Endless time(orig. Season Unending) - quest of the main storyline in the game The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.

Brief walkthrough

1. Talk to Arngeir, Esbern or Paarthurnax about the purpose of Dragonsreach.
2. Talk to the Earl of Whiterun.
3. Talk to General Tullius.
4. Talk to Ulfric Stormcloak.
5. Return to High Hrothgar and talk to Arngeir.
6. Sit down at the negotiating table.
7. Persuade the parties to conclude a truce.

Walkthrough

The main character will have to go to High Hrothgar and talk with Arngeir. Greybeard is not too happy about his role, but agrees to negotiate. Now we need to notify both sides about them: the Imperial Legion and the Storm Brothers. You will have to convince Tullius in Solitude and Ulfric in Windhelm, and then return to the Greybeards. Representatives of the Blades (Delphine and Esbern) and the Thalmor (Elenwen) will also attend the meeting. After talking with Arngeir, the main character must take a seat at the negotiating table.

At this point, it is possible to choose between a large number of different options for the development of events, which depend on the political preferences of the protagonist and relations with various factions, as well as whether Dovahkiin supports any side in the civil war or still remains neutral.

For negotiations to begin, the hero needs to take a chair opposite Arngeir at the other end of the table, otherwise the quest will not continue.

As soon as the main character sits down and the representatives of the Empire take their places at the table, Ulfric will begin to complain about Elenwen's presence. He will demand its removal. It is possible to ask her to leave or allow her to stay, which will give a unit of favor from one of the parties. After a long monologue, Ulfric will calm down and negotiations will begin.

Despite the fact that the negotiations themselves have not yet begun, the choice of whether to remove Elenwen or not will affect the further reaction of the participants to the decisions of the protagonist. For example, if Dovahkiin makes a choice in favor of one side twice and makes the same choice in the presence of a Thalmor emissary, a certain side will consider this unfair, which it would not do in the absence of the ambassador.

Now you need to decide where the troops of the parties will be located. Ulfric demands Markarth and Morthal, the Imperials demand Dawnstar and Riften.

A truce will be concluded in any case; the choice of replicas only changes the balance of power in various possessions (except for Whiterun, Eastmarch, Haafingar).

On the side of the Empire or neutrality

If the main character is neutral or a supporter of the Empire, then the first issue of negotiations will be the transfer of Markarth to the Stormcloaks. Ulfric is eager to get his hands on him. In exchange, you can give Tullia Riften or Dawnstar.

The next issue on the negotiation agenda is Ulfric’s payment of material compensation for the murder of his own people. Galmar will become furious and begin to accuse the Imperials of massacring people in some unknown place, but will be killed. Dovahkiin, in turn, can choose whether to pay Ulfric for his crime or not.

If the protagonist decides that Stormcloak should not retaliate, General Tullius will turn his attention to Winterhold. He will want a supporter of the Empire to become a jarl. If it was decided to take Dawnstar and compensation, then if Tullius’s demand is agreed to, the negotiations will end. One of the parties will complain that Dovahkiin allows the other side too much, and will express doubts about the impartiality of the protagonist, but will still agree to the terms of the contract.

During the negotiations, Ulfric and Galmar will be upset, stating that even these negotiations are a sweeping gesture. Tullius will say that he will at least negotiate honestly. Esbern will interrupt them and remind them that dragons are attacking both sides, and that this treaty is necessary to defeat Alduin. Ulfric will be offended and ask Esbern to watch his language. If Elenwen remains at the meeting, she will remind those present that she is only an observer.

The results of the player's answer options are calculated in total. Negative points are earned by the Stormcloaks, positive points by the Empire:

• Elenwen remains +1;
• Elenwen leaves -1;
• Markarth comes under the control of the Stormcloaks (the player has no choice) -2;
• Riften comes under the control of the Empire +2;
• Dawnstar comes under the control of the Empire +1;
• Winterhold comes under the control of the Empire +1;
• Force the Stormcloaks to pay monetary compensation for the massacre at Karthwasten +1;
• Refuse the Empire to pay monetary compensation for the massacre at Karthvasten -1;
• Falkreath comes under the control of the Stormcloaks -1.

For a peaceful outcome of the negotiations, you need to dial 0. The countdown starts from -2, since the Stormcloaks earn themselves negative points by taking Markarth.

Options for neutral passage of the quest:

1. Elenwen remains > Dawnstar passes to the Empire > Deny compensation >
2. Elenwen remains > Riften falls to the Empire > Falkreath falls to the Stormcloaks.
3. Elenwen leaves > Riften falls to the Empire > Stormcloaks pay compensation.
4. Elenwen leaves > Dawnstar passes to the Empire > Stormcloaks pay compensation > Winterhold passes to the Empire.

