Dragonsreach

Stepping past the gate, my eyes went wide as I observed the familiar street in front of me.

To the right was Warmaidens, run by Adrianne Avenicci and her husband, Ulfberth War-Bear, while on the left was the Drunken Huntsman, the tavern slash hunting shop run by the Bosmer brothers Elrindir and Anoriath.

Standing outside by the forge was Adrianne, her swarthy skin slightly lighter than mine as she stared at Idolaf Battle-Born, the Nord man glaring at her as he growled "We need more swords for the Imperial Legions!"

"Hah? How in the blazing hells do you expect me to fill an order that size on my own? Why don't you swallow that pride of yours and ask Eorlund Gray-Mane for help?"

Sneering at her, Idolaf spit to the side, saying "I'd sooner bend the knee to Ulfric Stormcloak than ask a Gray-Mane for help. Besides, the old man would never make steel for the Legion."

Sighing, Adrianne leaned against the wooden pillar behind her, crossing her arms under her voluptuous chest as she answered "Fine, have it your way. But don't go expecting any miracles, Idolaf. I'm just one woman."

He nodded, turning to step away before saying "Aye, but your a damn good smith Adrianne. If I didn't think you could manage, I wouldn't 'ave asked."

Nodding to her, Idolaf walked away, deeper into Whiterun.

Adrianne watched him go, a conflicted look in her eyes.

Approaching her, I coughed slightly, making the dark Imperial flinch.

"Ah... Sorry, just a bit on my mind. How can I help you?"

"Could you tell me the layout of Whiterun, please? I'm new here, and well..."

Scratching my cheek, I gave her a small smile as I looked around.

She smiled at me, nodding.

"Alright. This road here leads towards the Whiterun Marketplace, as well as the better of our two inns, called the Bannered Mare. This road is the Plains District, and when you reach the Marketplace, or head up those stairs there..."

She pointed past the Drunken Huntsman, towards Carlotta and Uthgerd's houses.

"That is the Wind District, and it's the housing of the common folk, our Temple to Kynareth, Hall of the Dead, and lastly, Jorrvaskr."

"Jorrvaskr..."

Chuckling, Adrianne looked me over, her eyes roaming my figure as she took in my gear.

"Ah, are you a Companion hopeful? Want to join the legendary band of honorable warriors?"

I nodded to her, saying "Indeed. I grew up on stories of their heroic deeds, and the idea of being able to join such a group..."

"Aye, it's the wish of many. I wish you luck in that endeavor."

Falling silent, Adrianne clenched her fists slightly before sighing.

"Anyways, behind Jorrvaskr is the Thunder District, home to the Guards of our wonderful city. Honestly, it's just a large, flat dirt area, used for their training, but it is also home to the Mercenary Guild. Should you fail to become a Companion, it might be best to build your reputation there. In case you were wondering, they take the same jobs as the Companions, but... well, they tend to the more bloody, dangerous jobs for some reason."

The smith fell silent again, staring at the floor, before pointing towards Dragonsreach.

"That is Dragonsreach, the Jarl's palace. It is in the Cloud District, and is home to the Jarls family, the Steward, Guards, and the Court Mage to name a few. Unless you have business there, stat away. It invites unnecessary trouble entering the palace on a whim.

Lastly, we have..."

Grimacing, Adrianne looked to the right, towards the dark and dreary slums.

"The Earth District, home to the impoverished and criminal side offer city. Be careful walking those streets if you find yourself down there... many a woman has regretted entering alone."

I nodded, observing the Earth District with interest.

Tight, winding corridors, dimly lit by a few torches.

Residents wearing tattered clothes, looking around warily as they walked.

I could already see a few women gathering at the corners, their clothes intentionally torn to reveal as much skin as possible, calling out to the passing men with seductive voices.

"It's not that I dislike the people down there, it's just... more often than naught they cause trouble. Especially for me..."

Boting her lip, Adrianne stared into the Earth District before turning back to me.

