We continue walking towards the inn, and despite dismissing his question Hadvar still tries to pry; my speech damn near leveled up again by the time he finally dropped the subject once we reached the door. Inside, we met Faendal and Camilla, who were sharing a steak and potatoes meal, laughing and snuggling against one another. A part of me felt happy for them, but another part of me wanted to throw an explosive at their annoying PDA. Unfortunately, I don't have fireballs or exploding spiders, so I must deal with it. Faendal finally stops looking at Camilla and takes notice of me, getting up from the table and walking up to Hadvar and me.
Faendal: Good morning, sir! I'm sorry I didn't notice you entered the Inn.
Alexander: Faendal. I see everything between you and Miss Valerius is going smoothly; I'm happy to see it. So, what news do you bring from Falkreath?
Faendal: Many good ones; please take a seat!
***********
Faendal: As you can guess, the dragon you both saw has not yet been reported around the Falkreath area. There wasn't a sign or scale of the monster. However, due to Hadvar's order, I decided to approach the Jarl just in case.
Alexander: Hadvar did?
Hadvar: Proventus Avenicci, the Steward of Jarl Balgruuf, requested it. He was afraid that the sudden shift in guards would be viewed as a sign of provocation to Jarl Siddgeir, which was one of the other reasons I sent Faendal.
Faendal: The Jarl was pleased by the warning and handed me this letter to give you. I believe he wants to employ us for something, sir.
Faendal hands me the folded letter, and despite already having a feeling, I open the letter to find exactly what I knew was there: Siddgeir's request to have an audience, probably the job where I kill those bandits he made a deal with.
Alexander: Slimey shitstain.
Faendal: Sir?
Alexander: Nothing. What of the companion you picked up along the way? If I'm not mistaken, Hadvar said you were bringing someone along.
Faendal: Ah, yes! The Imperial! It was a long journey, so he's currently resting in one of the rooms. He should wake up soon. Oh, there he is!
I turned around to see a familiar sight with his well-tailored clothing signifying his noble status, blond hair, and meek demeanor; it was almost unmistakable. Another modded character, Lucien Flavius, created by Joseph Russel. It was another surprise that I couldn't have expected. That's twice now that I've met a modded follower under different conditions. Lucien notices me and puffs up his chest, attempting to look professional. He takes a deep breath and walks as if he were faking bravado.
Lucien: Uh…*ahem* Hello, sir. Are you, by chance, the leader Faendal told me about? Alexander Skyfield?
I glance at Faendal, who smiles at me, and then at Hadvar, who shrugs. Then, back to the meek imperial before getting up from my chair. In response, Lucien looks as if he almost is going to fall back from the surprise of my height.
Alexander: I am he, yes.
Lucien: Oh, thank goodness! One could only guess; Faendal said his leader was a large half-orc, but with the armor covering your entire body, including your face, I could only guess by your size. So it would've been unpleasant to assume you were him, and it turned out you weren't, and…I'm rambling again, aren't I? Sorry, I talk nonstop when I'm nervous.
Alexander: Heh, it's fine. Take this.
I grab a nearby bottle of mead and pour a cup for him.
Lucien: Uh…bit early, isn't it?
Alexander: It's to help you loosen up. It's called liquid courage.
Lucien: Liquid courage? Hmm, fascinating. Then, I suppose I shall dive right in.
Lucien took a large gulp of the mead before setting the mug down. His face looked a little flushed, but he was otherwise much more relaxed.
Lucien: Phew, that was rather tasty. Thank you, anyway Mr. Skyfield, my name is Lucien Flavius. I am a scientist, philosopher, amateur wizard, and, as a hobby, a musician on certain occasions. Before meeting Faendal, I was out at Dead Man's Drink in Falkreath; I had arrived at Skyrim not long ago, from Cyrodil, on an academic expedition. Everything here in Skyrim has caught my interest, from the wildlife to the Dwemer and Nordic ruins. I wanted to study them up close. However, I have one issue: when it comes to combat, I'm not very proficient. When I saw Faendal, I intended to hire him to be my bodyguard, so to speak, and bring me through Skyrim so I could pursue my studies.
Faendal: I told him I wouldn't be a very good bodyguard since I'm not such a seasoned warrior. However, I mentioned our group and you, sir.
Lucien: Exactly, so I wish to join your group!
Alexander: I…see, and how much pray tell did Faendal share with you about our goals Flavius?
I stare death daggers at Faendal, who knows full well that our goal is a secret known only to outsiders.
Lucien: Well, adventuring, of course! Traveling around the land, seeking powerful artifacts and spells while helping the weak and slaying dragons! Something else I'd be rather interested in looking into! I want to be able to travel through Skyrim in hope to uncover so many secrets that it hides! I may not be strong but I am sure to be capable to join your ranks since Faendal did say almost anybody can join!
Alexander: Here's the thing, we can only allow one within our group if they can defend themself.
Lucian: Well that's why I want to be in a group this big! There's no I in team and all that right?
Alexander: And if you were alone?
Lucien: Uh…well, I can swing a sword! And I know some basic elemental spells!
Alexander: Whoop, Dee Doo, an infant can swing a sword. And even a toddler could accidentally shoot off Magic. I need someone capable of more than that Flavius: someone with guts, drive, and ambition. If you're surrounded by an enemy, you don't back down. If a noble threatens an innocent in front of you, kick his ass. And if even a Daedra manages to chop off your limbs, then grab the sword by your teeth.
Lucien: T-that's insane; surely you don't expect anyone to fight that hard for you?
