JoS/Henriette/6th Journal - Hunt

Sun's Dusk, 15th, 4E 201

Well, today turned out to be an interesting day at the Sanctuary.

My dear leader Astrid was interested in me spying on Cicero, who she believes to be conspiring against the Brotherhood. Why does she suspect Cicero, I do not know. Probably because he's crazy. Why did she choose me to do it? Well, I'm not sure about that either. She had an outrageous plan of me hiding in Night Mother's coffin to eavesdrop on him. Maybe she thinks that I'm the only one who can actually fit there, I don't know. I initially refused to go along with it. It felt wrong, and it also made me wonder if she also is maybe a little suspicious of me, considering that I'm also new in the sanctuary… Surely not? Besides, I respect Cicero deeply.

Anyway, I felt like I had no choice, so I went along with Astrid's crazy plan and entered the Night Mother's coffin. She… Spoke to me. Night Mother spoke to me and chose me as her listener. I'm the only one in this world capable of hearing her voice.

Night Mother gave me a task, which is something I feel like I have to follow. After all, if she has relied it to me, that means that someone is trying to contract us. Someone has prayed to the Night Mother, and someone needs our help. Astrid though, for some stupid reason, seems to be against me visiting this contract. I so want to just go against her orders at this point, but defying her is not in my best interest. Instead, I was sent on two smaller contracts. One of them I'll worry about later, but another one was sadly someone I have already gotten previously acquainted with, a vampire called Hern.

Hern along with his wife Hert came across to me as an innocent couple just trying their best to hide and live their lives in peace. From the standpoint of man, mer and beast alike, I can definitely see why they would see those two as a problem to be eradicated. They've probably killed people, feasted on their blood and flesh, just like I have… I felt like it would be hypocritical of me to kill them for something that it's in their nature, something that's also in my own nature.

I didn't want to do it, but I did. I first assassinated his wife and burned her body, and then I faced Hern himself. I was able to surprise him too, but I couldn't kill him off in one hit. It gave me a chance to tell him I'm sorry, I had to do this. Then, he took his final breath, and I took him down once and for all.

That's the first time I've actually felt a little sad and regretful about killing someone, but… What's done is done.

I think need to take a break. I'll travel back to Riverwood to meet Sofia. It's been a while since I've met her. I'm a little worried of her, and she probably shares the sentiment. I hope to see her in better spirits because I kind of want to travel with a companion once more.

Sun's Dusk, 19th, 4E 201

It's easy to forget you're a Dragonborn when you don't actually get to fight dragons, but today I found one which was looking for a fight, or perhaps just a meal.

I had just left Riverwood with Sofia to continue our journey together when a huge, flying, ice-breathing lizard swooped down on us. There was just two of us, but still, the difference between our first encounter and this one… We've gotten strong, we really have, both of us. It was a lengthy fight, but at no point did we feel like we were against an invincible foe. I took its soul, and grew in power a little bit.

That's about it for today.

Sun's Dusk, 23rd, 4E 201

Yesterday I was contacted by Lord Harkon, who had a special task ready for me. Something told me immediately that he had big plans ahead. Why he chose me, I do not know. He must see me as someone very capable.

I've been tasked to fill an item called Bloodstone Chalice at Redwater spring, a Skooma den operated by some Vampires in the middle of nowhere. I am expected to fill it using any means necessary, and I've been instructed to kill anyone who stands in my way. Sounds like my kind of adventure.

It's still a while before I'm able to make it to my destination, but I'm getting close. On my way there I ended up helping a Nord named Golldir, who was camping near an ancient Nordic tomb. At first, I actually thought he was just a common bandit and saw him as nothing more than a mortal to be victimized, but it seems like he's another law-abiding citizen here on a mission. I may be a psychopath, but I have little to no interest in directing my murderous urges towards people like this. He's just trying to live his life the best he can, he's not part of the world I reside in. I'd much rather feast on those who would deserve death even in the eyes of the mortals. It's not a principle I hold, but I try to choose my victims by that rule. Besides, he needed help, and in return he offered me a fun adventure in an old Nordic crypt.

In the end though, he sadly ended up being just about the most pathetic weakling I've ever had the displeasure of teaming up with. In other words, he died before we even made it to the end. At least he can rest in peace without regrets as I saw the task given to me to the end and killed the necromancer who was performing his dark arts on Golldir's ancestors.

Bandits holed up in Fort Amol nearby generously provided me with enough food to last one full adventure through enemy Vampire's lair, so I should be good to go tomorrow!

Sun's Dusk, 24th, 4E 201

So, this Redwater Skooma is supposed to be some kind of exquisite luxury product, but when I came to the den my ears were assaulted by constant, painful coughing. I've never seen anything similar in any of the dens I've visited, suggesting that this Skooma is absolute garbage. Whatever, I'm not here to do drugs.

