What are the pros and cons of siding with either the Nords or the Rieklings in their related Thirsk Mead Hall quests?
Completing this quest in favor of the Nords will provide you with the availability of four more favor quests, each offering a leveled amount of gold as reward. After completion of Retaking Thirsk, Kuvar will offer Heavy Armor training and Blacksmith services.
Completion in favor of the Rieklings gives no monetary or item rewards. After completion you will be able to have a Riekling as a pet. They take up a pet slot, but you can access their inventory and have a normal follower. In addition, the game has a chance to randomly spawn up to three Rieklings to assist you while in combat. Reportedly anywhere in Skyrim or Solstheim.