I can see Aravi’s point of view very well. I can’t imagine J’Shanji taking a side in the war. He appreciated Hadvar’s dismay over his imminent unjust beheading, but not enough to join the Legion over it.

Ralof’s character develops a little, but I’m leaving all of that out of Jensa’s musings along with any place or character name details. But her updates are definitely driven by specific game events, even when they're out of sequence to avoid spoilers.

I lived through a battle. That’s all I can say about it. I know we fight for our people, but that day we left a lot of their blood on the ground. Hells, half of our side is ex-Legion. We all sent brothers and sisters to Sovngarde, and I know that each one of them fell believing their cause is just. I can’t hate someone who shows valor but just happens to be on the wrong side.

I found an old friend in the smoke and fought beside him for most of the battle. Afterward he said he thought I killed more than him, and he was counting. I remember that night after we escaped, how we lay in the dark and he shook just like I did. I wonder if he’s really turned that hard inside. I wonder if it will happen to me.

The old bear finally figured out how to use my skills. I’m a scout now, liberating one of the Holds. Of course I’m good at it. The only problem is this damned uniform. I need to get a spell so that the mail won’t jingle. And I can’t hear as well with the helmet on. Still, it keeps a Stormcloak axe from accidentally finding my skull. It can get confusing with blood in your eyes and all of the yelling.

I was hunkered down last night waiting for full dark to make my move, and a bunch of soldiers passed me by. They were griping about how they’re tired, cold, and sick of eating rabbits. I had to stick my head up a little to see whose side they were on. Stormcloak or Imperial, we have the same complaints. We bleed the same, too. For that matter, so do the elves.

It’s been a while since I’ve written about Fire Walker so here’s what he’s been doing.

