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Mantella is an AI system that turns every single NPC in Skyrim (and Fallout 4) into AI agents driven by an LLM (like ChatGPT or the recently released, and comparable, Llama 3.1). In the previous part, my character, an Altmer mage, was tasked with intimidating a shady character into ceasing his smuggling operation. In his spare time, my character shopped around for children in an orphanage, threatened to clobber an old woman across the face with his dick, taught guerrilla warfare to a bunch of orphans, and ripped a fart in a beggar girl’s face.

It must have been about midnight when our hired wagon left us at the perimeter of Whiterun.

Jon: “Back home in the Whiterun hold!”
Jenassa: “It’s good to see you in high spirits, Jon. Whiterun does have its charms.”
Jon: “Yeah, despite this awful rain and the almost pitch-black night, we’re back to the plains and the charms of this open space. So different from Riften, in a great way.”
Uthgerd: “Aye, there’s no place quite like Whiterun. The plains, the mountains in the distance, it’s a sight for sore eyes.”
Jon: “At this hour, though, what I want to do the most is head to the Bannered Mare.”
Alva: “I couldn’t agree more, Jon. A warm bed and a roof over our heads sounds perfect right about now.”

In the town’s sole inn, the bard was playing one of his songs, and the regulars were occupying most of tables and benches near the hearth. Hulda, the middle-aged innkeeper, was serving more booze to the Arghus, that depressed old man. The stool he was perched on may as well belong to him.

Jon: “Hey, Hulda, look who’s back in town! Our band of adventurers, the Frostpeak Stalkers. Nice to see you again.”
Hulda: “Well, look what the saber cat dragged in. Couldn’t stay away from my warm hearth and cold ale, eh? Welcome back, Jon. Who’re your friends?”
Jon: “These two? My new friends, if you can call them that, although in fact I would call them my new brother and sister, hail from the little town of Ivarstead. This one’s Bassianus Axius, and that beauty over here is Fastred. My band of adventurers and I saved them from a boring life as fisherman and farmer respectively, and now they’re bonafide adventurers.”
Hulda: “Is that so? Well, then, welcome to The Bannered Mare, you two. First round’s on me. Can’t say I’ve heard of these Frostpick Stalkers before, but anyone who travels with Jon’s bound to have a story or two to tell.”
Jon: “Oh, and I forgot Sapphire. How could I forget her? This gorgeous woman, she’s a respectable member of the Riften underground.”
Hulda: “Sapphire, eh? Keep your hands off the silverware and we’ll have no trouble. But all are welcome here, so long as they don’t start any fights. That includes you, Jon.”
Jon: “Oh, please, Hulda. You know I’m always on my best behavior.”
Hulda: “That’s what worries me. Your ‘best behavior’ tends to leave a trail of broken furniture and bruised egos. But, as long as you pay for your drinks and keep the peace, we’ll get along just fine.”
Jon: “Very well. How about you show us what spirits you have available for this rainy night?”
Hulda: “We’ve got the usual. Ale, mead, and wine. But for those with a taste for something stronger, we’ve a stash of Nord mead that’ll put hair on your chest.”
Jon: “Hey, Fastred, fancy growing your first hairs on your chest?”
Fastred: “I… I don’t know. I’ve never had strong drinks before. Well… I suppose I could try. Just one, though. I don’t want to wake up in the temple with a sore head. And… thank you, Jon. For everything.”
Jon: “Yeah, I guess you’ve gotten to witness some fresh sights recently, right?”
Fastred: “It’s all so new and exciting. I never thought I’d see anything beyond Ivarstead. But now… now I feel like the whole world is open to me. And it’s all thanks to you.”
Jon: “You know, Fastred, people do not thank and admire me enough, so I’ll keep you around if only because you’re so kind to me.”
Fastred: “I… I’m glad you think so, Jon. I’ll do my best to keep being useful to you and the group. I won’t let you down.”
Jon: “Well, everybody, let’s forget about our recent troubles in smelly old Riften, as well as the disappointments. Kick back and enjoy some alcohol.”
Uthgerd: “Aye, Jon’s right. Time to drown our sorrows and forget our troubles, at least for tonight.”

