Ralof
My sister Gerdur runs the mill in Riverwood, just up the road. I'm sure she'd help you out.
It's probably best if we split up. Good luck. I wouldn't have made it without your help today.
(I decide to stick with Ralof on his way to Riverwood)
You know, you should go to Windhelm and join the fight to free Skyrim. You've seen the true face of the Empire here today.
If anyone will know what the coming of the dragon means, it's Ulfric.
See that ruin up there? Bleak Falls Barrow. I never understood how my sister could stand living in the shadow of that place.
I guess you get used to it.
(We approach three standing stones)
These are the Guardian Stones, three of the thirteen ancient standing stones that dot Skyrim's landscape.
Go ahead, see for yourself.
If you choose the Warrior Stone:
Warrior, good! Those stars will guide you to honor and glory.
If you choose the Thief Stone:
Thief, eh? It's never too late to take charge of your own fate, you know.
If you choose the Mage Stone:
Mage, eh? Well, to each his own. It's not for me to judge.
Remember, this isn't Stormcloak territory. If we're ahead of the news from Helgen we should be fine as long as we don't do anything stupid.
If we run into any Imperials, just let me do the talking, all right?
I'm glad you decided to come with me. We're almost to Riverwood.
Looks like nobody here knows what's happened yet. Come on. Gerdur's probably working in her lumber mill.
Gerdur!
Gerdur
Brother! Mara's mercy, it's good to see you!
But is it safe for you to be here? We heard that Ulfric had been captured...
Ralof
Gerdur...
Gerdur, I'm fine. At least now I am.
Gerdur
Are you hurt? What's happened?
And who's this? One of your comrades?
Ralof
Not a comrade yet, but a friend. I owe him my life, in fact.
Is there somewhere we can talk? There's no telling when the news from Helgen will reach the Imperials...
Gerdur
Helgen? Has something happened...?
You're right. Follow me.
Hod! Come here a minute. I need your help with something.
Hod
What is it, woman? Sven drunk on the job again?
Gerdur
Hod. Just come here.
Hod
Ralof! What are you doing here? Ahh... I'll be right down.
Frodnar
Uncle Ralof! Can I see your axe? How many Imperials have you killed? Do you really know Ulfric Stormcloak?
Gerdur
Hush, Frodnar. This is no time for your games.
Go and watch the south road. Come find us if you see any Imperial soldiers coming.
Frodnar
Aw, mama, I want to stay and talk with Uncle Ralof!
Ralof
Look at you, almost a grown man! Won't be long before you'll be joining the fight yourself.
Frodnar
That's right! Don't worry, Uncle Ralof, I won't let those soldiers sneak up on you.
Hod
Now, Ralof, what's going on? You two look pretty well done in.
Ralof
I can't remember when I last slept...
Where to start? Well, the news you heard about Ulfric was true. The Imperials ambushed us outside Darkwater Crossing.
Like they knew exactly where we'd be. That was... two days ago, now.
We stopped in Helgen this morning, and I thought it was all over. Had us lined up to the headsman's block and ready to start chopping.
Gerdur
The cowards!
Ralof
They wouldn't dare give Ulfric a fair trial. Treason, for fighting for your own people! All of Skyrim would have seen the truth then.
But then... out of nowhere... a dragon attacked...
Gerdur
You don't mean, a real, live...
Ralof
I can hardly believe it myself, and I was there.
As strange as it sounds, we'd be dead if not for that dragon. In the confusion, we managed to slip away.
Are we really the first to make it to Riverwood?
Gerdur
Nobody else has come up the south road today, as far as I know.
Ralof
Good. Maybe we can lay up for a while. I hate to put your family in danger, Gerdur, but...
Gerdur
Nonsense. You and your friend are welcome to stay here as long as you need to.
Let me worry about the Imperials.
(Gerdur turns to me)
Any friend of Ralof's is a friend of mine.
Here's a key to the house. Stay as long as you like. If there's anything else you need, just let me know.
There's something you could do for me. For all of us here.
The Jarl needs to know if there's a dragon on the loose. Riverwood is defenseless...
We need to get word to Jarl Balgruuf in Whiterun to send whatever troops he can. If you'll do that for me, I'll be in your debt.
Ralof
Thanks, sister. I knew we could count on you.
Gerdur
I ought to get back to work before I'm missed, but... did anyone else escape? Did Ulfric...
Ralof
Don't worry. I'm sure he made it out. It'll take more than a dragon to stop Ulfric Stormcloak.
Hod
I'll let them into the house and, you know, show them where everything is...
Gerdur
Hmph. Help them drink up our mead, you mean.
Good luck, brother. I'll see you later.
Ralof
Don't worry about me. I know how to lay low.
(I immediately head off to Whiterun to inform the Jarl of Riverwood's plight. Before long I arrive at the main gate of the city)
Whiterun Guard
Halt! City's closed with the dragons about. Official business only.
Player Character
I have news from Helgen about the dragon attack.
Whiterun Guard
Fine, but we'll be keeping an eye on you.
(When I enter Dragon's Reach, I overhear the Jarl discussing the current situation with his courtiers)
Jarl Balgruuf the Greater
What would you have me do, then? Nothing?
Proventus Avenicci
My lord. Please. This is no time for rash action. I just think we need more information before we act.
Jarl Balgruuf the Greater
(upon seeing me)
Who's this, then?
Irileth
(an intimidating Dark Elf approaches me, sword drawn)
What's the meaning of this interruption. Jarl Balgruuf is not receiving visitors.
Player Character
I have news from Helgen. About the dragon attack.
Irileth
Well, that explains why the guards let you in. Come on then, the Jarl will want to speak to you personally.
Jarl Balgruuf the Greater
So. You were at Helgen? You saw this dragon with your own eyes?
Player Character
The dragon destroyed Helgen. And last I saw it was heading this way.
Jarl Balgruuf the Greater
By Ysmir, Irileth was right!
(turning towards Proventus Avenicci)
What do you say now, Proventus? Shall we continue to trust in the strength of our walls? Against a dragon?
Irileth
My lord, we should send troops to Riverwood at once.
It's in the most immediate danger, if that dragon is lurking in the mountains...
Proventus Avenicci
The Jarl of Falkreath will view that as a provocation! He'll assume we're preparing to join Ulfric's side and attack him. We should not...
Jarl Balgruuf the Greater
Enough!
I'll not stand idly by while a dragon burns my hold and slaughters my people!
Irileth, send a detachment to Riverwood at once.
Irileth
Yes, my Jarl.
Proventus Avenicci
If you'll excuse me, I'll return to my duties.
Jarl Balgruuf the Greater
That would be best.
(turning to face me)
Well done. You sought me out, on your own initiative. You've done Whiterun a service, and I won't forget it.
Here, take this as a small token of my esteem.
