Skyrim| Braylon's Brave Adventures

Recollections of Braylon Leylan's personal adventures told through modern day conventions.

[braylonofthedragons]

Who Even Am I?

     To be quite honest, I don't really know. I had been given the name Braylon Leylan at birth, was told that I was born approximately on the 14th day of Last Seed and have often been referred to as "the Breton girl" by many. Unfortunately, my childhood was spent in one of the most deplorable places one could imagine for a child, Honorhall Orphanage. The orphanage was borderline insufferable and I cannot say I particularly enjoyed the city of Riften either. The city's dark grimy aura and talk of thieves who lived in the sewers stealing from the innocent folks above always frightened me as a child. And then there was Grelod the Kind, who ran the orphanage with assistance from Constance Michel. I had no idea why she wanted us to all address her as Grelod the Kind as she was nothing short of an ugly, grouchy old hag who seemed to hate children and enjoy torturing them.        

She would beat us after making the smallest mistakes and we would go days without being fed at times. I would not have survived this place had it not been for Constance Michel and the friendships formed with the other children. Constance Michel would  ensure we ate whenever we were around and would give us food and taught us all how to read and write. On most nights, we would all gather around the fireplace as she told us stories and tales about the outside world and Tamriel, peaking my curiosity.

However, in a bittersweet turn of events, we were all adopted, with me being the last to go. I was about 10 years of age when a kind Nordic couple,  Klufar and Finaa showed up and were instantly drawn to me. I couldn't be happier to leave this place as I would begin my new life elsewhere.

The funny thing is, as I was leaving the city, seeing the Rift for the first time outside of the gates of Riften was magnificent. It was beautiful and colorful, which contrasted from than the city I was jailed in for most of my life. My adoptive parents were the sweetest Nords and I instantly knew that i'd live a happier life in their care.

Well, I don’t want to dwell too much on my past as what matters most is my present and future. I am now an adult, 23 years of age, still residing on my adoptive parents' cozy farm outside of Whiterun.

[braylonofthedragons]

Day 6: Shifty Plans

We’ve been sleeping at the inn for the past few days and still have no answers nor were we allowed to go back to our farm.

“Dragons? Could dragons really be responsible for the burnt bodies?  

Ehhh. That doesn’t make sense. A dragon is massive; someone would have heard or seen it. How idiotic of me to even entertain that beggar’s nonsense.” I said aloud to myself.

I can sit here and ponder until dawn but I have a plan. I’ve been surveying the guards for the past few nights and I’ve found a breach in the wall security, so to speak. Tonight, is the night. I am going to sneak outside of the walls and see if I could find out anything. At this point, It was approaching 1:17 a.m. My mother had gone to bed and most of the town would be sleep, say for a few people drinking upstairs and the night guards. I headed up the basement stairs and into the main room. The tavern was pretty lively, given the hour.

“Act natural” I told myself, not wanting to draw any suspicions. I walked around for a bit, pretending as if I was just enjoying the atmosphere. I decided to head to the counter and struck up a conversation with Elindir to really build a nice alibi.  

Next, I headed closer to the side door. I made sure to look behind me to ensure there weren’t any guards or anyone possibly looking to follow me. Once outside, I swiftly headed across the path to my “secret spot”.  

After one more paranoid look, I hoisted myself up.

Jeez it was harder than I expected.

Despite the slight struggle it took to lift my body, I finally got over the wall. I made sure to land on a huge boulder right along the wall to ensure that I would not break my legs. 

 Once on the ground, I headed closer to the road and crouched down.  

Hm, didn’t really think this far ahead.  

I had spent so much time  snooping around Whiterun looking for weak spots that I forgot to formulate a real plan once I got out. I guess I’ll go left but stay amongst the shrubbery, as there were sure to be guards out patrolling. I walked for a bit until I heard footsteps. I stopped in my tracks. There were guards coming towards each other as if they were about to speak.

What a perfect opportunity. I definitely wanted to hear what they were saying.

I hid and waited.

