The pair entered Dragonsreach. They had one goal, to convince Balgruuf to let them trap Odahviing. As they approached the Jarl, his face lit up. He hadn't seen them since they last left.
"Ah, to what do I owe the honor of being visited by the great Dragonborn?" Balgruuf said In a slightly joking tone.
"Spare me the pleasantries Balgruuf, you know I hate flaunting my title." Do'mah replied.
"Jarl Balgruuf, we have an urgent request." Pentel said.
Balgruuf stroked his beard, looking more Intrigued.
"Oh, what Is this request?" Balgruuf said.
Do'mah took a breath, telling him was one thing, convincing him was another.
"Alright. We need to trap a dragon In Dragonsreach!" Do'mah said
Balgruuf continued stroking his beard.
"Im fine with that…" Balgruuf began.
"But…" Pentel said.
"...But I am hesitant to do so. If I let you trap a dragon here, I would be leaving Whiterun vulnerable."
Do'mah scratched his cheek, thinking for a moment, but Pentel broke the silence first.
"So all we need to do Is ensure that your hold Isn't threatened."
Balgruuf nodded.
"Easy. C'mon, Do'mah, were heading to solitude." Pentel said as she began to leave.
Do'mah said his goodbyes and followed the bosmer.
…
Tullius looked Impatient but considered the request carefully.
"I can see the merit behind this truce, but why?" Tullius said.
"We need to trap a dragon at Dragonsreach. It's the only suitable place to do so, but we can't do that until Balgruuf knows his hold Isn't at threat of Invasion." Do'mah said In response.
Tullius still looked skeptical and took a long time mulling It over, but he eventually came to a decision.
"All right. I'll come to this greybeard council, but you have to ensure Ulfric will as well!" Tullius said.
Do'mah nodded, and they began to make their way to Windhelm.
…
The gates of Windhelm. The last time I passed them, I left unconscious.
They soon gained entry and were face to face with the leader of the stormcloaks, Jarl Ulfric.
"Ulfric, I have an urgent matter to discuss with you." Do'mah said.
"If the guards let you in then It must be Important," Ulfric said.
"The greybeards have requested a council. To discuss a temporary truce to this civil war, so that I can finish off Alduin once and for all." Do'mah said.
"Only if-" Ulfric attempted to say.
Pentel cut him off "Tullius has agreed to show up, you have no reason to not agree. After all, the Greybeards are requesting it."
Ulfric looked at the bosmer with thinly veiled contempt
"Fine. I'll go to this council as well." Ulfric said after a moment
…
As the pair left Windhelm and headed down the road towards their horses Pentel addressed the elephant In the room.
"So, now all that's left Is to tell the greybeards about this council that they totally agreed to…" Pentel said.
Do'mah let out a laugh as he mounted his horse then turned to the bosmer.
"Hold on, this whole thing was your idea!" Do'mah said In a joking tone.
Pentel gave a small pout and responded "I honestly didn't think we'd get this far, can you blame me? These stupid jarls are all idiots, all except Balgruuf of course, at least he has some foresight."
The pair continued to joke around as they made their way back to High Hrothgar.
…
"Ah, you've returned!" Arngeir said.
"Yes and we bring news… I guess" Pentel said, muttering that last bit under her breath.
"So, what's the news?" Arngeir said.
"So, we need you to hold a council to temporarily put an end to this civil war," Do'mah said.
Arngeir looked at the pair, thinking for a long time. The silence was deafening. Someone had to break It, and Pentel did so.
"All sides have already agreed. It will take place here, and they will arrive In a few days." Pentel said.
Arngeir was silent for a moment.
"You both were fools. You told a lie to the most powerful people In Skyrim, and now expect us to turn that lie into truth?" Argeir raised his voice ever so slightly.
Pentel quickly responded "Arngeir, sir, I came up with the idea! Jarl Balgruuf agreed to trap odahviing! The only caveat was that he needed Assurance that whiterun would be safe!"
Arngeir looked at the bosmer, then at the khajiit. He stood silent for a moment.
"You misunderstand our authority. The Greybeards have never involved themselves in political affairs-" Arngeir spoke but was cut off.
