#and it was originally going to be hrongar having a drinking contest with lydia or uthgerd but then I thought 'ok but what about farkas'

[umbracirrus]

WIP Whenever 💛

Losing track of days this week, it has certainly been... something, to say the least. I've also not really had much chance to write this week until today, so it's certainly not my best but that's the nature of a work in progress, isn't it? It'll change, and it'll get better! 😊

With the excerpt I'm posting today, I've jumped ahead a few chapters in The Perfect Storm to the events of a festival in Whiterun - as for which one... Well, I've not made my mind up on it yet. Probably something like New Life... something winter-y or based around new year/midwinter at least!

Tagged by @thequeenofthewinter and @oblivions-dawn 💛

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Balgruuf frowned at the display of treats, not through dislike of the selection but rather through his inability to make a decision. Even then, his decision was not about what he wanted – his mind was set upon spiced fruit tarts following on from the earlier recommendation – but rather about what he would do afterwards. And just how many he would buy.

For a time, he pondered, going through his different options in his mind… at least until he realised that he was starting to receive concerned looks from passersby, both resident and visitors alike, for how he had been standing. Fortunately, his mind was made up by then.

An exchange of seven hundred (to be adjusted!) septims later – a price which he had no doubt was driven by the war across Skyrim – he found himself with two of the tarts, the sugar which dusted the top of them already getting all over his hands as a smile crept onto his face. The festival had been enjoyable, but it felt about the right time for him to go home. Whilst the city could be afforded the opportunity to make merry into the early hours, the same such luxury was not extended to its Jarl whose schedule the next day began before sunrise. That, and he had something which he wanted to do before he went to bed for the night.

Weaving in and out of the crowds filling the marketplace, he was glancing across all the people on the lookout for somebody in particular. He soon enough spotted her, though that was not after having to stop as he heard chanting from the direction of the Bannered Mare, and caught sight of Hrongar and one of the twins of the Companions having what appeared to be a drinking competition whilst an audience goaded them on. He rolled his eyes yet let out a chuckle as he shook his head, before approaching where Irileth was sat on a wall, her hand firmly placed upon a bow.

The housecarl acknowledged him with a quick glance, before her eyes darted back towards the chanting. "Yes?"

"I need you to keep an eye on my children for me until it is time for them to leave the festival, Irileth. Hrongar too, if possible. I'm returning to Dragonsreach. Keep them safe for me."

"But what about your safety, Balgruuf?" She called out, her full attention finally on him as he briskly walked away from her. He didn't respond. He didn't hear her over the cheer of a victor being declared for the contest. "Balgruuf?!"

He had a one-track mind as he made his way through the streets, following a path he had followed so many times before that it was a surprise that the stone had not worn thin beneath his feet or the wood give way to splinters on the bridge leading into Dragonsreach. It was only when indoors though that he exhaled quietly, and began to slow his pace into something more relaxed.

Soon enough, he made his way into the private quarters, then slowly approached a door which at first glance was closed, but upon knocking, creaked open. He didn't fully step inside, not knowing if he was entirely welcomed by its occupant, but made his presence known through clearing his throat.

"Are you still awake?" He asked, taking a deep breath as he thought on what say. "I… felt bad that you weren't able to visit the festival, so I brought you something that I think that you would like. May I come in?"

There was silence for a moment, before there was a quiet creaking of floorboards followed by the door opening fully. "Y… Yeah. You can."