Skyrim V: Shadow over Markarth

Chapter Three: Meeting in the City of Markarth

A week later, I looked at the mirror in my vanity. I knew that we were to meet with the Jarl's Caravan in an hour to journey towards Markarth. The plan was that of my household, my husband and children would be there, as would Serana and Arodil. Lydia, through much coaxing, was to move back and forth between Jorrvasker and the Homestead. Malborn would stay here, but Ronthil would come with us as my servant. I didn't believe in my friends serving me, but he even told me that he felt like he would be worth more if he came with us and helped. I couldn't refuse him. Lucia was very excited, more than the rest of us were, but for all she knew, it was going to be a nice journey away from home. And to see new sights and sounds.  
  The door opened and Sinding came in. "The children are packed and ready." He came behind me and put his hands around me, where we were both staring at ourselves in the mirror. "Are you ready?" I say. 
"Not really, but I don't think I ever am." Sinding chuckled. 
I nodded. "Neither am I."
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After about a week of traveling, the city of Markarth loomed above us. "Wow, it's so much bigger than home." Lucia said as she sat in the wagon next to me while I held Aaiden. I nodded. "Markarth is the last known city in Skyrim that was once part of the Dwemer's architecture."
"Where will be staying?" Lucia asked. 
"Jarl Igmund has given our family and Vilkas a place to stay in Vlindrel Hall while we are here." Sinding said, "Jarl Balgruuf and his court will be staying in the Understone Keep with the other guests." I nodded in relief. I was worried enough about being in Markarth, much less staying with the court of other cities. 
  Ronthil pulled the carriage into the stable where the rest of the court did likewise. We then followed Jarl Balgruuf to the gates. 
The soldiers on post looked shocked at the sight of the Jarl of Whiterun. 
"We are here to meet with Jarls Igmund, Ulfric Stormcloak and General Tullius." Balgruuf said, his voice loud. "Tell them that the Jarl of Whiterun, the Blades, the Harbinger of the Companions and the  Dragonborn are here and are waiting to be seen."
The doors opened to the city and before us, at the front of the gates on the other side, was an older man. He was dressed royally, with greying, short hair and cut close beard. Balgruuf smiled and bowed, "Igmund, tis good to see you old friend." The two men clasped hands and I could see Igmund's housecarl, a beautiful and armed Redguard woman, stiffen. Irileth seemed just as tense. Sinding held Lucia's hand while I held Aaiden in mine. Ronthil stood behind nervously, as Serana and Arodil watched the scene quietly.  Delphine said no words which I was glad for.  
Vilkas looked at me and smirked. 
  "I appreciate you meeting us at such a short notice," Igmund said as his eyes drifted to Balgruuf's court. "I knew you were bringing guests, but I didn't expect so many."
  Balgruuf bowed his head, "Most of them are esteemed members of my court. Here is Delphine, current leader of the Blades-" Delphine crossed her arms and stared at Igmund and his guards with little to no enthusiasm.  "Vilkas, Harbinger of the Companions-" Balgruuf gestured to my friend, who gave a low bow. "And Taniiaae, Thane of my Court and Dragonborn, protector of Skyrim." I bowed as low as I could with a baby in my arms. 
"Rise." Igmund said. 
I did and when I looked up, I saw he was studying me strangely. "So this is the Dragonborn?"
I feel my chest clench as Balgruuf nodded, "She's young, yes, but she is the Dragonborn. Kodlak Whitemane himself helped raised her." 
  Igmund paused and then said, "Then we should be bowing to you, for saving Skyrim, thrice over." Igmund gestured for his men to bow down to me and I stand there awkwardly. Sinding chuckles and I shake my head, "Please, Jarl Igmund, do not bow to me. Many people aided in saving Skyrim." I squirm awkwardly and Serana laughs. 
  Igmund smiled, "You must all be tired from your trip, but unfortunately it's pressing that we meet with Stormcloaks and Imperils now.  They are waiting for us in the Understone Keep."
  Vilkas frowns. "Since we have quite a entourage in our midst, I doubt you want us all there?" 
Igmund's housecarl steps forward, "It would be preferred that only the immediate members of the Jarl's Court attends."
  Balgruuf looks at me and then Vilkas. "I want the Dragonborn and Leader of the Companions there, Delphine of the Blades is with us as an ally but on her own accord." 
I turn to Sinding and whisper, "They may not let you attend, my love."
He nods, "I understand, I can take the children and get the house prepared for us. It may be better for the children if their father is there to get them settled. Arodil will come with me, we don't need Ulfric having a fit."
  "Serana will be with me as my second." I said loud enough for everyone to here. Igmund's housecarl looked at me, "And who is she?"
 "Faleen, please don't be rude." Igmund said. 
I gave Faleen a small smile, "Lady Serana of Volkihar, last heir of Lord Harkon of House Volkihar. She's of royal blood, and would be beneficial for this meeting." 
  Serana gave me a smile as Faleen nodded, "So be it, I will lead your family to your quarters."
"Everyone else, come with me." Igmund said.
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  The room to the Mournful Throne in the Understone Keep was not as large as Dragonsreach. It wasn't meant for meetings. But the Jarl had made sure chairs were set near his throne enough between that and the stairs. I sat in a seat with Serana on my right and Vilkas on my left. Delphine and Balgruuf sat with us while Irileth stood behind our Jarl, ever diligent.  On Jarl Igmund's left side, he had Tullius and Legate Rikke. 