Alexander: You're right, I don't. There's lots I can't guarantee in regards to the actions of my allies here, in any given situation, they could decide to abandon me, lie to me, or even stab me in the back isn't known. But I know this: those by my side are still here. Knowing full well the risks. Can you say for sure that you're prepared for the dangers? That your will is that strong? Because the people with us, I know for sure they have that will, if that's the only thing on the table, I know I can't doubt their loyalty.
Lucien stands there quietly, thinking about the question I asked, motionless like a statue, deep in thought. Lucien grabs hold of a dagger and places it before me. I looked back at him, and his eyes were filled with determination.
Lucien: I am no fighter. But surely you'll reconsider if I at least prove myself in combat no? What greater test is there for will then that?
Alexander: By the 9, did you not hear what I said? Anyone can swing a sword!
Lucien: But not everyone is as willing to use that sword! I went through hoops to ensure I could get here and I refuse to leave! I don't know what it is but this group of yours maybe the key to my academic goals! So I refuse to let up!
He places his hand on the table, indicating I stab it; when I grab hold of the dagger, he looks away in fear but doesn't move his hand. I don't know why the hell he came to this conclusion to test his mettle, but if he wants a test then I'll give him a damn good one.
Alexander: Ugh, fine. You want me to test your resolve? Then don't disrespect me with this little butter knife.
I drop the dagger to the floor and tower over Lucien.
Alexander: If you truly are prepared to fight in my ranks, then I want to see that will do yours up front. Come.
***********
With our peers surrounding us outside of the Camp, Lucien and I stand far apart, parallel to one another, Lucien looks to be shaking a little but he stands his ground in spite of it. Hadvar taps my shoulder before we began.
Hadvar: Alex, what are you even doing? With Sofia it made sense why you would test her, but Lucien seems to already prove how serious he is. Isn't this enough?
That was a good question. I have nothing against Lucien, in fact he's a terrific follower so long as I train him. And he can bring lots to the team with his intelligence. But things are changing too much, he, Sofia, and so many of these people here aren't just written code programmed to do what a player wants. They're flesh and blood, with the same feelings I do. And one feeling that was always expressed in Lucien, while not as evident, has always been his cowardice. In the games he would still fight but only express how fearful he is in the beginning. Here however, one wrong move and he could risk either our or his own safety. I need to know for sure he won't be a hindrance, and if he's truly prepared for the hard work that's to come.
Alexander: It's a feeling, that's all.
Hadvar just looks at me confused, but shrugs.
Hadvar: Just don't hurt the poor bastard to badly ok?
I nod to the soldier before he walks off to take a seat. The two of us were now the only ones within the makeshift arena we had, neither of us move, neither of us even blinked. Keeping both our guards up and tracking each others movements. Until after half a minute Lucien dashes forward with a sword in hand. He swings it to the right, but I block it effortlessly with a shield.
Alexander: Is that all you've got?! I've felt breezes stronger then that strike!
I raise my arm, axe in hand and swing it directly to Lucien's side, but he ducks! Then pulls himself away immediately.
Lucien: I'm not quite done yet! Novice Level Destruction Magic: Flames!
A pillar of fire blasts out from Lucien's hand, charging towards me. I try to block with my shield, but I could still feel the intense heat. Lucien drops his sword and uses that hand to fire off another flames spell to my direction.
Lucien: How's this for willpower Mr.Skyfield?! Is it not a strength clad in iron?!
Lucien continues to blast his flames on me, much to my surprise it seemed the flames were even stronger than what I've seen in the games. I plant my shield into the ground and crouch on the floor to block out the fire and brace the attack. Lucien's magic wasn't letting up, it almost seemed like his magicka reserves were near infinite. That's when I realized how close he was getting towards me, and the opening was there.
Alexander: Impressive, but no!
I roll away from my shield and move quickly behind Lucien, before he noticed me I grab him by the shoulder, punching him directly in his face.
Lucien: 8 divines! That hurt!
Alexander: Like I said Flavius. Any baby can swing a sword. I'm not just looking for the best fighters!-
I continue throwing punches towards him, he tries to block but his guard breaks too easily and gets pushed back.
Alexander: I'm looking for people who will stare down danger!
I continue throwing the punches till we pass through the crowd and I push him to a tree.
Alexander: People who know the odds are against them, but still continue fighting regardless of the fact!
I grab hold of Lucien's shirt, lifting him up against the tree.
Alexander: People who fight in spite of their fears, their doubts, or even their weaknesses. Because at the end of the day, willpower is what makes the warrior! Not the best weapon, not the greatest armor! So how about it Flavius? Knowing there's danger right in front of you, staring at your very soul! Do you still intend to fight?!
Lucien struggles, and despite his hands shaking, he continues looking at me in the eye.
Lucien: I-If it means reaching my goals, t-then face them I shall!
I smile at the imperial and pull out my second axe.
Alexander: Then say it with me now…if you're surrounded by an enemy?
Lucien:…you don't back down.
Alexander: If a noble threatens an innocent?
Lucien:…Kick him in the bum.
I start raising my voice.
Alexander: And even if a daedra chops off all of your limbs!?
Lucien: Grab my sword by my teeth!
Despite the odds against him, despite the fact that I overpowered him, and the fact that I have him pinned up, and an axe ready to strike him, Lucien continues staring me, even with fear clearly in his eyes, he still maintains his gaze without looking away, as if it was just he and I in this world and nothing else.
Alexander:…Congratulations, you pass.
I then swing my axe directly to Lucien's direction and it lands.