Location: Palace of the Kings
23th of Rain's Hand
8:00am
"I've never really heard of armor for dogs, " Galmar commented, seeing Vigilance happily wolf down his food on the dining table.
"Well, now you do." Kayleigh sat down her tankard on the table. "And I think it's the best thing I've ever done in my life."
"Besides killing Dragons?" Ulfric Stormcloak asked in an amused tone.
She smiled sweetly at him. "Maybe. Somehow, I find Smithing far more entertaining than fighting an oversized lizard. Wouldn't you agree, Jarl Ulfric?"
He nodded and smiled back just as pleasantly. "I guess I would."
23th of Rain's Hand
You know, Skyrim is looking gorgeous right now. Standing here, in High Hrothgar, I can see all of her. It's really beautiful. And I plan to make it stay that way. Once Alduin is out of here.
A lot of things happened, Journal, during these few days. To sum it up, I have Hjerim back, a murderer has been brought to justice, and I'm wearing Mother's hooded cloak. She always said that one day, after she was gone, I was going to inherit it. I didn't think black suited me, but hey, it does!
Jarl Ulfric decided not to charge me for Daren's murder. But you know, I was ready to face the charge. I had murdered someone. Not just anyone: but the man responsible for Mother's death. I was ready to face my punishment. But what made the Jarl decided not to put me away remains a mystery to me. Was it because I was the one the world needed right now? Or was it my sob story? I don't know, and I guess I'll never know.
I'm just waiting for the 25th. In the meantime, Arngeir offered to teach me a few more Words of Power. He also marked out some locations on my map where I can find most of the Word Walls. I'll travel to these locations one day.
Paarthurnax has been very kind to me too. He offered to help me meditate in the Words of Power. Today, I meditated in 'Fus', which means force in our language. Watch out, villains! I just might send your asses off a cliff! I adore and respect that Dragon. He's an amazing mentor. I find it hard to believe that he was once destructive… But then again, it's a dragon's nature. I can't blame him. Yet, he took control over his temptations and fought back. Now, he is the master of the Greybeards. It's truly remarkable, Journal. I'm inspired.
25th of Rain's Hand
Well, the day's finally here. I'm waiting until all the guests arrive. I hear General Tullius, his Legate and Jarl Elisif, have already arrived. I managed to convince Arngeir to let the Blades join us. I mean, they do have some kind of right. I hope we spill any bad blood. That includes the Stormcloaks and the Imperials. Although it would be nice to hurt some Imperials…
I must admit: I'll be happy to see Jarl Ulfric again. He's done so much for me in just a day. He is kind; I just wish he wasn't so… you know… As long as someone isn't a Nord… I'll change his mind about it. I hope I can.
Location: High Hrothgar
25th of Rain's Hand
2:14pm
"You seem distracted, Dragonborn." Arngeir interrupted Kayleigh, who was daydreaming after she had written the last line in her journal.
She closed it and stood up from her chair in respect for the elder. "I guess I'm just nervous, that's all. Everybody came here because I convinced them to, and I hope we can come to an agreement, without any bloodshed, for your sake. I know the Greybeards have no business involving yourselves in such matters."
"Indeed. It violates our tradition, in fact."
"And yet, here you are," She smiled once again. "You agreed to this, because you believe in me. Paarthurnax encouraged me because he believed in me too. With so many people having faith in me I'm not about to violate that. Everything will go smoothly. I promise."
"We trust you, Dragonborn. Your will is strong. You will succeed." He smiled in return for her pledge.
She felt more confident right then. What she needed right now was a truce so that she could get Jarl Balgruuf's help in trapping a Dragon in Dragonsreach. She hoped to obtain that without losing her temper or any bloodshed.
Talos, help!
"Come, Dragonborn. Jarl Ulfric and his officer have just arrived. We should get this Peace Council started."