"Arngeir, if I may, This isn't technically a political affair. It is an extension of the dragon crisis. If this council fails, or If you don't agree to it, Then Alduin's power will continue to grow. It will grow to a point where I will no longer be enough to stop him..." Do'mah spoke, his voice shaking slightly.
Arngeir looked at Do'mah as he continued.
"Both sides respect the Greybeards. They will listen." Do'mah said.
Arngeir was once again silent, contemplating what was just said. He waited for a few moments before speaking at last.
"You are right. While I don't like that you went behind our backs to arrange this council, I do understand the reasoning behind It. Even the greybeards must bend to the winds of change. We will host this council."
The pair looked at each other, with smiles on their faces.
"Thank you Arngeir!" they both said cheerfully.
Arngeir walked away to inform the other greybeards. While the pair began to make small talk.
"So, you decided to not tell the blades about this as well?" Do'mah asked.
"Right. Knowing the thalmor, they will want In on this meeting. Seeing two ex-blade members might spike tensions when this is already a risky endeavor." Pentel replied.
"I agree. Let's hope they don't catch wind about this council." Do'mah said with an understanding tone.
…
A few days later, the Council began. The Imperials brought Tullius, Rikke, Balgruuf, Elisif, Idgrod, Igmund, Siddgeir, and the Thalmor Elenwen. The Stormcloaks brought Ulfric, Galmar, Korir, Laila, and Skald.
"All right. Let's begin this council." Arngeir announced when the groups sat On their respective sides.
Ulfric, who hadn't sat, began to yell.
"No! I will not sit with that scum here!" Ulfric said while pointing to Elenwen.
"Seems like the blade's absence wasn't necessary for tensions to rise." Pentel whispered to Do'mah.
"I must be here, To know that the conditions of the white-" Elenwen was Interrupted before she could finish.
"Elenwen, If I remember, the treaty outlawed the worship of Talos. This meeting Is to negotiate a temporary truce to this civil war, not to renegotiate the terms of a twenty-six-year-old treaty. Your presence here Is not necessary, as there Is not anything to negotiate that would violate the terms." Do'mah said In a harsh tone.
Elenwen shot a malice filled glare and opened her mouth to speak again.
"In any case, If you are so set on upholding the treaty terms, then why haven't you assisted the Imperials In their fight against the stormcloaks?" Do'mah said
Elenwen began looking extremely angry, but the khajiit pressed on.
"Is it that you're unable too? or is it that you have no wish to uphold the treaty at all?"
Elenwen shot one last glare at both Ulfric, and Do'mah before storming out of High Hrothgar.
After Elenwen left, Tullius turned to the Khajiit but said nothing.
Ulfric looked satisfied and finally took his seat.
"I apologize for that outburst, continue Arngeir" Do'mah said.
Arngeir cleared his throat and spoke again.
"Alright-" Arngeir began
"If you don't mind, I have something to say first," Ulfric said, cutting off Arngeir.
Arngeir nodded, and Ulfric stood up and continued.
"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." Ulfric said
"I knew that was coming…" Rikke said with a loud sigh.
Ulfric paid no mind to the legate.
"We're here to offer a temporary truce to allow the Dragonborn here to deal with the dragons. Nothing more. I consider even talking to the Empire a generous gesture." Ulfric said.
"Are you done?" Tullius said In an annoyed tone.
"Yes…" Ulfric said, sitting down.
Do'mah let out a small sigh.
"... We want control over Markarth. That's our price for this truce." Ulfric said.
Elisif opened her mouth to protest but Tullius silenced her with a wave of his hand.
"Ulfirc, you can't expect us to hand over Markarth. You hope to take what you can't In battle, Is that it?" Tullius said In a slightly mocking tone.
"Ulfric, What do you know about the forsworn?" Pentel asked.
Uflric looked towards the bosmer.
"Why do you ask that?" Ulfric said.
Pentel placed down a map on the table along with symbols Indicating Imperial and Stormcloak control. She then placed down another piece, right outside Markarth indicating the forsworn.
"If Imperial troops vacate Markarth, The Forsworn will rebel again. They have become active again, and a changing of the guard to the very same person who defeated them last time will only enrage them." Pentel said as she took the Forsworn piece and knocked over the Imperial one.
Ulfric looked at the map with curiosity as to where the bosmer would take this.
