mask would be difficult for anyone who tried to reveal his identity and he closed the journal.

Laying back into his pillows, Ulfric thought over what he had read and felt a weird wave of emotions. He felt a bit touched that Eco would trust him with something as important as his journal but figured it was an apology for snooping in his. He felt sorry for the Dragonborn, now understanding why he had come out so weird and so fearful of those around him. Even why he had the passion for saving people. He could have used his powers for a great evil, but he chose to help his country and focus his ability to save his people from the dragons. Ulfric felt like he was connected to Eco in a way. They both lived through traumatic events in their lives and it left deep scars.

Ulfric avoided him for another day, quiet this time and just hiding his face. The anger he felt the day before was gone, replaced only by emptiness and pity for Eco. He didn't know why he felt the need to avoid him, but he at least knew he needed to sort through his emotions. He would have launched himself at the Dragonborn and nearly strangled him trying to make him feel better. Those entries were from years ago, but he still would have tried to squeeze the pain out of him. But he knew Eco wouldn't have liked such a sudden display of affection or really appreciated being squeezed to death by the thick Nord.

The next day, a week of Eco being in the palace, Ulfric approached his room later that night. He would have done it earlier but noticed the water being brought in for a bath so he waited for him to finish. He had time to reflect on what had happened over the past few days and felt guilty now for treating him the way he did. Eco was not only his best chance at winning the war but less of a pompous bastard than most people he was around and was actually entertaining. He didn't think much of him when he first laid eyes on the man, but now it was different. The Dragonborn was a mess but he had his good qualities as well and he appreciated that in him. Ulfric stood and knocked on the door, pushing on it next and looking up to Eco who was standing by the bed. "Eco… I wanted to give you this journal back and tell you how so-" he stopped mid-sentence and stared at Eco with wide eyes.

The man was dripping wet, his thick hair clinging to his head and the towel loosely wrapped around his waist. Eco was facing away from Ulfric and his body was rigid. One drop of water caught his eye and he watched it move through the muscles and scarring, sliding down a few burns along his back. It disappeared underneath the towel once it got lower and he looked back up to Eco, who was barely breathing now. His mask was on the floor, having fallen from his hands when Ulfric knocked. He was vulnerable and scared, Ulfric knew, but he couldn't stop himself from walking toward Eco. He reached out, touching his shoulders gently and feeling him jump. He looked down, finding him attracting and he couldn't help but play with a piece of his hair. Ulfric let go of his breath, not realizing he had held it in the first place and slowly started to turn Eco. He so desperately wanted to see what he looked like but he stopped before he could see anything.

Ulfric could feel the fear coming off Eco and he let him go, backing away and looking back toward the door. He had nearly seen what Eco looked like without his mask but he felt sick. The Jarl could feel the tension radiating from his body and he knew Eco never wanted anyone to know what he looked like. But he had tried to see anyway and he felt bad, knowing how tightly Eco clung to his secret. He could hear Eco kneel and the sound of metal clinking together before it clicked into place. He gave it a few more seconds and turned, seeing Eco shaking on the bed with the mask fixed in place.

Ulfric rubbed the back of his head and approached Eco slowly before handing back his journal and stepping back to allow him room. "I was… wondering if you could join me for dinner in my own chambers… I would be honored if you accepted." He offered and waited for Eco to reply. He watched the man think before getting a bit excited when he nodded slowly. "I will… spend my dinner with you. We haven't spoken in a while."

Eco stood in front of the mirror in his room. He stared at his reflection, feeling a bit self-conscious now that Ulfric offered a private dinner with him. It would just be him and the Jarl, so he believed extra care was in order to appear nice. He especially didn't want to disappoint the Jarl even more than he had already. He had chosen his best outfit, which could be considered royal clothing if he thought about it, and took a step back to gather his courage. Sonny laid on his side of the bed, watching his master and giving a coo like he approved of his outfit. Eco took it as that and turned to the bird. "I may be gone for a couple of hours, so Bryleca will come to feed you. Please behave." He patted the feathers on his wings before leaving the room and looking up the stairs.

