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Gilse noticed Galmar wasn't reacting to her story. He just listened with a serious expression on his face. She briefly considered cutting this conversation short and attempting an escape. She was a master level destruction mage who could shout. She looked at Galmar sitting across from her and had to acknowledge at least he was listening to her. She owed it to him to allow him to respond before doing something drastic.
She felt at this point all she could do was continue the story. She said, "Galmar I didn't betray Ulfric, since I never swore an oath to betray. I will accept whatever punishment is due to me for sending the missive to the Jarl of Whiterun. But, I won't apologize for protecting my loved ones. Writing that letter was the hardest thing I've had to do, since I'm starting to have feelings for Jarl Ulfric. When I submitted to the laws of Eastmarch I gave up a part of myself.
Gilse stared into Galmar's eyes and said, "I miss them so much, my little girl and Lydia. I had to try and save them. There is no way for me to win this. By trying to save my family I lost any chance with Ulfric. Since my message never reached Whiterun I stand to lose my family."
Galmar surprised her with a bear hug. "Thank you for allowing me a chance to defend myself," she mumbled. A lone tear ran down her face. She had said her piece, it was out of her hands now.
For the first time in years Galmar was speechless. He respected the fact that Gilse was not an oath breaker. He could understand if not condone her reasons for the missive. She could not serve two masters. Maybe he could extract her from this situation. But first he had to be sure of her feelings for Ulfric. It might not work, one could never tell with Ulfric but it was her best chance.
Gilse was confused when Galmar began to ask some very personal questions. How did she feel about Ulfric personally? Had they been intimate in the Jarl's personal quarters? How did she feel about being his mistress? What did she mean she felt emotionally starved? Finally satisfied with her answers, he gave some reassurances and very strict orders.
"Lass, we are just beginning to plan our march on Whiterun. I will personally escort you out there to speak with Balgruuf and move your family before the war escalates. We are still hoping Balgruuf will declare for Ulfric. Maybe he'll listen to you. As head of the army, I make you these promises," said Galmar.
He placed a hand on her shoulder "I will try to help you Gilse but you will need to do your part. Ulfrics personal quarters are up the last staircase. You can't miss it; the bed is on a platform. I want you naked on that bed lass." he was serious. She gasped Galmar!
He ignored her interruption "Naked lass without a stitch! This is amends making and you are to take whatever he gives you. If he wants you to beg him you do it! Any part of your body he wants, you offer it up. Whatever Ulfric wants he gets! Oh one more thing you are not to withhold your emotions. I want you contrite and willing. Are we clear lass? Do you understand your role?". His very posture suggested he was not prepared to argue. Gilse just stood there looking at him.
His face softened, "lass I can fight for you, but you can't go all weak on me. I can't even promise it will work. But, I know Ulfric well enough to guess the results. Either you will please him enough to forgive you, and everything will be back to normal. Or you will dispel enough of his anger to save yourself a lot of pain".
He took both of her hands. "We are fighting for your skin lass! Can you manage it?" he asked. She looked down her nose at him "I was raised by a priestess of Dibella of course I can manage it," she snapped. He looked at her in approval "That's what I want to hear," said Galmar.
"One last thing lass, even though Ulfric will have the upper hand, you need to be spirited enough to keep it interesting," said Galmar. He scratched his beard headed for the door."Now lets see what magic I can work to make this happen," he grouched.
It was quite some time before Galmar returned to the war room. Ulfric had spent that time planning the dunmer's fate. He listened to Galmar enter the room and the sounds of pouring mead. Oh so Galmar was in his "manage Ulfric" mood.
Galmar liked to pour mead and act benign when he was about to arguer with Ulfric. It was a running joke between them. The one receiving the mead would owe the other a drink provided he won the argument.
He couldn't fathom what Galmar was up to. Weren't they in agreement on this? The Dragonborn was a traitor. He knew Galmar was protective of the little witch, but she had betrayed both their trust. Personally, she had made an ass of him. He had been considering offering her an alliance. Earlier as he watched Galmar lead her away, he had been tempted to call them back.
If only he was involved perhaps they could have come to an understanding. But she had betrayed all true nords, all of Skyrim. He would not allow personal feelings to influence his actions in this case. He had to be her judge in this. Galmar was the first to speak, "Ulfric what do you have in mind for the Dragonborn?".
"I'm undecided," sighed Ulfric. "I should throw her in the dungeon! It would be best to exile her from my city, but I can't do that without handing her to the Imperials. I suppose I will choose a husband for her. A true nord who can control her. Someone who lives far away from this city and it's secrets. Let her husband be responsible for her," said Ulfric.
Galmar saw the opening he had been waiting for. He rubbed his beard and said, " I suggest Skald The Elder. He is a true nord known for his ability to quell traitors. The fact that she is Dragonborn, should surmount his concerns about her being dunmer. Skald is still young enough to enjoy a woman, and she is quite lovely. That alone should compensate him for his trouble. Should I write out a proposal? What say you?"
The Jarl knew he was being baited. "What would you have me do?" he asked. Galmar did not mince words, "Take her yourself. If you are the man I know you are, you will easily contain the Dragonborn." Ulfric was to stunned to say a word. Wild feelings of elation rushed through him. Galmar would accept the elf as queen! He had anticipated a struggle to gain his approval. But it was to late, his lips tightened "I would be foolhardy indeed to take such a woman!" said Ulfric.
"Maybe I am mistaken in your interest Ulfric! If you don't want her I'll offer her a union myself! I assure you I can manage my own woman," Galmar stated trying to hide his amusement. Ulfric was confused, "What aren't you telling me Galmar? A traitor does not deserve such an honor."
The older man studied his Jarl "Now you are ready to listen to reason! I have had extensive conversations with her Ulfric. In her eyes she acted with honor and integrity, and I'm inclined to agree with her. The Dragonborn is a Thane of Whiterun, and as such swore an oath to protect that city. She also has a household to protect. Balgruuf the Greater has not declared for the empire, so she hasn't betrayed us to the other side. Gilse sees herself as our prisoner. Only the laws of Eastmarch are holding her here Ulfric," said Galmar.
Ulfric had learned early to seize every opportunity. He was already having visions of a future with the Dragonborn rallying his people. Her oaths to Balgruff were problematic. The Jarl believed Balgruuf being a true nord would eventually join the rebellion. However, he was enough of a realist to understand there were no guarantees. Before he agreed to any association with her, she would have to prove her loyalty. "Is she ready to take the oath?" he asked.
Galmar was already shaking his head. "The Dragonborn wants to stay impartial, and I agree with her. We need to spare her the oath until Whiterun is decided. His words gave Ulfric pause. He still had her missive on his person. For once he was glad they had decided to conceal this except for Galmar and himself. Maybe they could reach some type of agreement with her. Ulfric seemed to take on an aura of implacable authority as he addressed the older nord, "We have to make plans". Galmar answered him with a grin, "do what you do best Ulfric".