"Ah, it's not really my business, is it? We all have our demons to face, and when we get to Helgen you can choose to take some time and get your head on straight. Then, you can decide if you want to stay there or join us, I'm sure Inigo will understand whatever you choose." I tell Silvianus who just nods silently as he seems to think on my words as the night slowly transitions to the early morning hours without any other major disturbances.
I quickly distribute some jerky and cheese for breakfast when Inigo grabs his head in a panic once more, screaming in pain before fighting to speak through gritted teeth, "AAAHHH! My friend! My mind is being tugged again! It is very strong this time! I see wooden posts?... They are upright in the snow! And- and I see a tower... I-I recognize the tower! Eergh! I see the cabin again! The door is locked tight... It is receding... It is over... For now... My head is pounding... Ow."
"Are you alright Inigo?!" I ask him corncerned if his brain had finally slipped out of his nose.
"Yes, are you okay, Inigo?" M'rissi asks him with equal concern, before he releases his head from his hands.
"I-I think I am okay, now, my friends." Inigo says with a sigh of relief.
"Alright, we need to get to the bottom of this... Is there anything from your headaches that you think could help us find their source?" I ask Inigo, while handing him my water skin so that he may steady his nerves.
"I think I know where to start... I saw a ruined tower in the snow... I think I camped there once long ago." Inigo replies, between taking long sips from my water skin.
"Finally, we have a lead, any idea where this tower might be?" I ask him, taking back my water skin once he's finished.
"Yes, my friend, it is but a short hike from the town of Dawnstar... It is called Snowpoint Beacon... It is nothing special from what I remember but I think it is close to the source of these embarrassing episodes. However, I think we may be too busy to go right now." Inigo says, steadying himself as he looks to our small group to escourt before he looks to me for guidence.
"Hmmm..." I try to think of a solution before M'rissi speaks up.
"She could lead them back to Helgen, she does not want her friend to be in pain if it can be helped... Perhaps we can go to the College in Winterhold after you have returned, yes?" M'rissi suggest as she starts to pack her things, as if it is already decided.
"M'rissi, Kitten... Are you sure about this? I know how much you want to recover your memories, why don't you come with us and-" I start to suggest before Inigo vehemetly shouts in opposition.
"NO! -Cough, cough- I mean, it could be very dangerous where we are headed my friend. Plus, our friends need a competent guard to make sure they can arrive safely." Inigo explains after his outburst.
"Wow, thank you for the vote of confidence, Inigo, I thought we were friends? What does that make me if not a guard? Hmmm?" Wan questions Inigo with a hurt look on his face making Inigo seem uncomfortable for a moment.
{A trainee?} Mr. Dragonfly chimes in.
"Exactly, Mr. Dragonfly. You are a trainee, Wan. You must consider this another part of your trial if you wish to become a true guardsman." Inigo says, confidently recovering from his social stumble earlier.
"Ah! I never thought of it like that! You can count on me Mr. Inigo!" Wan says excitedly with a fist over heart salute.
"Yes, yes... And M'rissi can easily guide them back down the path we came, right?" Inigo says giving M'rissi a knowing look making her speak up.
"Yes, Fluffy! She will lead them back home, do not worry, just come back safely." M'rissi quickly agrees before giving me a peck on the cheek.
"Well, with that settled, should we get going?" Esbern says as he's finishing his jerky.
"I guess... It's been decided?" I say, somewhat confused how Inigo and M'rissi are getting along so well.
However, with the morning light already cresting over the horizon, we break camp after quietly finishing our breakfast.
Saying our goodbyes, we split off, me and Inigo traveling north, with the rest of the party heading west, with some advice that they might find a group of orcs and giants that could give them an escort the rest of the way to Helgen.
We travel over the next couple of days, going past Iverstead, before looping West around High Hrothgar mountain. Turning north, along the mountain paths towards Dawnstar when I receive a notification about a location I head forgotten all about...
[Dimhollow Crypt Discovered]
"Aw... Shit..." I say aloud as I feel my stomach churn from the smell of stagnation and death emanating from the cave beside us as I'm reminded of one the greatest companions in the base game at least.
{Hey, Fuzz Ball, you're leaving you're green fucker behind!} Mr. Dragonfly shouts at Inigo, stopping him as he turns around to look at me.
"My friend, is something the matter with that dark, smelly cave?" Inigo asks with concern drawing my attention from the cave's entrance.
"Um... Possibly... Do you think we can investigate it a little more? I've got a feeling something really important is inside." I ask Inigo as we're stopped in front of the cave.
"You know how I feel about caves, but your gut hasn't misled us yet my friend. Lead on! Hopefully there will be plenty of spiders to crush, at least." Inigo says excitedly as we walk through the cave entrance.
"Yay... Spiders... Ugh..." I say with a groan as we make our way deeper into the cave.
(Author's Note: Hey everyone, hope you enjoy the chapter. With school starting back up chapter uploads might be disrupted around exam time. I'll do my best to limit any interruptions to your regular broadcasts. Also, going on a date today so wish me luck!)