Captainalfie78 Works
patreon
The Last Pillarman Chapter 15 — Casual Encounters
🕑 Added 2025-11-22 06:16:37 +0000 UTC
Tsun's days in Whiterun had become repetitive. He spent his nights in the Bannered Mare, drinking, reading, and experimenting with magic. His understanding of the arcane was growing at an alarming rate, faster than any normal mage could hope to achieve. Magic in this world had rules. Spells required forming matrices; intricate patterns of magic that needed to be shaped before they could be cast. Most mages took ten seconds to form a basic matrix. The most experienced could engrave them onto their soul, reducing the casting time to a second or less.
Tsun had no such limitations.
His mind processed information differently. His body was something far beyond human. He didn't form spell matrices in the air or with gestures—he shaped them inside himself, channeling magic through his body and releasing it in almost instant. Three seconds. That was all he needed. His first real test had been Frostbite. A simple spell, just a stream of freezing air meant to slow enemies down. Weak, by most standards. But Tsun had quickly learned that even the weakest magic could be devastating.
Saadia had volunteered to help. He had aimed the spell at her leg, expecting little more than a minor frost buildup. Instead, within ten seconds, her leg had frozen solid. Had he not warmed it up immediately, her limb would have shattered.
That was an eye-opener.
Magic was powerful. Even low-level spells could kill. How did warriors compete with something like this? How did they stand against enemies who could freeze them in place, burn them alive, or strike them down with lightning before they could even raise their swords?
The answer came from a book.... Battle Aura.
It detailed a technique that allowed warriors to bridge the gap between magic and raw physical ability. Aura was a mixture of stamina and life force, honed through years of training. At its base level, it made a fighter stronger and faster. The more experienced could extend it into their weapons, sharpening their blades to unnatural levels or hardening their bodies like steel. Some even gained unique abilities that didn't rely on magic or spell matrices and could be used instantly.
That was how warriors fought against mages. That was how they survived.
Tsun made a note to study it further. He wasn't sure if it would benefit him—his body was already far superior to a human's—but it was worth investigating. If nothing else, it might provide insight into how strong warriors of this world could become.
Aside from his studies, Saadia had proven to be an efficient servant. She handled all of his orders without question, making arrangements, gathering supplies, and ensuring no one disturbed him when he was focused on his books. She had adjusted well to her new form. Cloudy days allowed her to move freely, though on brighter days, she stayed in the shadows or within the safety of the Bannered Mare. She was eager to test her new abilities, sparring with him at night to improve her combat skills.
When their duties were done, she came to his bed. They both enjoyed those nights.
But after a week of this, Tsun had grown restless. He needed to move. Staying in one place for too long didn't sit well with him. He had already commissioned a carriage and supplies for travel, he just needed to check on the progress.
The streets of Whiterun were as crowded as ever. Merchants called out their wares, soldiers patrolled the walls, and refugees begged for scraps near the gates. The air was thick with the smell of cooking meat, fresh bread, and the filth of unwashed bodies. Tsun made his way through the market district, ignoring the stares he received. Despite being wrapped in a cloak to shield himself from the light, his size alone made him stand out. He heard the whispers, people still talking about the dragon attack, still speaking of the Dragonborn.
As he approached the workshop where his carriage was being built, he heard raised voices nearby. A commotion. He turned his head toward the source of the noise.
A Khajiit was harassing a woman.
She was familiar, ysolda he thought her name was. He had seen her around the market before, often dealing with traders. She was backed up against a stall, her arms crossed over her chest. The Khajiit leaned in close, but his body language aggressive.
Tsun sighed. He had hoped for a simple trip, but it seemed like trouble always found him.
He adjusted his cloak, making sure it still shielded him from the daylight, and walked toward them.
The Khajiit hadn't noticed him yet. "You owe us, warm-blood," the feline hissed. "We gave you what you asked for. Now it is time for you to pay."
Ysolda's face was tight, her eyes darting around for an escape. "I told you, I just need more time."
