A Stormcloak Affair
Part 11
First Seed, 4E 174
It was a cool day in Reach. Light snow was in the cool air. The White-Gold Contract hast already been signed, outlawing the worship of Talos. That was the day when the Empire turned its back on the people of Skyrim. Ulfric Stormcloak of Eastmarch along with his followers were furious. They were ready to fight for their right of religious freedom and felt that no elf hat the right to dictate that. They were to be known was the Stormcloak rebellion. Ulfric Stormcloak had tasked his army to retake the city of Marktarth from the Forsworn invaders. In exchange for Ulfric's military aid Talos worship the Jarl of Marktarth would be permitted within the city. Ulfric successfully retook the city with the power of his Thu'um or his Voice.
It was an easy day on the battlefield. Ulfric effortlessly was able to take control with his Thu'um. Truly he had the advantage and was in the right. One moment he got a little cocky and was taunting his enemies. "You're losing a lot of blood, maybe you should sit down for a moment.", mocked Ulfric. And then suddenly his good friend, Thorald Fire-Song took an arrow.
He was losing a lot of blood and in his last breath he said, "Ulfric, please take care of my daughter Aine. She is of upmost importance to Skyrim in the coming years. My wife, Freydis will inform you of the details.
But the Stormcloaks did not win the battle. In fact, they lost and Ulfric and his militia were arrested, incarcerated by the Imperial Legion and branded as outlaws. Ulfric was turned over to the Thalmor to the interrogated.
His interrogator was Elenwen. She hated Talos and knew Ulfric wore his amulet around his neck. She bruised, frayed and molested him. He never returned her advances. He hated her and she knew it. Elenwen finally realized she couldn't get anything out of him she just simply let him go.
Ulfric left the Thalmor prison not knowing what to expect, but he need to pick up the pieces of his left of his life. Upon his return to Windhelm he saw that the city with in mourning. The citizens were calling out for justice and a war against the Aldmeri Dominion, of which the Thalmor are a part of. His father, the Great Bear of Eastmarch had recently passed away, and he needed to step up and take his father's place as Jarl of Windhelm. Ulfric had no idea how to rule. His was a young inexperienced man of twenty-two.
Ulfric, now Jarl of Windhelm went to the Shrine of Talos just outside of his city. He saw Freydis, the mother of Aine praying to Talos. He approaches her and says, "I'm sorry for the lost of your husband. Thorald has informed me I am to protect your daughter, Aine at all costs. What is so special about her?"
"I'm sorry for the lost of your father. He was indeed the Great Bear. It is her linage, my Jarl.", replied Freydis.
"What do you mean, her linage? And how is that of importance for Skyrim?", asked Ulfric. "Please, not here. It isn't safe. Meet me in my home after dark. There is something I need to give you.", she replied.
Later that evening Ulfric proceeds to Hjerim. He knocked on the door. Freydris opened the door and Ulfric is greeted by the scent of rabbit stew. In the kitchen he saw a little girl, no more than two hiding behind her mother's skirts. "Aine, please don't be shy. This is Jarl Ulfric. He'll be staying for dinner.", Freydis announced. Freydis placed a few bowls on the table and put Aine in a chair which looked to be made for someone of her size. Freydis served the stew and asked Ulfric to take a seat and said, "My Jarl, in the journal is our family line recorded. It dates back to Tiber Septim, the very first dragonborn and now known as Talos. This journal is quite old and proves that Aine is a direct descendant of Talos. You need to guard this information with your life. For as it is harder for us to worship him, his descendants will be targets."
Ulfric took the journal and skimmed through it and said, "You have my word. I will protect Aine and guard her secret with my life." Ulfric thanked Freydis for her hospitality and gave Aine a kiss on her forehead and patted her strawberry blonde ringlets.
Ulfric returned to the Palace of Kings and retreated to his quarters. He read every page of that journal thoroughly. In that journal it mentioned that Aine's generation was destined to be the last and final Dragonborn. Ulfric sat at his bed and wondered what significance it this had. Ulfric locked the journal in the chest at the foot of his bed and decided never to look at it or speak of it again.
