Bruma Castle stands on the western side of the city.

The guards patrolling the city greet with deference the Grand Champion, still dressed in his famous armor. A rumor tells that he would have freed Kvatch from daedric oppression.

The hero borrows the very long brown and gold carpet of Great Hall that leads to the throne by not failing to greet the two guards.

A Breton noble lady receives him. She introduces herself as Yvara Channitte and informs him that she is the private steward of the countess. Then, without further ceremony, she invites him to follow her. She guides him to the Dining Hall where the countess, seated at a very long table, is currently having tea.
The Champion trows a wink at Elhyse. The bodyguard, carrying the helmet and standing behind the finely carved chair of his mistress, remains motionless and pretends not to have noticed.

The Divine Avenger greets his host his host by tilting his bust.

"I thank you for your punctuality," says the Countess. "Will you have tea with us?"

The guest accepts the invitation in a polite tone and sits at the spot indicated to him by the steward.

During the service, Countess Narina Carvain discusses the ongoing war. Various cities of Cyrodiil promised their help to defend Bruma in sight of the Daedric invasion. She welcomed the fact that towns like Bravil or Anvil had already sent outposts. The Grand Champion remembers the posted tents on the edge of the castle guarded by soldiers wearing various uniforms.

During the snack, the young man observes stealthily the bodyguard who strives to imitate a statue, with failures. Her mimics, moreover, make him smile, which misunderstands the countess: she thinks that her guest is making fun of politics. The Grand Champion undeceives her by admitting to being distracted.

"It makes me think," continues the countess, "that I am confused about you; how should one call you?"

"The name of 'Grand Champion' suits me, Madam."

"Then you want to preserve your anonymity? You never remove this mask? Even in front of the court? "

"Yes, Madam. I have accounts to return only towards the Empire," The young man retorts. "Plus, I do not think you invited me to discuss politics. Am I wrong?"

"Certainly, certainly!" The countess wipes her lips with an embroidered napkin. "I will have a small service to entrust to you. You are the only worthy person I can trust."

"You flatter me, Madam. How may I help you?"

"I am looking for an ancient artifact belonging to the Akaviri Dynasty, the Draconian Madstone."

The Grand Champion puts down his cup, intrigued.

"To give you the reasons would be a very long story. But know that this jewel makes party of the inheritance of the city."

"I understand it perfectly and do you know where it is?"

"I am: in a ruin lost not far from Skyrim, in Pale Pass. My bodyguard will give you the documents you need for this quest. Of course, you will be paid accordingly. All service deserves pay!"

"It will be an honor for me to fulfill this task. I will be going there very soon."

"Bruma is grateful to you, dear Grand Champion." The countess says, getting up, assisted by Elhyse, who pulled out the chair. "But before taking leave in my apartments, you can inform me about a detail that arouses my curiosity."

"I'm all ears, Madam."

"Have not we already met? You are strangely familiar to me."

"I do not think so, Madam."

"Ah, everyone can be wrong. Elhyse will give you the papers soon."

The Grand Champion salutes the Countess by tilting his bust while the bodyguard hands him a parchment.

"It's a plan of access in Pale Pass," Elhyse says. "The starting point is at Dragonclaw Rock."

The Grand Champion pockets the parchment. Then, carefully observe his interlocutor.

"I am very surprised. Is not the bodyguard of the Countess a man?" He says.

"Certainly. I replace him off the cuff. He is suffering from a sudden illness. He does not leave the bed since yesterday."

The Grand Champion does not hide his astonishment.

"But are you in a position to protect the Countess? It is not a business of any rest. You seem to me fragile!" He adds.

Elhyse, red with anger, claims to be qualified for the position she has been entrusted with. But the hero claims that they are not words but acts that prove the facts.

"Since sir dares to pretend that I am weak, I am ready to prove my values!" The bodyguard says with conviction. "I challenge you, Mr. 'Grand Champion'"

"I try it," assures the hero, smiling. "Your schedule is mine."

"I have permission in two days. Your place will be mine"

"And why not the Anvil Fighters Guild Training Room?"

"In two days at five o'clock in the afternoon! Elhyse says eagerly. Then she moves away in an offended attitude.

The young man, with a smile on his face, admires the very feminine step of her rump.