JoS/Henriette/33rd Journal - Traveling Elsewhere

Second Seed, 22nd, 4E 203

Up until today, I had never been outside Skyrim. I wasn't expecting the world to be too different right on the other side of the border, but I was proven wrong quickly. The climate here is warmer and the trees are much greener. Not that many pines around either.

In order to get to Elsweyr, we have to go through Cyrodiil, and that's where we are right now. The border crossing southeast of Riften is the safest route and the route from Riften to Cheydinhal is honestly not any longer than route to Windhelm or Whiterun. We'll stay for some nights here in Cheydinhal for trade, and I've had plenty of time to see the city for myself.

The city is beautiful with all of its greenery and wooden buildings and quite different in architecture to what I'm used to in Skyrim. This place also has a lot of history with the Dark Brotherhood, as this is where one of their sanctuaries used to be located, but that's all in the past now. Maybe we can branch into here sometime in the future? There are other sanctuaries in this province as well, but this is probably the closest-by!

There's also a strong Dunmeri presence in this city, kind of like in Windhelm. The city is just by the border of Morrowind, so this has always been the case, but now they've got plenty of refugees too. They aren't as badly persecuted as they are in Windhelm though, but I can imagine the relations being a little sour here too because Morrowind isn't part of the empire anymore.

It's a shame I don't get to enjoy this trip with my friends, but instead have to do most of it alone. Kharjo has been keeping me company, and it's good to get to know him better. He's one of Ahkari's bodyguards, remember? I think I once wrote about him. I think we're becoming good friends, so at least I won't get bored.

I don't want to spend too much time sitting down. Like, who knows when I get a chance to visit this place again. Best take full advantage of my visit while I can! I also want to see what it's like outside the walls after all and inspect all of nature's beauty…

I'll write more about my travels once we make it to our next waypoint, which will be Bravil.

Second Seed, 25th, 4E 203

If there's one regret I will probably have from this journey, it's not being able to visit the Imperial City. Our road to Bravil took us past it along the Niben River. I also got a chance to see many of the scars that are still present in this province thanks to the great war that took place. Nowhere was this more present on our trip than to the south of Lake Rumare.

Now, Bravil… Oh, where to even begin…

This city has been hit hard by the war, and obviously has seen better days. If the words of my several Khajiiti companions are to believe though, this city has always been a shithole. People here are poor because of the organized crime. This is after all infamous for being the drug capital of Cyrodiil. Also, Night Mother used to be buried here, but that's another story.

I wasn't expecting any sort of adventure, but you know, it was getting late and I insisted on at least walking around to see what this city is all about… Didn't take long for me to be approached by a stranger. He was an Orc, dressed in saggy pants and a leather vest, wearing nothing else. He asked if I was looking for some good time, offering me fifty gold septims for a blowjob. He said all this in the middle of the street, and the sun wasn't even down. I told him in no uncertain terms to bugger off, asking do I look like a hooker to him?

I should've known something was up when he corrected himself, saying he meant to say five hundred, not fifty, but all I could see and hear was a rain of shiny golden coins in front of me. He even showed me that he has the money! I ended up following him, only to let myself get jumped on from behind and smacked across my head with a club. I think it was a club. Blunt weapon, that's for sure. Kind of stupid for me to let my guard down like that.

When I came to, I woke up to the sight of the very same orc going in and out of me with his filthy dick. There were five men around me, and they had been raping me for quite some time. Their cum was covering my clothes and my skin and my hands had been tied tight behind my back. I warned them to let me go at once, but they didn't care. He just said that they'll stop once they're done.

About ten minutes later there was some commotion on the streets, and they sort of just took off quietly, never even announcing why, and just left me laying in the dark alleyway. I still couldn't move, and my hands were still tied, and I was a little confused at the whole situation.

A young girl came to my aid; Redguard, around my size, I'm guessing either nine or ten. She asked me if I was okay as she untied the bindings, expressing concern over how I was treated by those thugs. I simply thanked her and tried to convince her that I'm fine… Just a little angry that I let myself be taken advantage of like that. More importantly, I asked why did the men flee? She explained to having seen what was going on and went to complain to the guards.

She took me to her tiny little shack after that. Her name is Kanna and she's a very sweet. Like, just about the sweetest young lady you can imagine. She acts way more mature than she looks too. It was almost as if I got this big sister or mommy vibe from her, and I'm not sure why. She also feels a little "off", if that's the right word… Not to say there's anything wrong with her. Maybe it's just a weird sense of humor? Not that I care. She offered me some fresh, sweet pastry and even offered me a warm bath. I was happy to receive such hospitalities, especially after having my body soiled by a bunch of damn lowlifes.

Still, I have hard time believing she lives alone here. I mean, the house is poor and kind of empty, but it's not like this is a slum or anything.

