Chapter Text
The sound of cheers and laughter was heard all across Windhelm as the cities soldiers and citizens alike danced and celebrated the true liberation of Skyrim with the Stormcloak victory over the Imperial forces. Prayers were freely heard to all nine divines as well as curses and jeers to the Empire and Thalmor, many people had been lost and there were still those deep in mourning but nevertheless, celebrations ranged from the Palace to the Gray-Quarter and the mood was one of joy for all the people that call Skyrim home, for the people that were willing to fight and defy all odds against any who would try to take away the freedom of this nation be they man, mer or dov.
"Guess I owe you two a drink." The Jarl spoke.
"Hah! You owe us a hell of a lot more than one you old dog! This is a time for celebration and I intend to drink that which I can't stomach and then some!" Came Galmer's booming reply.
"Should you attempt that I fear we may end up buying everything the Black-Briars have to offer." The Dragonborn replied, a small smirk spread across his face.
"I believe a bottle of Honningbrew should suffice... for now." Ulfric spoke with a clear lightheartedness in his tone, producing three bottles of Honningbrew reserve keeping one for himself and handing the others to Galmer and Aracher. "If you would." He said with a motion of his hand to the Dragonborn before a small flame appeared in Arachers palm which was subsequently used to heat the three bottles of mead to a perfect temperature.
"I keep saying I've got to learn some of that magic someday."
"You're a great man Galmer but should that ever happen I fear that the city wouldn't last a day."
"More like an hour!"
Laughter was shared between the three as they enjoyed their honey-sweetened drinks and the atmosphere of joy that engulfed the city, content to bask in the glory of freedom.
"This still isn't over, is it?" Aracher queried.
"No" Ulfric began. "The Thalmor have been waiting for this so that they can conquer all of Tamriel without a strong empire to stand in their way.... but it seems we may not have to fight them alone. High Rock has requested a meeting with us after seeing our victory and Valenwood has already sent an emissary to negotiate an alliance with us for obvious reasons after what the Thalmor have subjected you and your people to, a fate that I unfortunately know all too well."
Memories of raging fires and Thalmor wizards burning his home to the ground flashed through Arachers mind. He was brought out of his trance by Ralof grabbing his shoulder.
"I'll be glad to take the fight to the Thalmor if it means ending their tyranny, should you let me." Ralof affirmed.
"We'd be honoured to have you Ralof". Spoke Ulfric. "After Helgen those damn High-Elves should be a breeze."
"Speaking of Helgen and that dragon attack..." Galmer interrrupted. "I heard someone had the balls to ride one of those fiery lizards!" He exicitedly exclaimed motioning towards Aracher, mind racing with the possibility of fighting the Thalmor with an army of dragons fighting alongside them. "Do you think now we could have them fight with us!?!?"
Laughter once again overtook the group as Galmer once again explained how glorious it would be to fight alongside a dragon.
Outside, above the city, clouds covered the sky as snow began to flutter down towards the ground.
The battle for Skyrims freedom had only just begun.... And Skyrim was ready.