InsaneJournal

PREVIOUSLY: Delphine more-or-less drags Ysmir off to Kynesgrove so they can investigate the potential resurrection of a dragon. Delphine has a plot to find out who's behind the dragons' returns, but has to pull some strings to make it happen.

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Ysmir used his two days of rest to check in with his Shield-Siblings at Jorrvaskr. Though he was their Harbinger now, they were used to him being out and about on his own adventures. His family functioned well enough without him there, and he often left Vilkas more-or-less the one "in charge".

He met back with Delphine in Riverwood, following her down to her basement room. "Alright... so what now?"

"I figured out a way to get you into the Thalmor Embassy," she explained. "But you'll be doing this alone. It's too risky for me to go there."

"Alright, what's the plan, then?"

"Elenwen is the Thalmor Ambassador. She regularly throws little gatherings where all the rich cozy up to one another," she said. "I've got an invitation for you."

"That didn't take long. And here I thought the Thalmor were paranoid," he replied, an eyebrow raising. He had to admit, it was impressive how quick she was able to weasel his way in. "Go on, tell me more."

"You're going to go to this party at the Embassy. When you're there, you're going to find a way to slip away and get into Elenwen's private solar. She's bound to have something in there," Delphine continued. "I have a contact inside the embassy. His name is Malborn, and he's a Bosmer. He's got plenty of reasons to despise the Thalmor and while he's not really up for this high-risk kind of mission, we can trust him. He will help you."

"And where am I to find this Malborn?"

"I'll get word to him to meet you at the Winking Skeever. When you get there, make sure you have everything you need ready for him. Weapons, armor, just the essentials. He can smuggle things inside for you. And I advise you find yourself some suitable clothes for a party among the nobles. Nobody is going to let you in if you're armed to the teeth."

"Noted..." he said. He was already going over a list in his head of the things he'd need. He was a bit nervous, but he'd have to get over it if he wanted to blend in. Nervous wasn't going to get him out of the Embassy, alive.

"I'm going to keep a hold of your invitation until it's time. I'll be in Solitude after you've arranged everything with Malborn and then I'll give it to you. Meet me down by that farm, that's where I'll be."

"Alright," he said. "I'll be on my way, now. See you again in Solitude."

Exiting the Sleeping Giant, Ysmir mounted Alfsigr and made his way north to Whiterun. Inside Breezehome, he stuffed everything he didn't find important in his upstairs bedroom chest, setting spare weapons against the wall. Lydia must have been at Dragonsreach because she wasn't there when he arrived, but he didn't stop to go and say hello to her.

He had a coinpurse of Septims prepared for the Radiant Raiment across from the Winking Skeever. Before he gave Malborn his things, he wanted to make sure he was dressed in proper clothes, as Delphine had advised. The Altmer women that owned the store directed him to a nice outfit which he paid for before leaving them. Up at Castle Dour, he used a spare room to change out of his armor and into his new clothes.

When he stepped inside the Winking Skeever, he spotted his contact sitting by himself at a table near the stairs. Approaching him, he cleared his throat to catch the elf's attention. "Our mutual friend sent me," he greeted.

Malborn glanced up at him and he couldn't hide his skepticism. "You're who she picked? I hope she knows what she's doing... I'll smuggle things into the Embassy for you, but don't plan on bringing anything else outside of what you give me. The Thalmor take security very seriously."

"Of course," he replied. "I put everything together in advance to make this exchange as quick as possible. Our friend will be expecting me outside of town."

Malborn took the heavy rucksack of items from Ysmir, and swept him off to the door with his hand. "Go, I can't be seen near you in town."

He nodded. He would have thanked Malborn for the help but the Bosmer seemed pretty insistent on him getting out of there. Ysmir left the tavern and went back outside Solitude's city gates. He found Delphine hiding by the grain mill at Katla's farm and there was a wagon there waiting for him.

"Does Malborn have everything?" she asked, leaning in close to him.

"Yes, everything's all set," he whispered back. "I'm ready."

"Good. I've put everything in your hands here, not least Malborn's life," she said. "Get in there, get what you need, and get out. Carriage is waiting, good luck."

"I'm going to need it," he responded under his breath. "I know I saw Elenwen in Helgen... you don't think she'll recognize me, do you?"

"Not likely..." Delphine shrugged. "The Altmer tend to think very highly of themselves and therefore very little of others. Though you're a new face regardless so she'll be curious about you. Say whatever you need to get her off your hide."

