wow has it really been that long. Hope you guys like this chapter. I know the fight isn't great but I plan on working on it long before she meets Alduin

Stormcloak

The room was warm, welcoming, the heat from the hearth was welcome on her cold skin. She knew this place. It had been many years since she had stood in this doorway. Her dark straight hair had been replaced by the golden curls she had spent a lifetime trying to hide. In a panic, she rummaged through her leathers, desperately searching for her potion. It was in that moment that she realised that there was another being in the room, someone she recognised. A person which removed her anxiety that her identity would be discovered. She could hardly believe that this figure, a pretty woman; aged around thirty-thirty five, was here in front of her; seated by the fire, humming to herself whilst she occupied herself with her embroidery. Disa took a breath and stepped towards her. The woman could sense the approaching figure and stopped sewing. She looked up at Disa with tears of love and pride.

"Mother?" Disa whispered, barely audible.

"Eydis, my beautiful daughter."

"Mother, what's going on? What are you doing here? You were executed, how are you here?"

"Can a dead woman not travel the world of dreams to express her pride to her daughter?"

Tears filled the girl's eyes as she gazed upon the late Queen of Skyrim.

"I cannot stay here child, I just wanted to tell you of my pride that you have grown into such a beautiful woman. I knew that Brynjolf would never disappoint me."

"He is a good man. A good father."

"I always suspected that he would be. Had I been given the choice, he would have been to both you and Torygg. My father did not want that future for me, as yours did not wish the future you face."

"You have seen my future?"

"Parts of it. I am not only proud of everything you have done but also what you will do."

"You aren't going to enlighten me are you?"

Imalda smiled as she rose to her feet. She pulled her daughter into a tight embrace, kissing her golden hair she pulled back and wiped away the Princess' tears.

"My darling, the future is not for you to see. It would spoil the surprise to come."

"I miss you."

"And I miss you my darling. But I take comfort in the love you have found. He is a fine man, a good man. Your father and brother do not approve of him, it is understandable."

"Love? I don't know what you're talking about."

Imalda chuckled.

"I forgot, you have not known this type of love. You will soon enough though. You already plague his mind and dreams, just as much as he has played upon your own thoughts. Although you will not admit it. Stay on your path and you will meet him again."

"Again? Mother, I'm getting confused. No man has plagued my mind." She stopped and considered the late Queen's words. Only one man had been in her head. Judging by how people had described 'love'; she could only summise that what she felt was not what stopped time and screamed from her heart. But then she had only briefly met the man. He was a mystery, that was it. She had to admit that there was something about the man. Besides she was very careful to avoid falling in love, as Brynjolf had requested.

"I'm not in love. A crush, maybe a fleeting thought towards a stranger perhaps, I'm seventeen afterall. It happens to all young women."

"I apologise, Eydis. I was not to reveal the future but my excitement of how deeply this man loves you simply overthrew me. The irony of it all is very amusing. Forget that for now dear. Just know that I love you. I am proud of you. Stop grieving my passing. It was never your fault."

"I love you too Mother. I never wanted this, this was never worth your life. You should have sent me to the Emporer. You would still be alive."

"I am far happier knowing that I died to protect my daughter from a loveless and unhappy future. That was never the fate I wanted for you. Be at peace my child. That decision was mine to make, and I would make it a million times over. Wake now, be free of the burden you had placed upon yourself, and know that your mother loves you deeply; and could not be prouder of you."


Waking with a sense of peace she had never felt before. She had carried the guilt of her mother's passing since she had heard of the execution. The fact that her mother had forgiven her, albeit in a very vivid dream. She could still feel the warmth of Queen Imalda's embrace. She had long missed that loving touch. She sat quietly and gazed at her sleeping companion.

She and Sapphire had been in Whiterun just over a week. She could understand her sister's confusion of why they needed to arrive in the city, especially as the Stormcloaks were based in Windhelm, however she had placed an order for new armour with Eorlund Gray-Mane. Graciously, he had accepted the chance to make the Thane of Whiterun a new set of Dragon scale armour. She knew that he was one of the best, if not the best, of his craft and she had hoped that he could create the extraordinary with the scales she had taken from the dragon she had slain. The beast whose blood had made her Thane.

Sapphire opened her eyes and yawned, loudly. Disa could not help but laugh.

"You're in a good mood this morning, sister."

"I can't explain it, but I feel that a great weight has been lifted."

"Good, that lack of extra weight will help you to carry that new armour of yours."

"It is much lighter than it looks.." Smiled Disa as she reached to her bedside table and drank her potion. Already, she could feel her scalp tingle as it reinforced the magic upon her hair. She would have to take a rest from the mixture at some point, she had been warned of side effects if she took it too often, but now was not the time. The Thalmor were everywhere and she couldn't risk being discovered.