She got very curious about me when I said I'm from Skyrim, and she mouth gaping asked if I really traveled all the way from there. She started asking me about all kinds of stuff, like cold, dragons and the civil war… You know, the only things that spring to foreigner's minds these days when they hear "Skyrim". She also mentioned something about having a job there and joked about how great it would be if our paths crossed some day.

Well, she never said it out aloud, but I kind of read between the words that she's an adventurer… She didn't have any armor or weapons at her little home though… Most curious… Could be a traveling merchant for all I know…

I asked about what kind of job this is, and my curiosity got her all excited. She's looking for someone who left for an adventure some months ago, but hasn't come back. She didn't seem particularly worried about this someone's wellbeing but insisted on it being very important that he came back, even if he had to be - and I quote - "dragged by his hairy testicles". When I asked who this person was, she blushed and with a wide smile on her face said "my master".

Well, we had to split up quickly after that. It was getting late and I didn't want to keep my companions worried about my well-being, especially since we'll be departing early tomorrow morning.

Not quite the day I expected, but eventful nonetheless. I was hoping to see some more sights, but oh well… Perhaps this is for the best especially since there isn't much "sights" to see in this city anyway. Our next stop should be Rimmen and I'm not sure what to expect.

Second Seed, 26th, 4E 203

It's easy to have your mind blown when you go on to discover amazing things with zero expectations.

Rimmen is a city with a lot of history. Despite being located in the historical province of Elsweyr, it's not actually part of the Aldmeri Dominion, but rather an independent city state. It's quite a multicultural society too with only about half of its population actually being Khajiit. Due to this, I didn't have to worry too much about being seen as an "outsider". On that topic, Ahkari was warning me about some of the Khajiit further south being really unfriendly towards both man and the mer.

The city is so pretty! Gold and ivory, statues and domes, waterways and canals too! The marketplace was huge and so busy too, and the food is beyond delicious!

Negatives? One, it's too big so it's easy to get lost, and two, it's too damn hot in here! The sun is too damn bright and scorching hot here in the south! I don't care though… I probably should, but whatever!

It's such a shame we won't be staying here for longer. Like, why did we spend so much time in Cheydinhal but not here? Don't they have trading to conduct here?

Second Seed, 27th, 4E 203

Almost there!

We're currently camping north of Senchal, which lies at the southernmost point of Quin'rawl peninsula. Going through the Tenmar Forest was a slow and dangerous path, but at least it's behind us.

What's also behind us is the desert. I thought that the sun was going to cook me alive! How can it be so fucking hot in here? Kharjo made fun of me for "sweating", but damn it, I wasn't joking, not for a single second! Does he not realize I'm a Vampire and don't handle sun very well?

That's a joke by the way… They don't have a clue.

The state of Pelletine - the place we're in - is very loyal to the Aldmeri Dominion. Rather, it's a client state. I'm sure there's opposition, but Thalmor presence here is strong and they effectively rule the place. I'm pretty damn sure I won't be recognized by a single Justiciar during my stay here, but that doesn't mean I can let my guard around them. The same can also be said about Khajiiti locals, because even if my crimes across the border are not known here, I do raise a lot of suspicions because those like me are a rare sight in these lands. Elves and bipedal cats, sure, but not pale skinned humans. Walking through the jungle, didn't run into a single human. Being in a company of Khajiit traders probably saved me from suspicion, but that didn't stop the locals from staring, as was apparent in this small and charming village built by a river. I never asked what that place is called though.

We've been going over the plan for tomorrow, and first I want to touch on the dangers. First of all, being detained by the local law enforcement would be a game over, and it's what I need to avoid at all costs. Like I said, being a human that I am, I raise A LOT of suspicion. Thalmor would probably see me as an Imperial spy, and that's the best-case scenario. Worst-case, they mistake me for a pirate. Wonder if they would prefer to torture or just straight up execute me? Ah, fuck… I better not do anything stupid.

So, the plan. I obviously have to get inside Rah'jin's mansion, which is also the headquarters for the local guild. Yeah, quite different to how they operate in Riften. No hiding or anything, just put your wealth out there in the open. Easiest way to get inside will be joining their guild. Now, you might be thinking, that's crazy, that's never going to work, they're going to be suspicious as fuck with some little bitch who they don't even know just walking in to join this organization out of the blue! Well, that's what I'm thinking too… Ahkari keeps telling me that I should just trust her, that's how they operate here in the south. They seek out potential recruits by conducting tests on the streets. In a way, that's quite similar to how Brynjolf recruited me… I have no idea if it's going to be easy. I hope so.

We'll depart tomorrow morning as soon as we wake up to complete our journey, meaning we should arrive afternoon. Looking forward to seeing how this plan works out.