About an hour later, I found myself rubbing shoulders with Utgherd at one of the corner tables. Both of us had downed a few ales, and Uthgerd was looking more motherly by the minute.

Jon: “Uthgerd, it seems like just yesterday I saw you for the first time, seated at that table over there. It took one glance of such a sturdy, gorgeous woman for my heart to leap. I had to talk to you, get you to pay attention to me.”
Uthgerd: “Well, you sure got my attention, didn’t you? Walking up to me with all that sweet talk, thinking you could just charm your way into my good graces. But you learned quick that I’m not some delicate flower to be wooed with pretty words. I’m a warrior, and I’ve got no time for games.”
Jon: “No, it took us exchanging punches for you to finally get a modicum of respect for my elven self.”
Uthgerd: “Ha! Modicum of respect? I think knocking me on my ass earned you a bit more than that. You showed me you’ve got guts, even if you are a scrawny elf. And you’ve kept showing it, every time we’ve fought side by side. That counts for something in my book.”
Jon: “Well, Uthgerd, I am feeling nostalgic tonight. We have found ourselves back at the Mare, the place where you ravished me, turning me into a princess. I’m thinking, maybe you’d like to pin me down again.”
Uthgerd: “Thinking about that night, are you? I might just be willing to indulge that feeling, Jon. But don’t think for a second that I’ll go easy on you.”
Jon: “Alright, let me bother Hulda for a moment and rent that same room.”
Uthgerd: “You do that, Jon. And while you’re at it, get us some mead.”

Upstairs, in that locked room, we tasted the alcohol in each other’s breath.

Jon: “Oh, that hits good, right in the back of the throat. This is going to be one lovely night.”
Uthgerd: “Oh, shut up and drink your mead, Jon. You’re going to need it.”

I took my shirt off and posed heroically for Uthgerd, who leered at my exposed skin.

Jon: “Does the sight of this, as you put it, scrawny elven body still make you feel things?”
Uthgerd: “I won’t lie. Seeing you like this, ready for a night of passion, it stirs something in me. Let’s see if you can handle what’s coming.”
Jon: “Shall I kneel in front of you and unveil your flower so I can worship it with my tongue?”
Uthgerd: “By Ysmir, you’ve got a way with words. If you think you’re up to the task, then by all means, kneel and worship. Though I should warn you, I expect nothing less than complete devotion. Show me what that tongue of yours can really do.”

And worship I did, as my hands fondled Uthgerd’s firm curves.

Uthgerd: “By Ysmir, don’t stop now. You’re going to make me quake with pleasure.”
Jon: “Will you come for me, mommy?”
Uthgerd: “Oh, fuck, Jon, you dirty little elf. I’ll give you what you want.”

In the following afternoon, all the teammates that had come to Whiterun gathered at the main floor of the inn for a strategy meeting.

Jon: “We came here for one specific purpose: to intimidate Mallus Maccius, located at the Honningbrew Meadery, into ceasing his smuggling operation that is messing with Maven Black-Briar’s bottom line. Is that clear?”
Bassianus: “Crystal clear, Jon. We’re here to make sure Mallus Maccius knows who’s boss and that he can’t just go around messing with Maven’s business.”
Alva: “I’m ready to do whatever it takes to get the job done.”
Fastred: “I’m a bit nervous, but I trust you all.”
Jon: “Well, let’s talk strategy. Mallus’ main weakness seems to be his lust. He would be taken in by the right charming, seductive woman.”
Alva: “I can charm him and distract him while the rest of you handle the more physical aspects of the intimidation.”
Bassianus: “It’s a good plan, Alva’s powers of seduction will definitely give us an edge. But we should also be prepared for anything, just in case things go south.”
Jon: “Alva is the absolute best choice for seducing a target. After all, her charms are how she survived in Morthal for years. I’d say that Alva should seduce our target and move him to an isolated location. Then, the rest of us will jump in and give him the scare of his life.”
Alva: “I’m more than happy to use my charms to get Mallus alone. Once I have him distracted and vulnerable, you all can move in and we’ll make sure he understands that crossing Maven is a very bad idea.”
Fastred: “That sounds like a solid plan. We’ll be nearby, ready to intervene at the right moment.”
Jon: “Remember, it is preferable if we do not kill this Mallus character, but I suppose that beating him up or even maiming him isn’t off the table.”
Bassianus: “Understood. We’ll do what’s necessary to get the message across without killing him, but we won’t hold back if he puts up a fight or tries to double-cross us.”
Alva: “I’ll keep him distracted long enough for you to make the first move. If he resists, we’ll just have to make sure he regrets it.”
Fastred: “I’m not usually one for violence, but I know this needs to be done. I’ll do my part to make sure we succeed without going too far.”
Jon: “Well, I think that is all. Are you ready to set the plan in motion?”
Alva: “Absolutely. As soon as the sun sets, let’s make our way to Honningbrew Meadery and give Mallus a night he’ll never forget.”
Fastred: “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.”