"Understood." Turning from Delphine, he got up into the carriage and she handed him his invitation to the party. When he arrived to the Embassy, a Redguard male passed him but turned to greet him.

"Ah! A fellow latecomer for Elenwen's little soiree. And arriving by carriage, no less! I salute you, sir!" he started. He rambled on a little more, seeming to already be drunk. "My name's Razelan."

Already, he knew Razelan might come in handy. "A pleasure, I'm sure," he greeted. Razelan was distracted from their conversation, saving him the trouble of an introduction. A bouncer stood before the door and demanded his invitation, which he surrendered. As soon as he was inside, Elenwen approached him. She was dressed in long, cool-toned black robes with gold trim - the standard Thalmor attire.

"Welcome. I don't believe we've met. I am Elenwen, the Thalmor Ambassador to Skyrim. And you are...?"

Deflecting her question, he answered with one of his own. "You're Elenwen?" he greeted with what he hoped was a genuine smile. "It's an honor to meet you in person; I've heard so much about you..."

"You have, have you?" she asked. "All good, I trust. But you have met at a disadvantage. I'm afraid I know nothing about you... what brings you to Skyrim?"

Malborn was standing behind the bar and spoke up, trying to distract Elenwen. "Madame Ambassador, I'm sorry to interrupt."

"What is it, Malborn?" she asked, turning to face the Bosmer.

"It's just that... we've run out of the Alto wine. Do I have your permission to uncork the Arenthia red?"

"For the last time, Malborn... I told you to not bother me with these trifles. Do whatever keeps the guests happy."

"Of course, Madame Ambassador," Malborn said.

Turning back to Ysmir, Elenwen clasped her hands together and bowed her head. "I apologize, we'll have to get acquainted later. Please, enjoy yourself."

There were some faces in the crowd he recognized. Jarl Balgruuf was present, and Maven Black-Briar was another face in the crowd but she spotted him too, and the look she gave him was clear enough. Don't talk to me, and I'll pretend to not know you.

His Jarl was quite surprised to see him in the mix of people but he knew Ysmir was up to something. Razelan was a bear he was dying to poke, but Razelan was innocent and he couldn't be dragging civilians into his shenanigans. He forgot about Razelan and approached Malborn at the bar. "I'm ready."

"Of course, let me see if we have another bottle of that," Malborn replied out loud. Lowering his voice, Malborn whispered. "I'll be by the door waiting for you."

Ysmir nodded at Malborn and turned, inching his way through the crowd to sit next to his Jarl.

"This gathering is nothing but a boast," Jarl Balgruuf said under his breath. "The Thalmor are reminding us we're at their beck and call."

"My Jarl, you don't sound too happy to be here," Ysmir replied. "Want to help me make a little excitement? I need somebody here to cause a scene and get everybody's attention."

"Say no more," the Jarl replied. He couldn't hide his grin, and Ysmir knew he'd chosen the right person. "I was wondering what you were doing here, and I'm more than happy to help."

"Never been happier to call you my Jarl," Ysmir replied, winking. "Make me proud."

Jarl Balgruuf stood without another word and approached Razelan. Ysmir stood himself, trying to make himself inconspicuous as he moved closer to the bar.

"It's all for a good cause, old chap," he heard Balgruuf mutter at the drunken Redguard. He made sure his next words were plenty loud enough, and it caught the crowd's attention. "Ulfric Stormcloak...? The rightful High King? That's bordering on treason, man!"

Ysmir wanted so badly to laugh. He hadn't expected Balgruuf to "poke the bear" for him, but he forced himself calm and hurried to Malborn while everybody was focused on Jarl Balgruuf's sudden outburst. Malborn closed the door behind them as he showed Ysmir into the pantry.

"Your gear is in the larder," Malborn said. "We have to go through the kitchen. Stay close, and let me do the talking."

As Ysmir followed Malborn, there was a Khajiit woman standing next to the oven, sweeping the floor. Her ears perked at the two men entering.

"Who comes, Malborn? You know I don't like strange smells in my kitchen."

"Just one of the guests from the party, Tsavanni. He's not feeling very well. Leave the poor wretch be."

"A guest? In the kitchens? You know this is against the rules..."

"Rules, is it? I didn't realize that eating Moon Sugar was permitted. Perhaps I should ask the Ambassador..." Malborn threatened.

"Tss! Get out of here. I saw nothing," Tsavanni hissed, her fur puffing up on the back of her neck.

