Traveling Home I

I'm exhausted and drenched in sweat from what Sofia asked of me.

I've had to stop halfway through just to catch my breath when I hear her pleading voice refocus my attention.

"Come'on Silvy! You're almost there! Just a little further!" Sofia desperately encourages me to push through.

"You know I'm basically crippled, did we have to do this so soon?" I question her, trying to buy me a little more recovery time.

"But I needed this sooo~ badly and I just couldn't wait anymore!" Sofia answers as we finally near the peak.

"I guess... But did you really need me to walk with you and carry all your bags on a shopping trip?" I ask panting as I'm out of breath and forced to carry all her supplies.

"Seriously, why did you need a mammoth's tusk?" I ask in confusion.

"It's for your friend Lokir. He's sweet on that Carlotta and I heard she wanted a mammoth's tusk to give to your Khajiit trader friends." Sofia explains causing me to pause.

"You mean, Ysolda, right?" I ask correcting her.

"No, I'm certain it's Carlotta that Lokir has a crush on." Sofia says giving me a quizzical look.

"That may be true, but Ysolda is the one who wants the tusk to get in good with the caravans." I tell her.

"Nah, that's not right." Sofia refuses with certainty.

"Look, Ysolda's over there. We can ask her real quick." I propose.

"Sure, but you'll owe me two favors if I win." Sofia taunts.

"Fine by me, just don't regret it when I win." I say back confidently as we walk over to Ysolda.

"Greetings, Commander. What brings you to market today?" Ysolda greets pleasantly.

"Oh, just out shopping between jobs. Speaking of, I heard you were looking for a mammoth's tusk?" I ask her.

"Why, yes I am. Ma'dran said he'd help get me started if I could bring him a mammoth's tusk. Which is easier said than done." Ysolda explains.

"Well, it just so happens that we have one here. Right, Sofia." I say giving her a light nudge with my elbow as she glares at me.

"Yes, here you go. You wouldn't happen to know if Carlotta was also wanting a mammoth's tusk too, by chance?" Sofia asks hopefully as she reluctantly hands over the tusk.

"No, she had some issues with that bard Mikael, but a nice man claiming to work for you dealt with him in a fistfight for her honor and wiped the floor with him. Mikael hasn't bothered her since and she can't stop talking about him... Lokir? I think was the man's name." Ysolda gossips.

"Thank you, Ysolda, you've been a great help. And speaking of, I actually know Ri'saad. The leader of the caravan nearby. I could talk with him the next time I see him and see if you can travel with them on their trade route for a while if you'd like?" I offer to Ysolda as thanks for helping me win the bet as I'm in a good mood now.

"Really? I wanted to get some experience and save up to purchase the Inn in town, and this would be perfect! Thank you, I'll pack up and wait to hear from them. I really appreciate this opportunity!" Ysolda says gratefully as she goes back to her home.

"Hmph… Well, Silvy, I guess you won. How shall I pay you back?" Sofia says with a slight pout at having lost.

"Oh, I can think of so many ways, but let's start with this…" I say as I wrap my arm around her shoulders and slide half of the supplies into her hands before turning us around to walk together through the slightly larger Whiterun as her face flushes slightly.

"So, this is what you wanted to use your favors for?" Sofia asked after walking around for a few minutes.

"Nah, I only used one. I'm saving the other one for later." I say cheekily as we walk.

"Silvy, you jerk! You're going to hold this over me for a while aren't you?" Sofia says bumping her shoulder against me.

"Oh, yeah. I'll be milking this for as long as possible." I say with a chuckle.

"And here I thought you milking me would be more pleasurable. I mean… So, I originally thought kids were pretty creepy." Sofia says trying to change the subject from her awkward admittance earlier.

"Oh, and now?" I asked with interest.

"Yeah, your little urchins have actually got me thinking… If we had kids what do you suppose they would look like? Oh no… I meant hypothetically, not that I would want to… Although, you are quite strapping… I'm just going to shut up now before I really embarrass myself." Sofia says awkwardly looking away from me.

"Hmmm…" I ponder for a moment, "I think they would definitely look great. With my tusks and your great ass what more could someone need?"

"You pervert! I have great boobs too!" Sofia pouts indignantly.

"Oh, I know. Got quite the eyeful when we first meet." I say as we continue walking in silence, though with a light atmosphere between us.

We walk quietly enjoying the sights of the town before heading back to the Tower.

"Well, this was fun. You and me just walking around and doing stuff to each other… I mean with each other but not like that… Like bondage, I mean bonding… Oh, Divines!" Sofia says getting all flustered before giving me a kiss on the cheek and running ahead with the supplies.

I touch my cheek, staring at her leave fondly before going to do my best to help everyone pack up and leave.

I met with Ri'saad before leaving, letting him know about Ysolda and her desire to learn caravanning and getting his agreement to take her under his wing for a few trips.

And with that, I gather everyone for our party meeting.

"Thank you all for coming here. We're going to be going to the site of our new base, but I'm going to need Benor, Grelka, and Mauricio, to stay behind at the Tower to oversee the finishing of the Tower walls and the Bunkhouse, as well as continuing community outreach. Holding classes, helping townsfolk, and practicing smithing. You all know what needs to be done. Everyone else will be coming with me so we can get as much work done as possible." I tell them as they all nod in agreement and we take our fairly large group on the road to Riverwood.