Traveling through The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim

Loristed, meaning "Lorry's Farm" in Nordic. From as far back as Locker's generation can remember, this town and the surrounding fields have been the private property of old Lori. This Legion veteran, who fought in the World War thirty years ago, settled in western Whiterun with his comrade and savior, Joanne of Brighton.

In the game, the two old men depended on each other for survival. In the other world, however, they each married and had children. But by the time I transmigrated, both wives had already passed away. Joanne had two sons, while Lori had two sons and a daughter. The two families didn't arrange a marriage, probably because the young people weren't attracted to each other. Old Lori's daughter married a small-farm owner and continued to live in town after the marriage.

In the Night Moon of the Fourth Age 201, the Imperial Legion entered Loristed and looted the stored grain. Old Loris, who was still in charge at the time, gathered some valuables and gave them to Ennis, asking him to purchase them in Whiterun.

In the Morning Star Moon of 202, the High King's Council of Solitude declared that old Lori's purchase of land from Lord Balgruf was illegal. Loristed was renamed Hofdelstein, and the former farmer became a tenant farmer. Two months later, Lord Igmund sent a man named Thordon to take over the land.

Upon arrival, this fellow confiscated Lori's property. After Lori's youngest son went missing, Thornton accused him of joining the Stormcloaks and used this as grounds to arrest Lori's entire family. Eric's father, Muraki, used the Companions' name to secure their release, but within a day, the family was subjected to severe torture. Joanne used all her skills to save her old comrade's life.

In the Rainy Month of 202, I used the alias Lund and met the circus master Veles in the Azure Plains. Little did I know that after we parted, this dark elf, while passing through Loristed in the next Seed Month, would inquire everywhere about "Lund and his sister".

Lund was already working for me then, but he wasn't well-known. After all, even I, a baron, was just a nobody in the eyes of the big shots, worth only a little over a thousand Septim. But Thornton imagined a whole drama. He believed that the missing Lund had also gone to participate in the Stormcloak rebellion, and that Lori's daughter and he were posing as siblings, secretly plotting something.

I received all this news in July of last year. Rigel was about to give birth, and I was preoccupied with both her and Danger's potential sabotage; I had no time to concern myself with such trivial matters. At the beginning of the last month of the year, to be precise, August 8th, little Sunil was born. Subsequently, the Imperial Legion marched on Sun Garden Fortress, and Helgi was taken away by Annis to fight.

On the 30th of September, the last day of the month, I received a letter from Helgi reporting that he was safe, but in reality, the battle had already begun. Two months later, at dusk, Lyra and Argis brought back news of Helgi's capture. Then came my infiltration of Whiterun, the burning of Loristede's granary, the siege of the Imperial Legion's rearguard, and my engagement to Irina—a series of events that followed in quick succession.

A key difference between the other world and the game is the lag in information dissemination. In the game, almost everything that happens spreads throughout the entire world overnight, becoming known to everyone in the streets and taverns. But in the other world, unless you deliberately inquire, many things are simply unknown. Even if news does spread, a long time passes, and rumors are often embellished and distorted beyond recognition.

Take the Forsworn Rebellion, for example. It happened on the 16th of the Sunrise, the Festival of Hearts, but Argis reported it to me a month later, on the First Seed, only because I happened to have sent someone to Markarth. Despite the uproar caused by Mednatch, I bet the vast majority of people in Skyrim had no idea what had happened, especially those on the opposing side.

The civil war in this other world is completely different from the game. It's no longer a conflict between the Imperial Legion and the Stormcloaks, but a three-way standoff. With the extermination of Lord Scudder's clan, the Azure Plains have been completely separated from the Stormcloaks, becoming an arena for the struggle between the Imperial Legion and the Talos Alliance. Someone of my status must be extremely discreet and cautious when entering the territories of the other two factions.

In this situation, those forces that operate across territories thrive. The Companions, the Dark Brotherhood, the Church of the Holy Spirit, and even the Khajiit caravans—they traverse Skyrim, gathering considerable intelligence and never lacking buyers. After all, timely and accurate intelligence is crucial for decision-making; as the saying goes, "Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated."

In short, regarding news from Loristed, I had only updated up to the second seed month of last year, which was May. Now it's the Rain Hand month of the Fourth Age 203, and naturally, much has happened in that nearly year. The report from Nigarda fills in that gap.