When the truce is concluded, Arngeir will place the treaty on the table, Tullius and Ulfric will agree, and the meeting will end. The Blades will stay and talk with the main character about the dragon that needs to be lured to Dragonsreach, because the agreement with the Jarl of Whiterun has been fulfilled. Esbern will talk about Odahviing and teach the necessary Words of Power if they have not already been learned in a conversation with Paarthurnax.

On the side of the Stormcloaks

If the main character completed the introductory quest of the Stormcloaks and captured Whiterun, then instead of Ulfric, Tullius will open the negotiations, demanding Riften, thereby earning the Empire +2 points to the amount of the start of negotiations. The option of completing the quest on the side of the Storm Brothers is different in that it will be possible not to give Markarth to Ulfric, while Riften will definitely go to the Empire, and instead of Dawnstar and Winterhold, Falkreath and Morthal will become the priority delicacies.

Notes

• If the civil war ends, this task will no longer be available.
• After this task it will still be possible to take sides.
• During the task, it is possible to change the side on which the main character will act in the civil war.
• Galmar Stonefist will be dissatisfied with the neutral completion of the quest.
• When completing this quest, it is important to take into account one feature: after the hero has invited Ulfric and Tullius to negotiate, these characters, as well as several others (Elisif, Balgruuf, Delphine and Esbern), will leave their usual locations and will be on High Hrothgar until until the quest is completed. Because of this, some side quests that require the presence of specified characters in their locations will not be possible to complete until the negotiator returns to his place (for example, it will not be possible to sing Elisif a song about King Olaf until she returns to Solitude). Therefore, it is better not to postpone negotiations.

Bugs

• During the negotiations, Esbern does not begin his speech and the quest freezes.
  • Solution: fast waiting

Quest stages

To go to a specific stage of the quest, enter in the console:

Setstage MQ302 stage

where the stage parameter is a number, the stage of the quest (all stages are listed below).

Notes

• Not all quest stages may appear in the quest log. Which of them will appear and which will not depend on how you complete the quest.
• Stages are not always displayed sequentially. As a rule, this happens if the quest has several possible endings, and also if some of the quest stages can be completed in any order.
• If a stage is marked green, that is, as the end of a quest, then this means that the quest disappears from the list of active quests in the log, but new entries associated with the quest may still appear in the quest log.

The beginning of this quest mirrors the introductory quest of the Imperial Legion, only now you will need to talk to the rebels.

You will get your first chance to join the ranks of the Stormcloaks immediately after Helgen, when you leave the caves with Ralof. Otherwise, you will just need to find any rebel, a conversation with whom will activate the task.

Having received the order of the same name, go to the city of Windhelm, where the residence of the usurper Ulfric Stormcloak is located. Talk to him, and then go into the next room to meet the ruler’s faithful ally, Galmar. After the conversation, you will receive the first task, during which you will need to prove yourself and provide a service to the rebels.

Joining the Stormcloaks

Your goal is on an island with ice ghosts. You will have to go to the right side of the city and quite close. The name of this part of the land was given for a reason - one of the Stones of Power under the sign of the Serpent is located on it.

Apart from this creature, no one else will try to stop you from completing the quest. If you have difficulties directly with the ghost, then stock up on the appropriate tinctures that increase resistance to frost.

After killing the monster, all you have to do is go back to Galmar. Say the Oath of Allegiance to become an official member of the rebels.

3 jagged crown

When you deal with the ghost and return to the palace, you will find Ulfric and Galmar arguing, who cannot resolve the issue of some kind of crown.

The leader of the Stormcloaks doubts that the ancient Nord artifact still exists, but Galmar has a completely different opinion. According to him, the Jagged Crown still lies somewhere in the ruins of Corvanjund, so the rebels must get it to secure Ulfric's claims.

Finally, the Petrel gives the go-ahead to search for the artifact - go to the indicated point to begin the task. On the spot, you will discover that the legionnaires have found out about your intentions and reached the ruins first, so get ready to fight.

Inside, the soldiers will not offer you much resistance, since Galmar will accompany you. This NPC is invulnerable, so just follow him.

After the first and second halls, where you have to attack your opponents head-on, Galmar will sense an ambush and ask you to explore the upper level.

Go to the right and along the circle of the upper tier get to the next room. There you will see enemies that can be quickly eliminated by knocking down a container with fire over a puddle of oil.

One way or another, after the battle begins, the rest of your comrades will come to your aid, so the battle will become equal. Ultimately, passing the corpses of draugr and legionnaires, you will reach the Hall of Stories with a locked door that can be opened with a claw key (it lies right next to the corpse next to the obstacle).