Our career assassin, Jenassa, had remained quiet during this exchange. Not only I wanted her valuable input, but I had told her that I would ask her for it.

Jon: “One last point, Jen: you are our best pro here, a seasoned assassin. Do you see any flaws in this plan of ours?”
Jenassa: “The plan seems solid, but we should have a backup in case Mallus proves to be more difficult to seduce than anticipated. Perhaps having someone skilled in persuasion or intimidation nearby could help if Alva’s charms don’t work as expected.”
Fastred: “That’s a good point, Jenassa. Maybe one of us could pose as a potential business partner or customer to get closer to Malus, just in case.”
Alva: “I’m confident in my abilities, but it never hurts to have a contingency plan. We can adapt as needed.”
Jon: “Very well. Regarding this contingency plan, what sort of angle could one of us run to ensure that Mallus will be deceived?”
Bassianus: “We could pose as potential buyers for his smuggled goods, expressing interest in a large purchase to pique his interest.”
Fastred: “Or perhaps we could claim to have information on Maven’s operations that could help him expand his own business, making him more likely to meet with us.”
Jenassa: “Another option would be to pretend to be a disgruntled former employee of Maven’s looking to switch sides, offering insider knowledge in exchange for protection.”
Alva: “All of these are viable options. We can decide on the best approach once we have a better sense of Mallus’ personality and what he responds to.”

Shortly after sunset, we stood close to Honningbrew Meadery, a quaint pair of buildings just southeast of Whiterun, by the side of the road.

Jon: “Well, here we are: Honningbrew Meadery, where our target is supposed to work. Alva, you and I should be specific about the plan we’re going to follow so we can lure this Mallus Maccius into a vulnerable situation.”
Alva: “Jon, I believe we should approach this carefully. We don’t want to cause a scene or alert his coworkers to our intentions. I’ll lure him away from potential witnesses by appealing to his baser instincts: a promise of a secluded rendezvous. That should be enough to get him alone. Once we have him isolated, we can proceed with the intimidation.”
Jenassa: “And don’t forget, if he tries anything funny, I’ll be there to ensure he doesn’t get out of hand.”
Jon: “Alva, I want to be concrete about the word or expression to use as trigger for the rest of us to intervene. What would you use?”
Alva: “How about I ask him about the most valuable shipment he’s handled recently? That should get him talking about his smuggling operations. When he starts revealing details, I’ll work in a mention of ‘special delivery’ that needs his personal attention. That can be your cue, Jon.”
Jenassa: “We’ll be ready to step in as soon as we hear the signal. Just make sure you keep him talking long enough for us to get into position.”
Jon: “Very well, we’ll use the term ‘special delivery.’ Now, for the scenario that Alva and I are going to run, we shall enter Honningbrew Meadery as a married couple. Given how beautiful you are, Alva, I’m sure this Mallus Maccius will be eager to cuck me as soon as he gets the chance. If you go along with it, he may believe that he’s luring you into a shadowy corner for some sexy time.”
Alva: “I can play the role of your wife, Jon. Once we’re inside, I’ll start flirting with him discreetly while you’re pretending not to notice. I’ll let him think he’s being clever and charming.”
Jon: “Alright, Alva and I are going to enter the building now. The rest of you, stay within earshot. Once Alva utters the phrase ‘special delivery,’ we’ll converge on this Mallus guy for some intimidation.”
Uthgerd: “We’ll be close by, ready to swoop in when the time is right. Don’t worry, Alva, we won’t let anything happen to you.”
Jenassa: “Remember, keep your eyes and ears open. We don’t want any surprises.”

