[SECRET] Meetings with the Jarls

[u/mewtwo928]

A tall, blonde nord by the name of Perrif had left the Imperial City for Skyrim, under guard merely to protect from bandits and wildlife. Within her possessions was a seal of the Emperor; she was speaking on behalf of him. She would enter the various holds, requesting private audience with the Jarls. What she had to say was for their ears only.

She also stops to speak with General Tullius when she goes to speak with High King Torygg.

[META: This way I can ‘talk’ with each provincial leader in turn and figure things out, without it being a huge ruckus like the Imperial War Summit was. (Which I wholeheartedly apologise for, sorry guys! Hopefully this is okay.)]

[u/mightierjake]

Irileth:

My Jarl, there is an Imperial woman from the Imperial City. The Emperor has sent her to speak with you.

Jarl Balgruuf:

About time, the Empire has a lot to answer for on behalf of the Thalmor's behaviour as of late. Let her speak to me...

Jarl Balgruuf waits until Perrif steps forward before Balgruuf's throne.

What is it, Imperial? Is there a problem in the Empire, or have you come to introduce more taxes and laws?

[u/mewtwo928 → u/mightierjake]

"No taxes and laws, Jarl Balgruuf," Perrif replied, "though I understand your anger. I wish to speak with you and your housecarl alone." Most jarls' housecarls wouldn't leave their side, and she understood. But she had a feeling this housecarl could be trusted as much as Balgruuf himself. But the rest of the court...she couldn't be so sure.

[u/mightierjake → u/mewtwo928]

Jarl Balgruuf:

If you insist. Irileth, let's continue this upstairs.

The Jarl allows Perrif and Irileth to follow him upstairs to a more private location which appears to function as Balgruuf's own study. A guard is already there, but Balgruuf signals for him to leave.

What do you want to discuss, Imperial, if not taxes and laws?

[u/mewtwo928 → u/mightierjake]

"The White-Gold Concordat. We are going to abolish it. This in turn will put us into conflict with the Aldmeri Dominion. The Emperor believes, however, that is both strategic and in the interest of the people. We want to know your thoughts, and--should war break out between the Empire and the Dominion--what Whiterun would be willing to commit to the war effort."

[u/mightierjake → u/mewtwo928]

Jarl Balgruuf:

I am not going to allow Whiterun to get involved directly in a rerun of the Great War. Some of Tamriel is still feeling the effects of it. However, abolishing the Concordat is a brave decision, and if it is the decision of the Emperor himself, then who am I to argue? If it takes the abolition of the Concordat for the Thalmor to stop persecuting Skyrim, then so be it.

[u/mewtwo928 → u/mightierjake]

She nodded. "I understand." The Emperor had left it up to each of the regional leaders–if they were able to commit forces to the war, or willing, then they could, but as had been said, they didn't need to. Hopefully the Dominion wouldn't end up at Skyrim's door–that would mean the fall of either Cyrodiil or High Rock, most likely.

[u/mightierjake → u/mewtwo928]

Jarl Balgruuf:

So that settles it then, the Concordat is to be abolished? I hope the Divines favour the Empire, we'll need all the strength we can muster to repel the inevitable Aldmeri backlash.

[u/mewtwo928 → u/mightierjake]

She nodded. "The legions will be marching soon following the abolishment of the Concordat." She hoped that they would be in Whiterun's prayers when they did.