WARNING: minor spoilers about the Forsworn Conspiracy quest

~~~

I’m a fugitive now. I’m taking a short rest at a shrine to Dibella, and then it’s a long walk out of this hold. I better stay off the roads. This week had started out so promising too.

I’d made a name for myself in Whiterun, people respected me if you can imagine that. When I got there, I barely got in the front gate. The only work I could find was independent bounty hunting. It turned out I was pretty good at it and after I had cleaned the countryside, the Jarl declared me a Thane. A group of Nords calling themselves the Companions didn’t like that one bit and started giving me trouble. After the Bannered Mare got trashed and a night in the jail, I decided it was time to start looking for work elsewhere.

Markarth looked nice and far from the Companions and I had heard they had lots of problems with a group called the Foresworn. Sounded like a perfect place to start hunting again.

There was trouble as soon as I arrived. A murder in the street. It turned out it was a fairly regular occurrence there. To make a long story short, I did all the legwork for someone that was interested in putting an end to the murders, then walked in on some city guards standing over his hacked up body. Guess who was going to be arrested for murder? I did what anyone would; I fought. I threw fire at them and ran. I got out the main gate before it was locked, but the whole garrison was after me. I stole a horse and rode it hard until I lost my pursuers. Now here I am. The damned horse bolted as soon as I got off of it. I need to leave soon since I can’t move quickly anymore. I’m lucky darkness is falling soon.

Wish me luck.

GAAAAH !!! Maxical wants comfort too !!! That's it, next time I play she is going to have to console Farkas into marriage, lol.

Another powerful imagery you have evoked here. That's as real as it gets, Awesome Write !!






KC, this is Awesome !! I didn't even see this till just now !! Awesome Write !!

Yeah, I agree.

@Grits: I love how you are portraying Jensa's time with the Stormcloaks. She identifies with her enemies, and while she seems to believe the Cloaks are in the right, she doesn't hold much enthusiasm for the war she's in.



EDIT: clarification

For some reason this reminds me of Bryunwulf, he says something along the lines of that there is no Glory in war, it is just something they say to get recruits. And of course the thing that he tells you first, "The "Great War"- there was nothing great about it. Thousands died on both sides and where did we end up? Did we really save the Empire or did we just plant the seeds for Ulfric's uprising and another war?"

Maybe Jensa is figuring this out .

Also awesome write!



Ouch, the first thing is a murder, not much for a welcome? Lol, we managed to stop the murder just in time though

And ouch, bad luck is bad eh? Now I want to know what happens next!

Yikes, Fire Walker is in a predicament! It’s wise to mistrust the Markarth justice system. I can just imagine his headlong flight to the shrine of Dibella.

In support of Maxical’s hopefully imminent nuptials, here’s a taste of Rowan’s married life.

Rowan and Vorstag celebrated her return with a few days at home in Solitude. With Jordis the Sword-Maiden patrolling the lower levels, they find the second floor to be the most Comfortable. Drowsiness sometimes makes Rowan bring up subjects that she regrets.

“Do you wish we had children?” Rowan asked, idly tracing Vorstag’s scars.

Vorstag snorted himself fully awake. “Are you mad, woman? I like things just the way they are. You and me, until the Divines take us.”

Rowan cuddled closer, basking in her love’s glow.

“Besides, we have Jordis,” Vorstag continued. “You’re old enough to be her – Gaah! Leggo! By Ysmir, you have cold hands, Imperial!”

“You were saying?”

“She’s young enough! I was saying she’s young enough to be ours. What is she, nineteen, twenty? Er, I mean, six or seven?”

“That’s better,” said Rowan. “You’re right, she’s bound to us now. I hadn’t thought of that. Maybe when we’re elders, she’ll give us little Housecarls to bounce on our knees.” She hooked a blanket with her foot and pulled it up to tuck around them. “Go back to sleep, my love.”

The front door slammed. Jordis the Sword-Maiden’s voice floated up from downstairs, challenging the intruder. “Are you lost?” Falk Firebeard's messenger replied in a frantic tone.

Rowan and Vorstag sighed.

“Back to Thane-ing, I suppose,” said Vorstag.

Rowan began to pick up her clothing. “What do you think it is this time, bandits, giant, or dragon?”

“Could be a lost artifact.” Vorstag propped up his head, the better to watch his wife’s back. “Fifty drakes says it’s bandits.”

This entry feels very much like a peek into their lives.

Maxical

WOO HOO! Sounds like fun!

Stormcloak Jensa is still busy liberating her homeland. Here's a page from between the missions:

I had a surprise when I got back to Windhelm. I stopped at Candlehearth Hall to warm up and get clean before I reported in at the palace, and there sat Stenvar the mercenary. I could see he knew me right away. He still has that slow smile just like honey.

I walked over with plans to run my mouth, but then I didn’t know what to say to him.

“Heard about this war hero,” he said. “Thought it might be the same sweet Jensa from Early Winter Pass. Had to see for myself.”

My mind got tied up remembering how it felt to be sixteen, snowed in for the season with this man and those that hired him. It wasn’t all that long ago, but there have been a lot of stones down the mountain since then. I sat down beside him.

“I can see that I was wrong,” Stenvar said. “You’ve grown up.” Then he brushed my hand with the tip of his finger and the shiver went right through me. I remember how he’d look in my eyes when he held me, and how he’d whisper my name. All the world seemed like fresh snow at sunrise. I’d give just about anything to be that girl again.

“You’re just as bald and ugly as ever,” I told him.

We didn’t talk for long. It would be too easy to throw my cloak on the fire and run off with Stenvar. But the only way to end this war is to fight it. Maybe when it’s over there will be something left of me.

I'd have to quote the whole segment, Jensa is a fascinating character! Another riveting episode !!

Agreed!


Is the Khajiit around still?

EDIT: Stenvar was the guy that was staring down Aravi. She wanted to claw his face!

I thought it was Stenvar who was staring at Aravi! He looks quite fierce, but he’s kind of funny once you get to know him. Plus he has a great voice! J’Shanji and J’Zargo blazed through the College of Winterhold quests. I’m having a hard time working out how a Khajiit warrior would become Arch Mage. He just wouldn’t. I’ll probably ignore that he ever did the College quests and just let the fellows go on adventures. But first I’d like to go through the major questlines, before I find out too much about them.

