Day 183 – Returning victorious

I have to say that that was one of the easier tasks I've been sent on.  There was no undead trying to eat my face off.  No strange traps.  Just a few bandits trying to mine some iron.  On top of getting the task done, I walked out of there with a nice bag of iron ore to smelt and sell.

The Jarl was quite happy to hear the news that the bandit leader was dead.  He not only opened up the possibility of buying a house, but he said that I could become a Thane of Falkreath if I helped out the people of his town.  His indiscretion to hand out titles to anyone – even honorary ones – made me feel uncomfortable.

I tracked down the steward in one of the upper rooms of the building.  She told me that there were no homes available in the boundaries of Falkreath but there was property outside of town that I could buy and then build my own home.  I bought it – 5000 septums – with the thought that it would be an ongoing project to work on when work is slow.  This should be interesting….

I walked out to the building site later that afternoon.  It is quite a walk from town but I like that.  It's secluded and away from both roads that access the area, giving me some privacy and it has a nice view of the lake.  And best of all, it's far away from the young Jarl's schemes.  The perfect sight for a vacation home, if you know what I mean.

As I stood there, three men and a wagon arrived with some preliminary building supplies from the Jarl.  Along with a drafting table and work bench, he had been nice to include a chest with enough materials to make a simple cabin.

Though it was nice of the Jarl to include such materials, it still doesn't change my feelings about the man.  After being here for just two days and meeting the Jarl, I can't help but feel uncomfortable about the situation.  I'm wondering if, once my little cabin in the woods is done, I shouldn't return to Whiterun and the Companions.    My only other option is to stay here and see what I can do to right things here.  At least I have plenty of time to decide.  Building this cottage by myself is going to take some time.

Day 182 – Arrival at Falkreath

For all of the carriage rides I've taken in the last few months, today's was one of the worst.  I think that driver aimed for every bump and rut in the road.

It was mid-afternoon when the carriage dropped me off at the gates of the town.  I headed straight for the Jarl's longhouse – the largest building in town.  When I approached the throne, I was surprised to see that the Jarl was a young man about my age.

The task he has for me is a strange one – he wants me to kill the bandit leader in Embershard Mine, a mine halfway between Whiterun and Falkreath.  When I asked why, he mumbled something about how they were not paying him his cut.  My eyebrow went up at the mention of "paying his cut".  Aren't Jarls supposed to think more of their people than of the septums in their pocket?

But as Falkas once told me, "A job is a job."  So, I will go out tomorrow, track down this mine, and take care of these bandits.  Even if it's not for the "good" of the Jarl, at least I will be taking care of some more annoying bandits who raid our towns and rob people.

Day 181 - Decision Made

Kodlak came to see me this morning.  "I heard you received a letter."

I was surprised he had heard anything about my letter and then I realized Falkas is one of his most trusted advisors.  Of course he would hear about it.

I pulled the letter out of my trunk and handed it to him.  When he finished reading it, he looked up at me with tired, wisdom-filled eyes.

"When do you leave?" he asked.

"I don't know," I replied, "I don't even know if I'm going to accept the offer."

"Of course you will take the offer!  You do not turn down the summons of a Jarl!"

"But Whiterun is my home and I am a Companion.  My job is here, helping you."

"Whiterun will always be here.  The Companions will always be here.  A personal invitation from a Jarl asking for your help is a fleeting dream.  You should grab onto it and let it take you to new heights.  And when you come down, you will always be welcomed back here at Jorrvaskr.  Once a companion, always a companion."

I guess my decision is made.  I leave tomorrow morning.

Day 180 - Jarl of Falkreath

A courier tracked me down at the apothecary house this afternoon and handed me a letter from the Jarl of Falkreath.  The letter was a request for me to come to Falkreath and do some work for him, I was surprised that the Jarl had even heard of me.  The kicker is he even said that I could have a house down there.

Though I love living in Whiterun and I enjoy being a Companion, I can't help but wonder if I should take part in this invitation to see a new part of Skyrim.

When I showed the letter to Falkas later that night, he told me to go.

