Board Thread:Roleplaying/@comment-2165692-20180203132756/@comment-2165692-20180205032434

Arngeir sighs "Now that that's settled, may we proceed?" he asks Ulfric then stands up again "I have something to say first.The only reason I agreed to attend this council was to deal with the dragon menace. There's nothing else to talk about, unless the Empire is finally ready to renounce its unjust claim to rule over the free people of Skyrim. We're here to offer a temporary truce to allow the Dragonborn here to deal with the dragons. Nothing more. I consider even talking to the Empire a generous gesture." he says. Tullius crosses his arms in his seat "Are you done? Did you just come here to make speeches? Or can we get down to business?" Ulfric sits back down "Yes, let's get this over with." Arngeir nods to them both "Are we ready to proceed? Jarl Ulfric. General Tullius. This council is unprecedented. We are gathered here at the Dragonborn's request. I ask that you all respect the spirit of High Hrothgar, and do your best to begin the process of achieving a lasting peace in Skyrim. Who would like to open the negotiations?" he asks Tullius takes the opportunity and says "Our terms are simple. Riften must be returned to Imperial control. That's our price for agreeing to a truce." he states coldly "Elisif, are you really going to be a party to this foolishness? Do you really think Ulfric will just turn Riften over because some Imperial general barked an order?" Vignar said condescendingly, he was sitting just to Alyssa's right. "That's quite an opening demand, Tullius." Ulfric states as he leans back in his chair, somehowing looking more imposing than usual. Vignar turns to him looking past Galmar to meet the gaze of Ulfric "Ulfric, you can't be taking this demand seriously? We can hold Riften against anything the Empire can throw at it. Besides, Jarl Laila will never agree to..." Ulfric silences him "Vignar. We will do whatever I decide is in the best interests of Skyrim. Are we clear?" he said as he turned to look Vignar right in the eye. Alyssa seemed to become somewhat nervous until Nazrei put a hand on her shoulder to calm her. "Yes, my lord." Vignar responded, then remained quiet. "Come on, Tullius, you can't seriously expect us to just hand over Riften at the negotiating table. You haven't been able to take it back yet. Why should we give it up now?" Ulfric says as he puts an arm on the table leaning towards Tullius, looking at him through the fire of the brazier in the middle that lit the room. "I'm sure General Tullius does not expect something for nothing. Jarl Ulfric, what would you want in return?" Arngeri asked his former apprentice. Ulfric sat back once more and crossed his arms "First, let me be clear. The sons of Skyrim know from bitter experience that talking to the Empire is a waste of time, or worse. Imperial promises are simply a way to lull you while they prepare a dagger for your back. But I accepted the invitation to this council, and I at least will negotiate in good faith." He suddenly turn to Alyssa "This council was your idea, eh? So tell us. What do you think Riften is worth?" "Hold on, Tullius only has Hjaalmarch and Haafing..." Nazrei began before Ulfric spoke again "Silence, Nazrei. I'm asking the Dragonborn." he stated. "I prefer to be adressed as Alyssa actually, but I'm gonna have to ask for advice from the other Dragonslayers. So far every trade possibility seems to be weighed exclusively in Tullius' favor." she sad and looked towards Elvrich "Elvrich, what do you think?"