Gold Coast Twitter Roleplay

A nice year for the coffers. Who knew "Provincial Governer's personal lighthouse tender" would be so profitable?

Lord Jarol's sent word of another ship in need of diversion, the night we're to visit Tahm in Kvatch. I'll make my excuses.

To Tahm Casca: I hope your meeting with Count Carolus went well. Being your silent partner means I can avoid dealing with royalty!

You're rarely silent, big brother. And it went quite well. Quite well! Our fortunes are ever on the rise. -Tahm

To Tahm Casca: Good, good. I hope you won't mind if I postpone my visit? Mari is concerned about danger on the roads.

Not at all! So many fine points to work out with Count Carolus. The Wolf of Kvatch hungers for details! -Tahm

To Tahm Casca: Of course. Details. You should visit us soon and tell me all about them. Perhaps over dinner, at our humble home?

Yes, wonderful! It will be good to spend time with you and Mariana. I do so enjoy the view from the lighthouse. -Tahm

It's done. The light is doused. Tonight the Skewers claim another prize. Tomorrow, Lord Jarol's man delivers my cut.

Darling, have you heard? There was another shipwreck upon the Skewers! -Mariana

To Mariana Casca: Yes, such a tragedy. No doubt the Provincial Governor will send her Red Sails to recover the cargo.

Just cargo? But what about the poor sailors who survived the wreck? -Mariana

To Mariana Casca: I don't expect Governer Fortunata's ships to return with survivors. The Skewers are called that for a reason.

Still no word from Lord Jarol's man. I've done my part, haven't I? Twelve ships in a year should earn me prompt payment!

Lord Jarol's man was slain outside the Bank of Anvil! My cut is gone. Tahm will be here soon. He'll come through, I know it.

That arrogant simpleton spent half my share on a riding wolf. A riding wolf! Am I investing in a damned kennel, now?

Lord Jarol knows I had nothing to do with the killings of his men, doesn't he? Should I write him about the payment?

I wrote Lord Jarol, despite the risks. It's up to the Eight Divines now. Still, I'll visit the Chapel of Dibella tonight.

I didn't hear you come in last night. What's wrong, Albus? -Mariana

To Mariana Casca: I was offering prayers at the Chapel of Dibella. I had much I needed to unburden.

You spent much of the night unburdening yourself? At the Chapel of Dibella? Explain. -Mariana

To Mariana Casca: My love, it's not what you think! I spent hours at Zenithar's Shrine - Jhalnu the Ruby-Eyed's idea. Ask anyone who was there!

Oh, darling. Was it for the poor sailors who died in the Skewers? I didn't realize how their troubles affected you. -Mariana

To Mariana Casca: You have no idea, Mari. You have no idea.

Still nothing from Lord Jarol. Now Mari seems distant. She knows I'm faithful, doesn't she? I've only ever loved her.

Times were simpler in the Gold Coast Trading Company. But far less lucrative. I made the right choice, didn't I?

The waiting is driving me mad. I need to know where I stand with Lord Jarol. Also, I need gold to pay my creditors!

This is excruciating. Fortunata will protect me from Lord Jarol, if it comes to it. Won't she?

I need to stop fretting. I'm doing nothing but ruining my stomach and my marriage.

Albus? I've run into some trouble. Serious trouble. I have nowhere else to turn. -Tahm

To Tahm Casca: For the last time, do not burden me with your troubles! You are your own man, Tahm. Be your own man!

I don't think I can. I am completely out of my element. Albus, if only you knew what I have seen. -Tahm

To Tahm Casca: You want me to take charge, is that it? As I always do when you make a mess of things?

Albus, please. I need help. -Tahm

Tahm Casca: You will always need help because you never learned to help yourself. Until you learn, you are no brother of mine.

I'm headed to Kvatch to patch sails with Tahm, hopefully returned by nightfall. The things I do for love!

My brother won't open his door! Thirty years and still sleeping the day away? To think, he resents when I call him an idler.

I'll make short work of this cheap lock and put the fear of Akatosh into that good-for-nothing slugabed!

