The Bears Shortcoming

Chapter 12- Ulfric

(4E 201 10th of Evening Star)

(ULFRIC'S POV)

We got back to Windhelm after our successful invasion over Whiterun about 7 days ago. I tried to be happy that the battle had been won, and that the Stormcloaks now had full power over Skyrim's trading capital, but I couldn't stop thinking about the Dragonborn. I regretted being angry with her, and I felt guilty for acting so hastily when I knew holding such a powerful destiny must be a tough weight to bear.

Why hadn't she shown her face since the battle? I wondered if she was angry at me, or if she was too scared to approach me but truth be told; I missed her.

I met with Galmar, who still hadn't stopped bragging about the amount of imperials he'd killed on that "glorious" evening.

"Ah Ulfric! A fine day is it not?" Galmar spoke in his usual gruff voice, but there was a hint of joy there too.

"I see you're still in high spirits Galmar" I smiled at him "I have come to ask you something actually"

Galmar put a hand on my shoulder "What is it my lord?"

"I came to ask about the Dragonborn, I haven't seen her since Whiterun and I was wondering if you knew where I could find her"

Galmar stiffened and the joy disappeared from his voice "Ulfric..."

"She hasn't run off has she? She wouldn't..."

"Ulfric"

"She's gone back to Riften hasn't she? With that damned guild of hers! That woman..."

"I found her dead in Whiterun on the night of the battle. She had two arrows in her and there were dead imperials everywhere. She fought bravely."

I swear at that moment I felt my blood turn to ice in my veins, I took a step back from Galmar and leaned against a nearby wall, for I suddenly felt like I was unable to stand.

"You're bluffing" my voice was barely even there, it was like I'd forgotten how to speak.

Galmar didn't answer; he only looked on at me with pity. I finally managed to find my voice again. "Why didn't you tell me at once?" I tried to sound sharp with him but I'd never felt weaker in my life.

"We were about to head up to confront Jarl Balgruuf; I couldn't risk you looking weak in front of our entire army! The rebellion is worth much more than one woman"

I grabbed Galmar by the throat and shoved him against the wall, I could feel tears forming in my eyes. "One woman!" I roared "I cared for her"

"I'm sorry my lord" Galmar sounded genuine. He was a true friend although we didn't always see eye to eye.

"You're dismissed"

Galmar bowed his head before leaving the room quickly. As soon as I heard the brass door click shut I fell to my knees and my heart broke into a thousand pieces. I didn't realise how much this woman meant to me until now, but I never had the opportunity to tell her. She died on the night of the battle, feeling unwanted and betrayed, and that was all on my head.

I wanted to scream out loud, I wanted to tear down solitude and I wanted to rip General Tullius' heart from his chest and crush it in my hand. I wanted to kill every imperial in Tamriel. I had sworn never to love anyone after my father passed away, and yet I loved the Dragonborn.