"Being a Companion doesn't mean that you have to live the rest of your life in Whiterun," he reminded me, "This is the time for you to travel and see the world.  Take advantage of that.  We will always be here for you, Shield Sister."

And still, I can't help but feel guilty for up and leaving my new friends here in Whiterun.  I know Companions come and go as they please – many have left and come back in just the short time I've been here – but this was the first place that really felt like home.

I don't know what I'll do.  Maybe I'll think about it for a couple days and see.

Day 175 - Birthday

Today is my birthday.  I'm 20 now.  Funny, I don't feel any older or wiser.

Just think, it's been almost six months since that day Pa walked me to the ship at Windhelm and just a month and a half since I left the Bards College.  So much has changed since then.  I can't help but wonder how much more change there will be in my life.

Day 173 - Saved

As of today, four days after the attack, I have had no signs of the vampire disease.  I feel completely relieved.  I should stop by the shrine in the morning and drop some more coins into that donation bucket.

Day 170 - When Vampires Attack!

I just had the scare of my life last night.  I was returning to town after an overnight trip to Riverwood (long story which included breaking up a love triangle and diving into a local barrow for some stolen goods) when vampires slipped through the gate behind me and attacked the city guards.  At first I wasn't sure what was going on – they looked so normal from afar – but when one jumped at me, I knew he wasn't right.  Those glowing red eyes and strange teeth scared me.

I drew my sword and smashed in his head….but not before he bit me.

The moment the city guard saw the bite mark, they all turned a sickly pale color.

"You best be getting yourself to the temple," one said.

"Why?  Am I going to get sick?  Am I going to look like one of those monsters?" I asked, my voice climbing with each word.

"There's a chance you might," one of them said, "but if you hurry, the priests in the temple might be able to fend it off.  Hurry now!  Run!"

I turned and dashed for the temple, mowing over any unfortunate soul standing between me and that building.  The lone priest on duty looked up as I ran in and paled at the sight of the bite.

"Hurry," he said, leading me to the shrine, "Lay your hands on the shrine and pray, my child.  I will be back in a moment with something to clean the wound."

Though I had never been religious before, I prayed like I really meant it tonight.  There was no way I would want to become a vampire.

A moment after I began to pray, the shrine began to glow and a bright, warm light encompassed me, invading every pore of my skin.  A feeling of total peace washed over me and I knew everything would be okay.

The priest came back as promised and cleaned the wound before slathering a good deal of sticky medicine on my hand.

"Stay here as long as you want, my child," he said, "Donations are taken at the door."

I stayed for another half hour before rising and heading home, dropping 10 septums in the donation bucket as I left the temple.  Even then, the sight of those red eyes haunted my dreams and made me toss and turn all night.

I really hope that priest was right and that I'm not going to turn into a vampire.  My mother would kill me!

Day 166 - Letter From Ma

I found a letter from Ma waiting for me at the tavern this afternoon.    My hands shook as I tore open the seal and read what was inside:

Dearest Patrycia:

I'm glad that you are doing okay and settling in well in Whiterun.  I understand why you had to leave.  Not everyone can stand your aunt.  Anyway, as you said the night before you're left, you are almost 20.  It's time for you to find your own way in this world.

Please let me know how you are doing.   If you're ever in Riften, please stop by and say hi.  Your brother and I miss you.

Love,
Your mother

Day 161 - Dustman's Cairn

Doesn't he look thrilled?

Farkas and I met up early this morning at the Dustman's Cairn, just a hop skip and a jump from town.  As you can see, he didn't look too thrilled about escorting a female "welp" to get the fragment but I don't think he had much of a choice.

The Cairn...

It wasn't long before we discovered that the Cairn was literally crawling with draugr.  They crawled out of their crypts and attacked us at every turn.  At first, Farkas was running ahead, acting as though he had to protect me, but once he saw that I knew how to handle the undead, he relaxed a bit.

My old friends...

And then the gate room happened and everything changed between us.  See, I walked into an alcove and accidentally triggered a gate that locked me in.  Thankfully, was still outside of the gate.  After chewing me out for doing something that stupid, he told me to be patient, that he'd find a way to get me out.

