A Gentleman ' s Guide to Whiterun Content . Welcome , good sir , to this guide . Within these pages , I , your humble author and guide , will describe to you the great city of Whiterun , the Jewel of the North . Whiterun offers numerous diversions for the man in search of adventure , fortune and companionship , whether for a night or for a lifetime . The city is graced with not one , but two worthy taverns and there are maids and wenches aplenty . The city is located rather centrally in Skyrim , and this is well , for it is not far from anywhere . Perched high upon a rocky hill , Whiterun dominates the grassy plains that surround it . High wooden walls protect its denizens from the wolves , mammoths , bandits and other dangers lurking beyond . When you first enter through the city ' s main gate , you will find yourself in the Plains District . This is so named because it is the lowest of the city ' s three neighborhoods . Ah , but there can be found The Bannered Mare , which I count among the finest taverns in all Skyrim . The scenery within is quite compelling , if you have an eye for the fairer sex . A stout lass named Hulda tends the bar . Don ' t let that stony Nord exterior fool you , for she is possessed of that same fiery passion that all Nord women try so hard to conceal . Saadia , the barmaid , is an exotic Redguard beauty . She is quite mysterious , and your humble author is determined to learn her secrets . Outside the Bannered Mare is a modest marketplace , and here is where I found true love . Though I would never deter a fellow hunting hound from the chase - for indeed , why should I author these tomes , if not to provide guidance in this very matter ? - I must ask that you do this one kindness . Her name is Carlotta Valentia , and she is a magnificent beauty who makes a modest living selling bread and produce in the daylight hours . By the gods , I will make that feisty beauty mine someday ! And of course , there are other services to be found in the Plains District . Belethor ' s General Goods offers various and sundry for the adventurous traveler , and Arcadia ' s Cauldron offers what tonics and herbs one would expect from an apothecary ' s shop . Arcadia herself is an amiable sort . I often visit her to make conversation , as she is a fellow Imperial far from home . She is , however , a bit old for my taste . A gentleman of advanced years might find in her a worthy companion . Should you need your blade sharpened or your armor hammered , Warmaiden ' s offers smithing services very near the main gate . The smith is a pretty Nord named Adrianne Avenicci , but she is married to a great hulking brute named Ulfberth War - Bear . Adrianne is quite fair , but I should not want to find myself being introduced to the keen edge of that husband ' s war - axe . If married ladies are your preferred sport , then have at , but don ' t say that you weren ' t warned ! Near the smith is the Drunken Huntsman . Here some of the wealthier gentlemen gather to share both drink and rumors of the wide world . If your prefer a more distinguished class of company while you sip fine wine , you ' ll be well at home here . Of the Wind District I have little to say . Most of the buildings in this second tier of the city are residences , though there is also a Temple of Kynareth and Jorrvaskr , the mead hall of the Companions . There are some intriguing prospects to be found in the mead hall should you favor a strong and fearless warrior - woman . You will find a little game at the temple , however . The priestess , Danica Pure - Spring , is interested almost exclusively in spiritual matters . At last we come to the Cloud District , exclusive domain of the Jarl ' s castle . I have had some merry adventures within the stone walls of Dragonsreach , let me tell you . The serving girls are most easily impressed by a well spoken Imperial . After all , the nights in Skyrim do grow quite cold , if you take my meaning . And I will not deny that I have visited the town ' s jail once or twice , which can be found in the lower levels of the palace . As for the Jarl and his court , take pains to avoid them . I find that they lack any sense of humor or appreciation for the Imperial culture . Besides which , they are all wealthy men and so much be viewed as your most serious competition . These Nord are simple folk , after all , and too easily swayed by the sight of fine clothes and a purse full of Septims . Now I will conclude this work by wishing you great success in your pursuits of women and wine . Spare a moment in your revels to think of me , your humble author , and the risks I have taken to bring you this most thorough report on all of interest to the discerning gentleman in the grand city of Whiterun . Ah , but I will not lie and say it was all a hardship . After all , who could want to sleep alone in such a cold and hard land as this ? Not I !