Kayleigh and Vigilance followed the Greybeards into the conference room, where Delphine, Esbern, Ulfric and Galmar stood on the left side of the room and Jarl Elisif, General Tullius, Legate Rikke and Elenwen stood on the right side.
The presence of the First Emissary of course, startled Kayleigh. Elenwen? What's she-? Nevermind. I'll just have to run with it.
The High Elf spotted Kayleigh and immediately, her features stiffened. She was not at all happy to see the Dragonborn. The feeling was mutual.
"I wouldn't have believed it. You. You're the Dragonborn?" Elenwen questioned in disbelief.
Vigilance growled softly.
"Unfortunately, that makes two of us," Kayleigh pulled back her hooded cloak. "Hello, Elenwen. How's your dinky little embassy now that I've trashed the place? I know that those highly-trained guards are hard to come by. Too bad they're all dead, right?" Kayleigh kept a smirk on her face.
"You messed with the wrong people, you little wrench. Rest assured that this is not the end." Elenwen threatened, her eyes raging with anger.
"No, it isn't," She agreed. "But when it comes to the end, we'll see who'll be the last one standing." She snarled, and walked away from Elenwen.
Kayleigh's place was at the far end of the table. She walked past Ulfric and Galmar. "Gentlemen," She greeted. "I want to thank you for coming."
"Dragonborn," Ulfric had his arms folded across his chest and kept his gaze on General Tullius. "I never thought I'd willingly stand in the same room with Tullius in it. At least… not without a weapon in my hand."
She smirked. "Don't worry," She then leaned in to whisper, "Me too." Obtaining a little smile from him, she walked over to her seat and sat down. She unhooked her Mace of Molag Bal and kept it on her lap. Vigilance stood next to her and she patted him on his head.
The Greybeards, except for Arngeir who sat opposite Kayleigh, surrounded the table. "Now that everyone is here, please take your seats so that we can begin." Arngeir requested.
From Kayleigh's point of view, everybody on her left took their seats, as did Delphine and Esbern, who were on her right, but Ulfric and Galmar did not. In fact, they looked rather disgusted.
"No!" Ulfric objected. "You insult us by bringing her to this negotiation?" He pointed to Elenwen. "Your chief Talos-hunter?"
Nice name.
"That didn't take very long…" Legate Rikke mumbled. She was seating next to Kayleigh.
"I have every right to be at this negotiation I need to ensure that nothing is agreed to here that violates the terms of the White-Gold Concordat." Elenwen spoke, justifying her reason to be here.
"She is part of the Imperial delegation!" General Tullius added.
Of course she is.
"You can't dictate who I bring to this council!"
"Please!" Arngeir held up his hands in truce. "If we have to negotiate the terms of the negotiation, we will never get anywhere!"
We haven't even started to go anywhere!
"Perhaps this will be a good time to get the Dragonborn's input on this matter." Right then and there, all eyes were on Kayleigh.
Me? I'm just here to make sure we have a truce! "My input? Um, well-"
"Her input?" Elenwen was bewildered to have heard such a ghastly thing. "That woman is bias! She sides with the rebels and is a threat to everyone in this room! I'm still having a hard time believing that she, of all people, is the legendary Dragonborn!"
Kayleigh gave a blank look that lasted about 3 seconds. Drem… that's what Paarthurnax said: Drem… I'll need lots of it… "I would say… that the Thalmor have no business here whatsoever. Wouldn't you agree, Jarl Ulfric?" She called for him, but kept her killer gaze on Elenwen.
"Agreed. To sit down at the same table with that… Thalmor bitch? Never." He looked at Elenwen as well. "Either she walks, or I do."
"All due respect, Dragonborn," General Tullius spoke. "She is part of the Imperial allocation. You wanted to conduct a Peace Council between the two factions; I'll have to bring anyone who is involved. I'm sorry. But she stays."
Kayleigh caught sight of a smirk on Elenwen's lips.
"Fine, General Tullius," Kayleigh may have lost this round, but she had a feeling this day was far from over. "She can stay." She glanced at the Jarl of Windhelm with an apologetic look on her fair face.