Suddenly, four intruders appear and surround Farkas, threatening to kill him.  I got a little worried at the sight of those men.  I'd seen Farkas take on two people at once during training but never four.  I feared what they would do to them.

And then all broke loose.  One moment Farkas looked like his normal self…

…. And the next, he looked like this!

Holy shit, Farkas is a werewolf!

While my brain was trying to grasp this concept, Farkas wipe out the strangers and found a way to open the gate.  I stumbled back at the sound of the gate opening, fearing that I would be next….but when Farkas appeared, he was back to his old human self again.

"What in the hell was that?" I asked, trying to keep the fear and surprise out of my voice but failing horribly.

Farkas scratched his head and looked sheepishly at the ground, "Well, now you know our little secret but that wasn't quite the way I wanted you to find out."

"Are all of the Companions werewolves?"

"Not everyone," he replied, "but all the members of the Circle are. It's a secret to everybody." He unsheathed his weapon, "Are you ready?  We must continue on."

I stared at him, not sure what to think.  Was it safe to continue on with this…monster?

"Don't worry," he said, giving me a wolf-like grin, "If I suddenly get the urge to gnaw on something, I'll just grab a draugr legbone."

His joke made me smile. "Fine.  Let's continue on."

We followed the cave system until we reached the inner crypt, fighting back an array of living and undead.  As we walked, he told me about who the men where that attacked him.  They were known as the "Silver Hand" and completely devoted to hunting down and exterminating werewolves.  As such, they were the sworn enemies of the Circle.

When we entered the crypt, I was surprised to find it empty of any draugr.  I walked up to the center pedestal and found the fragment just sitting, surrounded by various potions.  I picked up the fragment and studied it for a moment, surprised that something so small and dusty-looking could be so important to the Companions.

I was tucking in and the potions into my bag when Falkas gave a cry.  I looked up in time to see four crypts located along the wall burst open and draugr pop out.  I ran towards one group while Falkas ran towards the other.  We barely had them down before another set opened up, spewing forth more undead evilness.

This continued on for quite a while – as one waved died, another one came to be.  When it finally ended, we found ourselves surrounded by a bones of the undead draugr, swords drawn, both panting for air.

While Falkas looted the bodies, I broke the lock on a nearby chest and took everything I Found.  Then we headed out, both covered in dust and tired of fighting undead draugr.  As we walked back to talk, we discussed who would get to have the bathtub first.

Vilkas was waiting for us as we approached Jorrvaskr.

"Were you successful?"

I nodded and pulled the fragment out of my pocket.  Vilkas' eyes lit up at the sight of the old piece of weaponry.  He took it from my hands and cradled it as though it was a fragile baby.

"Excellent.  Excellent," he said, caressing the stone, "Come with me.  Someone wants to speak with you."

"Actually, I was hoping to get cleaned up before-"

Vikkas turned and shot me a look that silenced me.  I glanced at Farkas and noticed that he was grinning from ear to ear.  He nodded for me to follow the man.  I shrugged and followed, as requested.

We walked through the meadhouse and into the yard where a group of Companions were gathered.  I was surprised to see so many gathered in one place.  What was going on?

As I approached, Kodlak began to speak, "Brothers and sisters of the Circle, today we welcome a new soul into our mortal fold…."

And with that, I edged up to being a full member of the Companions, with all rights and privileges (and work) that is associated with it.  YES!

After the ceremony, everyone gathered in the mead hall and drank themselves into Oblivion, or at least tried to, and recounted stories of great fights that each had been through.  I snuck away after a couple glasses of ale, electing to take a good soak in the tub while everyone else was preoccupied.

Now that all of that is over with, I'm exhausted.  I lay here in my bed in the basement but can't seem to fall asleep.  I'm not sure if my sleeplessness is because of the excitement of being a full Companion or the sounds of the party above.  Either way, I have a feeling I will be sleeping in tomorrow morning….