Sun's Dusk, 4E 182
It was a cold day in Windhelm and Freydis was preparing for the feast of the dead near the Shrine of Talos. In the few short years a small temple was erected at base of the mountain. The statue was overlooking the temple. Outside the temple was a Thalmor mage, and he was up to no good. As part of the enforcing of the Talos ban, the mage used his flame spell to burn the temple and Freydis along with it. Aine was to be an orphan.
This mage enters the city and is stopped by the city guards. Ulfric housecarl receives word of the temple and goes out looking for Aine. He finds her in her home and says, "Child, come with me. It isn't safe." Galmar then grabs the girl's arm and sneaks her into the palace. "Ulfric, my Jarl here she is.", said Galmar. Ulfric picks up Aine and holds her close to him. The city guards bar the palace making in impossible for anyone to enter for the time being.
"Aine, child something terrible has happened. Your mother was murdered by the Thalmor. You will stay here for the time being.", said Ulfric. Aine just broke out into tears.
Later, Galmar arranged for Helgrid to raise Aine as he had a particularly special relationship with her. He'd visit her every so often and spend the night with her. As Ulfric's housecarl he couldn't marry as Ulfric needed to be his main focus but that didn't mean he was to remain celibate.
Mid Year, 4E 188
It had been fourteen years since Thorald had fallen in battle. Fourteen years since he promised to protect Aine. Now she was a young woman of sixteen, her had darkened to a lovely shade of amber which had a reddish shimmer in the sunlight and her body took on a more feminine shape. She desired to serve Ulfric and his cause. She had proven her worth by killing the Ice Wraith on the Serpentstone Isle. It was time for Aine to take an oath in front of all of Windhelm.
At midday and Aine stood on the balcony in her Stormcloak uniform beside Ulfric and Galmar overlooking the courtyard and the people of the city of Windhelm. And then she spoke, "I do swear my blood and honor to the service of Ulfric Stormcloak, Jarl of Windhelm and true High King of Skyrim. As Talos is my witness, may this oath bind me to death and beyond even to my lord as to my fellow brothers and sisters in arms. All hail the Stormcloaks, the true sons and daughters of Skyrim!" There were many Stormcloaks in the crowd, and they cheered as they were gaining a more than worthy sister.
Later that evening Ulfric hosted a feast. Tomorrow Aine was to train with Ulfric the best spies and assassins.
Being Jarl meant that Ulfric's bed didn't need to remain empty. There were always women in his city throwing themselves at him. He didn't mind, but he didn't love any of them. They were only interested in his title but never in the man Ulfric. He would engage in numerous one night stands, and he knew what he needed to do or not do in order not to have a bastard.
Harvest End – Last Seed, 4E 192
Aine had been serving Ulfric for over four years. She was now a woman of twenty, and he had invited her to the Palace for a feast to celebrate the Harvest End. She was accompanied by her friend, a high elf and merchant named Niranye. Aine spent a lot of time with her when she wasn't spying for the Stormcloak army. She was excellent at what she did, in fact the best as she surpassed all of her trainers. Ulfric admired her strength and virtue but still saw the child she was many years ago.
Aine sat in the great hall wearing a bronze colored tunic adored with olive green embroidery which hugged her womanly curves and complimented her fair but warm complexion. Ulfric walked over to her and Niranye excuses herself. Ulfric sat beside her and said, "Aine, you look quite beautiful this evening. Why aren't you here with a young man? Surely, a beautiful young lady as yourself has a boyfriend."
"No I do not my Jarl.", she replied.
"Do you have anyone in mind?", he asked.
"Yes, I do. He is a mature and handsome man, but he still sees me as a child.", said Aine by resting her hands on Ulfric and looking into his eyes.
"Any man who doesn't see your worth is an idiot." Ulfric proclaimed. And with that Aine withdrew her hands from the Jarl and placed them on her lap. "Have I offended you, my dear?, he asked.