You couldn't do much. It's alright, Ulfric thought. He knew she hated the Thalmor just as much as him. "But she is to observe. Nothing more. We are not negotiating with her. Is that clear?"
"Oh, Ulfric. Why so hostile?" Kayleigh could sense that tone in Elenwen's voice: she was about to hit Ulfric where it hurt. "After all, it's not the Thalmor that's burning your farms and killing your sons."
Oh my sweet Talos…
"She's supposed to be on our side?" Legate Rikke mumbled once again.
"You know EXACTLY what I'm-" Ulfric shook his head. "No. Not this time…" He took a seat next to Kayleigh, but still kept his eyes on Elenwen. Galmar sat next to him.
She's not getting away with this. Kayleigh took the Mace of Molag Bal from her lap and plopped it onto the table with much force, in order to attract the attention of everyone in the room, especially the people on her left. All eyes were indeed on the Vampire's Mace.
Obtaining the appalled looks on all their faces, Kayleigh maintained an innocent ruse. "Oh, don't mind me. The Mace of Molag Bal was a little heavy for me to keep on my lap. Oh, I can imagine that the Daedric Prince of Domination would have to make it heavy in order for it nearly take a person's head off."
"Is that a threat, Dragonborn?" General Tullius asked, realizing where she was going.
"Oh, Gods, no! Of course not!" She jerked back as if she had been mildly offended for being taken the wrong way. "It's a warning!" She leered at Elenwen straight in the eye. "Elenwen, if you have come here to make remarks and not take this meeting seriously, I will bash your face in with this mace and send your soul to Molag Bal," Then Kayleigh looked at the horrified General. "That was a threat. Do you see the difference?"
Ulfric exchanged looks with his second-in-command, who was producing a smile just as big and Ulfric's. The Dragonborn certainly had a way with her words.
"Noted." Tullius said, after a much-needed pause
Elenwen tried to contradict. "You don't honestly believe-!"
"Elenwen," He warned with a low tone. "Let's just get on with this."
"Alright then. Now that that's settled, may we proceed?" Arngeir requested.
"Of course, Arngeir." Kayleigh smiled.
"Jarl Ulfric, General Tullius, this council is unprecedented," Arngeir informed, though he was indeed, addressing the entire room. "We are all here at the Dragonborn's request. I ask that you all respect the spirit of High Hrothgar and do your best to begin the process of achieving a lasting peace in Skyrim," He eyed each of the men respectively. "Who would like to open the negotiations?"
"We would." Galmar said, and let Ulfric have the floor.
"We want control of Markarth," Ulfric stated. "That's our price for agreeing to a truce."
Kayleigh gawked at him as if she had heard a foul word. Talk about jumping in. Asking for Markarth? An entire city? What in Oblivion are you doing? Wasting no time, eh? Poetic justice, I assume, considering what happened there all those years ago…
Elisif shook her head in disgust. "So that's why you're here, Ulfric? You dare to insult the Greybeards by using this council to advance your own position?"
"Jarl Elisif," General Tullius warned. "I'll handle this."
"General, this is serious!" She spat. "You can't be taking this demand seriously! I thought we were here to discuss a truce!"
"Elisif, I said I'd handle this…"
Just 'Elisif'? Wow, some respect YOU have for a Jarl…
Tullius turned his attention to his rival. "'Ulfric, you can't serious expect me to give up Markarth at the negotiating table!" He exclaimed, and then leaned back against his chair, gradually realizing where this was all going. "You've hoped to gain in council what you've been unable to take in battle, is that it?"
Ouch!
Ulfric was about to reply when Arngeir spoke. "I'm sure Jarl Ulfric does not expect something for nothing."
Well... I guess that... neither of us do, Arngeir… But... exchanging holds?
"Yes…" Rikke mumbled, yet again. "That would be entirely out of character…"
"What would the Empire want in return?"
