A week passed since Fadayla came to Breezehome. In the short time she was there was had more enjoyment than with Lydia, but his mind was on whether he should go to the imperial city or not. It was not that he was a full Stormcloak. He did worship Talos and believe the Thalmor had kidnapped innocents for supposed worship of Talos, but he thought Skyrim was free to all races, Windhelm was a place Arilid hated the most, it was a filthy place even compared to Riften. The injustice to the Dark Elves and Argonians was what made his choice. He hoped that if he became such a powerful influence to the Stormcloaks he can have them see that the other races were as equal as they are.
Arilid heard the door down stairs open. It must be Lydia returning from Jorrvaskr, she had some friends within the Companions. He went down stairs and saw the nordic woman dressed in steel armor. "Good Evening, my Thane." she said.
"Hello Lydia," Arilid looked at her. She traveled with him on many adventures, if there was anyone I could trust it would be her. "Mind if I ask you something?"
"Anything you need, my Thane?" she said, Arilid smiled she did worry about him at times, she was a housecarl and one of her duties was to be my sword and shield and carry any burden he had. He often wondered how far will she go to protect his name.
"I was given this letter" Arilid handed the letter to the young nordic woman, she quickly read it over. She was going to say something but decided to listen what he had to say first. "I support the Stormcloaks, this could be trap."
She put her hand on the back of her neck and looked down. She was thinking about what Arilid wished to know. "Well," She started, "it states that this meeting will change Tamriel, I can see why you belive its a trap. You should see Jarl Vignar, see if he obtained a letter."
Arilid looked at her. "You're crazy." That got Lydia's attention, but she held her tongue "Why would Jarl Vignor answer me and about something as private as this."
"You are the Thane of Whiterun, a hero of the hold. You changed the tides of war for the Stormcloaks. You saved Skyrim from multiple dangers and you are honored throughout the province." her once serious gaze turned into a look of humor. "If he doesn't listen to you it seems that age has got the best of him and will be forever known as Jarl Vignar the mad." she stated with a smile.
Arilid chucked at her last comment. "You are right, I did have a hand in many changes within Skyrim." Lydia nodded and walked upstairs, probably smelling the newly baked bread he bought from the Inn.
Arilid went out into the cold of night within the walls of Whiterun. He paid little heed towards the guards or the merchants closing their shops for the night. Dragonsreach palace was a sight that has been known to stagger the greatest adventurers. The palace has been known to capture a dragon, strange since much of the palace was wooden. Upon entering the main hall on the top of the stairs the Jarl sat on his throne with a fire in the middle of the hall with two long tables on either side. Arilid ran up to the Jarl in a rush, personally he wasn't in favor of Jarl Balgruuf being replaced like this.
He was a honorable man, he did have a temper but he took good care of his people and was wise, when ever he needed help or advice Arilid would go see Jarl Balgruuf. Jarl Balgruuf was dethroned because he joined the imperials, and that was in self-defense to protect himself and his people from Ulfric and his Stormcloaks. Arilid didn't wish to participate in the battle, but he was glad he did. He fought his way through many imperial soldiers and whiterun guards. When Arilid saw Jarl Balgruuf he was downed by Jarl Ulfric. He defied Ulfric and demanded Balgruuf not be killed. Ulfric shouted at Arilid and threw him across the hall. Arilid shouted using Dragon aspect to its full extent, two spectral warrior came to fight at his side and gaining more armor and a more draconic look. Arilid used unrelenting force on Ulfric and threw him through a pillar. The others charged at Arild, but Ulfric called them off. He said Arilid was much like him, he performed a shout and used it against his superior proving that he was weak. Arilid got his demand, Balgruuf lived and from then on he led every charge to make sure no innocents or Jarls were killed.
"Hello my Jarl." Arilid." he was ready to leave as soon as he entered.
"Yes Dragonborn," He said "What can I do for you?"
Arilid pulled out the letter, "Why in Oblivion are you giving me this?" He asked rudely.
"Its a letter from the Empire." Arilid started "I was-"
"Why do you have a letter from the Empire!" The Jarl's voice grew harsher and the guards all took notice, and were ready to protect Vignar.
"If you let me finish" Arilid stated, Vignar just glared. "This letter was given to me by a bosmer." He then gave the letter to the Jarl. "It says they wish to have some sort of meeting, and says that it can change the future of Tamriel." Vignar then read the letter.
"Well its real," he said "No doubt about that, if you go and its a trap," He said as if knowing what Arilid feared "I will take some bodyguards and see what the Emperor has to say, like those fools will have any valuable information, If you stay I won't blame you, It is most likely to be waste of your time, but I will lock my door at night, a spy can be just as deadly as an assassin." He handed Arilid back the note.
Arilid walked out, maybe it wasn't a waste seeing the Jarl after all. He may be rude and ignorant, but at times he does have some common sense.