Place the door parts in the order shown: wolf-insect-dragon, and then the path will open.

After this, you will run into another puzzle, only now it will be a hidden lever that opens the necessary door.

To find it, climb to the upper level and cross the small bridge - the lever is located behind it. When the door is opened, draugr will suddenly attack your comrades.

As a result, you will reach the final hall where the regalia is located. The Jagged Crown is worn by a particularly powerful draugr that will immediately awaken as soon as you get close to it. Deal with them, search the bodies, explore the Dovahkiin wall and go to Ulfric.

Keep in mind that at this stage you can still change your mind and take the crown to the rebels' opponents - the Imperials and their leader, General Tullius. After this task, you will not be able to change sides.

With a message for Whiterun

When Ulfric Stormcloak receives the crown, he will praise you and invite you to begin a new task. Its essence is as follows: it is necessary to deliver the ax to the Earl of Whiterun, thereby deciding the fate of the city.

Whiterun is located in the center of the province of Skyrim and is the main trade artery, which makes it the most tasty morsel in the civil war. That is why it is necessary to take possession of it, but there is one thing - the local jarl Balgruuf sympathizes with the Empire, so you will have to resort to brutal measures. If he refuses to accept the ax and asks to return it, then, as the ancient Nordic tradition says, there will be war.

When you deliver the package to its destination, in addition to Balgruuf, you will come across his advisers. In your presence, they will hold a meeting, after which the jarl will say the final word - he refuses your leader’s proposal. Return the ax back to Ulfric to begin the next task - the conquest of Whiterun.

Battle of Whiterun

Once the quest appears in your journal, go to the outskirts of Whiterun and find Galmar and the Stormcloak army there. Ulfric's adviser will give a thrilling speech, after which he will order the attack to begin.

Together with your brothers in arms, head to the walls that protect the city. You need to break through the barricades and climb up, where there is a lever with which you can lower the suspension bridge and enter Whiterun.

Once in the city, you will find many legionnaires and defensive structures. The ultimate goal of the campaign is to reach the jarl's palace and finish him off, so be prepared to fight your way through. During the entire mission you will not be able to interact with the local population or enter houses, so move forward and do not get distracted.

After fighting your way through dozens of Imperials, you will finally reach Dragonsreach. In addition to Balgruuf, his adviser and the usual garrison will be inside, who will try to stop you. It is not necessary to kill everyone - it is enough to lower the jarl's HP to a quarter, after which he will order everyone to lay down their weapons.

Whiterun has been conquered, and now a new jarl will rule in the city - Vignar Graymane, loyal to the Stormcloaks. When you inform Ulfric about the successful siege, he will promote you in rank, give you a unique cannon and offer you your next assignment.

About the liberation of Skyrim

This extensive task is a set of conquest operations, during which you will finally subjugate the territory of Skyrim. As it progresses, you can bring the main story campaign to the quest “Endless Time”, in which the parties will conclude a truce and exchange possessions.

That is why the goals of this task may differ for each player, since the negotiation process is quite dynamic and offers several options. Whatever cities you hand over to the Empire are the ones you will then have to win back during this mission.

The first region you will have to conquer after capturing Whiterun is Falkreath. To continue the mission, visit the rebel camp indicated on the map, which is located below and to the right of Riverwood.

Galmar will inform you that the Stormcloak detachment was captured by legionnaires, who then placed it in the Neugrad fortress. Your comrades need to be freed, so head to the marker.

On the spot you will meet your friend Ralof. He will rejoice at your presence and offer you options: attack the fortress head-on or sneak in using the secret door on the side.

The chosen option will not affect anything: in the first case, you will simply fight openly, and in the second, you will gain an advantage due to surprise.

To sneak to Neugard unnoticed, go to the lake and jump into it, as the hidden door is located in its very center. Using the door, you will immediately find yourself in the dungeon where your comrades are kept.

The cells can be opened with master keys or a key, which is located by the guard nearby. Release the prisoners, and then go outside to deal with the garrison.

Throughout the battle, you will fight alongside the liberated rebels. After the battle in the fort's courtyard, you need to go into the central building, where there are even more opponents.

Deal with them and talk with Ralof, then return to the Stormcloak and tell him about your success. As a reward for this, you will again receive a promotion, a cannon, and the opportunity to purchase property in Windhelm.

Capture the Reach

Another task to liberate the region in Skyrim from the rule of the Empire. It will become unavailable if you transfer Markarth into the hands of the legion after concluding a truce.

In the camp at the Reach, talk with Galmar to learn about the plan of action. The fact is that Jarl Markarth has a weak point - his uncle named Rerik, about whom there are terrible rumors.