Curiously enough, there was an Imperial Soldier here who I recognized, who recognized me. He used to be stationed in Helgen, and he couldn't believe his eyes when he was me. In his eyes, I used to be just another playful little girl, but there I was, standing in front of him. We didn't end up conversing. He probably thought he was seeing things.

Finding the spring wasn't an easy task and there were a lot of guards on the way there, but they didn't prove to be much of a foe.

After we found the spring though, we were faced with one final pair of Vampires opposing me. These two were sent by two rivaling Vampires at Castle Volkihar, both of who have something against each other, both of who want to raise ranks to be in power. I don't know why and I don't care why. All I cared about was the fact that they wanted to interrupt my plans and that they needed to die. I was sent here by Lord Harkon and he's the one I work for, not anyone else. Besides, the instructions given to me were quite clear, I am to kill anyone who stands in my way. So… Yeah.

Sun's Dusk, 26th, 4E 201

I now have a much better idea about what Lord Harkon wants. It's about fulfilling some ancient prophecy and plunging the world into darkness or something. Sun is obviously our greatest weakness, but his plan sounds very grandiose and crazy. I find it hard to believe that such a thing would be even possible to accomplish, or even what's best for us and Vampires as a whole, but what do I know?

The prophecy might be written in Serana's Elder Scroll, but none of us can actually read it. Only a Moth Priests can. Finding one is a very tricky task, but there might be one in Skyrim right now. We, as in the whole Volkihar clan, need to find him.

I'll be looking for a Moth Priest, but I'm not holding my breath about finding one. My peers will probably do a better job, who knows. Serana wants to travel with us for time being as well, so me and Sofia are going to have an extra pair of hands on our adventure. She was a very welcome addition to our little group last time around so there's no doubt in my mind that she's going to be useful on our future adventures as well. Besides, I really like her and would love to spend more time with her anyway!

Sun's Dusk, 27th, 4E 201

I stopped by in Morthal, mostly to gather supplies and lighten my load. Getting to relax here was kind of fun after a long while. I ended up buying a really pretty set of armor for myself. Oh, I love it so much, it looks so nice on me! Finding armor that is both cute and suitable for adventurers is hard for a girl of my size. It might be interesting to learn to craft something like this, or at least use it as inspiration. Anyway, I also came here to get some actual work done. When I last talked about those small contracts I was given by the Dark Brotherhood, I neglected to mention who my contract was.

By Sithis, I have never been happier to carry out a murder before.

Lurbuk, the bard who is wanted dead, is just about the worst singer I've ever encountered. Combine that with his obnoxious personality, I can see why someone would pay to see him die. I could've probably stabbed him in the middle of a busy street and had people cheer me on. Not that I have anything personal against him, but look, if someone's paying me five hundred Septim to butcher this Orc alive, I'll do it gladly. I'd even travel to whatever plane of Oblivion his soul might wander and kill him again if there's good money involved.

Interestingly enough, there was a woman named Alva in the inn who immediately after seeing me recognized me as a Vampire. Well, she made it known that she's one as well, and she wants me gone from her hunting ground. I guess Vampires in this area are pretty territorial.

Disappointingly though, I wasn't able to find any information regarding a Moth Preist in this Inn though. Serana reckons I should go asks mages at the College of Winterhold? I've never been to that city, so it might be a good idea to visit anyway.

As a final thing I want to discuss something strange that happened to me today. Some Cultists wearing strange masks attacked me, asking if I'm a Dragonborn. They had a letter on them which talked about me being a false Dragonborn and about another true Dragonborn on a small island called Solstheim off the coasts of Skyrim and Morrowind… Someone called Miraak? I have no idea who that is, but if I ever mind myself journeying there, it might be interesting to investigate, not that I care about what they think of me. I know that I'm a Dragonborn, and that's all that matters.

Sun's Dusk, 30th, 4E 201

So, we finally made it to the Winterhold. We didn't take the straightest possible path though, so we could've arrived here a few days sooner.

Our first stop on the way here was a fortress that had been taken over by a group of Necromancers. Nothing much to talk about that place, but we did spend time sleeping and resting there.

Next, we found a cave full of Falmer and Charus. I was immediately reminded of my last and fortunately only encounter with them. We didn't feel like going inside. My gut told me that there was nothing but misery and rape inside. Basically, a whole of trouble with no reward.

And finally, we decided to take a scenic route to climb to the Shrine of Azura. Well, now I know why people speak so highly of it. It's certainly a sight to see. Leave it to the Dunmer to build a giant statue of a naked, voluptuous woman on top of a mountain.

We'll be saving our trip to the College for tomorrow. Well, just me and Serana to be honest. Sofia isn't allowed inside. She has history with them.

Evening Star, 1st, 4E 201

I ended up having to work my butt off just for a potential of maybe gaining useful information from the College. Well, let me spoil the fun and say it was worth it… Kind of.

