It took me a long time to figure it out... but I managed to wrangle together the Jarls of Skyrim for a Moot to select the new High King. Convince them to set aside there hatred and distrust for each other, to elect a new High King to rule over Skyrim. Had to show a few of them the paperwork I stole from the Thalmor detailing there plains to destroy Nirn by banning Talos worship. Just to get them to hear me out. The Moot was held at High Hrothgar. The Jarl's were as follows.
Jarl Elisif the Fair of Haafinger, former High Queen of Skyrim. Jarl Idgrod Ravencrone of Hjaalmarch, an old women (as I'm sure the name implies), and claims to be some manner of seer. Jarl Igmund of the Reach, the man who betrayed Ulfric when he and his Stormcloacks liberated Markarth from Forsworn occupation. Jarl Siddgeir of Falkreath Hold, a brat who doesn't deserve his title and office... I should work on getting someone else to be Jarl of Falkreath Hold at some point. Jarl Balgruuf the Greater of Whiterun Hold, easily the noblest of the Jarl's of Skyrim, though indecisive at times, he has proven to me at least that he's a competent, compassionate and a worthy ruler. Jarl Skald the Elder of The Pale, a fanatic follower of Talos... and frankly a condescending skeever whose probably never known proper happiness in his life. Jarl Laila Law-Giver of the Rift, a well meaning women... but completely oblivious to the obvious corruption in Riften and by extension the rest of her hold. Jarl Korir of Winterhold, blaming the College of Winterhold for the Great Collapse that caused most of his hold to fall into the sea... I shudder to think what he'd do as High King to the College. And finally Jarl Brunwulf Free-Winter of Eastmarch, recently made Jarl after Ulfric's death and lack of official heir, a troubled but compassionate man, he'll make for a fine Jarl... but High King?.
"Jarl's Skyrim, friends of old. We come here to High Hrothgar, in the spirit of kinsmenship and unity. To set aside our petty squabbles to fill Skyrim's empty throne." I said beginning to Moot in earnest. "Very well, now let us discuss the matter as equals of the realm." Jarl Elisif said... that was when the chaos started, almost every Jarl in the room started shouting at each other. Arguing with each other, with only Balgruuf and Brunwulf trying to defuse the whole mess the Moot descended to. The noise... was frankly overwhelming. The Moot, even if it is considered a formality by the Jarl's, is supposed to be a time when they set aside there differences to raise one of there own to the throne of Skyrim.
I was having all I could stands... AND I CAN'T STANDS NO MORE!
"SILENCE! YOU DARE BICKER LIKE CHILDREN, WHEN THE THRONE OF YOUR LAND IS EMPTY, AND YOUR CALLED TO FILL IT!? THIS IS WHAT THE THALMOR DESIRE OF SKYRIM TO BE, A LAND OF UNCEASING CHAOS, THAT IS WHAT THE REST OF TAMRIEL SEES OUR COUNTRY AS, AS IT ALWAYS HAS EVEN WITHOUT A WAR WITHIN. THE WAR FOR SKYRIM IS OVER, YET YOU ARGUE AS IF IT WERE STILL RAGING BELOW. WE MUST TAKE UP ARMS AGIANST THOSE, WHO DARED TO PROFIT AND GAIN FROM THE MISERY THE CIVIL WAR BROUGHT ON US ALL."
My Thu'um rocked the entire room, rending the Jarl's silent... and breaking some of the furniture. "I'm sorry... but either you nine get your act together, or the throne of the High King shall be empty forever more." I said as I produced the Jagged Crown and set it on the table. "Young man... when I first met you when the Dragon's returned, I thought you were merely an exception sellsword. A common mercenary and little else, but as birthright as Dragonborn was made apparent, and your fame across our lands grew. I saw you as perhaps, the best hope for Skyrim. Now I see that you may very well be the last hope for Tamriel, perhaps the whole of the mortal realm. If you wish to crown yourself High King... I for one will not stop you." Balgruuf said... and I must admit. It is tempting... most likely the influence of the Dragons blood in my veins. As Paarthurnax once said, the desire to dominate is part of being a Dragon, even he after so many centuries of residing on the Throat of the World in penance for his crimes during the Dragon War of old. And even, only having the soul of a Dragon... it was tempting to make myself High King. But the war to come demands that I not take up the task of rebuilding Skyrim... besides, I have a much grander prize to attain then the throne of Skyrim.