This time you will have to play the role of a blackmailer and thief - you need to steal evidence confirming that Rerik worships the god Talos, now banned in Skyrim.

Once in the city, make your way to the palace, which is the jarl's residence, and then go to the right of the throne. This way you can get into the personal rooms of the ruler’s assistant, where the desired chest is located. It is there that the amulet of Talos lies, which clearly speaks of Rerik’s religion.

After this, all that remains is to talk with Rerik in the central hall and show him the amulet. He will be seriously frightened and agree to cooperate, and then, as a sign of loyalty, he will inform you about a legion caravan with valuable supplies that is moving to the main city of the empire.

Moreover, if you put more pressure on the adviser and use persuasion, he will give you gold from above.

Tell Galmar about the information received, and then go to the highway, where the Stormcloaks are already waiting for you, ready for the raid. Together with them you will capture the cart and kill the guards. By the way, here Ralof will help you again, who will offer to attack from afar or hit openly.

When the deed is done, Ulfric's advisor will order you to capture the Sangard fortress. The fort is located below and to the right of Rorikstead, and the task itself is a classic Skyrim fortress capture.

You will need to kill the defenders until their strength, expressed as a percentage on the side of the screen, drops to zero. After the battle, inform Ulfric that Sangard is now yours. As a reward, the leader will promote you in rank and give you a cannon.

Capture of Hjaalmarch

During this task, which you will receive in the camp above and to the right of Morthal, you will have to misinform the imperial headquarters, thereby disrupting their plans.

To complete the task, you will have to kill the messenger with the letter or simply steal documents from him. The messenger himself travels along the highway from Morthal to the imperial capital of Solitude, during which he can meet two taverns, in each of which the messenger decides to stop.

It doesn’t matter in which tavern you find the messenger - in any case, you will have to convince the owner that the imperial soldier may soon be killed, which you want to prevent. As a result, the innkeeper will tell you about the location of the messenger, saying that he was absent for a while, but will soon visit the establishment again.

After this, the messenger will be highlighted with a marker on the map, so you can immediately follow him and kill him on the road. However, be aware that the messenger moves in real time, which is why you may simply not catch up with him.

There is another option - wait for the messenger in the tavern, and then follow him and finish him off away from civilization (murder in the tavern will become a crime).

When you have the documents, take them to Galmar. It turns out that the Snowhawk fortress is asking for soldiers, which the Empire would immediately provide if this information fell into the hands of the legionnaires. When Galmar corrects the information, take it to its destination in the city of Morthal, where Tadril Duliy is waiting for you.

To complete the task, you will only have to complete Galmar's last task - to capture the Snowhawk fortress, which has lost its support. Get there, launch an attack and bring the garrison to zero percent.

You have to recapture the city of Dawnstar, which was initially under the control of the Stormcloaks. The quest will become available only if and when you hand it over to the Imperials during the quest “Endless Time”.

This time there are no unique missions waiting for you - only the capture of the Dunstad fortress. Listen to Galmar and go to the point where other rebels are waiting for you. Together with them, storm the fort until all its defenders fall.

You have to recapture the city of Riften, which was initially under the control of the Stormcloaks. The quest will become available when and if you hand it over to the Imperials during the quest “Endless Time”.

Visit Galmar's camp and receive the task. Next, go up and to the right of the city, where a squad of Stormcloaks awaits you. Together with them, besiege the fort and take possession of it.

The city of Winterhold is ruled by Ulfric Stormcloak. You can give it in the same way as the cities described above during the quest “Endless Time”.

Visit the advisor in the camp near Windhelm. Your king's advisor will send you to conquer the Kastav fortress. Together with other warriors, you will have to cut out the garrison until its number drops to zero percent.

The final task of the long mission “Liberation of Skyrim”. It will become available only after capturing all cities, not counting the imperial capital in Skyrim.

It is this city - the city of Solitude - that you will have to conquer during the next mission. This is also the forerunner - it will be necessary to recapture a fortress near Solitude, which is called Hrastgad.

Immediately go to the point where your allies are waiting for you. Attack the garrison and bring its number to zero. When you report your success to Galmar, he will send you to the main army, which has already begun the assault on Solitude.

Battle of Solitude

Once you reach the outskirts of the city, you will find an army led by Ulfric Stormcloak himself. He will encourage the warriors, and then send them and you to attack.

Getting behind the walls will not be difficult, since the city is almost unprotected from the outside. The bulk of the enemies are behind the walls, so go inside.

To complete the quest, you must kill General Tullius, who is located in the main palace. Getting there with the Petrel will not be difficult, since he is invulnerable.

