18th of Last Seed, 4E 201-

You know, it's not until you lose them all that one gains true appreciation for the simple things in life. I got up this morning and immediately set out for Jarl Balgruf's palace, Dragonsreach. I managed to get in with no major incident, apparently the guard standing watch over the palace was the same one I'd gone past to get in the city. I think. I don't know, it's hard to tell.

Walking into the Jarl's palace was one of the most intimidating experiences I've ever had. Mainly because seconds after entering a Dunmer in leather armor drew a sword and approached me. I tried the whole "hide behind a column" thing, but yeah, it wasn't too effective. She practically had me recite me message to Balgruf a swordpoint. Then the man tossed a suit of leather armor at me and IMMEDIATELY tried to convince me to go into some rank, skeever infested hole in the ground to help find some "dragon's stone."

I'm a chef, not an archaeologist. It just goes to show: Even in Skyrim, a well-built Nord can't walk three steps without somebody mistaking them for a sell-sword.

I pawned the armor, and used the gold to buy a carriage ride to Solitude. The ride ate up most of the rest of my day: I was only able to get to the clothing shop fifteen minutes before closing, and I had to go past a public execution to do so!

Talos, what is with this country and public executions? Anyways, I only had enough money to get a single outfit out of the snooty Altmer that ran the place. I opted for my professional chef's outfit and a sturdy pair of boots. After all, no man should enter a kitchen without the proper attire, and I'm proud to wear the hat and garb of my profession wherever I may wander! And by the Nine, does it feel good to wear actual clothing again!

I hear Falkreath has a decent honey harvest coming up, and a vacant plot of land I may be able to eke a garden out of, so I headed south, not having enough money to pay for another carriage ride, nor the patience to hear "Ragnar the Red" sung to me for the umpteenth time. I'm currently sitting in the Four Shields Inn in Dragonsbridge, a small town just south of Solitude. I decided it was time to stop when I saw I spectral, headless knight on a ghostly horse.

Maybe it's NOT public execution so much as an affinity for decapitation in general? I dunno. Until next time, I guess!

-Garcon LeManifique.