[Encanto] 30 – Shock Value

Well, I may have gotten ahead of myself with my proclamation of getting the Jagged Crown to Jarl Balgruuf by the end of the week. 

Seeing as right after my statement, I was swarmed by a literal tide of townspeople, Guards, and noblemen and women. 

I was easily picked up, and they began to throw me around. Thankfully, my stomach was empty; otherwise, I would have likely thrown up.

How I get motion sickness from crowd surfing and not flying? I have no idea. 

When they eventually let me down, I gained my footing and took a seat.

That’s when the Jarl’s brother sat beside me.

“You truly know where the Jagged Crown is? How? It’s been lost for over two thousand years!” Hrongar asked, digging for information.

“I came across some old Nordic murals that depicted approximately where King Boras was entombed with his loyal followers, this Nordic tomb will likely be filled with traps and draugr, so with the help of the Companions it should be a walk in the park to get the Jagged Crown, and to our luck, it’s not too far North of Whiterun,” I explained, lying as I made up a story. 

“Where did you find these murals?” He asked, curious and frothing at the mouth for more information. 

"In a small Nordic burrow hidden in the mountains just south of Winterhold, sadly, I didn't memorize where it was and couldn't find it after a blizzard covered the burrow in heaps of snow," I made it up on the spot.

"In the mountains? Was it close to Saarthal?" Hrongar questioned.

"Close, but it was more towards the Statue of Azura. Like I said, it got buried underneath the snow and I couldn't find it again, but I still remember where the general location of King Boras was entombed, and I'm more surprised no one has found it yet, or if they did, they haven't gotten the Jagged Crown yet," I sighed, realizing that I was only digging myself deeper into a hole filled with lies.

"I see, then I must ask, why?" Hrongar asked with a sudden seriousness.

"Why...what?" I asked, trying to get a clearer question.

"Why did you make the...Erdtree, if that's what it's called. Why swear my brother into taking his chance at becoming High King? Why not one of the other Jarls of Skyrim? Why?" Hrongar asked, surprising me with his intelligence. In the game, he was shown more as the common Nord brute archetype that believed everything could be solved with tradition and his fists.

"First, why did I choose Jarl Balgruuf over the other Jarls? The answer is simple. He's the best candidate. Unlike Jarl Ulfric, Jarl Balgruuf is not going to start a war with the Thalmor as soon as he becomes High King, nor is he corrupt, unlike other Jarls. He's also fair, knowledgeable, listens to the advice of his council, is a war hero with plenty of military and combat experience, and to top it all off, Jarl Balgruuf is not arrogant. Of all the candidates, Jarl Balgruuf sits comfortably at the top of my list for who I'd like to become the High King of Skyrim," I explained to Hrongar rather directly.

Continuing after taking a deep breath, I said, "Skyrim needs a High King that will think ahead and prepare it for the coming war with the Thalmor, and leading that war, I want Jarl Balgruuf."

Hrongar looked at me rather deeply, surprised by my observation.

Noticing his stare, I shook my head, "It's obvious where the Thalmor would target next after the Hammerfell's fall, first, they'd try and weaken skyrim as much as possible through in-fightining, which means they'd want a rebellion to start, which is also why they specifically aimed for Talos's ban when it comes to Worship. They wish to weaken 'Man' as much as possible to make the coming war more in their favor. The Thalmor know the Nords would be the most challenging opposition in the war, so it only makes sense that Skyrim needs a leader to keep everyone together and focused on the common enemy while Skyrim and the Empire focus on preparing for the coming war," I explained.

Hrongar was now looking at me with even more surprise before he nodded, "I see you are observant, only my brother and I realized the Thalmor's plan."

"It's rather obvious, the Empire and Hammerfell caught on, but because of how isolated Skyrim is from the wider world, most Nords haven't realized yet what the Thalmor is trying to do," I agreed.

"It is an unfortunate reality that many Nords are stubborn and hardheaded, but if my brother truly does become the High King...we'll do our best to prepare Skyrim for the War, and try to calm the sons and daughters of Skyrim," Hrongar offered.

I smiled, "I'm glad to hear it, and...just so you know, while they outlaw the public worship of Talos, their charter says nothing about private worship of Talos."

Hrongar returned my smile before looking me in the eye, "And my other question?"

Sighing that I couldn't avoid his other questions, I quickly spoke, "To be honest? I don't really have an exact reason for why I created the Erdtree; it was more of a spontaneous decision and desire to help people, so I imagined a spell that was able to defend itself and those it cared for, while also being able to heal and restore the flesh and soul."

"I see, then you have my thanks, for you have healed my family and my friends. I owe you a great debt, a life debt. If the time comes, I will do everything in my power to return the favor, even if it costs me my life." Hrongar spoke, before seemingly praying, "Or may the Gods forever disallow my entrance into Sovngard."

As he spoke, I could have sworn I saw a faint golden light envelop his being before fading just as fast.

...

It took a few more hours, and a lot of drinking and the liberal use of restoration spells to erase alcohol poisoning, but the party ended, and people began returning to their homes, leaving just me and the Jarl and his council in Dragonsreach.

"You spoke that you'd bring the companions along with you to obtain the Jagged Crown. Which of the Companions do you plan on taking with you?" the Jarl asked.

"I haven't met any of them yet, but I hope to take a few of the circle with me, if not the Harbinger himself," I answered nonchalantly as I realized I had some information to trade with said Harbinger.

The Jarl let out a boisterously loud laugh, "Aiming high, I see!"

Shaking my head, I replied, "Not really, I'm fine with even a few of the less experienced Companions as well, in the end, I just need some people to watch my back and who can fight. Plus, I felt that the companions wouldn't pass up the opportunity to help recover the Jagged Crown."

Farengar, the Jarl's court mage, finally spoke up, "Hmm, they'd certainly want to do that, if it meant more 'glory' and 'honor' for the Companions as a whole."

Humming, the Jarl spoke up again, "Farengar is right, though if that is not enough for the companions, you may use my name to issue a command. It is rare, but the Companions answer the call of the Jarl of Whiterun when something important needs to be done, whether it be wiping out a Falmar Cave, driving away Giant herds, or in more serious cases, defending Whiterun in its time of need." 

"Thank you, but I do not think I will need to use your name to sway the companions," I smiled as I informed the Jarl, "Now, I do believe it's getting late, Jarl Balgruuf, and I am in need of much rest."

"Aye, you have a long week ahead of you, Thane. Thank you," the Jarl gave a nod and a small smile.