Lydia begins her naked journey and runs into bandits

Lydia could not understand her Thane sometimes. Why would she give her all those gifts only to take them away? Why can´t she spare even a single robe? At least so that she doesn´t have to show off all her skin? Or even a shawl so to protect from the elements?

Lydia begins her chilly journey. With every step, more snow sticks to her skin. She starts feeling the cold and the snow underfoot. Her knees begin to shake.

It was then that she noticed a fork in her path. She could keep following the road and arrive at the city of Solitude. Maybe she could find clothes and shelter there, but entering the place naked? Talk about a stain on her honor.

To her right were the dark woods. The trees would provide some cover from the elements, but they were rumored to be infested with bandits. Finally, Lydia could just stick to the countryside and try to reach Whiterun by walking to places where no men could see her dishonor herself, but she would be very exposed to the snow.

Lydia remembered that she used to be a hunter. She still had her skill, her training. So, traveling in the dark forest ought to be a breeze. She entered the forest, moving stealthily among the bushes and brambles.

Soon, she spots a bandit standing guard at his camp. He is wearing a full suit armor and talking with another who is warming her hands over a campfire. Lydia tries to approach closer, quietly.

This bandit camp is on a rocky outcrop above a mountain meadow. The fire, a small tent, and two sleeping rolls comprise the camp. In the short grass ahead of Lydia, there were a pair of steel boots and some clothes drying up.

This could be her chance to get dressed, to regain her lost honor!

Lydia sneaked inside the camp, her eyes glued to the bandits. However, she doesn´t notice the branch under her feet until it´s too late. She crushes it, the loud sound alarming the camp.

In no time at all, the bandits surround Lydia, weapons drawn. “All right sweetheart pay a toll or… wait you don´t have anything! How can you pay the toll then?”

“I don´t think the barter system will work here.”

“Maybe she can pay some other way?”

“I am Lydia, Nord fighter, housecarl! I have killed many of your ilk. I will not be bullied by bandits!” Lydia yells. “Oh, but who am I kidding? I have zero armor. My skin and my honor are the only things that protect against the weather and the bandits,” she thinks, legs shaking with fake bravado.