There was a stunned silence. Galmar was the first to move, he stalked towards her, face red with anger, "Tulluis's head will be on a pike!". Ulfric raised his hand stopping him in his tracks "I would hear your reasons Lady Elisif". His voice was neutral, but there was a gleam in his eyes which suggested he didn't like her demands. " Lets make this simple. General Tullius and the Jarls fought for what they believed in. By your own admission, everyone should have that right". She raised her chin daring him to refute her claims.
He didn't even try, but something in his eyes promised retribution "So be it but I have a condition of my own". His gray eyes held her blue ones "You will walk out of here by my side, and swear to me tonight wearing my colors!" He turned to Galmar "Find her something suitable to wear." Elisif felt her back stiffen, but did not argue. Stormcloak colors would not change who she was inside.
Clearly agitated, Galmar began to rummage through one of the confiscated goods chest, considering and discarding several blue items. Finally he settled on a rather worn blue party dress. Ulfric told her she could keep her own boots and cloak.
Ulfric turned to her escorts and dismissed them. The room emptied except for Elisif, Ulfric, Galmar and the dragonborn. The orc went to stand in the doorway facing the stairs. But, Ulfric and Galmar just stood there waiting.
She finally realized they did not intend to leave the room. She headed for the dark sleeping quarters "I'll just change in there". Galmar began to speak softly as if afraid of spooking her, "Lady Elisif I'm sorry but we can't allow you privacy."
She did a double-take before looking at him in disbelief. Eventually, she crossed her arms and just stood there. Minuets ticked by before Ulfric spoke "You're trying my patience! Pride is misplaced in the vanquished, and must be stomped out. I could have allowed everyone to stay. but I have granted you the courtesy of only the three of us". He gestured to the men in the room.
The tension in the air became thick as she realized they were not backing down. She shrugged her shoulder and reached for the dress. Ulfric grabbed it first "Lady Elisif you will have to disrobe to your skin. We can't allow you to conceal anything dangerous on your person." She realized then that this was not only about the colors. It was about demoralizing her.
It was understandable to a degree. If you can strip the self-worth from a person, they become easier to control. She found herself thankful for the resolve which had replaced her apprehension. Once it became clear that Ulfric would carry the day, she had made one promise to herself. She would conduct herself with pride and dignity. She owed it to herself, Torygg, and most of all her people.
With chilly dignity, she deliberately ignored them and slipped off her cloak and dress. She could feel goose bumps form along her skin, as it became exposed to the chilly air. Wearing only her boots and undergarments she reached again for the blue dress. Ulfrics gray eyes were filled with pure malice. He shook his head "everything has to come off". Elisif was feeling more and more anger, this was beyond unreasonable.
Bolgeir Bearclaw had often said that her face was expressive, portraying her emotions. He had advised her to learn to control it. Bolgeir her trusted housecarl had not survived the invasion. Thinking of him and Torygg her late husband returned her resolve. She may be on the losing side, but she would carry herself like the Jarl she was. Her loved ones would expect no less from her.
In an act of defiance, she focused her eyes on the wall and forced a blank expression onto her face. Let them stare at her body. She would deny them any reactions. She removed her last garments in a no nonsense manner and reached for the blue dress. But Ulfric still refused to relinquish it. Clearly his intent was to rattle her. Well she refused to corporate. She did not attempt to cover her body in any way. A nord with so little honor was not worth her embarrassment.
So she stood there wearing her nudity like the grandest of robes. Suddenly the dragonborn spoke "This reflects more poorly on you Jarl Ulfric than the Lady Elisif". Ulfric ignored him walking around her in a circle . She could feel those eyes of his moving over her body.
Finally, he tossed her the garment. Only when she was completely covered including her cloak, did she deign to even look at him. Speaking in the most haughty voice she could manage, she asked "Shall we proceed Jarl Ulfric?'.
A/N Please excuse any grammatical errors. I am not very good a proofreading.