"No... my place is not to rule over Skyrim. My place is to break the chains of the Dominion and Thalmor, to avenge the wrongs the High Elves have heaped upon us all." I said as I picked up the Jagged Crown, walked over to Balgruuf, and laid it before him. "My fellow Jarl's... I believe we have our High King." Jarl Brunwulf said as Balgruuf reluctantly donned the Jagged Crown. "All hail High King Balgruuf the Greater! May he protect and serve Skyrim all his days, and may he be at Sovengards gate at the end of his days!" I said as I raised up Winters-Bite, the other Jarl's soon joined my praise. "I am not worthy to bear this crown." Balgruuf said. "And that is why you are the best option here. Now, let's all go home, and prepare for the war to come with the Dominion." I said.
Outside, I spoke with Inviiktuz. "You... refused suleyksejun? Authority?" He asked. "Yes... I love this land, but to rule it? I'm an adventurer, my place is out and about the wilds, slaying monsters of all shapes and sizes. I'd probably go mad trying to manage the greater minutia of running a kingdom. Besides that... I have a much grander prize to claim." I said. "Hmm... fin nil praal? You seek the emperor's throne?" Inviiktuz asked, the Emperor, Titus Mede II was assassinated by the Dark Brotherhood... don't remember if I joined them, or destroyed there sanctuary in Skyrim. "Yes, I've beheld great suffering in this land Inviiktuz... and I want the power to end as much as I can. But I can't do that as just the High King of Skyrim." I said sincerely. "Aan nonvul paar. But do you believe that you can accomplish such a feat?" Inviiktuz asked. "I don't know... but odds have never stopped me before." I said.
Over the next few months, Balgruuf's reign slowly mended the rift that the civil war had caused. There was still problems though. We had to make a request of the Elder Council to keep the Imperial Legion in Skyrim to assist in dealing with bandits and rebels in the wilds, from Forsworn in the Reach, to renegeds from the Legion and Stormcloaks refusing to acknowledge Balgruuf's rule... to say nothing of the Thalmor. Pretty much every week consists of fending off Thalmor agents from one illicit scheme or other. Usually involving assassinating Balgruuf to some effect, suffice it to say may days weren't borring... though I do miss being payed upfront for my work. I know that sounds a bit scummy, but I've managed to get six houses and three cabins I built myself across Skyrim. Plus there's my habit of constantly buying materials and items to hone by skills at crafting... I can stop at any time!
At any rate. Things were different this week. This week, King Balgruuf was hosting some dignitaries. From Hammerfell, the free Dark Elves of Morrowind, the An-Xileel Argonians of Black Marsh, and even a few for the Orc strongholds in Skyrim itself, and a number of resistance movements in Dominion lands, seeking refuge from the Dominion. The purpose of all of this?... to ally against the Aldmeri Dominion. I think it helped a little that I had copies made of the Thalmor's plans, and sent them to all... interested parties. Though strangly enough I never got back word from the messages sent to High Rock or Cyrodil. Really hope that the Thalmor haven't caught on to how much we truly know. "Fange, it's been centuries since I've been to a party... and even longer that it didn't involve ritual sacrifices to Molag Bal." Said Serena, daughter of the late Vampire Lord Harkon.
"Well, I've barely seen you since Alduin's defeat. You still gathering the Werewolves and Vampires like I asked?" I asked of her. "Yep, been having them clean up bandit camps... think General Rikke suspects?" Serena asked. "Probably, but if it makes her job dealing with the Forsworn easier then I'm certain that she'll look the other way." I said. "And your be absolutely right Dragonborn. Just try to keep your monster army AWAY from any cities or villages, or trade routes or convoys, and Balgruuf and anyone else for that matter won't ever have to know." Rikke said. "Oh... Galmar giving you any trouble?" I asked trying to change the subject. "Aside from having to have his beard shaved, nothing. We agreed to just keep that thing trimmed." Rikke said.
"My lords! The dignitaries are ready." An Argonian messenger said, and we went into the main hall of Dragons Reach. Balgruuf sat on his throne, with the Jagged Crown on his head. "Introducing Princes Elorl of Hammerfell." A crier said as a young Redguard women stood before the throne. She was dressed in light armor, and openly had a bow, a quiver, and two of those curved swords that almost EVERY, GUARD, IN SKYRIM HAS BEEN RAVING ABOUT... even though those Alik'r warriors only showed in Whiterun one time... BREIFLY, they weren't even allowed inside the city. "My father, High King Athark sends his regards High King Balgruuf." Elorl said as she knelt before Balgruuf.