Guard 1: “Did you see it? Every time we get close, we lose it.”

Guard 2: “We need to use a different approach. Tell Taldir to go with the mage. He can’t do this alone. It’s been a week now and this is getting out of hand. Won’t be long before it causes worst problems than a few burnt bodies”.

Guard 2 sighed. “I’ll go right, and you can continue to go left. Hopefully tonight will be the night. I really need a break”

I paused for a moment, thinking to myself.

There must be some kind of creature loose. This is not the workings of a crazed mage randomly setting people on fire. It’s definitely not some dragon, and they seem to know what it is. Well, that explains all of the secrecy, I suppose. However, I am not sure why they couldn't just tell us. I do not know what’s going on but if it warrants keeping it from citizens, it is something major.

I slowly crept through the shrubbery until I was out of the guards’ sights.

“The bodies, they were burnt but looked like they had been encased in lava. It was odd, it was almost like they were preserved. What kind of creature could do that? Some kind of mutant fire goat? No, that makes absolutely no sense. My imagination was running wild again. 

Just then, a loud thump jolted me out of my thoughts.A familiar odor pierced the air: the smell of burnt meat. A fire was emanating ahead.  

I wasn't sure whether to proceed or not. There did not seem to be camp nearby or any other source to validate the fire’s existence. But then, I heard it. The sound of chomping bones and grunting was unmistakable. It was at this point that I began to get very nervous. For some odd reason, I was a bit curious. I hesitantly proceeded towards the sounds, making sure to stay hidden. Once I got a good look at what was causing the fire and sounds, I could have sworn my eyes were deceiving me.  

There was what I could only describe as some sort of beast standing in the distance, bright fiery flames seeping off of its body. All I could do was stare in awe and observe it. I was frozen in its presence. I watched as it growled and snared as it bit into the deer like a famished beast that had not eaten in days. I have never seen anything like this.

“Oh my” I mumbled under my breath.

I didn’t know what to do. Suddenly, the creature turned to face my direction, possibly sensing my presence. I crouched down even further behind the rock in front of me just before it could spot me. It was scanning my direction for what felt like forever. 

Fortunately, it seemed to be satisfied to find nothing. The beast seemed more interested in finishing its meal, and so it did.

Well,

I had set out to find answers tonight and I definitely got what I wanted.

[braylonofthedragons]

Walk of Shame (Day 5)

It’s quite evident that they’re hiding something. Why else wouldn’t they tell me anything. I thought to myself. My mother was pacing around. She was still pretty upset that my father acted so foolishly the day before.

“They’ve locked him up and they want us to stay inside. We’ve been inside for two days. They have been bringing us food, boarding up parts of the house where we may be able to peek outside, and there’s been a couple of guards patrolling the streets at all hours. This is insane.” I accidently spoke aloud.

 “What is it dear?” mother asked.

 “Oh, nothing I- “

 “We’ve got to find a way to get your father out, I think he’s been there long enough, he-he didn’t mean to do what he did he wasn’t in his right mind.” My mother looked very flustered. She’s been worried sick about my father.

 Just then we heard a knock at the door. My mother went to open it and there stood a Whiterun guard.

“You two, you’re coming with us.” He said, pointing at my mother and me.”

 Mother: “Are we in trouble?”

Guard: “Jarl Baalgruf would like to speak to you.”

I reluctantly got up from the chair, curious as to what the Jarl wanted with us. I walked out with the guard, my mother following.  As we walked outside, we could see others standing around. They were the occupants from the neighboring farms. There was Eimar, Gloth, Nimriel, Servario, Wilmuth, Ahlfild Battleborn, and Gwendolyn.

Servario: “Well look who’s here to join the walk of shame.”

Mother: “What in the…why is everyone…”

Guard: “let’s go”

Mother: “What is the meaning of this Servario?”

  “The heck if I know.”

   We reached the city gates, headed towards the cloud district, and reached Dragonsreach. I was amazed at how magnificent it looked. How could I have forgotten? Well, after all, I don’t go to the cloud district often.

