- Old Hroldan Inn, the Reach

"Look the imperial buggers are starting to catch on. We need to call this off before I get caught." said Joldi; she was sitting at a table in the corner across from Ferik a stormcloak officer. Ferik drank down his mead and Joldi watched him waiting for a response. "Stop your bawling there's no investigations on and what you told me is that it's only gossip." said Ferik slamming down his mug, "Legions got Falkreath back under the wing. Only a few survivors."

"I heard, sorry for Vasik. I know he was your brother."

"Yeah well standing around mourning him isn't going to do anything for me, is it? We have to get to work if we gonna win this war."

"They are planning to attack Markarth." whispered Joldi aware of the lose ears around the tavern.

"Ha! Don't make me laugh girl, by our reports they don't have enough men and supplies to take the Reach. They are barely holding their own territories."

"But they are, there has been news that some rich politician from Cyrodiil is coming here to give them aid."

Ferik looked concerned, he leaned in closer to Joldi across the table, "What kind of aid?"

"Money, supplies, even some soldiers. This politician was asked by the Emperor himself."

Ferik leaned back into his chair and rub his chin pondering. "This…has to be in Ulfric's full attention. As for you your orders are still to take out the Dragonborn."

"Putting him to sleep didn't stop anything. And just waiting at the camps hoping a sword goes right through his chest in battle isn't going help out with the war effort either."

"That's why you need to take a different approach."

Joldi jolted up in her seat, she kinda got the idea on Ferik meant on "different approach", "You mean, take him out seriously?"

"I'm not saying take him out to dinner girl." Ferik chuckled to himself while taking a sip of another mug of mead.

"I don't think I can go through with that. I'm no assassin; I already feel nerved spying around and snooping. I wish to serve this country with honor and bravery but I feel like I'm doing everyone's dirty work."

"He is responsible for death of countless lives. Lives like you and me, the ones who carried the same banner the same soul. It's Rohan that's leading the Empire's hand of tyranny over Skyrim, Our home!"

"But isn't he a nord? Isn't Skyrim his home like us?"

"No, after he took Tullius's side he turned his back on Skyrim, he and the other fake nords in the legion. I appreciate what he did on stopping the World Eater but Alduin was going to destroy the entire world so I doubt he acted on the betterment on Skyrim's welfare. Now tell me do you want him dead or not. As I do remember back on the battle in Whiterun it was him who struck your husband down with his thu'um. I saw it myself; he screamed fire from his mouth."

Joldi's memory came to her, the day she saw her husband Tharn brought to her, his body was charred and it was hard to recognize his face. Only the wedding ring her wore was recognizable. A tear comes down a cheek of her unemotional face. "I'll carve his chest open and give Ulfric his heart."

-Blue Palace, later that evening

Elisif sat in front of her vanity staring at herself in silence. It was an important day for her, a senator from the imperial capital would be coming here and the senator would be giving financial support which would mean a lot for the war effort. The other senators were no help at all just a bunch of whiney stingy bureaucrats who cared for themselves. But it wasn't just the new senator visiting that made this day important to her, today was the anniversary of her late husband's death. Elisif hated this day but was ready for it, she had the palace to be decorated with teal for it was Torygg's favorite color and the people of Solitude had gone to the Hall of the Dead to pay their respects.

Elisif continued to stare at her reflection, she was looking beautiful and eloquent as a Jarl and future High Queen should but she still remembered that fateful night…

It was a clear night sky, the wind was crisp and chill.

"The moons are so big this night, I've never seen them this close before." Elisif gazed at night sky on the balcony of their bedroom, her husband Torygg standing next to her gazing as well. "Moons mean it's time to harvest. I bet farmers will be kicking their oxes sharp once they harvest their crops."

Elisif giggled, "That's a hard thing to say, it's wrong to kick an ox."

"You knew what I meant." said Torygg with a warm smile. He looked at his wife, so young and beautiful she was. He knew how hard it was for to transition into such a life style, her father a banker, her uncle a diplomat in Cyrodiil she had no training on royal formalities or court customs. But it did not bother him for he knew he would just want her as his wife and sooner or later the mother of his children. "Why do you keep looking at me like that?" teased Elisif playfully.

"Cause I feel like the luckiest man in Skyrim to be married to a woman so beautiful and kind as you. Here…." Torygg pulled out a small box and handed it to Elisif. Elisif opened it and there was a bright silver necklace with a small green stone in it. "Oh my….Torygg! This…is beautiful!"