Tahm is dead. My little brother, gone forever. How could this happen?

I found him dead at his writing desk. Journal smeared with ink. Bowl of red mushroom stew spilled on the ground.

His papers are incomprehensible. "BLOOD WILL FLOW" on a list of names.

The last thing my brother did was go on about the Dark Brotherhood. His spent his final moments writing about a myth.

I need to call the Guard. To send word to Lord Jarol. To write Mari. I need to make this go away.

I need my brother. By the Eight, why is he gone?

To Mariana Casca: Mari, I will be in Kvatch longer than expected. I need you to maintain the lighthouse while I'm away.

I can manage. How are things with Tahm? And can you swing by the apothecary? There's a nixad in the lighthouse. -Mariana

To Mariana Casca: Tahm is gone. He passed away last night. The Guard said it was sudden illness.

Albus Casca, what a terrible joke! -Mariana

To Mariana Casca: It is no joke. Tahm is dead. Mari, I need you to be strong. I don't know how I'm going to bury my brother.

He asked me for help and I pushed him away. "Toughened love," father used to call it. I thought it was best for him.

The last words I wrote to him were in anger. The last visit ended with me forcing him out of my home. And now he's gone.

Count Carolus sent his condolences today. He also spoke with Primate Artorius, requesting special dispensation for Tahm.

Now it seems the Cathedral of Akatosh is sending Grand Sermonizer Fithia to speak at his ceremony.

It seems Tahm wasn't exaggerating his connection to the count. What else don't I know about his affairs?

Mari will arrive shortly. Then we set Tahm to rest. I will make it through this day. I must.

The Grand Seromnizer used Tahm's funeral to rant about the Dark Brotherhood! How dare she pollute his memory with fiction?

Albus, I've returned home safe and sound. Did you say something to the Grand Sermonizer about her ... outburst? -Mariana

To Mariana Casca: I was too angry to speak with her. Am I wrong, or did she imply Tahm was murdered by assassins?

I wouldn't pay too much heed to her words. You know how they are in Kvatch. Always jumping at shadows. -Mariana

To Mariana Casca: Perhaps. I'm just so tired, Mari. I want to be done with this.

My darling, you always do what you must to get by. It's why I fell in love with you. You can do this. -Mariana

I don't think Tahm died of "sudden illness of the heart." We both escaped the first onset of the Knahaten Flu.

Was the Grand Sermonizer right? Was Tahm murdered? The Kvatch Guard consider the matter closed, but I don't.

There must be something in Tahm's papers beyond his Dark Brotherhood ravings. He was too old to believe in folk tales.

To Mariana Casca: Tahm's affairs are mostly in order. I should return to Anvil in a few more days. Any trouble with the lighthouse?

Nothing I can't manage. All ships have made it past the Skewers. How are you? -Mariana

To Mariana Casca: I miss you so much. I want to be with you, but all of this is more difficult than I envisioned.

Oh, darling -- I can't imagine. What has caused you the most trouble? -Mariana

To Mariana Casca: Truly? Reselling that highland wolf of his. Bit of a drooler, that one.

Everywhere I go in Kvatch, the sermonizers preach about the evils of the Dark Brotherhood.

Could there be truth to it? Here, in the Gold Coast? Or is this Count Carolus playing politics?

Such rumors give his agents room to target Fortunata's allies. The foolish will all say, "The Dark Brotherhood did it!"

Say Tahm was killed. By whom? He had no real enemies. Vendal Gurges was his rival, at best. And he died before Tahm.

I'm bringing all of Tahm's effects back to Anvil. I'm missing something, I just can't see it yet.

One of Lord Jarol's men spoke with Mari yesterday. He didn't leave a note in the usual manner.

Lord Jarol doesn't suffer fools. He wants me to know he's displeased. I'll set up a meeting. He needs reassurance.

Perhaps Tahm's death was a message to me. But why? Lord Jarol didn't have him killed. He is never so direct.

I am Fortunata's man and always have been. I am protected. Killing Tahm is no strike against her. Nor me.