“Jarl Baalgruf, the farmers have arrived” the guard said as he opened the huge castle doors.

We stepped in front of the Jarl. He sat, slumped in his chair with a woman, well elf, whose name was Irelith I believe, next to him.

Jarl Baalgruf: “Ahh, it is unfortunate that we have to commune under these circumstances, however, the situation is quite dire, I’m afraid. I understand that there have been some odd happenings outside of the gates of Whiterun, but not until recently was there a fatality. With this, I am requesting that you all relocate inside of the city walls, until the matter could be resolved. I figured it would be best to hear this straight from the Jarl’s mouth.”

Servario: “With all due respect Jarl Baalgruff, we would like to at least know what has been going on, who was killed? and by what?”

Eimar: “We’ve been left in the dark, we are clueless I’d like to know what we are running from”

The Jarl looked at Eimar and Servario hesitantly. “It is for the best interest of the city that we keep this matter as restrictive as possible to avoid panic.”

We all began to speak at once.

Jarl Balgruuf: “PLEASE NO MORE!THAT IS ALL I WILL REVEAL. ANYMORE AND I WILL HAVE YOU ALL ARRESTED. You will be accommodated at the Bannered Mare. THAT IS ALL!”

Everyone hushed. No one dared to defy the Jarl. We were all ordered to leave.

 Just then, I saw my mother step forward.

Mother: “Jarl Baalgruf, and what about my husband? Could we, my daughter and I please see him?”

The jarl sighed. “And you are?”

“My name is Finaa My husband, he had an incident of sorts with a guard a couple of days ago and…he was arrested…. he…he didn’t mean it please; I just need to see him.”

 Jarl Balgruuf: “Ah yes the insubordinate one who won’t stop speaking. Very Well. Foljar, take these ladies to the prisoner. Don’t be long.”

We were escorted to the dungeon, a small, musty, dark room. There my father was his face lighting up as he saw us. “Oh, by Kyne’s mercy I hope you two have come to let me out of this rat’s hole.”

Guard: “I’ll give you a few minutes”

“I’m sorry father but he will only allow us to speak.”

 He sighed.

 Mother: “Honey what have they done to you? Are you being mistreated? Oh! MY! please don’t tell me they’ve hurt you! What were you thinking ?!” My mother impatiently spoke.

Father: “Finaa, please calm down dear; you and Braylon, listen.”

He lowered his voice, starting to whisper, “They’ve done something, they’re trying to cover it up. I don’t know what’s going on, but they’ve done something they don’t want us to know and its bad. I’ve heard those reckless guards when they spoke, I pretended to be asleep. There have been more bodies.”

Mother: “More bodies, Klufar, what on Nirn are you even saying?!”

“Father, you’re saying that Whiterun had something to do with the body in the garden?” I interjected.

Father: “Look, I don’t know. But something’s going on and it isn’t right.” We need to know what’s going on, we deserve to know what’s threatening us outside of our homes! There’s pro--”

The guard was approaching us, he probably began to grow suspicious at that point.

Guard: “Alright time’s up. Time to go”

We were escorted away. “That was barely a minute” I scowled.

The guard started pushing us.

“REMEMBER WHAT I TOLD YOU!” my father shouted as we walked away.

 My mother and I exited Dragonsreach, confused looks on our face. We waited until we were far enough away from the guards.

Mother: “What does he mean? Why won’t they just let him out?”

“He means exactly what he’s saying, it’s quite obvious they are keeping something from us and they don’t want us to know, they don’t want the people to know what they’ve done. They probably suspect that he knows too much, and they definitely won’t’ be letting him out so soon nor will we be visiting anymore. I’m going to get to the bottom of this, mother. I can’t stand this.” I walked in front of my mother she grabbed my dress from behind.

Braylon, you can’t go digging around in diplomatic matters, they’re eager to arrest and you’ll be next, just like you father.”

 “Are you forgetting that I am capable of my own decisions, and besides, I know better than to get caught. I want to know what’s happening and I know you do too!