Here’s the latest news from Jensa:

The last time I was at the Palace of Kings, Jarl Ulfric gave me more gifts and called me kin. We were all alone, so I guess he meant it. For me, I don’t know. I don’t want trophies, and I don’t need praise. If grief and anger make us kin, then so be it.

The war is over, but I see now it was not the real war. The real one is coming, and I don’t think we can stand alone. We’ve already bathed in our own blood. The next time we might drown in it.

I stood by Jarl Ulfric right through the end. Now I’ve heard his Thu’um, and he’s heard mine. I guess we both know I could just go where it pleases me, but I swore an oath. I asked him what else I could do for the cause.

“What more could I ask of you?” he said. “You’re free to roam. I suspect the gods have needs for you elsewhere.”

I went straight home to Jorrvaskr.

Farkas was standing right inside the front door. “You’re back,” he said. I guess he’s still not the smart one. I wanted to hug him around the neck, but I wasn’t sure how mad they would be or if they would even let me in.

So I said, “Yeah.”

“Vilkas wants a word.”

I went to see Vilkas. He was mad all right. The man had a look that would curdle milk. Just like usual. He asked me why I didn’t fulfill my contract.

“Huh?” I sounded just like Farkas.

Turns out they put me on that carriage to do a job in Windhelm. Skjor needed to cool down after the fight, and they figured I would sober up on the ride. After a few weeks with no word they gave my contract to Ria.

“All right,” I said. “Then I guess I’m looking for work.”

And just like that I was home. Neither one of us mentioned the war.

The next time I’m near Ivarstead, I’m going to do some thinking. I wonder if Aela would climb the Seven Thousand Steps with me. I should go see what the Greybeards want.

Poignient, and then...ROFL !!! Jensa's dramatic exodus was actually a job assignment, ROFL !!!

J’Shanji was so inspired by Aravi’s use of blade and magic, he decided he would like to try some battlemagery. He’s using his shield and destruction spells until he runs out of magicka, then he switches to shield and mace. He's still in mourning over the ebony axe that he lost when a draugr disarmed him over water. I think that the shield is now my favorite weapon.

Here’s a little glimpse of a recent walk through volcanic tundra.



J’Shanji half knelt in the jazbay tangle, choking on his howls of pain.

J’Zargo crouched in front of him. “Khajiit wears boots made from hide of bear. Bear trap catches Khajiit,” he said.

J’Shanji’s claws scrabbled against his friend’s steel-plated shoulder as J’Zargo worked on the catch.

“Trap has bitten into bone,” said J’Zargo in his usual mild tone.

J’Shanji’s reply emerged as a spitty hiss. Moments later he flopped back onto the warm dirt. Their healing spells lit up the night. J’Shanji took a pinch of moon sugar and passed the pouch to his friend. Peace flooded through him. He gazed up through the steam drifting over from the hot springs.

“Ja-Kha'jay,” J’Zargo said from the ground beside him. Masser was dark this night, Secunda a waning crescent. The moons under which all Suthay-raht had been born. The two lay on foreign land under their sky until curtains of colored light began to play across it.

“The warm sands of Elsweyr are far from here,” J’Zargo murmured.

They are as close as the voice of a friend, thought J’Shanji.

Holy Cow! Ouch !!

Yay! The Khajiit! Painful update though, poor J’Shanji. Wonderful ending however.

J’Shanji and J’Zargo returned to Whiterun to refresh themselves and unload some Nordic grave goods. After they settled at the inn, J’Zargo abruptly announced his intention to court the widow Carlotta Valentia. Before he could ask what his friend meant by “courting,” J’Shanji found himself in temporary charge of Carlotta’s young daughter, Mila.

The two stood outside Carlotta’s house in the midday sun. J’Shanji heard the door lock behind him.

“Do you want to play tag?” asked Mila.

J’Shanji tried to still his twitching ear. “Khajiit does not know this.”

The Imperial child stared at him. “It’s simple. I run and you try to catch me. You tag my back, and then I’m it. Then I chase you.”

“J’Shanji’s claws would flay young Mila to the bone,” said J’Shanji, flicking them out to demonstrate.

Mila’s eyes widened. “It’s not a killing game! For a cat, you’re not very playful.”

“Young one does not speak convincingly, for an Imperial.”

Mila burst into laughter. “Is that all you got? You’re going to have to try harder if you want to hurt my feelings.”

J’Shanji sighed. This was going worse than he could have imagined. “J’Shanji does not wish to hurt young Mila’s person or her feelings. Perhaps the child will suggest another game.”

Mila looked behind herself, then back at J’Shanji. “Oh, you mean me. Well I don’t know many games either. Mostly I help my mother sell her fruits and vegetables. You’d be surprised how much work it is selling things at a stall. It’s not all standing around and chatting. Did you know there are some fruits that actually grow better in the cold weather?” Mila crossed her arms over her chest, watching him.

J’Shanji crossed his arms, too. “J’Shanji did not know this.”

Mila looked him over critically. J’Shanji decided that the fruit conversation must be over.

“Will you show me your axe?” asked Mila.

J’Shanji handed it over. “If young Mila removes the edge guard, she should have care. It is easier to remove fingers than it is to replace them.”

“I could chop some wood with this, I’d wager,” said Mila, staggering with the axe’s weight.

I should like to chop a Khajiit with it, thought J’Shanji. “Perhaps not with this one.” J’Shanji watched the child for a moment. “Does young Mila need a woodcutter’s axe, or is it wood that she is requiring?”

“You talk funny,” said Mila, handing the axe back. “Hulda buys firewood from anyone who will cut it. There’s a whole pile right beside the inn.” Mila crossed her arms again.

“Mila will sell the wood to Hulda,” said J’Shanji. “Khajiit will chop it.”

Mila gave a decisive nod. “We’ll share the profits.”

J’Zargo and Carlotta found them later, basking in the sun outside the Bannered Mare. J’Shanji was drowsy with wine, Mila sticky with sweetroll. The two Khajiit watched the Imperials walk back to their fruit stand.

“Carlotta asks about J’Shanji,” J’Zargo told him. “As does the delicate Ysolda.”

J’Shanji led the way back into the inn and up the stairs. “They are not Khajiit.” He lifted his chin at Saadia so that she would bring up the wine. “Yet this one will gladly return to Whiterun. J’Zargo will entertain his women. J’Shanji will work for Ma’Mila.”

I love how J’Shanji is uncomfortably stuck watching the child while the other two… court, and by the end he has a new friend.

