Song of the Dragon and the Bear

Chapter 35

A/N Look! This chapter's early! (Enjoy it while you can, because I can't promise that this will happen again any time soon.)

The sun was halfway through its daily journey across the sky when Vara walked through the gates of Whiterun. The guards had tried to stop her, but she had persuaded them to let her through by saying she had news of Helgen. Their faces had quickly drained of all color, and they had ushered her through the doors as quickly as they could.

Once inside, Vara headed down to the market along the main street. A large nord stopped her before she could enter the marketplace proper though.

"Hold there, stranger," the man said. "What brings you to Whiterun?"

"I have a message to deliver to the jarl, and I am here to help in any way I can," Vara replied honestly. "Perhaps you could point me in the right direction?"

The man blinked in surprise. "Truly?" He barked out a short laugh. "By Shor, this city could use more people like you! If you follow this path it will lead you to the large building up in the Cloud District, Dragonsreach. It's impossible to miss," the nord directed, pointing the way. "Once you've spoken with the jarl, stop by the Bannered Mare over there and I'll gladly buy you a drink."

Vara smiled. "Thank you, mister–"

"Battle-Born," the nord quickly supplied. "Jon Battle-Born. And you are?"

For a brief moment, Vara contemplated lying. After all, the Imperials could be looking for her, and Whiterun wasn't allied with Ulfric. She quickly dismissed the idea though. "Vara Oaken-Song," she said.

Jon extended his hand, and Vara shook it. "Welcome to Whiterun, Miss Oaken-Song."

Vara thanked the man and bid him farewell before turning onto the path that he had pointed out to her. Looking up, she could easily see the large keep that towered over the rest of the city. The legendary Dragonsreach. She had about the ancient building in several different books, but she had never seen it in person until today.

On her way to the keep, she overheard a man preaching the word of Talos. The sound took her by surprise, as did the large statue of Talos. Rumor had said that Balgruuf was leaning more toward the Empire than the Stormcloaks, and yet here was open worship of Talos in the heart of his city. Vara shook her head, she hadn't even met the man yet, and Jarl Balgruuf was already confusing her. This meeting would be interesting, for sure.

Finally, Vara reached the doors of Dragonsreach. She pushed them open and stepped through. As the doors closed softly behind her despite their size, Vara took in her surroundings. The Great Hall was warm and almost cozy. The space was about the same size as the Great Hall in the Palace of Kings. That thought sent an unexpected pang of sadness through Vara, but she pushed the feeling aside.

The room was warmed by a large fire pit in the front of the room that was lined with long tables where several people sat, members of the court, Vara assumed. In the very front of the room was the throne on which sat a man, no doubt Jarl Balgruuf the Greater. He seemed to be deep in conversation with an Imperial man who was likely his steward. As Vara approached the throne, however, the Dark Elf woman by the Jarl's side drew her blade and began to stalk towards Vara.

"Hold! The jarl is not receiving visitors. What business do you have with the throne?" the elf demanded.

Vara held her hands up in a gesture of peace. "I bring news of Helgen along with a plea from Riverwood. They are in desperate need of aid," Vara stated in a calm voice.

The woman surveyed her for another moment before nodding. "Very well, you may approach the throne, but watch yourself. I will not hesitate to strike you down should the need arise," she warned, and Vara nodded in understanding. She wasn't planning on dying today.