The travel to Riften was without incident, minus a few curious foxes who would play with Crimson while they thought we weren't looking, making the girls swoon at its cuteness… Even Jenassa was eyeing Crimson when she thought I wasn't looking. And aside from Kasia being nervous around M'rissi, Jenassa, and Sofia, she quickly relaxed and began to enjoy our walk to Riften.
It was late at night once we made it to the town gate, where a guard stops me, "Hold there! Before I let you into Riften, you need to pay the visitor's tax."
Which makes me smirk as I reply, "Oh, and what's the tax for?"
"For the privilege of entering the city. What does it matter?" The guard responds off-handedly.
"Really? Because this is one of the most obvious shakedowns I've ever seen," I say starting to raise my voice.
"All right, keep your voice down… You want everyone to hear you?! I'll let you in, just let me unlock the gate." The guard hastily replies as he fumbles to get his keys out to unlock the main gate, before turning to say, "The gate's unlocked. You can head inside when you're ready."
And with that, we head inside where I'm stopped by a shadowy figure in steel armor, "I don't know you. You in Riften lookin' for trouble?" Maul asks.
"Don't worry, I'm just passing through," I reply.
"Good, last thing the Black-Briars need around here is some troublemaker tryin' to steal a piece of the action," Maul says.
"No worries here, now if you don't mind, I have an appointment with Byrnjolf at the Bee and Barb." I say before moving on to the inn
Once inside most of the patrons there had already turned in for the night, allowing me to rent a room without much issue before I begin snooping around people's things where I discovered a rather intriguing note in Talen-Jei's room.
[Talen,]
[No, I haven't forgotten about that thing you helped me with!]
[I checked the Khajiit's cell and I'm afraid he doesn't have any flawless amethysts stashed there. There's a strange necklace and some ebony ore through. That's about it, unless you want a stupid bug in a jar for some reason? If none of that's any use I'll cut you in on whatever I make from selling his weapons. His armor's already gone I'm afraid.]
[If he wants to keep his cell he'll have to raise a few more septims somehow.]
[Norton]
Interesting seems like there might be a potential recruit in the town prison, I finish riffling through the inn patrons' things before sneaking out alone to get into the town jail.
Once inside a jailor stops me, "Hey, you're not supposed to be down here. Official business only."
"It's fine, I'm allowed to be here," I say motioning for him to unlock the door.
"Oh, my mistake then, let me get the door for you." He says getting up and opening the door allowing me in… Man the guards here are terrible even by Skyrim standards.
Once inside I find another note on a table.
[Important!]
[The crazy Khajiit in Cell One is not to be disturbed. He paid us good money for that cage so don't go bothering him. If he's still here in a month I think we should enforce a little rent increase. I doubt we'll get the chance though. You've all seen the way he looks. Won't be surprised if he tries to end his life soon. If you see him in a particularly suicidal mood get in there and stop him. He's been using the key we gave him, so if you need in there in a hurry use the spare in the broken strongbox above the fireplace. A dead man can't pay rent!]
[Warden Norton]
Hmmm… I wonder how crazy he is? Meh, it doesn't matter crazy seems to suit me well.
I walk to a side room to grab the key from the strong box, before making my way to the first cell on the left on the second floor.
"What's that Mr. Dragonfly? The outside world is a scary place? Well yes I suppose it can be. It can be beautiful too. You should try it." I hear as I approach the cell, seeing a blue Khajiit man with scars on his face and wearing a loin cloth, sitting in the shadows in the back of the cell.
Opening the cell, I see a strange necklace, some papers, and a bug in a jar, with a plate of food and a lute in the corner riddled with ebony arrows.
"Come to kill me at last have you? Thank the Gods, I can bear the guilt no longer!" The Crazy Khajiit exclaims.
"Um, what?" I asked thinking he might be just a little too crazy for me.
"I know I must die. Beware though, my new found honour demands I defend myself." He stats readying his fists.
"Hold on… Do you know me?!" I asked slightly panicked, is this another Sofia situation? Why do I know so many crazy people?
"I am in no mood for jokes! Strike me down! Take your revenge!" He shouts bracing himself for my strike.
"Calm down, Furball, I honestly have no idea what you're talking about. Who are you?" I ask in total confusion before taking a seat at one of the chairs at the table and motioning him to do the same.
Sitting down as well, he asks, "You don't remember? Ah, that is my fault also. I am your so-called friend Inigo. I was the one who killed you. I tried anyway. I am guilty! Kill me!" Inigo exclaims demandingly.
"Doesn't seem like you did a very good job… Though maybe you did? Are you my Furry Blue Truck? Why are you here?" I ask in confusion.
"After I shot you I finally realized my mistake and tried to turn myself in. Your body was gone. The guards did not believe me. They said I was wasting their time. I had to pay them to put me in this cell. It is where I belong. I needed to repent. I need to repent!" Inigo confesses.
"If you thought I was dead, then why are you here waiting for me?" I ask.
"I heard tales of a remarkable adventurer, both brave and resourceful, matching your description. I knew it was you. It had to be! I knew you would be coming for me so I waited. Are you going to kill me or not?" Inigo demands.
"And why should I kill you? I honestly should be thanking you, I remember nothing of my life before coming into Skyrim and that has been a blessing in ways you couldn't even understand! And while I don't remember much about how we may know each other, but it's clear you think you owe me, so why don't you come with me?" I offer, clasping Inigo on the shoulder.
"I fight with you?" Inigo asks in confusion.
"Yes, Inigo. Repay your debt with the blood of my foes!" I clarify for him.
"Or die defending you! Yes! I accept! I feel lighter in my heart now you have given me this opportunity! It will be like old times." Inigo cheers.
"Not that I remember those old times, but I look forward to making new memories together. Just watch where you aim that bow of yours." I laugh.
"Do not joke about such things my friend. The sadness I feel for what I have done is brutal enough… For now." Inigo mumbles.