In the dim interior, two men loitered behind the counter, one bald and the other with long hair and piercing gray-blue eyes. A third man, younger and blonde, was sweeping the floor. Alva and I approached the counter.

Jon: “Good day, good day. My ravishing wife and I, we were in Whiterun and thought, ‘How about we visit the local meadery to see if their stuff is better than the swill they serve back home?'”

The younger man stopped sweeping the floor and smiled at us.

Eimar: “Welcome to Honningbrew Meadery! Always nice to have visitors looking for a finer taste. Our mead’s the best in Skyrim, if I do say so myself. Let me know if you need anything specific.”
Jon: “We’d love a sample, if you don’t mind.”
Eimar: “Of course! We’ve got a variety of meads for you to try. How about I start you off with our classic Honningbrew Mead? It’s our signature drink, beloved by many. I’ll get you two samples, and if you find it to your liking, we can discuss the price for a full mug or even a bottle to take home.”
Jon: “By all means! My pouch is loaded with septims. If I enjoy your meads, we will bring home a few bottles so me and my gorgeous wife Alva can enjoy them in private.”
Eimar: “Great! I’ll get those samples right out to you. And I’m sure you’ll love it. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a fine mead in good company.”

The mead was alright. I had tasted better.

Jon: “Oh, how delightful! What a pleasant texture, as well as the aftertaste. My, this is far better than that awful mead we get back in Riften.”
Eimar: “I’m glad you think so! We take pride in our work here. It’s all about the quality ingredients and the care we put into every batch. Sabjorn, the owner, is very particular about his mead.”

He had pointed at the bald man. Two men down, one to go.

Jon: “What do you think about this mead, my dear? Is it to your taste?”
Alva: “Oh, it’s certainly a cut above what we’ve had in Riften, Jon. There’s a richness to it that’s quite pleasing. I could certainly enjoy this on a cold night by the fire.”

The third man wouldn’t open his mouth, although he kept stealing glances at Alva’s wet lips.

Jon: “Is any of you acquainted with Riften, that town to the southeast of here, by lake Lake Honrich?”
Eimar: “I’ve heard of it, but I’ve never been. Too busy here at the meadery to do much traveling. But I’ve heard stories… not all of them good. I hope our mead can be a bright spot in your visit to this part of Skyrim.”
Jon: “My name is Jon, by the way. I apologize; I should have introduced myself. As I’ve already mentioned, because I can’t help myself but to proclaim to the world that this beautiful woman is my wife, she’s named Alva. What are your names?”
Eimar: “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Jon, and your lovely wife, Alva. My name is Eimar.”
Jon: “What about the rest of you? Sabjorn, right?”
Sabjorn: “Yes. I own this place.”
Mallus Maccius: “Mallus. I work here.”
Jon: “Mallus, huh? That is one curious name. Where does it originate from?”
Mallus Maccius: “It’s an old family name, been passed down for generations. Can’t say I know much about its origins, though.”
Jon: “Well, Mallus, let me say, you’re one mysterious-looking fella, with your long hair and piercing eyes. The bad-boy type, huh? You must have gotten into some salacious adventures around here.”
Mallus Maccius: “I’ve had my share of adventures, sure. But I don’t kiss and tell. Let’s just say, working at a meadery isn’t the most exciting thing I’ve done.”

Jon: “Did you listen to that, Alva, my dear? Apparently this man is quite more interesting than your husband.”
Alva: “Oh, I don’t know about that, Jon. I’m sure Mallus has his charms, but I’ve always been partial to stable men. Besides, I don’t mind the dull moments.”

Alright, that may get Mallus wanting to prove himself.

