Just a Skyrim fanfic: Extended cut

Attack on Whiterun

Maximus: Jarl Balgruuf. I have an important message from General Tullius

Balgruuf: No doubt requesting to garrison his men in my castle. How many times must I deny him?

Maximus: The Thalmor have plans to attack Whiterun. The general wants to lend some knights to help defend against them. Everything you need to know is on this document

Balgruuf: I see... Give the papers to my steward

Maximus: I'm afraid I cannot do that. I was given strict instructions. For the jarl's eyes only

Balgruuf: Don't be daft. Proventus IS my eyes

Maximus: Do you trust him with something this important?

Balgruuf:... Fine. Just give me the letter. I presume once I have it , I can do as I please with it?

Maximus: Of course

Balgruuf: Good

(Balgruuf reads the document and furrows his brows)

Balgruuf: Hmm... These are interesting reports... Proventus. What do you make of all this? If the Thalmor were to attack Whiterun...

Proventus: As in all things, lord, caution. I urge us to wait and see

(Balgruuf thinks for a moment)

Balgruuf: No. This is not the time to wait. This is the time to act!

Proventus: You mean to march on the summerset isle?

Balgruuf: No, you fool. I mean it's time to challenge Artemis and his forces to face me, and to declare their intentions

Proventus: They'll do no such thing! A dagger in the back is all you can expect from them!

Irileth: They were rather straightforward at high hrothgar. They simply walked up to us and tried to butcher us all

Balgruuf: If Achilles wants to challenge my rule in the old fashioned way, let him. Though I suspect he'll prefer to send his agents to do it for him

Proventus: Then might I urge you to consider General Tullius's request? I mean, if you are bent on offending the Thalmor...

Irileth: Elenwen was the one who has offended. But Proventus has a point. Artemis has made it clear that he wants total domination of Skyrim

Proventus: And what harm is there in letting a few knights in shining armor die in the place of your own men?

Balgruuf: It seems cowardly

Irileth: Was it cowardly then to accept the white gold concordat?

Balgruuf: This again?! That was different. I was not given a chance to object to the terms of the treaty. The jarls were told what was what and had to like it

Proventus: The chests of gold didn't hurt

Balgruuf: Dammit, this isn't about gold, Proventus!

Irileth: It's time to decide

Proventus: Lord, wait, let us see if Achilles is serious

Balgruuf: Oh, Achilles is serious alright. But so am I. Proventus. Bring me my quill, and the good parchment

Maximus: Ulfric Stormcloak asked me to deliver this axe to you

Balgruuf: Did he now? The man is persistent, I'll give him that. I suppose it's time I give him an answer

(Balgruuf takes the axe)