The Perils of Diplomacy [Quest]

Text of the Quest:

The Perils of Diplomacy The Aldmeri Dominion seeks to secure the loyalty of , but an old treaty with the Maormer prevents this. Razum-dar gave me a token to hand to, a diplomatic envoy for the Dominion. This will let know I can be trusted to assist him in this delicate matter.

Razum-dar: Keep your wits about you, my new friend. Mistral's houses cast deep shadows, and vipers lurk in the tall grass.
Hero: What do you mean?
Razum-dar: Mistral is the jewel of the southern seas, a free port with trade ties to half of Tamriel. Ambassadors from the Dominion arrived weeks ago to negotiate its admission into the alliance. Unfortunately, things have not gone smoothly.
Hero: Why? What's happened?
Razum-dar: Khenarthi's Roost has an old treaty with the Maormer. They claim the Dominion fleet intended to invade their home waters. It's a sticking point in the negotiations. The Silvenar could use some help. Find him, give him this token. He'll know you are a friend.
Hero: Take Razum-dar's token.
Razum-dar: Without Mistral's support, the Dominion will have precious little defense on its southern coasts. But we are not here to conquer anyone. The Silvenar knows this. He's in the Chancery, seeking a peaceful resolution here.
Hero: Tell me about the Dominion.
Razum-dar: The High Elves, Wood Elves, and Khajiit stand united under the Eagle banner. We secure our borders against invaders, from the Covenant and Pact, but it is no easy task. And Queen Ayrenn leads our Dominion, of course.
Hero: Who is the Silvenar, again?
Razum-dar: He is the voice and spirit of the Wood Elves. They say he is, was, and will be their greatest leader... whatever that means. This one knows him as an unrivaled diplomat. He is also the Dominion's best hope of resolving this matter peacefully.
Hero: Who are you, really?
Razum-dar: Razum-dar is just a simple Khajiit. He seeks the best for all the people of Tamriel. Also, a saddle that won't pinch the tail. One day ....

Vicereeve Pelidil: Lorkhan take them all! Why does the Silvenar negotiate with these filthy Maormer?
Hero: What do you have against Maormer?
Vicereeve Pelidil: Those pirates are a stick in the High Elf eye! They capture our merchant ships and raid our settlements. If I had any say, we'd negotiate with a sword at their throats!
Hero: You don't have any say in the negotiations?
Vicereeve Pelidil: Not as long as the Silvenar confuses diplomacy with capitulation! He's inside with the rest of them, pretending this won't end in bloodshed. Go, see this farce for yourself!

The Silvenar: Your pardon, friend. The Dominion's arrival on Khenarthi's Roost has upset the locals. It falls on me to smooth the waters. Please, help yourself to food or drink. I'm happy to speak with you once this matter is settled.
Hero: Hand Razum-dar's token to the Silvenar.
The Silvenar: Most unexpected! It seems we have a mutual friend. May I ask, what brings you to Mistral?
Hero: Our mutual friend thought you could use my help..
The Silvenar: Then perhaps you can advise me on a small matter. The Maormer have a treaty with Khenarthi's Roost. This is nothing to fear; a treaty is something I can work with. Yet neither Ambassador Ulondil nor Headwoman Harrani will produce a copy.
Hero: Why not?.
The Silvenar: Indeed. Why not? It would be indecorous to suggest the treaty is anything but actual and sound, yet I fear it won't present itself without a more active line of inquiry. Would you be my voice in this with Ambassador Ulondil and Headwoman Harrani?
Hero: You want me to ask them for a copy of the treaty?.
The Silvenar: Exactly. A chorus of requests may succeed in carrying the tune. Harrani in particular seems eager to see this resolved, though I fear the Dominion presence binds her hands. But I'll leave you to it!

Ulondil: We upheld our treaty with the people of Khenarthi's Roost for generations, and this is how they repay our kindness? We will not allow High Elf thieves to gain a foothold in our territorial waters!
Hero: The Maormer claim Khenarthi's Roost?
Ulondil: By all rights, this is our island! Harrani's people occupy it with our blessing. If she breaks the treaty, so breaks our truce. We'll take back our island, and the Khajiit will pay the price.
Hero: Where is this treaty?
Ulondil: We keep our copy on an island far from here. I see no reason to send for it. I won't allow High Elf wharf-rats another chance to take our rightful lands! Why don't you bother Harrani for her copy?

Harrani: It's hard to keep track of the new faces since the hurricane, but I don't believe we've met. Welcome to Mistral. May your stay here be full of warm winds and soft sand.
Hero: The Silvenar wants to see your copy of the treaty.
Harrani: And I told him, the mere act of doing so would complicate matters with our long-time Maormer allies. They take great offense to the Dominion's claims upon our island.
Hero: Why did you sign a treaty with the Maormer?
Harrani: Look around you. What great armies do you see? Our survival depends on knowing when to fight, and when to please. The treaty brought us prosperity for generations. I will not be the one to break it.

