Not yet.

“But no time for mead yet. First, we deliver our goods.”

After crossing the central market, and following the main road, which I noticed wound uphill, we went through another wall, separating the Plains District from the Wind District, which had larger, more impressive buildings. Here, the roofs where adorned with ornate wooden dragons, and painted to look so lifelike they could just jump up and fly away. Small streams hugged the road, and most houses had little bridges before them, allowing their residents to reach their doors with dry feet. The road ended in a circular garden, with a tall dead tree at its center. To the left of it, the multi-layered roof of a stave temple beckoned. To the right, the upturned hull of a ship formed the roof of a meadhall of epic proportions. Between them, on the highest point of the hill, the pointed roofs and tires of the Cloud District rose proudly into the red evening sky.

“Well, this is where we leave you,” Aela said, as she jumped off her horse, followed by Farkas. Together they hoisted Ria off the cart, and carried her to the temple.

“What about her horse?” I called to them.

“Keep it,” Aela answered. “It’s the least she can do to repay you.”

I stared at Hod, who shrugged. “Need to get the cart back home.”

“I guess you’re right,” I said. “Well, on to Wintersand Manor I suppose.”

The road up to the Cloud District was steep, surrounded by little waterfalls and beautiful. This was the most protected part of the city, as well as the most prestigious, and it didn’t mind showing it. The highest point in Whiterun was the jarl’s palace, but the other residences where equal in splendor. The newest of which, which was also our destination, was Wintersand Manor, a stately house, adorned with little domes with alternating white and gold roof shingles, combining Nordic materials with some foreign style.

“Watch where you’re going!” A man screamed, running out of the manor. Pointing frantically at the narrow path we were treading, which had carefully kept flowerbeds on both sides. Our right wheel had slightly grazed a mountain flower. “Do you get to the Cloud District very often?” The man continued. “Oh, what am I saying - of course you don’t.”

Already I wanted to punch him in his pompous face.

“Apologies, good sir,” Hod said. “We meant no harm.”

"I actually advise the Jarl on political matters. My input is invaluable, of course,” the man muttered, as he inspected the flower. “But this is all probably a bit over your head."

“I suppose so,” Hod grumbled. “Anyway, we got your wood. Where’d you want us to put it?”

He pointed to a small clearing next to the manor. “If there's nothing else, I really do have important matters tend to," he said, and promptly left.

“I’ll tend to your arse,” Hod said under his breath, “with my foot.”

We laughed as we unloaded the wood in the right place, taking care not to trample any of the Redguard’s precious little flowers.

“It’s getting late,” Hod said, after we dropped the last plank. “We ought to return to the Plains District, and get some rest.”

When we arrived darkness had fallen completely. We led the cart and horse to the stables at the back of the Bannered Mare, where a little Imperial girl took over the reins.

“What’s her name?” she asked.

“Don’t think she has one,” I responded.

“Can I think of one?”

“Sure, kid.”

We walked back around to the front door of the tavern. Music and merriment greeted me. It seemed like the Bannered Mare was a very popular spot. Merchants, warriors and bards had all gathered here, drinking and telling stories. I followed Hod to the counter, where he introduced me to Hulda, the publican.

“So,” Hulda said, “Hod says you’re thinking of staying in Whiterun for a while.”

“Yes,” I said. “Might see what those Companions are all about tomorrow, along with some other errands.”

“Good, good. It’s good to have friends in a big city like this. There’s plenty of animosity around, too much these days.”

“You get a lot of trouble in here?”

“No, there’s no war at the Bannered Mare. Anyone who thinks otherwise can drink elsewhere.”

After Hulda called for a female redguard to prepare two rooms, and as they caught up with the latest news, I let my eyes wander the large hall, watching the people around the roaring fire. Might not be a bad idea to make some friends.