"Well, that's Whiterun. I hope you enjoy your time here, and get to join the Companions."

"Ah, I heard your conversation earlier. I may not be an expert, but..."

Patting my axe, I continued.

"I know my way around a forge. Would you like some help?"

Smiling, Adrianne was about to shake her head before sighing.

"Actually... yeah, why not. Idolaf wants a large order... 300 blades large..."

"Well, if you created everything from molds that would be manageable..."

She sighed again.

"Sadly, it needs to all be hand forged. That's what the Imperials were offering the contract for. 300 hand forged, quality blades."

Pursing my lips, I stared at the forge before saying "Well, when I'm free I don't mind pitching in, if you'll have me."

Nodding to me, Adrianne smiled again.

"Thank you, Miss..?"

"Jeleia. You're Adrianne, right?"

Extending a hand, she nodded, smirking as she felt me match her iron grip.

"Aye. Well than, it's a pleasure, Miss Jeleia."

"Well, I have a few things that I need to take care of, but I shall be back eventually. I swear."

Nodding again, Adrianne waved me off as I walked towards Dragonsreach.

Looking around Whiterun as I walked, I took in the sights, sounds, and smells around me, containing my excitement as I saw familiar faces.

Carlotta peddling her fruits and vegetables.

Nazeem acting arrogant and insufferable as he bragged about his wealth.

Jon Battle-Born being a nice, lazy man as he watched over the Marketplace.

Heimskr screaming about the Elves invading our lands.

Danica staring at the Gildegreen with a sigh.

The Guards walking around in Whiterun's yellow cloth armor, watching over the citizens.

Finally walking up the stone staircase leading towards Dragonsreach, I turned, looking over the city with a smile.

I was really here...

Taking it in, I enjoyed the chilly breeze before turning back, resuming my journey to Dragonsreach.

The large wooden doors opened relatively easily, and I nodded to Fianna and Gerda, the older of the two, Fianna, sweeping the white rugs with a large bump on her stomach.

Activating Analysis, I looked between the two, chuckling.

[Pregnant Female Breton, 38, Level 24 (Fianna)]

[Pregnant Female Nord, 36, Level 30 (Gerda)]

So not only did it seem like Jarl Balgruuf the Greater enjoyed the company of his two maids, but they were also quite strong as well, considering Aela was level 34.

Gerda stepped forwards, smiling gently at me as she said "Why, it's been awhile since I've seen a Redguard. What business do you have, traveler?"

However, even as she approached with a smile, I saw her hand reach for her belt slightly, towards the hilt of a steel dagger.

"I'm coming from Helgen, to report to the Jarl."

Her pale blue eyes went wide, and Fianna stopped sweep, staring at me.

"Quick, quick! He's up above!"

The grey haired Breton shoo'd me towards the Jarl, her emerald eyes alight with worry.

Nodding, I walked up the stairs, the two maids a step behind me.

Cresting the stairs, I took in the sight of the hall, freezing for a moment.

The large fire in the center was well contained, a runic circle around it as it funneled the smoke upwards.

Two long tables lay on either side, laden with foods. Sitting at those tables were imposing men and women, each one wearing high quality armor. However, even as these warriors looked unique, they all had a yellow sash, denoting their allegiance to Whiterun.

Behind the fire was the Jarl's throne, sitting below the giant dragon skull that gave Dragonsreach its name.

Seeing the two maids 'escorting' me, Jarl Balgruuf stopped talking with Proventus, while Irileth drew her sword.

"What's the meaning of this?!"

"Calm down, Irileth! If Fianna and Gerda are with her, it's fine."

The blonde Nord man stared at me with narrowed eyes, stroking his beard.

[Male Nord, 30, Level 33]

[Futa Dunmer, 26, Level 36]

Quickly kneeling, I lowered my head.

"Speak, Redguard."

Returning my gaze to the Nord Jarl, I told him about the situation at Helgen, his court quickly creating an uproar.

