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Dragonsreach, Whiterun
The court of Jarl Balgruuf smelled of burning pine and was warm compared to the windy cold of the plain city outside. In attendance was Balgruuf's court, his brother and thane, Hrongar, his steward Proventus, the court mage, Farengar Secret-Fire, and Irileth, Balgruuf's personal housecarl. Also in attendance are the city's most influential citizens, chief among them Olfrid Battle-Born and Vignar Greymane.
Earlier that morning, an officer bearing a sealed message from Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak arrived, causing a stir among the citizenry of the capital. Rumours abound that war is coming to Whiterun at long last, and many followed the messenger to Dragonsreach to hear the Jarl's decree.
The Stormcloak soldier stood proudly within Dragonsreach, before the Jarl as he studied the letter from Ulfric. Balgruuf read the scribbled words of his rival over several times. The route of the Legion had emboldned the Windhelm Jarl, and now his message was clear, join the Stormcloaks or perish.
Balfruuf slowly rose from his throne. "Such a grave messaged deserves to be voiced by Ulfric himself, yet he sends you in his stead."
"I am trusted among Jarl Ulfric's counsels, and speak with his authority," the emissary returned curtly.
"There is only one who speaks for Ulfric, a fact you would do well to learn." Balgruuf sighed as he handed the parchment to Proventus, who read it with alarm. "With the retreat of the Legion, we cannot fool ourselves that this is a war against the empire. Make no mistake, it is Nord blood that is being spilled across the land. The Empire lays broken to the south, the Thalmar consolidate their power and threaten all, and this damn war persists. With the retreat of the Empire, let it come to an end. Return to Ulfric and tell him that I will pursue one last path for peace. If he will accept, I call for a Kingsmoot at the sacred grounds of High Hrothgar! The Jarls will decide who shall rule Skyrim, not the whim of one man. If your lord denies this last call for peace, then Whiterun will stand against him."
The court exploded in a rush of voices and debate. The Battle-Borns applauded the Jarl while the Greymanes jeered loudly. Balgruuf resumed his seat, stone faced and sober. As the attendees of his court argued, he turned to Hrongar in a hushed tone. "Call the banners, war has found us, I think." Without a word, his brother and heir left the hall.
With fiery eyes, Balgruuf observed the fighting within his court.
Like all across Skyrim, this war pits brother against brother, even in my own hall.
