4E 182, 13th of Sun's Height...

"Papa! It's Gwen!"

Torsten looked up as Fjotli ran towards the road and he smiled when he saw Gwen at the head of the party with Ulfric. "Hillevi! Tulvur!"

Gwen could hear someone calling her name and she smiled when she saw Fjotli running to her. "Ulfric, help me down?"

Ulfric nodded, sliding out of the saddle and helping her down next. He stood back as Gwen leaned down to embrace her little sister. He greeted Torsten and the rest of her family as they joined them.

"You brought her home." Hillevi said, embracing Ulfric. "You saved her and brought her home."

Ulfric returned the woman's embrace, having fully expected for all formalities to be dropped upon their return as they rejoiced.

"Thank you, my lord." Hillevi said, then bowed before doing the same with Ralof and Beirand.

Torsten came up to Ulfric, thanking him as well before moving on the thank the rest of the men.

"My lord?"

Ulfric looked down at Fjotli. "Yes, little one?"

"Thank you for bringing my big sister home." She curtsied and hugged him.

"Everyone's so grateful that you brought Gwen home, my lord." Tulvur said, bowing. "We would truly be lost without her."

"Stop." Gwen said, smiling. "You're going to make me cry."

"We're just so happy you're home safe." Hillevi said.

"Mum..."

"Well, now before I start to cry, we should have a feast to celebrate your return." Hillevi nodded and smiled. "Yes, that's what we'll do."

"Mum, really that's not necessary."

"Nonsense, lass." Galmar said, laughing. "We'll have it at the palace! Right, Ulfric?"

Ulfric nodded. "Of course." He looked at Gwen. "If that is alright with you?"

"I don't have a choice, do I?"

"No, none at all!" Hillevi said, smiling.

"Then I suppose, yes." Gwen smiled. "I should go home and rest until then." She reached up, placing a tender kiss on Ulfric's lips before setting herself down and bowing. "Thank you again for coming to my rescue, my lord. I look forward to seeing you again later."

Ulfric gave her a bow in return and smiled. "As do I."

Gwen followed after her family, Fjotli clinging to her hand. When she saw Tulvur going back to the farm, she called him over and gave him the rest of the day off to join like. Ulfric smiled at that, reminded with each step she took of why he loved her.

"Thank you, my lord." Beirand said, coming up to him.

"Thank you, Beirand. You exceeded all expectations as a housecarl." Ulfric offered his hand and shook Beirand's hand. "You did well."

Beirand smiled, excusing himself and hurrying after Gwen.

"He's a good lad." Galmar said. "I think he will stay by Gwen's side even if they do decide to rescind their titles."

"What are you on about?"

"I overheard them talking it over the other day. They were trying to decide if they were going to remain Thane and housecarl to Igmund or if they were going to rescind those titles and leave the city entirely."

Ulfric sighed. "I see. Whatever she decides, I will support it." He looked back at his men. "You all did well. I thank you for your assistance in this endeavor. Care for your horses, then please join us for the feast."

The rest of the day was filled with celebration of Gwen's return and the announcement of her engagement to Ulfric. They had set the wedding date for the end of the month and it was to be held there at the Palace of the Kings.

Gwen sat with Ulfric and her family as they partook in the festivities. Fjotli clung to her side the entire night, even after passing out in her arms.

"She missed you." Ulfric noted, smiling as he smoothed back Fjotli's hair.

"It would appear so." Gwen held her close, resting her cheek against her head. "And I missed her just as much." She smiled, looking at her friends and her family. "I missed you all."

Ulfric looked at her, seeing a bit of guilt in her eyes. "No one blames you for worrying them, Gwen."

"I know, I just..." She sighed, but her smile remained. "It just reminds me of how lucky I am to feel such love from those around me. It reminds me of how lucky I am to be alive."

Ulfric and Gwen looked up as a courier approached.

"Forgive my intrusion, but I have a message for Thane Gwenethra Mae?"

Gwen reached forward and took the parcel. "Thank you. If you are hungry, please help yourself before you leave."

The courier nodded, bowing before retreating- taking a few apples, some bread and cheese before heading out the doors.

"A message to you as Thane?" Ulfric asked.

Gwen was careful not to wake Fjotli as she opened the parcel, her eyes widening when she saw the letter inside. "I don't believe it..."

Ulfric took the letter when she handed it to him, in disbelief at what he read.

"To Gwenethra Mae, Thane of Markarth:

I, Titus Mede II, Emperor of Tamriel, would like to personally thank you for all that you have done to safeguard our caravans and our people.

You have shown a great love for your country and I commend your courage and strength.

It greatly saddens me to learn that you were falsely accused of conspiring against the Empire, enduring a punishment only befitting the worst criminals.

I hereby pardon all charges brought against you.

Let it be known that this will be seen as an attempt to violate the White-Gold Concordant and those responsible will be dealt with accordingly.

Forgive me on behalf of parties involved for the troubles this has brought you. May the gods bless you on your path and protect you to the end of your days."

"A pardon from the Emperor himself?"

Gwen nodded. "It would seem so. But I don't understand how he could have known."

"It looks like someone went through a lot of trouble to right the wrongs done to you."

"This will make this easier when I go to Markarth to speak with Igmund."

Ulfric looked at her. "You're not going alone, you do realize that?"

Gwen smiled. "I know." She reached over and squeezed his hand. "Beirand will be coming with me, but I would like to know if you would come as well. I know what happened during the Markarth Incident, but it'd mean the world to me to have you by my side."

Ulfric lifted her hand to his lips, kissing it. "Of course, Gwen. Anything for you."