Lord Jarol insists I attend him at the Withered Rose. He's sweet on the innkeeper's daughter. Is it all pretext to ogle her?

To Mariana Casca: I must take a meeting tonight in the countryside. I will return in the morning.

So soon after your return? Whatever for? -Mariana

To Mariana Casca: I need to speak with an old friend about Tahm. He may be able to give me some sorely needed perspective.

Of course. Take your time. I've grown accustomed to maintaining the lighthouse in your absence. -Mariana

Lord Jarol knew I had nothing to do with his missing payment. He was especially surprised to learn of Tahm's death.

When I mentioned the Dark Brotherhood, he went pale. He tried to brush it off, but I saw the fear in his eyes.

I showed him the note that said BLOOD WILL FLOW. He insisted I stop all pursuit of the matter and departed immediately.

Lord Jarol is a difficult man to fluster. Could he truly fear the Dark Brotherhood? Do they operate in the Gold Coast?

Mariana Casca: Mari, has anybody approached you recently? Anyone who seemed strange to you?

What do you mean? We live in Anvil. Most of the people are strange. -Mariana

To Mariana Casca: I'm serious. I don't want anything to happen to you. To us.

Albus, talk to me. What's wrong? Is this about Tahm? There was nothing you could have done. You know that, right? -Mariana

To Mariana Casca: I know. I know.

I followed Mari to the market today. Watched for anybody else who was following her.

I spotted a hooded man across the market. He was staring at Mari. Then he turned and looked directly at me.

I could barely breathe. He held up the palm of his hand and mouthed three words: BLOOD WILL FLOW.

He smirked, pulled a dagger, and spun it in his hands. Then he slipped away.

Akatosh protect me. What have I gotten myself into?

Enough. Enough! I am Albus Casca, a proud Imperial son. Nobody threatens my family. Not without retribution.

It's as the Grand Sermonizer said at Tahm's funeral: the Dark Brotherhood's time is up.

I'll add a coda to Tahm's journal. Play the forlorn brother filled with righteous anger at Tahm's murder.

I'll deliver it to the Grand Sermonizer myself. She'll call for the Order of the Hour to root out these degenerate cultists!

Divines, my stomach is killing me. A nice bowl of Mari's stew should settle it. I don't deserve such a woman.

The way Albus told it, tending the lighthouse in Anvil would be a romantic life. So far, it's just lonely. And quite drafty.

Albus has another stomach affliction. These only came about when we moved to the lighthouse. Is it the water, perhaps?

A piping bowl of red mushroom soup did the trick. There is still some tension about him, but Albus is nearly himself again.

Albus couldn't sleep last night. I heard him pacing up to the tower. I hope the evening breeze settled him.

To Albus Casca: Darling, have you heard? There was another shipwreck upon the Skewers!

Yes, such a tragedy. No doubt the Provincial Governor will send her Red Sails to recover the cargo. 

-Albus

To Albus Casca: Just cargo? But what about the poor sailors who survived the wreck?

I don't expect Governer Fortunata's ships to return with survivors. The Skewers are called that for a reason. -Albus

Last night there were three deaths outside the bank! Travelers, I heard. Anvil is far more dangerous than I'd like it to be.

To Albus Casca and Tahm Casca: So wonderful to host my brother-in-law for dinner!

Yes, wonderful! It will be good to spend time with you and Mariana. I do so enjoy the view from the lighthouse. -Tahm

To Tahm Casca: Tahm, I've never seen him this angry. You need to swallow your pride and fix this.

Contracts take time! I'm in extended negotiations with Count Carolus. Casca's Casks will supply all of Kvatch! -Tahm

To Tahm Casca: If you insist. My advice? My mother taught me that if you can't catch the biggest fish, just catch a fish.

Prudent, prudent. Perhaps I can approach the Cathedral of Akatosh. Do you think they'll have need for lockboxes? -Tahm

To Tahm Casca: That's your business. But if you owe them money, don't show up on their doorstep with a brand new mount.