After Thornton's elaborate fabrication, the entire Lori family was imprisoned again. This time, no amount of help could change their minds; Thornton even threatened to submit the charges of treason to the High King's Court, claiming that everyone who pleaded for Lori's life was an accomplice.

After discussing it, Muraki and Joanne decided that instead of waiting for the villain to make the first accusation, they should try to take the initiative and, as veterans, report the matter to Governor Riki. As long as the second-in-command of the Imperial Legion was willing to intervene, the High King's Council would have to give them face. Even if they couldn't get their property back, getting the person out of trouble would be a good outcome.

Relying on his son's membership in the Companions, Muraki was fearless. To save his old comrade's life, Joanne was also willing to risk everything. It's worth noting that he had contributed to the land purchase years ago; it was just that old Lori had handled the paperwork in Whiterun. The two families had a decades-long friendship, and these matters were unspoken agreements, not for outsiders to know. But if investigated thoroughly, Thornton had every reason to arrest him as well.

The letter was sent through the comrades-in-arms. The messenger frankly told Muraki that the guards at Dur Castle wouldn't let him in, but promised to forward it to Governor Rijki. All that was left was to wait.

From late spring to midsummer, two months passed, and Governor Riki's reply never arrived. Instead, Muraki received a letter from Moonvaska. The letter was written in the name of the Circle, and was signed by Krako, Ella, and the Wilkas brothers. This was essentially the highest-level document from the Companions, but its contents were chilling.

The circle, in harsh terms, accused Muraki, as an outer member of the comrades, of recklessly interfering in political affairs, thus damaging the reputation of Yuevaska. Considering it was his first offense, he was only given a warning; if he continued to be cautious, his removal would be considered.

Along with the official letter came a private letter from Krako. The old man subtly advised Muraki not to attempt to rescue old Lori, otherwise not only would he suffer, but his son would also be affected. Eric was now considered "promising" within the Circle, while Krako, at that level, was only described as "steady and resolute." Given time, his son was very likely to take the helm of Moonvasca, and he must not ruin his future for a moment of impulsiveness.

Using both soft and hard tactics, Muraki had no choice but to back down, and Joanne didn't say much more. Both of them knew that this unlucky woman, that traitor, that damned scoundrel, that shameless scoundrel... would never plead for her old comrade.

That day, Joanne drank heavily. Murakhi wanted to say something to him, but felt too ashamed to face him. Instead, the idle chatter of the others in the inn rekindled hope in the Brighton man's heart.

Loristed is located on the edge of the "civilized world." Further west, beyond the Rift Mountains, lies the territory of Rych, teeming with unruly people and wild beasts. To the north, following the Yar River around the western foothills of the Stone Mountains, lies a muddy swamp permeated with the stench of death. Anyone who cherishes life must be prepared, both materially and psychologically, before venturing into this wilderness. Therefore, Muraki's Ice Fruit Inn never lacks business.

As for why they go to those dangerous places? Of course, it's to make a living.

Morthal is Skyrim's largest distribution center for medicinal herbs. Whether you need to save or harm someone, it can provide the answer, and in large quantities. Rychlands is the richest in gold and silver mines, while Markarth is renowned as an art capital. The same weight of precious metal, if crafted by artisans here and endorsed by an exhibition held at the Temple of Dibella, can fetch a hundredfold higher price.

When Lord Balgruuf married his second wife, her brother, Lord Collier of Winterhold, stipulated that all of his sister's wedding jewelry must come from Stonehenge, or the marriage would be off. This was because Lord Whiterun's first wife's entire headdress was made from the finest pieces from Markarth. To lower the standard would be to announce to all the guests that this bride was inferior to her predecessor.

Tolerable or unbearable?

Both Morsal and Markars needed to import large quantities of grain, so trade between Whiterun and these two regions was very frequent. The villages and towns built by Old Lori also became the most relied-upon supply points for traveling merchants. People from all over gathered at the Ice Fruit Inn, drinking, boasting, and chatting, which was truly the happiest thing.

"Hey, old Amberley, you're doing business now? Your dutiful daughter won't support you anymore?"

"I'm not short of money! I'm just helping a friend out. Sigri can't travel far right now."

"Is it inconvenient because of you, or because of her husband?"

Everyone burst into laughter, except for Joanne in the corner. Amberley's face turned bright red, and he stammered as he spoke.

"I'm here...uh...to transport a batch of iron...iron ore!"

