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“So you’ve done it,” said Arngeir. “The men of violence are gathered here, in these halls whose very stones are dedicated to peace.” He paused. “They may put their weapons down for a moment, but only to gather strength for the next bloodletting. They are not yet tired of war. Far from it. Do you know the ancient Nord word for war? Season unending... so it has proved.”
The Dragonborn mingled with the other guests for a few moments. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Delphine and Arngeir arguing over something, but I could not make out the words. The Imperial and Stormcloak delegations had separated, and no words were exchanged between them.
“I need to trade some things with you,” said the Dragonborn.
“I am sworn to carry your burdens,” I replied, expecting him to dump the usual pile of dragon bones and scales on me. But he simply removed a single tome from my pack, looked it over once, and nodded to himself.
Finally, the Dragonborn took his seat, followed quickly by the Greybeards, the Blades, and the Imperial delegation. I took up a position near the back of the room, where I could see everyone at once. The Stormcloaks remained standing.
“Now that everyone is here,” said Arngeir, “please take your seats so we can begin. I hope that we have all come here in the spirit of...”
“No,” interrupted Ulfric. “You insult us by bringing her to this negotiation? Your chief Talos-hunter?”
A murmur went through both sides. They swiftly staked out their positions: The Stormcloaks wanted Elenwen gone, and the Imperials did not want to let them set the terms of the debate. Arngeir suggested letting the Dragonborn speak.
His tail twitched, as if in excitement. From our weeks of travel together, I knew that his face would betray nothing. “General Tullius, do you believe that Elenwen is here to promote peace in Skyrim?”
Tullius seemed taken aback at this question. “I... What are you getting at, Dragonborn?”
“If she is not here to promote peace, then she obviously has no place at a peace conference.” The Dragonborn’s tail twitched again. None of the other attendees could see it, from their positions. “So I ask you again: Is she here to promote peace in Skyrim?”
Elenwen scoffed. “As I said before, I am here to ensure the terms of the White—Gold Concordat are upheld, nothing more.”
Tullius nodded. “Upholding a peace treaty is promoting peace. If you have something else to say, Dragonborn, I suggest you say it.”
Ulfric looked like he was about to jump in, but the Dragonborn held up a hand, and there was silence. The Dragonborn reached into his pack, and pulled out the book he had taken from me a few minutes before. “General, I would like you to read this document, and then tell me again that Elenwen is here to promote peace in Skyrim.” He handed it to Rikke, who passed it to Tullius.
Tullius opened it and scanned it briefly. His face darkened, and he snapped it shut. Thrusting it in Elenwen’s direction, he muttered “Next time, play your cards closer to your chest,” just loudly enough for me to hear.
“What is this?” said Elenwen, taking the book from Tullius. She examined the cover, and immediately flew into a rage. “This is the property of the Thalmor Embassy! How dare you steal it from us!” She pointed an accusing finger at the Dragonborn. “You will return all of our property immediately, or I will have your head, lizard!”
The Dragonborn looked over his shoulder at me. The end of his tail was wagging back and forth like a puppy with a treat. “Lydia, I believe we did meet some Thalmor on the road on our way here, did we not?”
“Uh, yes, my Thane,” I replied, momentarily confused at being addressed. Everyone in the room turned to look at me.
“Would you please return their personal effects to Ambassador Elenwen, as she requested?”