The Imperial Library

3rd of Hearthfire, 4E 200
You know, just when you think you've hit bottom, sometimes the Aedra throw you a rope. Since the rebels took over the mines in these parts, I haven't been able to find work anywhere. And along comes Bern, my old partner, with an deed to some old gold mine out in the hills.

It's been too long since we did a job together- what, four years now? Nice to finally work with someone who knows the business. Sounds like the place was a steal, too.
 

22nd of Hearthfire, 4E 200
No one sells a mine for a song. I figured the place would be in bad shape, but not this bad- barely a glorified cave. There may have been gold here once, but we don't even have a vein to start with.

We struck out at random. Three weeks digging the lower tunnel, but nothing to show for it yet.
 

15th of First Seed, 4E 201
Nothing. No gold, no gems, no ore, not even any useful stone- the rocks around here crumble the moment you stack one on another. I'm ready to toss it in, but Bern wants to keep on going. "Just a little farther, Hadrir." "We're so close, Hadrir." Bah.

Bern wants me to head back to Riften for supplies next week. Might give me a chance to cool down.
 

29th of First Seed, 4E 201
So I come back, and- nothing. No sign of Bern. It's like he just up and left. No blood, no struggle, he just ran out on me, I suppose.

I've waited three days, and he's not coming back. I'm going to head back to Riften and see if I can find him, or find some other work there. No sense wasting any more time here.

Bern, if you find this- I expected better from you.