The restlessness of one can bring the restlessness of others as the women beside him slips out her state of unconsciousness.

Half awake she pushes herself up and with gentleness asks "What has my bear up this late in the night?" No response... He continued to stare into the warm fire, feeding his mind to the flames. "Ulfric are you okay? " Ulfric sat in silence for a brief moment. After a quiet pause he breaks the silence. "Naelda... Every night for the past week I had the same dream. In this dream Skyrim belonged to me, and I ruled everything and nothing at the same time." Ulfric said.

"I stood among the dead, their bodies impaled and left to burn. By instinct I know it was all my doing." Ulfric stands up and begins pacing.

"My father is getting worse by the day and I'm next to lead the Hold. I don't know if I am fit to be Jarl." He admits. Naelda gets on her feet and approaches Ulfric.

"Listen" She says softly. He immediately is enveloped by her presence. The soft warm light of the hearth settles on Naelda's face reflecting a radiant aura. "How about we pay a visit to Talos tomorrow and receive his blessings?" "I haven't prayed since I was a kid. I don't believe the gods care for our struggles." Ulfric says excusingly. Naelda reads Ulfric's tone and gets playful.

"You're quite the skeptic aren't you? That's the point though, believing requires trust, and if you can only trust yourself, you will realize the weight of the world is too much to hold." She steers the issue back on topic. "This is why we make connections, relations, and love. I understand that it's hard to carry the weight of many on your shoulders, but you'll not be doing it alone. Galmar is loyal and will help you until the end. Don't forget that Darenval is the wisest person I have ever had the pleasure to meet. Without him even Balfric wouldn't know what to do."

Naelda leans in closer. "When you are feeling the most lonely, and the world's weight is bearing down upon you, remember that you don't have to face it alone. Believe that Talos gives you the strength and you'll be able to take on anything. As a warrior you learn to harden yourself to not let anyone get close to hurt you. So you make a cocoon from the blood of your enemies to keep people out, but for once in your life, let something in- Let me in." She says.

Ulfric, without a second thought, embraces her. His arms wrapping around her shoulders. Soft spoken, Ulfric mutters "Yeah."

Day breaks as Ulfric enters the meeting chamber to participate in his duties. Inside he notices the frequenters. Galmar positioned to his left, Darenval positioned at his far end, and his father Balfric, who is positioned directly in front. But there was one more person. Someone who did not frequent the meeting halls. It was Igmund of Markarth. Igmund notices Ulfric. "Now that everyone is here I can start." Igmund says leaning over the table.

"After many years of underground preparation, we are ready to reclaim Markarth from those damn Reachmen. So I am here to ask for your help to reclaim my home." Darenval interrupts "Why come to us though?" "Because Windhelm is one of the few places that still worship Talos freely, and there are no better men I can trust than those who follow his ways. All the other holds seem to have forgotten our wa-" Igmund was interrupted by Balfric.

"I will not throw my men to waste on your radical crusade. Last I heard, the Reachmen are doing a better job than your father ever did. I will not bring chaos to people who are well. I see through you Igmund, you are just like you're father."

"And what's that's supposed to mean?" Igmund says insulted. "My father did his best and died protecting his home. The Reachmen took him away from me and now they demand us to give up Talos as well. Talos is our culture and he is our strength, there is no land called home for the Nords if we lose our identity."

Ulfric listens to Igmund's speech intently. The word "Talos" echoing in his mind. The word that reoccurred to Ulfric all day starting with Naelda. Suddenly it became clear, it's a calling.

"You have my men." Ulfric says confidently. "What are you, crazy?" Balfric says.

"I will not have my son fight a war he knows nothing about." "Igmund is right, Talos is a beacon of our culture and without it, I would not dare to claim the title of Jarl." Ulfric responds. Balfric seems confused "Since when did you believe in Talos? I'm getting old and your job is to guide my people when I can't." he says. Ulfric reaffirms him "Don't worry father I am better at war than guiding. This will only last a year." Balfric is not amused "Don't get cocky boy. Strut all you want, but once that arrow pierces your knee, you'll be crawling like a baby." he intimidates. "Fine, go fight your petty wars games and tell yourself your excuses to help you sleep at night from those that lay dead in your wake." Ulfric ignores him.

"Darenval, you will see to all of my duties while I'm gone." Ulfric commands. Darenval is surprised. "You surely can't just up and leave your father when he needs you." Darenval says trying to get him to change his opinion. "Darenval, the people of Skyrim need me. I can't call myself a leader if I can't help those in need. Besides, I heard from someone that you are the wisest man in the hold. Surely my father will need you more than he needs me." Ulfric says. With no resistance, Darenval gives way. "Very well then." Darenval accepts. "Galmar." Ulfric says sternly.

Galmar stands at attention "Yes sir!" "I need you to rally my men, we shall depart at noon." "Yes sir!" Galmar replied, then made his way out the room.

It's now 9 in the morning as the meeting concludes. Ulfric was on his way to get fitted in his armor when he is interrupted by a girl.

"Hello mister Ulfric. Is my father still in there?" Elraniel ask.

"Yeah the meeting just finished, he should be out in a little bit." Ulfric says. "I want you to look after my father with your dad while I'm gone okay?" he asks. "Are you going somewhere?" Elraniel says intrigued. "I have business in Markarth and I won't be back for a year. So look after both of them." Ulfric answers. With perkiness Elraniel says "Okie doke!"

"Alright thanks!" he said running off to get suited.

Once suited, Ulfric steps outside to be greeted by Galmar. "All forces are ready to march at you call." he informs. "Good let us get moving then." Ulfric says.

"Aren't you gonna say good bye to her at least once before you g-?" Galmar suddenly stops half way through his sentence as a smirk appears on his face.

Galmar then follow up his sentence with "Speaking of the daedra."

In front of both of them sits Naelda who was dressed ready for battle.

"Well, she's quite the bear tamer isn't she?" Galmar mocks. "Shut it" Ulfric responds. "Well I'll go on ahead." Galmar says as he begins to walk away.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Ulfric asks Naelda. "No I am not, but I know why you are doing this. You're running away aren't you." Naelda infers. "This morning you told me that a belief can help people stay strong, so I can't sit around when there are those who have their beliefs at stake." Ulfric says. "I'm not doing it to run away, I'm doing it because my belief is a calling me." Naelda lightens up "My kind hearted bear." She says."The road ahead may be dangerous, and you may get hurt. Are you sure you want to fight this war with me?" Ulfric asks.

"Well then, maybe you should have made me your wife instead of your housecarl." She says wittingly. "Well maybe I should." Ulfric says.

Naelda begins to feel flustered and her cheeks turn red. "Well we could, once we get back." Naelda sugguests shyly. "It's settled then. I shall have your hand once we return through that door." Ulfric says.

The sun sets overhead, it's noon. Naelda notices and reminds Ulfric "Look like it's time to go, shall we?"

The two meet up with Galmar and the trio departs for Markarth unaware that it would be the last time they breathe peacefully.

To be continued...