Part 2!

Middas, 19th of Last Seed 4E 201

Dear Beloved,

Today I left Riverwood, saying goodbye to Ralof and Gerdur, thanking them for their hospitality. A detail I forgot to mention to you is that after living in my personal solitude for so long, I have become a bit of a hoarder. My pack was already full of Imperial apparel and weaponry, although none of it is going to waste – I can smelt it down to acquire even better pieces for survival.

I followed the road and climbed to the top of a hill – the view was outstanding. I could see the entirety of Whiterun from where I perched, and – especially after being alone for so long – it looked beautiful. I was longing for more social interaction. Sometimes I just wish I could be with you instead.

My peace was very shortlived, however, as I spotted a Nordic prisoner in the capture of an Imperial patrol group. I approached them about what they were doing, and upon receiving the cold shoulder, felt heavy sympathy for the captive. His plea invoked a rage inside me that was still burning from the incident in Helgen. Forgive me, beloved, but I confess to killing the Imperials - I had to free that man. I placed their bodies at the side of the road in the proper nord burial manner.

He thanked me and I offered him some armour and a sword I had on my person before parting ways. I kept travelling towards Whiterun.

Outside of the town, there was a Khajiit trading camp. I thought about stopping to chat with them, but decided against it. I had to unload my pack before I did any socialising. The sight of them all, however, reminded me of you and your family. I wonder how your trades are doing?

When I arrived at the gates of Whiterun, the guards refused to let me in. I explained the situation in Riverwood, and they gave way, telling me to see the Jarl at Dragonsreach as soon as possible. Hearing quick snippets from certain coversations as I walked, I can piece together that there are some arguments going on between two clans of the town – the Battle-Born and Grey-Manes; that the Imperials are in desperate need of weaponry; and that the worship of Talos was banned. Now I'm not a religious man, but I believe everybody should have the right to practice whatever they believe in. This new Emperor doesn't sound like an Emperor to me, just another puppet. Suddenly I am glad that your family remains in Elsewyr.

With Whiterun’s size, I realized that if I spent all of my time eavesdropping I would not be able to alert the Jarl of Gerdur’s worries before sundown.

I hurried to Dragonsreach, and was stopped by the Housecarl. She was a Dark Elf, which surprised me. Either way I explained to both her and the Jarl that Riverwood may in fact be in danger after the dragon attack in Helgen. Jarl Baalgruf – as I learned was his name – thanked me for the information, and was most surprised by my honesty in telling him that I was captured and ready to be executed. Though he cared not why, which may come to my advantage later. He introduced me to his court magician, whose great interest in dragons deemed me necessary to find a Dragonstone for him.

I left Dragonsreach and was greeted by the night sky. I looked around town for an inn, and rented a room for the evening.

As I lay in this bed, sheltered by the roof of the Bannered Mare, I can only think of you and pray your opinion of me has not changed with the knowledge of the bad things I have done. I was only doing what I thought was right. I hope you understand.

Love,

Wuulfräd