The Silvenar: Any luck securing a copy of the treaty?
Hero: Ulondil and Harrani refused to provide a copy.
The Silvenar: Then there's little chance for compromise. I'll call a break in formal talks until everyone calms their nerves. You understand the stakes, yes? It's why I ask you to take a more active role in locating the treaty. I don't do so lightly.
Hero: What do you mean?.
The Silvenar: I can't allow the Dominion's first act on Khenarthi's Roost to be one of conquest. I understand our mutual friend prefers the rum served at a nearby tavern. Perhaps he would have ideas on securing a copy of the treaty.
Hero: Is the Silvenar your real name?
The Silvenar: It's a name, a title, and our holy city. Quite an honor to carry around such an important word, and the occasional burden in its confusion of outsiders. Not even the Green Lady calls me by my given name. "Edhelorn" doesn't roll off the tongue, I suppose.
Hero: How long have you held this position?
The Silvenar: A freshly grown fruit, still without blemish. On behalf of the Bosmer people, it's my goal to keep it that way. If you speak with the Green Lady, don't mistake her manner as distaste for the Dominion. She simply misses our home of Valenwood.
Hero: Who is the Green Lady?
The Silvenar: She sustains me, and I her. Together, we are the aspirations of the Bosmer people given form. Put simply, she is the love of my life. Also, she grows ill-humored when I gush about her within earshot. I'd best say no more.

Razum-dar: You think this one drinks on the job? Good, then so will everyone else. What is the word, my new friend?
Hero: The Silvenar needs to see the treaty, but nobody will provide a copy. -Razum-dar: Ulondil certainly won't—his viper tongue is sharp. But Harrani can't, because her copy was stolen. It only takes three drinks to loosen the tongue of a Chancery clerk, if you were curious.
Hero: Who stole Harrani's copy of the treaty?
Razum-dar: A good question! Raz answers it with an interesting bit of trivia: Ulondil posted a guard at his quarters the day of the theft. His subtlety is rivaled only by his pleasant personality. Oh, and it's five drinks for embassy staff. Six puts them out.
Hero: Are you certain Ulondil has the stolen treaty?
Razum-dar: Someone needs to slip into Maormer embassy, find a way past the guard, and rifle through Ulondil's private quarters. Oh, and do it without bloodshed that could provoke war with the Maormer. In case he was not clear, Raz is talking about you.
Hero: Why me?
Razum-dar: The pragmatist in this one says it's because you have no firm connection to the Dominion. The optimist says it's because you have proven yourself more than capable already. When you have the treaty, meet both of us at the bridge.

Warden: Are you lost? Ambassador Ulondil's quarters aren't open for visitors.
Hero: What are you guarding?
Warden: None of your business. Go bother the clerk. He doesn't know when to shut up, either.

Inkwell and Blank Paper: You spot blank paper on this scribe's desk. The nearby inkwell has a vaguely fishy smell.
Hero: Forge a letter to the guard from his secret lover.

Warden: Are you lost? Ambassador Ulondil's quarters aren't open for visitors.
Hero: [Lie] This letter arrived for you.
Warden: What? Give it here!

Razum-dar: The spring in your step! Did you know a sense of accomplishment can alter one's stride? You learn to notice it in others.
Hero: Indeed. Here's the treaty..
Razum-dar: The Silvenar is certainly being watched by the Maormer. You should inform him the treaty is safe. He will know what to do next.
Hero: I'll tell him..
Razum-dar: The Silvenar and the Green Lady are being put up in the armorer's home. Er, this one recommends you knock before entering. Green Lady gets jumpy at silent approach.
Hero: Do you think having the treaty will help?
Razum-dar: At a quick glance? There are holes in the treaty. When the Silvenar worries at them, he'll tear a hole in the Maormer's side. The treaty, of course. Not Ambassador Ulondil. Though ... heh, that would be funny.

The Silvenar: A strange aura surrounds the Silvenar's corpse. His body is warm to the touch. A faint smell of sulfur permeates the room.

The Green Lady: You found him like this? What did you see? Answer me!
Hero: He was dead when I arrived..
The Green Lady: Then you know nothing! A thousand curses on this wretched island. They've taken my beloved!
Hero: Who would want him dead?.
The Green Lady: None who'll survive the day. I am the unerring bolt. Once loosed, I cannot stop 'til I pierce my quarry's eye. Harrani knows her own city. If she won't tell you who did this, I'll shorten her tail until she does. Now go. Go!

Harrani: Not again. Please, I understand what the Silvenar desires, but I already told you. We cannot provide him with our copy of the treaty.
Hero: The Silvenar is dead.
Harrani: Dead? But he was just here! What happened?
Hero: The Green Lady suspects murder..
Harrani: How awful. Who would harm such a peaceful creature?
Hero: I was hoping you could tell me..
Harrani: My guards saw nothing. We doubled the watch to ensure safety! I cannot abide the Silvenar's murder in my town. I'll shut down the port if I have to. None set sail until his killer is brought to justice!
Hero: Could I help?.
Harrani: Of course. I hereby declare you a deputy of the Mistral Guard. No door shall be barred to you.
Hero: Where should I begin?.
Harrani: On my desk you will find the most recent reports from the Mistral Guard. You are welcome to review them for any inconsistencies that could lead to the killer's capture.