Second Seed, 28th, 4E 203

This city has seen many transformations and been passed on between various leaders, but this place has always been famous for its markets and busy seaports. In fact, it's currently the richest and busiest on the shores of the Topal Sea. Like Rimmen, it's massive, and while there are a lot of similarities between the two, this one has a completely different architectural flare. In its current form, it's seen as rich, luxurious holiday resort with all-year summer by all the snotty Altmer nobles and scheming Khajiit businessmen, but that's just sugarcoating. Wealth inequality is huge here and crime - especially illegal trade - is still as busy here as it has ever been.

I also got to learn something interesting today. You see, Karliah did tell me a lot about what Rah'jin is like, and Ahkari had some stories too, but all this time I wasn't too interested in writing about it. Karliah always called him delusional, and now I've learned one of the reasons why. He only took the name of Rah'jin after getting to the leadership position, after being widely regarded as the greatest thief of the 4th era Elsweyr. Well, who did he name himself after? Rajhin, the Thief god of the Khajiiti pantheon. Apparently, the guy literally sees himself as the second coming of the greatest thief to ever live and says he now carries a new name in his new mortal form.

I haven't met him yet but fuck me, what a nut. Anyway, back on topic.

Despite not being member of the local guild herself, Ahkari has friends inside and could point a finger towards someone I could approach. His name is Akhdar. My best chance at getting inside the guild was through him, because there's no way anyone else would've given me the job. Where to find him? In the place called Black Kiergo. Imagine Riften's Ratway, except much busier. All kinds of nasty shit go down here all the way from pit fighting and gambling to indulgences of sin like sex and drugs. Pirates especially love this place since getting here from the harbor isn't exactly difficult.

This is also where for the first time during this journey I felt like my appearance led to some unwanted attention. It's a good thing nobody tried to grope or grab me; as long as it's just nasty words and lusty eyes, I can handle it.

I found Akhdar where I was told to find him, sitting alone on a corner table in a shady tavern. He must've anticipated me coming his way, because even before I even got a word in, he told me to go away, for he wasn't interested in whatever service I was offering. I inquired about Thieves Guild, but he feigned ignorance. I dropped Ahkari's name, which made his ears perk up. After that, the short conversation went as follows.

"I know you're a scout for the Guild", I said.

He crossed his arms, still quiet, eyeing me down. "Yes, this one could work", he said, smiling eerily. "It has charisma, and a step as quiet as a feather." As his eyes gazed on the belt around my hip holding my up my skirt, he also saw the weapons I was carrying. "It also has a killer instinct… A beautiful weapon, yes?"

"Beautiful weapon…" I replied and smiled widely. I've never really had a nickname, not one that fits me anyway, but I think there's one. "I like that."

"Khajiit knows just the test for you", he said and whipped out a small deck of cards from his pocket. He shuffled through it fast until he found what he was looking for and threw it my way. He didn't manage to catch me by surprise, so I had no problem picking it up with my right index- and middle fingers. Before I managed to see what was written on it, he gave me a lesson, or rather, a reminder about what I already knew. "Beauty can be a deadly weapon, but also a big, glaring bull's eye. It's meaningless if one can't wield it correctly. Depending on what it's used on, it can backfire dramatically."

Yeah, yeah, beauty is a curse, that's such a lame and narcissistic thing for a girl to say, but it's true, it absolutely is! There are just so many perverts out there that want to take advantage of pretty girls sexually, and not all of them have good intentions! Some do and thank fuck for them for making life interesting, but not all!

I took a look at the test given to me. I was meant to steal a diamond ring from a wealthy businessman. That sounds very easy until you consider the fact he is infamous for never taking it off. Some common rules like no violence also apply here, so physical harm is out of the question. Akhdar made this very clear; if word gets around that someone's been doing violent work in Guild's name, I'll pay dearly. He also provided me with a replica of the very ring my target carries, which I'm supposed to replace the real treasure with.

My target is a Bosmer named Galator, owner of a general store. As I'm writing this down, his shop is busy so approaching him now is out of question, but he won't be keeping his store open forever, and I've got some other valuable info as well. I spent some thirty minutes looking for him first, and then sixty minutes tailing him on the streets, gathering tabs. I was wondering why pick this one for me, but from what I've seen watching him walk the streets alongside his two bodyguards, he's got his eyes glued to almost every pretty elf he walks by… Not so much Khajiit though. I guess he's not into furry girls. Each to their own, I guess.

So, that's the job. I have no idea if he's actually into humans or children, but I don't think Akhdar would've picked this job if there was no chance for me. Or, maybe he did pick an impossible job, and maybe this is just a setup to have me captured and enslaved. Who knows!? I'll enjoy a quick nap in the shade at the caravan, because it's likely going to be a long evening.

Damn it, it's so hot though… Am I going to even get any rest?