On his right, was Ulfric Stormcloak and Galmar Stone-Fist. Our party had our back to the great hall of the Keep. Igmund looked down towards everyone at the meeting. Tullius's graying hair had turned even grayer, Rikke's face was more lined then when she met us at High Hrothgar a year ago. Ulfric seemed more tired, and Galmar's had one long scar over the top of his left eye down to his chin.  No one seemed like they wanted to be there at all. 
 "What's this all about Igmund?" Tullius said, leaning his elbow on the chair rest. "Taking us away from planning a war?" 
He looked at Ulfric, and Ulfric Stormcloak clenched his fists in his lap.
"You agreed to meeting in Markarth." Delphine said, her voice irritated. "I think you will want to ask Jarl Balgruuf  more about that." 
  Balgruuf nodded, "We received your axe, Ulfric." 
Ulfric looked up, horror briefly on his face but he was able to mask it quickly, unlike Galmar who snapped in a gravely voice. "Of all places to let us know, you decide to do it here, in the midst of Imperil Dogs?" 
"Watch your tongue, Galmar." Rikke snapped.
"Actually, before we decided to have a meeting, I was convening with the Harbinger of the Companions and the Dragonborn back in my own court." Balgruuf said, rising from his seat. "I was speaking with the Dragonborn, and we were hoping that we could call a permanent truce in this war." 
"And what, would make us do that, Balgruuf?" Ulfric said, his grey eyes studying General Tullius. "We agreed on temporary peace while the Dragonborn took care of Alduin, but that has been over for past a year now. My people still suffer at the hands of the elves and Empire. Men have died in my arms while fighting for freedom of our land." 
"Men and women have died in my arms too," Tullius said, "Trying to defend their homes against you barbarians." 
  "It was my idea." I said, standing up quickly as to prevent any more fighting. "I wanted to talk to you both, and ask for permanent peace." 
  Both men stopped, and stared at me. Galmar burst into laughing. I grimaced at the awkwardness as I ask, "What is so funny about that Housecarl?" 
"I forget that while you are the Dragonborn, you still a young pup, girl." Galmar said, leaning forward in his seat. "You are not a seasoned veteran in this war." 
"No, but she did fight a dragon. And the first Dragonborn." Vilkas said. 
"And my father, during the Vampiric Crisis." Serana said. Ulfric, Galmar, Tullius and Rikke looked confused as Balgruuf said, "We can talk about her history with protecting Skyrim afterwards, but do not doubt her worth as a warrior."
 Ulfric sighed, "Continue, Dragonborn." 
I nod my head in respect as I say. "I wanted to ask you both for a solution for permanent peace, and for us to band together, to take down the Thalmor's power in Skyrim."
  "And how, would we do that, without going to war with the Aldermari Dominion in the other providences of Tamriel?" Tullius says. 
I fold my hands together as I say, "Start my making alliances in the providences. Give Skyrim to Ulfric Stormcloak, and then have him swear as allies to the Empire in order to take down the Aldermari's Dominion in Skyrim. " 
  The room went silent, even Balgruuf looked at me in surprise. "Taniiaae-"
"I know it sounds mad." I say, "But think about it. This war isn't going to end unless one of the two sides is defeated. And even then, who still benefits from it?" 
"The Thalmor do." Vilkas said. 
I nod. "My family and I have suffered from the hands of Thalmor men. My husband and I were tormented many times by a Thalmor agent who worked directly with the Silver Hand. And he tortured my half brother."
Ulfric stares at me, knowlingly. 
"There has been many crimes committed in this war, killing the high king-" I look at Ulfric. Then I turn to Tullius, "Executing innocents who get caught in the crossfire of war or a enemy patrol. Both sides have committed war crimes, but both sides have good men and women who know that they shouldn't be killing their own friends and family."
"She's right," Irileth said to my surprise. Her dark eyes blinked thoughtfully. "Instead of warring against each other, we should war again them." 
  I nodded. 
"She has a good point indeed." Galmar said. 
"She usually does." Balgruuf agreed. 
Tullius leaned forward in his seat and he said. "I like what you are saying, girl. While I don't like you-" He points at Ulfric, "It's senseless that others suffer for the transgressions of this war." 
He looks at Balgruuf, then at Delphine. "I would be willing to give a temporary truce...."
"The Dragonborn asked for permanent-" Delphine said to my shock. 
Tullius nodded, "Only for now, I will give Ulfric until the thirty-first of Frost Fall to prove if this peace will be honored."
Ulfric smirked, "The Stormcloaks will give no trouble in the twenty-nine days of this truce. I would fear from the Imperils though." 
"Ulfric..." Rikke said. 
"But, I will tell my men to stand down while we abide our time this month. The Thane of Whiterun is a smart girl. If we can prove that we can live together without another fight, then maybe...." Ulfric didn't finish that statement. 
Tullius nodded. "We will meet again on the thirty-first of Frost Fall. If there has been no war when we arrive at the day, then I say we all meet again on the second of Sun's Dusk, here in the city of Markarth." 
Ulfric nodded. "Agreed."
"Until then.....we have to keep our agreements quiet." Tullius said. He looked at Igmund. "Can we trust that our meeting is safe from Thalmor ears?" 
Igmund nodded. "Always."
Tullius nodded at him and turned to Balgruuf, "Your Thane made a good stand tonight, Balgruuf. If this month of peace is long standing, then we will consider moving to more....long lasting standards and face bigger problems. Until then." The general stood with his legate  beside him. "This meeting is adjourned."