Elisif was flabbergasted about this all. This was actually happening! "Wait! General, you don't intend to just and over Markarth to that… traitor!"
"This is how the Empire repays us for our loyalty?" Jarl Balgruuf spat, having been silent all this while.
"Enough!" Tullius ordered, having heard enough from all directions from the room. "First, let's be clear: this council wasn't my idea. I think it's a waste of time."
Waste of-? You grey-haired old bastard! I'll put you closer to retirement!
"You are a traitor to the Empire, and deserve a traitor's death!" He pointed to Ulfric, but then calmed down. "But I at least will negotiate in good faith…" He then looked at Kayleigh. "Since we're all here at your request, I'd like to hear what you think Markarth is worth."
"Wait, what?" Kayleigh was taken aback to hear that. "Why do I have to be the tie-breaker?" She had not anticipated this. Throwing cities on the table? Nope. Not what she had in mind.
"Well, you did form this meeting…" Rikke pointed out.
"True, but I didn't think we'd be flinging cities onto the table and exchanging them! I thought we would all come in, sit down, have a few drinks, maybe a few more and then talk this out…?" She laughed nervously, but then her face painted a look of bafflement. "Oh my Gods, you're both serious..."
"It's the only way for your truce to be seen through, Dragonborn." Arngeir lamented.
Kayleigh could not believe what she was experiencing at the present moment. To see her beloved country treated in such a manner. "If this is how we are going to play it…" She took a moment to think about which city was ruled by which faction. "What about Dawnstar? Pretty place."
"In exchange for Markarth, the source of most of Skyrim's silver?" He shook his head slightly. "Hardly…" He dismissed it. "Riften seems like a better choice to me: well-fortified, easily supplied from across Lake Honrich."
You don't like Dawnstar? "Dawnstar has its advantages."
"Not enough to outweigh the loss of Markarth. Our entire position in Solitude will be threatened." He said.
"Yes, but... having another port will ease your supply situation considerably." She added. I can't let them take Riften. I bet my mace that Maven Black-Briar would become Jarl, and that's not good for anyone, let alone an entire city.
"Hmm… As much as I find this a little biased, you do make it seem like Dawnstar had a chance." He admitted, making sure his true feelings were brought out.
Biased? Hey, I never meant for-
"Better than nothing, I suppose," He sighed. "But Ulfric will have to offer more if he wants me to give up Markarth without a fight."
Ulfric was satisfied. "You heard the young lady, Tullius: Markarth will be ours. Now we'll see if there's anything behind your talk of good faith."
Tullius shook his head, refusing to accept defeat. "I can see now that this is not a negotiation at all!" He looked at Ulfric. "I know you, Ulfric. If I hand over Markarth, you'll be ready with a new demand! You're never defeat the Empire and you know it! But you're willing to sacrifice thousands for your one selfish ambition!" He watched Ulfric with eagle-like eyes. "Soon enough, I'll have you back under the headman's axe… and this time, there won't be any dragon to save you."
Ulfric was not intimidated. He was far from it, actually. "As always! The Empire's words are meant nothing!"
"Stop!" A different voice broke out. Esbern got out of his seat. "Are you so blind to our danger that you can't see past your petty disagreements?" He questioned. "Here you sit here arguing about… nothing! When the fate of the world hangs in the balance!"
You tell 'em, Esbern…
"Is he with you, Delphine? If so, I advise you tell him to watch his tongue…" Ulfric warned.
You know, I was really liking you, my Jarl.
Delphine glared at him. "He is with me. And I advise the both of you listen to what he has to say, before you do anything rash."
Both sides fell silent and Esbern wasted no time continuing. 'Don't you understand the danger?" He questioned. "Don't you understand what the return of the Dragons mean? Alduin has returned! The World-Eater! Even now, he devours the souls of your fallen comrades!"
Both sides were now listening more intently.
"He grows more powerful with every solider lain in your pointless war!"
It's not entirely 'pointless', Esbern...
