Hour 23: Bravil and Back Again

The Oblivion bug has bitten me again after a long hiatus. As predicted, GTA5 was the primary reason for my initial lapse in Oblivion playing. I then discovered Dark Souls and am currently making tentative progress through the game. However, after multiple scorchings from the enormous red dragon, then battling through gangs of ninja-zombies and mutant dogs, only to be brutally dispatched by the horrifying Capra Demon, something in me yearned for a return to the comparatively brighter, happier world of Oblivion.

I can barely remember where I left off. Upon reloading, it takes me quite some time to get used to the controls again, and I have forgotten what spells etc I have. I head to Bravil whilst becoming reacquainted with Woodley Rhyme. I immediately feel happier strolling through the lush world of Cyrodiil rather than the woefully oppressive streets of the Undead Burg from Dark Souls.

This is more like it! I fast-travel to Bravil and am drafted in to help kick Hieronymus Lex out of the 

Waterfront District of the Imperial City. So back I must go - I decided to walk back in order to take in the landscape and immerse myself in the world once more. Perhaps I'll get into a few scrapes on the way too? Just as I am thinking how serene the countryside appears, I am attacked by three different animals simultaneously - a wild boar, a wolf, and a rat. I am surrounded and beaten down, and if I had not quickly retreated and healed myself would have been killed within seconds. Struggling to remember Woodley's abilities, I frantically summon a zombie and begin raining down fireballs. Eventually only the boar remains - but what a boar. This thing was hardier than an Ogre and chased me for some time across the countryside before I managed to get enough fireballs on-target to bring it down. Here it the corpse of the brute:

Nearing the a Imperial City, I happen upon a fort which I have not yet discovered. It's guarded by some human bandits, so I decide to head in. The bandits are 'Marauders' and provide a good challenge, but by this time I have remembered my tried and trusted tactic of summoning a zombie to engage in melee whilst I freeze them with cold touch from behind. I slaughter about ten before reaching the bandit lord, who falls almost as easily as the rest.

Upon entering the City, I am immediately accosted by a Dunmer female called Ralsa Norvalo who asks for my help. She says it's of the utmost importance so I decide to check out this side-quest. As she walks away I talk to her again to see if she has any more information, but she simply says:

Can't help me with anything else? How do you know? I haven't asked you anything yet. What if I just want to know what continent I'm on, or whether it's night or day? Still can't help me? Also, I have almost 3000 gold you know...