Chapter 69 Enchantments Before Dawn
The day was slowly sinking into dusk when they finally reached Riverwood. The sky had turned a soft orange, and long shadows stretched across the familiar dirt road. Alex let out a relaxed breath and stretched his arms above his head, his shoulders popping slightly as tension left his body.
"Ah…" he sighed, a small smile forming on his lips. "I don't know why, but every time I come back here, it really feels like I'm home again. I can already imagine it sitting inside the Sleeping Giant Inn with a mug of fresh milk."
As they walked through the village, the atmosphere felt warm and welcoming. The crackling sound of nearby campfires mixed with the murmur of the river, and the smell of wood smoke drifted through the air. Villagers along the road noticed Alex and greeted him with friendly nods, waves, and cheerful voices. Some even stopped what they were doing to call out his name. In Riverwood, Alex wasn't just another traveler he was the mage who had helped protect their home from a dragon.
Astrid noticed all the attention and shot him a sideways glance, her arms folding lightly over her chest. There was a faint pout on her lips, though her eyes carried a playful spark.
"Hmph… so you're pretty famous around here," she said, clicking her tongue softly. "You're completely different from how people treat you in Whiterun. But don't forget I'm still famous too, okay?"
Alex turned his head toward her, his steps slowing just a bit. A teasing grin appeared on his face as he raised both hands in mock surrender.
"Alright, alright," he said in a joking, conceding tone. "The great Dragonborn stays number one, and Alex the Mage can be number two. Is that good enough for you?"
Astrid stopped walking for a moment, then lifted her chin proudly. A satisfied smile spread across her face as she nodded once.
"Of course," she replied confidently. "I'm still number one."
They pushed the door open and stepped into the Sleeping Giant Inn, and at once they were wrapped in its familiar warmth. The scent of roasted meat and fresh bread hung thick in the air, mixing with the soft crackle of the hearth by the wall. Golden lamplight spilled across the wooden floor, and a few patrons sat scattered around some laughing quietly over drinks, others murmuring low conversations that blended into a comforting hum.
Behind the counter, the innkeeper an older man with a weathered face and a thick beard froze mid-wipe when his eyes landed on them. For a split second, surprise flashed across his features… then his face broke into a wide, genuine grin.
"Hey! You two!" he boomed, slapping the counter with delight. "Haven't seen you in ages! Hahaha come on, order whatever you want. It's on me tonight!"
Alex walked closer, the wooden floor creaking under his boots, and swung himself onto a stool near the counter. He leaned forward slightly, resting an elbow on the bar, one eyebrow lifting in clear suspicion.
"Since when did you become this generous?" he asked with a faint smirk. "What's going on?"
The innkeeper leaned in conspiratorially, shoulders shaking as he chuckled, his grin stretching even wider.
"Hehe… this inn? It's legally mine now."
Astrid, who had been standing just behind Alex, crossed her arms and smiled knowingly, her eyes softening as she looked at the old man.
"No wonder you look so happy, Uncle," she said lightly.
Alex let out a low hum, nodding slowly as the pieces clicked together in his mind.
"Ohhh… I see." He tilted his head. "Then how are Delphine and Esbern?"
The innkeeper scratched the back of his head, his grin fading into a thoughtful expression as he searched his memory.
"Hmm… last time I saw her, she was packing up some equipment. Didn't say much just told me the inn was mine now." He laughed awkwardly. "I was so happy I didn't even think to ask why."
Alex exhaled through his nose and nodded, his gaze drifting briefly toward the staircase leading upstairs.
"So Delphine and Esbern don't stay here anymore, huh?" He paused, then looked back at the innkeeper. "By the way, can we use Delphine's old room? We've got some business to take care of."
The innkeeper's face lit up again instantly, as if the request pleased him.
"Of course! You even gave me 1,000 gold back then don't think I forgot that," he said warmly. "So it's free for you… but not forever." He raised a finger with a sheepish laugh. "I still need money to keep the inn running. You can use it for a week."
Alex let out a small sigh, half-amused, half-relieved.
"Fair enough." Then, as if remembering something important, he added, "Oh and you haven't cleaned up the secret room yet, right?"