"Can you not put aside your hatred for even one moment in the form of this mortal danger?" He demanded an answer, despite the fact that both sides were silent-struck.
Speechless, eh?
"A very pretty speech," Elenwen said sarcastically.
The silence was more appealing, you know…
"But what does it have to do with-"
"Shut up!" Ulfric commanded, his strong voice sailing across the room and to Elenwen.
Nine Divines! If he wasn't careful, that might have been a Shout!
"If he's right about Alduin, we both have just as much to lose here, Tullius," He said. "But if this truce can help the Dragonborn put an end to him, then we both have something to gain too. Remember that." He added.
Tullius nodded slightly. As much as he hated to admit it, there was some truth in Ulfric's words. "Fine. Let's get back to the matter at hand then. But you know as well as I do that I can't hand over Markarth under these terms!" He protested.
"You see what talking to them gets us?" Galmar muttered.
"Out with it then." Ulfric demanded, not wanting to waste time.
"We want compensation for the massacre at Karthwasten." Tullius said almost immediately. This caused Ulfric, but mostly Galmar, to gap.
"You slaughtered the every people you claimed to be fighting for!" Rikke indicted him. "True sons of Skyrim would never do such things!"
Are we seriously going to start accusing them for something that no one knows how it went down?
"Damned Imperials LIES!" Galmar said, enraged. "My men would never stoop to such methods! Even in retaliation for your butchery at-"
"This is our homeland, Tullius." Ulfric interrupted, not wanting Galmar to speak of that any further. "Every blood spilled in this war is on your head."
Tullius was about to lose it. "Ulfric, you-"
"Hey wait!" Kayleigh finally spoke, raising both hands up in truce. "Gentlemen, please calm down! Let me give you my input:" She offered. "This was a massacre that involved both factions. No one knows how it all happened or who started it in the first place. General, I'm sorry, but without any proof, I don't think Jarl Ulfric should compensate."
Tullius shook his head and faked a laugh. "I should've known you would say something like that."
Oh, COME ON! I'M TRYING TO BE FAIR! You grey-haired old-
"Once again, the Empire has to take the blame for the crimes of others." Tullius tried to be civilized, but he wasn't used to this kind of treatment. "You know I can't agree to these terms! The Empire would repudiate this treaty and I would be recalled!"
Ulfric folded his arms across his chest. "Fine. I'm listening."
"We want control of Winterhold."
Ulfric faked a laugh. "What's next, Tullius? Should I just hand over all of Skyrim?"
Tullius grumbled under his breath. "I guess I'll have no choice but to let the Dragonborn decide,' He looked at Kayleigh. "I know exactly where your loyalty lies, and I don't like it. But it seems that I can't anything about it."
Kayleigh had enough for this treatment. "You know what, General Tullius? Maybe I am biased. Know why? Because you clowns here represent the damn Empire: the same Empire who signed away our freedom to this bitch over here!" She pointed to Elenwen. "Therefore, I hate you," She pointed to Rikke. "You," Then to Tullius. "And I especially hate you," And finally to Elenwen. She scanned the entire room with dismay on her face. "Alduin and the dragons know NO sides and will kill each and every one us in a heartbeat! But obviously, I cannot appeal to both sides to understand that fact," With a disappointing shake of her head, she ultimately said, "The Empire will take Winterhold, and that will be it from both sides. I will not see Skyrim treated with such inappropriateness any further!"
Explosive anger is still there, I see. "I'll hand over Winterhold." Ulfric said.
"Fair enough. I suppose this is the fairest deal we'll ever get." Tullius admitted.
Arngeir, having spent all this time silent and listening to everyone's ramblings and insults, was pleased that this was coming to an end. "It seems we may have an agreement. Do we?"
"Yes."
"Yes, I suppose we do."
