Sorry it's taken so long and that it's a bit short, hopefully chapter 3 won't take as long. Enjoy!
"I do swear my blood and honour 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!"
Galmar stared at her, disbelievingly. "You know the oath by heart?"
Astaria grinned. "Of course. I told you I was determined to join. Knowing the oath was going to be something else I used if you said no."
The grizzled man just blinked and shook his head. "You're something else girl, I'll give you that." He looked her over in the Stormcloak armour, it was slightly too big on her. "We'll have to get some of it modified for you later, usually our soldiers are a lot taller than you."
She bristled and he noticed with a low chuckle.
"Don't worry girl, I'm not judging you by your height."
Astaria snorted, folding her arms across her chest and bringing herself uop as tall as possible. "I would hope not, I did beat your man after all."
"You may have beat my man, but don't see it as an implication of being able to beat me. I wouldn't even try it."
The two stared at each other, still sizing them up.
"Come on girl," Galmar finally grunted. "Let's go find you something to do."
Half an hour later, Astaria found herself on patrol with a very disgruntled looking Ralof.
She smirked at him as he glances at her and goes to say something for the umpteenth time but goes red and turns away.
Rolling her eyes, she finally says. "I don't bite you know."
He stops, they were patrolling just outside of Windhelm in the forest, making sure that there was no suspicious activities going on.
"I know that." He said hotly. "I just-"
"You're embarrassed." She said with a friendly smile. "I get it and I'm sorry." She holds her hand. "I don't want to start this in bad blood."
He looks at her in shock and smiles. "Here I was thinking that you were just another arrogant noble."
They shake.
"I'm not going to take offense to that because I know what they are like." She gives a short laugh. "It's the sad truth of having money. You feel entitled to everything."
Ralof looks at her curiously as they start to walk again, the snow low but building with onset of winter.
"So why did you join?"
"I can't have the same reason as everyone else?"
He looks at her in shock. "You really want to fight?"
Astaria nods, scanning the trees around them. "What? Because I'm a noble, I'm not allowed?"
"I- of course not, it's just surprising. Most of us are small timers or rogues wanting to join the cause." He looks thoughtful for a moment. "I can't say I've seen anyone fight like you do before."
"You obviously don't know the people I do then."
"Other noble's fight like that?"
"Not really, but I wasn't refering to nobles." She gives another smirk as he stares at her.
"But-"
A roar rocks the air around them.
Ralof draws his weapon while Astaria crouches low, drawing hers.
"What in the name of Talos was that?" Ralof breathed looking around half terrified.
Astaria's eyes went to the skies though, as if drawn. Blocked by the trees, she could see little, but they were near the edge of the woods. She moves forward, even as Ralof went to stop her.
She stayed on the defensive, an apprehensive Ralof following. At the edge of the woods, her eyes widened as she saw what was in the sky.
"Is that…a dragon?" Ralof asked, shaken.
Astaria's eyes were locked on the magnificent beast. "I do believe it is." Her eyes scanned the horizon, she could see a distant trial of smoke. "And looks like he's been busy."
"But what could this mean?" Ralof asked following her gaze.
"I don't know." She said and turned away. "But we need to tell Ulfric."
Ralof did not argue.
The two arrived back in Windhelm running, other Stormcloaks looking at them worriedly. The practically burst into the Palace of the King's, only stopping when they reached the throne to a very bewildered looking Jarl.
"Jarl…Ulfric…" Ralof gasped, holding his side. "Dragon…"
Ulfric frowned. "Dragon?"
Astaria was recovering quicker than Ralof. "It flew over us…on patrol. It came from the direction…of Helgen."
Ulfric stared between the two, an unamused frown on his face. "Dragon's are just legends."
"Legends don't burn down villages," She growled. "And something was definitely burning."
Ulfric's steady gaze held hers and it seemed like a long moment that nothing was said.
"Alright, you two go investigate. But stay low, the Imperials may be looking into this too and you will not be in Stormcloak territory." He gives a stern look between them. "And seeing as you will be in the region anyway."
Ulfric steps down from his throne and for the first time in her life, despite her height, Astaria felt very small. Ulfric pulled the axe from his belt and handed it to Ralof.
"Give the Jarl of Whiterun my axe."
Both Ralof and Astaria's faces went grim.
"Yes sir." Ralof said. "We will be back as soon as we can."
"Go to Helgen first, one of you can head back and inform me what happened, the other can head to Whiterun. Just be careful, the Jarl is known for his temper."
They both bowed and left.
They paused outside the main doors.
"We'll travel light, it'll be a lot quicker. Hope you're up for this Unblooded." He smiled.
"You just worry about keeping your feet this time." She said back. "And I'll worry about myself."