"Not yet," the innkeeper admitted, shaking his head. "Delphine only took her equipment yesterday. I haven't fully sorted everything out, and I haven't renovated the secret room either. It's still exactly how it used to be."
Alex turned his head and looked at Astrid, his expression calm but purposeful.
"Alright," he said. "Let's put our things down and change clothes before dinner, yeah?"
Astrid nodded, a small smile forming as she glanced around the cozy inn once more.
"Sounds good."
They changed into more comfortable, everyday clothes inside Delphine's old room. The scent of aged wood and faint alchemical residue still lingered in the air, as if the room itself remembered its former owner. After straightening their collars and setting their gear aside, they stepped back out into the inn's main hall.
The Sleeping Giant Inn was livelier now. Firelight danced across the wooden beams, casting warm orange shadows along the walls. The crackle of the hearth mixed with low chatter and the clinking of mugs. Alex leaned casually against the counter, resting one elbow on the polished wood.
"Uncle, give me some milk," he said with a relaxed grin, "and a few good meat dishes. The best you've got."
Astrid tilted her head and looked at him from the side, one eyebrow lifting in mild disbelief. She folded her arms under her chest, her lips curving into a teasing smile.
"Alex… you still don't want beer or wine?" she asked. "Why?"
Alex chuckled softly and shrugged, spreading his hands as if the answer were obvious.
"Well, between the two of us, at least one person has to stay sober, right?" he replied lightly. "Besides…" he tapped the counter with his finger and glanced at her knowingly, "…I'm a devoted milk lover. You know that better than anyone."
Astrid froze for a split second. Heat rushed to her cheeks as memories she very much did not want replaying in public surfaced in her mind. Her ears turned red, and she immediately looked away, pretending to study the wall behind the counter.
"Tch !" she muttered under her breath.
Clearing her throat, she leaned forward slightly and spoke quickly, trying to regain her composure.
"Uncle, I'll have some juice," she said, then added more firmly, "and fresh meat too."
As she turned back, she caught Alex watching her with an unmistakably amused smile, his eyes half-lidded in quiet triumph.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Astrid snapped, pointing a finger at him, though her voice lacked real anger. "I'm not planning to go wild tonight, you know."
Alex laughed softly, raising both hands in surrender.
"Hey, I didn't say anything."
Soon, the food arrived steaming plates of roasted meat glistening with juices, the rich aroma filling the air. Alex took a long, satisfied sip of cold milk, while Astrid drank her juice, still avoiding his gaze whenever possible.
They ate together in comfortable silence, surrounded by the warmth of the fire, the hum of conversation, and the familiar sense of peace that only Riverwood seemed to offer.
Night settled fully over Riverwood, the sounds of the inn gradually softening into a gentle hush. The crackling fire downstairs became distant, replaced by the steady rhythm of breathing and the faint creak of old wooden beams.
Astrid had reached her limit. She was already sprawled on the bed, her boots neatly set aside, her body sinking into the worn but familiar mattress. Her golden hair spilled across the pillow as she turned her head toward Alex, eyes half-lidded with exhaustion.
"Hey… Alex," she murmured, her voice soft and heavy with sleep. She patted the empty space beside her.
"Come on. Let's sleep."
Alex, meanwhile, was still standing, posture straight and alert despite the long day. The glow of a nearby candle reflected in his eyes as he adjusted the necklace in his hand. There wasn't the slightest trace of drowsiness on his face.
"Later," he said gently, lowering his voice so he wouldn't disturb her too much. "You go ahead and sleep. I need to study the Fortify Alteration enchantment on the necklace we bought from Arngeir."
Astrid let out a long yawn, covering her mouth with the back of her hand. She tugged the blanket up to her shoulders, cocooning herself in warmth.
"Alright…" she mumbled sleepily. "But when you're done… come to bed right away, okay?"
Alex gave a small smile, his tone softening.
"Yeah."
With that, he quietly slipped out of the room, careful not to let the door creak too loudly as he headed toward Delphine's secret room.