"Alright then," Arngeir arose from his seat. "Jarl Ulfric, General Tullius, these are the terms currently on the table: Markarth will be handed over to Ulfric's forces. Jarl Igmund will step down and Thongvar Silver-Blood will become Jarl. Ulfric will allow Imperial forces into the Pale, Skald the Elder will go into exile and Brina Mortillis will assume the Jarlship. Winterhold will be turned over to the Empire, although the College will resume its traditional neutrality. You both agree to this?" Arngier asked.
Ulfric glared at Tullius square in the eye. "The sons of Skyrim will live up to their agreements. So as long as long as the Empire live up to theirs." He then looked at Jarl Elisif. "What about you, Elisif? Are these terms to your liking? Speak up! I'm sure General Tullius is willing to do your bidding."
Elisif refused to even look at Ulfric. She turned to Tullius. "I have nothing to say to take murderer. General, you've proven yourself a good friend to Skyrim. I continue to trust that you will do your utmost to safeguard out interests." She smiled a little at him.
"Thank you, Jarl Elisif. I appreciate your loyalty."
Kayleigh massaged the bridge of her nose. "I'm feeling a bit repulsive," She picked up her tankard. "Someone get me some mead so that I don't vomit. I'll even settle for Skooma. Anyone?"
This produced a little smile from Ulfric. Beautiful with an amusing sense of humor.
Tullius glared at her before he returned his attention to Ulfric. "The Empire can live with these terms, yes. For a temporary truce, until the Dragon menace is dealt with. After that, there will be reckoning, Ulfric. Count on it…" He snarled.
"But of course. We'll see how you differ, once the Dragonborn here joins our ranks."
All eyebrows rose when they heard about this. The Dragonborn? A Stormcloak?
You're all going to die…
However, Tullius recovered from his minor shock and was not intimidated. "Whoever it may be, we will leave no survivors once this goes to war."
"Fair enough," She said. "Neither do I."
For 2 heartbeats, silence filled the room until Arngeir broke it. "Jarl Balgruuf, I assume you are familiar with the Dragonborn's plan?"
"Yes, I am," He turned to Kayleigh. "Just say the word, Dragonborn, and my men will help you spring this trap."
"But the difficulty remains: how to lure a dragon to Dragonsreach at all?" Arngeir asked.
"Well, that's an excellent question. You haven't overlooked that little detail, have you?" Tullius said sarcastically.
Kayleigh did not face him, but instead put her hand to her ear. "Do I hear a grey-haired old bastard? Or is it just General Tullius? I don't know. I can't tell."
"I believe I can be of help there," Esbern then spoke, much to Kayleigh's relief. "I anticipated the problem. While you were arranging this meeting, I was busy in the library of Sky Haven Temple," He said. "An unguessed trove of lost lore… but the important thing is that the Blades recorded many of the names of dragons they slew. Cross-referencing this with Delphine's map of dragon burial sites, I believe I've identified one of the dragons that Alduin has risen up."
"And how does that help me?" She asked, unsure of where this was going.
"Ah, don't you see, Dragonborn? The names of dragons are always three Words of Power – Shouts!" He informed.
Really?
"By calling the dragon with the Voice, he will hear you wherever he may be."
"Why would he want to come?"
"He's not compelled to, but dragons are prideful by nature and loath to refuse a challenge, whoever the challenger may be. Your Voice in particular," He pointed to her. "is likely to intrigue him, especially after your victory over Alduin."
"You were close to defeating him? Outstanding…" Rikke was awestruck. The woman had potential.
"It's very likely that he will be unable to resist investigating your call."
"Oh… So, what's the dragon's name?"
He smiled a little. "I'm no master of the Voice like these worthy gentlemen, but it is written here in this scroll." He sat a scroll on the table and spread it open. "Let's see… 'Od', 'Ah', 'Viing'… Snow Wing Hunter, as I read it."
"Od-ah-viing," She repeated the Words of Power. "It's time I meet the little lizard."
A/N: The longest chapter in this story O.o. So which is your favourite chapter so far? :)
To all those who've favourited and put this on alert...
I LOVE YOU GUYS!