I really like the idea of having a Riekling follower, but that seems to be the only reward for choosing that side. What sort of rewards an quests do I get on the Nord side of things and which option do you find better, overall?

The Meadhall will be returned to its former glory, you will get a couple side quests from the Nords will living there, as much as i liked having a Riekling follower i couldnt stand seeing the old Mead Hall like that so i sided with the Nords.

What is the restored mead hall like? I haven't played Bloodmoon so I don't really have the sentimental bond :/ Do the groups each have the same amount of quests?

The mead hall looks pretty. It has red banners and lots of food.

You get three "gather items" quests from them.
After which two of them are marriage options.

What about the axe?

There's no way to get it, unfortunatly.
=L

Pending you actually "lie' about the leaders verbal encounter or kill her. Her husband will or will not talk to you anymore. Otherwise, he is a master trainer in Heavy Armor...although, he wears light.

Then you also get another Blacksmith to trade with.

So, while the little Reks are fun to have and you are Chief...the Nords seem to be the preferred route in my eyes.

...I got the notion he might attack me if I came around again, is that true, or...?

It was like that in Bloodmoon, I think it's supposedly too heavy (or too stuck in that stone)

The dis'd husband? IDK...I lied to him...lol He's calls me friend.

He was more than understanding I had to defend myself, but...I think I'm in for it if I show up again. I DID kill his wife, so i understand.