"Just like you my dear." Torygg puts the necklace on her. Elisif smiled grew a little bigger, she moved in and they both kissed. After they part lips they kept swooning and staring at each other for a moment until Elisif began to say a word, "Oh Torygg, I love….

"Your Majesty!" a guard comes in, "I'm sorry to disturb you, but an urgent matter has come."

"What is it?" said Torygg in serious tone.

"The Jarl of Windhelm is here, your highness."

Torygg's face went pale and grim. As if he knew what was about to happen, "Ulfric" he whispered to himself. "What's wrong?" said Elisif, "Torygg what's happening?"

Torygg's mood suddenly changes into a stern, serious overtone. "Elisif, stay here do not leave this room no matter what!"

"Huh!? Torygg what's happening, you're scaring me!"

Torygg rushes across the room to the door but Elisif stops him for a moment. "Torygg you are acting strange!"

"ELISIF!" Torygg quickly takes a moment to calm himself seeing that he scared his wife when he snapped, "Elisif please, I need you stay in this room for a moment. Understand?" Elisif didn't want to stay she wanted come with him cause she could tell by the look in his eyes something bad was going to happen. "I understand." she nodded.

"Now I'm going to have a word with our friend the Jarl of Windhelm, I shall be back momentarily, okay?"

"Okay"

Torygg kisses her on the forehead and gives her one more soft look. He then turns around and walks out the door, shutting it behind him. Elisif sat down by her vanity, playing with her fingers nervously. It seemed like it was hours but it only been fifteen minutes, She could hear some noises but that's was all for her. Suddenly a short but loud rumble shakes the palace, the rumble made her get up and ignore Torygg's orders to stay inside the room. She darts out with many other personnel of the palace all the way to the throne room where she saw the horror. People stood circled around in shock murmuring to each other, some were crying and screaming. Ulfric stood in the middle of the crowd, some drips of blood on his face and clothes, with a bloodied sword clutched in his hand by his side. Everyone stopped and went silent as Elisif walked in slowly staring at the floor with wide horrified eyes. There on the ground covered in blood was High King Torygg. His eyes and mouth slightly open. Blood was pouring from his chest and a mace was in his bloodied hand.

Elisif dropped to her knees shaking and staring at her husband's body. Emotions were just flying and she let it all out with a bone chilling scream. The scream was loud that it even took Ulfric back for a second. "Torygg!"She cried, closing his eyes with shaking hand. Elisif then glared at Ulfric with pure rage, "WHAT DID YOU DO!?"

"I did what was right for Skyrim. I am your new High King." said Ulfric in boastful but exhausted tone.

Elisif went on full rage she grabbed Torygg's mace and swung at Ulfric which he dodged with no issue. In fact he was enjoying her swing a big mace around so clumsy that he was giggling. "Put that down before you hurt yourself!"

"I'LL KILL YOU, YOU BASTARD!"

She kept swinging and swinging, until Falk grabbed her wrist and stopped her. "Arrest him, now!" Falk commanded. Guards swarm in and pin Ulfric's hands behind his back. "What is this!? Torygg agreed Falk! You know this was fair"

"There was nothing fair about using the Thu'um!" snapped Falk, "Take him out of here!"

"I didn't shout him to his death and you know that! This was honor! This was tradition! "This was faiiiiiiiiirrrrrr" Ulfric yelled as he was being dragged away.

Elisif dropped the mace and curled up against Falk crying. Falk hold her close and comforted her. "Everything is going to be okay. I promise Jarl Elisif." Elisif quickly stops crying and rises up her head and looks at Falk. "Jarl?"

A knock at the door comes and Elisif quickly comes back into reality. "Yes?" she called. One of her personal maids Kianna a young redguard woman comes in. "Sir Firebeard has told me to tell you that the senator has just left Dragon's Bridge and should be arriving shortly."

"Okay, thank you Kianna." Elisif kept to the reflection in her mirror, quickly wiping some small tears from the corners of her eyes. Kianna notice the slightly timid tone in her mistress's voice. "My Jarl….are you alright?"

"Oh yes my dear, just a little excited that's all." Elisif quickly waved her away for she didn't want to show off any emotion. She did not want anyone showing any mournful attitude, she wanted it to be just a normal day but with a small recognition of Torygg's life, no sympathy, no tears. Elisif looks at herself one more time and does a quick exhale of energy to put her in the mood, she then pulls open a small drawer of the vanity and takes out a necklace. It was the same necklace Torygg gave her on that fateful night, she promise herself she would never wore it again for it was a reminder and it cause such misery. But today she was going to wear it, for him at least.

