Here it is! It is time for the Stormcloaks and the Imperial to form a truce. And just a heads up, I am going to have Blackheart get his companions so that afterwards we can finish up the Dawnguard Questline! That's right, Blackheart is going to fight Harkon first! (Spoilers!) Anyways, let's start!

Chapter 54

As Blackheart and the others were arriving at Whiterun, Blackheart let out a loud sigh and said "Finally! I am home!"

Elisif looks at Blackheart and said "Why is Whiterun your home?"

Blackheart replied "Because it's the only place in Skyrim where I actually have a house."

"Ah," Elisif said, "I see."

When they all near Whiterun, Blackheart turns to them and said "I am going to head in. Are you sure you guys can handle yourselves?"

Tullius replied "The Jarl is accompanied by a Highly Ranked General, a strong Legate and the Thalmor Ambassador. We will handle ourselves."

As Blackheart nodded, he and the others went their ways. When Blackheart enters Whiterun, he looks around to see where his companions are. As he enters his house, he looks around and sees that no one was there. Thinking that they might be at Jorrvaskr, Blackheart left his house and made their way to Jorrvaskr.

Once he was in the marketplace, Blackheart heard a small voice crying "Big brother!"

When Blackheart looks, he sees Kiara rushing towards him. He takes off his helmet, knees down and hugs her. As the two departed, Blackheart said "How have you been doing?"

Kiara smiled and said "Okay! She is mad at you!"

"Mad at me?" Blackheart asked, "Who's mad at me?"

All of a sudden, Serana's voice yelled "Blackheart! Where the hell were you?!"

Alerted, Blackheart got up and saw Serana walking towards him. Kiara then said "Oh! You are in trouble!"

Blackheart witlessly looks at Kiara and said "No, really?"

As Serana was standing in front of him, without any warning, Serana slaps Blackheart across his face! Blackheart yelled in pain and said "Why did you do that?!"

Serana said in a provoked way "Do you have any idea how long you've been away?! We were all worried sick of you!"

"Oh," Blackheart said "Yeah…about that. I was, let's say, taken to Solitude."

"Taken to?" Serana said, "What happened?"

Blackheart said "Let's just say something that happen in Riften came back to bite me in the ass."

Getting where this was going, Serana said "And you handled it?"

Blackheart nodded and said "And afterwards, I went to Solitude and got Tullius to agree to the negotiations."

Mephala then said "Right after he saved Solitude from a dead insane queen."

"What was that?" Serana asked.

Blackheart said "Nothing. Anyways, where is everyone?"

Serana said "Torlak is in the Skyforge, but Lydia and M'aiq left Whiterun."

Curious, Blackheart said "Where did they go?"

Serana shrugged and said "They said that they went to find friends to help out."

"Friends?" Blackheart said, "I wonder who."

Kiara then said "Big brother, I learned how to shoot an arrow!"

Blackheart looks at her and said "That's great! Did Aela teach you?"

Serana said "Actually, Kiara here taught herself to shoot arrows."

"What?" Blackheart said in a surprised way, "Did she really?"

Kiara nodded and said "Wanna see?"

When Blackheart picks up his Ebony Helmet and puts it away in his Dragon Gauntlet, he replied "Sure."

In excitement, Kiara rushed towards Jorrvaskr while Blackheart and Serana followed her. Once there, Kiara made her way to the courtyard where there was a hunting bow and a couple of arrows on one of the tables. As Blackheart and Serana was standing near the table, Kiara got the bow and one of the arrows. As she stood a few yards away from the target practice, she readied her bow and aims it. After taking a breath, Kiara lets go of the arrow and it flew right into the bulleyes.

Impressed Blackheart said "That was awesome!"

Kiara smiled and said "Thank you!"

"How did she do that?" Blackheart asked.

Suddenly, a voice said "She is a Wood Elf, she was born with that trait."

When Blackheart and Serana turned around, they saw Lydia walking towards them. Serana then said "Lydia, you have returned."

Lydia replied "And we brought someone."

Blackheart said "Who?"