Yes, I take your point. I will, of course, pay for the damages. Didn't realize its claws could mark stone. -Tahm

Stomach afflictions come regularly for Albus. Enough soup! Tahm once recommended a hearty red mushroom stew. I'll try that.

To Tahm Casca: Albus has been feeling poorly of late, so I made him the red mushroom stew you're so fond of.

It's much better than the soup, isn't it? What did Albus think of it? -Tahm

To Tahm Casca: He said it was his new favorite. That's when I told him it was your suggestion.

And? What did he think?  -Tahm

To Tahm Casca: He had a pained look on his face. But don't worry, It was probably a matter of digestion.

To Albus Casca: I didn't hear you come in last night. What's wrong, Albus?

I was offering prayers at the Chapel of Dibella. I had much I needed to unburden. -Albus

To Albus Casca: You spent much of the night unburdening yourself? At the Chapel of Dibella? Explain.

My love, it's not what you think! I spent hours at Zenithar's Shrine - Jhalnu the Ruby-Eyed's idea. Ask anyone who was there! -Albus

To Albus Casca: Oh, darling. Was it for the poor sailors who died in the Skewers? I didn't realize how their troubles affected you.

You have no idea, Mari. You have no idea. -Albus

Albus is barely sleeping. I should give him room. No lighthouse keeper deals well with news of a sunken ship.

I still don't care for the Red Sails. A city's watch should be distinguishable from the ruffians they oust from the taverns!

The strangest thing! My coin purse went missing in the market. As I searched for it, an Argonian approached and returned it!

He called himself Low-Neck and said he had stolen it. He returned it when he realized I was the 'Lady of the Lighthouse.'

I've never met an apologetic pickpocket. I didn't know what to say, so I thanked him. He was so pleased. What a strange town!

I miss home. When will the Imperial City be free of the Daedra? When will this terrible war end?

I finally told Albus. If he doesn't attempt to dampen his ill mood, he can sleep in the lighthouse tower.

Albus lost his temper with Tahm again. I've encouraged him to apologize in person. Traveling to Kvatch can only do him good.

Not an hour after Albus leaves for Kvatch and I spot a nixad on the roof of the lighthouse. Vile little creatures!

The nixad smeared a drawn face on the lighthouse mirror. It took me half an hour to scrub the foul stuff off.

Mari, I will be in Kvatch longer than expected. I need you to maintain the lighthouse while I'm away. -Albus

To Albus Casca: I can manage. How are things with Tahm? And can you swing by the apothecary? There's a nixad in the lighthouse.

Tahm is gone. He passed away last night. The Guard said it was sudden illness. -Albus

To Albus Casca: Albus Casca, what a terrible joke!

It is no joke. Tahm is dead. Mari, I need you to be strong. I don't know how I'm going to bury my brother. -Albus

I couldn't sleep last night. Mostly due to Albus's terrible news, of course. That nixad's horrid singing didn't help matters.

I'll depart for Kvatch tomorrow at first light, attend Tahm's funeral, and return to the lighthouse by dusk.

No ship will be taken by the Skewers while Albus settles his brother's affairs. Neither of us could bear it.

The Divines blessed the Gold Coast sailors with a cloudless sky! The carriage arrives shortly, and then I set out for Kvatch.

This Grand Sermonizer has much to say about Akatosh and very little to say about Tahm. And what is she going on about now?

She's going on about the Dark Brotherhood. At Tahm's funeral? Aren't they a children's story?

To Albus Casca: Albus, I've returned home safe and sound. Did you say something to the Grand Sermonizer about her ... outburst?

I was too angry to speak with her. Am I wrong, or did she imply Tahm was murdered by assassins? -Albus

To Albus Casca: I wouldn't pay too much heed to her words. You know how they are in Kvatch. Always jumping at shadows.

Perhaps. I'm just so tired, Mari. I want to be done with this. -Albus

To Albus Casca: My darling, you always do what you must to get by. It's why I fell in love with you. You can do this.

And now the nixad living in our lighthouse has been joined by two more. Droppings everywhere. Disgusting!

