4E 182, 20th of Sun's Height...

"My Thane, are you certain of this?"

Gwen nodded, looking to Beirand as he stood by her side. "I haven't completely recovered, but this needs to be done. We don't know what the Thalmor are going to try and do."

Beirand nodded, looking at Ulfric who stood on her other side. "Ready, my lord?"

"As ready as I'll ever be."

Gwen led the way into the city, showing her letter of pardon to the guards when they tried to stop her at the gates. "I seek an audience with Jarl Igmund, as is my right as Thane of Markarth. You will let us pass and give us no trouble. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Thane."

"Good. Now, could one of you please come with us?"

"Of course, Thane."

Gwen let the guard lead the way to Understone Keep, knowing full well that they would not be disturbed- even having Ulfric at her side- with the guard present. When they reached the keep, the guard explained that Gwen sought an audience with the jarl. The guards at the keep entrance opened the way for them and stood back as Gwen led the way to the throne room.

"My lord, Thane Gwenethra Mae seeks an audience." the guard said, bowing to Igmund.

Igmund stood as Gwen stepped forward, giving him a bow. "Gwen, you're here."

Gwen looked at him. "Indeed I am, my lord."

Igmund noticed that Ulfric stood at her side and his eyes narrowed. "Why have you returned to the city? With Ulfric Stormcloak at your side, no less. Do you know how that will look to the Thalmor?"

"It appears very suspicious." Ondolemar said, coming into the throne room. "It would seem that your crimes know no bounds, Thane."

Ulfric made to reply, or draw his sword and run the elf through, but Gwen placed a hand on his shoulder and shook her head. "Gwen?"

"Let me handle this."

Ulfric nodded, keeping his hand on his hilt.

"What is the meaning of this?" Ondolemar asked, coming to stand next to Igmund. "You should be locked away in a cell somewhere very far away."

"And I was, for three months." Gwen said, looking at him. "Where I was tortured day after day, interrogated."

"And yet, here you stand."

"Funny thing about that." Gwen said, stepping closer to Ondolemar. "It would seem that I can't quite recall how I escaped, but I'm sure if you would like to take a guess yourself it might just jog my memory."

Ondolemar stepped back, cowering a bit as Gwen's eyes changed and her fangs sharpened.

"Why are you here, Gwen?" Igmund asked.

Gwen retracted her partial transformation and looked at Igmund. "I came bearing a message." She reached into her pack and pulled out the letter from the Emperor. "It would seem that someone took the time to reach out to the Emperor himself about the situation."

Igmund took the letter, reading through it.

"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."

Igmund looked up at Gwen, handing her the letter. "I see."

Gwen tucked the letter back into her pack. "I would also like to inform you that I am honored to remain your Thane if you will allow me to do so. Beirand will continue to be my housecarl and we will maintain a residence within Markarth. However, due to my relationship with Ulfric Stormcloak, I expect that he be granted access to the city and given full immunity."

"I can't do that, Gwen."

"That's a shame." Gwen sighed, looking to Beirand.

Beirand knew where she was going next. "I am your sword and shield, Lady Gwen. I am sworn to protect you and I will honor that regardless of my station."

Gwen smiled, turning back to Igmund. "It has been an honor serving you, Jarl Igmund, but I must rescind my title as Thane. Please see to it that my residence is maintained as a hospice for the those who need a place." She bowed and turned to leave, making it halfway down the stairs before Igmund came after her.

"Gwen, wait."

"Yes, my lord?"

Igmund looked around, checking to make sure they were out of earshot of the Thalmor. Lowering his voice, he said, "There wasn't anything that I could do directly to help you. With the Thalmor breathing down my neck at every turn, it's a miracle I can even run this city at all."

Gwen smiled. "I know, Igmund. I cannot and will not fault you for that. Thank you for what you did."

Igmund nodded. "I will always be grateful to you for what you have done for Markarth. You are always welcome here. But why rescind your title?"

"Because I'm getting married and if my husband is not allowed or welcomed within the city, then..."

Igmund looked from her to Ulfric and back. "You're getting married?"

Gwen nodded, looking to Ulfric. "I am." She looked back at him. "As thanks for reaching out to the Emperor, you're welcome to come to Windhelm and attend the wedding. It'll be on the 31st of this month." She bowed. "Until we meet again, I wish you a long and happy life."

Igmund watched as Gwen, Beirand, and Ulfric left the keep and he smiled to himself. The image of Ondolemar cowering in a corner was priceless, but he was glad that he could still help Gwen by reaching out to the Emperor and vouching for her character- even getting the other jarls to vouch for her as well. But what brought him the greatest joy was seeing that she took the time to come see him and set things right between them in the most graceful and honorable way.

'You are a remarkable woman, Gwenethra Mae. Though you rescind your title, you shall remain Thane of my court in all but name. You are welcome here, always.'