Elisif quickly buckles the necklace around her neck and heads out the bedroom door where her four personal maids were standing outside. The eyes facing the floor as they follow her to the throne room. Her court officials were all standing around and accounted for. General Tullius was there with a few legionnaire captains standing at his side. Even the senators were around, drinking and they bowed their heads and greeted Elisif as such as she takes her seat on her throne. Some bards were playing some music and servant were serving drinks for the noble guest. Falk kept by Elisif's side, telling the names of the guest that would were about to approach and greet her.

This meeting with the senator was very important to him and Tullius, they had constantly requested aid from the capitol sending letters to the senate, trying to import whatever trade they can give to Cyrodiil anything, they were getting desperate. But somehow Elisif had managed to get some form of help. Which was rather shocking for no one had really thought of her knowing any politicians or military officials? Never more, this meeting was strictly business and Falk wasn't expecting any other relevance of Elisif with the war aid.

A few minutes had passed and everyone was anxious for senator's arrival. Suddenly the front palace doors had made a sound of them opening and people looked towards the entrance for the honored guest to come in but to most disappointment it Ambassador Elenwen of the Thalmor. Elisif did a short sigh under her breath but kept a quirk smile as Elenwen approached her.

"Madam Ambassador, it's a pleasure."

"The pleasure is all mine dear Jarl." Elenwen bowed her head courtly, "The whole city is of talks of the arrival of the senator, and I just couldn't wait to see. Forgive me of my tardiness I was going to arrive earlier but I had to pay my respects to your late husband's grave. I would also like to say on behalf of I, Elenwen First Emissary and the Aldmeri Dominion, we send our deepest condolences."

"Why thank you Madam Ambassador." Elisif kept it affably.

"Now I do understand of the needing of aid for the war but I do remember offering the General full stock of supplies and troops. On which on numerous of times he had refused."

Tullius gave Elenwen an unemotional but brooding stare, "Forgive Ambassador but I saw your resources not matching the criteria of what legion holds needs."

"What legion hold needs? But general mostly half of your army happen to be farm boys and sell swords. No offense of course."

"None taken Elenwen." Tullius looked away, he wanted to slice that Aldmeri bitch's throat open. He hated talking to her, he hated being around her, but it was part of his job to see that the Ambassador had to be a part of every meeting or gathering had something to do with the Empire.

Elenwen does one more soft bow of her head and walks off to mingle with the other guests. Elisif waited until Elenwen was an ear shot away, "Why the hell is she here!?" she hissed into Falk's ear, "I did not invite her, this is an invitation only."

"I'm sorry jarl Elisif but the White Gold Concordant states that if a high representative of the Empire is to be present of a war matter than a representative of the Dominion should be present as well, invitation or not." said Tullius.

"Do not worry my Jarl, I will make sure it would not be a bother." said Falk.

Elisif sat back in her throne she was getting tired fast. Falk had said that the senator's convoy was to arrive soon but that was almost an hour ago. Just when she was about fall asleep the doors had flung open and the court orator had entered the room.

"PRESENTING HEAD GENERAL OF THE 3RD LEGION GENERAL PIAS XIREX! REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COURT COUNCIL OF THE EMPEROR, COUNCILOR PONCOIUS RANTOLI, AND HIGH SENATOR OF THE IMPERIAL CAPITOL…MYRA STANTIOR!"

General Xirex comes walking in, in a boastful manner. He had on his general uniform similar to Tullius but his cape was white and he had on certain emblems on his chest plate, showing of a high decoration in the military. The general was tall and seemingly handsome for man his age, he had bright blonde hair short and curly hair on the top of his head, a cheerful smirk.

Councilor Rantoli comes waddling behind, he was fat and stubby and looked old for a man only middle age. He had a balding with a ragged scruff around his face. He wore long purple robes and a necklace with the dragon emblem that of the Empire.

Myra Santoir comes in and walks gracefully beside the General. She was looking very eloquent and beautiful. Her long gown matched her blue eyes, and her blonde hair was combed behind the ears. She was basically glowing in the light of the room and everyone stood in awe.

Elisif got from her throne and smiled a big smile, "Myra!" she shouted and ran to Myra arms wide for a hug. Myra hugged her so warmly as if the two were siblings. "It's so good to see you Elly! I mean Jarl Elisif!" Myra quickly bowed down correcting herself.

