Several Weeks Later...

Ulfric sat on his throne in the Palace of the Kings. He was starting to get impatient with Jarl Balrgruuf's posturing in the war.

"Galmor." He spoke.

"Yes, Ulfric?" Galmor bowed to Ulfric.

"Draft a message and fetch a courier. Have him deliver a final ultimatum to Jarl Balgruuf in Whiterun. This is his last chance. Tell him to either join us… or be destroyed."

Jorleif, his adviser recoiled at the statement. "But my Jarl… Wouldn't it be wiser to launch a surprise attack? He still has no Imperial support in the region! It would be much easier and simple to..."

"I appreciate the wisdom of your counsel, Jorleif. But he was my friend before I killed Toryyg, and it would seem… inconsiderate to not give him one last chance."

Galmor rose. "So let it be done. I hope he is smart enough to join our side. He is a good fighter, and an honorable man."

Ulfric sighed. "Quite right, my friend. Quite Right."

With that, the courier was summoned, the message drafted. After that, the courier was sent on his way.

One Day Later, Whiterun…

The gate guards watched for any threats to their fair city as the daylight crested. At that moment, they saw someone approaching the gate. A Stormcloak courier!

"Halt! State your business, Stormcloak!" The guard ordered.

"I have a message for the esteemed Jarl of Whiterun." The courier then drew a letter from his bag.

"Very well." The guard then reluctantly opened the gate, allowing the courier to enter. He then went on his way to Dragonsreach.

# # # # #

"My lord," Proventus Avonicchi spoke. "Our stores are running dangerously low. Our stores of grain, wine, and meat are all but depleted."

"Purchase more supplies, then." Jarl Bulgruuf said. "That's your job as steward, isn't it? Why do you trouble me with these details?"

"My lord, since Ulfric Stormcloak's uprising, the cost of goods has doubled." Proventus explained. "I'll need more coin if I am to provision us properly."

"Our coffers are nearly empty. I can sparsely afford to pay for the guards, we'll have to make due with what we have, Proventus."

"Yes, my lord..."

It was then that the Stormcloak Courier entered. Irileth, the Jarl's housecarl, approached.

"What's the meaning of this interruption? Jarl Balgruuf is not receiving visitors, especially your kind Stormcloak!" She said snippish.

"I have a message for your esteemed Jarl, houscarl." The Stormcloak bowed. "From Ulfric Stormcloak himself. I am merely a messenger." He handed Irileth the envelope from his bag, along with a wrapped parcel.

Irileth took both, then handed it to Balgruuf. He opened the envelope, breaking the wax seal and read it silently. It read:

Dear Balgruuf,

I respectfully request for you to join the Stormcloaks. My agents still tell me your city has been having supply issues, despite you not joining either side. However, this will be my last request on this matter as my patience is wearing thin. If you do not give me your reply in two weeks, I will make the decision for you. You have been warned.

Signed,

Ulfric Stormcloak,

Rightful High King of Skyrim

Balgruff then opened the parcel. It was Ulfric's personal war axe! Jarl Balgruff, after a pause, put down the letter and stood up from his throne, angered. He took the Axe and threw it at the feet of the Stormcloak Courier as if it was a piece of garbage.

"Get out my throne room, out of my sight! And take that with you." He said in a dark tone, pointing at the courier. "I will allow you safe passage out of my city, but if I ever see you again..." He implied with his silence.

The courier was clearly spooked. As the courier made haste and exited Dragonsreach and the city in pure fear, Jarl Bulgruuf settled down and stewed.

Proventus looked worried. "My Jarl… Just what did that letter say?"

"Read it yourself." Jarl Bulgruuf handed Proventus the letter. His reaction, and that of Jarl Balgruuf's court, despite being tempered, was similar to their Jarl's.

Later, at Castle Dour

"Alright, Tullius. I think I've waited long enough." Dovah said with grained yet tempered patience. "I can't just sit here in this castle and continue to let Ulfric split the Province apart."

Tullius sighed and after a short pause, answered. "I'm working on the draft right now. You'll have your chance, Dovah. Don't worry."

"Patience is a virtue, my emperor." Kalur said.

"Kalur. Don't start." Dovah replied.

At that point the doors were flung open once more, and in ran an Imperial Courier out of breath. "Legate Rikka! I have an important message from Legate Cipius!"

"What now?" Legate Rikka groaned, as if she had enough of a burden on her shoulders.

"Legate Cipius reports that there's a sizable Stormcloak army gathering at Voltheim Towers on the Eastmarch road beside the White River!"

Rikka looked up at the ceiling, then looked to Tullius. "He's making his move. Your orders?"

Tullius sighed. "Let me induct the Dragonborn into the legion. We're going to need to save the city of Whiterun. Ulfric's army threatens Laintar Dale and Whiterun itself..."

With that, Dovah was swiftly inducted into the legion. It was time to save Whiterun.

"Dovah, I'm going to send you an important missive to the Jarl of Whiterun. With the information we have about the Army gathering on the White River, we will need to try one more time to gain Balgruuf's allegiance..."

Later, at Whiterun…

Dovah and his group walked into the Whitrun palace, Dragonsreach, Dovah himself wearing imperial chainmail. Dovah bowed to Jarl Balgruuf, still keeping his true identity secret. The rest of company followed suit.

"Dovahkiin." Jarl Balgruuf greeted. "Your visit is a welcome sight as of late. I must say, that Imperial Chianmail is quite fitting."

"Thank you, My Jarl, but I have an important missive from General Tullius." He gave Balgruuf a scroll. Jarl Balgruff read it:

Esteemed Jarl Balgruuf the Greater,

I have unfortunate news. The rebel, Ulfric Stormcloak has gathered an army on the road near Voltheim Towers and Laintar Dale. I urgently request that you allow the Imperial Legion to garrison troops in your city, so we can support you should Ulfric attempt to invade. We will send you the appropriate funds to purchase supplies and arms for your own men as well. I implore you, do not delay a single day longer. Do not let what happened to High King Toryyg happen to you. We cannot lose another Jarl. If we do, then Skyrim will be that much closer to the brink of breaking, and the Empire with it.

Signed,

Castimus Tullius, General of Imperial Legion and Imperial Governor of Skyrim.

Balgruff stroked his beard, thinking. "Irileth." He said. "I think it's high time we give the General his answer." He turned to Dovah. "Thane Dovah, I have a special assignment for you..." He handed Dovah a pre-written envelope. "Go to Solitude and deliver this to the General. Tell him this is my answer. Just make sure you get back here quickly, for a new battle is sure to begin."