"SILENCE! Irileth, send a detachment to Riverwood at once. They are in the most immediate danger..."

"You mustn't act rashly, my Jarl! Falkreath might..!"

"Proventus! I will not stand idly by while a Dragon burns my hold and slaughters my people. Irileth!"

The dunmer bowed, slamming a fist against her small chest.

Sheathing her blade, the blue skinned woman narrowed her reed eyes at me, before swiftly marching past.

"Rise, Redguard, You've done Whiterun a service, and I won't forget it. Gerda, go fetch a suitable reward for this woman."

"Of course, my Jarl."

The Nord Maid bowed, before walking towards the stairs on the right side of the large hall.

"Now, I have another job for you. Suitable for someone of your... particular talents, perhaps. Follow me."

Rising, the Jarl stood at an imposing six some odd feet, his muscular frame being that of a hardened warrior.

His confident and even strides echoed around the hall, and each of the warriors eating at his tables watched the man with respect in their eyes.

It seems in this world, Balgruuf truly deserves his title as 'the Greater'.

Among these warriors, he was more imposing, more regal, and acted just as one would expect of a Warrior King; a Jarl.

"Redguard, do you have a name?"

"Jeleia, my Jarl."

The blonde man nodded, before gesturing towards the room of the Court Wizard, Farengar.

"My good friend and Court Wizard, Farengar, has need of an adventurer. Sadly, with the brewing storm from Windhelm, the increase in Undead Attacks, rumors of Vampires taking over the frozen caves... well, my warriors have been busy."

I nodded, entering the familiar room of Farengar.

The man in question was currently leaning over the Arcane Enchanter, that ebony table inscribed with runes, soul gems scattered around the horned skull in the center.

"Farengar."

Turning, the Court Wizard widened his brown eyes.

"Balgruuf! I think I cracked it! With this we can-!"

"Not now, friend. Tell Jeleia here about your other project, in Bleak Falls Barrow."

Stopping, Farengar stared intently at me, nodding to himself.

"Yes, she looks like the warrior type... hmm... but the fire magicka around her is quite heavy... ah! Sorry, sorry. Ahem..."

Moving to the table, Farengar muttered to himself, unfurling a few scrolls.

"Ah! This one. Come here, come here. See this table? Deep in Bleak Fall-"

"Oh, I have that. Here."

I took the Dragonstone out of my bag, handing it to Farengar, who instantly broke into a giddy smile.

"How did you..?"

Glancing at Jarl Balgruuf, I said "A merchant in Riverwood tracked a thief to the Barrows, and sent me to retrieve his items. Said thief had managed to get quite deep into the tomb, so I finished what he started. One nasty Draugr had that on him at the end..."

Chuckling, the Jarl stared at me intently, his piercing blue eyes looking me over before he nodded.

"You look like a fine warrior, Jaleia. Are you looking for a job?"

"As much of an honor it would be to work for you, I wish to try and join the Companions first..."

That made the Jarl smile widen, and he laughed.

"Good! Warriors should always have an ambition! I can't wait to hear the tales about you, Jeleia!"

Laughing, he returned his gaze to the busy hall, smirking as he watched Gerda running over.

In her hands were two pouches, and she bowed to the Jarl before handing them to me.

"This is 750 Septims, and this is a Ring of Resist Ice, something I used to use. Thank you, Redguard. I have a younger brother in Riverwood, and because of you he is that much safer now."

I nodded to the woman, trying hard to contain my glee.

Another enchanted item?!

"Thank you..."

Chuckling, the Jarl started walking back to his throne, quickly peering over his shoulder as he said "My offer will stand, Jeleia. May your blade strike true."

Bowing to him, I watched as he sat down, Gerda following behind him.

He was... definitely more impressive here than in the game...

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Not every chapter is action packed, nor are they smut.

However, I do have some serious smut planned around quite a few characters in Whiterun, so be ready~

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