章 68: Building a Home III

"Hey! Don't you dare stuff my wardrobe full of clothes that would only be worn by someone at the Palace! That would be pretty mean!" Kasia pouts while 'angrily' pounding her fists against my chest. Doing nothing against my armor aside from making a tinging sound.

I halt her 'ruthless assault' with my left hand, lifting both of her hands over her head causing her to yelp in surprise.

"Eekkk!" Kasia exclaims in shock trying to back away, and I let her as it only results in her backing herself into the nearby wall as I hold her there raising my right hand to her neck as Kasia trembles in shock, "I-I'm… S-sorry… I didn't mean to o-offend… Please f-for-" Kasia pleads in shock at my sudden turn of character.

I raise my finger on her lips silencing her as I feel her shiver in my grasp, "My dear sweet, Kasia… I think we have very different meanings when it comes to humiliating attire…" I say leaning closer to her as I whisper in her ear.

"If I wanted to stuff your wardrobe full of clothes, they definitely wouldn't be suitable for going out in public in... As I'd want to keep that beauty all to myself." I say letting her hands go as they slide to her side.

Kasia is left speechless as a fiery blush covers her face and she shuffles her feet as I still keep her trapped against the wall as my body blocks her escape.

"Ugh... Why does it feel like I've been run over by a horse?" I hear a voice say, as I look over and see that Kristy starts to stir as she wakes up from the earlier fight.

Though momentary, the distraction is enough for Kasia to slip away and shout, "I-I'll go pack! Meet you when it's time to leave!"

Leaving me to give Kristy death glares before walking out of the house to gather my men and make a report.

"What did I do?... And where's Marcus?" Kristy asks out loud to no one in particular.

It takes a couple hours, but my men finish dealing with all the bodies, stripping them of their weapons and armor, and other various loot under the skillful direction of Faendal and Lokir. Before gathering at the center of town. Everyone but Sophia, Stenvar, Jenassa, and Uthgard are here. The two former protecting the children and the base, while the latter two had missions of their own to accomplish. And despite the mismatch of armors, it's an impressive sight having a squad of warriors lined up waiting for your next command.

"Firstly, I wish to thank you all for martialing here so quickly and beating back the enemy reinforcements. Today was a great victory for our company and it is cause to celebrate, for there lies many more in our future!" I shout causing the men to cheer.

I let them celebrate for a moment before continuing by raising my hand to silence them, "Secondly, our enemy has seen fit to gift us with a bountiful harvest of weapons, armor, food, and supplies." I say with a smirk causing everyone to laugh.

"Grelka, ask Eorland to assist you in breaking down the armor into ingots when you return to the Tower. As for the weapons, everyone here will have their pick of the lot. But choose wisely, opportunities like these don't grow on trees. The rest of the supplies will go back to the Tower along with Mauricurio and Kasia. Who will continue working with the laborers to build the Tower." I say before turning to M'rissi and Inigo.

"You two will accompany me to Riften to handle a task." I say before addressing the rest.

"Faendal, you will return to patrolling Riverwood. Lokir, you will stay here and study under Walsh for a couple days while the rest of you will head over to Falkreath to purchase a plot of land, conduct a survey, clear out some nearby threats, and lay the ground work for our next project. Once that's accomplished Lokir will join you with the finished plans and more supplies. Any questions?" I ask as everyone looks to one another before shaking their heads no.

"Excellent. Then off you go!" I say, handing over the 4,000 septims to Rayya to handle the transaction before helping the rest load the supplies into a makeshift cart being pulled by my horse that heads down the road outside of Jonestead along with most of the company.

I spend the next couple of hours discussing my plans for the construction of the site once known as Lakeview Manor, with Lokir and Walsh who provide valuable input causing me to revise my initial plans several times. Once a rudimentary plan is drafted I turn to take my leave before Lokir speaks up, "Boss, can I have a word with you?"

"Sure, follow me." I say leading him to Kasia's house which she said I could use in the meantime.

Once inside I ask, "So what's on your mind?"

"I've been thinking about how we met and what you said... And I don't blame you for lying and telling me what I needed to hear in the moment, because I'd have done... No, I have done the same thing... But..." Lokir pauses, steeling himself before asking his next question.

"I'd like to be what you are! To have the power of that beast in the palm of my hands! The power to protect those I care about!" Lokir asks earnestly, his feelings pouring out.

I'm left stunned for a moment, "I-I don't know if I can do that, brother..." I reply.

"Why not?" Lokir asks in confusion.

"First, this beast is a terrible burden to bare and I barely controlled it the last time I used it. Second, I'm unsure if I can actually transfer the same power to you or if it would be something else. Lastly, the ritual site is currently held by the Companions." I say trying to persuade him otherwise.

"I... I understand, but know that I will work hard to earn the right to bare that burden alongside you, Boss! I know that I can be strong enough given time." Lokir says with adamant determination.

*Sigh* "Alright, if you are strong enough and we can acquire the ritual site from the Companions, I promise to do my best to grant you this power. Deal?" I say extending my hand, which he shakes firmly.

"You got it, Boss! And I know you're busy at the moment, but if you get the chance... Could you set aside some time to come with me to visit Rorikstead? I want to show them that I turned my life around and I would really appreciate the support." Lokir asks hesitantly.

"Sure thing brother, we'll go after I return from my next errand. Stick to your studies with Walsh, he has a lot to teach." I promise before heading out to find Inigo and M'rissi.