At that moment, three figures walked up to Lydia. One of them was obviously M'aiq, but the other two Blackheart already knew them. Surprised, Blackheart said "Delphine?! Esbern?! What the hell are you guys doing here?!"

Delphine smiled and said "What? You don't expect to see us again? I'm hurt."

When Delphine saw Blackheart's armor, she smiled and said "The armor looks good on you."

As Blackheart playfully shrugged, Esbern then said "When your Housecarl came to us and told us that you failed to defeat Alduin, we came as fast as we can."

Blackheart lazily looks at Lydia and said "Really? That is what she said?"

Delphine said "Actually, the Khajiit told us that your Housecarl told him that you didn't defeat Alduin."

Everyone then looks M'aiq in a threatening way. M'aiq then said "M'aiq say what is true."

Lydia said "I hate you."

As M'aiq rolls his eyes, Delphine said "So it's true?"

Blackheart replied "Yes and no. We had him on the end of his rope, but he fucking cheat shot us and destroyed my armor."

"That's terrible," Esbern said, "And is that why you are having this negotiation?"

Blackheart nodded and said "But now I have to find a way to kill Alduin before he tries to kill me again."

"Yeah," Serana said, "If it weren't Paarthurnax, then Blackheart wouldn't be here."

Delphine's and Esbern's eyes widen and Esbern said "Did you say Paarthurnax?"

"Yeah," Blackheart said, "He's…the Grand Master of the Voice. He saved my life from Alduin."

"Oh," Delphine said, "Alright…just glad that you are alright."

Lydia said "Now that everyone is here, now what do we do, my Thane?"

Blackheart replied "Let's go get Torlak and rest. Let us stay for a few days and head out to High Hrothgar."

When everyone agreed, Lydia remembered something and said "My Thane, I forgot. When I told Jarl Balgruuf about using Dragonsreach to use to capture a dragon, he decided to come along for the negotiations."

Blackheart said "Alright. But first, I need to talk to him."

Serana asked "About using Dragonsreach?"

Blackheart shook his head and said "No, about him sending Kiara to that fucking orphanage without telling me!"

With that, Blackheart started to make his way to Dragonsreach. Behind him, Serana, M'aiq, Lydia and Kiara followed him. Once they left, Delphine turns to Esbern and said "Do you think we should tell him about Paarthurnax?"

Esbern shook his head and said "No, my dear. We don't want him to know yet. Once the negotiations are done, we'll tell him."

As Delphine nodded, she and Esbern made their way to Dragonsreach to try to calm Blackheart down. Knowing his attitude, he was mad at the Jarl and they want to be there to calm him down.


It has been over a week since Blackheart and the others have left Whiterun and arrived at High Hrothgar. Along with Blackheart, there were Lydia, M'aiq, Torlak, Serana, Delphine, Esbern and Jarl Balgruuf. Balgruuf nearly had a heart attack when Blackheart approached him and yelled at him for sending Kiara to Honorhall Orphanage. Now, Balgruuf was keeping his distance from Blackheart. On the road, Blackheart looked at his Dragon Gauntlet and saw a hidden Shrine of Talos on his way to High Hrothgar. As he told everyone to stay put, he quietly rushed to the shrine and placed Torygg's horn on it. After that, he regrouped with the others and resumed their destination. Once they all entered High Hrothgar, they saw Master Arngeir standing there.

When he saw Blackheart, he walked up to him and said "About time you have arrived. Everyone is waiting for you."

Blackheart said "Good, I hope this works."

Serana said "Just pray that it does."

As they all nodded, they all headed to the meeting room. When Arngeir saw Delphine and Esbern, he then yelled "What are they doing here?! They are not allowed here!"

When everyone looked at Arngeir, Blackheart look at them and said "Just head on, I'll deal with this."

Once they all nodded, they head on to the meeting room while Blackheart walked up to Arngeir, Delphine and Esbern. When he was near, Delphine yelled "We were invited by the Dragonborn himself to be part of the negotiations!"

Arngeir then said "The plans of the Blades know no bounds! You mean you put him off the path of wisdom and wholesome judgment and on a tirade of destruction!"

