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

Frostfall, 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 than, saying that the Forsworn attacked the city. The lady's name is Margreet 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.

Frostfall, 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 Eltry's. 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 here, so that makes sense. I told him I would help, but it's not on the top of my priority list.

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 find 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.