JoS/Lyra/5th Journal - My First Big Contract

Sun's Dusk, 25th, 4E 201

Markarth is a huge city, the buildings are really tall and they're built into the mountains. It was amazing to see it as I was making my way down the road. Now I know why they say it was built by the dwarves. As soon as I stepped through the large door and into the city, I saw someone pull out a dagger and walk up behind this lady in front of a market stall. Nobody else seemed to be paying attention. Just as he was about to stab the lady, I pulled out my bow and shot him. People started screaming after that, saying that the Forsworn attacked the city. The lady's name is Margret and she thanked me for saving her life. One of the guards came up and said there was nothing to worry about and that everything was under control. What an idiot. He should have thanked me for doing his job. The only reason everything is under control is because I stopped an assassination. Yes, I am aware that it's a big double standard. But anyways, instead of a reward or something, this weird guy came up to me and told me I dropped a note. It didn't look familiar, but he insisted it was mine before running off. It said to meet him at the Temple of Talos here in Markarth. Definitely the weirdest introduction to a city I could imagine. I'm staying at the Silverblood Inn tonight and I'm going to look for my contact tomorrow to find out who my target is. Hopefully there won't be someone like me around to stop that assassination.

Sun's Dusk, 26th, 4E 201

Before going to meet with my contact for the Dark Brotherhood contract, I decided to find the Temple of Talos and meet with that weird guy. The note said his name was Eltrys. One thing about Markarth, though: it's impossible to find anything in this city. Even though I stopped and asked a guard for directions to the Temple of Talos, I tried following them and made a wrong turn, apparently because I ended up at the Temple of Dibella. How many temples does a city need? That said, the temple was actually really pretty, so I decided to take some time to look around. I guess I explored the temple a little too much, though. I ended up following one of the priestesses and went into the back room which I guess isn't allowed. One of the priestesses started yelling at me when she saw me and she insisted that as a punishment, I have to go find their new Sybil which I guess is their next leader or something. I don't know how they expect to enforce it, but it doesn't sound like they're going to pay me for it so I'm not sure why I should waste my time.

I did eventually find the Temple of Talos and the guy named, Eltrys. He said there are strange things happening in Markarth with the Forsworn attacks and none of the guards or anyone seems to care. He wants someone to investigate and he is willing to pay. I don't know why he thinks I'm a good choice to help, but I did save that one woman and I'm not from around here, so that's probably why. I told him I would try to help, but my Dark Brotherhood contract is more important right now.

After the meeting at the temple, I ended up wandering the city again looking for my contact. She's the apothecary's assistant, but I couldn't find the apothecary shop for anything. Eventually, I did manage to bump into her walking in the street and she gave me my target. It's a man named Alain Dufont who leads a group of bandits near Windhelm. She also asked for a favor and told me she would give me something extra if I kill Nilsine Shatter-Shield too. I didn't ask why she wants these people dead. I figured it's not really my concern. I'm just going to stay here at the inn for one more night and head to Windhelm tomorrow.

Sun's Dusk, 30th, 4E 201

I arrived back in Windhelm this afternoon by carriage. It's not part of the main contract, but I decided to go after Nilsine Shatter-Shield first since I'm already in Windhelm. I actually just happened to see her walking in the street and I followed her. She didn't notice me, but I couldn't just fire an arrow at her in the middle of the city without being seen and caught by the guards. I finally got my chance when she walked into the Hall of the Dead. I snuck in behind her and took my shot. She died right in the entrance to the Hall of the Dead, it seemed fitting. Plus, I did the mortician a favor. They won't have very far to transport the body.

I went to meet up with Yana once that was done. She was really happy to see me and it was nice to catch up with her and let her know everything I'd been through. Once I told her what happened with the bandits who captured me, she decided she's going to start traveling with me. I was a little too stubborn before and thought that an assassin was supposed to work alone, but this time I didn't argue. It will be so much better with her having my back. Plus I was getting pretty lonely traveling by myself on the road. Tomorrow we're going to take out the bandits and my contract, Alain Dufont.

Evening Star, 1st, 4E 201

Yana and I found the bandit hideout without too much trouble. It sure is cold up this far north, though. I'm not used to the cold up here like Yana is. The group of bandits were living in some Dwemer ruin. We went in quietly and I started shooting before anyone knew what was happening. The first bandit was asleep not too far from the door when we walked in. I shot him right in the back. It's hard to say if he even woke up before he died. We kept sneaking around and I continued shooting from the shadows. We found Alain Dufont without too much trouble and with a little teamwork, both he and his bandit friends were all dead. It feels good to complete my first big contract for the Dark Brotherhood. It will be nice to get paid some real money finally, too. Hopefully it will allow me to upgrade my gear. After a few more contracts, I can probably afford a new bow, too!

I spent some time with Yana at her uncle's shop when we got back to Windhelm. It was really nice spending time with her again. It will be nice to have company on the road, so I'm really glad she's coming with me back to Markarth. I told her about the lady who almost got killed there and the investigation that the guy named Eltrys asked me to do. I will definitely be able to use her help. Not that she's ever investigated an attempted murder either. But still, it's better than just doing it alone. I'm staying at the inn and I'm going to take it easy in Windhelm for a few days before we head out to Markarth.

6th Journal - The Investigation