~~~~


Aravi and Kharjo stood on the bank of the stream and watched their quarry get away.

“Khajiit cannot catch them all. The Nords must eat as well” Kharjo said.

Aravi sighed and put her Dwemer bow on her back, signaling an end to the hunt. “We should be getting back to Whiterun anyways. The day is half over and we’ve traveled far.”

The distant roar of a dragon reached their sensitive Khajiit ears. The sound made Aravi’s fur stood on end and sent a thrill through her body. The Imperial soldier she escaped Helgen with had laughed when he saw her fur standing. She asked him if he had goose bumps. He merely grinned at her after that.

They’ve been hearing that dragon all day as they hunted. They saw it in the distance circling a ruin a ways off. Aravi steered them well clear of its area.

“Would Khajiit like to try hunting big game today?”

Aravi rubbed her fur to flatten it again and smiled at Kharjo’s comment. Her amusement was replaced with horror when she realized he wasn’t joking. “It was a disaster the last time. You were almost killed!”

“That is true, but we now know how to fight it. This time Khajiit won’t be surprised. And Aravi has power to kill them.”

Despite her fear of the dragons, Aravi also felt drawn to them. She was worried about what Kharjo thought about her after she brought him to High Hrothgar, and then when she killed the dragon that ambushed them. She never asked him and he never brought it up. She was expecting him to return to his caravan any day after those two incidents. With his simple statement however, she knew he had thought about it, and chose to stay with her. His willingness to stand by her side and his confidence brought her relief and courage.

She wouldn’t have to face them alone.

She put a hand on his steel plated shoulder and smiled. Then she turned in the direction she had seen the dragon earlier and carefully started forward, with Kharjo just a few steps behind her.

*

@ Grits -




What a line! And what exactly was Carlotta saying when she asked J'Zargo about J'Shanji when he was the one wooing her - and right after "holing up" privately with J'Zargo for hours in a locked house? Sounds like J'Zargo doesn't have much game going on, lol.

Then we get to see that J'Shanji obviously does, all he has to do is lift his chin to get the women running to wait on him!

Loved that little interchange.

***

@ King Coin - Loved this segment - first Aravi's buffing out and her memory of the Imperial (can't remember his name right now) laughing at her for the same thing earlier. Kharjo won't need explanations, lol.

Loved that she rubbed her fur to flatten it again too - nice touch !!

Also loved Aravi smiling - there are too few smiles going on in Skyrim, can't wait till modders change that. Awesome Write !!

*

KC, what a great interaction between Aravi and Kharjo! I love his attitude, and the trust they've built between them. How awesome that she has someone to hunt "big game" with her!


Here's an update from Allek the thief:


Allek stood over the sleeping smith for the third time this month. The man’s breaths came deep and even. He seemed at peace, but Allek knew better. The noise in his mind began after the work he did here.

It was just a job, he wanted to tell Balimund. I wouldn’t have hurt you, or your boy. Why can’t you understand that? Come to see Balimund perform miracles with steel, eh? The smith pretended he didn’t even know. How was he doing it?

Allek’s blade found his hand. Balimund only looked peaceful. The clamor must come from somewhere, Allek could feel it. He would gently give Balimund his peace. Then Allek’s mind would quiet again.

Something made him pause. The apprentice.

Allek drifted into Asbjorn’s chamber like a ghost. The young Nord’s face looked just as restful as his mentor’s. He’s not yet my age, thought Allek. Losing Balimund will weigh on his heart. I will give peace to Asbjorn first.

Calm seeped through Allek as he watched Asbjorn sleeping. The clamor did not come from Asbjorn, but he would have to die. Unless there was another way. Allek reached into his pocket to touch the flawless diamond there.

A moment’s silent work had Balimund’s safe open. The diamond was worth far more than what Allek had taken those weeks ago. There, he thought. A generous trade.

Allek’s nerves twitched. The noise in his head was like stones inside a hollow gourd. This trade would leave them more unsettled. There was no easy way to fix this. He knew what to do. Asbjorn first.

Asbjorn slept with his hand folded under his chin like a child. What would his life have been, if Balimund had not taken him in? Allek had some idea. He put away his knife.

Once more into Balimund’s chamber. We’ll do it your way, old man, thought Allek. I’ll supply for your damned forge. Then you leave me alone.

Allek closed the safe and slid back into the night. The noise was absent now, but neither gone nor left behind.