"Ha!" Delphine said in a sarcastic way, "You sound like you own the boy! Path of Wisdom, don't make me laugh. You mean the path cowardice? Pacifism is code word for scared."

In rage, Arngeir said "Be careful what you wish for."

"Hey!" Blackheart yelled, "That is enough! Old man, Delphine, this is not the time to fight! We don't want to do anything stupid!"

Esbern then said "The Dragonborn is right, this is no time to bear old grudges. You need us at this council. The fate of the world is at hand."

Arngeir took a deep breath and said "Fair enough. You may enter."

"Good," Blackheart said, "Now let's get this negotiation on the way."

When they all agreed, they all made their way to the meeting room. When they get there, a stone round table took up most of the room and a fire pit was in the middle warming the room. Blackheart can see everyone in the room giving each other death glares. Ulfric Stormcloak and Galmar Stone-Fists were standing on the left side of the room while Legate Rikke, Jarl Balgruuf, Jarl Elisif, General Tullius and Elenwen were standing on the right side of the room. And on the back room, Lydia, M'aiq, Torlak and Serana were standing there waiting for Blackheart. As Arngeir stood in the center chair, there was an open chair on the opposite side of the room that was for him. After walking to the other side of the room, Delphine and Esbern already have their seats.

As Blackheart got to this seat and looked around, he notice that there was only one seat left and it was right next to him. When he turns to his companions, Blackheart said "So…which one of you wants to sit next to me?"

Lydia said "With all due respect, my Thane, I would rather stand behind you than to sit next to him."

When she motioned her head, he saw Galmar sitting next to the empty sit. Torlak then said "I don't mind standing."

M'aiq then said "M'aiq would like to take a seat."

Lydia then said "I know you do, but we should let Serana seat next to him."

"What?" Serana asked.

Mephala said "She said that you should seat next to Blackheart."

Serana looks at Lydia, who surprisingly winked at her. Just then, Arngeir said "Great, now that everyone is here, please take your seats so we can begin."

Seeing no other choice, Serana took her seat while Blackheart sat down. Arngeir then said "Now I hope we all have come here in the spirit of…"

"No!" Ulfric, who was still standing, shouted, "You insult us by bring herto this negotiation! Your chief Talos hunter?!"

Galmar then said "Here, Here!"

Next to Blackheart, Rikke huffed and said "That didn't take long."

Blackheart then whispered "And we haven't even talked about the negotiations."

As Rikke silently laughed, Elenwen said "I have every right to this negotiation. I need to ensure that nothing is agreed to here that violate the terms of White Gold Concordant."

Tullius then said "She is part of the imperial delegation. You can't dictate who I bring to this council!"

"Please!" Arngeir said, "If we have to negotiate the terms of the negotiation, we will never get anywhere."

He then looks at Blackheart and said "Dragonborn, this looks like a good time to get you input on this on this matter. You're the one who'll make the decisions here."

As Blackheart thought about it, Ulfric said "By Ysmir's beard the nerve of those imperial bastards eh? To think that I'll sit down at the same table with that…Thalmor bitch. Either she walks or I do."

Blackheart then said "I know that she is a bitch, but let them have this one."

Ulfric huffs and said "It feels like a mistake to me, but I'll bow to your judgment on this."

He then turns to Tullius and said "But she is to observe nothing more! We are not negotiating with her, is that clear?!"

Elenwen gave off a devious smile and said "Ulfric why so hostile? After all it's not the Thalmor that's burning your farms and killing your sons."

Ulfric gritted and said "You know exactly…no. Not this time."

Arngeir then said "Now that's that settled, may we proceed?"

Ulfric replied "I have something to say first!"

Rikke threw out her arms and said "Here we go!"

Ulfric said "The only reason I agreed to attend this council was to deal with the dragon menace. There's nothing else to talk about, unless the Empire is finally ready to renounce its unjust claim to rule over the free people of Skyrim."

Rikke turns over to Blackheart and whispered "I knew he wouldn't be able resist."