"He's done well for himself since the war then? On his behalf I welcome you." Balgruuf said. "Introducing, Ginddram Banothi. Ambassador of House Redoran of Morrowind." A crier said. "It's a pleasure to meet you High King." Ginddram said. "I welcome you to this gathering... just as soon as you kneel." Balgruuf said. "What? Oh right! I was just... forgive me." Ginddram said as he did a curtsy before Balgruuf. "Introducing Wuleen-Malz Geeldaresh of the An-Xileel... am I pronouncing any of this right?" The crier said. "It's close enough land-walker. My superiors didn't bother telling me why they sent me to this frigid land, so I'm hoping that this matter will explain things." The An-Xileel ambassador said curtly. "Believe me I will, now will you show your host some respect?" Balgruuf said. "Yes... it's a nice place you have here. Almost makes up for this cold." Wuleen-Malz said. "Then you wouldn't have liked to have been in Windhelm during the war." Balgruuf said, looking none to pleased with the Argonian... better keep an eye on him.
"And finally, Suualmo Chaeus, Cuunwaenyth Elmhollow, and Atraabhi Kahrahior. Of the Coalition of Freedom." The crier said as a High Elf man, Wood Elf women, and Khajit women kneeled to Balgruuf. "Death to the Thalmor!" All three of them said. "One thing at a time friends." Balgruuf said.
Balgruuf then stood up from his throne. "Now, honored dignitaries. I have called you here today, to reveal to you a shocking truth of the Thalmor and the Aldmeri Dominion. As impossible as it might sound, but they desire to bring about the end of Nirn, and raise themselves up as gods." Balgruuf said. "But that doesn't make sense! I was under the impression that they wanted to restore the Merethic Era, to bring all of Tamriel under there rule and rule alone." Wuleen-Malz said. "I know... but this brave man before you. Discovered the ultimate truth, the reasoning behind banning the worship of Talos beyond his life as a human. Now, I have asked you to come here. To propose an alliance, against the Aldmeri Dominion. One that, if they dare to attack any one of us, that they will suffer for there arrogance." Balgruuf said.
The dignitaries murmured among each other at his announcement. "But before we go over the details of the alliance. Let us feast! It would be poor manners to look over parchment on an empty stomach." Balgruuf said, and everyone sat down at the feasting tables. Eventually a guardsmen burst into Dragons Reach. "High King Balgruuf!... there are, there are torches outside the city wall." The guard said. "And why would you feel the need to tell me this?" Balgruuf asked. "There the emissary's from High Rock and Cyrodiil... and there surrounded by Thalmor agents!" The guard said. "You need not even say it High King, muster the city guards and have them mount up. Selene come with me." I said as I stood up from the feast. "Didn't have much of an appetite anyway." Selene said as she followed me out of Dragons Reach.
Eventually we caught up with the Imperial delegation's from High Rock and Cyrodil in the plains in front of the city of Whiterun... and to be honest they were holding there ground behind Imperial shield walls. But compared to the Thalmor "THALMOR! YOU HAVE COME FAR TO DIE! ODAHVIING!" I shouted as Odahviing joined the frey, sweeping aside Thalmor soldiers. It wasn't long before we saved the Imperial and Breton forces. "So... you must be the one the Nords call Dragonborn? I am Tapio Pelenagus, ambassador for the province of Cyrodil, and this is my counterpart from the province of High Rock. Gaspus Luswing." Tapio said, gesturing to a Breton man with a staff.
"I tell you, these old bones of mine aren't getting any younger." Gaspus said. "Well, let me give you the grand tour of Whiterun on our way up to Dragons Reach." I said as I led the Empire's party up the Dragons Reach. Gradually telling them about the fair city that had become Skyrim's capital in recent times. Eventually we reached the apex of Whiterun's Cloud District, Dargons Reach.
"Fair embassadors of Tamriel, may I introduce Tapio Pelenagus of Cyrodil, and Gaspus Luswing of High Rock? They would have gotten here sooner. Were it not for the Thalmor waylaying them." I said as we returned inside. "Then sit down with us friends! You must be tired and hungry. We shall discuss the full extent of Fange's proposal in the morning." Balgruuf said. In the morning the context for the meeting was explained a second time for the Imperial delegation, apparently they already knew the full extent of the Thalmor's twisted ambitions before I sent the letter. "So what would you have us do? Crown you Emperor of Tamriel?" Tapio asked. "No... all we ask is an alliance so that we might all have a fighting chance against the Thalmor and the Dominion. Now... I would like to go to Cyrodil, I wish to discuss something with the Elder Council." I said.
And thus the Treaty of Dragons Reach was signed, and I began the long journey to Cyrodil, and the Imperial City. The Dragons Odahviing and Inviiktuz flying far and above the sky, ready to help me at a moments Shout. Now... I go to find my destiny. With any luck I won't be waylaid by Thalmor agents or some other manner of quest.