Memoirs From Skyrim
20th of the Last Seed, 4E 201
Guildmaster,
I apologize for the absence in reports. I recently ran into complications that were beyond my power… indeed, they even defy comprehension.
It was two months ago that I left the shores of Vvardenfell. My task was to assess our people's status in Skyrim and begin searching for new assets to spread our influence once more. It is as we feared, in regards to our people, though my interaction with others of our kind has been incredibly limited. I apologize for this, as you can imagine I have been a bit preoccupied. My report is one of repetition and extreme concern. Let me start from the beginning and debrief you to the best of my abilities. Please, also know that everything I say is a fact; I swear it upon Azura's mercy.
Last month I was smuggled into the Imperial City via our friends. My sect's master thought it more prudent to seem as if I were another refugee coming in from the south than directly to Skyrim's shores. I retrieved the cache of supplies and instructions along the border and continued north to Darkwater Crossing. Either by fate or blind chance I stumbled into an ambush set by the Legion to capture the Jarl of Windhelm. The fighting had already ceased by my untimely arrival, but none the less I was captured and taken prisoner. The official charge, I was told as I was bound, was suspicion of sedition and espionage (how ironic that they were correct, just not about the faction). I was then loaded onto a wagon with the rest of rebel soldiers and transported to a town along the border called Helgen. The Legion had deemed us all too dangerous to transport back to the capitol for trial so we were to be executed.
I managed to escape, as luck would have it, when a dragon attacked the town during the chaos. I know, master, that it sounds completely insane but I swear it is true. Dragons (or at least one dragon) have returned to Skyrim. By the time this message reaches you the news may not be as far-fetched as it seems and I pray that the incident is isolated to Skyrim alone. The last thing our ravaged homeland needs is to be beset by dragons. Still, I escaped with the aid of a legionnaire named Hadvar. Though I find my disposition somewhat soured with the Empire due to recent events, my new contact has promised me a "pardon for my crimes" and position in the Legion should I ask. The validity of his proposal is somewhat dubious, but his information seems to be legitimate and his usefulness as a contact could be valuable if you ask me to pursue such a course of action.
Currently, I am in the hamlet of Riverwood, though I shall leave soon. I dare not stay in one place for too long. With events escalating between the Legion and the "Stormcloak" rebels, the threat of dragons, and the somewhat chilly reception to our people here, I think it best I stay on the move. My next report shall be more detailed. I shall not say exactly where I am going next nor what name I have taken, in case this missive is intercepted, but I shall await further contact at the arranged dead drop and will send my reports without fail.
-May secrets and justice always be one for you,
Indoril Sevren, loyal Brother of the Morag Tong.
20th of Hearthfire, 4E 201
Guildmaster,
As promised, my report is much more orderly. I hope this finds you and the remaining brothers well.
Since my escape at Helgen I have followed up on several leads and contacts suggested to me as I left. Things are strange here, to say the least. It feels like everyone's walking on the upturned edge of a knife. Our people in the city of Windhelm have banded together to form a semblance of normalcy despite the slums they're confined to. Other cities such as Riften and Whiterun are a bit more tolerant and our numbers swell every day as our people seek a more stable life than the violent fires and quakes. I fear they will find no such solace. Things here are even tenser than my sect mastered warned. At best we are seen as outsiders and transient guests, at worst we are looked upon as spies, cutthroats, and second rate inhabitatns.
As I wrote in my last letter, it is as I feared. Dragons have indeed returned, at least in Skyrim. The civil war between the Nord rebels and Legion is escalating more and more every day. Most major cities and holds have claimed loyalty to one side or another with the exception of Whiterun, though I feel that will not last much longer. Not only that, the ruling head of the Thalmor are only inflaming the situations here by detaining any Nords that still worship Tiber Septim as divine and any other individuals they see as rebellious. Everyone in this country fears the events of the next day; luckily such disorder and tension makes it easy for me to move relatively unnoticed.
I have made contact with the Thieves Guild in Riften. For security purposes I shall simply refer to my handler as "B". I can say with some moniker of relief that acceptance within the guild is fairly high. One of the leaders is a Dunmer, young though she is, she commands great respect. There is a downside however, in that the guild is far from prosperous here. It's taken some great personal effort, but I seem to have helped them to re-establish some influence in the country, we have a long way to go before they could be considered assets to our cause… still there is potential. One of their numbers is actually a former brother, though he did not know me so I can only assume he is from an older sect. On a personal note, it does please me to some extent that I have been able to keep my blade sheathed. Aside from the occasional bandit I've been able to keep the violence to a minimum.
I can also report that both civil factions are in a prime position for infiltration. I've gathered information and possible contacts on both sides. The Stormcloaks are eager for soldiers to join their cause. Even though they may discriminate against all those who are not of Nord decent, they will not turn down a chance to swell their numbers and save their own. The Legion is more… cosmopolitan in their outlook and are in need of those to help them fight. Both options are open to me and I await your instructions.