Malborn rolled his eyes once he turned from her and opened the door to the larder. "Your things are in that chest. Don't screw this up. I'll lock the door behind you."

Ysmir opened the chest and nodded at Malborn. The Bosmer closed the door behind him as he went back into the kitchen and Ysmir pulled off his party clothes, replacing it with his Guildmaster armor. He strapped his sword sheath to his belt and stuck his other things in his small satchel. He had a quiver of arrows and his bow fastened to his back. A dagger hung from his opposite hip. He was ready to go on.

Opening the door opposite from where he came in, there was a hallway. Malborn locked the door behind him and Ysmir could hear two Thalmor officers talking in a room to the right. Something about new soldiers and dragons. Drawing his bow, he nocked an arrow and crept down, his footsteps silent. An arrow shot into the back of the first officer's neck, killing him.

The second officer drew his sword and came around to find his associate's attacker. Replacing his bow with a fireball in one hand and his dagger in the other, Ysmir surprised him with a fiery blast to the face, scalding his face. His other arm swang up, plunging the blade into the side of the elf's neck. Pulling the blade across, he cut the rest of his throat open, leaving him to bleed out onto the floor.

Already, Ysmir's heart was pounding with adrenaline. He took off up the stairs and searched for a door to the outside quarters. He found at least six Thalmor officers waiting for him outside, and killed them one by one. The officer guarding Elenwen's Solar had deserted his post to find Ysmir, leaving the door unguarded. As Ysmir got inside, he found a man talking, but he couldn't see who. An Altmer dressed in the regular Elven armor stood guard.

"But, I need that money, Rulindil! I earned it. I have my own expenses you know..." the man said.

"Silence! Do not presume, Gissur. You are most useful, but do not presume. We have other informants who are less...offensive," another elf responded, the voice coming from another room.

Ysmir wouldn't have enough time to switch weapons, so he instead conjured another firebolt and sent it flying into the back of the guard's neck, singing his skin. Gissur drew his weapon and moved to try and kill Ysmir, but his dagger was blocked by Ysmir's sword. Ysmir swung his arms around to disarm Gissur, and swung back again to lodge his blade into the man's side. Gissur fell to the floor, gasping and groaning in pain as blood spilled from the gash.

Rulindil advanced on Ysmir from the nearby room, and he turned on the charging Altmer. "Faas!" he Shouted, and Rulindil fled back in terror. The Thu'um Ysmir had used didn't have any painful effects, but it did induce terror into his enemies, forcing them to flee. The retreat bought him enough time to deal with the other guard in the room. "Tiid!"

Everything around him slowed to a snail's pace, the guard running at him in half the speed he should have been. Ysmir bathed his face in a steady stream of flames, cooking the golden skin under his helmet. Like the string on his bow, time snapped back into full speed and the guard fell, screaming in agony at the painful burns on his face. Ysmir put him out of his misery by shoving the tip of his sword down into the guard's head.

The Thalmor he heard talking to Gissur was coming out of the other room. Ysmir was hit with a shocking spell and doubled over in pain, his breath caught in his throat. Rulindil grabbed him by a fistful of his hair and jerked his head back. He was dragging Ysmir towards another room. While he was distracted, Ysmir felt for his dagger again and jammed it up into Rulindil's belly.

The grip on his hair loosened and Ysmir shoved him off, causing the elf to fall back onto the floor, his hand pressed to the deep wound as he panted and coughed. Blood dripped from inside his mouth, coating his chin in droplets. Ysmir knelt down by Rulindil, and drug the blade of his dagger deep into the elf's throat. Blood poured from the gash on his neck, and Ysmir fished around in his pockets. He found a key, and he wasn't sure where it was to. Sheathing his weapon, he assessed his damage.

Gissur was still on the floor, and a large puddle of blood had formed between the three of his victims. Off to the left side of the building was another room, where he found a desk and a chest behind. Checking inside, he found a folded paper, a key, and two small journals - one about Delphine, and one about Ulfric Stormcloak.

He skimmmed over the journals, looking for anything important. Though he didn't find the information he wanted in the dossiers, he did see something that disturbed him in Ulfric's dossier. Stuffing the books inside his pack, he unfolded the note. There was mention of a prisoner that they were trying to interrogate for information about a lead about the dragons. So, the Thalmor didn't know anything about them, either - but they did know about somebody else that did know what was going on.

