4E 182, 15th of First Seed...
"Dear Gwen,
It is good to hear that you made it safe.
We worried with all the Forsworn attacks going on in the Reach, you would have trouble. Despite taking the safer route.
All is well here, just the usual with the market stand and the farm.
Fjotli has taken a great interest in learning about the market, just as you did at her age.
We just worry she'll want to take after her big sister before we know it. Not that it would be a bad thing, you are after all an intelligent, strong, young woman. We just don't think we could handle all the worrying.
If you do stay in Markarth, just let us know. Perhaps we can come visit you in the city once things have quieted around here.
Do write back soon, dear. We love you, never forget that.
Best regards, Mum, Da, Fjotli, and Tulver"
"Dear Gwen:
I know that I couldn't have stopped you even if I wanted to. And you are right, you are not some exotic bird to be kept in a gilded cage.
If I ever made you feel that way, then my deepest apologies. I just worry for your safety.
I do not necessarily approve of you staying in Markarth, with the Thalmor presence and my own personal feelings about Igmund, but if it's what you decided to do, then I will support you.
I received word from our camp in the Reach that the bandits were dealt with and you delivered the provisions. The men were in desperate need of such provisions, so you have my thanks. Ralof and the others have spoken very highly of you in their reports as news of the good you've done for the Reach grow. I can't tell you how proud that makes me.
Gwen, no matter what happens or what you choose, just know that you will always have a place here in Windhelm. Not just with your family, but at my side. You are more than a treasured friend to me. But such things must be said in person.
Stay safe and please stay in touch.
Best regards, Ulfric Stormcloak"
"Dear Mum, Da, Fjotli, and Tulvur:
I hope that all is well. It's good to hear that Fjotli is taking an interest in the family business. I'd be worried about her taking too much after me, as well. So let's just hope she takes after my personality rather than my sense of adventure.
I've been helping in the Reach at the request of Jarl Igmund and as thanks, he has named me his Thane.
I have a house in Markarth now, and my own housecarl. His name is Beirand. He's a tall man, a year older than me, long copper hair and stunning green eyes, and he actually reminds me of one of the Companions, woman named Faski. I wonder if they are siblings or related somehow.
I will be returning to Windhelm, soon, but for now I have some things I need to take care of for the jarl.
I will keep in touch, I promise. And if you do decide to visit Markarth, my home is open to you.
Best regards, Gwen"
"Dear Ulfric:
I understand how you feel. Your personal history with the Thalmor and Igmund would of course give you pause. But you should now that Igmund has named me his Thane. I have a house in Markarth now, as well as my own housecarl. His name is Beirand. He's a tall man, like you, a year older than me, and has long copper hair and stunning green eyes. He reminds me a lot of one of the Companions, a woman named Faski. I wonder if they are siblings or related somehow.
I will be returning to Windhelm, soon, but for now I have some things I need to take care of for Igmund.
I will keep in touch, I promise. And I'm glad that I was able to help the men. Stormcloak or not, they are still soldiers and soldiers need to be taken care of. I would have done the same if they were Imperials. You know me.
There are so many things I want to say to you, but I agree that it'd be best to say them in person. Until I see you again, please stay safe.
Best regards, Gwen"
"Will there be anything else, my Thane?"
Gwen shook her head and looked at Beirand. "No, that's all. Thank you." Then, as Beirand started to turn away, she had a thought. "Beirand, would you happen to have a sister named Faski?"
Beirand turned and smiled. "I do, indeed. She is a member of the Companions. How did you know?"
Gwen smiled. "Faski is actually a good friend of mine. She and I bunked together while I trained with the Companions."
"You're a Companion yourself?"
Gwen nodded. "I am. Faski and I sparred together quite often." She pointed to his hair. "You look an awful lot like her. I'm glad I was correct in thinking you were related."
"Tell me, how is she? I haven't heard from her in some time."
"She's well. She recently had a child, a girl she named Aela."
Beirand smiled. "That is wonderful news. Thank you, my Thane." He bowed to her and left, going to find the nearest courier.
Gwen smiled and she reached down to scratch Thadis' belly. "I wonder what Ulfric's doing right now."
Ulfric sat in his throne, listening to Jorleif as he went over the schedule for the next day, and he looked up as a courier approached, bowing before handing him a parcel. He looked down as saw that it was from Gwen. A smile grew and he tuned Jorleif out a bit to read through Gwen's letter.
"Dear Ulfric:
I understand how you feel. Your personal history with the Thalmor and Igmund would of course give you pause. But you should now that Igmund has named me his Thane. I have a house in Markarth now, as well as my own housecarl. His name is Beirand. He's a tall man, like you, a year older than me, and has long copper hair and stunning green eyes. He reminds me a lot of one of the Companions, a woman named Faski. I wonder if they are siblings or related somehow.
I will be returning to Windhelm, soon, but for now I have some things I need to take care of for Igmund.
I will keep in touch, I promise. And I'm glad that I was able to help the men. Stormcloak or not, they are still soldiers and soldiers need to be taken care of. I would have done the same if they were Imperials. You know me.
There are so many things I want to say to you, but I agree that it'd be best to say them in person. Until I see you again, please stay safe.
Best regards, Gwen"
His smile faded and he crumpled the letter up, getting up from his throne and storming off- ignoring Galmar as he called to him.
Galmar looked at Jorleif who shrugged his shoulders, then noticed the crumpled parchment. He picked it up and read through it, realizing why Ulfric was upset. He went after him, finding him pacing in his room and occasionally throwing something at the wall.
"Ulfric."
"She's his Thane."
Galmar rubbed his temples. "Ulfric!"
Ulfric stopped pacing and looked at Galmar. "What?"
"You should be happy for her receiving such an honor, regardless of who the jarl is. Gwen being Thane just proves how skilled of a person and a warrior she is. She did what she set out to do and went beyond that, just like she would if it were any other jarl."
Ulfric sighed and went to stand by the window. "She's there, alone, with a strange man we know nothing about and the jarl who reneged on his father's promise. Not to mention the Thalmor stalking the halls of Understone Keep."
"Do you trust her so little, Ulfric? Do you really believe that she would be foolish enough to anger the Thalmor and give them a reason to come after her?"
"The Thalmor need no reason to go after her. If they found out she was associated with me in any way, they would imprison her and interrogate her." Ulfric clenched his fists and closed his eyes as if to shut out the images of what happened to him when the Thalmor imprisoned him. "I can't bear the thought of it..."
Galmar sighed, going to stand next to him. "Ulfric, I understand you're worried. I am too. But you have to have faith in her abilities and her strength. That comes with loving her."
Ulfric sighed. "You're right..."
"You should write her again, soon. Else she'll begin to worry."