He was given a dense feeling in his stomach when he took a step toward them. He wasn't sure why he was so nervous to meet with Ulfric, but he knew it would be awkward on his part. He had betrayed his trust after all and he wasn't sure he could ever fix what he had done. Ulfric had every right to be cross with him and Eco would accept that. Plus, he was scared because of earlier. Ulfric had tried to peek at his face and he felt like his whole world was about to crumble. He could not do anything to the Jarl if he had tried and Ulfric would have known his secret. But he was grateful as well since he had stopped himself and given Eco the chance to put on his mask.

He was stalling now, thinking things over and he knew the Jarl would be waiting for him. He felt rude taking so long to join Ulfric, so he swallowed down that fear and ascended the steps to his room. Eco knocked on the door and waited patiently, perking up when it swung open to see the man in finer furs and freshly washed. His hair was brushed back and he had neater braids to hold back any unruly hairs. Overall, Eco had to admit that Ulfric looked attractive and his heart skipped a beat when his eyes fell upon him. He was nearly taken by that smile the Jarl flashed him and he had to recompose himself, offering one back with a bit of red in his cheeks.

Eco entered Ulfric's room and saw the table that was set up to hold their dinner. He took a seat closest to the door and watched his host circle around. "Hello, Ulfric… You look nice." He admitted, looking him up and down as he smiled a bit more. "Thank you, Eco…, You look rather nice yourself," Ulfric replied as he sat down and poured wine into their glasses. They were having some of the bear Eco had taken down a half a week prior and it tasted good. He was more surprised that they had not eaten all of it already, but it was a fat bear. They had foxes and rabbits to choose from as well, so he guessed there would still be meat left. When he was finished being sick, Eco would have to go out hunting again for more.

He could feel some of the tension in the air, however. Ulfric still seemed upset and Eco was unsure if his offer had waned him from it. He could only hope it helped a bit since he was eating with the Jarl now. But it was awkward silence and he opened his mouth to say something. Ulfric beat him to it and started to speak. "I'm sorry I snapped at you the way I did. That journal revealed a side of me that I didn't want anyone to know… I panicked when I realized you read it because… well, it makes me look weak. Weaker than I thought you were. But that journal you gave me made me realize that you have felt the same thing. You may not feel like it was the same, but you were a child going through that." Ulfric looked at his guest and he smiled a bit sadly. "Thank you for helping me to understand you don't look down on me. It's comforting to know someone understands."
Eco nodded and patted his hand, returning the smile. "I'm just glad you aren't avoiding me anymore. But please know that I would never look down on someone for their trauma, let alone you. You have my utmost respect, Jarl Ulfric. I felt terribly bad for what I had done and I'm so sorry I brought you pain."

"You're forgiven."

The dinner took longer than both had anticipated. The tension had slowly disappeared as they talked about their lives after their trauma and they grew more at ease. They laughed as the alcohol set in, Eco a little easier since he wasn't one to drink in the first place. But they laughed loudly over some dumb story as to why Eco didn't drink anymore. He had gotten into a contest with a man named Sam, who took him out on a wild night through Skyrim. He had ended up naked in Dibella's temple with the priestess' both angry and a little interested in his body. None the less, he was able to find Sam and learned he was a Daedric prince who enjoyed the night that Eco provided.

Ulfric was nearly on the floor in tears when Eco concluded the story, especially Eco having to grab a vase from a table and run naked through Markarth in a panic. "It wasn't a wonder after that where the sex rumors were coming from. It was a little embarrassing, I admit. But that guy did give me a good night." Eco swished his drink around as Ulfric regained his composure. "Sounds like it was fun… Ah… It's a little late Eco… I shouldn't keep you up too late since you are sick." He stood and collected the cups, putting them to the side for the servants to retrieve later in the morning. He went by Eco's side and helped him up, knowing how drunk the man was and finding that amusing to see.