"Once this council Is over, the Imperials will have no obligations to defend the city Itself. They can leave, and let the city fall, or they can stay and be in breach of this truce."
Ulfric looked up at the Bosmer.
"So you're saying that Markarth Isn't an option?" Ulfric said.
"No, It's an option…" Pentel began as she took the map and symbols off the table.
"...But are you willing to expend the manpower and men to fight-" Pentel was cut off by Galmar.
"You know nothing, elf! You are no better than an Imperial-" Galmar began but stopped when Ulfric planted a hand on his shoulder.
"My offer still stands. Markarth Is what we want, the forsworn won't be a threat." Ulfric said.
Tullius turned to Do'mah.
"What do you think Dragonborn?" Tullius said.
Do'mah thought the question over In his head, then gave his verdict.
"Markarth has a lot of value, Its silver, and Its strategic position to the exposed rear of Imperial territory. So the Imperials deserve something of equal value." Do'mah said.
Galmar glared at the khajiit while Ulfric looked over calmly.
"Riften. It's a threat to the southern flank of the stormcloaks, and It would help with communication with cyrodiil. It also has a profitable mead Industry. Is that fair Ulfric, one strategic hold for another?" Do'mah said while gazing at Ulfric for an answer.
Ulfric looked down for a moment.
"That's fair," Ulfric said.
Do'mah looked over at Tullius next.
"Well? That's good enough?" Do'mah said.
"I suppose It is," Tullius said with his eye's giving off a sense of understanding
"Then we have an agreement. Does anyone have any more demands?" Do'mah said
The room went quiet.
"Then this council is over." Do'mah then nodded to Arngeir.
"The Imperials will give Markarth to the Stormcloaks, while the stormcloaks will give Riften to the Imperials," Arngeir said, before ending the council.
As both sides prepared to head out, Balgruuf approached Do'mah. Before he could speak Pentel spoke first.
"I tried to tell him that Markarth was a Bad Idea, but he didn't listen. The forsworn will rebel, no doubt about it. Even if they don't attempt to take the city, they will harass the soldiers." Pentel said.
"I think that's why Tullius agreed so readily," Balgruuf said.
"It's a double-edged sword though. Soon the forsworn will taste freedom, and they won't stop until they attain it." said Do'mah.
Balgruf and Pentel nodded In agreement.
"We'll head to Whiterun as soon as possible. Make preparations for Odahviing capture, we need him alive of course." Do'mah said.
Soon enough, the two groups left High Hrothgar. The pair sat down at the table to discuss the results with Arngeir.
"Was that what you hoped for Dragonborn?" Arngeir asked.
"Yes, it was there were rough patches of course, but the agreements were as neutral as I could make them." Do'mah said while taking a sip of some mead.
The sound of loud footsteps approaching the room alerted Do'mah.
There's only one group that could be…
Delphine burst Into the room and approached Do'mah.
"Ah, sorry for not telling you about that council. We figured It would Increase the tensions too much." Do'mah said
Do'mah lifted the bottle of mead, and was about to take a sip.
"That's not why I'm here!" Delphine said.
As the bottle touched his lips Delphine smacked the bottle out of his hand. It was sent careening into the floor, shattering In an Instant the nearby floor becoming wet with mead.
"We know about Paarthurnax," Esbern said as he also entered the room.
Do'mah got up from his seat.
"You realize where you just spilled that right?" Do'mah said while pointing to the shattered mead bottle.
"I do, and I don't care!" Delphine said as she got angrier.
With a loud sigh, Do'mah froze the liquid surrounding the mead bottle, he then pried the frozen mead off the floor, and put it Into a nearby fire. He then turned towards Delphine.
"So you found out a dragon exists on top of this mountain, great." Do'mah said In a condescending voice.
"Delphine, Paarthurnax Isn't evil. He hasn't been for a long time." Pentel said as she got up and stood next to Do'mah.
"He needs to die, He has killed hundreds If not thousands!" Delphine yelled at the pair.
"He betrayed Alduin and helped me learn Dragonrend. I won't kill him." Do'mah yelled back.
"If he betrayed Alduin he could betray you as well!" Esbern shouted back.
Do'mah clenched his fist.
