-And here I am again, back with the next chapter! I actually gotta admit I'm pretty excited about this next 'arc' that's soon to take place, and not just because I actually have a clear idea of what's to happen. Enjoy! -


She could see it. There, on the distant horizon: the sunrise. As red and orange as a forge's embers. What a beautiful sight to behold.

Where was she now, though? Everything was hazy, hard to make out. But wherever she was right now, it felt like... like home. A place familiar to her at least.

Out at the horizon, she caught the sight of movement. Numerous little things slowly advancing towards her, as if birthed from the sunrise itself. They were small, hard to identify, but she barely managed to see that they were... people. Hundreds of people rushing towards her wearing blue.

Who were they? Why were they rushing towards her like they were running? And what were they holding in their hands? Weapons?

What was going on?

"... Lydia?"

A small groan escaped her lips as she regained consciousness. Opening her eyes, the first thing she could see was her own legs, as well as wood beneath her feet. There was barely visible light around her so she wasn't squinting her eyes as hard upon waking. She was also aware of a rolling sound heard all around her, like a wagon rolling against hard dirt. With one last shake of her head, she lifted her head and neck up.

"Good, you're up finally."

The sound of Siffre's voice met her ears with its familiar subtle vibrations on the air. Gently she lifted her head to see the fellow Nord's face looking back at her. She was sitting opposite her on a small bench of wood, the world behind her moving slowly to the right. Lydia's senses instantly kicked back in, reminding her of where she herself now was as well: in a wooden travelling wagon.

"My... thane?" she said in between a heavy yawn.

"Lydia? Morning."

The housecarl drifted her eyes to her side to the other voice. She could see the also familiar image of Illia, sitting on the same side of the wagon as Siffre.

"Or, is it really 'morning'? Well, dawn is starting to break anyway."

"And Illia," Lydia said with slight grogginess still in her voice, "Was I really asleep for that long?"

"I think so, me and Illia woke up a little while ago," Siffre replied, "And you actually woke up just in time! Look..." She pointed her finger to the left, in general direction of the driver himself, and Lydia turned to see what she indicated to.

Whiterun. Lydia gazed upon Whiterun itself. As Illia had mentioned earlier, the sun was beginning to creep over the horizon by now. The effect painted the distant sky in a dark yet soft glow of morning's light of dark red. This aided in the walls of Whiterun stand out as dark silhouettes, while even from this distance the image of Dragonsreach itself could easily be seen standing tall.

As the riding wagon slowly drew closer to the city, Lydia could feel a feeling building within her. A warm feeling that was different from the rising sun itself warming the world.

"Whiterun... we're really here," she said.

"We were just talking about how we were getting closer," Illia commented, "So this is really it? Whiterun... it looks magnificent!"

"It really is..." Siffre spoke with equally reserved reverence for the city, "I remember... when I first came here myself... I thought just how huge those walls were!"

"Yeah, they're definitely strong walls," Lydia agreed, "Been standing tall and strong as long as I can remember."

"So... this is another one of those Nord cities?" Illia asked, "What are we to find inside? Will it be... better, than what Windhelm was?"

"Most definitely. The people here are the kindest you'll ever meet..." Lydia said.

The numerous residents of Whiterun quickly came into her mind. Her time as a Whiterun guard allowed plenty of opportunity to look out for them, be it helping them with menial tasks, or defending them from threats of fauna or bandits. People like Ysolda, kindly old Lillith Maiden-Bloom, Carlotta Valentina and her daughter Mila, all the way to the numerous other vendors. She knew them, and they knew her; more importantly, they all respected and loved her.

"But, they aren't the 'judgmental' type here, are they?" Illia asked, "No one will try and attack me-?"

"No, not at all," Lydia shook her head, "There are just as many Imperials here as there are Nords, and even a few other races like Dunmer that I've seen. We all get along with each other just fine."

"Oh, that's good to hear," Illia said.

A few more minutes passed as the wagon continued to roll forward along the pathway, the city growing closer and closer. The nearby Chillfurrow Farm could be seen on their right side with a couple of people standing in the small crop fields breaking the ground.

"Whoa there..." the carriage driver spoke up suddenly. Just like that, the horse-drawn carriage came to a slow halt before the stables. A couple of horses could be seen within a small, fenced enclosure with a horse-hand tending to one of them.

"Finally! We're here...!" Lydia said. As Illia was on the far end of the wagon, she stood up first, followed by Siffre who also placed her great sword back behind her. One by one the trio hopped off of the wagon and onto the dirt ground. She pressed her hand to her back and pressed and pressed as best she could to stretch her ab muscles in front. Gods, did it feel good to stretch after sitting down for that long. The familiar scuffle of gravel could be heard and felt beneath her feet; a sound that Lydia had almost forgotten what was like after being away from it for so long.

"Enjoy Whiterun, travelers!" the carriage driver called out to them as he dropped down off of the carriage himself.

"It really is... big!" Illia said as she gazed up along the massive outer walls of the city, "These walls somehow look even bigger when standing directly before them...!"