"I'm fine, my Jarl.", she lied. "Be sure to enjoy the rest of the festivities.", said Ulfric before returning to Galmar. Aine turned to the side away from Ulfric's sight and felt a tear slide down her face.
"Galmar, are you enjoying yourself, my old friend?", asked Ulfric.
"Indeed, my Jarl. What is wrong with Aine? She looks sad?", replied Galmar.
"I don't know. I was just talking to her, and she got weird.", said Ulfric. "What did you say to her?", pressed Galmar. "Why do you think it's my fault?", asked Ulfric.
"What did you say?", Galmar repeated himself.
"I asked her if she had her eye on someone. She said yes, someone mature but only saw her as a child and then I said that that man was an idiot not seeing her worth.", confessed Ulfric.
"I believe you are that idiot, Ulfric.", chuckled Galmar. "Watch your tongue. I can't be the one she is seeking. I'm far too old for her. She's twenty.", replied Ulfric.
"The marriages of great kings and emperors were build on greater age gaps than a mere twenty years. Why else do you think she serves blindly you? Are you so oblivious to that which is right in front of you?", said Galmar.
"It's just a crush...", responded Ulfric.
"If you say so, my Jarl. If you say so...", said Galmar.
Ulfric looked over to Aine sees that her eyes were a bit red. Had she been crying? Did she really have feelings for him? Did he just make a fool of himself? Ulfric wondered.
The feast went on and Aine sat with Niranye talking. Most of the guests had left but then a woman approaches him with a grin on her face and asked "Is your bed warm tonight, my Jarl?"
To his reply he said, "Only if you're in it, my lady." Ulfric decided to take woman up to his chamber and have his way with her. Come morning he wouldn't have any interest in her.
Aine sees this and leaves the palace in tears. In the courtyard Niranye says "Why are you wasting your time on him. He obliviously isn't into you." Niranye's words only made her feel worse. Galmar exits the palace and sees Aine.
"How about I walk you home to Helgrid?", asked Galmar.
"Thank you Galmar. Good night Niranye.", said Aine.
"Ulfric can be a real ass sometimes, but he has a good heart. He'll come around one day.", said Galmar trying to comfort her.
"How did you know?", asked Aine looking shocked.
"It's pretty hard to miss, plus Helgrid told me.", he replied.
"Oh...", she said.
"Well, here we are.", said Galmar knocking on the door.
Helgrid opens the door and gives Galmar a kiss saying, "It's been a while, lover." She turns to Aine and says "Have you been crying, child? Please come inside and we can talk about it."
The next morning Ulfric awoke in his bed feeling guilty about how he had treated Aine. He looks over to his latest whore and says, "I think it is time for you to go. You have served your purpose." She then leaves the palace.
Ulfric dresses and proceeds to the war room where he is greeted by Galmar. "I see you enjoyed yourself last night.", stated Galmar.
"She was okay.", Ulfric replied.
"If I may be so bold. Maybe you should stop bedding these women and start focusing on the war effort.", said Galmar. "Perhaps you are right, my good friend. How is Aine? Did she get home alright?", asked Ulfric.
"She was a little down but I took her home myself.", replied Galmar.
Rain's Hand – Last Seed, 4E 201
Ulfric had traveled to Solitude. He planed to challenge High King Torygg to a duel in accordance with the Old Nord Way. He was supposed to meet up with Aine but she wasn't there at the designated spot. He'd have to approach Torygg alone.
Ulfric made his way to the Blue Palace. It was eleven in the morning and he sees Torygg on his throne with his wife Elisif beside him and wondered what it would be like to have a wife but there wasn't a woman he wanted for that.
"High King Torygg, we see you as a puppet of the Empire who has betrayed Skyrim. What do you have to say for yourself?", challenged Ulfric.
"We need the Empire. They are the only thing keeping the Aldmeri Dominion out of Skyrim.", Torygg repiled.
"I hereby, challenge you to a duel in the Old Nord Way." stated Ulfric. "I accept. Meet me in the courtyard of the Castle Dour in one hour.", said Torygg.
