After taking another hour fixing the door I broke down, we all leave The Bannered Mare, Sofia shakes Hulda's hand with appreciation and follows us.
Sofia: I never thought I'd be so happy to leave an Inn ever in my life!! So what're we doing first fearless leader?
Alexander: First stop, Dragonsreach.
We trek through the city, and while heading to the fortress I take time to appreciate the vast and beautiful stretches of flowers and plants Whiterun had in the streets, as we continue walking, I began to see Jorrvaskr, still retaining much of its original appearance like in the game, however it appeared much larger then how the game modeled it, and much grander, with a more visibly appealing detail of the building making me think how incredible the architect was. But seeing Jorrvaskr up close is nothing compared to the brilliance I got to witness that is Dragonsreach.
Slowly we climb the stairs. With each step I was able to see more details on the castle then what I was used to, torches hung up everywhere as I turn. Stone pillars lined with wooden scaffolding, carved brilliantly with patterns of dragons, man, and mer as if they were combatting each other, and guards around every corner.
For the most part, looking and appreciating all the flowers within the city, I made it a point to admire them without acting too strange. But seeing the same castle I've ventured to so many times in person, that was the moment my group saw my inner geek for the first of many times. They all just stand there behind me staring as I inspect every scrap of stone, wood, and metal, and any corner and blade of grass outside the structure, until Hadvar clears his throat.
Hadvar: Heh, quite the sight isn't it, Alex?
Sofia: I mean, I guess it's a pretty castle, but in all my travels, I've seen bigger palaces erected in front of me.
Sofia says her perverted comment with a smirk on her face, but I could care less, I was lost in thought as I'm met with one of the most glorious sights I've wanted to see in this world. And this makes me even more excited to see what else is in store for me.
Of course, that'll only happen if I take that next step. I look back to Hadvar, Sven, Redcap, and Sofia.
Alexander: Regardless of the impressive "things" you've seen Sofia, it's about time we get started on what we're here for.
I step to Hadvar while gesturing to Sofia.
Alexander: You two will go into Dragonsreach and inform the Jarl of our message.
Sofia: Message? What message?
Alexander: Just go along with whatever Hadvar says. Then if there's anything else offer our services, accept any job he gives you, head back to Riverwood to introduce Sofia. Wait for when we get back as well, we should be done with what we'll do within a few days, by then we'll be back.
I look to Sofia who gives off another smirk.
Alexander: And you know damn well what services I mean Sofia, don't you dare say anything that could offend the Jarl, you hear me?
Sofia: Yeah, yeah, I know.
She says rolling her eyes.
Hadvar: By your command Alex!
Then I turn to Redcap and Sven.
Alexander: Both of you meet with me outside the gates, the Khajit caravans should've made their stop here by now, ask for a man named Ri'saad, let him know that you want to help in regard to the thieves. I'll meet back with the both of you in a bit.
Sven: Yes sir!
Redcap: Buwawathoo!!
I then dismiss the 2 pairs as they go in opposite directions, and while they do their tasks, I decide to take a little detour into the prison. While walking I pull out a slip of paper from my inventory.
Alexander: Have to admit, it was lucky I saw this after talking with Sofia earlier.
Unfolding the paper revealing a note written by M'Sharra.
Alexander: Now that I know creation club mods are on here, things will be much smoother in this world. Time for a change in wardrobe.
After some time looking through the prison, I finally find the next note, leaving a status window in front of my eyes, I trek down the steps carefully as I inspect the quest and when I finally finish reading, I found myself in front of the gate already. Before I exit though, I am met with the pleasant and familiar sight of an Orc with a black robe. Ekuzok, the orc merchant. If memory serves me right, he came part of the Immersive wenches mod, for whatever reason. But regardless he was an incredible asset for me to find, since he sold the best goodies, even buys stolen items.
Alexander: Greetings brother! If I could just beg for your time!
The mysterious Orc stops and sighs heavily.
Orc: Yes, what is it half breed?
Alexander: Well, I couldn't help but notice the wares you possessed! I'd like to take a moment and discuss trading.
Ekuzok scoffs at me, which I did expect. despite not being a fleshed-out character, he did always come across as the no nonsense guy for me, thankfully I came prepared.
I pull out all the items I had on me, iron weapons, to leather armor, even jewelry, practically showing off to the orc in front of me.
Alexander: Surely someone like yourself would like to add to his inventory for just a couple of spell tomes and gold at least.
The orc glances towards the large pile and smirks.
Orc: First off, I'm not your brother, my name is Ekuzok. Second, which tombs?
I smile back at Ekuzok, and not a few seconds later walk away past the gate, leaving the hold.
As I leave, I spot Sven and Redcap talking with the Khajit, Sven notices me walking down and waves them goodbye before running up to me with Redcap following behind.
Sven: Hello again sir! Did you finish your errand?
Alexander: Yep, got the note I asked for?
Sven: Right here sir! You were right, the caravans have been dealing with bandits. Apparently, they have unique armor pieces.
Alexander: You say unique, I say expensive. We'll get to them when the time comes though, let's go.