It will not be possible to get into the castle directly, since the path is blocked by a gate. Step to the side and break the first obstacle, then move into the residential area. From there, turn into the cemetery, from where you can also get into the castle. The local path will be blocked only by a barricade that needs to be broken.

At the same time, you will have to fight off enemies who will advance until you destroy the fence.

Finally, you will reach the castle itself and go inside. Together with your comrades you have to defeat the general and his adviser. The advisor will fall, and the main target will be on the verge of death. One way or another, she will be executed by your hand or the hand of Ulfric.

After this, together with the new king, you will leave the castle and go out to the rest of the soldiers. Ulfric Stormcloak will give a pathetic speech, and then say that he refuses to name himself king without permission. He will demand to convene the jarls, who will have to decide the fate of Skyrim. At this point, the campaign for the Stormcloaks ends.

VIDEO: STORM CLOCKS AGAINST THE EMPIRE - WHO IS RIGHT

Like if it was useful

Brief walkthrough

• Talk to Paarthurnax or Arngeir or Esbern.
• Talk to the Earl of Whiterun.
• Talk to Arngeir.
• Talk to General Tullius.
• Talk to Ulfric Stormcloak.
• Talk to Arngeir.
• Take a seat at the negotiating table.
• Agree on a truce.

Detailed walkthrough

After talking with Jarl Balgruuf, we go to High Hrothgar and explain to Arngeir that in order to capture the dragon, a truce must be arranged; after some deliberation, he will agree to negotiate. Now we need to convince General Tullius, who will agree to take part, seeing this as an opportunity to gain time to strengthen the fronts. Ulfric Stormcloak will also agree, having learned that Tullius himself will be present.

Returning to Hrothgar, we will see a scene between the Greybeards and the Blades. Arngeir will allow them to attend the negotiations, since they are already aware of the threat of dragons. We speak with Arngeir and go to the negotiating table.

When we take our place, the Imperial side will too, but Ulfric will be unhappy with Elenwen's presence, and will begin to insist that she leave the negotiations. We can let her stay or tell her to leave, either way Ulfric will agree to sit at the table. Negotiations will finally begin and we must decide what each side will receive in exchange for a truce. After some debate, they will agree to our terms.

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Difficult choice. Anxious and empty. One step before the decision, One moment before the tie in business. Fear is creeping up on me.

