The frost settled as the fire cracked. Small orange orbs flew from the fire as it fought to stay alive against the weak winds that where only getting stronger.
The morning sun began to peek from out from the white sky. Snow, he thinks. As he continues sharpening his sword while watching his new follower sleep more soundly then he ever had, the thought bitterly crossed his mind.
He truly couldn't think of one positive reason as to why she was still here with him. Constantly she moaned about any little thing he asked of her and soon enough he was carrying everything, rushing to protect her from crabs to the cold. The last time they where in immediate danger was when they where crossing the top of a waterfall. A great fire dragon swooped in and scorched the ground only feet away from him. Within seconds he engaged it, dragging his blade against scales before being knocked hard against the ground. He was so close to death before he managed to defeat it. He also managed to see Lydia, half way through the fight, saunter off after a bandit.
He asked her about it later and all she could say was that she was sworn to carry his burdens. "And a great fucking job of that you're doing" He shouted at her. The familiar tinge of guilt welling up in him after he stormed off and left her slowly following him. That was what felt like the millionth time that he swore, yet again, that he wouldn't put up with this any longer.
He sighed, slightly wishing he could just leave her there and let the fates decide what they had in store for her, but no.
You don't become a saviour of the people by abandoning your followers. No matter how lazy and annoying they are.
"Breakfast?" Her dull tone brought him away from the peace he had managed to find. Out of his mind where he imagined himself and his sword, not her.
"Here" He passed her a piece of slightly burnt bread. Watching her take it and scrunch her face.
"Nothing else?" ..here we go he muttered.
"No, nothing else, just eat it"
He was thankful she decided to sit down and eat instead of starting the usual argument, but he knew it wouldn't be long for the next one to start.
They weren't too far from their destination when she began to disappear every time he looked back, only to join him again after he walked on.
"What are you doing" He asked her, swirling round to look at her in the eye.
She stood looking back with a blank face, as if he had imagined the whole thing.
Maybe he was going crazy, the thought had been a reoccurring one of late.
Shaking his head he continued on the path. Letting himself be lost in thoughts of warm fires, hot stews and strong ale. All the things he would lose himself in once they reached the tavern. For one night he would forget about her. Just one night was all he asked for.
This shall be a small collection of chapters detailing the pain of a follower that cares nothing, and the trails a warrior has to do to put up with them. Join us on our journey across Skyrim, through fire, snow, rain and a tavern or two.