Some random people aren't allowed inside, so I first had to demonstrate my expertise in magic. Had I not become a Vampire, it would've proved to be an impossible task, because even though I am a Breton, I really am ashamed to admit I'm not really good with that stuff. I was luckily just about skilled enough to be allowed inside to study as an apprentice. From there, I was dragged into a tour, some lesson, given even a task to go to some old Nordic ruin I have no intention of visiting… Okay, I might go later, but not today, not while I have more important things to do. Their excavation of that place isn't going to end in days' time, or probably even in a week, or a month. They'll wait, I'm sure of it.

When I finally got around to speaking the headmaster of the Arcanaeum, an Orc named Urag, I found out that I had just missed out on my chance to meet the Moth Priest. He had been studying here, but has now left towards Dragon Bridge at the other side of the province. That place is just a rock's throw away from Morthal, so it's going to be a round trip back. Great…

On a different note, before I left the Arcaneum, I ended up checking the books it had to offer. I actually found a peculiar note along with a key on a table, which talked about a forbidden bookshelf. I obviously had to look for it. Turns out, it had all kinds of perverted books on it, mostly about bondage and other adult toys. Urag caught me reading that stuff, and I thought he would be angry. I was so embarrassed I couldn't even look him in the eyes. He said it's alright, it's understandable for a child to be curious, and I can even take the books if I want. I ended up doing just that, but only one of them seems to be of any value to me, as it contains all kinds of blueprints for how to actually craft these devices and more importantly, how to craft keys which can be used to get rid of them. Needless to say, this knowledge is something I need to know. It'll save me a lot of money not having to deal with blacksmiths ripping me off.

Well, at least we have a direction now, and I'd be foolish not to follow it at this point and time.

Evening Star, 2nd, 4E 201

Well, we found what we were looking for. However, we weren't the first ones to find them. We weren't even the first Vampires there, as some of them had taken him to their lair and sealed him away in an attempt to break his will. I'm not even sure if these Vampires are allied with us… Not like it matters, since they're dead.

Dawnguard were also ahead of us, which means that they must know something about us and what we're up to. Now they were trying to get to the Moth Priest who'd been sealed inside a magical barrier that the Vampires had set up. But exactly how much does the Dawnguard know Lord Harkon's plans? I'm not sure, but it sounds like trouble for us.

The three of us were able to surprise them. I took out one of the guards, after which they were fully alert, but not sure where the attacks were coming from. It wasn't an easy fight even after that, but I have a feeling that we ended up being a little bit lucky too. Two of the Dawnguard were far too busy trying to release the Moth Priest to even see their allies were under attack. Had they joined the fight earlier, I might not be alive anymore. They even had an armored troll fighting by their side.

So, the priest wasn't very happy to be saved by the likes of me. Or, maybe he was just scared. Either way, he intended to die fightin. I wasn't going to allow that. Honestly, if he wanted to die, he would've had a better chance at trying to kill himself.

After I took him down, I used my powers to seduce him and permanently turn him into my thrall. It's not a power I'm willing to use lightly, but I had no choice. His mind is now bound to my will, and he's willing to do literally anything I ask.

I hope to report back to Lord Harkon soon.

Evening Star, 3rd, 4E 201

Oh my lovely little diary, I'm a little disappointed.

I ordered my new thrall to read the Scroll, which he was happy to do. He has probably waited his entire life for a moment like this. The words he read were short and… Well, not what we hoped for. We found out that we need an ancient weapon called Auriel's Bow, but apart from that, we don't know anything sadly! Nothing about how to complete the prophecy, nothing about where this weapon is. We're going to need two more Elder Scrolls. Isn't that just great? They don't exactly grow on bushes like Snowberries.

Serana has an idea about where one of them could be. It's with her mother who's been in hiding for a long, long time. She needs time to think about where her mother could be, so we'll be splitting up to do our own independent work. It's a shame as she's a really good friend to have, but we all have our own goals. I promised to return to her once I find the other one, maybe even earlier if I start missing her. Lord Harkon talked about some old Dwemer ruin? That's not very helpful, considering that the northern parts of this continent are littered with them. Could be anywhere, maybe even outside Skyrim! I should probably consult Urog about this as well. He's my best bet and finding information about where to begin.

This is going to take a while.

Well, I might as well keep myself preoccupied by other things for time being. Lord Harkon doesn't expect me to find the scrolls in a day. Like, he has looked for them for what, a thousand years himself? What's a hundred more years to him at this point? He's one patient man.

All these adventures have kept me well fed and I've been very safe, but my hormones feel like getting better of me. I haven't exactly felt satisfied or fulfilled lately, and even young girls have needs. I'll be heading to Solitude, Skyrim's capital to enjoy some sweet recreational time. You know, talk to people, spend time shopping, find a handsome young man to seduce… It's going to be a fun change of pace.

• 7th Journal - The Ultimate Crime