I've tried learning about either side's intentions in previous playthroughs but my understanding always boils down to:
- The Empire is only playing nice with the Thalmor in order to convalesce; Tullius is as uncomfortable with Elenwen as Ulfric and company are.
- The Empire and its Nordic supporters are just as unenthused about the ban on Talos worship as the Stormcloaks are; Rikke appears to remain devout.
- Ulfric has a penchant for "ethnic cleansing." He leads a militia to displace the Reachmen from Markarth when they were close to being recognized by authorities in the Empire and Skyrim as their own independent nation. He had also refused to desegregate Windhelm.
Am I crazy? Do I just care for Talos' lovechild more than Talos itself? Should I just Nord up or shut up?