Rian spent much of her time at Ulfric's side, typically unseen by everyone but Ulfric- who sensed her presence even when she remained hidden. She found that while it wasn't very eventful, she did enjoy watching Ulfric work and was beginning to understand him better- bit by bit.

She never really paid the war much mind because as an assassin, her job wasn't prejudice against anyone. It didn't matter if you were noble or commonfolk, Man or Mer or even bestial race, a soldier or a blacksmith; if your name came to the Dark Brotherhood in a contract through the Black Sacrament, that was it. No one was safe from the Dark Brotherhood- Ulfric being the only exception Rian knew of and only because of a technicality. But because of this technicality, Rian feared that someone may still yet put a hit out on Ulfric's life. If that were to happen, either she'd have to face off against someone she had called brother or sister for years, or worse- she would be the one who would have to take his life. But, given that the man was starting to grow on her, Rian tried her best not to think about it and just hoped that worse would not come to worse.

As the days began to turn to weeks, Rian found herself becoming more accustomed to life in Windhelm- in Ulfric's court- than she ever had in the Dark Brotherhood. It bewildered her because the guild was all that she knew after Astrid had found her and they had given her everything from a food and clothing to shelter and family. One day, while sitting in the rafters of the war room, Rian was wondering if- in part at least- she felt comfortable in Windhelm because it was the city built by her ancestors and she could feel their energies still singing in the walls of the ancient stones.

"What do you think, Rian?"

Rian was pulled from her thoughts and glanced down at Ulfric, seeing that he and Galmar- along with Yrsarald Thrice-Pierced- were looking up at her expectantly. Figuring that the Jarl was asking for her opinion on the war movements, she simply leaned down from the rafters- hooking her legs over the wooden beam- and looked at the map.

"You should consider taking Whiterun quickly. It's more or less in a very central position within the province, so securing it would be greatly beneficial to your cause. That being said, you would need to amass a large force to take the city and there would be casualties."

Ulfric looked at Galmar, smirking when he saw his face at seeing Rian hanging there upside while giving her insight into their discussion.

"Balgruuf won't give us a straight answer." Galmar pointed out.

"He's a true Nord. He'll come around." Ulfric said as Rian flipped the rest of the way down and landed next to him.

"Don't be so sure of that." Galmar said. "We've intercepted couriers from Solitude. The Empire's putting a great deal of pressure on Whiterun."

"And what would you have me do?"

"If he's not with us, he's against us."

"He knows that. They all know that."

Galmar sighed. "How long are you going to wait?"

Ulfric raised a brow as he crossed his arms. "You think I need to send Balgruuf a stronger message."

"If by message you mean shoving a sword through his gullet."

Rian joking raised her hand. "I could help with that, if it pleases my lord?"

Ulfric smirked and rolled his eyes. "Taking his city and leaving him in disgrace would make a more powerful statement, don't you think?"

As Rian shrugged, Galmar replied with, "So we're ready to start this war in earnest then?"

"Soon."

"I still say you should take them all out like you did Deadking Torygg."

"Torygg was merely a message to the other Jarls." Ulfric said. "Whoever we replace them with will need the support of our armies."

Galmar seemed to sigh in defeat. "We're ready when you are."

"Things hinge on Whiterun. If we can take the city without bloodshed all the better. But if not..."

"The people are behind you."

Rian watched as Ulfric's shoulders seemed to sag with a seeming sadness or disappointment as he replied, "Many I fear still need convincing."

"Then let them die with their false kings."

"We've been soldiers a long time. We know the price of freedom. The people are still weighing things in their hearts."

"What's left of Skyrim to wager?"

"They have families to think of."

"How many of their sons and daughters follow your banner? We are their families."

"Well put, friend. Tell me, Galmar, why do you fight for me?"

Rian stood there and listened to the continuing banter between the two men. She sidled up next to Yrsarald, being sure not to spool the big man, and leaned in to ask, "Are they always like this?"

Yrsarald sighed and nodded. "Unfortunately, yes, but they both just want what is best for Skyrim and its people."

Rian watched the men a moment, then felt a strange shift in the energy of the air around them. Her hand went instinctively to her dagger and she cautiously made her way over towards Ulfric, placing herself between him and the door.

"Rian?"

"Someone is here to see you, Ulfric." Rian said, stepping closer to Ulfric.

Ulfric was surprised to see her on edge and motioned for Galmar and Yrsarald to stand down and pretend that all was well. He looked to the doorway, seeing a strange man came into the war room asking to speak with him.

"And who might you be?"

"My name is Murilias Varentia and I'd like to join the Stormcloaks."