Memoirs From Skyrim
Chapter 2
25th of Frostfall, 4E 201
To his grace, esteemed Guild Leader
As I write this to you I cannot help but laugh at the irony in which this letter finds me. Several new developments have come to pass in the month since my last report.
I have received your instructions and acknowledge them. I shall not deviate from them, upon my life and honor. Though I am capable, your wisdom and insight are beyond reproach. Here, in the bustle and unease of Skyrim, I cannot see the grand scheme as well as you, master. I also thank you for the swiftness that you sent your message. I know that you must have pulled quite a few valuable strings to expedite the message.
I report that I have earned myself and our people a shred of respect within the walls of Windhelm and attained a sort of base of operations. I stumbled into the city one night and found a body upon the stones surrounded by guards and citizens. As it turns out, the city had become the grounds for a murderer who stalked women. It was after a few initial questions that the city guard actually turned to me for help, due to their lack of manpower. I could not help but find it ironic that they had hired an assassin to root out a killer. I was initially hesitant to become involved for security concerns… but the girl who had been murdered was kind to me and our people and I decided to avenge her. Such tolerance was a gift she gave that I had nothing to return with, save justice. After some effort and investigation, I found that the killer was an older man in the city who was trying to resurrect his long dead sister through necromancy and delusion. After I stopped his latest attempt to murder another young woman the city hailed me as something of a protector. In appreciation, they allowed me to stay in the now deceased man's home which stands above the slums. I'm establishing ties with our people and overall, I find the positive influence I have generated has outweighed the possible risks. While our people are treated far from equal, it is something.
My assessment of the thieves' guild has changed somewhat. Over the past month I have helped the organization achieve a new level of success in the country. Now, every major city and hold has contacts, fencing connections, and the guards now know that the guild holds sway. This has been a boon in two folds: the first is that since more members and crimes are starting to spread, they are far too preoccupied to keep up with all the people who come and go; second, the information that flows as a result of the shadow networks has been invaluable. I have accrued a sizable amount of revenue in appreciation for my hard work and have sent some back to you through the same friends who smuggled me in… minus a finder's and transportation fee, of course. My assignments weren't always easy but the long term rewards were well worth it. One mission, in particular, was harrowing as I was pitted against an organization of Atlmer who were trying to establish themselves as thieves and killers for hire. While I normally try to remain professional, I admit that it felt good to show those amateurs what a true master of shadows was capable of… before I slit all their throats in secret.
Despite the success of the guild and the influence they now control, I am stepping away from them for a while. There seems to be a larger, more political concern at their core. I've done a few missions for the leader of the faction. The man is somewhat arrogant but I've no true conflict with him, however there is something connected to him that looms on the horizon. He is currently pursuing an outside party that is trying to undermine the guild's connections. For now, I shall leave them to their own devices and directions; I feel it best I not be caught up in their affairs too deeply. I have done my job well enough.
As for the other powers and players in Skyrim's future, they all seem content to simply bide their time. The civil factions are garnering power and drawing lines ever more but neither has made a move yet. Ulfric bellows from his palace in Windhelm and the commander of the Legion (a man named Tullius) incessantly reviews protocol in the capitol of "Solitude". The Thalmor are ever present in their watchdog attitude and political bullying, though they are simply stoking the embers of political unrest and waiting to see the outcome. The dragons, however, have become a bit more active. I've heard reports of scattered attacks on isolated homes or stray caravans along open roads. They do not seem to seek open conflict with larger settlements, though, and no major city has been attacked as of yet.
That is all I have to report for this month, my master. I am leaving the safety of the city for the province of Winterhold. I've heard that there is a college for magically gifted individuals within the city. I shall make my way there to scout any possible mages that could be of use to our organization. Thought my magical ability is limited, my talent with illusion magicks are somewhat passable and I hope that they are enough to allow me entry. If not, I shall try and ingratiate myself into their ranks some other way.
-your humble servant and brother in shadows,
Sevren Indoril
11th of Sun's Dusk
Agent,
That your reports have reached me and communication lines have become more stable is where my praise for you ends.
You have forgotten yourself, child. Any attention you draw to yourself is a liability you cannot afford and we cannot allow. That you have placed yourself in a position for admiration may seem like an advantageous situation, but this is not so. Heroes are focuses of scrutiny. Windhelm and its authorities will no doubt take more interest in our peoples' influence and actions. Both of these results are foolish and counter-productive. What you have gained in short term may have cost you everything in the end. I advise you from compromising your position any further. We may be fractured, but you are still within our power. I would hate to have to recall you… or take other, more definitive actions. I shouldn't need to remind you that you were sent to observe only, not to act; I don't care how many women you know were killed. I trust you will correct your mistake and prevent further lapses in your judgment…
I acknowledge that you stepping away from the Thieves' Guild is the right move, for now. That you have helped them regain their network's influence is good. Keep me informed of anything you hear, especially entailing our people and Morrowind. Perhaps you will help undo some of the damage your have done so far with the criminal element on the rise. Still, with the leader under pressure from an outside rival, this may be your opportunity to get close to him. You should act soon but remember your political and social training. Act only at the moment it would benefit us most. Also, while I cannot condone your meddling in affairs with the Altmer syndicate I do not condemn them, either. That your training serves you well in this manner is expected and not worthy of recognition. Still, that you are keeping sharp and remember who you really are is some comfort.
The greater factions in Skyrim may be silent for now but they will not remain so for long. I've heard word that the Thalmor are seeking something in that land. What it is I can only guess, but they've sent an Inquisitor to oversee operations. Be cautious. Also, that the warring states are gathering their forces is somewhat advantageous. They're two beasts stalking one another, waiting for the other to make a move. This is good, as it allows you precious time to scout their martial and political strengths. As for the real beasts of Skyrim; The dragons have attacked border settlements along Cyrodiil and High Rock, but seemed to be contained to that country itself. As to why, I cannot say but do not let your guard down.
The money you have sent has been received and is appreciated by your fellow brothers and sisters. The few recruits that we bring in have been outfitted and are being trained with greater acumen. I will send along a gift in recognition, but don't let it go to your head. While the funding is of help to us, it does not erase the unprofessional actions you've taken…. But we do thank you.
Tread lightly from now on, young one, for you walk a dangerous path. I offered you only two definite assets: anonymity and secrecy. Now, you may have cast those aside. Remember, I cannot help you. Though you have been given certain freedoms of judgment you are disappointing me in your use of it. Still, not all is lost.
Guard your steps carefully, child.
-Guild Master of the Morag Tong,
E. I.