At High Noon High King Torygg and Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak of Windhelm met in the courtyard of the Castle Dour for an ancient Nord duel. They both draw their swords and start swinging. Then finally, Ulfric shouts, "FUS RO DAH", pinning Torygg on his back. Ulfric takes his sword and presses it between Torygg's ribs piercing his heart. Elisif screams in horror as she sees her husband bleed out.
One of the guards grabs Ulfric and tells him, "Come with me. We need to get you out of here quickly." The Nord guard grabs Ulfric arm and takes him to a secret door taking them out of Solitude into a small cave, sealing his fate.
Ulfric is out of the cave and needs to get back to Windhelm undetected. That is something he wasn't good at. Here he could really use Aine's help. That Nord was fantastic at sneaking around undetected, but she was nowhere to be found. Ulfric moved along the coast and got as far as Dawnstar before he was captured by a Thalmor agent. There he was thrown into a cell at Northwatch Keep. To his surprise, Aine was there in the next cell. It looks like she collapsed. Ulfric thought as he saw her lay there silently.
Ulfric crouched down on the ground and with his hand to tried to reach out to her through the opening between the cells and just barely touched her, and she panics. "Whose there?", she cried. She was covered in dried blood.
"Aine, it's me. Ulfric.", he whispers.
"My, Jarl. I'm sorry to have failed you." she said with a tear running down her cheek. She moved over to the opening and looked at Ulfric in his eyes.
"It doesn't matter how you got here. I'll get you out of here. Promise.", he said holding her hand.
A Thalmor officer walked over to the cells and said, "Quiet back there."
"Ulfric there's something you need to know.", said Aine.
The Thalmor officer open her cell and dragged her out saying, "I told you to be quiet, you Talos worshiping shit."
"Please don't", she cried. The Thalmor officer ripped the ragged clothing she was wearing and began whipping her body.
"Please don't hurt her, it's me that you want.", shouted Ulfric.
"You're next if you don't shut your hole.", said the officer. When he was done whipping her he began to cut her skin a little all so Ulfric could see what they were doing to her. Once, the officer was done with her he threw her back into her cell.
The officer left the cell block and went to lay near Ulfric. This time he grabbed her hand and like a bolt of lighting he felt something for her. He saw that she was a woman and no longer a child... Had those feeling been there all along only dormant in his heart? He took her hand and placed his lips on it briefly. She passed out from all the stress. She slept there for the next couple of hours whiles Ulfric laid there watching her, studying every part of her body. That night he prayed to his fallen friend, Thorald. "I'm sorry, I have failed you my friend. I have done a lousy job at protecting your daughter. If we get out of here, I promise I will do better. For Talos as my witness."
The next morning Aine awoke in a cold sweat. She cried. Ulfric looked over to her and said, "Please don't cry. We're getting out of here."
"Not so loud, or they will hear you.", she replied. "What did you want to tell me earlier?", Ulfric asked.
"I have fee...", said Aine being interrupted by the Thalmor officer.
The officer grabbed her again and chained her to the wall so Ulfric could see. "Now, tell me. What do you know of Talos?", demanded the officer.
"He is one of the nine divines. In life, he was known as Tiber Septim, after death he rose to godhood.", proclaimed Aine.
"Blasphemy!", said the officer whipping Aine.
"What do you know of his decedents?", interrogated the officer.
"It is said he was a Nord, therefore he is a father to people of Skyrim.", cried Aine.
"Wrong! Didn't your mother teach you anything?", questioned the office further before stripping her naked and whipping her until she passed out. She hung there for the good bit of an afternoon before another officer cut her loose and threw her into the cell with Ulfric.
This was not how he wanted to see or feel her naked for the first time. He took the cloth from his ragged shirt and put it on Aine. Then he wrapped his arms around her and held her close to his body. "Oh sweet Aine, what have they done to you?", he cried and then placed his lips on her forehead. At this moment he knew he loved her. They slept there for most of the evening.
