CHAPTER FOUR
High Queen Gunhilde met with the Emperor and officially withdrew from the Empire. A treaty was made that Skyrim and Cyrodiil would be allied together against the Aldmeri Dominion, Skyrim protecting the North and Cyrodiil protecting the South. Trade would also continue. The East Empire Trading Company would be allowed to stay in Solitude's docks but would have to vacate Windhelm's docks.
Gunhilde also had the Emperor to allow all captured Stormcloaks to be freed and returned as would any Imperial troops. These Stormcloaks would be used in Skyrim's own military forces. Imperial troops were to leave Skyrim as soon as possible. The meeting was a peaceful one for the most part. Gunhilde returned to the Blue Palace and the Emperor departed for the Imperial City.
In the following months Gunhilde was able to establish trade with Hammerfell. Their ships would sail to the newly built Dawnstar docks. Trade was also established with Morrowind, their ships docked in Windhelm. With all this new trade Skyrim began to prosper as never before.
Gunhilde was on her throne listening to the petitions of her people. When Falk Fire-Beard brought out a letter he received from Whiterun.
"My Queen, I received a letter for you from the Jarl of Whiterun."
"What does it say?" She asked, motioning Falk to read the letter to her.
"Jarl Balgruuf is writing to you to inform you of the upcoming marriage between him and Elisif." He announced.
"That's wonderful! Send the happy couple a nice wedding gift. I'm sure you'll know what Elisif would like." Gunhilde smiled.
"As you wish, my Queen. My Queen, since we are on the subject of marriage, don't you think it is time you considered a husband?" Falk suggested.
"This again, Falk. How do you suggest I do so? I want a man who loves me, not my throne." Gunhilde sighed.
"Your highness, we can hold a ball and invite all nobles of Skyrim and I can use a spell to detect one's intention if you find a suitor you like." Sybil Stentor offered.
"You can do that, Sybil?" the High Queen asked.
"Yes, it may take a few days to gather the materials I will need, but I can do it." Sybil explained.
"Alright then, Falk set to planning the ball." the High Queen ordered.
"Let's say 3weeks time?" Falk asked the Queen.
"That's fine."
Falk left the court to begin plans on the ball. Queen Gunhilde decided she would retire to her rooms. Sybil went to check what materials she needed to perform the spell for the Queen.
Later that evening a knock was heard on her door. Gunhilde went to the door.
"Who is it?" She asked.
"It's Sybil, may I enter?"
"Come in." Greeta opened the door.
Gunhilde closed the door and led Sybil to a table and offered a drink.
"What is it you need Sybil?"
"So you finally decided to marry, huh? You know Thane Erikur will be first in line to be your husband." Sybil said.
"Oh, but of course. He practically throws himself at me daily now." Gunhilde laughed. But don't worry about him."
"I didn't think you would want him anyway. I actually wanted to let you know that I am going to need to leave for a few days to pick up some ingredients I need. Will that be acceptable?
"I don't see why not, just be careful and don't stay gone too long." The Queen agreed.
"Thank you, my Queen." Then Sybil turned and left.
Gunhilde went to bed and thought to herself about who she would like to have as her spouse. As she lay there, her eyes grew heavy and she fell asleep.
The following morning the Queen was holding court again. Falk asked were Sybil was and Gunhilde explained that she had left to gather some materials she needed.
"Falk, I would like for you to be sure to invite Ralof of Riverwood, Eric the Slayer from Rorikstead and Lucan and Camilla Valerious also from Riverwood to the ball. They are friends of mine." Gunhilde requested.
"Of course, my Queen. If you think of anyone else just let me know." Falk replied.