It was a few months after the Stormcloaks had won the battle for Solitude. The new jarls were settling into their roles, and Ulfric had been back in Windhelm seeing to matters that concerned the country as a whole. There were many, especially nobles in Solitude, accustomed to receiving easy coin from the Empire, that had been particularly unhappy about the turn of events in Skyrim. Finally, after months of causing difficulties, one of these prominent families had sent a letter to Windhelm letting the future High King know that they and a few other families were interested in negotiating with him about their place in the rebuilt Skyrim. There was to be a three-night party in the Blue Palace, and they had procured an invitation for Ulfric and a small entourage. He was to be present at the party in the evenings and meet with the nobles during the day.
—
"I don't like it. They have done nothing but drag their feet and oppose you since the beginning, and now I'm supposed to believe that they just want to talk?" Galmar declared.
"Your reasons for suspicion are valid. I don't like it, either. But these people hold a lot of influence in the northwest part of the country. We can make a show of good faith with them by accepting their invitation, or possibly ruin any chance at ever working with them." Ulfric said, brow furrowed.
"We can't just walk right into a trap. We should bring some of our strongest fighters with us as your entourage." Galmar said.
"And show them that we don't trust them. No, we need to be more subtle than that." Ulfric replied. "What about Stormblade? Surely the Dragonborn's presence at a noble social function wouldn't be seen as an outright threat like a regular soldier or officer would. We could ask just her, accompanied by her housecarl, to come with us."
"A solid plan. I will feel better having more friendly faces on our side. I'll send out a message." Galmar said.
—-
The Dragonborn's response to their request arrived a few days later. As it turns out, she already had her own invitation to the party. She said that, if she arrived in time, she would travel with them from Windhelm. If not, she would meet them in Solitude on the day they had specified for their arrival. She further informed them that she would take Calder as her housecarl, and had already sent him a note asking him to accompany Ulfric and Galmar if she didn't arrive before they left.
—
Ulfric had been talking with Jorleif about the running of things while he was gone. After they had gone over everything that would need to be done, Jorleif ventured, "May I bring up one more thing, my lord?"
"Of course, Jorleif," Ulfric replied.
"Some of the jarls have expressed concern over your age and lack of a family. They, especially the younger ones, are worried that they may see another war over succession in their lifetime. I wished to point out that you will probably be meeting many women of an appropriate age in Solitude. A marriage to a woman from one of the powerful families respected by our opponents could do much towards mending the wounds left in our country."
"Thank you. Your advice will be considered." Ulfric said.
—-
The Dragonborn did not arrive in Windhelm before the day of departure arrived, so Ulfric, Galmar, and Calder began their journey to Solitude without her. One evening, as Ulfric and Galmar lingered around the campfire after Calder had gone to sleep, Galmar asked Ulfric, "You aren't really going to marry a milk-drinking, Imperial-coin-loving noblewoman from Solitude like Jorleif suggested, are you?"
Ulfric seemed a bit surprised at the sudden change in topic. "I do not wish to, but Jorleif made some very valid points."
"Surely, if you do marry, it should be to a true daughter of Skyrim. It would be a betrayal to those who supported us if you married someone who sided with our enemies, rather than the relative of one who fought for our cause." Galmar said.
"You know that I have no great desire to marry at all. I do not wish to divert any of my time or attention away from my work." Ulfric informed him. "Besides," he added more quietly. "You know it won't end well."
"Ulfric, there are good women out there. I know you haven't found one yet, but that doesn't mean they don't exist." Galmar said.
"I didn't say that there aren't any good women." Ulfric said, irritated. "There are plenty of respectable women out there - women who are courageous, strong, caring… There are many that I have been proud to fight beside."
"I know lots of men who are happily married and only have minimal complaints about their wives." Galmar responded.
"But you also know, better than anyone, the things they have put me through. There is always an ulterior motive. It is better to know upfront what it is than to find out too late. I know what these noblewomen want at least." Ulfric said.
"I also know, better than anyone, that they will never make you happy. You need a real woman for that." Galmar replied.
"I will do what is best for Skyrim." Ulfric said. "Leave it at that."