Tahm's affairs are mostly in order. I should return to Anvil in a few more days. Any trouble with the lighthouse? -Albus

To Albus Casca: Nothing I can't manage. All ships have made it past the Skewers. How are you?

I miss you so much. I want to be with you, but all of this is more difficult than I envisioned. -Albus

To Albus Casca: Oh, darling -- I can't imagine. What has caused you the most trouble?

Truly? Reselling that highland wolf of his. Bit of a drooler, that one. -Albus

Enough. I found one of the little beasts doing something unspeakable to my jewelry box. Every nixad will die today.

I finally cleared out the nixad infestation! Bowls of sugar-soaked wine made them drowsy and easy to catch.

From there, it was easy enough to dash their brains against the walls. Even in death they have such a terrible smell!

A man stopped by at dusk, claiming to know Albus. He reminded me of that Argonian cutpurse, but far less charming.

He refused to reveal their business, just mentioned a "mutual friend" wanted to speak with Albus.

I don't care to judge at first glance. You meet all sorts of characters in Anvil. But something about this man was … off.

Albus returned late in the evening. Tahm's death has worn at him. I don't know what to say or how to say it.

I think someone was following me in the market. I didn't notice who it was, but I had a strange feeling.

I must take a meeting tonight in the countryside. I will return in the morning. -Albus

To Albus Casca: So soon after your return? Whatever for?

I need to speak with an old friend about Tahm. He may be able to give me some sorely needed perspective. -Albus

To Albus Casca: Of course. Take your time. I've grown accustomed to maintaining the lighthouse in your absence.

I told Albus about the sense of being watched. He grew alarmed, then quite calm. He insisted I go about my business as usual.

Something weighs at him, but he refuses to share it with me. I don't know how to reach him anymore.

Mari, has anybody approached you recently? Anyone who seemed strange to you? -Albus

To Albus Casca: What do you mean? We live in Anvil. Most of the people are strange.

I'm serious. I don't want anything to happen to you. To us. -Albus

To Albus Casca: Albus, talk to me. What's wrong? Is this about Tahm? There was nothing you could have done. You know that, right?

I know. I know. -Albus

Albus seems full of worry. His digestion, again. I think I'll make the red mushroom stew today. It will remind him of Tahm.

He's dead. Albus is dead! I thought he was sleeping. He was slumped over his desk, clutching a sheaf of papers!

One paper stood out. A list of names? Is "BLOOD WILL FLOW" some sort of warning? It's not in his hand. Whose, then?

The only family Albus had was Tahm. None of my family survived Imperial City. Who is there to tell? Who would care?

I hired a gravedigger to put Albus to rest in a grave overlooking the water. The chapel will send someone to say words.

The Red Sails made an appearance. Poked around and said Albus died of "ailments." I think they took some of my jewelry.

I was summoned by Provincial Governor Fortunata. She named me the new keeper of the Anvil lighthouse.

I explained I have no more ties to Anvil, but Fortunata would hear none of it. Not until she can find a replacement.

Fortunata is right. The lighthouse has to be maintained. It's what Albus would want. Isn't it?

Today I buried my husband. A chanter of Akatosh came from the chapel to oversee the rites. He had some strange questions.

The chanter knew about Tahm. Asked how two hale and hearty men could fall pray to "ailments." I didn't like the insinuation.

I mentioned the papers Albus clutched. The chanter asked me to provide them. I lied, said I had thrown them out. Why lie?

A man pounded at the lighthouse door today. The strange one who came by for Albus not two weeks ago.

He said he needed to see my husband's "special papers." I shut the door in his face! Told him to go away and leave me be.

He doesn't seem like the kind to take no for an answer. Why does everybody want to see Albus and Tahm's papers?

I read through the papers. Ranting about the Dark Brotherhood, fanciful tales of a door that speaks! None of it makes sense.

The man returned today. Through the door he said he needs "the book." Tahm's journal? I sent him away.

First the chanter, now this strange man? How can their writings be of such importance to anyone?

I heard a distant roar to the north. Sounded like a minotaur prowling those old ruins. The door stays barred.

