As we walk away from Lund's hut feeling proud and merry at our haul of loot, Sven smacks Erik on the back while Redcap rides atop my shoulders, smacking my helmet like a drum.
Sven: That fight was incredible! Erik what you did back there was worthy of a ballot!
Erik looks away in embarrassment at the praise while scratching the back of his head.
Erik: Aw shucks, It wasn't anything to write home about.
Sven: You're right, it was something to write to Talos about! You sliced through that one East Empire guard like it was nothing! That one trick you did with your sword was unlike anything I ever saw!
Erik: Well what about Alexander? Sir you are a true beast! I've never seen anyone shove axes into someone's chest like that, and proceed to punch them to the ground as you did! It was like watching a deranged animal! Uh…I say that with respect of course sir!
Alexander: Hah! As impressive as that may have been, I think the true warrior that should be recognized is Redcap. Truly a terrifying feat, I almost can never look at you the same again my little friend!
Sven: He's right, it was almost close to a war crime with the move you pulled. Remind me never to mess with you again.
Erik: Yeah, no offense Redcap, I think I'm going to steer clear of you next time you and a torch are in close proximity of each other.
Redcap: Hehehehe. Torch. Fun.
Redcap jumps from my back and looks at all of us with an expression of glee as he slowly pulls out a torch from his back, we all look panicked.
Sven: SHIT WHERE DID HE GET THAT?!
Erik: ONES MISSING FROM MY BAG! I DIDN'T KNOW HE'D STEAL IT!!
Alexander: Calm down lads, Redcap is smart, and reasonable. Redcap…buddy, I know you like the torch but come on. There's no enemies here, just loads of plants and animals. Put it down before one of us gets hurt. Or before this ecosystem gets destroyed.
Redcap: But. Torch. Fun.
He says dejected as I slowly move closer to grab the torch from his hand.
Alexander: Yes. I know it's fun. But we've got a lot of ground to cover, and I'd rather not burn Skyrim to the ground, so just give me the-
My finger was only half an inch away from the torch before an arrow zipped right past me, I turn in fear to see a band of bandits smiling menacingly at us.
Bandit: That's some nice armor you got on buddy. Hope you don't mind if we take it.
I couldn't care less about what the bandit had to say to me, my eyes were on Redcap, who looked really excited.
Alexander: Listen fellas, you don't wanna do this, I promise you, if you mess with us not even Shor will be able to let you into Sovngarde.
The bandits look at me with a variety of faces, some confused and some concerned, but mostly amused.
Bandit: And why is that?
Alexander: See my little yellow friend behind me with the torch. I promise you he will use that. And by the end of it you won't even look like Nords anymore if you do anything.
Bandit: Yeah? A likely story, now give us your-
The bandits line was cut short when Redcap somehow lit his torch. The fire burned brightly as it was reflecting against his large eyes, he begins to look at it as if he were in a trance.
Redcap: Bandits. Me. Can. Burn. Bandits. Burn. Can. See. Red God.
Bandit: Uh…what did he say?
I smack my face.
Alexander: This is the part where you might wanna run now.
Slowly Redcap moves towards the bandits with a menacingly cheeky smile on his face. The bandits at first weren't too bothered by it, shooting an arrow at the little riekling, however Redcap didn't flinch at all when the arrow shot close to his feet. The bandits at first were surprised but one shoots a sparks spell towards him, Redcap remained undeterred, still moving closer to the bandits.
Redcap: Redcap. Burn. Bandits. Will. See. Red God.
The bandits finally look terrified by the crazy little monster and back away all in fear, but continue to trip over themselves and fall to the ground like a small group of idiotic bowling pins. In just a short second as one of the bandits looks away he turns his head back to see Redcap's terrifying gaze, and the torch next to his face.
Redcap: Hehehehe.
Bandit: Ah! H-HEEEELP!!!!
Time passes and Redcap finally finishes what he wanted to do, the torch he was holding was completely burned out and any others we had on hand we made sure to keep away from Redcap. Looking a little sad but feeling quite fulfilled Redcap was satisfied with his feat, while turning back to Erik and Sven, the two nords grasped close to each other in fear at the small yellow riekling. I move in close to them so Redcap couldn't hear.
Alexander: From now on, no one in our group will ever carry a torch. Everyone in the team is required to learn Magelight. Is that clear?
Erik and Sven: Crystal!
************
Erik: Erik the…Warrior…Erik the…archer…Erik the…Barbarian?
It had been more than a few days since we left Lund's hut to go back to Riverwood, as of now Erik was experimenting on different words to use for his new name as an adventurer.