The Khajiit's ears flattened. "Time is up."
Tsun placed a heavy hand on the Khajiit's shoulder. The cat stiffened instantly.
"I don't know what this is about," Tsun said, his voice calm but firm. "But I suggest you take a step back."
The Khajiit turned slowly, his eyes narrowing as he took in the sheer size of the man before him. "This does not concern you, stranger," he said, though there was hesitation in his tone now.
Tsun didn't remove his hand. His grip tightened slightly. "It does now."
Ysolda took the opportunity to step away from the Khajiit, her shoulders relaxing just a bit. The Khajiit looked between them before letting out a low growl. "You are making a mistake."
Tsun lifted an eyebrow. "So are you."
For a moment, the Khajiit seemed to consider his options. His tail flicked in agitation. Then, with a final glare at Ysolda, he stepped back. "This isn't over," he muttered before disappearing into the crowd.
Tsun watched him go before turning his attention to Ysolda. "You alright?"
She nodded, brushing her hands over her dress as if to smooth out invisible wrinkles. "I'm fine. Thank you."
He crossed his arms. "What was that about?"
Ysolda hesitated. "Nothing you need to worry about."
Tsun raised an eyebrow but didn't press. He wasn't interested in getting tangled up in whatever mess she had found herself in. "If you say so."
She offered a small smile. "Regardless, I appreciate the help."
Tsun gave a small nod before turning away, his mind already shifting back to his original purpose. He still had to check on his carriage, and now, he was curious about something else—That Khajiit hadn't been some common thug. He wasn't interested enough that he'd investigate himself but he would set Saadia to watch them. He noticed how the Khajiit concealed two daggers in his clothing and even had a few throwing knives, he wouldn't say that it was suspicious but they were quite strange choices of weapons unless you happened to be proficient in them.
Tsun pushed the earlier events from his mind and made his way toward the workshop where his carriage was supposed to be finished. The air smelled of sawdust and oil as he stepped into the yard, his eyes immediately falling on the half-built frame of the carriage. The structure looked sturdy enough, but something felt off. His instincts, sharper than ever since his transformation, nagged at him.
The craftsman, a wiry Nord with a thick beard and calloused hands, noticed him approaching and quickly wiped his hands on his apron. "Ah, you're early," he said, forcing a smile. "Was just about to send word that your carriage is nearly finished."
Tsun walked past him without answering, running his hand along the wooden panels. The exterior looked fine, but when he pressed against one of the side beams, it gave a little too much. He frowned. He stepped around to inspect the undercarriage, his fingers tracing the grain of the wood. It wasn't the strong oak he had specifically requested, it was cheaper pine, softer and prone to splitting under pressure.
He turned to the craftsman. "This isn't what I paid for."
The man hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. "I assure you, it's sturdy. Just as good as what we agreed upon."
Tsun's expression didn't change. "Just as good?" He pressed a finger against the wood again, and it cracked slightly under the pressure. His gaze darkened. "It won't survive a week on the road before falling apart."
The craftsman swallowed hard. "I—there were supply issues. The oak was hard to come by this season. But I promise, it'll hold—"
Tsun moved before the man could finish, grabbing him by the throat with one hand and lifting him clean off the ground. The craftsman's feet dangled, his hands clawing at Tsun's wrist as he choked, his face turning red.
"If you're cutting costs," Tsun said, "then I'll start cutting you."
The craftsman kicked weakly, his eyes bulging. He tried to speak, but only strained gasps escaped his throat. Tsun tightened his grip for a few more seconds, letting the fear sink in before suddenly throwing him.
The man crashed into the wooden wall of the barn with a loud crack, his body slumping forward before going still. Tsun winced slightly, rolling his shoulders. He hadn't meant to throw him that hard.
A few seconds of silence passed before a groggy voice rang out from the barn.
"Who in Oblivion is making all that noise? It's barely the crack of dawn."
Tsun frowned and stepped around the corner. Inside the barn, sprawled out on a bed of hay, was a naked woman.