Ysmir kept the key in hand and went out of Elenwen's office. There was a staircase leading down to a door, and when he tried to turn the knob, it was locked. Trying the key he found, it unlocked the door for him. He could hear soft groans of pain coming from one of the cells in the room. Downstairs, he found another officer and while his back was turned, Ysmir loosed another fatal arrow. The guard dropped to the floor, bleeding from a nasty puncture in his throat and gurgling on his blood.

Another chest was sat next to the wall and Ysmir checked inside, looking for more information. Another dossier was inside, this one detailing what the Thalmor knew about some old man named Esbern. They seemed to believe he was hiding in Riften, and that was good enough information for him. Looking up, he spotted a man hanging in the locked cell by his wrists. He moved around to get a better look and recognized the man as one of his subordinates from the Thieves Guild - Etienne Rarnis. Etienne had been missing for a while and the Guild had no luck getting a lead on where he might be.

Ysmir unlocked the cell door with the key he found on the guard and rushed in, undoing the shackles that held Etienne up against the wall. His wrists were red and raw, bleeding where the metal had bitten into his skin, blistering him. "By the Gods, Etienne... We've been looking everywhere for you!" he said, helping Etienne to rest on his knees.

"Ysmir... What are you doing here?" Etienne asked. His voice was quiet and weak.

"I don't have time to explain, we need to get out of here," Ysmir said. Hovering his hands over Etienne's wrists, his palms glowed with golden light and the injured flesh healed itself over, though there was a bit of scarring. "Do you know the way out, Etienne?"

"I've seen them dump bodies through that trapdoor across from this cell," Etienne replied. Ysmir heard a door open and two Altmer guards entered the upper level of the dungeon with Malborn in tow.

"Listen up, spy... You're trapped in here, and we have your accomplice. Surrender immediately or you both die," one of the guards announced. Malborn's face was pale with fear, and he struggled in the grasp of the guards.

"It doesn't matter..." Malborn sulked. "I'm dead, already."

"Shit..." he muttered, rubbing his face. "Etienne, stay here. I'll take care of these guys."

Drawing his sword, he summoned a fire atronach from his other hand and went back upstairs. His atronach exchanged fire with one of the guards while he dealt with the other. The two guards laid dead on the floor and Malborn turned to him.

"I hope this was worth it! The Thalmor are going to hunt me for the rest of my life."

"I know, Malborn, I'm sorry," he replied. "But I have information now that could stoke the fire of the Empire's rebellion, again, and I found what I was looking for. Let's get out of here, alright?"

"Fine... Where's the way out?"

"Down here, I found a friend of mine that these Elvish bastards have been holding hostage," he explained. "He said there's a trap door that goes out of here."

"Alright. Lead the way."

Downstairs, Ysmir helped Etienne to his feet and let him hold on for stabilization. Handing Malborn the key to the trapdoor he'd nicked off the dead officers upstairs, their escape route dropped down into a dank tunnel.

At the end of the tunnel was a large cavern and he could hear something growling. When he got further into the cavern, he found a frost troll. "Malborn, hit it with whatever fire magic you know!" he warned, summoning another fire atronach. The two men and Ysmir's temporary companion were able to dispatch the beast in no time at all.

He wasn't going to make (let alone, let) Etienne fight when he was still so tired. Gods knew how little he'd had to eat or drink while he was being held at the Embassy. "Malborn, I'm going to check this cave out and then I'm going to take Etienne with me. I need to make sure he gets home, safely. What are you doing?"

"I knew this would end badly. I can't believe I let Delphine talk me into this. I'm getting out of here and running far away from Haafingar Hold," he huffed. "I'm not telling you where I'm going, though. It'll be better if you don't know."

"Fair enough. Be safe on the road," Ysmir advised. "Gods be with you, Malborn. I can't begin to express how sorry I am, I really didn't want to mix innocent people in this, but it was the only way I could get this information. I will do my best to make sure your struggles weren't in vain."

"Yeah, yeah. Thanks," he sighed. "I'm going now."

Malborn turned away from them and exited the cave, booking it for Windhelm. Back in the cave, Ysmir turned to find a little nook. There was a dead body laying there, but what caught his eye was another Stone of Barenziah. He'd found a few of them in his travels and Vex helped him find out what they were.

Grabbing the valuable pink gemstone, he stuffed it in his pack with the rest of his things. "Alright, Etienne. Let's get you out of here. I'm taking you to Whiterun. I'm the Thane there, and I have a home. I'll tell my housecarl Lydia to let you stay for a while so you can regain your strength in peace."

