[Skyrim] Daedric Days and Drunken Nights

This post is part of the "A Day in the Life" series, told from a character's view point. As I found it necessary to rekindle my addiction to Skyrim, this is Keah, nicknamed "Key" due to her life as a thief prior to being the Dragonborn. She is a Nordic-born Dunmer specializing in Sneak and Archery, with a penchant for Enchanting.

Finding myself heartily tired of dealing with Uthgerd's constant cries of "Skyrim for the Nords"-- does she not realize that I am, in fact, a Dunmer?-- I made my way into the Bannered Mare in Whiterun, where I was promptly challenged to a drinking contest. I found this proposition quite agreeable, though suspicious due to the man's insistence that if I won, I would get a powerful staff. Those promising you powerful weapons generally follow through only after a great deal of trouble.

My suspicions were correct.

The next day, I woke up in the Temple of Dibella, Markarth, being yelled at by a Priestess of Dibella for my conduct the night before.

I had never before journeyed to Markarth, and was a little panicked to find myself halfway across Skyrim. Uthgerd, though she had been with me the entire time, would not tell me what had happened, so I had to go on a journey all over Skyrim to discover what had happened. This was further made into a problem since I was already overburdened, due to having killed a dragon recently. I was forced to sell my dragon bones, since I had apparently left my horse in Whiterun before my drunken carousing and no carriage would carry me due to the weight I carried. After arriving back in Whiterun at long last, I began my journey, which led me back to Rurikstead and eventually, I was directed to Morvunskar. I ended up riding right into the middle of a dragon attack, where the bandits inhabiting the ruin tried to kill me instead of the dragon! Fortunately, I managed to survive, but it was a near thing. I managed to singe Uthgerd a few times with my Flame, though not always by accident.

 
After the battle and searching through the ruins, I discovered I was being strung along by a Daedra.

I was so relieved it was Sanguine and not a Daedra that wished me harm; the staff I got from him was also beautiful, powerful, and a wonderful addition to my armory. A Mer to be so addicted to enchanted weaponry is surely a sin in the eyes of my elven brethren, but I am a Nordic Dunmer-- I was born and bred in this land, and like the Nords, I believe in the power of a good brawl.

My Dunmer kin would disown me for saying so, but I find I don't care.

Though it was again night, I wasn't tired, and despite Uthgerd's exaggerated yawns, I pushed on to Markarth. I will forever thank Sanguine for introducing me to it-- the city is beautiful, and the Dwemer are one of the most fascinating peoples. I can only hope to learn more about them in Markarth.

However, at one of the first houses I passed, a Vigilant of Stendarr requested my help investigating it, since something strange had been occurring there lately.

I had never entered a more terrifying house. A voice lured me close, down into the depths of the house, where it spurred my companion into trying to kill me. I was forced to kill him instead, and found that the seductive, terrifying voice belonged to none other than Molag Bal, the Daedric Prince of Submission.

He had ordered me to kill the minion of another Daedric Prince, Boethiah, the Prince of Lies, Deceit, and Assassination.

I'm not certain what to do. In many ways, he's right: perhaps the weak should perish so that the strong my survive and thrive. That used to be the way that I viewed things, and I still don't entirely believe it to be wrong. But since gaining entrance into the Companions and learning that I am Dovahkiin, I wonder if there isn't a different way. Should the strong not protect the weak? I will find Boethiah's priest regardless and see what he has to say for himself. Perhaps something of this situation may be salvaged.

Two Daedric encounters in one day-- Markarth seems to be full of them! I wonder if it is something due to the city's culture and history, which are both complicated and somewhat worrisome, or due to the Dwemer ruins? Of course, it doesn't matter as long as some of the Daedra give me quests my honor doesn't refuse me. Then, they will reward me with enchanted armor and weaponry! But first, I will need to get the Jarl to allow me to purchase land in the city. I desperately need a house, and Markarth and Whiterun are my two favored options at the moment.

I traveled a bit around Markarth, waiting for the Jarl to start holding Court, and happened upon a band of Forsworn, who attacked me. Shortly after that battle was the point where I went native, donning feathers and furs. Why armor that covers so little seems to protect me better than my studded armor is beyond my comprehension. It must be enchanted somehow, though I can't detect any enchantments at all. A thought to ponder at a later date.

I adore Markarth, Daedra-infested or not. I may never leave.