"Hey Lydia... I was wondering something," Siffre suddenly spoke up, "You'd said before you wanted to return to Whiterun. Not that I'm against this, but... any reason why we are here now?"

"Oh, well um..." Lydia said. It was a fair question, and what's more it was her own suggestion that the three of them return here in the first place. However, as for the exact reasoning, "I was hoping we could see the Jarl again. There was... something I wanted to mention to him."

"Hm? Mention?" Siffre tilted her head, "What is it?"

"It's just that... I still can't stop thinking about what Jarl Ulfric mentioned to me, about 'indecisions being costly'..." Lydia said, "Something about that... It just really rubbed me in a strange way, as well as him asking about Jarl Balgruuf right before then as well."

"Could that have meant something?" Illia asked, to which Lydia could only shake her head at not knowing.

"Well then... guess we could bring that up with him now that we're here..." Siffre said, a quick motion of her hand indicating to the city of Whiterun next to them.

"That's what I'd like to do. I mean, this could be nothing in the end, but... I'd just really like to tell him anyway," Lydia said.

"Let's go then," Siffre said.

With that the three women began to make their way up the slightly slanted walkway towards the first outer gate. By now the sun in the distant sky was beginning to creep higher and higher above the horizon, bathing the Skyrim land in the gentle heat that warded off the chill of evening ever so slightly. The glow of crimson morning light also began to brighten up the land as well, making it easier to see where the three of them were going.

Up ahead, standing atop the stone archway above them, a couple of Whiterun guards could be seen looking down towards them.

"Is that... Housecarl Lydia?" one of them spoke up, "And the Thane of Whiterun?"

"Aye, it is them," the second said, "Hail, Thane and Housecarl! Fancy seeing you two return to Whiterun! You've returned to see the Jarl?"

"Yes, we have, among other things," Lydia called back, "How have things been in Whiterun thus far?"

"All's been fair so far; no dragons," one of them said with a small chuckle.

"Dragons?" Illia spoke up, "Wait, there have been dragons seen as far as out here too?"

"That's right..." Siffre replied, "In fact... I fought my first one here. Me and Lydia did..."

"Seriously? This whole time I'd thought that dragon from before was more of an isolated case!" Illia said, "Or, perhaps I should say 'dragons'...?"

An involuntary shiver ran down Lydia spine at the reminder of dragons. She'd almost forgotten this whole time that the city had nearly come under attack by one of those winged menaces before. In addition, she had been witnessed to not only more than one of them, but the alarming methods they may or may in fact be returning to Skyrim. Still, with the way both herself and her thane had dispatched not one but two so far, she was feeling somewhat reassured about such chances by this point.

By now the trio of women had rounded the sharp turn in the path and cleared the second drawbridge moat. The last piece of the walkway lay stretched up in front of them, as well as another pair of guardsmen standing at attention at the large wooden gates.

"Housecarl Lydia... and Thane... Siffre, was it?" one of them said, to which the Dragonborn nodded.

"We've not seen her before," the other one indicated to Illia, "Is she with you two?"

"She is," Lydia replied this time, "She's travelling with the two of us."

"Very well then, go on in," the guardsman said before moving to pull upon the large wooden door and grant them entry, "Oh, and good morning to you, all of you." With that the three women made their way inside, the large wooden door closing behind them with a gentle thud.

It was around this point that the sun could be seen in full, rising higher over the horizon. Its now gentle orange light bathed the city in its glow. By now a small number of people could be seen walking about and beginning their day, guardsmen and citizens alike.

"Wow... It's so... large, inside too!" Illia said.

"Housecarl Lydia? Welcome back!"

A voice to the side drew the attention of the three. Adrienne Avenicci could be seen emerging from her shop and walking outside as well. The Imperial was dressed in her usual blacksmith garb.

"Adrienne, morning to you," Lydia greeted her, "And yes, it's good to be back. Everything been going alright here?"

"Quite fine, actually," the blacksmith said, "Somehow I managed to complete that requested quota of Imperial swords. Just in time, too; seems like they'll be needed soon enough."

"Ah, that's good to hear," Lydia said, "Well then, best of luck to you on your next projects!" With a nod from both sides, the three women continued to walk further into the city.

Before the three women a number of wooden buildings could be seen positioned around a stone well in the center of a stone walkway. The town circle was in its moment of peaceful silence, broken periodically by the one or two guardsmen seen walking about as well as the area.

"Finest cuts, fresh from the wilds!"

"Freshest vegetables! Just picked 'em this morning!" The warriors rounded the left side of the stone well as they listened to the sound of vendors beginning to announce their wares; one of them being an Imperial behind a stall with various vegetables, "Ah, Housecarl Lydia? Welcome back! I hadn't known you were here!"

"Morning Carlotta," Lydia greeted, "Only just arrived back."

"Well then, might I interest you in what I have here today?" the Imperial said, her hands indicating to her vendor's cart of vegetables. Lydia took note of the carrots; they were looking especially riper this time.