It comes from me, Allek realized. Perhaps I’m in the wrong business.

Holy crap, you told me not much interesting happened with Allek. You didn't say he was absolutely CRAZY. I seriously didn't know how this was going to end. Was he going to leave them? A single murder? A double murder? AHH!!

Whew !!! An almost walk through an almost deranged mind, lol. Going to commit two murders to cover the theft of a diamond - and not even a flawless one !! So glad Allek got a handle on the real problem before taking himself further down that trail !! Awesome write, I found myself holding my breath !!

I wasn’t sure what he was going to do, either. By the third time he went back into Balimund’s house, I was almost prepared to delete him!

Jensa has been having a tough time lately. Of course all of this is outside her game, but it reflects the spoiler-fest that she has been going through. Here’s her report:

I woke up naked and miles from home again, but this time I was alone. I don’t remember what happened. I felt sick enough to know that I had fed.

The sun was up. I found a little pool to wash in, and what I saw in the reflection made me spill my guts. Then I had to look and see what I had eaten. I think it was a fox. Gods help me, I was afraid I would find little fingers. No, I can’t even ask the gods for help any more. I belong to the Huntsman.

When I got home they took me to the Underforge. Said they never had so much trouble with one of their own, and they thought they might have to end me. I’ve taken the blood of my enemies, and it made the beast strong. That’s how I got through the war. Now I don’t know how to live with the burning.

I’m going down to Falkreath Hold. There’s no contract, but there’s trouble there. They want me to handle it on my own. I could see in their eyes that I would come home in control of myself, or not come home at all. I guess this is my last chance.

I hope I don’t run across any Vigilant of Stendarr. They might see what I am and do what they do. And I can’t say they would be wrong.

Jensa's having a tough time, but it just so happens that I think she's heading in the right direction to get herself under control.

What a hugely powerful write for just a spoiler-free taste of what Jensa has been going through. Great segment !!

Agreed that is awesome ;o.
On my end many things have happened...i should start writing! >:

He was called many things. Epithets and sobriquets given unto him by those he brought the peace of death to. Cannibal. Murderer. Madman. The Killer-King of Bravil. The Monster who Dreams. The Knight of Violence.

And his personal favorite.

The Blessed Devourer.

Oh, how he thrashed when they finally brought a whole Legion to subdue him. The red-rage consumed him completely there and there when he was surrounded; his memory was filled with the angelic laughter of a dead man, the booming roar of thunder and the screams.. Dear gods, what he would kill just to hear those screams again. In the end, though, as he inspected the mountain of corpses for those who will bless him with a holy feast, a lucky shot in the back of the head disarmed him of consciousness. It was a good thrashing though. He enjoyed it. Regret that he can only expreience that kind of battle once, but he enjoyed it.

He was called many things.

But none of them ever used the one given to him by his life-givers.

And for better or worse, Celdryn Mon'Cheri is due to arrive in Skyrim. Gods help those who stand in this monster's way; a fate worse than the one worse than death awaits them with a smile. Even now, as his carriage transports him from Cyrodiil to the North, he sings and joys and rattles his chains. For he has heard the whispers of fate and it told him that his time has come.

He would feast in the coming days, oh yes.
---------------------------------------

Yep yeppity yep yep. A copy of Skyrim shall be mine by the end of the month.!I'm giddy with excitement, really. So iddy that I decided to herald this crazy dude's coming like right now, because he will be my first character! Hip-Hip-Hooray!

WOO HOO Uleni !!!!! Congrats, and I can't wait to hear all about your new character !! Sounds Awesome !!

I’ve wondered what your crew was up to!


Doors begin to lock all over Skyrim. Sounds like he will be fun, Uleni! I’m looking forward to reading about him.


KC, you called it with Jensa. Here’s a page from her journal:

They were right. I found what I need in Falkreath.

I met my Master, and I defied him. But even my insolence gave him good sport. His favor puts the beast under my power, but if he takes it away I’ll be lost. I never thought I’d kneel, much less live with a collar around my neck. Now I’m grateful for it.

When I got home the old man wanted to see me. He talked about hope and sorrow and burning hearts. I was tired enough to drop and didn’t get half of what he was saying, but he seems to think a lot of me. Most of it good, which is surprising. It’s Ria whose nose is up everyone’s backside.

I fell into bed on the men’s side of the quarters. Torvar snores, but Njada Stonearm gives off a cloud of hate that I don’t want to be near. She thinks I’m soft because I heal away my scars. Well I don’t need to see them to know they were there. Plus, Ria wants to scratch out my eyes because she’s afraid I’m sleeping with Aela. I can’t imagine when she thinks I have time for that. Anyway, Aela is our Shield-Sister. I don’t know what’s wrong with that girl. Maybe things are different with the Imperials.

