Skyrim's Sovereign

Chapter 3

          Our eyes meet when Aela and I round the banquet table to reach the bottom step of the throne's platform.

"My greatest Stormblade," Ulfric actually stands to greet me. "How was your journey to Solstheim?" He takes my wife's hand to kiss it in respect.

"It was intense, my Lord," I reply. He reaches for my arm to give a firm shake. "I've come to discuss the Moot with you, my Lord."

Ulfric's smile washes away, he studies me. "What of it?"

"I was informed by Jarl Vignar Grey-Mane that it has yet to convene to name you our High King. This slowness of pace is unacceptable. If we are to be a strong nation, we must have our High King's recognition solidified. The people must know who their ruler is if we are to depend on their following to defend against outsiders—especially the Empire."

Ulfric retakes his seat, smirking beneath his beard at my consternation.

Four Stormcloak officers approach.

I greet them with a glance, but my focus is on my leader.

Scratching his jaw, Ulfric nods. "I agree, my Stormblade and Thane. However, the gathering is only up to the Jarls of the Holds. I cannot push them in any way or they may hold that against me and announce Elisif the Fair as High Queen. There are still many who believe in her right of ascent through her deceased husband's crown."

I find myself scratching my own beard. Nodding so he'll know I understand, I ponder on this. Glancing at my wife, I query.

"Would you be opposed to another quest before returning home, my Love?"

Aela's eyes flash and she smiles. "A quest for our beloved nation, dear husband? I would say that's a fitting climax to our legend."

Ulfric chuckles. "Your wife seems more eager than you, Dragonborn."

I shrug, squeezing my wife's hand. "It is settled then, rightful High King. Aela and I shall go on a quest to gather the Moot. We'll get those hesitant Jarls together and we'll announce you High King of Skyrim."

"Are you certain it will be me they vote on? The deliberation does have to be unanimous."

"Elisif the Fair has only a slight chance, my Lord," I point out. "Those who do side with her can come around to see the light. She will not have a dynasty controlling Skyrim, her Thalmoran allies will not be welcome among our Nordic people."

"Music to my ears," Ulfric smiles. "When will you start?"

"On the morrow as soon as this blizzard lets up."

"This blizzard has been going for days," Ulfric laughs. "Eastmarch rarely sees a sunny day."

"It was a mere statement, my Lord," I smirk, taking my wife's arm again. "We'll leave in the early morning."

Ulfric bids us goodnight and we head back out into the cold city over to the house called Hjerim, which I'd obtained when I became Thane of Eastmarch. Its massive stone stories greet us with torchlight.

The previous owner had been murdered and Aela and I actually had a hand in the hunt for the murderer. After their capture, we were given the house. I immediately spent the required gold to have the entire thing washed of all traces of the previous owner. We did not want anything to do with hauntings or any of that sort.

Leaving a housecarl by the name of Calder to watch the house, we stay there whenever we visit the city.

It really pays to have a house in every city you are Thane. This way you don't have to spend so much on inns while you work out all jobs required of a Thane.