After my hearty meal, Hadvar and I walked out of the Sleepy Dragon Inn so I could see everything that had happened between the group.
Hadvar: The boys will be happy to see you, sir. We need to walk past the gate over there.
Alexander: I can't wait.
As he said, we walked past the gate, and I was soon met with the sight of tents and training dummies lined up, almost like an army camp was set up in front of Riverwood. Everyone, excluding Faendal, was sitting together around one of the campfires, listening to Sofia telling one of many stories she had about her adventures.
Sofia: And by that time, the Centurion threw its arm towards me and shot me 20 feet across the air! I landed straight into a corridor flooded with water! It's not too bad if it wasn't already filled with Mudcrabs! Every single one of them pinching every inch of my body! Even my unmentionables-
Alexander: -Sounds like the most action you've ever had, Sofia.
I said this, and everyone laughed. Sofia turned to me, ready to throw a punch, before realizing it was me who said it.
Sofia: Oh, Alex! I heard you were back, but I thought you would rest!
Alexander: That was the plan initially, but I felt it necessary to see everyone before I turned in.
Sofia: Aw, that's sweet. It's coming all this way for me.
She says as she traces a circle with her finger on my chest, to which I respond by smacking it away after she did it for 3 seconds longer than she should've.
Alexander: Get your ears checked, woman, I said everyone.
I glanced towards the group, where Erik was, and gestured for him to come to me. He got up slowly and walked awkwardly to me.
Alexander: Before anything else, I'd like to introduce our newest recruit…Erik…The Rookie.
After his introduction, there was an awkward silence. Everyone looked at each other, confused, while Sven groaned audibly loudly, and Redcap and Erik struggled to hold back their laughter.
Erik: I'm still working on my name, so please don't use Erik the Rookie.
Alexander: I would introduce Sofia since she is also technically new; however, you all have seemed to familiarized yourself with her already.
Sofia: Oh, come on, boss! Introduce me! You know you want to!
Alexander: Alright fine, meet Sofia: she's crude, loud, loves to drink till her clothes fall off-
Sofia: Hey wait a minute-
Alexander: Inappropriate, a tease, short tempered-
Sofia: Lalala I can't hear you!-
Alexander: But also a skilled and experienced adventurer, mage extraordinaire, and strong and capable warrior.
Sofia looks at me surprised by what I just said after covering her ears.
Alexander: If I must be honest she's the most skilled adventurer here, she'll play a great asset to our end goal in time, so whatever questions you may have consult her. If there's a spell you need practice with, go to her. There's no one better to look to as an example except for her. Least at this point.
She starts looking away in embarrassment, before hiding her face I could see traces of red glowing on her face, to which she tries to cover up.
Alexander: Anyway, now that introductions are out of the way, it's time to discuss what's planned here on out.
Erik and Sofia take a seat back with the group and everyone's attention is on me.
Alexander: Aside from recruits we've also gotten something very helpful for us in the long run. As I'm sure you know I plan to recruit more for our cause, but the problem is we'll need money, and connections. Thankfully there's an answer to the money problem.
I point to the direction of where Goldenhills Plantation was.
Alexander: I was speaking to Hadvar about how it won't be necessary for us to stay in Riverwood for much longer. And that's the truth, past the mountains and near Rorikstead there is a farm that was abandoned. So I took the liberty in taking it for us. It's rough around the edges but it's perfect for a first base. There we'll use to accumulate alchemical ingredients. Yield the ingredients and we can make potions to sell.
Haming raises his hand eagerly in the air, waving it like a kid in kindergarten would.
Alexander: Yes, Haming?
Haming: What kind of potions should be made.
Alexander: Excellent question. Any kind works but we'll need to make a lot of gold, so try and create something that yields enough value. I recommend following the simple recipe to create a Slow Poison.
Ralof: How in Oblivion do we make something like that? Some of us aren't alchemists.
Alexander: Thankfully we have an alchemist in Whiterun to run to. However if anyone here has basic knowledge on how to at least use a mortar the right way you better say something now. And in terms of how to make it, salt and death bells is the basic recipe for one.
There was a slight pause before Sofia raises her hand with a smile.
Sofia: I never made a Slow Poison but I have dabbled in making magicka and health potions. So if I just know the ingredients I can figure it out from there, maybe even teach some of these fellas what to do so I have some help.
Alexander: Terrific. And that only leaves one thing left, soon as Faendal comes back I plan to leave again to Riften.
Vilfrid: What's in Riften, Alexander?
Alexander: Hopefully, the connections I've talked about. The rest of you can just get ready to leave for the Plantation and prep the ingredients I've already planted there. If there's no other questions that'll be all. Hadvar if you could be kind enough to show me to my tent?
Hadvar leads me over to the biggest tent amongst the camp, inside there was a bed, bookshelf, and table with a map. I was a little surprised to see such a well furnished setup inside of a tent of all things.
Alexander: I…wasn't expecting such a nice arrangement.
Hadvar: The leader needs the best space possible. Considering how hard you work sir, it's essential.
Alexander: Hah, well thanks are in order.
I walk over to the shelf and only a few books were on it. I just randomly grab one and open.
Hadvar: I'll leave you to your own sir. I'll be back to let you know when Faendal arrives.
Alexander: Appreciate it. Dismissed.
