The man was merely a wandering dropout of the Bards College.  I decided to head to Riverwood because my magical satellite map had an arrow there and I heard Ralof mention it.  A few minutes later, while I was jumping through the forest picking and eating flowers, I entered an area known as Embershard Mine, but I was soon back on my way. And I finally arrived at Riverwood after about 6 hours traveling what looks to be less than a mile.

I meet a friendly blacksmith named Alvor, having read a book about blacksmithing in the mine I offered him my services.  Made an iron dagger a rugby helmet as per his instructions and then sold him the fine products along with my spoils from the camp. I was living large and decided to buy a drink at The Sleeping Giant Inn and head to bed.