Windhelm was naturally cold, but there was a cold that Akiseta was sure only she could feel whenever she was there.

Half the citizens welcomed her. She stopped The Butcher from stalking the streets. She had helped the Dark Elves as best she could, and she'd helped her marsh-friends get a decent working wage. Her actions had earned her the respect of some of the Nords.

But there were many that still scorned her. Being an Agonian would have been enough to earn such hate. But, being Dragonborn earned a lot more. Many Nords still felt that a 'lizard' didn't deserve the powers of an Ancient Nord legend.

Even Ulfric felt this way. She'd spoken to him once in the city, after killing The Butcher. He tried to convince her that she should join him, that it was her duty to fight on his behalf. And once sge refused, he told her she was welcome in the city, but she shouldn't make herself too at home. The message was clear.

Akiseta sat at a table in the New Gnisis Cornerclub with Serana and Brunwulf Free-Winter. The only other patrons were a few of the Dunmer that lived in the Grey Quarter.

"So, are you on board with my plan, Brunwulf?" Akiseta asked, taking a sip of sujama.

"I.. I don't know, Akiseta." Brunwulf sighed. "You know that I want thongs to get better. But, do you think Ulfric will be willing to risk loosing his city to you?"

"He has that stubborn Nord pride. He can't refuse me if I challenge him to fair combat. It would make him look bad. But, after the fight, the city will need a proper Jarl. And you know I can't do that."

"I know." Brunwulf sighed again. "Alright, I'm on board. I wish you luck, my friend."

"Thank you."

Akiseta looked up at The Palace of Kings. She'd seen it many times, but this time, it created a sense of dread inside her.

What happened inside those walls would decide the fate of the war, as well as Skyrim itself. And she needed things to go her way. She needed this war to end on her terms. She could make Skyrim a better place for everyone. She could end this war. She was the Dragonborn, and she was going to remind everyone what power she had.

Deep inside her, there was an urge to do this. And urge to prove herself superior. An urge to... to take over herself.

Akiseta breathed in the cold air of the city. Deep down, she knew she didn't want that. She didn't want any of this. But it was the only way.

"Are you alright, Aki?" Serana asked, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Yes. Come on."

The two headed inside, the doors slamming shut behind them.

A/N: Sorry for such a long hiatus. I've been having a really hard time IRL lately. My personal life is a massive mess of late, and it's been taking a toll on me mentally and emotionally. I'm working on getting through it, but my inspiration and writing desire have both been very low. But I want to finish this story. Plus, I have more planned. I'm not fully back yet, so it might be a while until the next update. Please bear with me.