Player
(while in Windhelm on business, I decided to pay a visit to the New Gnisis Cornerclub in the Gray Quarter. When I sit down at the counter to order a drink, I am greeted rather harshly by a familiar voice.)
Malborn
Oh, it's you. I didn't expect to see you again.
Player
Malborn, it's good to see you.
Malborn
Trying to stay ahead of the Thalmor assassins. I'm not a hero like you. I don't stand a chance.
Player
What are you doing here?
Malborn
Trying to stay alive. I think time's running out though. I'm pretty sure the Thalmor know where I am.
Maybe you can help me. You know, by way of making amends for getting me into this mess.
Player
You helped me. I'll do what I can to help you.
Malborn
You will? Really? Well, okay, here's the situation.
I was trying to get to Morrowind. The Dunmer don't care much for the Thalmor and I figured I'd be safe there. As safe as anywhere, that is.
But there's a Khajiit hanging around the main gate. I didn't like the way he was looking at me.
I'm sure he's Thalmor. Just waiting for me to leave so he can follow me and kill me in a lonely place.
Player
Don't worry. I'll take care of this assassin for you.
Malborn
You'd be saving my life. Again. I know I probably seemed ungrateful... I've just been so scared. Expecting a knife at my throat any minute.
(I head out the main gate of Whiterun to have a look around. I see two Khajiit hanging out where the caravan usually sets up shop. I approach them. The first Khajiit, named J'datharr, who only tells me he has nothing to sell and to move on. The other Khajiit, Ri'saad, is more helpful)
Ri'saad
Fortune smiles upon this meeting.
Player
I'm looking for a Khajiit... might be a Thalmor spy.
Ri'saad
Ah. You must mean that one over there. He's not one of us.
Thalmor filth, eh? Giving all Khajiit a bad name.
(I return to J'datharr. Looks like Malborn wasn't being paranoid after all)
Player
Malborn has a message for you.
J'datharr
Malborn? Ah... very good. I think we understand each other.
(with that, J'datharr draws an elven dagger and attacks me. I quickly dispose of him and discover a note on his body)
J'datharr's Note
Description of target:
Bosmer male, goes by Malborn. Believed to be working for the Blades, so approach with caution.
He has inside knowledge of our procedures, so he will be warier than usual. Malborn is not his real name - he's now been identified as a survivor of a family of traitors who were all believed to have died in a fire in Falinesti.
Do not risk him evading us. He's likely trying to leave Skyrim. Make sure of your kill, and do not implicate us.
(I return to the New Gnisis Cornerclub with the good news)
Player
The Thalmor assassin is dead. It's safe to leave Windhelm.
Malborn
That's... great news. I'd... I'd better go. Right now. Before they find me again. This is my chance.
Thank you! Here... I stole a lot from the Thalmor over the years. You may as well have some of it.
(and with that, Malborn takes off for the border. I decide to follow him out of Windhelm to make sure he reaches Morrowind safe and sound. Once we reach Refugee's Rest, I wave farewell and turn back to continue on my own journey)