Day 160 - Trials

As I returned from the apothecary shop this afternoon, Farkas caught my attention and told me that Skjor had a job for me. 

When I found Skjor sitting at the large table, having a mug of ale with Njada, he didn't waste time telling me what he wanted.   A scholar has discovered the location of another fragment of the legendary battleaxe, Wuuthrad. He said that it would be my job – my trial – to retrieve it from its current location in the Dustman's Cairn, just northwest of town. 

He also said that Farkas would be coming with me to serve as my Shield-Brother to ensure I complete the mission "honorably". Of course, Farkas doesn't seem that thrilled about coming with me on this little errand.  I don't think he know what I'm capable.  He'll learn tomorrow.

Day 158 – Life as a Companion

I got my first job with the Companions today.  Hearing about my background as a bard, one of the other Companions, Farkas, asked me to do a job for him this morning.  He said that a customer requested that a Companion pay a visit to the local inn and rough up the bard named Mikael.  He said that the man had been harassing local women and someone finally had had enough of him.

It felt so strange walking into an inn with the intent of beating up one of my fellow bards.  But let me tell you, it didn't take long for me to see why he had it coming.  The man made a pass at me just mere seconds after meeting me!  It felt good to smash him his nose and knock him to the ground.  By the time I left, Mikaul the Bard was curled up in a ball, crying his eyes out.

The "tough" bard

Yes, I could get used to this sort of work….

When I'm not doing jobs for the Companions or being trained in the finer art of combat by one of the higher ups, I spend my time collecting herbs for the local apothecary.  In return, the shopkeeper gives me septums and training.  I can make quite a few potions now and with her help I know more will be added to my repertoire.

Some of the other Companions laugh when they heard of my alchemy achievements but stopped when I told them how many septums I made selling those potions back to the apothecary shop.  This work won't make me a millionaire, but I'll at least be able to support myself.  Maybe someday I'll be able to buy a house of my own.  Wouldn't that be nice?

The Mead Hall

I dropped a letter in the mail to Ma this morning, explaining where I was and that I was safe and doing well.  I'm sure she'll be relieved to hear from me.  I've been wary about writing her until I was sure that Whiterun was really where I wanted to stay.

Day 155 - Companions

I rose with the sun and used my last few coins to pay for breakfast before heading to the Companion's Mead Hall, Jorrvaskr.  The area was bustling with energy and activity as strong-looking men and women walked hurried to and from the mead hall.

Even the mead hall was a whirlwind of activity.  People were sitting at the large table in the center, eating and drinking.  Others were wandering around, ale mug in hand, talking.   Off to one side a fight had broken out between two men, both as big and as burly as Yawnely, a boy I knew back in Winterhold that could almost bench press an anvil.

I sidestepped the argument and asked someone how to go about joining their group.  The man who I spoke to looked me over and then laughed, "You?  A companion?  Right…"

His dinner companion, a tall woman with dark red hair, elbowed him and then smiled at me, "Don't mind him.  He doesn't believe women should be able to fight, even though I've bested him many time in the ring."

"I let you win those times," he murmured.

She ignored his comments, "You'll want to talk to Kodlak Whitemane.  The last time I saw him, he was in his quarters downstairs speaking with Vilkas."

I thanked her and headed in the direction she pointed.  It wasn't long before I found him sitting in one of the nicely decorated living quarters on that level talking to a gruff-looking man.  He turned as I entered, a questioning look on his face, and I quickly introduced myself and asked about admittance to the group.

Kodlak immediately thought I was worthy of the task but the other man did not, citing my thin stature and weak look.

"Do not let looks deceive you," the older man said, "You'd be surprised at what a thin but muscular woman can do.  Do you have any fighting experience?"

"I did some training with the Imperial troops in Solitude," I said, "And I've seen my share of undead and wild creatures."

Kodlak looked at his companion with a raised eyebrow, "See what I mean?"

Vilkas snorted, "We only have what she says to go on.  There is no way she could have survived an attack of the undead."

The two argued for a few more minutes before Kodlak finally ordered him to take me outside and see if I’m worthy or not of being a Companion.  Vilkas agreed warily and led me outside.