A snowstorm is a manifestation of natural forces. She can be calm and peaceful. But she can also be harsh, angry and merciless. And today is exactly such a case. The white sky and faded clouds overhead create a heavy roof that looks like thick fog. Continuous gusts of wind are felt in the kingdom of snow. The cold wind pierces my body to the bones. Perhaps I can shout “Lok Ba Kor” so that the darkness dissipates and the weather becomes clear, but am I allowed to change anything in this truly sacred place? Moreover, in such a situation, this weather is even appropriate. Queen Alfsigra's short neigh brought me back to reality. I stand at the entrance to High Hrothgar. Soon there, albeit temporarily, the fate of Skyrim will be decided. Empire or Stormcloaks? I have been asking this question for a long time, namely from the very moment I was almost executed. The dragon saved me then. It is to him that I owe my life. And now everyone has gathered at the Throat of the World to decide how to get rid of the winged intelligent reptiles. I have a lot of decisions to make today. I should not take sides yet, because there may not be peace between the two warring sides. Maybe many Nords will condemn me, since I should be on Ulfric's side, but I cannot participate in the civil war. The snow is still falling down in large flakes. I really don't want to enter Hrothgar, but I understand that it must be done. Finally, I made up my mind. I climb the stone stairs, slowly open the door and go inside. It's not so cold here anymore. Arngeir is already waiting for me in the middle of the hall. - So, it's done. The people of the battle have gathered here in these halls. It was impossible to agree to gather this council here. Greybeards should not have interfered in such matters - I see that he does not really approve of this, but he understands that this is the only chance to get rid of the dragons once and for all. - Don't worry. I will force them to agree to peace - other than that I can’t say anything. I have to convince him that I'm doing everything right. - World? I doubt. They agreed to lay down their arms for a while, but only to gain strength for new bloodshed - Arngeir is telling the truth. Everything is just like that. They are driven by the thirst for profit. - They are not tired of the war yet. Do you know what the Nords called war in ancient times? “Endless time” And so it turns out. It's too late to repent. We're already here. Take your place at the council table and we will see how wise these wars of Skyrim are. Just as Arngeir finished speaking, the front door opened. It felt cold. Blades enter the hall. But what are they doing here? Delphine put on the blade armor. - So. Arngeir, isn't it? You know why we came. Will you let us in or not? - Delphine was persistent. Apparently she really wanted to know what would happen at the meeting. Arngeir was stunned by their arrival, just like me. - You weren't invited here. You are not welcome here - his voice was always quiet, but now it seemed very loud in the empty room of the castle. His face changed. He no longer had that indifferent look with which he saw me off. He wrinkled his face, his eyes filled with anger. - We have as much right to be on this council as you do. No. Even more than you, because it was we who put Dovahkiin on the true path. - Delphine was persistent. - Yah? Truly, the pride of blades knows no bounds. - Arngeir spoke calmly, having tamed his anger. - Delphine, we didn’t come here to remember old grievances. For the first time today I heard Esbern. This old man is very wise. He had a hard life. It was not for nothing that he spent his last days in gray, gloomy tunnels. He is the archivist of the Order of Blades, which was almost completely destroyed immediately after the end of the Great War. According to the White-Gold Concordat, the Thalmor outlawed bladesmen. It was from Thalmor agents that Esbern hid in dark establishments such as the Rat Hole, which is why for such a long time he managed to read quite a lot of books about dragons. So I trust him and believe that he is telling the truth. - Time does not wait. Alduin must be stopped. You would not have assembled this council, Arngeir, if you thought otherwise. We know a lot about dragons, about Alduin and how we can defeat him. So you can't do without us. - yes, Arngeir, it's true. And even you won't dare deny it. - Fine. Come in. - Arngeir has already resigned himself. Moreover, they will really be useful. They leave, leaving me alone. The torch will burn out in this room, so it will soon be dark here. I walk forward along a short, narrow corridor. The walls are still the same. Stone, dumb. But I can already hear arguments behind the wall. How I don’t want to go in there. Everyone will demand something from me. What about me? I'm just an ordinary Nord who was lucky enough to be born a Dovahkiin. The corridor is dark. The torches here too will soon burn out. I pass by the graybeards’ chambers and stop. One turn. You just need to turn the corner. But it is so hard. It has always been difficult for me to choose something. Therefore, now is probably one of the most important moments in my life. If I survive this day, I will rejoice and remember it for the rest of my life. And may the gods forgive me if I do something wrong today. The fear gradually passes, leaving some kind of pitiful emptiness inside me. The conversations behind the wall became livelier. Which means it's time for me to go. May the gods help me! In the middle of a fairly large room there is a huge oval table. Inside the table, in the middle, there is a fire that fills the entire room with warmth. The walls are still the same stone, gray, empty. They heard only the screams of the greybeards. And today they are going to hear something new, something that has never happened here before. I can already feel the emanation of anger and hatred from them. Apparently they had already become saturated with all the negative feelings of those gathered. Two warring parties have gathered on High Hrothgar. Empire and rebels. Legionnaires and Stormcloaks. Those who are litter for the Altmer, and those who are against the tyranny of the Thalmor. The one who wants to establish peace in Skyrim, and the one who raised people to revolt. Two completely different sides. I feel the negotiations will be very emotional and lively. May the gods help me. “Now