The walk/jog to Whiterun was surprisingly uneventful. I remember there would have been at least a wolf or something to fight. I restlessly tapped my sword-hilt as I walked. At least the view is nice.
I made a turn, and the smell of honey filled the air. Ah, Honningbrew Meadery. Almost to Whiterun. I hope.
I looked up at the sky as I walked onward. The sun was nearly right above me. Fuck, time flies. At least my stomach was full after Gurdur's meal.
There was a clearing in the trees to the north, and I could see down the hill to Whiterun. I couldn't see much due to the distance, but the keep Dragonsreach was giant. It must have been a pain in the ass to build.
The road sloped down ahead, and I saw an Imperial patrol marching not far in front of me. They had a prisoner with them. That could have been me…maybe, I don't really know, do I?
I kept my pace and tried to act natural. I looked down and straightened my gear and realized I was no longer in Stormcloak gear. Nothing to worry about anymore. I let out a sigh. It took an enormous burden off my chest.
As the Imperials reached the bottom of the slope, a warcry sounded from the east. The Imperials pulled out their bows and looked around. I watched, confused too, then from across the bridge to the East, four Stormcloaks on horseback rode across the bridge. I ran and got cover in the trees and watched the encounter.
The Imperials quickly nocked their arrows while their prisoner backed away from them. They fired at the Stormcloaks, hitting one and making him fall off his horse, pulling the reins and going into the river. From across the northern bridge, three Whiterun Guards on horseback slowly came over the bridge to observe the fight. Are they not getting involved? I guess this really is neutral territory.
Before the Imperials could nock more arrows, the Stormcloaks were on top of them, trampling or cutting them down. It was over very quickly. A Stormcloak rode by the prisoner slowly and pulled her comrade onto the horse behind her. They rode back into the East, and the horse from the river trailed after them, dragging the corpse of the dead Stomcload stuck in its reins.
I got out of my cover as the Whiterun guards trotted past. "Well, glad we're not those guys." the first said. The second simply nodded. The third replied, "Won't be long. Not sure if the Jarl can stay neutral forever." The second nodded again, and the first said, "I'd rather have a bandit raid."
As they trotted off to the West, I found myself alone with three dead Imperials. With plenty of gear. I rubbed my hands together and chuckled. Nothing like free shit.
I swapped out an Imperial Bow for my shitty Long Bow and strapped a Steel Dagger to my side. I took a few light bracers and daggers and fit them into my backpack, and took any Septims and all of their Steel Arrows. I continued on my way with a slight skip to my step.
The skip to my step was lost as I approached Whiterun. In the road's path was what appeared to be a quickly constructed palisade, likely to keep out any "unwanted guests" during the war. A Whiterun guard leaned next to the palisade gate, with another standing on the platform above it. I approached, confused.
"Halt!" The guard at the gate got up from the palisade. "City's closed. Official business and locals only."
"Ah," I ran my hand through my hair. "Um, I'm from Riverwood, I'm here about the dragon and-"
"You know about the dragons?" The guard gave me a curious look.
"Uh, yes, um, Riverwood is in danger, and uh...we need help," I responded. Am I not supposed to know?
"Did you see it with your own eyes?" The guard began to open the palisade gate.
"Yes, it flew over Bleak Falls from Helgen." I played with the backpack strap in anticipation.
The Guard held open the gate, "Riverwood's in danger too, then." I passed through the gate, and she pointed up the road. "You better go on in. Tell the guard at the city gate that 'Riverwood calls for the Jarl's aid.'" He'll lead you through the streets to Dragonsreach, at the top of the hill."
"Thank you!" The guard nodded and closed the gate behind me.
I walked forward and found the Khajiit caravan camped at the wall. Perfect! It might have been hard to sell this Imperial gear without getting some weird looks.
I approached the Khajiit sitting at the closest tent, and he looked at me tired. "Do you seek to make a purchase, stranger?"
It was strange looking at the Khajiit, never seeing one in real life and all. He had a blue headband keeping his (hair? fur?) out of his eyes.
