"It's been two decades since that day, yet I still remember it as if it had just passed. I do wonder where I would be if I hadn't had Erica to convince me to answer the call from Akatosh on that day. Erica…" Richard's moment of recalling his memories was disturbed by the door to his personal armory opening in far from a subtle way. It was a dead giveaway on who it was.
"Sir Richard, many of our soldiers were more than happy to join us. I have chosen who will make up the escort" Torbin stood at the doors to where Richard was reminiscing. He also retired his ornate armor for a common outfit. Unlike the haughty advisor that had to share a place alongside the High King, Torbin couldn't stand the royal garbs.
"We are not being watched, what have I told you about calling me that?" Richard's tone didn't convey condescension. Rather, it was a true question.
"I respect you too much and it is out of habit. You are my superior, Richard." Richard let out a sigh, not even thinking of fighting against his friend about titles. He could win diplomatically but Nords were notorious for being the most stubborn race on Tamriel.
"If that's what you think but you know how I feel about that kind of formal stuff between us."
"I remember, yes. You said the same to Miss Erica many times but that didn't stop her." Richard hesitated to respond at the mention of Erica. It has been long, yet out long enough for the memories to soften the pain. Torbin picked up on the silence quickly. "I'm sorry, I forgot about that request." There was genuine worry in his voice.
"It's fine, you forgot a lot. I am coming to terms with my mistake slowly. Will you be prepared for a battle when we arrive in Skyrim?" The air was cleared almost instantly, as if there was never tension. One of Richard's most powerful skills was his charisma.
"Of course, I am! I have been making sure our soldiers are in peak shape, although none are as skilled as me! Except you, Sir Richard." Torbin's voice boomed loudly once again. He could not control himself when speaking about combat.
"You know better than anyone why I am powerful. I am blessed by the Divines as well as possessing other extraordinary abilities. If I did not have those gifts, I would be severely outclassed by you." Richard knew how strong the selfless Nord was. His strong faith kept his vanity in check, though. Despite that, Torbin would never agree without strong complaints.
"There's always more to a battle than physical strength. Your gifts just help you show your dominance more." Richard had to concede before the subject changed too heavily. It was getting too late to talk about anything else, other than what was considered small talk to them.
"You can't disagree with how outmatched I was when we first sparred." Some would not bring up earlier times, as it showed inexperience or weakness. Both Torbin and Richard disagreed with the notion, easily openly speaking of the past for some subjects.
"Indeed. We were both very much the weakest fighters the initiates had to offer. Hell, if you had started out as a warrior, we probably wouldn't be where we are today." The past events of the two could only be considered fate, at least the two of them considered it as such.