Let me tell you, my heart was pounding like crazy as we took our placed at opposites sides of the yard.  When he came rushing at me, sword in hand, my instincts took over.  I grabbed my sword and blocked the hit.  Then I turned and smashed into him with all the strength I could.  Vilkas stumbled back, looking surprised at my quickness.

"I was wrong," he said, "You are worthy…but not by much."

My "room" came with roommates

And with that, I became a member of the Companions.  Of course, I'm starting at the bottom rung of their group.  My quarters aren't much – just a bed in the corner of a large dorm I share with three other women – but I don't mind.  At least it's a bed I didn't have to pay for and best of all, none of my roommates snore.

Doesn't he look thrilled?

Day 154 – Job Prospects

I woke early this morning and enjoyed a warm breakfast, thanks to the innkeeper.  She gave me a quick overview of the city while I ate.  She gave me the heads up on the different areas of the town, where to go and where not to go.  She also told me that there is a feud going on between two well-known families – the Battle-Born and the Grey-Manes – and advised me to stay far away from.

One of her customers jumped in in the middle of our conversation with his own tip, "If you're looking for work, you might want to check with the Companions."

"Who are the companions?" I asked.

"They're a group of warriors who take on private and public contracts for just about anyone," the innkeeper told me, "They're based out of their mead hall, named Jorrvaskr, located in the Wind District.  Visitors are welcomed.  Just don't expect a red-carpet welcome.  Usually there's a lot of drinking and fighting up there."

I spend the day walking around town, inquiring about work at the different businesses.  The blacksmith said that she was looking for an apprentice and suggested that I give it a try.  She let me try making something – a simple dagger – but no matter how many times she instructed me, it just wouldn't end out right.  She finally took the materials away and said she thought it wouldn't work out well for us.

Before I walked away, she asked if I would be willing to take a sword up to her father in Dragonsreach, the Jarl's home.  I agreed – I could use the money and I was planning to see the Jarl anyway.  Her father was very happy to see the sword but told me that he nor the Jarl had any work.  He advised me to check with the Companions next door, "They're always looking for strong young people."

Since the thought of becoming a hired hand to anyone that needed some blood to spill made me nauseous, I continued my search for more honest work.  There were a few odd jobs here and there and the same collecting of materials for the apothecary, but I was really hoping for something more.

I returned to the inn tonight with barely enough septums to cover my night's stay.  As it stands right now, the only jobs in the area that I'm even slight qualified for is with the Companions.  That thought does not please me at all.

I'm beginning to wonder if this is really the place for me.

Day 153 - Arriving in Whiterun

It took almost all of the septums I had on me but I finally arrived at Whiterun.  Yes, I could have walked but then I would have arrived at the city exhausted and in need of new boots.

The carriage dropped me off at the stables, just outside of town, and I walked the rest of the way up the hill to the main gates.  It was early evening when I arrived so I went straight to the inn, The Bannered Mare, to get a hot meal and a room for the night.  That's where I am now, recovering from my long day's travel.

I think coming to Whiterun was a good idea.  The city is large, people are nicer here, and there seems to be opportunity at every corner.  When I entered the inn, the innkeeper greeted me as an "adventurer".  Can you believe it?  I guess you can say that I am an adventurer now, looking to make my way wherever I go.

I just pray that Whiterun is finally going to be the place where I belong.  Otherwise, I'm going to go back to the old cabin near Winterhold and become a hermit far away from all of the crazy politics of the world.

Day 152 - Leaving

It's official – as of early this morning I am no longer a resident of Riften.

I rose way before the sun and quietly packed my things into Pa's old knapsack.  My storage chest was almost cleaned out when Ma woke and asked me what I was doing.

"I'm heading out early," I told her, "Elgrim wants me to head up into the hills and find some special ingredient he needs for a potion."

"Stay safe, my child," Ma yawned before going on, "and try to stay out of trouble."

"I will, Ma.  Don't worry."