While I know security must be paramount, especially in these times, I do request that your reply come swiftly, Grandmaster. With circumstances such as they are here I cannot tarry long and must remain on the move. Any window of opportunity I may have is fleeting at best and I must also admit that I am concerned for my own safety, as well. I feel as though this country, beautiful and wild though it is, in now a maelstrom of powers and events. The question is not "if" things will become explosively violent, it is "when?" Still, I remain committed to my mission, honored to have been chosen for the assignment, and loyal to my brothers in guild.
-May the threads of your fate be of use to The Webspinner,
Indoril Sevren
2nd of Frostfall, 4E 201
Esteemed Brother,
It gladdens my heart that your mission continues with success. The hesitation in my replies could not be helped; we have all but completely dispersed from Morrowind. Security must now be our main concern. Without our numbers and lines of communication our enemies can now take advantage of our isolation and weakness. It is of utmost importance that you find any possible location and applicants that our cause can use to rebuild. I confess to you alone the dire situation we now face. Our organization is now all but forgotten; while that is beneficial for our discretion, we must take great caution. Any potential we have to regain strength is small and the timing must be perfect. Still, I send this with my swiftest agent in hopes that all goes well for you.
Let me first congratulate you on escaping Helgen. I cannot imagine how trying it was for you but the True Tribunal has graced your bloodline. You serve as a testament to your training and all Morag Tong. That you escaped from the Imperial Legion is no easy task but to do so coupled while fighting a dragon is a feat worthy of our annals. Let me dote upon you no more though, your task is far from finished.
I can only catch second hand news and rumors from my location, so you are my best source of information. Even so, word has reached me about your dilemma. I acknowledge the dire events that loom on the horizon. It must be difficult enough with both the Empire and the rebel forces rattling their sabers but with the Thalmor instigating and influencing the events from afar bodes ill indeed. With the re-emergence of dragons, I confess I fear for you and all the world. Tread carefully, brother, for I feel this is only the beginning of a greater act in which you are to play. One thing at a time, however.
As for this growing civil war, you are to keep your distance for now and continue to develop whatever contacts you can. These are tenuous times and both sides may be vital or harmful to our cause. The Empire is weakening more and more, and if they can no longer offer our people protection or equality then they are of little use to us. However, while the old High King of Skyrim invited the Dunmer and gave us "sanctuary", if they see us as nothing but cheap labor and a second class citizenry, they we must be prepared to make other arrangements. Keep a close eye on this; any change in power or decisive event may tip the scales.
As for the dragons, the disorder they wrought is a bit of a blessing for you, but know that the old tales speak of them as the apex predators of the world. Our ancestry may give us some protection to their fiery wrath, but dragons are living conduits of magic and destruction as the old stories say. You can no doubt attest to that. Even the Daedra would give pause to oppose them, so keep a watchful eye on the skies. Also, try not to linger at any place for too long that a dragon decides to attack. Best that you draw as little attention to yourself as possible. The authorities will no doubt take a great interest in anyone at the scene, especially those that remain alive.
I am glad that our information has proved useful to you. Some of our contacts and previous influence was dated, and for that I apologize but nothing could be done about it. Still, that the Thieves' Guild has been as accommodating to you and a possible avenue to our own uses is good news. Do what you can and continue to report to me often. Obviously you cannot offer me names, but keep a record (in the old code) of jobs and players in the guild. Such information may prove useful in the future. Hopefully they can be used as allies… but if not, extortion can be equally useful. Keep you affiliations secret for now. As to your last statement, I am glad that you haven't had to use your weapon. Remember your true allegiance though. That you do not enjoy killing is a good thing, but such is your commitment our order. We are the eyes, ears, and hands of our people. Such work may not be peaceful but it is necessary.
The last part of your instruction is critical for it is what concerns me most: the Thalmor. You are to avoid detection and capture at all costs. While we may not be their primary concern, they no doubt still harbor animosity towards us and our organization. They would view the capture of one of our members as a priority. Though you would no doubt be a resilient prisoner, their methods of interrogation are… best left unsaid. Avoid all dealings with them and engage them only unless they engage you first (and leave no witnesses). This command stands unless I issue you a direct order otherwise. However, as their dealings are of important, try and keep your eyes and ears open. Gather what information you can, but do not place yourself at risk.
I can offer you no more instruction or guidance, brother. These are tenuous times and you must exercise your own discretion and judgment. You've already made your fellow guild brothers and sisters justice, but we must ask more of you. Continue your course and make us proud. Know that I will be watching for your reports with great interest and will contact you when I can.
-Lady Azura guide your steps, young one.