Just then we heard shouting in the distance.

“PEOPLE OF SKYRIM! BEWARE! THE WORLD EATER HAS RETURNED AND WE ARE ALL DOOMED! DOOMED!” 

We looked back to notice a beggar yelling by the statue of Talos. My mother and I stopped to listen to her.

“THE DRAGONS, THEY RISE AND THEY ARE HERE TO TAKE BACK WHAT’S THEIRS! WE WILL ALL BURN, JUST LIKE THE OTHERS. SOON SOOOOOOON SOOOOOOOON. RUN AND HIDE BUT THEY WILL ALWAYS FIND YOU. YOU MUST SUBMIT. HE HEARS! HE KNOWS! SOON, SOOOOOON!”

Just then a priest, Heimskr? came out towards her.

“It’s time go Hilda.”

 My mother and I looked at each other.

 “Dragons? She has lost it” I declared.

“Right?”

[braylonofthedragons]

Trouble in the Cabbage Patch (Day 4)

I hesitantly began walking towards the cabbage patch. As I got closer, I could see it a bit clearer, but I still hoped I was wrong.

“Oh dear Akatosh, let this not be what I think it is.”

I slowly walked closer and looked down at it, shocked and beginning to panic. It really was a charred body. Now, I’ve had to stab a couple of bandits or two, but I’ve never killed anyone, nor have I seen a dead body, especially not just lying in the middle of our garden!

I panicked, eyes widening, and frantically looked around while backing away slowly. “Help! Help!”I yelled.

"Hey look, over there!"

The guards rushed over quickly.

Guard 1: “Kjoki, go inform the Jarl that we’ve found the disturbance”

One of the other guards began hastily walking back towards Whiterun as the others began to examine the scene.

Guard 1: “Did you see or hear anything?”

Me: “No, I-I was walking towards the-the horses’ stable and I noticed something strange from afar." Just then I remembered what happened earlier that morning. “Oh, and this morning, I thought I heard screaming. It woke me up and I thought I could smell something burning, I don’t know I was unsure and wh-what do you mean by “found the disturbance?””

Guard 1: “Unfortunately I can’t divulge much information to citizens at the moment”

Me: “Can’t divulge any information, sir, I just found a charred body in my garden I think I deserve to at least know what is going on!”

Just then, my parents stepped out, confused looks on their faces.

Mother: “What on Nirn is going on, what is happening?”

They both stopped when they noticed the guards surrounding the body.

Father: “What is the meaning of this?”

Mother: "Is someone hurt? Just what are they standing around?"

Another guard rushed over to them.

Guard 2: “I think its best if you both headed back inside, as matter of fact, you should follow them," he said pointing at me. "We will handle this from here”

Father: “Get inside? You can’t be serious, what is going on out here?” “I demand to know what is going on on my own damn property! You can't just tell us to go inside we have duties to attend to” He yells.

The guard moved closer towards him, weapon drawn.

Guard 3: “Well I hope you know I won't have an issue helping you catch an early ride to Sovngarde!" "I won’t hesitate to use this if need be.”

Mother: “ Oh! You cannot be serious…”

My father gives them a scowl. I slowly backed towards the house, shocked.

Guard 3: “Now I think its in your best interest to get in the house now!”

We all headed inside.

Father: “Damn Skeever Scats, threatening me into my home on my own property.”

Mother: “Braylon, what is going on out there?”

Me: “I don’t know; I was going towards the stable when I noticed it. I went to get a closer and confirmed it was really a charred body. I panicked and yelled for the guards. When they rushed over, one of them asked me if I’ve seen anything, but they wouldn’t tell me anything else”

Mother: "A body? Burnt? That poor soul..."

Father: “Wouldn’t tell you anything? For the love of gods, there’s a body in our cabbage patch and they won’t even tell us what’s going on!” He snapped.

I think its safe to assume that my father is still angry about my little proposition and is even more enraged because of the guards’ actions. He paced back and forth by the front door, as if he were planning something.

