. I

Markarth, Glory

We rode our horses towards the amazing walls of Markarth, crossing the stone carved bridge over the stream below and approached the marvelous gates that protected the city within.
Just outside the walls was a small stable that would kindly watch over our horses while we were away.
I dismounted my horse and give him a small pat on the neck farewell
And awaited for Igrid and Sudryl to join me.
"You know the drill" Sudryl Nodded to the two of us.
"Let you do the Talking, keep under cover, find where they're hiding and get the will" Igrid said beneath her breath to keep the guards at the gate from hearing,
I nodded and kept quiet whilst all three of us approached the steps of the gate,

"City is closed to foreigners, what say you to enter?" The guard, dressed in green and chain mail with sturdy iron helmets that secluded their faces from being seen.
I examined them thoroughly and looked all upon the area around,
"We come as merchants seeking for trade" Sudryl acted and showed the guards a letter- I'm Not sure of it's contents but my eyes were too fixated on the detail of the walls, Stone
Carved with elegance of details that had their own details- the watch tower was new, I hadn't seen something of the sort in WhiteRun so it was a sight to see.
The architecture differed immensely to WhiteRun in size and patience
"Look, I think thats a Dwemer insignia" Igrid brought to my attention,
Pointing to the watch tower once more- where there sat a statue of copper attached to the Tower, I eyed it curiously before asking "Dwemer?"
"I don't know much about them only that they're not around anymore" she shrugged.
"Ah here for the gathering, go on in"
The guard nodded and bought Sudryl's act opening the grand gates to the city for us and allowing us inside.
I warily stepped inside behind my three colleagues and feasted my gaze upon the city of Markarth.

The tune of chattering between the citizens of the city purchasing and selling goods of all
Sorts filled the city, accompanied by the faint sound of moving water just in the distance to the left of my position.
I examined as much as I could and took in the scenery Before me, doors of gold and several layers of walkways around the city, not once had I seen such architecture carved from the mountain.
Residences were walking, conversing or merely doing business on ground level and above ground level- to the left in front of me was an Inn and to the right- a few stores used for trade or for other needs and wants.
"Well I'll be damned.."
Igrid gasped at the city, Sudryl embarked on the sight as well but shook it off- now was no time for admiration
"Come, we'll settle at the Inn"
He instructed

Igrid and I followed close behind and entered inside,
I heard faint mumbles of the city folk who saw us and couldn't quite know what they chatted of- but something along the lines of Igrid's and My body structure,
To what relevance?.
"Welcome to the Silver-Blood Inn" the man behind the counter greeted whilst Polishing used cups for their next use.
"What can you tell me of the merchants gathering" Sudryl asked placing a fair amount of coins in front of the tender.
"Meetin' at the Treasury house at sundown to start. They're supported by those Silver-Bloods who run this city" he explained
"Thank you"
"What of the Silver-Bloods" I asked suddenly, Sudryl being a bit surprised I spoke although I did promise not to.

The tender cocked an eyebrow "gon' have to add a bit more to the pile for more information, sweet tits"
He took a glance to the coin Sudryl had placed upon the table and I willingly took the few I had in my satchel and added to the stock upon the counter.
He chuckled and hummed "the Silver-Blood clan runs the city, wealthiest family in all of the Reach. Damned rebels sided with Ulfric without hesitation the moment he went rogue" the man huffed and moved on to the next cup to clean.
"Id keep my head down low if yer' planning anything against them Silver-Bloods".

"Thanks"
I nodded and turned to Igrid to whom was admiring the weapon of a hunter who was enjoying a conversation with someone near the fire place,
"We should find you a suitable weapon, a dagger may not suffice if we're dealing with wealthy merchants and a family of high status"
I told her
"No. It's fine, my dad's dagger never failed him- it won't fail me either" Igrid told, "Faust we cannot go asking questions like that. If you'd said the wrong thing we could be targeted out of suspicion"
Sudryl grunted in agitation.
Yet I returned his gaze of annoyance with a blank expression as always, "I was in the wrong for going against your request but now we know there is more to watch out for"
I said in a soft spoken voice in case of any waves droppers, "in what way?" Igrid asked.
"A vast number of merchants keeping a will of great expense in their possession- here in a popular city, selling items which cost many coin. You would assume the Silver-Blood family would take part in an event as that wouldn't you?" I said with thought.
"Damn you're right" Igrid agreed
"Means there'll be more protection, getting in won't be that easy"

"It might just." Sudryl began.
"My family's Will wouldn't be kept with the other items or kept on any one's body. Wealthy events mean there'll be a few thieves in there as well, so it's unlikely the will would be held instead of stored"

"So if we can get in, find where it's hidden and get past the security. We can get in and get out"