"We are gathered here today to give our respect and raise a pint of mead to the brave warriors who volunteered to fight off the recent dragon attacks on our city watch posts, and the village of Riverwood. The Companions have done Whiterun proud once again, defending it's people and territory without hesitation. Kodlak Whitemane has asked for no reward, as slaying a dragon pays for itself in honour!" Jarl Balgruuf the Greater... It's not that he had forgotten the Odd Jobs' part in defending Riverwood, but Aria herself had asked him not to refer to the business. The Companions could have all the glory; there wasn't anything Aria wanted but the coin. Being a big deal with the Thalmor around just wasn't very safe - one look in their priority targets book and they could find her half-peaceful little life here in Whiterun. Then they would kill her, her partner, and burn the shop down just for the giggles of it all. At least, that's what Aria saw happening the moment she got discovered. The coin was enough of a reward... Heck, it'd be Cronic's pay finally, seeing as she hadn't quite caught up with that yet. ---------- After the street crowd began returning to their daily business, Aria entered the shop and took her place at the front desk, feet kicked up and arms thrown lazily behind her head. One arm found it's way to her pocket, which she took the purse from. Balgruuf sure was generous for someone trying to head a Hold so torn between Empire and Rebellion... "Cronic, catch," the redhead yawned as she lobbed the bag of septims somewhere behind her. "Now all I need is R&R... Dragon fights are such a pain."