Level 5
Health: 115
Magicka: 115
Stamina: 110
It's finally morning and I wake up to the loud sound of shrieking, of course I just choose to stay in bed since that's none of my concern, that is until the shrieking was followed by Redcap speaking in his native tongue and the sounds of pots and pans crashing.
Alexander: *Sighs* This is going to be one of those mornings...huh?
I walk out of my room expecting to see Redcap running away from Hadvar, Ralof, and the rest, only to my surprise I see the lads with Orgnar all sitting at a table sipping some milk and eating sweet rolls, watching in amusement, Redcap holding down Sven with no trouble. The lads all spot me looking really pissed off and stand attentively. While Redcap and Sven notice me, still being held down.
Alexander: You better have a good reason for waking me up this early in the crack of the damn dawn.
Sven: Sir!! Apologies but I saw this THING in your room! It looked like he was about to attack you!! I was trying to stop him and then he managed to outsmart me somehow!!
Orgnar: You make it sound like a difficult task!
The lads all laugh and chuckle as Orgnar walks up to me.
Orgnar: They all came in early except for Sven, when I told em about the little miscreant we all decided to let Sven find out the hard way about him.
Sven: Wait! You knew about him?! Why didn't you warn me!! I could've killed this thing!
Redcap: You. Can't. Kill. You. Too. Dumb.
Sven: WHAT'D YOU SAY YOU LITTLE BASTARD!!
Redcap pokes Sven's nose with his spear and he stays quiet.
Everyone bursted out laughing and I'll admit, even I started to chuckle a little bit. But then I clear my throat and walk up to Redcap and Sven.
Alexander: Now Sven, it's just a practical joke these blockheads made. Don't worry too much about it, this little guy isn't an enemy, he's family. Redcap, this is Sven. You two will be allies so I expect the both of you to get along well, alright?
Redcap lets go of Sven and even helps the young Nord up from the ground, then he puts out his hand expecting Sven to shake it.
Redcap: No. Hard. Feelings?
Sven hesitantly shakes Redcap's hand and takes a deep breath.
Sven: It's...alright. But I'd watch out, I was going easy on you since you're small.
Redcap: Me. Small. Cause. Me. Riekling. You. Nord. What. Excuse?
Sven looks shocked at the insult Redcap just said, meanwhile me and everyone else in the building were trying our damn best not to laugh. I wipe a tear from my eye and walk up in front of everyone so they can see me.
Alexander: Alright enough screwing around.
Everyone stands attentively while Redcap stands by my side.
Alexander: First things first, I want to be the first to say thank you to everyone here for coming to see me on such short notice, Hadvar, Ralof, Torolf, Lokir, Vilfrid, Sven, and young Haming. As you can see we now have two additions to our group, first to introduce is the other resident of Riverwood, the wood elf hunter Faendal.
Faendal walks away from the lads and stands attentively in front of me.
Faendal: Glad to be here sir, Hadvar told me you'd need my assistance in your group. I will try my best to assist everyone!
Alexander: Happy to hear that, while we do have some capable fighters to teach those who can't, me included, it's always good to have an experienced archer here to assist in teaching as well.
I turn to Redcap, who copied Faendal's stance, standing attentively.
Alexander: And this joyful fella is Redcap, an intelligent Riekling who I had to save from a witch in the woods.
Haming: There was a witch??
Alexander: Keyword, was.
Redcap: Witch. Dead. Friend. Help.
Haming: THAT'S SO COOL!! You have to tell us what happened.
At first I chuckle at how excited Haming was, but then I remembered the dreaded memory that was last night with Anise, I shudder uncontrollably in fear and clear my throat.
Alexander: Nothing much to tell, we fought and she died! Right Redcap?
Redcap: Right!
Everyone raises an eyebrow but shrugs it off.
Alexander: Anyway, despite his size Redcap is fairly strong, and is great at fighting long range. Since Haming and Redcap are about the same size, he will be taught by Redcap how to fight, using his size to his advantage.
Haming: I have to be taught by a goblin?
Redcap jerks his head to Haming's direction looking very offended.
Redcap: Goblin?!
Alexander: Not a goblin boy, a Riekling. And trust me, you can learn to fight from his example.
Haming: Like what?
I kneel down to the boy and look at him with a patient smile.
Alexander: Well, did you see how he handled Sven? In spite of his size, Redcap clearly showed how well he can handle himself against a larger opponent.
Redcap: Size. Don't. Matter!!
Alexander: Well said!
I raise my hand up to Redcap, he looks at my hand and back to me confused.