Captain Irinwe: Get off my ship before I throw you off.
Hero: I need to get into your hold..
Captain Irinwe: And I need a new rigging and a serving wench. Too bad for us both. Now get off my deck before i throw you off.
Hero: Maybe this will change your mind? [69$ ]
Captain Irinwe: Well, that's a serving wench. Three minutes. If my sailors see your hands where they shouldn't be, I'll keelhaul you myself.

Razum-dar: Killing the Silvenar was foolish. The Green Lady and the Silvenar shared a lifebond. She has little time to avenge him before she too will die, and the Green Lady is a most dangerous creature. But then, you have that spring in your stride again. What have you learned?
Hero: Nothing that leads to the Silvenar's killer. Here.
Razum-dar: The Maormer plan something, but what? Wait, the apothecary sold Daedra blood in these specific amounts? That would explain the strange liquid upon the .... Oh no. Bright moons, no.
Hero: What's wrong?.
Razum-dar: This is a sample of the vile cloud from around the Silvenar's body. Bring it to the Green Lady. Tell her it killed her beloved. As for the rest, Harrani will see what you found. We must move like Khenarthi herself is at our backs.

The Green Lady: The killer will share the pain my beloved's death has wrought. Hand down the throat, a kiss for my wrist; hand on the lungs, a kiss for my arms. Grasp, tear, yank ... and one last kiss for the killer's own heart. Now. What have you found?
Hero: This is the poison that killed him.
The Green Lady: No poison in all of Tamriel could harm my beloved! But... this scent was on his body. Why is it out here, as well? I can see it, leading away into the heart of this wretched city.
Hero: I didn't notice a scent.
The Green Lady: You're blind to it. Easily remedied. Follow, if you can.

Assassin: Covered my tracks. Couldn't have found me!
Hero: Tell me who killed the Silvenar. I followed his orders. Daedric poison, for the Wood Elf and his mate. I followed his orders.
Hero: Whose orders?.
Assassin: Ulondil. He said they could stop the tempest. Had to be removed.

Ulondil: Ah, the errant deputy. I was just informing Headwoman Harrani of her apothecary's connections to the High Elves of Summerset Isle. Once the torture begins, we'll learn why the Dominion killed their own diplomat.
Hero: Your assassin said you ordered the Silvenar's death..
Ulondil: My what? You mean the apothecary? I assure you, he was never in my employ.
Hero: Your assassin bought Daedric blood from the apothecary and used it to kill the Silvenar..
Ulondil: Oh, well done. It doesn't matter now. The Green Lummox and her idiot husband lie dead. There's nothing you can do to stop us.
Hero: The Green Lady isn't dead..
Ulondil: You're lying! She must be dead, or else she'd have come for me! She's coming for me, isn't she? I... I'm a duly appointed ambassador of the Maormer people. The grounds of the embassy are sacrosanct, according to our treaty!

Harrani: This is madness. There has been enough death in this city!
Hero: It's clear the Maormer betrayed Khenarthi's Roost.
Harrani: This does not excuse mindless slaughter! We are better than our enemies. You must apprehend him. Don't let the Green Lady cut him down like an animal! We must learn what the Maormer plan for Khenarthi's Roost.
Hero: I'll go after him.
Harrani: I trust you'll do what's best for my people. Now I must... apologize to Vicereeve Pelidil. Whatever the Dominion needs, we will provide.

The Green Lady: Move. Unless you don't mind the spatter.
Hero: What are you going to do to him?.
The Green Lady: I II keep him alive for a time. He won't starve. His limbs have so much flesh to sustain him. Go tell Harrani the Maormer is dead. Leave me to my work.
Hero: No. This isn't justice, it's revenge..
The Green Lady: Exactly. And I’ll have the blood that's due! What does this creature's life matter to you, anyway?
Hero: Is this what the Silvenar would want? [Ulondil lives]
The Green Lady: You dare speak for my Silvenar? I'll beat you with your own flayed skin! I'll smash your teeth to powder and choke you with the dust! You're .... You're right. Curse your bones, you're right. Take him away, before I lose myself.

Harrani: We've taken Ulondil into custody, thanks to your quick action. No treaty will keep him from proper justice.
Hero: The Green Lady wanted to take revenge..
Harrani: i understand. I am certain she'll find another way to mourn her husband. I asked Ulondil what he meant about the "tempest." After what the Green Lady did to him it is difficult for him to focus, but what he did say isn't good at all.
Hero: What did he say?.
Harrani: The Maormer have some ships waiting offshore. Ulondil's people signaled them before the Green Lady arrived. Some sort of invasion force. With the Dominion's help, perhaps we can fortify the town. That alone may save many lives.
Hero: Have you officially joined the Dominion?.
Harrani: I signed a new treaty moments ago. Vicereeve Pelidil assured me the Dominion will protect our little island. It's a new beginning for Khenarthi's Roost. We will prosper or fall—together.
Hero: Complete Quest.