Once more the man returned. Said if I couldn't find him reasonable, he'd send unreasonable company. I slammed the door.

I heard a tapping at the lighthouse door. When I checked, there was nobody there - just a note tacked to the door itself.

What does it mean? 

The man didn't return today. Yet I don't feel relieved. Alone with my thoughts, I keep returning to poor Albus and Tahm.

As I tended the lighthouse flame, I saw an Argonian watching me from down in Anvil harbor, writing in a journal.

At first I thought he had Tahm's journal, but no, it's where I left it. When I looked for the Argonian, he was gone.

Is it a sign? Are Tahm's wild theories about the Dark Brotherhood true? Albus certainly seemed to believe them in the end.

What if the chanters of Akatosh are right? Say the Dark Brotherhood does exist. Wouldn't they wish to stay hidden?

If anyone threatened to expose them, they would take action. Tahm's last meal was red mushroom stew. Same as Albus.

When boiled, the Gold Coast variety of red mushroom has an overpowering taste. Perhaps enough to cover a poison?

Divines forgive me! Did I hand my husband the broth that killed him?

Say the Dark Brotherhood killed Tahm and Albus for digging too deep into their affairs. Does that mean I'm next?

What could they fear from me? I am a widow trapped in a lighthouse!

Tahm's journal is the key! I must confront the matter directly. I have no desire to spread the Dark Brotherhood's secrets.

If it's how their strange magics work, I'll say so in the journal. Ridiculous, of course. But what other hope do I have?

I had a bizarre dream. I was here, in Anvil, but a vast darkness covered the sky. I heard a woman's cruel voice, whispering.

I ran through the streets. Five foul creatures pursued me. I couldn't see them, but I could smell their bloody stench.

I ran and ran, but the creatures pursued me. They encircled me, with sharpened fangs and poisoned tongues. I cried out.

Then a bright light washed over and blinded me. I heard the creatures shriek. Then, nothing. Not even the whispering woman.

As my eyes regained sight, I saw it. Atop the lighthouse burned not a fire, but an hourglass as bright as the sun itself.

In its light I was protected. I felt a warm hand grip mine and knew, somehow, it was Albus. I woke, weeping with joy.

I have opened my heart to the shadowy creatures who would do me harm. They have but to read Tahm's journal to know my intent.

Despite this, should their cruelty exceed their sense, I will soon know if this lighthouse is a bulwark against their malice.

The sermonizers preach of testing one's faith. Tonight, I'll unlatch the lighthouse door. No better way to know for certain.

Light of Akatosh, drive away the darkness. Cradle me in your arms. Protect me from the night and its malignant children.

This morning I woke from a deep sleep. No dark trespassers or troubled dreams. No sense of forboding lingering in the air.

The day is sunny. I should enjoy it, as I used to with Albus. For the first time since Albus passed, I truly feel safe.

"The Gold Coast is a dangerous place. Only Casca's Casks keep coin concealed." Count Carolus will appreciate my wit!

Another sale lost to my accursed rival! He even had the gall to smile at me. May Vendal Gurges choke on his own blood!

I hope your meeting with Count Carolus went well. Being your silent partner means I can avoid dealing with royalty! -Albus

To Albus Casca: You're rarely silent, big brother. And it went quite well. Quite well! Our fortunes are ever on the rise.

Good, good. I hope you won't mind if I postpone my visit? Mari is concerned about danger on the roads. -Albus

To Albus Casca: Not at all! So many fine points to work out with Count Carolus. The Wolf of Kvatch hungers for details!

Of course. Details. You should visit us soon and tell me all about them. Perhaps over dinner, at our humble home? -Albus

To Albus Casca: Yes, wonderful! It will be good to spend time with you and Mariana. I do so enjoy the view from the lighthouse.

Praise Akatosh! Mariana's care for my brother buys me time. I'm sunk if Albus learns the state of his investment.

What sort of fool saddles a highland wolf and parades it through Kvatch like he's the Count himself? That fool Vendal Gurges!