She turned over and went back to sleep, leaving me to toss the last few things into my bag and gather my armor.  I dressed in the shop downstairs so I wouldn't bother anyone else and left a note on the counter, thanking both Ma and my aunt for taking me in but that it was time for me to find my own future out in the world.

I know Ma is going to be very upset when she reads the note.  But as she said last night, what I do and say reflects on her and my aunt.  If I want the freedom to do as I need to do, I need to leave Riften.  I'm sorry, Ma.

So here I sit on the banks of the river in sight of the old lumber mill, pondering what to do next.  Windhelm is out - I remember how angry people were about the Imperials and the possibility of the civil war.  I have a feeling if I went up there, I won't find work.  I can't return to Solitude – the pain of seeing my old classmates and the Bards College would be too much for me and really, it was too far to go on what little money I had.

I guess my only real choice left is Whiterun.  I've heard from other travelers that there is a lot of work in that town.  Best of all, it seems that the Jarl in that town in Empire-friendly, so I won't have to worry about being discriminated against too badly.

Day 151 - Trouble for Everyone

It seems that people of Riften are not happy when you accuse them of sleeping with someone other than their wives.  All denied what we had to say, even though Svana told them that she saw them entering their aunt's room and which nights it happened on.  Indaryn, the man who runs the Black-Briar Meadery was the angriest of the most, screaming for the guards.  We hightailed it out of there as fast as we could and hid in the bunkhouse until things calmed down.

Idaryn, the Snitch

Of course, I forgot that news travels fast even in towns as large as Riften.  By the time I got home that night, both Ma and Aunt Guanine were sitting up waiting for me.  I tried to slip off to bed but Ma stopped me with some stern words.

"You don't need to try to hide it," she told me, "Mavin Black-Briar's assistant has already been around to talk to us.  She told us what you'd been up to this evening."

I stopped and turned to stare at them.

"Going around, accusing men, well-known men in this community, of sleeping around," added Aunt Guanine, "How absurd!"

I remained silent, not sure what to say.

"I'm sure this little scheme wasn't your idea," Ma said, "I'm assuming, considering who you were accusing of the men of sleeping with, that this was all Svana Far-Shield's idea, wasn't it?"

I nodded softly, looking at my feet in shame.

"Well, that's that then," Aunt Guanine said, standing, "You are not allowed to see that girl any longer."

I opened my mouth to protest but a sharp look from Ma stopped me.  She waited until Aunt Guanine was out of the room before she spoke, "I'm very disappointed in you tonight, Patrycia."

Those words almost broke my heart in two.  My Ma had never been disappointed in me, even after I came home from Bards College.

"What you did tonight bordered on illegal.  You're just lucky the guards didn't catch you or I'd be bailing you out of jail right now.  Hell, I'm surprised that none of those men shoved a dagger in your gut for the words you said to them.  This is unacceptable behavior, Patrycia Jayn, and it cannot continue."

"I'm almost 20 years old, Ma.  You and added Aunt Guanine can't tell me who I can and cannot see."

"Yes, we can as long as you live under your aunt's roof.  Your actions around town not just reflect upon you but your family too.  One bad word gets out about us or you or even your aunt and her business could be ruined.  Then she and I would be without work and all of us would be homeless."

I stared at my mother, a mix of surprise and anger welling through me.

She rose and crossed the room until she was standing before me, "This isn't little Winterhold anymore.  What people say and do matter around here.  Getting Mavin Black-Briar and her friends angry with our family will only end badly.  Do you understand?"

I sighed and nodded, even though I really didn't.

Ma smiled, "Go on up to bed.  We'll talk in the morning."

I went to bed as she told me but as I lie here on the hard floor, our conversation keeps running through my head.  I have a feeling that Riften is just too small for me.  What I do or say here can hurt my whole family.  I don't want anything to happen to them but then again, I can't just shove myself into this little tiny mold that my mother and aunt are trying to shove me into.

Maybe it's time that I strike out on my own and find my own life….

Day 150 - More Trouble

Ma helped me back a cake last night.  It looked horrible but it tasted pretty good.  She told me that if I can to get some venison while I'm out and she'd show me how to roast the flank for dinner one night.