She pondered her mother's revelation of future love. Maybe it was to be someone in the guild. She had passing thoughts of some of her guild brothers. Some were really rather dashing. But then her mind wandered to those icy blue eyes and that long golden mane that she had dreamed of. The Jarl of Windhelm had been in and out of her thoughts since she had briefly met. Her mother could not have been refering to him. They had not spoken, so love was an impossibility. Yet when her mother mentioned a man had been in her mind, her thoughts instantly turned to him. She shook her head, Ulfric Stormcloak was definitely a teenage crush.

"Let us get ready, Sister. We have lost too much time as it is."


The memory of her dream stayed with her all day, from getting changed into her new, full suit of armour, all the way through their journey to Windhelm. The armour was a blessing as it kept her warm. Her helmet, which hid her face, kept the bitter chill from her skin and the snow out of her eyes. She could also see that the new light armour she had gifted to Sapphire was helping.

"I will be happy once we get a tunnel to this place." Sapphire mumbled.

"With a travel enchantment?"

"What else? We have them in almost all of our tunnels, it would take forever to just walk everywhere. I am glad that you allowed us to construct one in Breezehome."

"We needed a safehouse in Whiterun anyway." Disa shrugged.

She was not wrong. The fact that she was Thane had allowed her the resources that proved helpful for the Guild. Her title could help get her friends out of some trouble and Breezehome was ideal for a quick getaway. They both arrived at the stables and left the carriage that had brought them. Disa awarded the driver a few extra septims for his troubles and walked, with her sister, across the bridge and through the gates

"So this is Windhelm?" Disa said quietly.

She had to admit to being a little disappointed. The city was cold and unforgiving, especially towards some of its own residents, let alone strangers. Being a member of the Thieves guild, it was hard for her to comprehend the clear discrimination towards the elves. All were welcome in the Guild, providing blood never stained your sword whilst on a mission. But Windhelm, it was another story. It was clear which part of the city the Elves dwelled. She could not help but sympathise with the poor people. Not all Elves were affiliated with the Thalmor. If she could find a way she wouldhelp those poor people.

"I guess I should head to the "Palace of the Kings" she said, indicating to the large building at the end of the city. "Can't hurt to get the wheel turning. You go to the inn, get yourself warm, I'll meet you there."

Sapphire nodded, keen to get out of the cold.

Leaving Sapphire, she walked towards the palace. There were less guards than she expected. Maybe the Jarl was too confident in his defences, or maybe he just had a better strategy. Either way she had to admit that she was nervous about joining the Stormcloaks. Mainly because of Torygg. If Ulfric and his followers ever discovered her real identity, would she meet her brother's fate? She swallowed and calmed her nerves as she continued through the courtyard. This was what she wanted. She wanted the empire out of Skyrim. She wanted to be free of the lies and the secrets. The only way to ensure the freedom of Skyrim was to remove the Thalmor and the Emporer's influence. If that meant following the man who killed her brother into oblivion, then so be it.

With a sense of foreboding, she walked through the doors and entered the grand hall.


Ulfric Stormcloak and his second in command, Galmer Stone-Fist were standing and intently discussing their plans for the civil war. The Jarl leaning on his war table, concentrating intently as Galmer paced nearby.

"Balgruuf won't give us a straight answer." Said the old soldier shaking his head.

"He's a true Nord. He'll come around." Ulfric replied, as he stood upright and turned to face his General.

"And what would you have me do?"

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

"He knows that. They all know that."

"How long are you going to wait?"

"You think I need to send Balgruuf a stronger message."

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

"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. Whoever we replace them with will need the support of our armies."

"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."

"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."

The Jarl slapped his old friend hard on the shoulder proudly.

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

"I'd follow you into the depths of Oblivion, you know that."

"Yes, but why do you fight? If not for me, what then?"

"I'll die before elves dictate the fates of men. Are we not one in this?"

"I fight for the men I've held in my arms, dying on foreign soil. I fight for their wives and children, who's names I heard whispered in their last breaths. I fight for we few who did come home, only to find our country full of strangers wearing familiar faces. I fight for my people impoverished to pay the debts of an Empire too weak to rule them, yet brands them criminals for wanting to rule themselves! I fight so that all the fighting I've already done hasn't been for nothing. I fight... because I must."'

"Your words give voice to what we all feel, Ulfric. And that's why you will be High King. But the day words are enough, will be the day when soldiers like us are no longer needed."

"I would gladly retire from the world were such a day to dawn."

"Aye. But in the meantime, we have a war to plan."

Ulfric's attention was suddenly drawn to the doorway, where stood a woman, which was clear by the shape of the medium armour she was wearing, made from a metal he had never seen before. Part of him wanted to call the guards. After all this stranger was spying on his meeting, the meeting which could decide the fate of Skyrim. Yet something held him back.

"Who are you?"