"Those carrots look good," she said, "My thane? Illia?"

"I mean, if it wouldn't be too much trouble," Illia said.

"Alright then; we'll take three of those carrots," Lydia said to Carlotta. She pulled forth her coin purse, withdrew an appropriate number of coins to account for three of them, and handed them to the vendor.

"Thank you!" Carlotta said as the three women reached for a carrot. Lydia took a single nibble out of hers; the air filling with the sound of a satisfying crunch as she took her bite.

"Oh my...!" Illia could be heard saying, "This is... it's really good! It tastes so good!" Her tone of voice held genuine appreciation for the vegetable she was eating.

"Well thanks! I'm glad to hear you like it," Carlotta said, regarding the fellow Imperial, "Actually... forgive me, but I don't think I've ever seen you around here before."

"Oh um, I'm not from around here," Illia said, "I'm from... from further east, in the 'Rift', I believe it is?"

"She's a friend of ours," Siffre added, nearly finishing her own carrot in the process, "Been travelling with us thus far... And, these really are good carrots; thank you."

"So Carlotta, anything been going on in Whiterun these recent days?" Lydia asked.

"Eh, not much other than the usual that me and Mila have to get through," the vendor said with a shrug, "Although, I have heard that stray bandits that liked to prey on Battle-Born Farm have been backing off lately. That's something to thank the Gods for."

"Really?" Lydia said, mildly surprised, "Well, that's good to hear that; the guardsmen here must have really been leaving an impression on those lot."

"Actually, I don't think it was guardsmen that scared them off," the Imperial said, "At least, not the way I heard it. Almost like 'something else' had got them running scared. Course, my guess would be the dragons; one of those horrors come here..."

"Dragons...?" Siffre breathed softly, "But, none of them 'have' come here, have they...?"

"Oh goodness no!" Carlotta waved her hand, "I don't care if I do live here; one of those beasts came to Whiterun, I'd grab my daughter in my own arms and run all the way to Cyrodiil if I had to!"

"You can rest assured, no dragon's gonna come here to Whiterun at all," Lydia sincerely spoke. And this was something she meant as well; having dealt with the dragon out the outskirts of the city at the watchtower, she had absolutely no intention of letting any more get any closer than that at all.

"Thanks, Housecarl Lydia, I appreciate that," Carlotta said with a nod.

"Alright then, I guess we'd best be on our way," Lydia said, "Thanks again for the carrots!"

"Anytime! Oh and- Illia, was it? Hope you enjoy Whiterun as well!" the vendor called after the three as they proceeded to step away.

"Oh! O-of course! Thank you...!" Illia called back. She followed after the two Nord women as they approached a large stone archway with a set of stone steps leading up towards them.

"I-I still can hardly get over the sheer size of this place!" Illia found herself speaking once again, "Everything is so large, yet so spacious! And this sun, it feels like it shines upon all parts of this city!" With her following behind the three slowly made their way up the stone steps towards the archway.

"Yeah, I guess it is..." Lydia said. In the midst of Illia's vocalized awe she couldn't help but find herself smiling at each word spoken.

"It is! It really is!" Illia said, her tone sounding strangely like it was protesting. Lydia glanced to her side to see that the Imperial had caught up with the two of them and was looking to her side at her as well. Her facial expression confused her momentarily.

"Oh no no, it's just... I guess since I've lived in this city my whole life, I've gotten used to how it looks. Don't think I'd ever heard Whiterun be described as 'fantastically' as you'd been describing it so far..."

"She's not wrong you know," Siffre added, "I felt the same when I first came here... Though, that was before I could 'speak' at all to make that clear..."

"Sometimes I can hardly wrap my head around that at all either: You really weren't able to 'speak' before? Like, at all?" Illia asked to which Siffre shook her head, "Didn't that make certain things difficult? Such as, I don't know- who you were or what you wanted?"

"I um..." Siffre momentarily hesitated, "I just... never needed to be 'specific', I guess... Not when there were others with me to do that instead..." Even as the trio ascended the stairs Lydia kept her gaze on Siffre as she confided. In truth what she was speaking of right now brought back memories of her own first meeting with the Dragonborn. The literally 'non-spoken' Nord woman whom despite not having said a word at the time still managed to convey important information at the time. Not to mention how judgmental she herself likely was at the time towards how little she was speaking. How so much had changed, for the both of them by the looks of it.

She gently placed a hand on her thane's shoulder, earning her a quick look from the other woman.

"I think with how far you've come since then says a lot about you," she assured her. While the Dragonborn did not verbally reply, she did smile and nod in appreciation.

"By the gods! What is that?!"

Lydia and Siffre were nearly caught off guard by Illia's random outburst. Upon looking towards where the Imperial pointed, their attention was quickly directed forward again, as well as the fact that they had reached the end of the ascending stairs. However Illia was pointing even further.