"Oh Myra you do not have to be formal with me."

"Please I'm a senator, I must act cordial."

"Very funny Myra, but never mind that, it's great seeing you all this time."

"I know it's been so long, when was the last time we saw each oth…" Myra quickly remember the last met at Elisif and Torygg's wedding, "Oh never mind."

"Please, let us talk with the others. I am very interested in your companions."

Xirex slowly walks up, "My Jarl I am General Pias Xirex, Myra's military advisor and I'm sure you heard of Rantoli."

"Yes Councilor I have heard of your many political expiendancies in the Capitol."

"Yes I once helped your father in preceding over taxation law that was hurting his business." said Councilor Rantoli.

"May I introduce you to my court, my steward Falk Firebeard, court wizard Sybille Stentor, my housecarl Bolgier and thanes Erikur and Bryling. And I am sure you heard of General Tullius."

"Augustine, hello." said Xirex.

"Nice to see you again Pias." said Tullius in a grumbling tone.

"My jarl you have to forgive us for running late but there had been traveling issues on our way up from dragon's bridge. With the talk of dragons lose and about, we had been traveling very carefully not wanting to draw attention and when you travel with convoy of forty it can be hard." said Myra.

"Oh don't mind yourself Senator Santoir please." said Elisif.

"My Jarl dinner is almost ready shall we reside to the table?" asked Falk.

"Yes, I'm sure our honored guest must be exhausted and quite famish from the travel."

"That would be lovely." Myra.

Elisif and her court, Tullius, Myra, Xirex, Rantoli, and Elenwen sat at a round private table at one of the dining halls of the palace. Appetizers had been given around as the main course was still being prepared.

"Now I have heard many stories from here Jarl Elisif." said Myra eating some grapes and drinking some spiced wine.

"Well since last year, Skyrim has been anything but boring."

"Civil war, winged beast soaring skies, there were even rumors of it being the ending of the world." said Xirex, "I tell you nords are always on their toes."

"Ending of the world." chuckled Rantoli, "With all this bloodshed with soldiers and dragons it might be close to it."

"Surely you haven't heard of the World Eater?" said Elisif.

"The what?" said Myra.

"Alduin the World Eater." said Tullius, "I heard stories of it among the men, he was the Nordic God of destruction. Bringer of the end times."

"Just another example of primitive nord beliefs." said Elenwen, "There was never any real danger, it was merely a dragon infestation. I had never seen this World Eater and nothing apocalyptic had ever happen."

"So it was just stories and fables? Mythical rumors?" asked Rantoli.

"Of course, mere nord superstition." said Elenwen.

"Then what was this Dragonborn I kept hearing so much about?" asked Myra.

"You mean Rohan?" said Elisif.

"Yep, Rohan Satilus. They are basically immortalizing him in Chorrol."

"Rohan is a tribune just promoted, he is stationed at one of our forts in the Rift."

Myra's mouth flung open in surprise, "He's fighting the war!?"

"Rohan is a very decorated soldier one of the best if your don't mind me saying." said Elisif, "He'd slain the World Eater who did exist."

"Jarl Elisif really, do you believe that one man had slain some godlike dragon. How do you know Alduin ever existed?"

"Because our ancestors fought him and had passed down the stories from generation to warn us." said Falk heavily annoyed by Elenwen's rudeness.

"Rohan summoned a dragon to Dragonsreach and flew it to go and kill Alduin." said Elisif.

"And where was that?" said Rantoli

"Sovngarde."

Xirex and Rantoli jerked back at the answer. Elenwen let out a chuckle, "See, he goes and fights a Godlike dragon in some afterlife. Nothing but children stories."

"Yes well, we all thought that the Oblivion Gates would never open back home in Cyrodiil didn't we?" said Tullius, "I saw the ugly bastard firsthand, right when Helgen was destroyed."

"Have you seen him done it?" said Myra like an excited teenage girl.

"Done what?" asked Elisif.

"Have you seen Rohan shout?"

"Yes numerous of times. His voice his very powerful."

"Please, tell me."

"Once as he raised his voice, he shook the ground. I've seen shout at bears and sabers, calming them." said Elisif.

"One day during a storm I saw him shout at the sky parting the clouds." said Falk.

"I've seen him shout fire, shout frost, shout that dashes him forward, shout that made enemies run away. He can use his voice as much as he can use his sword." said Tullius.

"How exciting!" said Myra.

"Pah!" teased Xirex.

"Honestly Elly, you have to let me meet him."