Ulfric and Gwen followed the main road into the Pale Hold and stopped at the Nightgate Inn. They were able to secure rooms and spent the night in the inn, sharing a meal and talking before turning in for the night. The following morning, they continued on their way down the main road until they reached the Weynon Stones. They made camp, deciding to bunk together in one tent while setting up the other as shelter for their horses in the coming storm.

As they listened to the wind outside, Gwen's curiousity was finally getting the better of her. "So..."

Ulfric looked up, blushing a bit when he saw how close she was. "W-What?"

"What's this ulterior motive of yours?"

"It's really bothering you, isn't it?"

Gwen pouted a bit and sat back. "That's not fair, Ulfric. What aren't you telling me?"

Ulfric chuckled and lay back. "There is much that I'm not telling you, Gwen." He glanced at her and smirked. "I'll tell you later."

Gwen glared at him, mildly annoyed, before returning to her bed roll. She picked up one of the extra blankets they had and tossed it at him. "You're such a brat, Ulfric."

Ulfric looked over at her, his smirk growing into a smile seeing her back to him and buried in her bed roll. "No, I just love teasing you."

"Whatever. Get some sleep."

Some time in the night, Gwen stirred in her sleep. She sat up and looked over at Ulfric, seeing that he was passed out. She decided to check on the horses and make sure the storm wasn't bothering them. As she fed them an apple each, she caught the sound of footsteps in the snow and looked around. Thanks to her beast blood, her eye sight was phenomenal even in the snow storm. She could clearly see a pack of wolves approaching their camp and she stepped down to the base of the stairway and sent a warning howl into the night. She watched as the pack faltered and stepped back, turning and retreating back into the mountains. She smirked, having made it known to the wolves and other creatures in the area that this was her territory and to stay back. Satisfied, she went back up to the tent and stepped inside.

"Everything alright?"

Gwen looked over to see Ulfric had stirred. "Sorry, did I wake you?"

"I heard a howl outside. I was just about to come find you."

"I was just checking on the horses." She slid into her bed roll and offered him a smile. "I wouldn't worry about the howl. We'll be safe here for the night."

Ulfric, still half asleep, nodded even though he sensed there was something more to it than that. He rolled back over and closed his eyes, putting the thoughts to rest.

Gwen sighed, staring up at the ceiling of their tent. 'I can't tell him...'

The next morning they packed up camp and pressed onward, making good time as they reached the city of Dawnstar.

"Are you sure about this?" Gwen asked, looking to Ulfric.

"You need answers. Skald can give them to you."

Gwen looked at the town, feeling nervous.

"Don't worry, I'll be there with you." Ulfric said, reaching over and squeezing her hand.

Gwen managed a smile at that and took a deep breath. "Alright, let's find my grandfather."

While Ulfric secured rooms for them and made sure their horses were watered and fed, Gwen asked the inn keeper where she could find the jarl. She was pointed to the White Hall in the upper region of the city. She thanked the inn keeper and found Ulfric outside.

"He's at the White Hall, up this way."

"Let's go."

Gwen walked with Ulfric at her side up to the White Hall. She stopped just at the door and realized she was shaking. Ulfric noticed this as well and reached down, wrapping his hand around hers.

"Don't worry, Gwen. I'm right here with you."

Gwen nodded and pushed open the door. She walked towards the jarl's throne where she saw an older man in perhaps his late fifties or early sixties.

"Well, now isn't this a surprise? Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak. What brings you to Dawnstar unannounced?"

"I came here on a personal matter, Skald." He looked down at where Gwen stood beside him.

"Who's your companion? Your wife perhaps?"

Gwen and Ulfric both blushed and Gwen stepped forward. "My name is Gwenethra Mae, my lord. You knew my father."

Skald leaned forward, his brow raised. "Oh? What would his name be?" Then, he noticed something about her that seemed to anger him. "Don't tell me... You're Fardan's girl."

"Yes, my lord."

"That good for nothing son of mine was able to produce such a beautiful girl? I don't believe it." Skald stood, coming to stand in front of Gwen. He reached up and grasped her chin, turning it side to side rather roughly. "Hmm, you certainly look like him. But you have that witch's eyes."

Gwen winced at his grip tightening on her chin, but she didn't resist. "I was hoping you could tell me what happened between you and my parents."

"Why not ask him yourself?"

"Because thirteen years ago, their ship wrecked on the cliffs northeast of Windhelm." Ulfric said. "Gwen was the only survivor and was found washed up on the shores. It was only recently that she remembered what had happened. She came hoping you could help her fill in the blanks."

Skald grunted at that and returned to his throne. "Faredan was to be married to a wealthy girl from Solitude. It would have brought more commerce to Dawnstar and strengthened our standing. But he met that witch, Yssra Fog-Sailor, from the Fog-Sailor Trading Company. They eloped, bought a ship they named the Winter War, and wanted to set up their main warehouse here in Dawnstar. I told them to get the hell out of my city and never come back."

"All because my father would rather marry for love than for money?" Gwen asked, not sure she believed her ears.

"That witch stole away my only son and ruined the chances of Dawnstar finally returning to glory. Everything was ruined the day Faredan met her."

"Stop calling her a witch."

"What?"

Gwen glared at him. "Stop calling my mother a witch!"

Skald stared at her, bewildered. "How dare you speak to me like that, you worthless wretch!"

"How dare you speak to your own flesh and blood like that!" Gwen retorted, letting go of Ulfric's hand and coming to stand in front of her grandfather. "I spent thirteen years not knowing who I was or where I came from. Thirteen years of wondering if I had a family out there, somewhere, that was looking for me. Thirteen years of waiting for answers I thought would never come. And this is what I find? A crotchety, disgruntled, bitter old troll who has no respect for his family and casts them aside as soon as something doesn't go his way."

"Well, I never..!"

Gwen shook her head. "You know, I was actually shaking I was so nervous to meet you. I knew it would be all roses and daisies, water under the bridge, but I wanted to meet you. I can't believe I actually regret that decision." She stepped back, returning to Ulfric's side, and bowed. "Regardless of what you feel of my mother and father, that does not define who I am. If you're so willing to cast me aside as well simply because of that, then I want nothing to do with you." She turned to leave, stopping only for a moment to add, "I hope you live a long life, my lord. We won't trouble you any further."

Ulfric bowed to Skald and followed after Gwen, smiling to himself- the look of embarrassment and defeat on Skald's face pricless. He walked with Gwen back to the inn in silence and to her room. "Are you alright?"

Gwen sat on the bed. "Honestly, I don't know."

"Would you like some time?"

Gwen nodded. "I think so."

"I will leave you be, then."

Gwen looked up as Ulfric started to close her door. "Ulfric?"

He stopped and looked at her. "Yes?"

"Thank you."

Ulfric smiled. "Of course."

Gwen stared at the door as it closed, smiling to herself. 'All this just to help me get answers? I wonder what else there is though. I'll figure it out, Ulfric, I swear.'