"Actually, the couple probably just finds you in their way, right? There's an iron mine right next to your town of Riverwood, and it produces quite a bit. Do they really need to send you all this way?"

There are indeed two small iron mines south of Loristed, but they are more than ten times farther away than the coal mines.

"You...you don't know anything! Coal...lumps from mines...only supply...to..."

"Who are you supplying? Tell me! Don't tell me you're just making this up."

Amber waved his hand, indicating that he couldn't say. He then focused on shaking the bottle in front of him, searching for any remaining bottles he hadn't emptied.

"I bet five bottles of malt liquor that you know absolutely nothing!"

"Whiterun! Starting this year, all coal mine output must be delivered to Whiterun! Boss, bring the drinks!"

"Wait a minute! What are you talking about? I've been in this business for years, do you think I'm a fool? Old Greymane of the Skyforge has always used goods from Regalf of Dawnstar City, and this year he's also gotten in touch with Baron Falkrislock. What? Is he going to rob the coal mines again? I think you're drunk and talking nonsense!"

A drunkard can't stand being told he's drunk. Amber jumped up and howled at the top of his lungs, as if afraid someone in the inn wouldn't hear what he was saying.

"You're such an idiot! I have a friend who's an officer in Whiterun, is the information he gives you accurate?"

"Officer? You mean, these iron..."

Amber tapped the table, signaling the other party to bring out the wine first.

"Silly boy, don't you think about it? Who is the most powerful lord in the skies right now? Do you think his territory is so easy to take over?"

He pointed to the inn's door and then made a horizontal slash across his neck with his hand.

"Those people outside won't live to see next year! Come on, brothers, let's drink to Lord Balguff!"

Cheers to the Barguff Chieftain!

Joanne, sitting in the corner, also raised her glass, her hands trembling.

Yes! How could he forget Lori's greatest backer? Lord Balgruuf, a great man who slew dragons to protect his people. How could he stand by and watch his reputation be tarnished? It's just that Whiterun is an agricultural region, and it's currently summer, not a good time for war. As long as they get through the autumn harvest, things will naturally turn around.

Joanne, filled with hope, eagerly counted down the days until the New Year.

Nothing happened.

He was a veteran, well aware of the dangers of war and the need for caution. Thirty years ago, in that fierce battle, even His Majesty the Emperor lost the capital, yet he patiently waited for the Sky Legion to complete their magical combat training before launching a counterattack. Lord Balgruuf's inaction had its reasons, and he and Lori needed to hold on as well.

Joanne longed to share his hopes with old Lori, but he couldn't. Thornton forbade anyone to visit him in prison, not even allowing him to bring his old comrade a few winter coats.

As winter turned to spring, in the latter half of the month, Lorry's daughter, unable to bear the humiliation, committed suicide with a fork. The guards refused to help and even prevented Lorry from attempting to rescue her, leading to a conflict in which Lorry and his eldest son were beaten to death on the spot. Early the following morning, Lorry's daughter-in-law and his infant grandson also died suddenly. Due to the suddenness of the events, by the time others received the news, the bodies of the five family members had already been taken outside town and buried.

A month later, Joanne received another piece of news: Lord Scudder's entire family had been wiped out, and the High King's Council of Lords had agreed to let Balgruf's eldest son, Flothal, inherit the title of Lord of Morningstar. He wasn't naive about politics; he understood that this was General Tullius and Lord Elisif's compensation for taking Loristed.

This town has been sold by Balguff three times, so how could he possibly come to uphold justice for Lori?

The Ice Fruit Inn remained bustling with guests, who raised their glasses in celebration. Everyone believed that although Hofdelsted was temporarily under the control of Igmund, it was merely a strategic maneuver by Lord Balgruuf. Any major matter in Skyrim could only be resolved with the approval of Lord Whiterun. Neither Tullius nor Ulfric had to bow and scrape before the dragon slayer, offering concessions and concessions in exchange for his support.

Beyond the honor of being citizens of Whiterun, there is another joyous occasion to celebrate today. Eric brought news that less than a week after Irina and I left Helgen, Angie gave birth safely, and both mother and daughter are doing well. Muraki announced that he has become a grandfather, and offered a buy-one-get-one-free deal on all drinks, eliciting cheers from the crowd.

Joanne held the bitter ale, unsure whether to laugh or cry.

That night, he burned his treasured Imperial Legion uniform, went alone to Lori's grave, and committed suicide by sword.