Farkas has a job for us. I’ve got my gear packed already. I don’t know where we’re going, but I guess I’ll find out when we get there. I know they’re glad to see me back and not clawing at the walls any more. This morning Vilkas almost smiled.

I've been having a lot of fun in Skyrim with a wood elf by the name of Malachi.

He's in the thieves guild, and recently joined the college of Winterhold, but has no plans to advance through the college. He just wanted access to the college's library.

He's been travelling around Skyrim with two separate partners. Giving them a test-drive if you like, before he decides to commit to either one of them. Trouble is, he can't decide between the two, Erik or Marcurio?

Marcurio is fantastic with spells, and made an excellent bodyguard on their travels. But he's arrogant and didn't seem to care much about their friendship. He also lives at the Bee and Barb, where Malachi is in trouble for beating up the barmaid. (Which he regrets.)

Erik is a fair warrior, and evenly matched to Malachi's skill. He's also a very good friend, and genuinely seemed to care about where the pair were going and what they were doing on their adventures. There were some very touching moments between the two, such as Malachi staying up all night to craft a set of leather armour for Erik. However, Erik hates thieves, so if Malachi wanted to marry him he'd have to give up his connection to the thieves.

It's a real dilemma.

That is a dilemma! They are so different. Malachi should put on his Amulet and flirt a little with Erik before he falls too hard though, that redhead can be a heartbreaker. And he’s so sweet!

I love Marcurio’s snarkiness. Perhaps he’s hiding his feelings under a veneer of irritability. Well, more of a thick crust of irritability.

Third option: Malachi could marry sweet Erik and become an honest man for him. Then hire Marcurio when he’s up to no good.

@ Grits - Oh poor Jensa! Maxical liked the old man, she sat and talked with him a while. I think it's odd how attached he gets to the player so quickly, seeing as the others have been there so long - but then again, the personalities of the other women ... 'nuff said.

@ Lady-Mara-II - Somewhere on this site (can't remember where anymore) there is a whole page up on sweet Erik.

Grits has met them both in game, I've only met Marcurio, and haven't even had him as a follower yet, so far he's been sitting in the Bee and Barb since I paid him for his services...wait...maybe he thought I was paying him for ... Haelga's Bunkhouse type services ... URK !! He did notice the amulet right away though (after being paid, lol).

mALX, you eventually get some insight from the old man late in the questline, but Jensa still has that me, really? feeling whenever he singles her out. He’s one of my most memorable NPC relationships, and there are very few interactions. Farkas has been inexplicably cross with Jensa, and it was raining. The rest of what follows is invention.

Farkas and I left Jorrvaskr in a thunderstorm, and it rained the whole time we followed the river. Then we started climbing and the sun came out. So did the wind. At least it dried us off in a hurry.

We had a job outside Windhelm. Farkas made us walk instead of taking the carriage, camping in the day and moving at night. At first I thought he was avoiding the dragons, but then I realized he was watching me for trouble, just to be sure. I guess I deserve that. Anyway, I didn’t give him any.

We did the job, and it was not fun. Farkas growled at me all the way into Windhelm. By then it was snowing, and dark again. We ate cold rations while we walked with no mead to wash it down. I asked if he was sure he wasn’t a Stormcloak.

At Candlehearth Hall we got a chamber to ourselves with a good-sized bed for once. Farkas crashed onto it like a fallen giant. He was snoring before I got my boots off. I cleaned up, put on my dress, and went to look for Stenvar the mercenary.

He wasn’t there, but it’s not hard to find a man who wants some fast company at that time of night. Then we got to the room and I didn’t really want to touch him. I just closed my eyes and pretended he was someone else. He didn’t seem to mind. I guess he was doing the same. Afterward he left while I was still at the washstand. I couldn’t believe it, he dropped a sack of coins on the bed. I had to laugh. All I did was show up, and he paid me. I’m not sure which of us is sadder.

I left the coins for Susanna the Wicked to find. It’s only a short step from what I am to what he thought, but I don’t want to take it.

Back in our chamber I had to use both feet to shove Farkas over, but then I fit right against him. He was so warm and smelly and familiar. I don’t know what else I was looking for.

I really enjoyed the interaction with the old man when I played the companions. I'm thinking of directing Aravi there again.

Jensa still sounds like she hasn't figured anything out.

I thought for sure Jensa was going to give Farkas a reason to stop snarling at her, lol. At least she wouldn't have to shut her eyes then, his fur ...er...hair would have covered them, lol. Jensa is my favorite Skyrim character of yours, she hasn't quite got her finger on even her own pulse yet, but just keeps on ticking. Love her !!