Aine awoke and looked at Ulfric and screamed, "Who are you? Where am I?"
"Aine, it's me Ulfric", he said giving her a kiss on the cheek.
"Don't touch me.", she cried.
"It's me, Ulfric Stormcloak, Jarl of Windhelm. You are Aine one of my soldiers. I trust you completely. You've known me since you were a little girl. Your father, Thorald was a dear friend of mind. He trained me well.", said Ulfric.
"Oh great Mother Mara, please protect me.", she prayed.
A Thalmor officer and mage walked over to the cell. The mage stuns Ulfric and gags him and the officer hits Aine on the head making her pass out. "Quickly, bind them and get them on the carriage. Off to Helgen with them. On the carriage were two men, Ralof, Ulfric recognized as one of his officers and another Nord he didn't know. They rode throughout the night and were on the road to Helgen two days later. Aine was still asleep. He wanted to hold her and tell her how much he cared for her, but she didn't remember him.
17th of Last Seed, 4E 201
Aine was finally awaking up. Ralof started speaking, "Hey, you. You're finally awake. We were trying to cross the border and walked right into that Imperial ambush, same as that thief over there. You were picked up at some prison." Then the thief spoke, "Damn you Stormcloaks. Skyrim was fine until you came along. Empire was nice and lazy. If they hadn't been looking for you, I could've stolen that horse and been half-way to Hammerfell. You there. You and me — we shouldn't be here. It's these Stormcloaks the Empire wants."
"We're all brothers and sisters in binds now, thief.", replied Ralof.
"Shut up back there", yelled an Imperial Soldier.
The thief looks at me and asks, "What's wrong with him?"
"Watch your tongue! You're speaking to Ulfric Stormcloak, the true High King.", snarled Ralof.
"Ulfric? The Jarl of Windhelm? You're the leader of the rebellion. But if they captured you... Oh, gods, where are they taking us?", said the thief in response.
"I don't know where we're going, but Sovngarde awaits.", said Ralof.
We approached the town of Helgen and I recolonized General Tullius. This would be my execution. I could see the headsman. I wasn't cared for my life but that of Aine's. She was a young woman and didn't deserve this. She was only following my orders. Ralof reminisced about a girl he used to be sweet on here. I looked over to Aine, and she looked back at me with a blank stare. Why did it take a Thalmor prison for me to realize I have feelings for this woman? I wondered.
We exited the carriage. The thief claimed he wasn't meant to be he, ran off and got shot by an arrow. We were called to the block. Then Aine was called, but she wasn't on the list. The captain declared she should go to the block with the rest of us.
General Tullius spoke, "Ulfric Stormcloak. Some here in Helgen call you a hero, but a hero doesn't use a power like the Voice to murder his king and usurp his throne." I grunted in protest. "You started this war, plunged Skyrim into chaos and now the Empire is going to put you down, and restore the peace.", continued Tullius. Then there was a strange sound in the sky. The priestess gave us our last rites before one of my soldiers met the headsman before I was able to see his face. I continued to look at Aine, and she stared back at me blankly as she did earlier. Then they look over to Aine and say, "Next the Nord in rags!" Oh, no. This can't be happening. They are going to behead my love before I am able to tell her how I feel. I thought to myself. She made her way to the headsman and laid her head on the block looking at me. The headsman rose his ax and there it was again, that sound. It was a dragon.
The Imperials tried to kill the dragon but to no avail. Everyone was all scattered about. I cannot see Aine anymore. Where did she go? Then I saw my soldiers within the town walls. They were here for my rescue. "Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak, please come with us.", said one of the soldiers. I exited through the same gates we came in. To the distance I saw a carriage hidden in the bushed and my good friend, Galmar. Quickly we made it to the carriage and make our way back to Windhelm, the City of Kings.
"Did you see Aine? Where is she?, I asked.
"She was there with you?", asked Galmar. Galmar took one look at me and said, "You've finally come to your senses, haven't you?".
"What do you mean, Galmar.", I asked.
"I'm talking about Aine." A day later we were in Windhelm.