Hadvar leaves and I walk over to my bed, taking off ever piece of armor down and laying over the comfy and soft cot. With the book in my hand I decide to read a little bit before I nod off. I wasn't normally a reader. Any books I've read back on earth were usually LitRPGS, manga, or graphic novels. But seeing as how I don't have a phone or social media, this was the only leisurely entertainment I have left. Thankfully the book wasn't all that boring. The contents inside were long, however the story within was very engaging. It was a series of entry logs written about the voyages of an Aldmer called Topal the Pilot. I was engaged with the adventures this explorer went through, from the dangers he met in the seas, to the first contact he had with Orcs. It was the first time I was able to finish a book after I first opened it. By the last page I closed the book feeling a wave of satisfaction and wonder. I felt as though my knowledge increased just a little and my understanding of the Aldmer was enhanced. Strangely enough, this new found knowledge also gave me a small idea on how to better utilize my bow, applying a more calm approach when met with a stressful environment just as Topal did. That's when I started to realize something strange. I received a notification, that my archery level had increased by one.
I hadn't realized sooner but the book upon looking again at the title I realized this was the skill book titled Father of Niben. How such a valuable find entered my tent was beyond me. I exited my tent in a hurry and found Hadvar outside sitting by the fire, looking attentively towards the path leading from Falkreath.
Alexander: Hadvar!
The Nord soldier flinches at me calling his name and turns around, composing himself soon after.
Hadvar: Yes sir.
Alexander: Where've you gotten those books from? If I'm not mistaken they're valuable are they not?
Hadvar: They are indeed sir. We have no clue why but the courier just approached us one day and handed them to us, claiming it was for you.
Alexander: Strange, I would've thought the courier would have to hunt me down for that.
Hadvar: That's what I asked him, but apparently he was requested to leave it to us, he did give this letter signed specifically for you to read, it's on your desk in the tent.
Alexander: I see…carry on then.
I rush back to my tent and took a look at the shelf, there were a total of 5 books excluding Father of Niben which I just read. And after looking through the titles I recognized them all. There was Herbalist's guide to Skyrim, Advances in Lockpicking, Beggar, Last Scabbard of Akrash, and Tragedy in Black.
They were all skill books. Every one of them.
I glance to my desk and there it was laying on the table, the letter addressed to me. With a wax seal mark with S on it. I had a feeling who it may have been from but I wasn't sure. Opening the letter it read:
"Hey Buddy, you're doing better then I would've thought! Couldn't stop laughing at your failed smithing and archery attempts! Though I'm nothing if not fair so here's some stuff to help you improve. -S"
Yep, as I thought, the lightbulb Divine has graced his douchebaggery on me yet again. It sounds like he's trying to be nice, yet I couldn't help but read the letter in that condescending tone of his again. But I can't deny this was helpful for me. Each of these books can level up skills that I have yet to experience or hone since coming to this world.
But that's not all, even though I've already practiced archery, reading Father of Niben has somehow given me a better clue on how to better utilize my skill with the bow. In other words, I need to study. But if this means I can avoid more stupid situations like before I'll read till I go blind!
I decide to open up Herbalist's guide to Skyrim, since I want to utilize alchemy it'll be important to level the skill up some more. Plus doing it this way I can learn alchemy without needing much tutelage. At least at to a basic level.
************
The sun finally arose and by that time I just closed my last skill book, thanks to reading some many I gained one singular level since my experience bar was so close. It may have costed some sleep but it was well worth it, but damn it if I could at least get some coffee to shake off this drowsy feeling.
I walk over to the river with a towel wrapped around my waist in hopes that the cool water will wake me up. Soon as I dipped my foot into the water a brisk and freezing feeling jolted through my nerves, shaking off any fatigue I felt. I take a second before finding the courage to jump headfirst, submerging myself completely into the fresh, crystal clear water. The feeling was incredible, immediately any groggy feeling I had went away. I rose out from the water and laid back on a rock, resting peacefully as the water rushed passed me. For a few seconds I was at peace, that is until I heard a nearby splash.
The sound caught my attention for only a second as I thought it could've been a fish, but then the sound of a women's laughter followed suit.
Alexander: Oh no.
After so many years of watching anime in my previous life, I knew this all too well. The dreaded misunderstanding cliche. God forbid. Of course I was going to be put in this situation! Alright calm down, I just needed to get out. Simple as that, regardless of whoever jumped into the water, so long as I don't see them it's fine.
I keep my eyes closed, running straight to my tent just from the memory alone. By the time I opened my eyes I was met with the sight of my tent, I take a breath and grab hold of my armor. Putting it on despite there still being traces of water on my body.
Hadvar: Alexander, it's me.
Hadvar enters my tent just as soon as I placed the helmet on my head.
Alexander: Good morning Hadvar. What is it?
Hadvar: Faendal sir, he's finally arrived. He's with Camilla Valerius at the Inn resting.
Alexander: Terrific! Let's get going!
I walk past Hadvar in a hurry, and he follows.
Hadvar: By the way sir, do you sleep walk.
Alexander: What? No of course not. Why do you ask?
Hadvar: Well I wasn't sure but I thought I saw you outside down to your drawers.
Alexander: Bah, that's ridiculous! You should take more time to sleep Hadvar! You've become delirious!
Hadvar: But I've seen you without your armor and not many people around here look-
Alexander: Come on now! It's time to head over to the Inn! Let's grab some food while we're at it! I'm feeling Sweet rolls and potato soup! How about you?!