CHAPTER FOUR
It took less than an hour to collect Greeta's belongings; she didn't have much of anything. She went to peruse the shops and picked up some extra clothing. After picking two new dresses and a pair of boots, Greeta and Lydia went back up to Dragonsreach.
On their arrival, one of the female servants directed her to her new room. It was up the stairs and across the hall from the Jarl's quarters. When she walked through the door she was taken back. It was much larger and luxurious than she expected,
She was standing in the living room/dining area. To the back and right was a bedroom with a large double bed with beautiful bedding. Back to the left was a smaller room with a desk. An alcove to the front of it held a large, ornate tub filled with fresh hot water.
There was a knock at the door. Greeta opened it, it was Proventus.
"Is your accommodations satisfactory?"
"Oh yes, they're wonderful."
"Excellent, supper will be ready in a couple of hours. Take your time to freshen up and relax. I'll send a servant to let you know when the food is ready." The he quickly turned and walked off. Greeta started putting away her things.
"My Thane, if you like, I can have your armor taken to be cleaned." Lydia offered.
"That would be great." She gave Lydia her armor and sent her off. Meanwhile, Greeta stripped and climbed in the tub. Greeta finished her bath and dressed in a simple deerskin dress. It was stained a light blue with an off off-the-shoulder neckline and bell sleeves. It reached to her ankles with a slit on the left side up to her thigh, and hugged all her ample curves. She decided on over-the-calf soft deerskin boots in their natural color. She combed the tangles out of her dark hair that reached her mid-back, and then brushed it to smooth it down. Greeta finished by making a braid at each temple securing the behind her head with a leather clasp, then braided the two into a single plait that hung down the middle of her back. She placed a plain, narrow silver circlet on her brow and wore the amulet given her by Jarl Balgruuf.
There was a knock at the door.
"You may enter." Greeta called. It was Lydia.
"I brought you your armor, my Thane."
"Just place it on the chair for now."
"Yes, my Thane. The evening meal is ready. When you're ready I can escort you down."
"I'm ready." Turning to Lydia, she asked. "Well, how do I look?"
"Absolutely lovely", Lydia replied.
Hrongar was talking with the Jarl when Greeta and Lydia came into the main hall. Upon seeing her they looked at each other in shock.
"Who would have thought she could turn herself into a lady that much." Hrongar said.
"Simple, yet elegant." Mused Balgruuf, as he stroked his beard and admired the beautiful Thane that just graced his court. A proud smile came upon his face when he noticed she was wearing his amulet.
"Shall we begin, brother?" Hrongar spoke, noticing the intrigued look on Balgruuf's face. He knew what his brother was thinking. He was thinking the same thing.
"Yes, show her to her seat and we will start the meal."
Hrongar went to Greeta and led her to the table on the right of the hall, pulling out the second chair closet to the Jarl. Hrongar sat beside her in the first chair. The jarl gave his customary greeting, then the meal commenced.
"You look lovely tonight, Greeta." Hrongar said.
"Thank you, Hrongar. I don't usually have an occasion to wear a dress, but I do enjoy them when I do."
"Then it's good you're a Thane. You will have many opportunities to wear them." Hrongar winked.
The two warriors discussed their trip throughout their meal. Hrongar informed her it would be a two day trip to Ivarstead, where they would start up the path of the 7,000 steps. They would leave at dawn and travel all day to Darkwater Crossing where they would camp for the night. They would stop only to rest and water the horses. They would leave Darkwater Crossing the next morning and repeat the process of the day before. They should arrive at Ivarstead in the evening, provided nothing went wrong.
Dinner was over and Greeta started to her quarters. Balgruuf caught her by the hand before she reached the stairs.
"Walk with me." Balgruuf said, offering her his arm.
"I'd be delighted, my Lord." Greeta took his arm
"You look beautiful." Balgruuf whispered as they started up the stairs.
"Thank you."
"Are you pleased withy our quarters?"
"Most definitely."
Balgruuf smiled. He was glad his brother had brought her situation to his attention. They reached the doors of the great porch and he held one open for her. They stepped out and walked to the edge of the balcony.
"The sky is lovely tonight. Oh! You can see the whole city from here, even into the plains." Greeta gushed.
Jarl Balgruuf stood and watched her, enjoying her excitement.
"I thought you might enjoy the view. I am truly grateful for what you have done for me and my city. Your deeds will be preserved in our records for all time. I shall give you the name of Greeta Dovakiin, Thane of Whiterun. That will be your official name and title throughout Whiterun Hold."
"You are too kind, Jarl Balgruuf the Greater." She addressed him by his own title.
"I believe it's time for you to turn in. You should get plenty of rest for your journey in the morn." He walked her to her quarters, and then kissed her hand.
" Sleep well." He said, and left for his own quarters.
Greeta entered her room and saw Lydia gathering her things for the trip.
"I've taken the liberty to pack most of your supplies, my Thane."
"Thank you, Lydia. Head on to bed, I'll finish in the morning. I am going to bed myself."
After Lydia left, Greeta slipped out of her clothes and dropped into the bed.