"If he does then I'll act, but he hasn't so I won't." Do'mah said In as calm a voice as he could muster.
"Not if, when," Delphin said back, not hiding the malice In her voice.
"...and what If he doesn't kill Paarthurnax?" Pentel asked for the khajiit.
"Then he will no longer be permitted In Sky Haven Temple," Delphine said.
Do'mah glared at Delphine, then at Esbern.
"That's fine. The blades needed a purge anyway." Do'mah said as he drew his sword.
Esbern and Delphine looked on In shock.
"Oh, now you're shocked. You ask for the death of someone but are scared when you are not only refused but get told of your own!" Do'mah pointed his sword at the pair.
Esbern and Delphine looked like they would collapse Into a million pieces, but Do'mah didn't care.
"Paarthurnax Is one of the few people I can call my friend. I will not kill him. If you even suggest this again or attempt to kill him yourselves, I will not hesitate to end the Blades. Is that clear?" Do'mah said In a menacing tone.
Delphine and Esbern looked paralyzed In fear they didn't respond. Do'mah sheathed his sword and glared at them again.
"If you still wish to serve the Dragonborn, then make yourselves useful. Go and help with the preparation of Dragonsreach. Otherwise, get out of my sight." Do'mah then left the room.
…
Do'mah stood In Dragonsreach, looking out staring at the land surrounding whiterun.
"Dragonborn, The final preparations are finished," Delphine said.
"Good. then get ready, I'll call him soon." Do'mah said before turning around and approaching Balgruuf.
"Balgruuf, you ready?" Do'mah asked
"I'm ready. So are my men." Balgruuf answered.
Do'mah gave him a nod, then turned to Pentel. She gave him a nod as well. With everyone ready, he waited a moment.
He walked out onto the balcony.
"Od Ah Viing!" He shouted.
The world went quiet for a moment before the sounds of flapping wings could be heard.
"Here he comes! Remember, don't kill him! Lure him into the trap. He is our only chance of finding Alduin!"
Odahviing appeared after a moment and Immediately released a fireball. Do'mah quickly neutralized It with his fire breath, and slowly backed up.
Odahviing followed.
Odahviing flung his tail toward Do'mah, who leaped backward and shot a large Ice spear towards the beast. Odahviing easily dodged the Spear and landed.
Facing down the beast, Do'mah didn't tremble.
He is weaker than Paarthurnax.
The Spear that missed Odahviing, stopped in the air and exploded, It then turned Into smaller Ice spikes and were repelled back towards the beast.
Odahviing was caught off guard, but the space was too tight for him to turn around, he moved deeper. The spikes struck the beast but didn't penetrate his scales.
The beast began to launch fire towards the group In front of It. Its fire was Intercepted by a blast from Do'mah and Pentel. They backed up, slowly the Dragon was lured Into the trap.
The pair pushed the fire back, dazing Odahviing for a moment. Do'mah then gave the signal, and the Trap was sprung.
The wooden yoke fell onto his neck, trapping him In Dragonsreach. Odahviing didn't struggle, he knew that It was pointless.
"Your thu'um is strong Dovahkiin," Odahviing said.
"Yours Is too, though I've seen stronger." Do'mah responded.
"I came to test your thu'um. I believe you can beat Alduin." Odahviing said.
"That's why you're trapped right now actually. We need to know where he went." Pentel said.
Odahviing gave It a moment of thought then answered.
"He probably went to Skuldafn Temple. It is impossible to get there without wings, but I can take you there If you release me." Odahviing said.
"Why should I release you? I could have Paarthunax take me Instead." Do'mah said
"As I said earlier, you can beat Alduin. I am done serving him, let me serve you Dovahkiin." Odahviing said In response.
"Dragonborn, this Is a-" Delphine attempted to protest.
"Delphine, Until we return, You are under Balgruuf's direct command." Do'mah gave a light glare to Delphine, then motioned for the yoke to be raised.
The guard complied, and Odahviing was released.
"We?" Pentel said
"Yeah, you're coming too, unless you don't want to of course-" Do'mah responded
"All right. I'll go, someone needs to watch your back after all." Pentel said with a smile on her face, before joining the khajiit next to Odahviing.
Odahviing stretched his wings, before rising Into the air. The pair were heading towards the final battle.