"Oh this? This is the Gildergreen," Lydia replied rather casually. The sharp contrast between the two in tone was unmistakable. Illia's awestruck face returned in full force upon gazing upon the tree, while Lydia was simply reminded of yet another piece of home. The massive tree in question stood in the center of another large courtyard in the center of a running stream running circular around its base. The sun's position in the sky now cast a lengthy shadow of the tree's trunk down upon the ground where the three stood, while at the same time shining brightly behind the numerous leaf-less branches and making it positively shine brighter.

"But-but, where did it come from? Was it born from within the city itself? Was it brought here?" Illia practically rattled off her questions, "Unbelievable! Just... look at the size! The sheer size of this thing! It's massive!"

"Hey Lydia, I was wondering myself... should this tree have leaves?" Siffre softly asked.

"I... I'm not sure really," Lydia said, "The Gildergreen has stood in Whiterun since even before Balgruuf was Jarl, yet I never had cause to wonder that. The priestess Danica Pure-Spring tends to this tree mostly; my guess is only she would know."

"I just... none of the trees back at the area of Darklight Tower ever grew nearly this huge!" Illia said. She began to slowly walk around the side of the tree while practically keeping her eyes glued to it. Eventually she did manage to pry her gaze away from the tree, her curiosity and awe apparently having been sated. Once she was done marveling she rejoined Siffre and Lydia as they made their way towards the next set of stone steps to climb. As well as a voice that could be heard.

"-your very lives?!"

A man dressed in a dark brown robe with his hood placed over his head could be seen standing in front of one of the rushing streams of water, a large statue placed directly above and behind him as well. Heimskr stood with his arms splayed outward, his eyes widened along with his mouth as he continued to proclaim.

"And what does the Empire do? Nothing! Nay, worse than nothing; the Imperial Machine enforces the will of the Thalmor against its own people!" The three women walked alongside the path towards the steps with Heimskr himself remaining off to the side. Despite the close proximity they had to him he continued to cry out and direct his voice outwards and directly in front of him.

"Looks like Heimskr is hard at work this morning," Lydia noted.

"Does he always shout so loudly?" Siffre asked as she rubbed the side of her head. This unfortunately served as a reminder of the numerous headaches Lydia herself endured as well when finding herself too close to his 'cries'.

"Yeah, he always does that..." she replied while also frowning to herself slightly. She'd heard just now of him mentioning the Empire and its apparent 'lack of action' in light of recent events these days. Combined with the Talos statue looming over and behind him, everything about this man practically shouted controversy in and of itself. Still, the man kept to his usual cries without managing to disturb the peace, so Lydia couldn't see little else to be concerned of with him.

The three women continued to make their way up the next set of stone stairs, casually turning from right then to left again. Along the way they passed a few guardsmen walking back down the steps towards where they had come from, each one giving a nod of acknowledgement to them. Upon reaching the top of the stairs, they came across one more wooden walkway across another rushing stream beneath them, and Dragonsreach itself. Standing within its shadow once more cast by the morning sun, Lydia truly felt like she had returned home now.

"Incredible..." Illia could be heard saying yet again.

"Housecarl Lydia! Thane Siffre! Welcome back!" a nearby guardsmen standing next to the large wooden doors to Dragonsreach could be seen calling out to them.

"Guardsman; glad to be back," Lydia acknowledged the man.

"The Jarl should be up and about around this time," the guard said, "be mindful of your actions in his presence, Imperial."

"Um, y-yes sir," Illia stammered at apparently being put on the spot so suddenly. Nevertheless, the guard himself stepped to the side to grasp the handle of the wooden door closest to him and pull outwards. One by one the three women slipped through the doorway, and the door closed behind them with a gentle, resounding thud.

The crisp cool of the outdoor air was immediately replaced by the gentle warmth of indoors. Unlike before when entering Windhelm's Palace of the Kings, Dragonsreach held genuine warmth within thanks to its overall wooden structure. Dawn's morning light also was able to shine through rafters from the distant ceiling above and grant a healthy amount of illumination to where the three women now stood.

"Ah, Housecarl Lydia?" a nearby elderly woman sweeping the floor looked up to the trio, "So lovely to see you again!"

"Morning Gerda," Lydia greeted, "The Jarl is up and about around this time I presume?"

"I believe so, but that's not all from what I saw," the woman replied, "A fancy-looking Imperial appeared not too long ago as well! All the way from Solitude I think."

"Solitude?" Lydia said. The same city that housed and trained the Empire's very armies and soldiers posted in Skyrim? One of them had come here? "Alright, thanks for letting us know, Gerda." With that the three women made their way up the small set of steps that would lead further into the greater hall of the building.

"Solitude... is that another city in Skyrim?" Illia asked.

"It is; way over in northwestern Skyrim, way I hear it," Lydia replied, "Jarl Balgruuf has even gone there a couple of times on business in the past."

"Imperial..." Siffre could be heard saying. Lydia and Illia turned to her as the three of them had reached the top of the stairs while pausing in place, "Could that be... an Imperial army soldier?"

"From Solitude? That would be my guess," Lydia said. She noted the strange, forlorn look that her thane's face held all of a sudden, "Is something wrong?"