Ulfric walked him to the door and let Eco step out of the room, helping him to balance on the door. He leaned into the frame as Eco turned to him, his face a bit red and a small smile on his lips. The red complimented the gold behind the black mask and he wanted to lean in and kiss him. Instead, he watched Eco's lips move to speak. "Thank you for tonight and thank you for using my name like I asked you too… I really enjoyed being with you." His smile widened and he hugged Ulfric. His head was buried in his throat and he felt how warm Eco was.

He never wanted to let go of the man.

But Eco pushed away after a second and wobbled his way down the stairs. He stumbled into his room and Ulfric was alone when he closed the door. The Jarl stood there in silence before reality dawned on him and he flushed red. He closed the door quickly and took a few moments to catch his breath. That smile had gotten to him, the way it brightened up his face and made him feel comforted. He undressed as he thought over what just happened and laid in his bed, now thinking over that hug. Eco was a tall man and he had muscles, but he felt so small leaning into him and this urge to cradle and protect him had nearly overcome the Jarl. His warmth was what nearly made him come undone. He felt like he could let his guard down in that hug and he melted a bit to enjoy Eco's grip.

Ulfric stopped there, his eyes snapping over in a realization as that thought came to his mind. His body was feeling warm from those thoughts and he closed his eyes, dipping his hand beneath the blankets to check underneath his underwear. He was met with a particular hardness that made his face go a shade deeper with red and he tried to suppress it. There was no way he would get aroused from a hug and smile. Much less over a man, he hadn't been around for long. The Jarl looked down as he lifted the blanket with his other hand, his fingers brushing over the heated shaft and he looked up the ceiling. This was wrong to think about and he knew that well, so he thought about other people. He tried to think of the women he had been with in his past to avoid Eco but there was something about each girl that would throw him back into those man's arms. He tried to think of some of the men that would look different and have no relation to Eco but that damned masked mystery would find a way to replace them.

The Jarl laid there, trying so desperately to escape Eco before succumbing to him when it proved fruitless. His mind felt more relieved when he finally gave up and his hips moved into his hand now. He could imagine Eco best with the information he knew and what he had seen himself. What a sight that was for his imagination, to see Eco in his lap and moving in unison with his thrusting. He imagined reaching out and touching his body, letting his hand move down his stomach and grip his hips tightly to help control his movements. Ulfric's hand tightened around his cock and he stroked a little faster, imagining how Eco's body would feel wrapped around him and squeezing tightly.

It was an erotic scene in his mind, having Eco tied in rope and riding him, his skin a beautiful red flush and his moans ringing in his ears. Ulfric moved his hand again up his body, playing with the knots used to keep him restrained and he played with a nipple to tease him. He found it was the right move to make, for Eco gave him a delicious noise that spurred him on and he jerked himself faster, getting closer to release as his imagination got dirtier. He was putting the younger male into different positions, always making sure to get a good look at his pleasured face.

In his last thought, Eco was simply on his back, ankles tied to his wrist to keep his legs up and spread. Ulfric was close and he just wanted something beautiful to see or hear to finish him. So, he looked down to see if Eco would cum and instead, he was met with his pleasured look and eyes that stared into his soul. Eco smiled at him and whispered his name in this breathy moan that sent Ulfric over the edge.

The Jarl laid there in his bed, panting heavily and staring up at the ceiling with wide eyes. He felt his body send waves of pleasure crashing over him and the warmth of his release spreading over his belly and hand. His mind was fuzzy until the pleasure faded a bit and the weight of what he did hit him like a brick. Ulfric had shamelessly masturbated to the thought of using Eco's body. He had gotten dirty, using the rope he had always favored and put him in in several positions that let him bury his cock deep inside the Dragonborn. Ulfric groaned a bit and rubbed his face, feeling guilty of thinking so perversely.

"What are you doing to me, Eco?"