Yep, Jensa is still really struggling. The beast thing has her conflicted. She hates herself for loving it so much, and her old ways of making herself feel good aren’t so satisfying any more. I did not expect sweet Jensa to take such a turn!

I let the Khajiiti out to play, hoping for a quiet walk to Windhelm. But, no.


J’Shanji leaped into the dragon carcass even as its flesh disintegrated. He scrabbled frantically through the bones to get at what lay underneath. Power circled and ash rose. The howls stayed locked in his throat.

Finally, the snow. And more bones, too small to be the dragon’s and blackened by its fire.

Charred fur clung to them. J’Shanji slumped to the ground, broken.

“The bones of a goat,” J’Zargo remarked from behind him. “I was hoping for… treasure.”

J’Shanji turned in disbelief. He lived.

“This one went into the river,” said J’Zargo in an apologetic tone. He made a shaky gesture to illustrate.

J’Shanji staggered to his feet, bent over with his burns. Smoke rose from his body, while J’Zargo’s fur appeared to be crusted with frozen river water.

“Ice mage and fire mage,” said J’Zargo, reaching out with his healing spell. His jaw dropped in a silent laugh. After a moment, so did J’Shanji’s.

Oh, that was so sweet that J’Shanji was so torn up worried for J’Zargo! And J’Zargo's reaction was funny, lol. I like those two together, but Jensa has my heart, lol.

Well, my favorite are the Khajiit brothers. You had me worried there for J'Zargo. I like the ice mage and fire mage joke. It took me a second like J'Shanji to get it. Mostly because I read quickly.

Searching under the dragon for J’Zargo’s body was the worst thing that’s happened to me in the game. I was sure he was dead, but there were only scorch marks and a dead goat. J’Shanji had a tiny blip of red left and wouldn’t quit looking to heal himself. It was even worse than when Vorstag fell into the draugr pit and Rowan jumped in after him. Maybe that’s why Allek doesn’t like to travel with a companion.

Jensa experienced some morning after consequences from her Candlehearth Hall hookup. Here’s what she says about it:

I‘m not sure whether to laugh or cry, Farkas is in jail because we beat up a pimp. I shouldn’t even bother to write this, but it was all my fault. Farkas is not one for trouble with the law. Or for letting some fetcher talk that way to a Shield-Sister.

At first I didn’t know why the guards weren’t hauling me off with him, but then one of them called me by name. They’re all Stormcloaks. I scooped up our gear and headed straight to the jail to talk Farkas free. When I got there the pimp was running his mouth about last night at the inn, saying I owe him a piece of my action. I tried to explain, but everyone got it all wrong. The short version is it did not reflect well on me. Still they’re letting Farkas out without a record, which is all that matters.

Here he comes. Oh, does he look mad. I’ll write more later, if he doesn’t break my fingers.

*

Well, I didn’t think I could go so many days without speaking, but Farkas made me. Even when we fought critters on the road he told me what to do with a look. We got home and I couldn’t stand it anymore. I stopped him right on the steps of Jorrvaskr.

“What are you going to tell them?” I asked him.

“Huh?”

“Are you going to say that I’m worse than a Sanguine worshipper? Just tell me first, so I’ll know.”

He just looked at me.

“Are you still mad at me?” I had to ask. I sounded like such a whiner.

“Jensa, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Oh right, I thought. He’s a man. That wasn't the silent treatment, just a three day pause in the conversation. I had to give a big sniff and pretend I had something in my eye.

He gave me a hug, weapons and all, and he rubbed his knuckles on my head. “Just watch yourself, sister,” he told me. Then we went inside.

Aravi had something similar happen with Kharjo and a dragon. That was

For some reason I thought Jensa's update was really funny. Farkas doesn't talk to her, then gives her a big hug.

Oh how sweet !!! I loved this !!

Trey is updating his journal as regards Whitewatch Tower. Do NOT approach the place. The stupid Whiterun guards seem to assume anyone not in guard uniform is part of the attacking band of fool-hardy bandits.

Vorstag rather takes exception to being peppered with arrows- regardless of WHO is doing the peppering.

Best just to let the guards and the banditti sort it out for themselves...

(Grumble grumble)

Farkas has such a big heart.

treydog, I wonder if Vorstag could be encouraged to embark upon a life of crime, since he’s a mercenary. Attacking guards (er, defending himself against attacking guards) makes me think maybe yes. Hmm…


Rowan Varrus, dual-wielding savior of the world (again), has been busy working through her Miscellaneous list. Here’s a glimpse of her married life as she returns from a stint of solo questing:


Rowan stopped at Katla’s Farm to clean up and change into a gown before entering Solitude. No amount of road grit on her person would delay Vorstag’s urgent welcome, and Rowan preferred to keep dungeon residue out of their bed. She spent another hour dropping off gear for repair and trading loot for gold and arrows. On the way home she picked up a case of ale for Vorstag.