"I um..." Siffre looked back up at Lydia and Illia to find them both looking at her, "Well... Imperials had... captured me at the Skyrim border, remember? Before taking me to..."

"Oh... ohhh," Lydia's eyes slowly widened with steady realization. She was reminded of Siffre's previous story of her literal first entry to Skyrim. How she as well as Ulfric and a group of his Stormcloaks had been captured by Imperials. If that was true...

"Maybe... maybe they wouldn't recognize you?" the housecarl suggested, "I mean, I assume you look different now than you did back then, right?"

"Wait a minute, are you 'wanted' in some way? Like a criminal?" Illia asked. Her question earned her looks from the other two women, though not nearly as fierce or piercing as they could've been. Still, Siffre gave a small nod to the Imperial's inquiry.

"W-well still! You're the Thane of Whiterun! Appointed by Jarl Balgruuf himself!" Lydia said, "That isn't a title that is granted lightly either; your good deeds that you did for him and this city have definitely earned you positive favor. Definitely enough for the people to see you in a better light than your past would see you as."

"Yeah... yeah," Siffre said, progressively increasing her tone as she apparently reached the same realization, "I'm not the same as I was then either...! I... I'm definitely not!" A smile graced Lydia's face to match her thane's. With that she indicated the three of them resume walking into the great hall.

The three women were once again greeted by the sight of a large spacious area of wooden floors and walls reaching many feet high. In the center of the room the fire crackled gently and its smoke slowly rose upwards towards the air vents seen high in the ceiling. On both sides of the fireplace stood the long tables with chairs lining one side.

"You know, I never quite understood something," Illia spoke up and caused the two other women to look to her, "What exactly is the purpose of having a fire right there in the center of the room? Isn't that dangerous?"

"Well, yes, it could be dangerous, but it's a bit of a Whiterun tradition I suppose," Lydia said, "Most citizens know not to go too close to a fire anyway, and we always take care to keep them contained to their small enclosures there."

"Lydia?"

A familiar voice could be heard. Lydia turned her head up and forward again towards the source and was met with an equally familiar face. Irileth stood at the top of next segment of stairs leading up towards the empty throne chair. She held her arms crossed over her chest but slowly lowered them as she gazed down upon the other housecarl.

"Irileth!" Lydia said. Having gone at least three days outside of Whiterun, Lydia had nearly forgotten what her fellow housecarl had even looked like. But not even she could deny that simply seeing that fierce, determined look on the Dunmer's face that she'd come to always associate with her; it truly couldn't be anyone else.

The dark elf made her way down the steps and approached the three of them, or rather her specifically. Lydia held out her hand towards Irileth's for a handshake. With a smirk however, Irileth not only took the Nord's hand in her own, but swiftly pulled her in closer for a quick pat on her opposing shoulder. The sudden action surprised Lydia but welcomed it all the same.

"Lydia... it's good to see you again," the dark elf said.

"You too, Irileth," Lydia replied. The two finally broke apart after a few seconds and the Dunmer took a step back to allow space between the four of them.

"Ah, and I see the renowned 'Dragonslayer' has also returned," Irileth said as she turned in Siffre's direction, "It's good to see you again as well, Thane of Whiterun."

"Thank you," Siffre said with a nod. Irileth then glanced in Illia's direction, her smirk reducing ever so slightly as she noted the Imperial mage.

"Hm, you're a stranger to me though," she said, her voice lowering ever so slightly. Lydia perked up slightly as she heard that familiar tone of voice. Irileth was one of the most cautious, most wary individuals she'd ever met, one that took her roles of guardian extremely seriously. Thus, she was quick to identify this sudden change in tone of the Dunmer's voice.

"Oh no-no, Irileth," Lydia quickly waved her hand, "It's alright; she's a friend of ours. She's just travelling with us."

"Er- y-yes! I'm just a traveler! I don't mean anyone any harm!" Illia hastily added.

"Is that so? And the both of you really vouch for her?" Irileth addressed both Siffre and Lydia.

"Absolutely," Siffre replied.

"Very well then," the answer appeared to satisfy the Dunmer housecarl, judging from the look on her face, "While I'll trust their judgement, I would still advise you caution, mage: any sort of moves or action against Jarl Balgruuf of Whiterun, and my face will be the last thing you see. Understood?"

"Y-yes! Yes, I understand!" Illia quickly said.

"Good," Irileth glanced back to the trio as a whole, "So then, what brings you back to Whiterun at such a dire time?"

"Well, we'd-" Lydia started but stopped upon realizing what Irileth had said, "Wait, dire time? What do you mean? Has something happened?"

"Actually, your arrival is strangely opportune," Irileth elaborated, "An Imperial courier arrived not too long ago all the way from Solitude. Right from the Imperial's own armies up there."

"It really was an Imperial soldier?" Lydia said to which Irileth nodded, "Irileth... I thought the Jarl hadn't really taken any stance on the war. Now he's allowing Imperial envoys here?"

