When introduced to the new Thane of Whiterun and Dragonborn, her first impression was abysmal. He was thin like a noble's spoiled son, wearing armor that clearly didn't belong to him, and he was bestowed many gifts and opportunities by the Jarl. If anything he seemed to be awkward in the way that he would shuffle about constantly scanning the room.
'If this is the Dragonborn, Skyrim stands no chance against the dragons.' she had thought.
What made it worse was not his lack of grace or battle experience, or even his lack of residence...
But his pockets were berift of any semblance of gold.
Lydia's dream of seeing the interior of Breezehome Manor would have to wait a little while longer.
One of the "benefits" (and she used this word quite loosely to describe it) of travelling with the Imperial Dragonborn is that he always managed to find ways to surprise her. He was quiet yet blunt and forceful, using the minimal amount of words to get his point across.
Another would be his absolute love for septims. He may not have much of it, but when he did have enough for the newest and highest quality armor and weapons he spent it on potion ingredients and other useless objects.
And he still somehow managed to get her Steel Plated armor.
Unknown to Lydia, the Dragonborn typically sought lessons in forging from Adrianne, using those useless objects he bought as materials for much greater things.
She remembered some of their adventures with very little fondness. After all, watching the Dragonborn wander aimlessly around Skyrim was both amusing and frustrating. The occasional bear mauling him in his sleep stopped being funny when she also had to experience it herself and had bear blood and intestines spew all over her and her bed roll.
A borrowed one of course, from some dead bandits. It was already covered in blood, but now there was more fresh blood
They had been called to High Hrothgar at least a week ago and yet they were still exploring Skyrim like the dragons weren't coming back and annihilating towns. Sure they still killed dragons but all they had done was cave exploring and treasure hunting, taking detours that felt entirely unnecessary.
She didn't know, he was stocking up on potion ingredients and coin but at the time he was summoned by the Graybeards. THE GRAYBEARDS. They were known for the seclusion and teaching of the Thu'um. No one has been summoned by those wise and powerful monks in years...
And this impudent bastard of an Imperial was brushing them off?
It was the knowledge that they were in Rorikstead and that they were finally on their way that allowed Lydia not to lose her patience.
"We head up thw mountain at dawn," he said snobbishly. "I want a list of whatever items you need, barring spells and armor."
Just hearing how dismissive and arrogant he was wanted to make her slit his throat in with Mehrunes' Razor. A legendary dagger that occasionally kills instantly no matter where you stab or slash. Why they had travelled all over Skyrim to collect Daedric Weapons and treasure when they had no real home was beyond her.
Maybe all this side questing is worth it... just for the powerful weapons and gold.
Then she remembered she was carrying 4 sets of dragon scales and bones.