Before the Storm

Quick Walkthrough

 * 1) Speak with Alvor or Gerdur in Riverwood for some gifts. (Optional)
 * 2) Head for Whiterun.
 * 3) Speak with Jarl Balgruuf the Greater.

Walkthrough
Hadvar will suggest travelling to Riverwood and meeting his uncle Alvor, while Ralof will suggest meeting his sister Gerdur. If you are going to continue the storyline, this will be your next destination. However, if you really want you can simply leave this for later and explore the rest of Skyrim. Going to Riverwood is a good idea either way as you can learn more about the Imperial Legion or the Stormcloaks and gain your first potential follower. Head down the hill and follow the path to eventually get to the small town.

The encounters on the way to Riverwood are random. You might see nothing or may have to fight your way there. For the most part you will only face basic wolves. For a melee character they should not be much a problem. Still, if you want you can run back to Hadvar and have him deal with whatever enemies you come across. It is better to deal with enemies yourself as it will grant quick skill ups in both your offensive and defensive abilities.

Talk to Alvor or Gerdur in Riverwood
In Riverwood, Alvor's house will be the first on the left, whereas Gerdur can most likely be found at the lumbermill, just behind Alvor's house. Talk to the relative in question. Ask for supplies you can take and you can further inform him or her about what happened in Helgen. Choose this dialogue option to learn about Whiterun and Jarl Balgruuf the Greater. While the storyline tells you to go here. It is worth it to further explore Riverwood to gain a follower and take care of a later task.

You can choose to recruit either Sven or Faendal. Either option is fine as they are both mainly archers with daggers to back them up. Faendal can also improve your archery skills if you pay him. They are both pining for the affections of Camilla Valerius and will each ask you to deliver a fake nasty letter to Camilla. Take the letter to Camilla who will either be walking around town or inside her brother's shop. Give the letter and lie about who penned the vulgar note. Return back to the real author and they will join you as a follower. Do not worry about outfitting them just yet, as you probably do not have enough equipment to use yourself. Besides, you will be gaining plenty of armour very soon.

Talk to the Jarl of Whiterun
Make your way to the city of Whiterun and speak to the Jarl.

Gallery
Vor dem Sturm