When I mentioned Gurges's highland wolf to Count Carolus, he complimented its fine breeding! How am I to compete with that?

I dipped into Albus's share to purchase the finest highland wolf in the Gold Coast. Vendal Gurges shall inflate with envy!

That went about as well as I expected. At least the food was delicious. Red mushroom soup, according to Mariana.

Tahm, I've never seen him this angry. You need to swallow your pride and fix this. -Mariana

To Mariana Casca: Contracts take time! I'm in extended negotiations with Count Carolus. Casca's Casks will supply all of Kvatch!

If you insist. My advice? My mother taught me that if you can't catch the biggest fish, just catch a fish. -Mariana

To Mariana Casca: Prudent, prudent. Perhaps I can approach the Cathedral of Akatosh. Do you think they'll have need for lockboxes?

That's your business. But if you owe them money, don't show up on their doorstep with a brand new mount. -Mariana

To Mariana Casca: Yes, I take your point. I will, of course, pay for the damages. Didn't realize its claws could mark stone.

I noticed "Vendal Gurges" on a slip of paper at market. I took it from the butcher's stall. My passions got the best of me!

What does BLOOD WILL FLOW mean? Something to do with butchers?

Vendal Gurges can rot in a gutter. Are the other names his business partners? Soon my own, if I turn this to my advantage!

Rotten luck! Indvarr, the first name on the butcher's list, was ripped apart by dire wolves just outside of Kvatch.

I was wrong. Indvarr was ripped apart by a single enormous wolf. Vendal Gurges has a huge riding wolf. Coincidence?

Albus has been feeling poorly of late, so I made him the red mushroom stew you're so fond of. -Mariana

To Mariana Casca: It's much better than the soup, isn't it? What did Albus think of it?

He said it was his new favorite. That's when I told him it was your suggestion. -Mariana

To Mariana Casca: And? What did he think?

He had a pained look on his face. But don't worry, It was probably a matter of digestion. -Mariana

Heard a sermonizer of Akatosh going on about the Dark Brotherhood. Here, in Kvatch? Preposterous!

By the Eight! Claudine Zurric, the second name on the list, is also dead. Worse, she was dying as I walked into her office!

Claudine Zurric's lips turned blue. She died breathless and in pain. I summoned the Guard at once. "Poison," they said.

Perhaps the Dark Brotherhood do infest Kvatch. Were Indvarr and Claudine Zurric targets? What does that make my rival?

Vendal Gurges is the third name on the list. Did he kill the others? Does he serve the Night Mother? Should I confront him?

Vendal Gurges is dead! Not a perpetrator, but a target. I saw his killer!

I've wished Vendal Gurges ill so often, but Divines know I didn't truly mean it. Oblivion take his murderer!

Confound it, I have the finest highland wolf in the region. I'll track his killer and avenge him, as any gentleman should!

I tracked the assassin to a location northwest of Kvatch. I found a strange set of doors.

When I tried to open the doors, they spoke to me! This place is connected to the Dark Brotherhood, I'm sure of it.

I should alert the Cathedral of Akatosh. Isn't the Order of the Hour better equipped to handle this than I?

Another body, fastened to the Cathedral of Akatosh's doors. It's the Dark Brotherhood, hounding me. They know!

The Divines can't protect me from the Dark Brotherhood. Can Albus?

To Albus Casca: Albus? I've run into some trouble. Serious trouble. I have nowhere else to turn.

For the last time, do not burden me with your troubles! You are your own man, Tahm. Be your own man! -Albus

To Albus Casca: I don't think I can. I am completely out of my element. Albus, if only you knew what I have seen.

You want me to take charge, is that it? As I always do when you make a mess of things? -Albus

To Albus Casca: Albus, please. I need help.

You will always need help because you never learned to help yourself. Until you learn, you are no brother of mine. -Albus

Albus is right. I need to take responsibility. I'll assemble all I know. Tomorrow, I deliver it to the Order of the Hour.

My stomach is in knots. A warm bowl of red mushroom stew is in order. I shouldn't write on an empty stomach!