"Why?" Etienne asked. "I appreciate the generosity but-"

"Riften might be a bit too dangerous for you, right now. I don't want you to end back in the clutches of the Thalmor," Ysmir explained, cutting him off. "Please just stay where I tell you until I come back and give you the clearance to return to the Cistern."

"Yes, of course," Etienne said. "Thank you, and thank you again for getting me out of there. I wasn't sure how much longer I could last."

"You're one of mine," Ysmir replied, patting him on the shoulder. "It's my responsiblity to make sure all of my guild members are accounted for, and safe."

Pulling his party clothes out of his rucksack, Ysmir handed Etienne the outfit. "This should keep you a little warmer until we get back."

Etienne pulled on the clothes. He'd been shivering like mad when he was in the cell, Ysmir couldn't begin to imagine just how cold the Breton was, now. He didn't have the warm Nord blood to fight the freeze. Now that he was warmer, his shivering died down a little but he was still cold.

Ysmir guided him through the roads and to the nearest stablemaster. "We'd like to go to Whiterun, please," he said, handing the carriage driver some gold. "And please, make it a quick trip. We're running a little late."

"Very well, hop in the back," the driver replied. "I'll get you there as soon as I can."

Ysmir pulled Etienne up with him and they took off down the road. He was hoping they'd be quick enough to avoid any Thalmor search parties. Elenwen would be furious when she found her things were missing from her Solar, and that wasn't even mentioning the pile of bodies he'd left behind as a "present" for her. When the wagon pulled up to Whiterun, Ysmir showed Etienne into Breezehome.

"Oh, there you are," Lydia greeted him. "Who's this?"

"Lydia, I'm giving you an assignment," he said. "This is a friend of mine. His name is Etienne and he was locked up at the Thalmor Embassy."

"By the gods..." she gasped. "How long have you been there?"

Etienne shrugged. "It was hard to keep track of the days. I think maybe a month?"

"We just got back from Solitude," Ysmir said. "Etienne hasn't had much to eat or drink in... a while. Let him use my room to rest, and make sure he gets something decent to eat and drink. You're going to take care of him until I come back for him. He's part of Breezehome, for now."

"Of course, my Thane," she said, bowing her head. "But what about you... are you okay? What did you find?"

"A few things. The Thalmor are after somebody in Riften. When I get a chance, I'll tell you everything but I've got to go back to Riverwood and talk to Delphine about it, first. It's rather urgent."

"Of course, I understand," she said. "Don't you worry about Etienne, he'll be safe with me."

"I'll tell you about the party when I'm back home. You'll be rather surprised," he said, winking at her. "Etienne, get some rest. You deserve it."

Ysmir made his way back to Riverwood on horseback. When he entered the Sleeping Giant Inn, he went straight to the basement room and plopped the dossiers down on the table.

"The Thalmor know nothing about the dragons' return," he started. "But they are after somebody named Esbern."

"Son of a bitch... that crazy old man," Delphine laughed. "He's really still alive? I thought the Thalmor might have done off with him ages ago!"

"Yes, the dossier mentioned he was the Blades archivist," Ysmir replied.

"Figures the Thalmor would be on his trail, though, if they were trying to figure out what's going on with the dragons," she said, flipping through the pages of the journal.

"So what's the deal with Esbern, then?"

"He knew everything about the ancient dragonlore of the Blades," she said, setting the journal back down on the table. "Obsessed with it, really. Nobody paid much attention back then. I guess he wasn't as crazy as we all thought."

"So the Thalmor think the Blades know about the dragons..." he said.

"Ironic, right? The old enemies assume that every calamity must be a plot by the other side... Even so, we've got to find Esbern before they do. He'll know how to stop the dragons if anybody does. Do they know where he is?"

"They seem to think he's hiding out in Riften."

"Riften, eh? Probably down in the Ratway, then. It's where I'd go. You'd better get to Riften," she said. "And ask Brynjolf, with the Thieves Guild. He should be a good starting point but he might not talk without some... convincing."

"I'm sure me being the Guildmaster of the Thieves Guild is plenty enough," he snorted. "Brynjolf and I are quite good friends, actually."

"Well, looks like you've got it figured out then," she said, glancing up at him. "Get to Riften and bring Esbern back to me. And if you think I'm paranoid, just wait until you meet him. He may have some trouble opening up to you, since you're a stranger. Just tell him I sent you, and ask him what happened on the 30th day of Frostfall. He'll know what it means."