She faltered at first. Unsure of how to reply. Then she seemed to swallow her pride. Her response full of confidence.

"They call me Dragonborn."

Galmer could not help but chuckle as Ulfric considered the woman in front of him. Part of him was impressed by her bravado, yet he remained cynical.

"The Dragonborn have died out lass. We cannot all go around following prophecys as if they were true."

"Zu'u assure hi tol Zu'u tinvaak vahzen (I assure you I speak the truth)"

"Nunon dahik hi tinvaak Dovahzul, nii dreh ni wahl hi Dovahkiin. Zu'u tinvaak tinvok ahrk Zu'u los merely nunon jul. (Just because you speak Dovahzul, it does not make you Dragonborn. I speak the language and I am merely just a man.)"

"Zu'u hind wah aav hin drun. Faal Thalmor kent kos kuyiz hond nol Keizaal (I wish to join your cause. The Thalmor must be driven away from Skyrim)"

Ulfric smirked at her. It was clear from her posture that this girl was still in her youth. Her mastery at the language of the Dragons was also very impressive. Galmer's impatience, however drew his attention.

"For the love of Talos, can you speak so that all of us can understand?"

"The young lady wishes to be a Stormcloak."

"Can you fight?" Asked Galmer, seriously.

He could not deny that they needed numbers. The Thalmor were taking as many lives as were lost. Volunteers were definitely in short supply. But, he did not want to introduce a cocky brat into his ranks, especially if they could not defend themselves.

"I assure you, put war axes into my grasp and I am a deadly force. This armour is crafted from dragon scales, the dragon slain by my own hands."

"Are we to trust someone who will not even show her face?" Ulfric asked.

"My mask is to hide my position. A position, I assume, that will be useful for you in the future."

"That is?"

"I am the Thane of Whiterun."

"If that is true, then why are you here and not there." Galmer enquired suspiciously.

"The Thalmor are a blight on Skyrim. They must be stopped."

Amused, Ulfric held up his hand.

"I will allow your anonemity for now. But you still must prove yourself."

"Name it." she shrugged.

Galmer had only just begun to talk when the deafening roar filled the palace. Ulfric's eyes widened in horror. He turned to see the "Dragonborn" already weilding her axes.

"Kill that thing, protect my people, then you will have proven yourself."

She nodded her head and ran out of the palace. Ulfirc was afraid. Not of the beast. If the girl couldn't kill it he woul;d go out himself. Part of him deep down feared for her safety. He could not explain it. He had never had this fear for any new initiate. But this girl was different. As soon as she disappeared out of the doors, his very being wanted to follow her, to protect her. He picked up his sword and followed her out, into the courtyard. In his mind, his dream bride was urging him forward.

Yet when he arrived at the scene, the girl had already engaged the beast. She charged at the dragon with such speed, it took the Jarl by surprise. She used her voice, the very power he had used on Torygg, to knock the beast to the ground

"FUS ROH DA"

As the dragon recovered, it spread its wings. The girl had taken the opprtunity to grab its tail as it took off with powerful force. The jarl watched in amazement as the girl climbed up the creatures body. She slipped a few times, but still managed to maintain her hold. She climbed ever higher, the beast trying hard to shake her off of its body, failing miserably as the determined warrior reached its neck. She raised her axe and screamed, as she drove it through the dragons skull. No man alive could claim to have that ability. The dragon stuggled but quickly perished. The girl held tightly to the corpse as it plumetted into the grounds outside the city.

The whole city ran beyond the gates, trying to catch a glimpse of their hero. It was unlikely that anybody could survive that fall. Ulfric ran ahead of his people. His heart was racing. He prayed that she had survived. He could not help the heavy fear building within him. Fear that turned to relief as they approached the monster's body. The girl sat astride it in triumph.

"Would somebody be kind enough to fetch me a blacksmith. The dragon has damaged my axes."

Another woman rushed from the crowd urgently.

"Sister, what the hell were you playing at? You could have been killed."

"Sapphire, I'm fine." The young warrior seemed uncomfortable "My axes aren't. I liked those ones."

"To fuck with your axes."

She slid off the dragon, and embrace her sister, perhaps to assure her. Then she stood before Ulfric.

"How good is your blacksmith?"

"One of the best."

"Good I need new axes. The bones of the dragon should be craftable, if you could request it I would be grateful."

Ulfric nodded, proud of the new initiate and pleased she wasn't hurt during her short battle.

"Did I prove myself enough for you, my Jarl?"

"Yes, Unbloodied, you did, welcome to the Stormcloaks. Galmer, you know what to do."

The old soldier stood forward.

"Repeat after me:

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!"

She repeated it, they could hear the pride in her oath. When she finished, she grasped Galmer's hand firmly.

"If I die for this cause. Let it be known, I died a Stormcloak."

She then bowed her head and took her sister by the arm, as everyone followed the Jarl back into his city.