She had long, messy brown hair and piercing eyes that still carried the fog of sleep. Her toned body stretched lazily as she sat up, yawning before looking directly at him. She squinted, then grinned.
"Well, aren't you a big one," she said, her eyes shamelessly running over him.
Tsun didn't respond.
She tilted her head. "What, cat got your tongue?" She leaned back on her elbows, completely unashamed of her lack of clothing. "Oh, I get it. You're staring. Do you want a better look?"
Before he could respond, she spread her legs slightly, smirking.
Tsun sighed, rubbing his forehead. "I don't have time for this."
"You sure?" she teased. "I think you'd enjoy it. And hey, it's free for you. I'm feeling generous today."
He ignored the comment. "Who are you?"
The woman stretched her arms above her head. "Sofia," she said with a grin. "Best damn adventurer in Skyrim. Or, well, I would be if I wasn't currently between jobs." She gestured around the barn. "Not exactly living in luxury at the moment, but hey, free hay is free hay."
Tsun crossed his arms. "You sleep in a barn?"
Sofia scoffed. "You say that like it's a bad thing. It's cozy, I've got a roof over my head, and sometimes I even get a free drink if I flash the tavern keep a nice smile."
He stared at her.
She grinned. "And if that doesn't work, I flash him something else."
Tsun sighed again, already tired of this conversation.
Sofia sat up fully, resting her chin on her palm. "You don't talk much, do you?"
"When necessary."
She laughed. "I like that. Mysterious, brooding, and built like a godsdamned mountain. You're definitely interesting."
Tsun turned to leave, but she hopped up onto her feet, grabbing a tunic from the ground and slipping it over her head. "Hold on," she called out. "Where are you headed?"
"None of your business."
She smirked. "Come on, let me tag along. I could use a change of scenery."
"No."
"Why not?"
Tsun glanced back. "You don't seem like the reliable type."
Sofia clutched her chest in mock offense. "That hurts. Truly. Right here." She then grinned. "But seriously, I can fight. I can drink. I can talk my way out of most situations, and when that fails, I can stab someone in the face. What more could you ask for in a traveling companion?"
Tsun turned fully to face her. "I prefer not to be followed by someone who talks this much."
She laughed. "You're not getting rid of me that easy, big guy. I'm persistent."
Tsun shook his head. "Not interested."
With that, he walked out of the barn, leaving Sofia standing there, arms crossed, watching him go.
She smirked to herself. "I'll get him to change his mind."
...
With everything settled, he returned to the Bannered Mare, making his way upstairs to his room. He closed the door behind him, grabbed one of his books on magic, and settled into the chair near the window. The pages were filled with theories and instructions, and he quickly became absorbed in the material. His mind processed everything at an accelerated rate, forming a deeper understanding of how magic functioned in this world. Not long after, the door creaked open. He didn't look up at first, but when he heard the soft thud of knees hitting the floor, he sighed. He glanced down to see Saadia bowing before him.
"I told you that wasn't necessary," he said, exasperation slipping into his tone.
Saadia remained in place. "I cannot help it, my Lord," she replied, her forehead nearly touching the ground.
Tsun closed the book and leaned forward. "Fine, do as you wish," he muttered. "I have a question for you."
She lifted her head slightly. "Anything, my Lord."
"What do you know about Ysolda?"
Saadia tilted her head, thinking. "Not much," she admitted. "Only rumors, really."
Tsun gestured for her to continue.
Saadia straightened herself. "She has ambitions to become a trader. At one point, she managed to gather enough coin to put together a small caravan, but she somehow lost it all."
Tsun raised an eyebrow. "Lost it how?"
"I do not know," Saadia said. "But after that, I heard she took out a loan. She wanted to buy the Bannered Mare, but for some reason, she never did."
Tsun tapped his fingers on the armrest. "What's she like?"
Saadia hesitated for a moment. "She is very kind... does not cause trouble."
"But?"
Saadia's lips pressed together before she spoke. "She's an idiot."