Jon: “Well, isn’t this wonderful? My lovely wife Alva is so into her husband, as well as the life I generously provide for her, that she’d never even look at another man.”
Alva: “You do keep things interesting, Jon.”
Sabjorn: “Sounds like you two have quite the bond.”
Eimar: “It’s always nice to see a couple so in love.”
Mallus Maccius: “Never say never. You’d be surprised what people do when no one’s looking.”

I felt the ache in him to steal Alva away from me. I had felt the same regarding other people’s wives.

Jon: “Oh, Mallus, it seems like you’re speaking from experience! Yo do look like you’ve had plenty of experience with the fairer sex.”
Mallus Maccius: “Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. Like I said, I don’t kiss and tell. But let’s just say, I’ve seen my fair share of things.”
Jon: “How mysterious! Alva, your accountant husband isn’t too boring in comparison, right?”
Alva: “Oh, Jon, you know how I love a mystery. But you forget, dear, I am a creature of the night. Your numerical exploits may seem mundane to others, but they hold a special place in my heart.”

What are you doing, Alva? Don’t suggest you’re a vampire!

Jon: “Ah, Mallus, you do seem like a man with hidden depths. A bit strange to see such a person working at the counter of a meadery.”
Mallus Maccius: “You could say that. But everyone’s got to make a living, and this is mine. For now, at least. Who knows where I’ll end up next?”

This wasn’t working as fast as I wanted. After I ordered a bottle of Honningbrew Mead, I managed to whisper in Alva’s ear.

Jon: “He has yet to surrender to your charms entirely, despite your gorgeousness. Perhaps he’s containing himself from seducing you properly because I’m this close. How about you find some excuse to head somewhere nearby with him? Maybe that adjoining room, where they seem to store the barrels.”
Alva: “Oh, my dear, you’re just too adorable when you’re trying to play the protective husband. But don’t worry, I know how to handle this.”

I kept busy blabbing to the bored-looking owner while Alva stood up and slunk over to Mallus’ side of the counter.

Alva: “Wouldn’t you like to show me that… special brew you mentioned, Mallus?”

Mallus smirked at her.

Alva: “As for you, my dear husband, just make yourself comfortable. I’ll be right back… after I’ve gotten a taste.”
Mallus Maccius: “Right this way, darling. Let’s go to the back where we can… discuss the finer points of brewing. Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of your wife.”
Jon: “What? Oh, I can tell you are a trustworthy individual, Mallus.”
Mallus Maccius: “Oh, you can count on me. I’ll make sure she enjoys every… moment.”

Shortly after, I excused myself, pretending that I needed to use the lavatory. I sneaked into the warehouse and hid behind a barrel.

Alva: “So, Mallus, why don’t you show me what you’ve got? I’m sure you have something… special for me.”
Mallus Maccius: “Oh, I have something very special indeed. A rare vintage, if you will. But first, tell me, what brings a fine lady like you to a place like this with a man like that?”
Alva: “Oh, you know how it is. Sometimes a lady just needs a change of pace, a little excitement. And my husband, well, he’s not exactly the adventurous type. But you… you seem like a man who knows how to have a good time.”
Mallus Maccius: “You have no idea, sweetheart. I could show you things that would make your head spin. Things your husband could never even dream of. But are you sure you’re ready for that?”
Alva: “I’m ready for anything. You have no idea how bored I’ve been, stuck with that man. I need someone who can keep up with me, someone who can… satisfy my desires.”
Mallus Maccius: “Oh, I can satisfy you in ways you’ve never even imagined. But I have to warn you, once you get a taste of what I have to offer, you might never want to go back to your boring little husband again.”
Alva: “Oh, I don’t plan on going back. I plan on getting a taste of everything you have to offer, and then some. So why don’t you stop talking and start showing?”
Mallus Maccius: “With pleasure. But first, why don’t you make yourself comfortable? I’d hate for you to get your pretty dress dirty.”
Alva: “Oh, you are a gentleman after all. I was starting to wonder if you were all talk. Well, go on then, I’m waiting.”
Mallus Maccius: “Trust me, I’m not all talk. I’m about to show you just how much of a man I can be. But first, close your eyes. What I’m about to show you is a surprise.”
Alva: “Alright, my eyes are closed. But you better make this worth my while, or I might just have to find someone else who can.”
Mallus Maccius: “Oh, trust me, you won’t be disappointed. Now, take a deep breath, and prepare yourself for the ride of your life.”
Alva: “I’ve been ready for this for longer than you know. I’ve been dreaming of a real man like you for months, while I’ve been stuck with that imbecile. Now, show me what I’ve been missing.”