that everyone has gathered, please take your seats, and we will begin,” said Arngeir, coming to the table and sitting down opposite me, “I hope that you all came here with the desire...” “No!” Are you insulting us by inviting her to these negotiations, the main persecutor of Talos? – Ulfric did not let him finish. Stormcloak's voice tore through the air and echoed throughout the room. “It didn’t last long,” said Legate Rikke, who was sitting to my left. - Diplomatic, as always! – Balgruuf said with regret, but it seems no one hears him except me. And they are right. We did not come here to insult each other, but to seek a solution to a more important problem. Why doesn't anyone understand this? - Listen, listen! - said Galmar, who was sitting to my right. He has the same loud and dissatisfied voice as Ulfric, so everyone heard him - let's listen to what she says. - I have every right to be here. I need to make sure that the decisions you make do not contradict the White Gold Concordat - on the one hand, Elenwen is right. But was it worth inviting her here to worsen her relationship with Ulfric? - She is part of the imperial delegation. And it’s not for you to decide who I bring to the council - after all, the main one on the part of the empire was Tullius, and he really could invite anyone here, especially the first Thalmor emissary in Skyrim. - Please. If you argue about the terms of the negotiations, we will not agree on anything. I think it’s worth listening to what the Dovahkiin has to say. - Well, these imperials are arrogant, huh? To think that I would be sitting at the table with this Thalmor crap. Either she leaves or I do! – Ulfric stood up from the table and began to wait for my answer. Everyone looked at me. It was as if I had swallowed my tongue. I do not know what to say. Will Ulfric really leave if I leave the Altmer on the council or is he just trying to test me? There are a lot of questions, but no answers. Seconds go one after another and I already need to say something. - What's bad about it? These are formalities that need to be followed. Moreover, you’re probably not the only one who’s unhappy that she’s here,” I said the last sentence as quietly as possible so that only Petrel could hear me. - Perhaps, but bringing her here is a provocation. Tullius must understand that there is no point in teasing me. “Let it be as Tullius wants,” I continue to convince him to leave Elenwen on the council, “Later he will have to make concessions.” - I think this is a big mistake, but I will rely on your decision in this matter. I'm glad that this issue went away and I probably made the right decision. - But she will only watch. I will not negotiate with her, is that clear? – now he turned to the elf. - Ulfric, where does so much hatred come from? It’s not the Thalmor who are burning your farms and killing your sons,” she said so affectionately, looking at Stormcloak. The tips of her lips curled into a malicious smile. - You know very well that no. Not this time, it seems that Ulfric had to give in and now we need to keep an eye on him so that he doesn’t find any tricks. - Now that the issue has been resolved, can we return to negotiations? – Arngeir is the only person not interested in these negotiations. He only needs the result - to defeat Alduin, and the civil war, disagreements and divisions in the country do not interest him. “First I need to say something, how I hope that Ulfric doesn’t start arguing with Elenwen or Tullius again.” I don’t want to interfere now in the politics of the two sides - I agreed to take part in this council only to get rid of the dragons. I have nothing more to say, unless the Empire is ready to give up trying to subjugate the free people of Skyrim. We are here to discuss a temporary truce and give Dovahkiin the opportunity to deal with the dragons. No more. I believe that the very fact of negotiations with empires is already a broad gesture. -Are you finished? Have you come here to practice rhetoric? Or let's get down to business? – Tullius raised his voice. “Yes, let’s get down to business,” Ulfric shouted just as loudly. - Are we ready to continue? – Arngeir – Jarl Ulfric – began again. General Tullius. This is unprecedented advice. We have gathered here at the request of Dovahkiin. I ask everyone present to respect the spirit of High Hrothgor and do everything possible to achieve lasting peace in Skyrim. Who wants to open negotiations? – Arngeir looked at the representatives from each side. Now they will divide the cities. Why can't I just disappear from here? “Get to the point,” said Ulfric, “we need Markarth.” This is our price for the truce. “So that’s why you’re here, Ulfric?” – for the first time I hear Elisif. “You dare to insult the Greybeards by trying to use this advice for your own purposes?” “Jarl Elisif, leave this to me,” it was clear that Tullius wanted to take everything into his own hands and not allow Elisif to negotiate. - General, this is outrageous! You cannot accept his demands! I thought we were here to discuss a truce! – she was persistent and unshakable in her position. - Elisif! I said leave it to me! – Tullius was clearly dissatisfied with this position of the earl, but he could not allow the young and inexperienced Elisif to conduct negotiations. - Ulfric, do you seriously expect us to give away Markarth at the negotiating table just like that? Do you hope to get at the council what you couldn’t get on the battlefield? “It’s unlikely that Jarl Ulfric expected to receive something for nothing.” What will the empire want in return? – Arngeir turned to Tullius. - Wait. General, you're not just going to give Markarth to this traitor, are you? – Elisif clearly did not understand why such important possessions should be given to enemies. “That’s enough,” Tullius silenced everyone present, “I want to clarify one thing.” I did not convene this council. Personally, I think it's a waste of time. You are a traitor, Ulfric, and you will die as a traitor. But at least I will negotiate honestly. Since we have gathered here at the request of the Dovahkiin, I want to know what she values ​​Markarth at. Question for me again. I don't know what to answer. Cities and their position immediately come to mind. Again everyone is waiting for my answer. What city is equivalent to Markarth? Maybe Riften. And they are located approximately the same in relation