[Encanto] 25 – Whiterun Part 1

As I walked past the White River Watch cave, which Bandits or some other nefarious group likely infested, my gaze still struggled to stray from Whiterun. The central hold of Skyrim was one filled with prosperity compared to the other holds. With the open fields surrounding the Hold, Whiterun had robust agriculture and was well known for its defenses compared to the other holds. Guards were stationed at various checkpoints, and watch towers were built into the Holds and further down the roads outside of Whiterun.

Due to Whiterun having all the major roads running through it, which connected it with all the other Holds, many Merchants and caravans called the city home or used it as a checkpoint to travel across Skyrim. Furthermore, because of the trade routes that connected Whiterun with the rest of Skyrim, it was also the best place to look for work, invest, or seek to join the Companions.

The Jarl of Whiterun, Jarl Balgruuf, was a man of honor, a Veteran of the war, and the only true neutral Jarl of Skyrim, as the other Jarls would choose sides, forcing Skyrim to become even more divided between the Imperials and the Stormcloaks.

If the player chose to join the civil war, no matter which side they picked, it would end with the Jarl either being killed or stripped of his position, something that I'd instead not happen if I had the chance due to how helpful the Jarl was to the player and the friendly nature he had with the Last Dragonborn after they killed their first Dragon. Instead, I'd rather he survive this Civil War, being a voice of reason between the two idiots in charge, General Tullius of the Imperial Army and Ulfric Stormcloak, leader of the Stormcloak Rebellion.

Besides, once the Dragon started popping back up across Skyrim, the two Idiots and their war would only strengthen Alduin, who would feast on the newly arrived souls in Sovngarde. They'd need to set aside their petty squabbles so the  Last Dragonborn could actually kill Alduin, though I personally think that may be a bad idea.

I learned about this theory regarding Alduin long ago, and it makes a lot of sense. Alduin was a tyrannical king of the Dragons who dominated the Nords of Skyrim, creating his own kingdom. His purpose was to end the cycle and destroy the world, yet he did not; he rebelled against Akatosh and his divine purpose. So, why would he be sent to the future, where not but a few moments had likely passed for him in his transition, would he suddenly want to destroy the world? 

It was far more likely that he wanted to reconquer Skyrim and squash the 'puny' rebellion. Yet the Last Dragonborn slaying the world eater and consuming his soul would only 'reset' Alduin, dooming the world for when Alduin would eventually return after the Last Dragonborn was to pass, and all of the Dragon souls they absorbed would return to Akatosh.

It's not like being sent forward in time changed his objectives or personality, so if it were true, it would be better to imprison or bind Alduin to allow the cycle to continue instead of end. 

Don’t get me wrong, Alduin would probably endlessly try to escape, so it would be better to just trap his soul in an object instead, similar to what happened to two particular dragons in high school DXD. Of course, this item would need to be made near indestructible or near so, and it would need to be the most heavily enchanted item in the world to contain the soul of a Major pierce of Akatosh itself. 

Feeling a presence enter my range, I swung my head up ahead further down the road. With a bow on their back, a sword and shield in hand, a metal helm, and orange-black fur, I realized this must be one of the Whiterun Guards who patrol the roads outside Whiterun. 

“‘Hail there, traveler,” the Guard greeted me, his stance wary and guarded.

“Greetings! I’m a Mage with the College of Winterhold, seeking to stay in Whiterun for a day or two, see the sights, and meet a few people.” I smile, my stance nonthreatening, and I point to the emblem of the college stitched onto my robes.

“Keep your magic to yourself, and don’t cause any trouble. Stop and talk with the Guards at the Gate before you head into Whiterun,” the Guard ordered. 

Ah, yes. The annoying guards of Skyrim, pesky and all, seem to not give a flying fuck if they just saw you kill a dragon and save a poor farm before arresting you for ‘accidentally’ killing a chicken or for ‘stealing’ flowers.

“Yes, sir!” I cheerily answered, watching as the Guard sheathed his sword and shield while examining him with my gift.

“Say, you wouldn’t have happened to been struck in the knee by an arrow, would you?” I asked after a few moments of silence.

“Me and some of the Guards, why?” The Guard answered defensively and suspiciously.

“I’m just curious how so many Guards could end up with the same injury is all,” I replied with a shrug and interest.

“That’s because we served in the War lass; most of us were soldiers for the Imperials or once adventurers or mercenaries; most don’t survive the more grievous injuries out on the field, and those of us that followed the Jarl home from the War were medically and honorably discharged but needed coin. So, the Jarl offered to hire those of us that still could fight as Guards for Whiterun,” The Guard spoke highly of the Jarl. 

“And those that were not fit for combat?” I asked, curious.

“The Jarl offered them other jobs. Many became farmers, others horse breeders, miners, couriers, and whatever other position needed to be filled. It’s because of Jarl Balgruuf that many of us Veterans can put food on our tables and feed our families,” the Guard explained, speaking higher and higher of the Jarl.

“Well, would you and some of your buddies mind telling me some of your war stories tonight at the Bannered Mare? Mead will be on me, and if any of you manage to drink me under the table and gold for the man or woman who out-drinks me,” I smiled.

“Ha! Might want to back out on that challenge, milk drinker! Otherwise, you’ll be out of gold in the first hour!” The Guard laughed from under the helmet.

I just laughed along with him before saying, “We’ll see about that!” 

Saying goodbye to the Guard, I made my way further down the road past the Honningbrew meadery, a few farmers' cottages with animals penned out or grazing the fields while crops grew at the side. You have to admit, the Nords had a design in mind and seemed to have perfected it with how similar the cottages across Skyrim were, which could hold against the harsh weather and house a family. I did think it would be a problem later on when the population started increasing, but for now, while there are so few people in Skyrim compared to many of the cities from Earth, these Cottages were more than enough.

I passed by a few more guards patrolling the roads, a few travelers, and a caravan run by some Imperial riding a horde escorted by a few mercenaries. I also passed by a few Carriages parked outside the stables with tents set up and people going back and forth. It was yet another reminder of the lively nature of this world compared to the game. 

Passing by them, I continued on my way up the path to the gates of Whiterun, where I passed by a stream of people leaving and heading into the city. Once I reached the gates, I noticed a line of people heading in. These must have been new arrivals like me.

Getting in line, I watched as the people ahead were asked a few simple sentences and allowed in.

Once I reached the front of the line, one of the guards spoke up.

"Reason for entering Whiterun?" the Guard asked.

"Meeting the Priestess of Kynarath, Priest of Arkay, seeing the Gildergreen, checking out the Companions, and see if I can pick up a few bounties and offer my services to anyone that needs it," I explained briefly.

"Keep your magic to yourself, Mage," the Guard warned.

"Ah, I'm an expert in Restoration magic. That's why I want to see the Priestess, to see if she might need another hand to help heal any that need my services," I explained.

"Ah, that's the healing magic. That's acceptable, but only while Danica supervises you; keep your fancy magic to yourself while you're in the city," the guard ordered.

"Yes, Sir," I agreed.

"Then you're free to go on in; we'll be watching you," the guard warned.