After a lunch consisting of some beef, grilled leeks and the last of the delicious spiced wine I acquired back in Riverwood, I feel my spirits rise again. I am looking forward to seeing the city of Windhelm. It is the frosty home of the Museum of Curiosities as well as the Candlehearth Hall Inn, where I intend to spend the night.

4 PM

I have arrived at the gates of Windhelm. I asked Buttercup to show me the meaning of haste, as the museum is about to close up for the day, and so he did. He might not be the smartest of horses, but he did save me a lot of time by taking an unexpected shortcut directly up a seemingly perpendicular cliffside. I feel lucky to have survived.

4.30 PM

Inside the museum I am greeted by the the owner and proprietor Calixto himself. The museum has many strange items on display, but the one that catches my interest is an oddity called The Dancer’s Flute. On first inspection it looks common enough, but Calixto assures me that is not the case. He tells me this: “Legend holds that it has won wars, toppled empires, and changed the very course of history. None know its origins, but the stories say that men who hear its music are compelled to dance uncontrollably, no matter the peril.” Oppressing a sudden urge to dance uncontrollably no matter the peril, I decide to ask him if there is any other points of interest in the city. He confirms my suspicion that the Inn is worth a visit, and offers to take me there himself after he closes up the museum. Apparently the streets are currently not safe, as there has been a series of murders recently. These murders are rumored to all be committed by the same assailant: An illusive villain known only as The Butcher. I feel a chill in my bones, and thank Calixto for this kindness. What an absolute gentleman.

7 PM