Blackheart then said "When doesn't he?"

As the two of the laughed, Serana gave him a jab in his ribs and whispered "Silence."

Ulfric continue to talk by saying "We're here to arrange a temporary truce to allow the Dragonborn here to deal with the dragons. Nothing more. I consider talking to the Empire a generous gesture."

Unimpressed by Ulfric's speech, Tullius said "Are you done? Did you just come here to make speeches? Or can we get down to business?"

Ulfric replied "Yes, let's get this over with."

Arngeir then cleared his throat and said "Are we ready to proceed? Jarl Ulfric, General Tullius. This council in unprecedented. We are gathered here at the Dragonborn's request. I ask that you all respect the spirit of High Hrothgar, and do your best achieving a lasting peace in Skyrim. Who will be first in the negotiation?"

"Yes let's get down to it," Ulfric said, "We want control over Markarth. That's our price for agreeing a truce."

In rage, Elisif yelled "So that's why you're here Ulfric? You dare insult the Greybeards by using this council to advance your own positions?"

Ulfric laughed in amusement and said "Well look who has a voice."

Tullius said "Elisif, I'll handle this."

Elisif turns to Tullius and said "General this outrageous! You can't be taking this demand seriously! I thought we were here to discuss a truce!"

"Elisif," Tullius said in a stern way, "I said I'll handle this."

Elisif then turns to Ulfric and said "Ulfric, you can't seriously give up Markarth at the negotiating table? You hope to gain in council what you've been unable to take in battle, is that it?"

Lydia then said "Oh no she didn't!"

Galmar turns to Lydia and said "Shut up."

Lydia looks at him and said "Make me."

"Be quiet, you two," Blackheart said, "As for Markarth, don't think that Ulfric will expect something in return."

"Yeah," Rikke said, "That be entirely out of character."

Arngeir then said "What would the Empire want in return?"

Elisif then yelled "Wait! General you don't intend to just hand over Markarth to that…traitor?!"

Balgruuf then said "This is how the Empire repays us for our loyalty?!"

"Enough!" Tullius yelled, "First let's be clear. This council wasn't my idea. I think this it's a waste of time."

He then looks at Ulfric and said "You are a traitor to the Empire and deserve a traitor's death. But I at least will negotiate in good faith."

Tullius looks at Blackheart and said "Since we're all here at your request, I'll like to hear what you think Markarth is worth."

Blackheart thought about it and said "I know that Markarth is known to have silver metal to make weapons and armor. This is a tough choice."

M'aiq then said "May M'aiq give you a suggestion, my friend."

Blackheart looks back and said "Lay it on me."

M'aiq said "M'aiq knows that Windhelm is Stormcloaks' stronghold, Winterhold is only useful if the Nords want to learn magic and Dawnstar is hardly worth anything. He thinks that Riften is a good choice."

Blackheart turns to Tullius and said "What do you think? Want Riften?"

Tullius thought about it and said "The Rift would help secure our communications to Cyrodiil…and threaten Ulfric's southern flank."

He then looks at Ulfric and said "You heard the man Ulfric."

At that moment, Ulfric and Galmar got up their seats. Blackheart saw this and said "Oh come on! You wanted a huge asset of the Empire and it is fair that they should get yours."

"I expected better from you, Blackheart!" Ulfric shouted, "But I see your ties to Cyrodiil and the Empire has made you turn your back to your real homeland!"

Blackheart huffed and whispered "This ain't my homeland."

Ulfric then turns to Tullius and said "As for you Tullius, I see that Galmar was right. Talking to the Empire is just as useless as ever! If you think you can hold Markarth than you are just as deluded as your Emperor when he signed away our freedom to the Thalmor. Skyrim will never bow down to your false Empire!"

He looks at Galmar and said "Come on Galmar, I should've listened to you in the first place."

Tullius huffed and said "You always were a fool Ulfric, you're no better at diplomacy than you are on the battlefield!"

As soon as Ulfric and Galmar were about to walk away, Esbern got up and yelled "Stop! Are you so blind to our danger that you can't see past your petty disagreements?! Here you sit arguing about…nothing! While the fate of the land hangs in the balance!"

