I woke up inside my friend's video game

I will never stay within the walls of Solitude, swinging my sword at dummies, pretending that it somehow brings stability to Skyrim. That's what I keep telling myself. But Sir Oscar's words echoed in my mind: "Son, do what feels right, just don't hurt your comrades again. I know it's painful; I have a son out there too." His voice, filled with a father's wisdom and sorrow, pulled me back to reality. This wasn't just about finding Erica anymore. It was about finding them all—my lost colleagues from the real world, and maybe, a piece of myself too.

The wind howled through the dense trees, carrying with it the cold bite of Skyrim's rugged wilderness. I led our small party, each step carefully measured as we traversed the rough terrain. Solitude's walls felt like a distant memory, swallowed by the vast unknown. The Imperial-controlled holds—Falkreath, Haafingar, Hjaalmarch, and The Reach—offered temporary refuge in a kingdom teetering on the edge of war. Whiterun, central yet neutral, was a delicate balance we dared not disturb.

The path ahead was fraught with danger, but I wasn't alone. My squad, though small, was capable. Titus and Aldis, newly recruited Imperial soldiers, had exceeded expectations, despite the doubts others harbored about their potential. They were raw gems, waiting to be polished. Jordis, my housecarl, appointed by Jarl Elisif after I became Thane of Solitude, was a versatile warrior, as deadly with a bow as she was with a sword. And then there was Belrand, a seasoned Spellsword with an independent streak that often clashed with my leadership.

Jordis moved with a grace that contrasted with the toughness carved into her features. Her piercing blue eyes, though still clouded with fatigue, never stopped scanning our surroundings. Blonde hair framed her face in soft waves, a stark contrast to her battle-hardened expression. Yet, in rare unguarded moments, kindness flickered through, revealing a depth beyond the hardened warrior.

Titus, towering and broad-shouldered, often slouched as if unsure of his own strength. His physique suggested brute force, but beneath it lay a gentleness, a hesitance I was helping him shed. Aldis, smaller and wiry, was quick in both body and mind. His dark hair framed a sharp face, always assessing, always calculating. Though quiet, his intelligence had proven invaluable in battle.

As night fell and the campfire crackled, the team settled in for much-needed rest. I took it upon myself to prepare a warm meal, a small act of normalcy amid the chaos. Jordis stirred from her sleep, her eyes still heavy with exhaustion.

"My Thane, what are you doing? You should be resting. Leave the cooking to me," she offered, her voice tinged with concern.

I smiled, unable to resist teasing her. "Do you know how to cook, though?"

She hesitated, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I… well, no," she admitted, a rare vulnerability breaking through her tough exterior.

"Then come here," I said, gesturing for her to join me. "Let me teach you. Next time, you'll be the one cooking."

As I guided her through the steps, I noticed Titus slouching more than usual, his eyes heavy with exhaustion. "Hey, Titus," I called out, walking over to him. "Why don't you get some rest? Jordis is awake now; she can take over your watch."

"But sir—" he began, but I cut him off with a playful wave of my hand.

"Hep-hep-hep! What did I say about the honorifics?" I reminded him.

He stammered, struggling to adjust. "J-J-Jay… argh! This is so hard. You're our Thane! How can we talk so casually to you?"

I clapped him on the shoulder, chuckling. "It takes practice. We're a team, Titus. Equals. We do what's logical and safe for everyone."

As Titus finally drifted off to sleep beside Aldis, I scanned the campsite and realized Belrand was nowhere to be seen. I sighed, rubbing my temples. He was the one team member I couldn't quite rein in yet. Perhaps it was his age, or maybe he simply didn't like taking orders from someone younger.

"How many times do I have to tell him to at least let someone come with—"

"Ahhh!" A cry shattered the stillness, unmistakably Belrand's voice. Aldis shot to his feet, and despite his fatigue, Titus was up in an instant. Jordis dropped the ladle she was holding, and in perfect sync, we all reached for our weapons.

"Everyone, follow me! Let me take the vanguard. Titus, Aldis, stay right behind me. Use your Restoration and Alteration spells to support. Jordis, cover us with your archery," I commanded, my heart pounding with adrenaline.

We moved as one, our training and instincts taking over. The night air was thick with tension as we raced toward the source of Belrand's scream, hoping that rebellious drunkard was okay. But in Skyrim, hope was often a luxury we couldn't afford.