... for further instructions report to First Emissary Elenwen at the Thalmor Embassy located north-west of Solitude capital of Skyrim.
Long live the Aldmeri Dominion.
Carefully I read over the note I had received a few weeks ago, back when I was still serving the Dominion in Valenwood. A note which I had read about a dozen times before and its contents fully known to me, rereading it now was merely a formality as I waited for my reception. Looking up from the letter I once more took in the brightly lit anteroom. The embassy was definitely an improvement over my recent lodgings at various inns across Skyrim, with its high halls, equally high windows and large garden it felt like a miniature castle. I turned back towards the crackling firewood which left a light echo in the quiet hall interrupted only occasionally by quiet footsteps, the warmth of the fire slowly dried my partly braided hair which was still wet with snow from the tempestuous blizzard outside.
“My assistance said that you are the agent they have send from Valenwood?” The words behind me sounded sophisticated, yet carried a certain motherly warmed with them. Turning towards them I was greeted by a female elf a bit shorter than myself, but a lot older, who was draped in smoothly ironed Thalmor robes, the assembly being completed with a standard linen Thalmor cloak resting across her narrow shoulders. The high widows peak due to her dark blonde hair being completely combed backwards made the Altmer face appear even longer than common among the high elves, which in turn made the prominent nose suit the golden visage surprisingly well. Deep set yellow eyes gave the face a certain authoritative sharpness which I hadn’t seen since serving Sanril back in Arenthia. Elenwen fit the description I was given perfectly.
“That is correct emissary. Aryarine of Skywatch at your command.” I responded, slightly bending at the hips in respect.
“It is nice to see that proper etiquette is still being respected down south. I have been spending so much time among these crude Nords I was afraid that the whole thing had died out.”
“It is hard to tell the barbarians and nobles apart at times.”
“Such is the way of men.” She said dryly. “If you will follow me upstairs to my office so that I may explain to you what your presence here is needed for.”
I quietly followed Elenwen as we made our way through the with candles lit dining hall up the stairs into a wide hallway which was only brightened by the light which shone through the many color stained glass windows, the various colors reflecting of the dark stone walls reminded me a bit of the vibrant lustrous walls back in Alinor. A thought reinforced when we entered the emissary her office, the five foot window made the room glow in a combination of yellow, green, red and blue light, various shiny objects like bowls filled with gems and inkwells reflecting the lights into additional rainbows of color.
“Aryarine are you familiar with black soul gems?” Elenwen asked as she sat down in the leather chair behind the large wooden desk.
My brief trance broken I replied. “Yes. It’s the result of soul trapping. Mer and man specifically.”
“Correct and illegal by law.” Elenwen agreed as she opened a letter. “It seems that our colleague Orondil has discovered that these gems are in circulation down at the Solitude docks and is in ‘dire’ need for help as he states in this letter.” She said handing the letter over. “I can only imagine how insignificant the situation actually is, but poor Orondil is a diplomat able to force his will by tongue, not by sword.”
“And you need me to take care of this?” I asked unable to hide the surprise in my voice.
“That would most certainly be appreciated. The actual reason you are here is different, I need someone to take command of our headquarters in Solitude, as you can see Orondil is not exactly a shining example of Altmeri dominance. You came highly praised by my colleagues in Valenwood specifically your former commander Sanril.
The old scoundrel. He made coming to Skyrim sound as a demotion. I thought to myself hiding my excitement as I pocketed the letter. “As you command emissary.”
“Excellent. You may rest in our guest chambers for the night. Take this letter, it will make your new position in Solitude official. Give it to Orondil and he will take care of the rest, he has never been the one to have pride get in the way of things.” Elenwen handed me the second letter as she opened the door.
“Most certainly.” And I left the room with a final bow. My fingertips touching the burned scars on my right
cheek as I left the room, a memento which embodied my clearest memory of
Sanril.
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