"Strangely, I thought the same thing, were it not for the information he'd brought with him. It-" Irileth said before the sound of footsteps could be heard from behind. She glanced over her shoulder towards the stone staircase leading to the upper floors where a couple of shadows could be seen, "Oh, it looks like he's on his way down now."

Within moments a group of men descended down the stairs and into the throne room. The steward Proventus Avenicci as well as Hrongar emerged, along with a man dressed unmistakably in the fancy garb of an Imperial soldier. Lastly to emerge was Jarl Balgruuf himself, dressed in his regal attire.

"And there is confirmation on all of it? Straight from General Tullius' own mouth no less?" he spoke, directing his inquiry towards the soldier.

"Yes, Jarl Balgruuf, the spies in those Holds reported true and accurately," the Imperial officer replied, "Activity could be expected within the next few days, maybe earlier than that even."

"It is as I have been saying, brother; now is the time to make a stand!" Hrongar spoke up.

"Now, Hrongar, remember that he did also say the movements were 'hampered by snowstorms'," Proventus spoke up, "That might suggest that they might be delayed, thus affording a little more time."

"This is Skyrim, Avenicci, Nords aren't hindered by the snow of our own homeland," the Jarl reminded his steward, "If anything it would make those Stormcloaks even more-"

As Balgruuf slowly turned his head during talking, he came to a stop upon seeing Lydia, where he ceased his speech altogether. In that moment, the two's eyes met each other, and the housecarl could see the once intensity of the man's eyes practically soften upon seeing her.

"Lydia," he said.

A simple word, her name, spoken from the mouth of her Jarl, was enough to break her out of her trance and back to reality. A quick shake of her head and she regained her senses.

"J-Jarl Balgruuf," she greeted.

"My lord, housecarl Lydia and the Dragonborn have returned, mere moments ago in fact," Irileth announced herself with her own professional tone in her voice. Though Lydia did note the slightest tug of a smirk at the corner of the dark elf's lips, gone as quickly as she'd seen it.

"Dragonborn... Ah, Thane Siffre, you've returned to us as well!" Balgruuf said.

"It's... it's good to be back, Jarl Balgruuf," Siffre spoke. Though Lydia could tell her tone of voice was low, she could still hear the faint vibrations through every word spoken. Strange, the last time she was here in Dragonsreach she was a timid whisperer that had no clue about herself at all. Now she was much more confident in not only how she presented herself but also in the fact that she was able to speak her confidence at all.

"The Dragonborn has returned!" Hrongar said, a large grin appearing on his face while the Jarl took this quick moment to approach his throne and take a seat, thus placing everyone directly in front of him in view, "I trust you've visited and learned from the Greybeards?"

"I have. No- 'we' have," Siffre quickly corrected herself as she glanced in Lydia's direction, "We both made it there, to High Hrothgar, and... I learned about the Voice. How to use it at all, and... I feel I can speak better now too." Memories flashed in Lydia's mind of hers and Siffre's little adventure upon the Throat of the World. It seemed like Siffre wasn't mentioning certain details that had occurred, but she chose not to comment on it.

"I'm sorry but who exactly is this?" the Imperial soldier quickly cut in. The three womens' attention were then directed straight to him; the man had a head of hair that appeared to be perfectly trimmed at the edges with the slightest hint of gray at the base. The armor he wore had gold trimmings on a predominantly red breastplate, with a symbolized red dragon in the very center. Everything about this man practically screamed perfection.

"This is the thane of Whiterun, Siffre, as well as her housecarl Lydia," Balgruuf introduced, until he turned his gaze to rest upon Illia, "And... This one is?"

"Oh um, my name is I-Illia, your- um, my lord?" the Imperial mage hastily introduced herself as well.

"Both Lydia and the Dragonborn vouch for this one, my Jarl," Irileth spoke up, causing Illia to nod in agreement.

"Very well; the Dragonborn is welcome in my city, and thus is entitled to the goings on of Dragonsreach as well," Balgruuf said to the Imperial soldier.

"So, has something been going on recently, Jarl Balgruuf?" Siffre asked.

"It would appear so, Dragonborn," Balgruuf replied, "It would seem... we have received some rather troubling reports, courtesy of the Praefect Turelus here."

"Then, as permission has been granted," the Imperial, Praefect Turelus, said before proceeding to speak, "The reports from our spies in the eastern-most regions of Skyrim suggest Stormcloak activity, more so than usual. They've recently taken over one of the old forts in the Rift a day or so ago in fact. But now, we've been hearing reports of possible mobilization."

"Mobilization?" Lydia said, "But, where could they be going? Where could they go even? The only place they could go is... west. Towards..." A mental image of the map of Skyrim formed in her head as she spoke as she envisioned the imaginary forces of the Stormcloaks from the east.

"It's frankly quite troubling for us as well," Praefect Turelus continued, "Were the Stormcloaks to make any sort of move west-bound, it would be likely the first Hold they'd set their sights on... is Whiterun Hold."