When Rowan stepped through the door, Jordis the Sword-Maiden called her challenge from the lowest level. A fire roared in the hearth. Trails of water marked the floor, leading up the stairs. Rowan sighed. Vorstag’s baths could exhaust the entire household.

She found him in their bedchamber looking damp and grinning nervously.

“The store has made a cozy profit while you were gone, love,” said Vorstag. “Here’s your share.”

Rowan needed both hands to lift the purse. There had to be over a thousand coins in it. She gave Vorstag a bottle of ale and a sharp look.

“Congratulations on your success as a merchant, dear. Which items would you say are the most popular with your customers?”

Vorstag flushed all the way down his chest, betraying the presence of at least one new scar. “I, uh, just sold off a… shipment… of iron weapons and assorted fur armor. And various… other goods.”

“I see. And where is your armor?”

Vorstag looked even more uncomfortable. “Jordis is cleaning it.”

“You raided a bandit camp.”

“Well, more of a fortress, but yeah. Look, I can’t just wait around the house all day, wondering when or if you’re coming home. I was made for battle. A Nord—”

“I know,” said Rowan, stepping closer. How foolish to try to keep this man safe. She resolved to never again leave him behind. “Remind me what else you were made for?”

Some time later Rowan’s stomach started to growl. Vorstag’s answered, even louder.

“I don’t suppose...” murmured Rowan.

Vorstag leaped into action. “I did! I always make your soup. Stay there, I’ll be right back!” His bare feet slapped away down the stairs.

“Wait! You’re—” But he was already below crashing around among the crockery.

Rowan sighed again. She supposed that by now Jordis had learned to hold her position in the basement.

I can tell it was a bad idea to leave him behind. He's causing so much trouble!

Lol, she leaves Jordis and Vorstag home alone together, comes home and he's naked, Jordis has his armor ... why do I feel Jerric's presence? ROFL !!!

@ Treydog - I didn't have any trouble with them as a neutral character, lol. Is it possible you sided with the Stormcloaks? This game is full of NPC's with ESP as to what one lone stranger in their territory does in his private life, lol.

I actually think is more a matter of Vorstag being a bit- "indiscriminate" with the bow I gave him. He seems to think that an arrow whipping by CLOSE to him- even if it was not aimed at him- is cause to fire back at anything that moves.

So- I made him wait just out of sight of the watchtower and took care of it myself.

It’s the Naked Nord Syndrome! I blame Morrowind. Vorstag has turned out to be quite handy around the house, despite the mess. Rowan usually comes home to find him cooking or brewing up a potion. With Vorstag there’s often an unexpected consequence, though.

*

Rowan and Vorstag walked along the road in the warmth of afternoon. Armed and heavily armored, they were ready for whatever danger presented itself. Sweat trickled down Rowan’s neck. As they crossed another stone bridge, the waterfall’s roar made her feel dizzy. She stopped and turned her fevered face to the spray.

“Don’t take this the wrong way, but you don’t look so good,” said Vorstag. “I think you caught something from that skeever.” Rowan leaned on the balustrade while Vorstag rummaged in his pack. “Here you are, my love. A Cure Disease potion. I made it myself, like you showed me.”

Rowan drank it in one swallow.

“Plus I added Hargraven hair this time to try something different,” Vorstag continued. “That way—Are you all right?”

Rowan bent forward from the waist, retching. “Hair,” she choked. “Throat.”

Vorstag handed her a water skin and thumped her on the back. They stepped away from the fragrant puddle.

“I think I saw it working,” Vorstag said hopefully.

“It did,” Rowan told him. “Thank you. Only, next time…”

“Stick to the recipe,” Vorstag guessed.

“Yes, dear. Stick to the recipe.”

They began to walk along the road again. As always Vorstag stayed a step behind, watching Rowan’s back. Sunlight glinted off the nearby river. The cloudless sky promised another glorious evening.

“I guess alchemy isn’t like cooking,” Vorstag mused. “You can’t just toss anything in the pot and expect it to work out.”

By the Eight, thought Rowan as her stomach flipped again. What has he been putting in the soup?

Vorstag isn't quite like Jerric with alchemy then is he? Poor Rowan!

I remember in New Vegas there were certain followers that would incite a riot with a faction - like that guy up in the dinosaur head.

His disposition would go to +100 Agression toward any of Caesar's Legion, causing them to attack. If you were trying to infiltrate the Legion he would not help your cause, lol.

Maybe it's that way with Vorstag and the Imperials, in which case it is a cool addition by the game (but shouldn't we be warned? ROFL!).






ROFL !!! That is def something I would have wondered, and pretty quickly too. Like Eyja's Shepherd's Pie, ROFL !!