I heard a rustle of clothes.

Mallus Maccius: “As you wish, my dear. But remember, you asked for this. Now, open your eyes and prepare to be amazed.”
Alva: “Oh my, that’s… quite impressive. But I’m not easily impressed by size alone. You better know how to use it.”

My pride was hurt. I was, after all, Alva’s sort of husband. When I walked in, Mallus hurried to pull up his trousers.

Jon: “All right, enough of this charade. Special delivery!”
Mallus Maccius: “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Jon: “That’s our trigger phrase, Mallus. You’ve been a bad boy.”

Jenassa and Sapphire showed up as if they had materialized from the shadows. Uthgerd burst out of a pile of hay. My personal couple of lovebirds appeared from behind a barrel. We surrounded Mallus.

Mallus Maccius: “What the hell is this? What do you think you’re doing?”
Jon: “We know what you’ve been up to in Riften. We found out that someone has been smuggling drugs, real nasty skooma that melted people’s brains, and also weapons to arm the seediest sorts. We wouldn’t stand for such trouble, so we tracked the operation to a single source: Mallus Maccius, working from the Honningbrew Meadery in Whiterun.”
Mallus Maccius: “You’ve got the wrong man. I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Jon: “Oh, Mallus, the fear in your eyes betrays you. Is this the first time that someone brings up your little side job? Perhaps it has grown too big and unwieldy. Big enough that it has pointed a finger at you.”
Mallus Maccius: “I won’t ask again. What do you want?”
Jon: “First of all, let me clarify that Alva here, even though she’s not my wife, is fond of me. We have licked each other’s bodies. She wasn’t truly impressed by the size of your dick.”
Alva: “Jon, darling, focus on the task at hand. Let’s not get distracted by… personal matters.”
Jon: “Anyway, my point here, Mallus, is that I’m the leader of a band of adventurers who have witnessed the corruption you have brought into Riften with your smuggling operation, and we have come to stop it.”
Mallus Maccius: “You think you can just waltz in here and threaten me? You have no idea who you’re dealing with.”
Jon: “I’m dealing with an unarmed man surrounded by murderous people.”
Uthgerd: “You’re in no position to make threats, Mallus.”
Jon: “Yeah. That big, sturdy woman is capable of crushing your head with her bare hands, if you just give her the opportunity.”
Mallus Maccius: “I know Uthgerd the Unbroken. So what, you expect me to just roll over and let you do whatever you want?”
Jon: “Do you think you have much of a choice? The extent to which you will end up hurt this evening depends on whether or not we believe that you’re going to cease your operation.”
Sapphire: “We’re not leaving until we get some assurances, Mallus.”
Mallus Maccius: “Sapphire…? Alright, let’s say I agree to your terms. How do I know you won’t just turn me in or kill me anyway?”
Jon: “Oh, look at us. My band of adventurers, we’re a bunch of goody two-shoes. But we won’t hesitate to harm evildoers like yourself if we believe that you will continue to harm the lovely people of Riften.”
Jenassa: “We’ll be watching you, Mallus. One wrong move, and we’ll know.”
Fastred: “You should listen to Jon. He’s giving you a chance to make things right.”

Maccius leaned against a barrel, looked down at the floorboards, then shook his head.

