A Tale of Could-be Heroes Book 1: Hero, Dragon, Elf

Cloak and Favor: A Thane's Rise in Whiterun: part 1

The four companions gathered around the table, their eyes fixed on the gifts left by WINNIE: a book, a blue orb, and a phial of deadly poison. Saggitar bustled about the kitchen, his hands deftly preparing a hearty meal and keeping their cups brimming with wine. When offered assistance, he waved them off with a warm smile, "Ye all sit back down an' discuss yer plans. I've got this."

Grateful for the brief respite, the group settled into their seats, the weight of their mission heavy on their shoulders. The crackling fire cast dancing shadows on the walls as they began to deliberate their next steps.

Loche broke the silence. "Should we use the orb to make a wish?"

"And what would we wish for?" Jenassa's tone was laced with sarcasm.

Aeyrie's mind wandered, considering their pressing needs. They required the Jarl's favor to be appointed Thanes, and a journey to Winterhold was looming, with unknown resources and challenges ahead. Her contemplation was interrupted by a heated discussion between her brother and the others.

"We should wish for better weapons and armor," Uthgerd suggested, her voice firm.

"No, we can acquire those with enough gold," Jenassa countered.

Gold. The thought clicked in Aeyrie's mind. "Hey!" she called out, raising her voice to draw attention. "We should use the orb to wish for Gold Septims. Saggitar isn't getting any younger and needs help managing this place. We need servants, farmhands, and guards. This could be one way to support Whiterun and ensure our efforts are fruitful."

Her companions fell silent, considering the implications of her suggestion, as the flicker of the firelight danced across their faces.

"But how much should we wish for? What you suggest will require a significant amount of gold, Sister," Loche said, his brow furrowed with concern.

Aeyrie hesitated, her earlier confidence wavering. "I don't know," she admitted. "It was just an idea."

Jenassa, ever pragmatic, leaned forward. "Perhaps we should ask the individual with the pink hair?"

Aeyrie's eyes widened, realizing the obvious solution. She reached behind her right ear and called out, "Hey, WINNIE?"

"Yes, how may I help you, Aeyrie?" WINNIE's voice responded instantly, though the AI didn't materialize.

"WINNIE, can we use the orb to wish for gold Septims?" Aeyrie asked directly.

"Yes," came the curt reply.

"And how much would it cost to hire around twenty servants, buy livestock, seed for planting, and anything we might need for the trip to Winterhold?" Aeyrie pressed, seeking clarity.

There was a brief pause before WINNIE responded, "Somewhere between twenty and fifty thousand Septims."

Aeyrie exchanged a glance with her companions before asking tentatively, "So how much should we wish for?"

WINNIE's tone was measured. "I would advise you to wish for one hundred thousand Septims. However, I also recommend that you refrain from relying on such wishes in the future. Instead, generate income through your endeavors."

The group fell silent, absorbing WINNIE's advice, the weight of their next decision hanging in the air.

"Alright, I know what to do," Aeyrie said, her voice steady and determined. "Uthgerd, go into the city and find three couriers, then escort them here. The sooner you leave, the better. We haven't got long before we must retrieve the Draugr."

"Aye," Uthgerd replied, rising swiftly and departing.

"Jenassa, gather any trinkets, jewelry, and gems we have left from Bleak Falls Barrow," Aeyrie instructed.