Father: “ I’ll handle this. I’m not going to just sit around in the dark. They can't treat citizens like this.” He walked towards the door and began to head out.

My mother chased after him, attempting to stop him.

Mother: “Klufar! Are you trying to get yourself killed?”

He looked back at my mother, ignored her, and walked out. We watched him from the doorway.

Guard 2: “ Don't you get it! you have to stay inside for the time being”

Father: “Tell me what this is all about. I won’t move until you tell me why there’s a damn body in my yard.”

Guard 2: “We have direct orders from the jarl not to give any information to any citizens, at the time.”

He got closer.

“Now I suggest you get inside and tend to your business.”

My father grabbed the guard by his top.

Father: “You look here you-“

The guard pushed him off of him.

Then, he drew his sword and swung it towards my father's neck.

I closed my eyes, expecting to see my father executed right before my eyes.

"No! Please! Please!"

My mother screamed and dropped to the ground, anticipating the sight to come.

But, the sword stopped right on my father's neck.

I opened my eyes, my heart racing

Guard 2: “Folknar Arrest him!"

One of the guards came behind my father and cuffed him.

"I'm sparing your life for now, but please no if you try that again, it'll be your head"

My mother ran closer to the guards and my father, yelling.

“Klufar! What has gotten into you!” Please spare him! You can’t do this!”

Guard 2: “We do as we are told”

“Finaa, I'm sorry but I'm going to find out what they're hiding one way or another."

My mom glared angrily at him.

"You fool ! This wasn't the way to go about it. You could have-" She couldn't even finish her sentence, thinking of what could have happened.

They walked away with my father in cuffs while another guard handled the body. I could hear my father yelling insults, as they escorted him back into town. One of the guards who stayed behind came up to us.

“Unless you’d like to end up like him, I’d suggest you to follow orders. Anything that needs to be done, we will do. Do I make myself clear?"

[braylonofthedragons]

A Girl’s Plight (Day 3)

“I’m leaving.”

I cannot believe I let that out so abruptly.

My father laughed a bit.

My Father: “Well, I didn’t know you were such a late-night party animal”

My mother smiled at my father’s attempt at a joke and looked up at me.

Mother: Something happening at the Bannered Mare tonig-”

I sighed.

Me: “No, mom, dad” I proclaimed shaking my head. I looked at them both and let it all out. “Look, I want to travel. Life on the plains is great, you two have been amazing parents, but I’m afraid I’ve grown tired of this life. There’s life beyond the plains, beyond Whiterun, beyond Skyrim, and I’d like to experience it. I’d like to know that I’d at least have your support. I mean, I’d hate to leave on a bad note.”

My father glared at me, disappointed. My mother put her hand on her forehead and looked down at the table. I obviously caught them by surprise.

Father: “By Shor’s bones, have you completely lost it! You know what we’ve been discussing for years, how you would take over the farm, Braylon. How can you do that if you go out there and get yourself killed thirsting for what you think will be a simple adventure? You know your mother and I are getting older; we can’t do this forever. You’d really abandon us for your own risky desires?”

Well, when he put it like that, I sort of felt somewhat shoddy. Besides, I’ve never seen my father get this riled up, ever. But I stood my ground.

Me: “I know what I said, and I understand but I am an adult and I do think I’m capable of making my own decisions. You’ve both sheltered me from the world for years. I know my past was rough, but I can’t be shielded and handheld through life forever, father and I wouldn’t leave without sending a replacement anyway.”

He slammed his goblet onto the table. I was almost sure it would have shattered into pieces as roughly as he had handled it.

Father: “I don’t, and I won’t accept this. Do you know how dangerous Skyrim is? You’re not ready for what Tamriel has to offer, trust me. You’re living in fantasy, and I’ve got news for you, your reality is here on this farm, living like honest folks do. It’s one thing for you to be walking nonchalantly to places as far as Rorikstead, as risky as that already is, but to go out and play explorer?”

He got up from the table.