Mallus Maccius: “Fine, you win. I’ll stop the operation. Just leave me alone.”
Jon: “Not that easy. I need a token of your compliance. Pull down your pants.”
Mallus Maccius: “What? Why?”
Jon: “Because I’m going to reap one of your testicles.”
Mallus Maccius: “Are you insane? I’m not doing that!”
Jon: “I’m not asking. You dared to show your nasty dick to my pretend wife Alva. That is something I cannot forgive.”
Alva: “Jon, I appreciate the sentiment, but this seems a bit… excessive.”
Jon: “Alva, surely you’d like a reminder of this operation by keeping one of Mallus’ desiccated testicles as, I don’t know, a charm.”
Alva: “As much as I enjoy a good trophy, I don’t think that’s necessary. We’ve gotten what we came for.”
Jon: “What we came for…? What I came for is blood, and I haven’t gotten Mallus to bleed. I’m itching for some murder.”
Uthgerd: “Jon, we’re not here to kill anyone. We’re here to stop the corruption and protect the people of Riften.”
Jon: “But surely I can beat Mallus up a bit, can I?”
Bassianus: “I think we should stick to the plan, Jon. We don’t need any unnecessary violence.”

Mallus was eyeing me as if I were a rabid animal.

Jon: “Hey, take a look at Mallus. Do you truly believe that he won’t resume his smuggling operation the moment we leave?”
Sapphire: “We’ll make sure he dismantles it. One way or another.”
Jon: “Well, that is my point. One way or another. The least we can do is land a few good punches and kicks in his stomach, face, and balls.”
Jenassa: “Jon, we’ve accomplished our goal. There’s no need to prolong this any further.”

My right hand was trembling. I curled it into a fist, then walked up to Mallus and glared at him.

Jon: “Look me straight in the eye and say that you’re done with this side job of yours.”
Mallus Maccius: “Alright, alright. I’m done. I won’t continue the operation. You have my word.”

Jon: “Otherwise, Mallus, I shall return here while you sleep, and I’ll tear out your balls.”
Mallus Maccius: “You’re a madman, Jon. But you have my word. I’ll stop. Just leave me be.”

While the rest of our team sneaked out of the warehouse, Alva and I returned to the meadery’s counter, paid for a couple of bottles, and left. We waited some distance away from the building, at the riverbank. Our remaining companions joined us.

Jon: “I suppose we convinced this Mallus character to cease his smuggling operation. But how come I feel so down and disappointed?”
Jenassa: “It’s likely because he realized he was outmaneuvered and had no choice but to back down. Being intimidated and forced to stop his lucrative smuggling operation would leave anyone feeling down and disappointed.”
Jon: “No, you didn’t… Perhaps I didn’t say it right. I myself feel down and disappointed after the supposed success of our operation.”
Uthgerd: “We accomplished what we set out to do. Is it not a victory worth celebrating?”
Jon: “Is it, truly? Mallus Maccius remains completely unharmed. We did give him a scare, but he kept all of his body parts.”
Alva: “Oh, Jon, not every successful operation has to end in bloodshed. We achieved our goal without unnecessary violence. That in itself is a victory.”

Jon: “Hey Sapphire, you do understand me, right? I’ve always gotten the feeling, just by looking at you, that you have reaped many men’s balls in your long career as whatever you are in the shadows of Riften. Wouldn’t you have loved to take Mallus’ balls as well?”
Sapphire: “Jon, while I may have a certain reputation, it doesn’t mean I go around causing unnecessary harm. We got what we wanted from Malus without needing to resort to extreme measures. There’s a time and place for violence, and this wasn’t it.”

I turned around and faced my crew. Uthgerd was looking at me with concern.

Jon: “Listen, everyone… It’s getting real bad, you know? It’s been several days since I last killed someone. I’m getting the shivers here.”
Fastred: “Jon, there’s more to life than just killing. We’re on an adventure together, making memories and experiencing new things. Can’t you find joy in that?”
Jon: “Fastred, our lovely teenager, you have yet to feel the pleasure of taking another person’s life. You will, though: soon enough you’ll shoot an arrow through someone’s brain, and perhaps you’ll get it then. The pleasure of ending someone’s life with implements of death is unlike any other.”
Bassianus: “While I understand the thrill of battle, we must remember that we’re not just mindless killers. We have a purpose, a goal to achieve. Focus on that, and perhaps you’ll find satisfaction in our accomplishments, even without taking a life.”
Jon: “Hey, it’s not mindless. You can’t go around without a mind and expect to kill people. It requires plenty of determination and skill.”
Jenassa: “Jon, we know what it takes. But remember, our purpose is greater than just killing. We’re here to make a difference, to change things for the better. That should be our focus.”