Lydia's eyes widened ever so slightly at this news. It wasn't actual confirmation of anything, but the mere implication of it all was still mildly alarming. She knew that Balgruuf hadn't exactly taken any side in this civil war, to the point where even the presence of an Imperial soldier in his city in itself was unprecedented. At the same time she knew that he hadn't been planning to take up arms for either side any time soon. But now, this couldn't be any indicator of things beginning to change, could it?

Lydia glanced to her side towards Siffre and Illia. The other two women were equally silent, yet held varying expressions on their faces. The mage's face seemed to hold her usual confusion yet curious nature upon it, while Siffre's face appeared stern in deep thought.

"We... we were in Eastmarch, yesterday," Siffre suddenly spoke up, "There were Stormcloaks, but... not a whole lot from what we saw."

"Is that so? Your travels took you to Eastmarch? Maybe even to Windhelm?" Jarl inquired, leaning forward in his throne ever so slightly.

"We did, Jarl Balgruuf. We... actually even met with Jarl Ulfric himself as well," Siffre replied.

"And you're positive about the Stormcloaks you saw? Or in this case the 'lack' of Stormcloak activity?" Balgruuf pressed, to which Siffre nodded.

"You see, my lord? It is as I had suspected as well," Proventus spoke up, a hand indicating in the direction of the three women, "Testimony by your own thane and housecarl confirming that there is little chance of Ulfric and his Stormcloaks could actually make a move for Whiterun."

"Hmph, one does not need to make their attempts known for there to be any," Irileth pointed out.

"I'm of a mind with Irileth," Hrongar agreed, "Ulfric's intentions have been known for years now."

"And you really believe he would march on Whiterun, Hrongar?" Proventus asked.

"Enough, all of you," Balgruuf suddenly cut in. His tone was firm yet soft-spoken, before glancing back down to the three women, "There is something to be asked. Regarding when you did speak with Jarl Ulfric. Did he himself say something? Any sort of thing that would indicate anything to this effect?"

"Um..." Lydia found herself breathing at first. She glanced to her side to see that the other two women appeared thoughtful, as if searching for the right words themselves. As for her own self, she was then reminded of her conversation with the Windhelm Jarl. Specifically, his words right before they had left. The curious nature of what he had said was brought back to the forefront of her mind yet again. Now was the time to make that known.

"Actually, there was something he said," she spoke up, "You see, Jarl Ulfric asked me specifically about you, my Jarl. He'd asked me... what you yourself were doing in light of this war. Such as sides taken, if any."

"Hm, so he did," Jarl Balgruuf said, his attention focused solely on her by now, "Anything else?"

"Yes, in fact," Lydia continued, "There was something else he mentioned, something he said that I couldn't stop thinking about since he said it. He said 'indecisions... tend to be more costly... than losses'."

A deathly silence fell over all present in the room. With the exception of the burning brasiers on both sides of the throne, hardly anyone made a single sound at all. Every's eyes were fixed on the Jarl of Whiterun after this statement was spoken to him.

Jarl Balgruuf pulled himself back, his back leaning upright into his throne. His eyes were widened ever so slightly, and the facial expression gracing his face was stern and thought-filled. Even the sounds of his quick breath could barely be heard, sharp as they were. During this entire time, no one said a word.

Finally, the silence was broken by the Jarl again.

"Housecarl Lydia... you are absolutely certain those words were spoken to you by Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak?" His question to her was spoken with sincerity to match his face. It was such seriousness that Lydia had scarcely seen of her Jarl before in the past; she was almost taken about by his sudden change in tone.

"I am, my lord," she replied. Jarl Balgruuf took a single breath of air, concentrated and firm. His lips pursed tightly in brief thought.

"Irileth, Hrongar," he addressed both his own housecarl and his brother, "Do you remember back in the war? Those words that Ulfric once said before us three?" The two returned his look with equally stern, yet curious looks of their own.

"How could I ever forget?" Irielth said, "'Inaction would certainly be the death of someone'... Then soon after a few days later that Imperial garrison was brutally attacked..."

"He was deadly serious about it then, just as I'm sure he would be now," Hrongar added, "This proves it then? Based on what housecarl Lydia said?"

"I'm inclined to believe... yes." Jarl Balgruuf said with a nod as he turned his gaze to look straight before him. A hand rubbed his chin for a moment before resting firmly upon the armrest.

"Hear me well, all of you! It would seem the day has arrived that blades must be drawn for the war. Never did we believe this day would come, much less so soon, but Ulfric has forced our hand. The time to act is now!"

"My lord? Is such rash action really necessary?" Proventus spoke up, "Surely Jarl Ulfric wouldn't be serious?"

"Oh he's serious, but so am I," the Jarl practically growled before turning to regard him fully, "Proventus, summon the Whiterun council for an emergency meeting at once."

"Er y-yes, my lord," the Imperial said with a nod before stepping away towards Dragonsreach's doors.

"Praefect Turelus? You may well get your chance to relay your information in greater detail," Balgruuf said to the Imperial soldier.