Tsun blinked. "An idiot?"
"I do not wish to speak ill of her, my Lord," Saadia said carefully. "But it is common knowledge that the woman is a fool beyond fools. Once, one of the children sent her on a journey around the city trying to find elbow grease."
Tsun had nothing to say to that. He just stared at Saadia. Eventually he spoke again. "How is she allowed to stay in the city aren't there rules against those who do not earn enough?"
"She inherited her house from her parents, as well as a rather large sum of coin."
"Then why did she need to take out a loan?"
"Because she squandered it all," Saadia said flatly.
Tsun leaned forward. "On what?"
Saadia sighed. "Bad business choices as well as a charity of feedimg the people outside the walls."
Tsun remained silent for a long moment, processing that information. In this world of war, famine, and betrayal, people like her still existed? Someone who had everything and gave it away, not for greed, not for power, but because she wanted to help? He wasn't sure whether to call her noble or a fool. Perhaps both.
"Watch her," Tsun said finally. "If she's in danger, protect her. Anything serious, come and get me."
Saadia nodded. "Yes, my Lord." She bowed once more before standing and leaving the room.
Tsun sat there for a moment, lost in thought. He had encountered many types of people in his time here—mercenaries, killers, thieves—but Ysolda was an odd one. Kind people were like precious gems here, he'd do his part into making sure they maintain their ability to shine.
Pushing the thought aside, he returned to his reading. This time, he grabbed a book detailing the Oblivion Crisis.
The text detailed the horror that had swept across Tamriel centuries ago. The barriers between worlds had shattered, and the Daedra had poured forth, slaughtering everything in their path. The Empire had nearly collapsed. Cities had burned, and thousands had died before a hero rose and sealed the gates.
Tsun's fingers tapped against the table as he read.
Oblivion. A different plane of existence.
He doubted it, but was it possible there was a way back to his world through it?
He wasn't desperate to return. He had power here, freedom. But the idea lingered in his mind. If he wanted to, could he leave? Did the Daedric Princes have the ability to pull him from one world to another?
He'd have to look into it more.
He read deep into the night, absorbing the knowledge at a rapid pace. But just as he was about to turn another page, something loud and obnoxious made him pause.
A drunken voice echoed through the tavern, followed by laughter and the sound of breaking furniture.
Tsun sighed and closed the book.
He stood up, stretching his muscles before stepping onto the small indoor balcony that overlooked the tavern's main hall.
Down below, Sofia was dancing on one of the tables, swinging a bottle of mead in one hand and throwing her arms around drunken patrons. Her tunic was slightly off her shoulder, her hair wild, and her expression one of pure glee.
"More mead!" she shouted, slamming the bottle down. "I can still see straight, and that's a godsdamn tragedy!"
The crowd around her roared in approval, clapping and cheering.
Tsun rubbed his temples.
He watched as Sofia grabbed a poor unsuspecting man and pulled him into an awkward dance, nearly knocking over a serving girl carrying a tray.
"Come on, you milk-drinkers!" she shouted. "We survived another day in this shithole of a province! That calls for drinking until our livers give out!"
Another loud cheer.
Tsun sighed and leaned on the railing, watching her make a complete fool of herself.
She had tried to convince him to take her along before. Maybe he should've just let her come with him. At least then he wouldn't have to witness whatever this was.
Or maybe not. Who was he kidding she'd have done this regardless of what he said.
He had the feeling she was going to be a headache no matter where she was.
(AN: So Tsun had met someone quite important. For all you console players out there I feel bad for you. Anyway Sofia is a modded follower and she's pretty damn cool and is always added to my collection when I boot up ol Skyrim. So yeah she's gonna be part of the adventure, I'll likely add other modded stuff and adventures because some of them are just so cool, like honestly I'd say they were cooler than the base game quests. Anyway hope you enjoyed it.)
Comments
Sin Vergil
Just realized that Saadia is to Tsun is what Vanilla Ice is to DIO.
