I never pretend npc's are saying anything they don't actually generate a dialogue line for, though I can interpret responses to some degree and pretend my char had made whatever dialogue
I see fit. Now, although Lydia's actions are I'm sure programmed neutral.....it's amazing how she practically communicates at times.

So....there we are in the Bannered Mare after a gruelling, but successful battle with bandits earlier on.

This actually happened just as it's written in Ulda's journal..............



Sundas 24th......mid evening
I decided we needed to unwind by doing what Nords do best. Making merry in good company with huge amounts of mead by the warm fires of the local inn. Well as it turned out, Hulda was short on mead and we had to sink a few ales as well, but after a few it mattered not. Lydia sat quiet and I guess tired, but I felt elated with our busy and successful day. The inn was busy, Mikael murdered some songs and there was much merriment. Then I began sinking the wines, but Lyds knew her limit and folded her arms giving me a disapproving stare. Well into the early hours, after some very high spirits and with a muzzy head, I bade Lydia farewell, chucked the rent at Hulda and staggered off to my room.

Morndas 25th. Arose early'ish with a banging head and a foggy memory of some bad behaviour last night. I know I jumped the fire pit a few times, danced on Hulda's bar and fell off a roof beam while throwing goblets down. I couldn't believe the mess. I slunk out of the inn keeping a low profile. I met up with Lydia in Dragonsreach. She was seated and looking down at the table, clearly avoiding eye contact. I apologised for last nights outrageous performance and I guess embarrassing her, but as soon as I finished she said 'Alright then' and strode off to another chair diagonally across the hall. Then she pulls her mug and started drinking with Hrongar. She really knows how to dig that knife in. I could have reminded her that we weren't exactly equal colleagues, but I thought playing the heavy hand would simply wreck our relationship further. I decided to let her cool off a bit longer and go shopping instead.

That's Lydia's normal pattern, sure! But it almost looked like she had the whole 'embarrassed and disappointed with me' routine scripted in.......Ha!

This makes me wonder: What if her sitting in the doorway is just another script that activates when you overburden her with junk? We'll never know...

Good story, Rick. Halfon!

That was a fun read! Well done