Redcap: Uh?
Alexander: It's a High five…you do it like this.
I grab Haming's hand and demonstrate to Redcap what a high five is. Seeing it Redcap grows a bit intrigued by the gesture.
Alexander: Moving on, it'll be awhile before you can grow to be a proper warrior, for now, gain some insight from someone close to your size.
Haming looks at Redcap then sighs, then follows with a nod.
Haming: Fine. But if it's doesn't work can I learn from you after you have a better idea how to fight?
Alexander: That's a done deal. Your goal is to use what Redcap teaches you to beat a bear. If you can't, then I'll teach you how to fight!
Haming smiles and nods excitedly, I stand back up.
Alexander: Ralof, Faendal, Vilfrid, and Hadvar will teach the rest of us to fight properly. We'll switch between partners every time. For the next 3 weeks I want us all to be stronger and more capable than any random Schmuck down the block!
Everyone: Sir!
Hadvar raises his hand.
Hadvar: Before we start Alexander, I wanted to mention something.
I raise an eyebrow and go up to him.
Alexander: Something wrong Hadvar?
Hadvar: Maybe, I…don't really know.
Hadvar appears distraught, as if he was struggling to find the words needed to speak.
Hadvar: You said you fought bandits down in Embershard Mine and killed them all, correct?
Alexander: Yes, 1 left but that was cause I shot him in the knee.
Vifrid: By the Nine! The knee??
Sven: Poor bastard.
Hadvar: Yes, and among them they actually had a bandit chief with them? What did he look like?
I started to get a little concerned, thinking that I might know where he was going with this.
Alexander: He was an Orc, but much taller then the average, even more so then me. And he donned Nordic armor and a dwarven warhammer.
Hadvar takes a deep sigh and turns around, pacing the floor a couple of times.
Hadvar: And you're sure you killed him?
Alexander: I didn't check his pulse if that's what your asking, but I choked him damn near to Oblivion. Why? Spit it out Hadvar!
Hadvar: Well, I went to the mine like you said, I even brought Torolf and Lokir with me just in case. We must've covered the ground of that mine three times, but we couldn't find an Orc or a single piece of equipment you described.
I expected to hear this, yet I was still shocked. It couldn't have been the reset for the dungeon, even if that can happen in this world, it hasn't been long enough since I've cleared the mine out! And there's no way he was still strong enough to move even if he was left alive! So what? Did someone take his body then?
Alexander: How long did you to take to get to the mine after I told you about it?
Hadvar: I didn't waste anytime Sir. It wasn't even 10 minutes yet when we all went there. We did see traces of the blood still fresh from the your skirmish, but that's it…
10 minutes? It took me at least 10 minutes even in my condition to get back to Riverwood.
So that equals to 20 minutes, that small a window of time couldn't mean he got out on his own then, but who took Uram's corpse then?
What could they want the body for? Were they keeping their eyes on me? Will they want me next??
So many questions clouded my mind, until finally I snap out of it, and take a deep breath.
Alexander: A missing corpse isn't something to cry over, loot or not. Thank you for at least taking the time Hadvar.
Hadvar nods his head.
Alexander: Anyway, if that's all, let's get to training!
From then on, day after day we all begin to train, everyone spars with each other and helps us figure out what best suits our style. To no surprise Lokir is efficient in light armor and daggers, using speed to make up for his lack of power, Torolf is plenty strong so he uses a two handed axe, even Haming has proven to learn to fight really well by hiding and using sneak attacks thanks to Redcap, and showcases it by bringing back dead wolves!
And while they spar and practice with each other to better themselves, I have both Faendal and Hadvar, learning proper forms to swing my weapons efficiently, and how to shoot a bow and arrow without missing. It did take a lot of trial and error though, and I mean A LOT!!
Faendal: HOW THE HELL DID YOU MISS THE TARGET!!!
Alexander: ARCHERY IS HARDER THEN IT LOOKS! AND WHAT DO YOU MEAN MISS?! I STRUCK THE DAMN THING!!
Faendal: YEAH, THE ONE IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION!!!
Alexander: BACK HOME THATS CALLED A 180 NO SCOPE AND IT WAS VERY WELL CELEBRATED!!!
By two weeks I finally could give Ralof a run for his money without any trouble. Much sooner than the time I gave us to finish training. And thanks to all the training my skills grew and I leveled up to 10.
Hadvar: You're quite a quick learner Alexander. Ralof is an even better fighter than me, yet you had no problem holding your own.
