Love Triangles – I wake up refreshed. When I go to open the door, I hear voices muttering outside. I press my ear against it, listening. "The Jarl needs to know...Riverwood needs more soldiers…you and she'll have to leave." That was definitely Gerdur.

I didn't want to leave – much less head for Whiterun's Jarl to get more soldiers. I peek out the window. The sky is light, but not yet full-blown morning. The door opens, and Ralof walks in. He fills me in (assuming I don't know, I guess) and tells me he'll be heading back to Windhelm.

Finally I agree to take the message. But first… I root around town, spending money and selling what little I'd managed to gather. Eventually I hear, "Faendal thinks he can woo Camilla Valerius away from me. I keep telling him, she's already mine!"

Gloating a bit much, aren't we? I backtrack, finding the one who'd spoken was a tall, blond Nord. Innocently I say, "You and Faendal like the same girl?" He nods. "Camilla Valerius knows I'm the best. The elf is wasting his time. I've seen him sneaking over to the Riverwood Trader to talk to her!"

I snicker, replying, "Yes. Two people spending time together never blossoms into courtship." He frowns at me, shaking his head. "Is that sarcasm? I've heard better wisecracks. Still," he sighs, "Camilla letting Faendal visit her isn't a good thing. Tell her he wrote this letter. That'll stop that."

He walks away, leaving me with the letter. I stare at the envelope before opening it.

It reads: Dear Camilla, I know I have called upon you at your house many times, and while we may be growing close, I need you to put any desires you may have for me aside. I am a true-born son of Valenwood, and I could never befoul my bloodline by courting an Imperial. I hope we can remain true friends, provided you understand your people's place in the Aldmeri Dominion, and respect me as such. Sincerely, Faendal

I laugh as I seal it back up again. It seems silly, ridiculous, but I know that what I do next will decide the relationship between these three. I reflect with amusement how easily Sven had given it to me. Don't give important things to a Khajiit, I think.

The Riverwood Trader was just across the street. I open the door, wincing as I hear a woman and man arguing. I wait until they are finished, then I hand the letter to Camilla. "What's this?" she questions. I think it over before replying, "Sven wrote it. He wanted you to think it was from Faendal." Camilla holds the letter gingerly, wondering aloud, "Why? Wh… What's in the letter?" She reads it swiftly before gasping in dismay.

I grin cockily as she thanks me. "And tell Faendal too," she adds. "He'll be grateful to hear you stuck up for him." She walks away, leaving me very satisfied. Whistling, I exit the building. Sven glares at me, but I ignore him, looking around. I spot a wood elf hauling firewood.

"Hey!" He turns 'round at my voice, smiling politely. I giggle, telling him what had just occurred. Anger briefly flashes across his face before he says, "I appreciate your help. Please, take this. Some gold I've saved up from working at the mill."

Inwardly I cheer at the gold pieces. Then I look up and ask, "I'm traveling to Whiterun to ask for reinforcements. Will you… come with me, please?" He scratches his head before shrugging. "Sure. Lead the way."

I smile excitedly as I turn and begin sprinting – only to fall into the river. Panicking, I try to swim, but the current pulls me out. The river is shallow, but my feet can't find purchase against the riverbed. Gasping for air, I'm banged against rocks before being tossed over the waterfall.