to the two capitals. - Riften. I think this will be a fair deal - did I answer correctly? What will the general say to this? Will he support me or not? - I like. It is well fortified, easily supplied by Lake Honrik, and there is plenty of honey there. I’m glad that our opinions coincide, - oh, how glad I am that the general thinks the same,” You heard her, Ulfric. We made a fair offer. Are you ready for serious negotiations? “I expected more from you, Dovahkiin,” Ulfric seemed to ignore the general’s words. He looks me in the eyes and continues to say - I came here with the best intentions, but you support the Empire at every turn. As for you, General Tullius, Galmar was right. Talking to the Empire is still useless,” he began to shout, getting up from the table, “if you think that you can hold Markarth, then you are mistaken, just like your Emperor was when he gave our freedom and religion to the Thalmor. Skyrim will never again bow under the deceitful Empire, which worries only about itself, forcing the Nords to forget the most important God and become litter for the Thalmor,” he involuntarily looked at Elenwen, “let’s go, Galmar.” I should have listened to you from the very beginning. Our stay here is useless. We won't solve anything. -You have always been a fool, Ulfric. You are as weak in diplomacy as you are on the battlefield,” Tullius decided to insult him one last time, because Ulfric would leave now anyway, and we would not agree on peace. - Enough! Are you so blind that you don't see the real danger? – at least someone understands me on this council. Thank you, Esbern, for your support. - You sit here and argue, and it’s all in vain. And the fate of, probably, all of Tamriel hangs in the balance and depends only on you! - Is he with you, Delphine? – Earl Ulfric looked at her with displeasure. - If this is so, then I advise you to tell him to shut his mouth. - He is with me. And I advise you both to listen to what he has to say before making hasty decisions. - Don't you see the danger? – Esbern continued. - Don’t understand what the return of dragons means? – he began to walk around the table, looking around everyone present. - Alduin is back! World Eater! Already now in Sovngarde he is devouring the souls of your dead comrades! He grows stronger with every soldier killed in your senseless war! Can't you forget about hatred even in the face of mortal danger? Silence hung in the air. Everyone began to ponder the words now spoken by the wise old man. Elenwen broke the moment's silence. “Wonderful speech, but what does it have to do with...” she didn’t have time to finish. - Shut up! Ulfric shouted. - If this is true about Alduin, we both have something to lose, Tullius, don’t forget. Let’s get back to business,” Ulfric sat back down at the table, “don’t push bullshit on me.” I will not agree to such conditions. - Surely you have some thoughts on this, huh, Ulfric? – asked Tullius. - Yes, still as it is. You will give us Falkreath. - How many more demands do you have, Ulfric? Do you want me to give you all of Skyrim? – Tullius expressed displeasure. - I'm afraid I have no choice. Let the Dovahkiin decide. Although I'm already starting to doubt your honesty. Question for me again. Why can't they solve everything without me? Well then. Ulfric, it seems to me, already wants a lot, but if I refuse, he will leave, he will leave immediately. It's obvious that it won't last long. Everyone is looking at me so carefully. I should already say what I think about this. The Empire must give up Falkreath, otherwise there will definitely be no peace. “The Empire will give up Falkreath,” I say quietly. “You speak like a true daughter of Skyrim,” said the Earl of Windhelm, smiling. “I think this is the best we could hope for.” “I think we have agreed,” says Arngeir, which means that the council is coming to an end. - Jarl Ulfric, General Tullius, we have now reached the following agreement. Markarth will be handed over to the Stormcloaks, Ulfric's forces will leave Riften and give the Empire the opportunity to enter there, Falkreath will be given to Ulfric. Do you both agree to these terms? “The sons of Skyrim keep their word while the Empire keeps its,” Ulfric said finally. - What do you say, Elisif? Do you agree to these conditions? “I have nothing to say to this murderer,” answered the Earl of Solitude. - General, you have shown yourself to be a worthy friend, so I am sure that you will protect our interests. - Thank you, Earl Elisif. Thank you for your loyalty. The Empire can accept such conditions. But the temporary truce will last until the dragons cease to be a threat to us. Then, Ulfric, wait for the hour of reckoning. He will definitely come. “Come on, Galmar, we have a lot to do,” Petrel said finally and quickly left the room. “The loss of Markarth is a high price to pay for the truce,” Balgruuf said as I walked past him. “Jarl Balgruuf, I hope you are familiar with the Dovahkiin’s plan,” Arngeir addressed him. - Yes. I’m ready to play my role in it,” he turned to me. - Say the word, and my people will do everything to help you close the trap. Then everyone started talking about how to catch the dragon. But I can't be in this place anymore. I leave the room, run along the corridor and through the hall, open the door leading to the street, and am glad that this difficult ordeal is over for me. Fluffy flakes of snow are still falling from the sky. Only now they began to fall smoothly and gently onto the icy ground. Earlier there was a severe snowstorm. Now everything is different. The sky, which previously seemed gray, has now cleared. Now it seems so high. The Throat of the World is the highest and most majestic mountain of Skyrim and all of Tamriel, the keeper of all glaciers and imperishable snows. Its peaks never remove their snow caps. It always snows here. In the mountains one is closest to the majestic sky. It doesn't look at time. It goes its own way. Clouds that have disappeared in time and space are in no hurry. Why should they rush? The sky is endless. Compared to him, everything else seems so small and insignificant. Even the appearance of dragons is only part of the time. But perhaps because of the dragons the end of all time will come and even this high, endless sky may disappear. So now I must go to Whiterun and catch the dragon there so that this endless, high sky will never disappear.