"If you decide to go, and—and so called explore the world and be a "little adventurer" aimlessly wondering around and into trouble, then we will have no issue disowning you”

I looked at him in shock. He’d really disown me? I had nothing more to say after his foolishness. I was mildly agitated, so I got up from the table and decided to step outside to clear my mind.

My kind and gentle father who used to bring fresh sweet rolls to my bedside when I could not sleep was now an angry tyrant set on controlling my fate. And my mother, she just sat there unmoved. What is their problem? I don’t want my parents to disown me nor do I feel as if he’d honestly do that but I feel like a child. I’m an adult yet I can't do as I feel without harsh scrutiny. I know that I was supposed to take over the farm but circumstances change--things change--people change, and besides, I never promised. I don’t want to leave them disappointed, but I can’t continue to live unfulfilled to keep them satisfied.

I stared at the stars, continuously becoming lost in my thoughts. I was prompted out of my gaze moments later and decided to head inside.

I went to my room and prepared for bed. I lay in my bed, wondering what my next move was and reliving the argument I had had with my father. Disowning me? Hmph. The thought was sickening. I started to doze off.

“I wonder whether Erik convinced his parents.”

I fell asleep.

At around 2:23 am, I was awakened by what I thought was a scream. I jumped out of bed and listened. It was as if I could hear a gasping cry. “What on Nirn…” I thought.

I headed downstairs to see if I could hear anything else. It was quite amazing that no one else was up and inspecting the noise. Maybe this was all a dream and I am a fool for trying to give in to curiosity. I slowly headed towards the front door, listening in the silence. I stood at the door for a bit. I heard nothing.

I know that I wanted to be a brave adventurer, but I was too cowardly to head outside and see where the sound originated. I’d start the bravery another day, as this was very unsettling. I guess I really was dreaming.

After getting a few more hours of sleep, I got up and dressed for the day ahead of my parents. I walked outside, intent on heading to the horse stable first but I was stopped in my tracks by a burning smell and guards searching the area. Had something in Whiterun been set afire? Were the guards looking for a perpetrator, I thought. I started to head towards the horses’ stable when I noticed a strange figure in my peripheral vision towards the cabbage patch. I turned to look, squinting my eyes to get a better view.

"Hm, I must be seeing things." I said with a confused look.

As my vision was better adjusted, I could feel my heart beginning to thump harder as my mind began to race.

“Is that a--”

[braylonofthedragons]

Going Mad (Day 2)

     Today was just like any normal day. I awakened from my sleep feeling well rested at around 6 am, Middas Morning. I got up, ready to get to work on the farm. Working on the farm was quite peaceful in the plains and not too much happened, despite our open location. After putting on my clothing, I went into the dining room and was greeted by my mother and father. Mother had cooked a nice breakfast, sweet rolls with kwama eggs and mammoth snout steak; yes we love to chow down on mammoth snout first thing in the morning! We ate our food, as my father discussed what was to be done on the farm that day and chatted about life in general and what was to possibly come of our future. However, there was never any talk of changing location, something I secretly wished they would mention. It did not really matter, though, it was a lost cause. They loved it here and were here long before I was even born.

After my meal, I headed out to gather all the necessary tools from the barn, in order to begin completing my daily chores. This has been my routine since I arrived and was of age to walk. An endless limbo, every morning, with not much excitement along the way. Do not get me wrong, I was happy to be here, however, I can’t help but ponder on my past and the “stuck” feeling I’ve often felt. I wanted to know more about myself. I’d never taken time to , I guess, “ find out who I am" or what I am capable of, because I’ve been going with the flow of life here. I wanted to learn more about my actual parents and why I was discarded as if I were mere trash.

I have always wondered and sought answers that I knew I’d probably never get but the thoughts are becoming more apparent. Perhaps I was just a young adult ready to leave her nest. Ah, anyways, I’ll spare you the farm duty details, unless you’d like to hear about how our cow, Betna gave birth.

