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 boss Astrid has grown suspicious of Cicero, who she believes to be conspiring against the Brotherhood with someone, who she calls "the traitor". Why? I do not know. Probably because he's crazy. She did choose me to spy on him though, and to be honest, I'm not sure about why me either. Maybe she doesn't suspect me of being the traitor, because I haven't actually been at the sanctuary.

She had an outrageous plan of me hiding in Night Mother's coffin to eavesdrop on him, which is why I initially refused to go along with it. It felt wrong, and I made my opinion heard. She insisted on it being important and it being for the best of all of us though. I felt like I had no choice, so I went along with Astrid's crazy plan and entered the Night Mother's coffin.

Well, I soon came to find out that there's no traitor. Cicero does indeed talk alone in hushed tones, but he's just talking to the Night Mother. Oh, but that's not all. She spoke to me. Night Mother spoke to me and relayed a task to me, basically choosing me as her Listener. That's actually a super big deal, isn't it?

After that, stuff went down for a moment, because Cicero opened the coffin. Of course he was livid with me, he was probably pretty close to snapping and attacking me, but when I revealed to him that I'm the Listener and even proved it to him, he had no choice but to express happiness. What a mood reversal… This man is truly insane.

Regarding that task, by the way… 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. I tried to explain this to Astrid, but she, 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, she instructed me to take on two minor civilian targets, both given to me by Nazir. 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, but would it not be hypocritical of me to kill them for something that it's in their nature, something that's also in my own nature? I… I really don't know… As an assassin for the Dark Brotherhood I should stay impartial when it comes to targets and just carry the orders out as instructed, but I guess that will inevitably lead to these kinds of situations as well…

Regardless, what's done is done. I didn't want to do it, but I did. I first assassinated his wife - which I tried to do as quickly as painlessly as possible, mostly because I didn't want to leave her alive to grieve the death of her soon to be husband - 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. I returned to sleep in the Sanctuary and to report my success to Nazir. Astrid still hasn't made her mind up, so I'll have to kill the other target too.

I think need to take a break now. 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 that often, but today I found one which was looking for a fight.

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

I received a letter from the courier the other day, which was surprisingly from Lord Harkon, summoning me to the castle immediately. He finally had an important task for me.

I've been tasked to fill an item called Bloodstone Chalice at Redwater spring, a Skooma den operated by some Vampires in the Rift. 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. The reason for why it must be filled is because you can actually draw Vampire-power-enhancing magic from the spring. The chalice itself probably has some magic in it as well, or else you could just fill any normal bottle up with this magical "Redwater".

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. It's a good thing he saw me first, because had I approached him completely undiscovered, I would've just killed him off like a normal bandit.

Yeah, I may be a psychopath, but I have little to no interest in directing my murderous urges towards people like this. He may be capable of fighting, but he's just a normal civilian who's just trying to live his life the best he can. He's not part of the same world I reside in, a world that's full of crime and evil. 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'd rather choose my victims by that rule if I can choose. 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, ambushed by Draugr. 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 provided me with enough food to last one full adventure through enemy Vampire's lair, so I should be good to go tomorrow! Don't think I will be doing a lot of neck-biting in a lair full of Vampires after all!

Sun's Dusk, 24th, 4E 201

((This entry is pending a rewrite to expand on what happened.))

So, this Redwater Skooma is supposed to be some kind of exquisite luxury product based on how the dealer marketed; "Best Skooma produced outside Balmora", she said happily, even offering me a free sample. However, I wasn't too interested in taking a sip. 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!

Anyway, let me go back a few minutes. I entered the den alone with Sofia being left outside to wait. I was only meant to survey the area a little, leave, and formulate a battle plan with my bestie. I was about to leave when I saw an Imperial Soldier down there 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 exchanged a few words, he talked about the pain he went through and how he's using the Skooma to cope with it, while I told him my story about how I made it out. I didn't tell him all the details, but I explained to him that I just became an adventurer. I was about to leave when a pair of hands grabbed me from behind and breathed in toxic fumes from a soiled cloth. It paralyzed me, causing me to pass out instantly.

…

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 had one last roadblock in our way. Or, actually, two to be specific.

These two vampires had been sent by Vingalmo and Orthjolf, 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.

Now, with the chalice filled, I'm ready to return. It'll be a long road to travel with a chalice like this. Hope it doesn't spill.

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, which also explains why he was so happy about getting it back. Nobody here can actually read it though. 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 that priest.

I'm not holding my breath about finding one, but I'll do my best. 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! Maybe she's more open now as well, so I can get to know her better.

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. I just hope the first group of bandits I meet doesn't rip it to tatters from my skin! I need to train my skill of tailoring and leathercrafting.

Anyway, I also came here to get some actual work done. When I last talked about those two small contracts I was given by the Dark Brotherhood, I neglected to mention who my second target 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

We finally made it to the Winterhold. This city used to be a lot bigger back in the days, but there was some accident or a disaster which caused most of the city to fall into the sea. Some claim it was an aftershock from the eruption of the Red Mountain, some blame the mages, because the only thing left standing where the old town with all of its pretty Nordic buildings used to be suspiciously happens to be the College.

Oh, and the trip itself was pretty fun and eventful.

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 Chaurus. 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 lot 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 voluptuous goddess 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.

Outsiders aren't allowed inside, so I first had to demonstrate my expertise in magic. I tried to explain that I didn't come here to study, but rather to look for information as a guest, but that just wasn't enough. Faralda, a master of Destruction magic, the one keeping track of who enters, wasn't gonna allow this. I had to offer something to these guys in return. I kind of regret doing what I did, but because I really have no clue how to do any practical magic, I showed the lady looking the entrance my expertise in voice. Let's just say, after that, it was her who was insistent on me actually joining the College, saying there's so much they could learn from a Dragonborn!

Serana aced the practical exam, for her expertise in Destruction magic is deep.

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, they might've talked me into it, I might go see what this is about 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. Didn't want to waste an opportunity to look around when there's no idea when I'm able to return. 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 loan 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 tools 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 were all dead.

Dawnguard were also ahead of us, which means that they must know something about what Lord Harkon is 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. I never knew those beasts could be tamed and trained.

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 fighting. 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 strange how I can use some vampiric powers so easily, while the other abilities, like the ones that rely on magicka, are way beyond my reach. It's not a power I'm willing to use lightly, but I had no choice. It's the first time I had ever used that power too, and I'm surprised how well it worked out. The Moth Priest just straight up kneeled before her new mistress, promising to serve me to his death. Like really, this ability of turning people into thralls is scarily powerful. Granted, it takes a lot of preparation, and it takes a toll on me as well, but if used correctly, the rewards it offer are immense.

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 Aedric Artifact, a weapon called Auriel's Bow, but apart from that, we don't know anything sadly! Nothing about how to complete the prophecy and 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 Urag 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