The two nod their heads and follow, then Sven notices a faint glow in my hand.
Sven: Sir, are you using magic?
Alexander: Trying, I'm not very adept with magic so I thought I'd start with muffle to practice. It's nothing special, but I can grow more as a sorcerer with it. But I haven't the foggiest idea how to activate the damn thing.
Sven: Do you need some help?
Alexander: Thanks Sven but I would need someone with experience in magic, you regrettably don't.
Sven: No, I do.
I jerk my head towards Sven.
Alexander: Come again?
Sven: Well, I don't know any spells, but I think I can teach you how to use magic. When you read the tombs, did the image of the spell being used play inside your head?
Alexander: As a matter of fact, it did?
Sven: Try to reminisce that image again.
I smirk at the young Nord and decide to play along with the idea that he told me.
I held up my hand and begin imagining the spell muffle being used, how the spell's aura envelops my hand and travels swiftly to my feet, and all of a sudden, I hear the sound of magic being expelled, turning my attention to my feet, and much to my surprise it actually worked!
Though faint, I could clearly see the remnants of magicka emanating around my soles and walked around to experiment if it worked. Not a single sound escaped from my footsteps.
Alexander: Well son of a bitch. How did you-
When I turn back to Sven, he appeared mildly surprised.
Sven: I'll admit, I was only paraphrasing what I was told once when I was younger. My mother was friends with this mage from the College, he used to visit us a number of times when I was younger, and while my mother worked, he would spend time with me. While I was never interested in magic, he always talked about nothing but that with me. I guess I was able to pick up more than I initially thought.
Alexander:(Sounds like a dad obsessed with football, trying to bond with his bookworm son) Think this works with other spells then?
Sven: It should, the fundamentals of magic are generally the same once you dumb it down to the basics.
Alexander: I see, thank you Sven. You've helped me more then you realize.
Sven tries to hide his prideful smile as we walk through the planes. As we walk, I continue activating Muffle over and over again, and sure enough the spell leveled me up quickly just like in the game, to the point I was now level 16 once we reached our destination.
Alexander: We're finally here.
Sven and Redcap take notice and see a large field with an abandoned farm, the two looked confused before Sven spoke up.
Sven: Uh…here sir? Were we not going to Rorikstead?
Alexander: Of course, it's not far from that abandoned building. However, I heard that no one lives here so I was hoping to get the chance to look around and see if I could inherit the property.
Sven: Ah I see! But what is this place exactly?
Alexander: Golden Hills Plantation. It's a farm. The land is big enough to yield lots of crops. If we can get a hold of it, then our goals will be met at a much easier rate.
Sven and Redcap both look very impressed.
Sven: That sounds like a great idea sir!
Redcap: Farm. Grow. Redgrass??
Alexander: Uh…I don't know, we'll see. You two go on to Rorikstead, see if anyone knows who to speak to about inheriting the farm. I'll meet you there, I just want to take a look at the property.
Sven: Yes sir!
Redcap: Farm! Me. Want. Farm! Grow. Redgrass!
Sven: Redcap mind if I ask what the heck Redgrass is exactly?
The two walk down the path towards the town. Meanwhile I head straight to one of the nearby hills. I crouch down and sneak up to a dead tree with a closed up well, and just as I expected, a small skeleton holding a wooden sword was next to it.
Alexander: Don't worry child, I'll help you move on.
After grabbing the sword, I begin to hear growling from behind. I turn and see 3 wolves; with a large smile I grab hold of my two-handed axe and quickly kill the wolves before they could even bare their fangs.
I take their pelts then move forward to the farm, as I walk towards the building, I pull out my bow and draw the string back with an arrow, slowly I approach the building while crouched down to the ground and was met with the sight of a glowing white ghost of Urval, trudging across the floorboard of the farm.
I strike the ghost with an arrow, and before he could react, I draw another arrow back and strike him again. He runs towards me with a fearsome and screeching face.
Urval: DIE!!!
He was too late; however, it only took one more arrow for his ghost to disappear without a trace. Now it was time for me to enter the house, I take a quick left towards the child Rin's room. As I approach the Imperial banner hanged in the middle, I take the wooden sword from my inventory, then placed it on top of the table. With a smile I turn around to see Urval, Rin, and the mother Jonquil before me.
Urval: Where...are we?
Alexander: Where you are no longer matters. What matters now is that you're free.
Rin: Thanks mister, here! We won't be needing this! You deserve it!
The ghostly child hands me the key and deed to the house with a large smile on his face. A part of me was happy to finally receive such a prize, but then I take notice to Rin, who's finally reunited with his parents, happier than any child I've ever seen. Then a feeling of sadness drapes my hide before the ghosts finally disappear.
Seeing this family, despite all the pain they went through they were still able to stay happy together. It made me wonder, what my parents were going through, if they were resting up in heaven like I've been told all my life, or not. Regardless of their fate in the afterlife, one thing was certain, a pit formed in my stomach, and a feeling of depression draped itself over me. I was missing my parents.