"Uh, well, I have some goods to sell to you, actually." The Khajiit stood slowly and rolled his eyes. "Fine, let's take a look."
I dug in my bag for some of the gear I had gleaned. "So...how much for these?" I produced the Imperial Light Bracers.
The Khajiit narrowed his eyes. "This is a joke, yes?"
Taken aback, I responded, "No?"
The Khajiit sighed, "Two septims. For all three."
My jaw dropped. "Why so low? That's less than a septim each!"
"If you want a price, offer one." The Khajiit sat down. "Don't waste time."
"How about two septims each?" I held the bracers out. The Khajiit laughed.
"One," he held up a single furry finger.
"Very well," I grimace. The Khajiit took a purse out from the tent.
We exchanged other items in my bag until I had no excess gear, and I pulled out my gold pouch. I didn't get much from this. Then again, I didn't have much to offer...or know how much any of the things I sold were worth.
The Khajiit tilted his head and observed as I placed the coins. Likely seeing the gold septim from Helgen, he smiled, "Say, there are plenty of goods to buy too, my friend."
"Uh, what do you have for sale?" I asked. My wallet felt light. I wasn't looking forward to shelling out any cash.
"My friend, have you been blessed by the taste of the finest moon sugar?" The Khajiit smiled and turned to get a sack from his tent.
I could barely hold from laughing. This motherfucker is trying to sell me Skooma!
"Uh...no. No, I have not," I put away my pouch. I'm not wasting my money on this shit…yet anyway. I might try it just for fun one day.
"Then do I have a present for you, my friend." The Khajiit turned around with a small purple bottle. "The finest Skooma, you won't regret it." He gave a wink.
A little chuckle escaped. "How much, "my friend,'" I smiled.
"Sixty-three septims, my friend. You could afford two bottles. Again, you won't regret it." The Khajiit smiled, teeth showing. Quite unnerving. I thought. Not sure how that is supposed to sell me.
"Yeah, that's gonna be a no from me, fam...at least for now." I put back on my pack and walked back to the road.
"May your road lead you to warm sands," the Khajiit put away his "merchandise" and sat back down.
What a wacky and uncharacteristic experience.
I walked up the road past the road. Some market stalls on the path and shop owners offered fresh fish, game, and crops. I continued on the way through the drawbridge and came up the gate. There were two guards, and one turned to the gate as I approached.
"What's your business in Whiterun, traveler?" the guard asked as he began to open the gate.
"Ah yes, um 'Riverwood calls for the Jarl's Aid,'" I recited from the guard at the palisade.
"Ah, Riverwood's in danger." The guardsman nodded as he fumbled with the gate. "Come with me. I'll lead you to Dragonsreach, at the top of the hill. You'll find the Jarl inside." The guard opened the gate wide enough for us to enter and closed it behind us.
The guard led me through the streets and market stalls. Whiterun was a beautiful little city. The market was bustling with life, and the smell of food and the sound of voices filled the air. I noticed that among the civilians, some Imperial Soldiers were shopping.
We went up a set of stairs, and we came upon the great tree of Whiterun, Gildergreen. I followed the guard around the circular path and stared in awe at it. As we walked around it, I noticed the Mead Hall of the Companions, Jorrvaskr, and the statue to Talos. We approached another large set of stairs, and Dragonsreach towered above us. Some Imperial Soldiers were also at the top, acting as additional guards.
"Say, guardsman," I said curiously. "What's with all of the Imperial troops? I thought we were still neutral here?"
"Ah, we are, don't worry," the guard responded. "Some Imperial leaders recently arrived to try to sway the Jarl. He won't be swayed. It is not our fight here." He turned to me, "You didn't hear that from me, by the way."
I nodded with a smile. Balgruuf will eventually have to choose when forced...and so will I.
We reached the top of the stairs and walked to the doors of Dragonsreach. It looked even more gigantic, standing here.
"Go ahead on in, and speak to the Jarl." The guard opened the door for me. "I must return to the gate."
I gulped and slowly stepped through the threshold into Dragonsreach.