"Very good, Jarl Balgruuf," the man replied.

"And speak with me before you depart my city; I have a few details that must be made clear you can report back to your own superiors," Balgruuf added. The Imperial nodded as well before walking along the side towards the upper floor's stone steps.

Finally, with the two Imperials having departed the group, Jarl Balgruuf looked back down to the three women. All three were still standing attentively yet somewhat anxiously at this sudden development happening right before them.

"Thane Siffre... Dragonborn," Jarl Balgruuf spoke to her directly, "I am fully aware that you are the Dragonborn, a destiny that likely supercedes the concerns of a Jarl and his city. But, it would do me the greatest of honor if... if you would stand for us. Stand for my city, in the event it is under attack by these invaders."

"Jarl Balgruuf," Siffre spoke up, her confident tone filling the room as much as the subtle vibrations in her voice, "Of course. Of course I would fight for Whiterun. You've done so much for me already, so this is the absolute least I could do for you."

Lydia listened to her thane's words as she spoke to her Jarl. Each word she spoke filled her with her reassurance as well as a swelling of pride. If there were any lingering fears, they were effectively quashed by Siffre openly admitting she would stand for Whiterun; the city that she herself called home.

"Excellent. I, as well as my city, would be forever in your debt. Well, I suppose in addition to what you've already done for us before," Balgruuf vocally replied with enthusiasm to match her own. He then glanced in the direction of Lydia and Illia as well, "Lydia, I suppose I already know the answer were I to ask you the same thing?"

"You need not even ask, my Jarl," Lydia spoke while placing a fist over her chest, "I would defend this city to my dying breath!"

"Hm, let's ensure that it would be 'them' who would be dying and not us," Irileth commented.

"The Dragonborn of legend standing and fighting in Whiterun's hour of need! A fine song this would make!" Hrongar said, "However, what of this one?" His sudden shift in attention, along with everyone else's following him, put the Imperial nervously on the spot once more.

"Um, what about me?" she spoke before following up with, "Y-you're asking if I would... fight? Fight these Stormcloaks, coming to this city?"

"I am aware that you're not from here at all," Lydia spoke to her directly, "But, if given the choice, would you be willing to do the same as us?"

"I-I mean, I don't regret standing with you two and having fought those times before," Illia said as she indicated to both Siffre and Lydia, "It's just this is all so sudden you know? Maybe... I'd just need to think on this?"

"Time is rarely granted to many, especially in Skyrim. Know though that you are under no obligations as an outsider," Balgruuf noted, then shook his head, "But for now, the Whiterun council needs to be informed of the situation. Irielth, Hrongar?" The two warriors in question gave him a nod as he stood from his throne. The then proceeded to walk towards the ascending stone stairway that Praefect Turelus had gone up with Irileth and Hrongar following closely behind him.

With that, the three women were left alone once more.

"Illia, you are going to stand with us, aren't you?" Siffre suddenly asked.

"Well, like I said, I needed time to think about this," the Imperial said, "Is this even my fight? I'm not even certain of the 'sides' in this fight!"

"It really is that simple," Lydia spoke seriously, "Those Stormcloaks we encountered in Eastmarch and Windhelm? They're planning to attack Whiterun! You saw how they were, how they were to you no less! I don't know if you two saw it, but when Ulfric spoke to me at that point, the way he said what he said... There was just no doubt in my mind! He'd really go through with this! He'll seige my city and maybe even usurp my lord and Jarl from Whiterun!" Her hand unconsciously drifted down to grip her sword hilt, squeezing it hard, "But I won't let them! Whiterun will not fall so long as I am still standing! You two with me?"

"Of course Lydia," Siffre spoke with equal seriousness, "Just as you've stood with me this whole time, I'll stand with you." The two women then glanced at Illia expectedly.

"Well, um..." she said while glancing back and forth between the two herself, "I... If it really means this much to the both of you... I guess I could help out, however I can?" Almost in an instant, the stern expressions on the other two's faces faded into looks of satisfaction.

"Good. Thank you Illia, truly," Lydia said with a quick pat on the Imperial's right shoulder.

"Um, sure... of course," the mage replied.

The two Nords then looked to each other to converse between the two of them, leaving Illia to silently contemplate to herself once more. She may have spoken her intended words before the two Nords, but in her mind she still felt heavy amounts of uncertainty. Everything that was building up before them in such short span of time; this was almost as equal as having fought that dragon! Illia hoped that she'd be surviving whatever this conflict may be with no more heavy injuries than were sustained during 'that' fight.

It was thus by complete misfortune that she happen to gaze up above the Jarl's throne to see the massive bony head of a dragon, glaring right back down at her!

"Wha- by the-!" she stammered, "Why is there a dragon head there?!"


-And here we go; Ulfric's Stormcloaks be planning to attack Whiterun in a (clever) subversion from how was portrayed in the game! I've got the entire thing laid out in my head, now I just need to drag it all out of this thick skull and lay it all out! Really excited to see this through, so like, favorite, review, all that stuff, and keep on reading! -