Erik: The…Lover? No that doesn't sound very adventure-y. Erik the…butcher? No to murderer-y.
A part of me wants to tell him to go with his name like from the game, Erik the Slayer, but I'm just too damn curious to know how long he will take to come up with it.
Erik: Erik the…Fighter? Erik the…Killer?
Of course, Sven doesn't share my curiosity.
Erik: Erik the-
Sven: Erik?
Erik: Hmm?
Sven: I normally consider myself a pacifist, but if you don't shut up for the next 10 minutes, Erik the Deceased is going to be your new name.
Erik: Uh…right. Sorry.
A few minutes go by and no one says a word. The silence was so damn awkward that Redcap was starting to get irritatingly bored, and so was I.
Alexander: Erik…
Erik: Hmm, yes sir?
Alexander:…The…
Sven: Oh Gods no, sir please stop.
Alexander:…Pacifist? Hmm, nah, it sounded good in my head but it doesn't feel right.
Sven smacks himself in the face in frustration while Erik's eyes brightens with joy as he moves closer to me to discuss other names he could try. Admittedly it was pretty fun coming up with different ones, partly cause we had to think up different words which passed the time quicker, and also cause of how visibly frustrated Sven was becoming, even Redcap thought it was amusing that he started joining in.
Redcap: Erik. The. Bonk.
Erik: Bonk?
Redcap grabs hold of one of his spears, turning it to the blunt end, he moves close to Sven and proceeds to hit his head with the blunt end. However despite the sudden suprise attack Sven appeared more annoyed then in pain, which made it much more entertaining to witness.
Redcap: Bonk.
Sven rubs his temple and lets out a deep tired sigh.
Sven:…Ow.
Erik: Not bad, but I prefer using swords rather then blunt weapons. Thanks for the suggestion though Redcap.
We all laugh together while Sven covers his ears in frustration until we finally see Riverwood in the distance.
************
After finally entering the village we were met with the friendly faces of Hadvar and Ralof, who running to me, that is to say, running past me, as they stop dead set on their tracks in front of Erik.
Hadvar: Alexander good to see you finally back! We have lots to discuss!
Ralof: No we do not! I already told you Hadvar we need to let Alexander rest! Our leader has done too much already with little time to relax! The man just got back from a journey for Talos' sake!
Hadvar: And I told you it's much too important to discuss our situation to leave it for later! Our leader needs to be aware of everything 100% of the time!
Ralof: Bah! Look at you! Even now you still act like part of the empire with your schedules and guidelines! I'm surprised you don't have a list on ya!
Hadvar in response pulls out a scroll.
Hadvar: Of course I have a list! There's too much to take into account!
Ralof: THERE'S ONLY 5 THINGS ON THAT LAST!!!
While the two argue Erik looks at them nervously. At least I think so based on his hand gestures, but really I have no clue since for some reason he decided now was the perfect time to wear the steel plate helmet I gave him alongside my old armor. Which further explains the confusion.
Sven taps my shoulder and gestures to Erik, who looks like he's trying to say something but is struggling, possibly cause he doesn't want to risk saying something that could offend the two very annoyed nords in front of him.
Sven: As entertaining as it is, you should say something by now boss.
Alexander: Yeah…maybe. *Ahem*
The two stop their argument and turn their attention towards me, with expressions of confusion and awe seeing the tall figure with silver armor in front of them I walk slowly to them with my arms crossed.
Alexander: Has it really been that long I was away that you boys can't recognize the man who saved both your sorry asses?
The two back away a step in shock before further examining me and finally come to the realization of who I was.
Hadvar: But if you're Alexander…
Ralof:…then who in Oblivion is that?
They both point to Erik who removes his helmet, revealing his nervous expression.
Alexander: That's our newest recruit. He's got talent with a sword but was just a farm boy before we met him. So naturally he needed armor. Soon as I got this one I gave my old one to him. Now to avoid any more argumentative tangents, I'll be happy to dicuss the situation we're in apparently. Ralof if there's no queries you have I want you to show Erik around and bring him to train with the others. Sven and Redcap the two of you will go with them.
Sven nods while Redcap grunts in affirmation. And the group leaves together leaving me and Hadvar behind. I tap his shoulder and glance to the inn.
Alexander: If we must talk business I prefer to do it over a meal if you don't mind.
Hadvar: Course not sir.
