Into Skyrim

Chapter 12: Sight Seeing

Jay, Meeko, and I ride through the southern pines forests of Falkreath Hold towards Helgen.

"So," Zeppelin says, "How much gold do we have now that you've sold some things?"

I sigh. "Not enough. I'm worried I might have to resort to becoming a mercenary, or tomb raiding as the worse case scenario," I answer. "Obviously we'll have to finish off Alduin before even thinking about joining a faction, so mercenary work might be the only option."

"Everything will be alright," Zeppelin reassures me. "And I promise I'll worry about any sidejobs we'll take for money. Neither you or Elizabeth will have to work, not on my watch."

"You are way too nice, dude," I laugh, "But Elizabeth and I can put on our big girl pants and do our share; you don't have to all the work for us."

"But... What if I want to?" He asks.

"What do ya mean?"

"I mean, what if I don't want you to work? What if I think you shouldn't have to?" He asks nervously.

"Um, explain?" I ask, slowing Belle down to a steady pace as we start climbing a hill on the path.

"... I'll tell you more later," Zeppelin says before changing the subject. "Have you or Elizabeth gotten to do much exploring?" He asks. Alright, I'll roll with the subject change for now.

"Not really," I answer. "All we've really done is go back and forth between Falkreath, Whiterun, and the Rift. I haven't even gotten to clear out a bandit camp unless Bleak Falls Barrow counts, which I don't think it does."

"How about we do a little exploration on the way back to Riverwood, then," Zepp suggests. "Maybe check out a cave or a landmark?"

"That would be fun. I'd like that." I smile. "One of my favorite landmarks actually isn't too far from Ivarstead, either! We could visit it on the way back. Oh, that reminds me, did you ever find all the Stones of Barenziah on your Argonian savefile?"

We bantered on like this for quite some time before it started getting dark out. We were just now passing Haemar's Shame.
"We should stop for the night," Zeppelin says, "Belle has been carrying us for hours and Meeko looks pretty tired himself."

I look at our loyal canine companion and see him panting heavily.
"I agree. If we keep going for just a little longer I know a place we can stay at."
When we get to the alchemist's shack, we stop for the night. I take Belle around back into the fenced area while Zeppelin is inside trying to find something to use as a light sorce. I walk inside the structure just as Zep lights a candle with a flame spell.

"You're pretty good with that magic," I compliment.

"Thanks," He answers with a grin, "I've been practicing since I woke up here."

"Nice. So what does casting a spell feel like?" I ask him curiously. Zeppelin sits on the single bed and thinks.

"Hmm. It depends on the school," He answers. "When I cast a restoration spell for example, I feel focused and my hands tingle slightly. But when I cast a destruction spell, like flames, I feel myself getting pissed off and my hands sweat. I imagine a frost spell would be similar but I'd feel like I've got frostbite or something, but thats just a guess."

"I see. So you're emotions change instantly when you cast it," I recap. "Interesting... Have you cast any other spells besides restoration or destruction?"

"Nope. I haven't found any spell tomes or scrolls or anything," He shrugs. "I wanna learn some conjuration spells, though. It's be cool to be able to summon dremora from Oblivion!"