      After finishing up, I decided to take a trip to Rorikstead to visit a close friend of mine, Erik. Erik and I were childhood friends and met many ages ago in the city of Whiterun.

We meet up after working to catch up as much as we could at our favorite place in town, the Frostfruit Inn, which his parents owned. Don't get me wrong, Erik is a gentleman and does sometimes come by to visit me often, but we do like to change up things sometimes.

Besides, I don’t mind a little adventure on the roads of Skyrim, even if that includes being mugged by slimy bandits, which, might I add, I have no problem handling with my favorite dagger. Anywho, Erik worked on his parent’s farm as well as I and also did what he could at his parents’ inn. Today, we had a particularly interesting conversation and mentioned something I wasn’t expecting from him. I will do my best to duplicate the conversation as it was spoken:

    “Erik! My favorite Nord!”

     Erik: “Ah Braylon! My favorite cheeky little Breton! You don’t know how good it is to see you at the moment!”

I was mildly taken aback. We are good friends; however, he has never shown such eagerness to see me after we had only just seen each other a day ago. He tightly hugs me, sighing as he continues sweeping the floor. I give him a worried look.

Me: “What’s the matter Erik? You seem a bit off, you know I can always tell.”

Erik: “Oh, I’ve got a lot on my mind, I’ve been meaning to ask you about something, you know, friendly advice.”

Me: “Of course, anything you need to say, get it all off of your chest.”

He hesitantly stared at the floor for a moment and glanced over at his father who was busy writing in his ledger. He moved closer towards me and began to speak.

Erik: “Well, you see, I’ve been growing tired of this town! I am tired of living the same humdrum life. Day in and day out,” he says while hastily sweeping the floor. “I need to get out of here, explore Skyrim, I-I want to be a fighter, hell, I’d like to see just what the entirety of Tamriel offers. But my mother, she refuses to let me go and my father does not take me seriously,he thinks I am some kind of coward.

His words echoed within my head. I think I had been feeling the same way and, at the time, I was not really expecting to hear this from him. I had always assumed he loved living here and wanted to settle here eventually with his own family.

But oh, who am I kidding, Ivarstead was somewhat depressing. Then, it dawned on me that he said he wanted to become a fighter. I chuckled a bit. I looked at him slightly embarrassed. After all, I did not mean to laugh at his concerns.

Erik: "And what's so funny about that," He snarled. "I don't know what  people find so funny about a man in distress, you know"

Me: “I'm sorry Erik, I don't mean to laugh at your plight but you've never been of the fighting variety! I mean you don't even have any armor and how would you survive months away from the shelter of the town, you still ask your mother to choose your clothing for the day I just-"

He cuts me off.

Erik: “Oh for Talos' sakes, you sound like my mother Braylon. I'm being serious. There's only so much a man can take. I can't see myself staying here any longer, the town is driving me mad woman!"

Me: "You know what, I completely understand Erik. If you feel it is time you left, then I think you should. No point in spending your life unhappy just to appease others. To be quite honest, I've been thinking of leaving for some time now myself and I know my mother and father would rather I stay around to take over the farm, but I feel like I'm missing out on something by staying here. I just  didn't expect this from you, I guess I'm a bit worried about what may happen."

He looks at with a big smile, relieved and sort of shocked.

Erik: “Ah Braylon I should have known great minds really do think alike! I knew I was right in confiding in you. I was so afraid of leaving behind my family and friends, especially you but I'm glad to know you feel the same. Besides, I think we could go, together, there's nothing to be afraid of! Actually, I think it was time we spoke to our parents, Braylon, it's the least we could do--the least that I could do before I actually made any rash decisions. It would mean the world to me if they approved, I can't stand the thought of upsetting them."

He was serious and he was really intent on leaving. He was right. I was afraid of my parents' reactions and as mush as I wanted to go, I was afraid deep down inside of what might come with being out in the open, without my parents' aid. Despite my own internal struggle, I knew it was time to talk to them. The last thing I wanted to do was just up and leave and drive my mother sick wondering where I had gone.