The hidden chamber felt different at night quiet, still, and faintly nostalgic. Several crates and racks were gone, taken along with Delphine to Sky Haven Temple, leaving patches of bare floor where shadows once lingered. Yet the core of the room remained unchanged. The enchanting table stood firm, runes faintly glowing along its surface. The alchemy station nearby still carried a lingering herbal scent, mixed with old wax and dust.
Alex stepped forward, placing the necklace on the enchanting table. He rolled his shoulders once, exhaling slowly.
"Alright…" he muttered, flexing his fingers. "Time to make some Alteration gear."
A translucent system interface flickered into view before his eyes. His gaze sharpened as he navigated through it.
"Let's see…"
He scrolled through his inventory, eyes pausing as rows of soul gems appeared.
"Ah found them." He nodded to himself. "Four Grand Soul Gems… and three Black Soul Gems. That should be more than enough."
His lips curved slightly. "I'll make some rings for Astrid too."
With practiced movements, he disenchanted Arngeir's necklace. The item dissolved into shimmering light, the knowledge flowing directly into his mind.
Fortify Alteration:Cast Alteration spells with reduced mana cost.
Alex closed his eyes briefly, absorbing the enchantment's structure and flow.
"Hm… Enchanting level 75," he muttered. "Just a little more. Once I hit 80, I can unlock the perk to strengthen everything I make."
He checked his inventory again, fingers hovering as he counted silently.
"Plenty of petty soul gems… and twenty-five rings."
He nodded decisively. "I'll save seven rings for myself."
The grinding began.
One by one, rings glowed as enchantments took hold, petty soul gems crumbling into dust with each use. The room filled with soft hums and flashes of arcane light.
Enchanting:
75 → 76 → 77 → 78 → 79 → 80
Alex let out a satisfied breath, shoulders relaxing.
"Nice." A grin spread across his face. "Perfect timing. Eight rings left."
He tapped the edge of the table thoughtfully.
"I'll keep one spare… and enchant the other seven for me and Astrid. But first perk points."
The system interface shifted.
Enchanter (4/5) → (5/5)
New enchantments are now 80% → 100% stronger
"Alright," Alex said quietly, eyes gleaming. "Let's see how strong Fortify Alteration really is now."
He placed a gold ring onto the table and began the enchantment.
Gold Ring:
• Fortify Alteration Alteration spells cost 25% less mana
The glow faded.
Alex's eyes widened, reflecting the rune-light.
"Yes!" He clenched his fist softly. "It worked."
Without hesitation, he enchanted three more gold rings with the same effect.
4 Gold Rings Fortify Alteration
"Okay," he said, rolling his neck once. "Now Astrid's turn."
His expression softened as he worked, more deliberate now.
1 Gold Ring: 45% Fire Resistance
• 2 Gold Rings: Fortify Health (+100 HP)
The system chimed quietly.
Enchanting: 80 → 82
Alex leaned back slightly, satisfaction written clearly across his face. The adrenaline finally faded, replaced by creeping drowsiness. He yawned wide, rubbing his eyes.
"Hoaaam…"
He chuckled softly. "I should test this… then go straight to bed."
He slipped five rings onto his right hand, their effects stacking Fortify Destruction and Fortify Alteration intertwining seamlessly.
"Alright…" he whispered. "Moment of truth."
Raising his hand, he cast Telekinesis. A nearby object lifted smoothly into the air, drifting toward him with effortless control. He focused inward, checking his mana flow.
Nothing. No strain. No dizziness.
Alex laughed quietly, relief and excitement mixing together.
"Nice… it really worked."
He exhaled, satisfied. "I'll store the rest and give Astrid her rings tomorrow morning."
He carefully packed everything away into his system inventory, extinguished the lanterns and candles one by one, and let the secret room fall back into darkness.
Returning to the bedroom, he slipped under the covers beside Astrid. She stirred slightly but didn't wake. Alex turned toward her, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face, then pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.
She slept on, peaceful and warm, as Alex finally closed his eyes beside her.
Status
Main Level: 36 → 38 (after sleep)
Perk Points: 4 → 3 → 5 (after sleep)
Enchanting: 75 → 85
Enchanter (5/5): New enchantments are now 100% stronger
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