Ulfric looks at Delphine and asked "Is he with you Delphine? If so I advise you to tell him to watch his tongue."

Delphine replied in a provoked way "He is with me! And I advise you all to listen to what he has to say before you do anything rash!"

Blackheart then said "Yeah, so shut the hell up."

As Ulfric stood there, Esbern said "Don't you understand the danger?! Don't you understand what the return of the dragons means?! Alduin has returned! The World Eater! Even now he devours the souls of your fallen comrades! He grows more powerful with every soldier slain in your pointless war! Can you not put aside your hatred for even just one moment in the force of this mortal danger?!"

After everyone finishes hearing Esbern's speech, Elenwen huffed and said "A very pretty speech. But what does this have to do with…"

Blackheart looks at her and yelled "Shut up!"

As Elenwen shuts up, Ulfric and Galmar took their seats again and Ulfric said "If he's right about Alduin. We both have just as much to lose here, Tullius, remember that. Now back to the matter at hand. Don't hand me a mug full of sheep's piss and call it mead these terms are still unacceptable."

Tullius sighed and said "I'm sure you'll have something in mind."

Galmar yelled "Damn right we do!"

Ulfric nodded and said "You surrender Falkreath to us. Siddgeir steps down, and Dengeir of Stuhn resumes Jarlship."

In shock, Tullius cried "You want control of the Reach and Falkreath?! That is an entire southern bordered control! Where do these demands stop Ulfric? Do you expect me to surrender all of Skyrim?!"

Arngeir looks at Blackheart and said "Blackheart, what say you?"

Blackheart thought about it and said "Let them have it."

As Tullius gave Blackheart a stern look, Ulfric smiled and said "Spoken like a true son of Skyrim."

However, Blackheart said "From the way I see it, all the territories that the Stormcloaks have are crappy. So, giving them Markarth and Falkreach would at least make them feel a little better about themselves."

As Ulfric and Galmar gave off stern looks at him, Rikke silently laughed at Blackheart's comment. Arngeir cleared his throat and said "It seems we have reached an agreement. Jarl Ulfric, General Tullius. These are the terms that have gathered on the table. Markarth will be handed to Ulfric's forces and Jarl Igmund will step down and Thongvor Silver-blood will become the Jarl of Markarth. The Stormcloaks will withdraw from the Rift allowing imperial forces unhindered access. Jarl Laila Law-giver will step down and Maven Black-briar will become the Jarl of Riften. Falkreath will be turned to Ulfric and Dengeir of Stuhn will return as Jarl. You both agree to this?"

When Tullius and Ulfric look at each other, Ulfric said "The Sons of Skyrim will live up to their agreements as long as the Imperials hold to theirs. What about you Elisif? Are these terms to your liking? Speak up! I'm sure General Tullius is waiting to do you bidding."

Elisif said in a provoked way "I have nothing to say to you, murderer!"

She looks at Tullius and said "General you've proven yourself a good friend to Skyrim. I continue to trust that you will do your utmost to safeguard our interests."

Tullius nodded and said "Thank you Jarl Elisif, I appreciate your loyalty. The Empire can live with these terms. For a temporary truce until the dragon menace is dealt with. After that Ulfric there will be a reckoning. Count on it."

Galmar laughed and said "So very temperate. Putting faith in the Empire is still useless. Look what happen to Torygg."

Elisif was about to say something but kept silence. Tears were ready to run down her face but Elisif held them back. As Galmar laughed at her, a blast of green energy flew right past his face and caused him to fall back. When he looks at the source, he saw Blackheart holding one of his Plasma Pistol.

Blackheart said in a furious way "She just lost her husband and you are off making jokes about his death? What the fuck is wrong with you?!"

Galmar gritted and yelled "Watch it, boy!"

Blackheart said "Don't make me Fus Ro Dah your ass!"

Before Galmar was about to yell back, Torlak said "Like I said before, it is a disgrace to see Nords harassing people who are weaker than them."