Alexander: Yes, I can say with confidence that I can fight against the average bandit at least. With that, I think it's time for the next step.
Hadvar: Next step? What's that?
Alexander: Nothing to concern just yet. Everyone here will all stay in Riverwood and keep training. You'll be coming with me to Whiterun with Sven and Redcap.
Hadvar: Whiterun? To warn the Jarl?
Alexander: That...but we'll also be doing something else. Call it intuition, but I feel like we'll find ourselves a great boon on the way there. But then after that, we'll need something in Riften.
Hadvar looked confused.
Hadvar: Riften? That cesspool? What could possibly be down there?
Alexander: Let's just say that we need friends, and there's plenty over there.
That statement clearly didn't help with Hadvar's confusion, but he shrugs it off and looks off to Sven.
Hadvar: I understand why you'll take the Riekling but do you think Sven is ready?
Alexander: Take a look at him now.
Hadvar and I both glance to Sven, who in just a couple of weeks became more defined with muscle around his arms and legs. As they look, he is seen sparring against Vilfrid, and while Sven isn't doing much damage, he is successfully overwhelming the large Nord with his speed.
Alexander: If you expect me to believe that the same boy who got pinned down by someone half his size isn't ready after seeing him hold his own to someone twice his size, you may need some help with your eye sight.
Hadvar: Heh, point taken. Boy is quite fast.
Alexander: Redcap! Sven! Get yourselves ready, we're leaving for Whiterun in an hour!
The two nod as I leave for the Riverwood Trader. Before going inside I see Camilla exiting with a basket with bread and meat.
Alexander: Appreciate the lunch Camilla, though I would think Faendal to be jealous if you give that to me!
I say jokingly to which she rolls her eyes and smiles.
Camilla: It is for Faendal. Don't think about touching it!
She walks away and I go into the building. Lucan sees me and smiles slyly.
Lucan: Well if it isn't the same man who promised to get what was stolen from me, 2 WEEKS AGO!!
Alexander: Lucan, I know what I said, but you have to wait. I'm trying to form a good unit with my lads out there, you know that.
Lucan: Don't know why you bother. What do you even hope to gain?
Alexander: Something no one can comprehend. But that's for me to know and you to look the other way. That Golden claw will be back here, don't worry. For now, I'd like to purchase a couple of things.
Lucan scoffs as he looks through his inventory.
Lucan: Fine then, what can I get for ya?
Alexander: A fur backpack, and a coat.
Lucan: Trying to accessorize for the journey?
Alexander: A handsome mug can only go so far without the proper wear after all.
Lucan brings out the two items I request and I pull out the gold I need to buy them. Leaving the building promptly after saying goodbye.
Mod:
Cloaks and Capes made by: volvaga0
Campfire: Complete Camping System by: Chesko.
When I downloaded the campfire mod the last thing I expected were backpacks, and these packs are especially useful because they can be combined with Amulets of the 9 divine.
Walking to a Tanning rack I use the painful knowledge I received from Alvor to combine the properties of the Amulet of Talos. It might not be useful to me now, but this will decrease my shouting times the same amount the amulet would. If I get myself another amulet I can get 40% decrease cooldown to my shouts!
Alexander: AHAHAHAHAHA!!!
Behind me a boy is urged by his mother to move along. But I didn't care if I looked crazy! Because this crazy man has become stronger! And this cloak isn't something to scoff either, I can enchant this thing as well!! By the end of this whole thing I'll have 20!enchantments on me and be OP!!!
Alexander: I'LL BE A WALKING NUKE WHEN THIS IS FINISHED!!!! AHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
Sven: Uh...sir?
Hadvar, Sven, and Redcap were behind me, seeing me talking to myself and yelling like a maniac, showing a little concern. I pretend nothing happens and clear my throat. Then look at both of them sternly.
Alexander: You boys ready to leave?
Redcap jumps for joy.
Redcap: Ready!
Hadvar: Uh...as am I.
Sven still appearing concerned.
Sven: Sir why were you just screaming earlier.
Alexander: I wasn't screaming, I was ecstatic Sven. This journey will be an interesting one and the excitement couldn't be contained.
Sven: Oh, ecstatic? I see.
Hadvar taps Sven's shoulder and whispers.
Hadvar: Just go along with it boy, I've seen Alexander talk to himself a lot.
Sven: Ah...that's...concerning?
Alexander: I can hear you talking shit over there ya know.
Hadvar and Sven chuckle and walk merrily down the bridge, ignoring the glare I'm giving the both of them. Then I smile as I look in the direction of the forest, leading to Whiterun.