************
In no time I was met with a piping hot bowl of Beef stew with a slice loaf of bread and some cheese. The delicious and savory aroma of the beef stew felt like a call to my empty stomach, and immediately lifted the bowl to scarf it down, disregarding the spoon next to me. After a few days eating just fruit and dried meat, this stew tasted like it was made from pure happiness, the potatoes and carrots were perfectly soft, the broth was thick and creamy with hints of tomato cooked within it, and the meat…to tender and soft it felt as if it melted in my mouth. I was in ecstasy up until Hadvar pulled that same scroll from before and placed it in front of me, pulling me back from my beef stew made heaven.
Hadvar: Sir, we should get on this now.
I place my bowl down in frustration and clear my throat. Looking at Hadvar with a slight frown.
Alexander: Right, apologies, few days without a home cooked meal will do that to you.
Hadvar: I'm aware. So here's what's happened so far. As I'm sure you're aware Jarl Balgruuf has been made aware of the dragon threat in Helgen, and now the guard activity here in Riverwood has been increased. So far no dragon sightings yet as you've mentioned, in fact, I sent over a scout though to go as far as Falkreath to see if anything about the dragon can be discovered.
Alexander: A scout? Who?
Hadvar: Faendal sir. He knows the woods better than most, he was sent to Falkreath about a couple of days or so, we just received a letter from him befor you returned.
Hadvar hands me the letter, as I expected, Faendal found nothing related to dragons In Falkreath, however he notes in the letter how there're things in the hold that I should take notice of, he doesn't go further in the details but states that he'll further discuss them when he's back, which will be in less than two days. However he does explain that he won't be arriving alone.
Alexander: Seems nobody has seen the dragon in that direction at least. When was this letter received?
Hadvar: Just last night sir. Faendal should be back here before dawn.
Alexander: And with a new companion at that. Although seems our wood elf friend needs to learn how to share details a bit better.
Hadvar: We've also been working on gathering more iron thanks to Embershard mine, Vilfrid and been yielding the most from it so he's the one primarily inside alongside Torolf and Haming.
Alexander: Why the hell is Haming inside the mine?
Hadvar: It's mainly for the boy to build strength, Vilfrid claimed he built his strength up working in mines so Haming is hoping to use the work as training.
I begin to groan at the thought of the small boy inside the mine.
Alexander: His father ought to be more strict. Speaking of, why is Torolf working in the mine too? He's a lumberjack isn't he?
Hadvar: Same reason as Haming sir, he wished to build up his strength more. Besides, he felt it necessary to gather iron than chop wood for our group.
Alexander: If I don't get the chance, tell him it won't be necessary.
Hadvar: Sir?
Alexander: Iron is important yes, but we'll need wood, our base of operations can't be here in Riverwood, not for long anyway. And wood is necessary.
Hadvar: Of course sir. Moving on, Sofia has also integrated herself well within the group, even giving the lot tips in combat and training us in basic destruction and alteration spells. Although along with handing us these "tips" she continuously mentions to some of the men how she's excited to receive our "tips" as well.
Alexander: *sigh* Did she say that line to Haming?
Hadvar: Thankfully, no sir.
Alexander: Well at least that's something. Keep a note somewhere to keep her restrained when everyone falls asleep. Maybe have a guard stay up and watch her. A woman preferably, but I don't know if that'll work.
Hadvar: Noted. Finally the Jarl has expressed gratitude for the warning and has issued a reward should you see him next time, as well as a job for us, but he requested it be given to the leader of our group personally. I took the liberty at mentioning your name.
Alexander: So the Jarl wishes to have an audience with me at some point.
Hadvar: Yes, however he never specified a date, so you can really drop in any time.
Alexander: Terrific, I still have some plans to further look into so that'll have to wait. Is that all?
Hadvar: Yes sir, you can go back to your heinous acts against that stew. If you'd like I could pay for a room for you so the two of you can be alone.
Hadvar smirks at me as I almost pick up my stew but than I stare him down with a mildly annoyed look on my face.
Alexander: Up yours Hadvar.
Hadvar grabs my loaf on the table and takes a bite.
Hadvar: So if memory serves you were going to go next to Riften correct. What exactly is down there if you don't mind my asking.
Alexander: Why don't you tell me Hadvar? After all, you're the native.
Hadvar: Nothing good that's for sure. Think of the worse, scummiest, dirt watered pieces of shits you'd see on the side of the road, the people there are far worse. There's talk of Skooma dealers everywhere there, and not to mention the Thieves guild, what's even worse is the Blackbriars, who're said to have complete control over the hold even with the current Jarl in power.
Alexander: Hmmm, sounds like a good place to look.
Hadvar: Did you hear what I said? Thieves? Skooma dealers? Blackbriars? Everything down there is nothing but trouble!
Alexander: True, but it's the troublesome ones that are more interesting. And I know a few troublemakers there that could be a big help.