"Enough," Ulfric said, "Now that we are in agreement, we shall make our way back to Windhelm. Galmar, let's go."

With that, Ulfric and Galmar left the meeting room. After they left, everyone let out a sigh of relief and Tullius said "Glad that is done."

He then turns to Blackheart and said "I hope you're happy."

Blackheart replied "Don't start with your attitude with me. I am tired and frustrated."

Arngeir then said "Now that we have this truce down and underway we can begin the second task."

He then turns to Balgruuf and said "Jarl Balgruuf, I'm sure you are aware with the Dragonborn's plan?"

Balgruuf nodded and said "We are ready to do our part. But the main question is…how is the Dragonborn going to lure a dragon to Dragonsreach?"

At that moment, Blackheart's face went completely blank. Even with his helmet on, everyone knew what Blackheart's reaction was. Elisif then said "You do have a plan to lure the dragon into Dragonsreach, right?"

"Oh," Blackheart muttered, "Um…tsk."

Everyone in Blackheart's group just sighed in disbelief. Tullius then said "You have absolutely no idea on how to lure a dragon."

Blackheart replied "I haven't thought that through."

As everyone whined, Esbern said "Perhaps I could help. During my time in Sky Haven Temple I have gone over some old documents the ancient Blades left behind and there was this particular book. It had dragon names all recorded in them and that's where I made this tremendous discovery."

Lydia said "What is it?"

Esbern said "Don't you see? A Dragon's name is three Words of Power put together! If you were to shout a Dragon's name it would come. A summoning if you will, dragons have an instinct to never turn down a challenge and your voice will be quite peculiar."

Blackheart asked "And what dragon do you have in mind?"

Esbern replied "The dragon's name is Odahviing, which is Wind Sky Hunter in the Dragon Tongue."

Blackheart memorized the name and said "Got it."

Serana then said "Now that that's dealt with, shall we head on?"

M'aiq then said "Weren't we suppose to meet someone in particular?"

Everyone thought about and Lydia said "We still need to talk to Isran of the Dawnguard."

"The Dawnguard?" Elenwen asked, "Why are the vampire hunters involved in any of this?"

Blackheart replied "Let's just say that there is another problem to deal with besides Alduin."

"Tell us," Tullius said.

Blackheart nodded and said "We can't. If we do, then there will be a panic. But know that we intend to solve this problem first and then stop Alduin."

Tullius thought about and said "Well, you did say that we cannot fight each other until you stop the dragon crisis. But you never said when you will stop it. And it will give us enough time to come up with a few strategies against the Stormcloaks."

He looks at Blackheart and said "I can't believe I am going to say this, but thanks for that idea."

Blackheart replied "Um…thanks."

He then turns to the others and whispered "At least he forgot about being mad at me."

Tullius then said "I am still mad at you. My Jarl, we should head back to Solitude."

Elisif nodded and said "Right."

She then looks at Blackheart and said "I hope you succeed."

Once Blackheart nodded, Elisif, Tullius, Elenwen, Balgruuf and Rikke got up from their seats and left the meeting room. As soon as they left, Mephala said "What now?"

Serana replied "We rest and head to Dawnguard and face my father. We have waited too long for this."

"I agree," Blackheart said, "It's time to kill him."

Lydia said "I will follow you to the End of Time, my Thane."

M'aiq said "M'aiq has other things to do, but he might as well go with you anyways."

As everyone rolled their eyes, Torlak said "I am not backing down."

Blackheart nodded and said "Great. But this time tomorrow, we head to Dawnguard to defeat Harkon!"

A with that, the truce has come to an end. That has to be the longest chapter I have done so far...so I think. I know that I was leaning more towards the Stormcloaks, but that is what I did in the game. And just a heads up, I am not going straight to the Dawnguard in the next chapter. Before that, Blackheart will have to deal with another problem…and it involves Paarthurnax and the Blades! Until then, Please review!

P.S. I have uploaded another question in my profile if you are interested. The question: If I would to make another crossover story of the Elder Scrolls: Skyrim, which category you want me to have write with?