I'm surprised at how fun cooking really is.  It's a lot like alchemy, with the measurements of this and pinches of that.  Even if I don't get married, at least I know I can feed myself.

I'm meeting up with Svana tonight for dinner and a little spying.  She says that she knows the names of three men that her aunt recently slept with.  She's hoping that we can persuade each of the men to give us their token.  We will have to see.

Day 148 - Cooking

Ma wants me to learn how to cook.  "You won't find a man without learning how to cook," she told me.  So I promised to come home early from my "flower picking", as she likes to call it, for my first lesson.

That's not the first time she talked about me getting married.  I guess all of the weddings that are going on at the shrine and the brides coming into the shop has her thinking and wishing about my own marriage.

Personally, I think she's lost her mind.  I'm too young and have too much to do around here to get married.  I want to see more of the world.  I want to make something of myself.  I want to find out who killed my father.  I can't let a husband hold me down.

Day 146 - Trouble Brewing

Ma doesn't like me spending my evening at the tavern with Svana.  She makes sure to tell me every night, "That girl is no good and will just you me into trouble."  I don't care.  Besides Maven's daughter, she's the only girl around my age in this gods-forsaken town.

Svana commented one night as we walked along the canals that her aunt liked to sleep around with men.  It took me a few minutes for me to realize what she was talking about and then my cheeks turned bright red.

"I wish I could make my aunt squirm," she told me, "Make her feel embarrassed so she'll leave me alone."

"Like what?" I asked.

We spent the next two hours sitting under a tree in the old graveyard and discussed what we could do.  Svana thought that if she could solid proof of her aunt sleeping around that she might just be able to get what she wants.  She told me that her aunt gives these marks to each of her "conquests".   She asked if I could get a hold of three of them so she could confront her aunt with them.  She giggled with glee at the thought of seeing her aunt squirm.  I promised to help her get the marks…but I'm not sure how.  This should be interesting.

Day 143 – Training

By the time I got back to town this afternoon, I was so hot and yucky smelling that I would have gladly waded into the canals of Riften to get clean….and that's saying a lot considering that those are filled with raw sewage.  But at least now the blacksmith has his smelted ore, I know how to smelt, and I got some more septums in the process.

The Elusive Smelter

While I was in Shor's Stone, not only did the blacksmith show me how to smelt but when he noticed a few wolf hides in my bags, he demonstrated how to tan them using the tanner that sat on his front porch.  I gave him the tanned hides as a thank you for all of the training, even though I didn't have to.  I felt like I owed him something.

Helpful Blacksmith

Elgrim's wife was very happy when I returned with that ore sample from the blacksmith in Shor's Stone…so happy that she offered to show me some of the alchemy stuff that she knows.  She warned me that she didn’t know much but that she knew enough to get me started.  I was thrilled at the invitation and watched as she showed me how to make a health potion.

She let me try to make the same potion afterwards.  It wasn't until the end that I realized her husband had been watching us.  He seemed to be happy with my results, even mentioning that I seemed to catch on much faster than his current apprentice, Maven Black-Briar's daughter, Ingun.  Too bad Ingun heard the comment.  She slunk out of the shop with her head down.  I wonder if I'm going to have trouble with the Black-Briar family now.

Talking about trouble, I made a friend today.  Her name is Svana Far-Shield and she works at her Aunt Haelga's bunkhouse.  I asked her how she liked her job and she grimaced and told me that she hated it – the men that stay there won't keep their hands off of her.  I'm suddenly very thankful that I have a "job" that doesn’t require me to work in such a place.

Svana was amazed that I was daring enough to go out by myself and collect supplies from the wild.  I asked her if she'd ever gone outside the wall and her eyes widened at the thought, "No!  Never!  Aunt Haelga says that the wilderness is filled with wild animals and evil men.  I'd never go out there, even with the guards escorting me."  Maybe one day I'll be able to talk her into coming outside the wall with me and at least seeing the beauty that is outside.