Thalmor Inquires - Part IV (Elenwen's Interrogation)
The following was recorded on the 4th of Evening Star, 4E 20X as part of the preliminary investigation into the actions and operations of Elenwen Jororin, First Emissary of the Thalmor Embassy in Skyrim.
Interrogator- You were appointed to this position soon after the Markarth Incident in 4E 176 correct?
Elenwen- Yes, I was appointed by the current Vindicator-General, it was thought that someone with…through of Ulfric Stormcloak would be beneficial, I was the one who broke him, quite easily, during his incarceration during the Great War.
I- What measures did you put in place to ensure that the Stormcloak rebellion grew to the scale that it did?
E- I enacted several operations that were aimed at providing covert aid to the Stormcloaks so that they were not nipped in the bud. My Justiciars were also ordered to stamp out Talos worship harshly, as to push more of the populace towards the radicals.
I- How is it then that you were unable to prevent the capture of Ulfric and his execution in Helgan? Had that dragon not arrived when it did the war would have ended there.
E- I admit I may have underestimated the abilities of the Imperial spies, namely the Penitus Oculatus. However I have ordered my agents to mark their numbers and observe them so that we may have warning next time.
I- The Thalmor are not a reactionary First Emmisary, we cause reaction, we are the preemptive strike, the first blow, or have you forgotten this?
E- No sir, I have not forgotten that maxim.
I- Interesting…then may I draw your attention to the massive break in security to the Embassy itself during one of your inane sorries? We know that this was an infiltration by the Blades. The Blades, First Emissary! These heretics were suppose to be hunted down long ago, and yet their dwindling numbers were able to stage what frankly was an intelligence coup in infiltrating your very Embassy.
E- …Yes sir, I admit that the fault is mine, the mediatory safeguards were not enough in this case. I should have increased screening of the guests who entered the Embassy grounds and limited the number of people here at any given time.
I- If you spent less time trying to woo the sycophants of Skyrim and more time doing your duty, perhaps we wouldn't have disgraces of this magnitude. You also failed to capture the former Blade, Esbern. I have read the after action report, what is your excuse this time?
E- Sir, we didn't expect interference during the operation to seize Esbern in the Ratway Warrens. We had reliable intelligence from first hand sources and our own informants. The Jusiticars were reported to be within reach of Esbern before the Dragonborn arrived. The operation was well planned and executed to the letter until Ysmir interfered.
I- You are taught to expect the unexpected First Emmisary, did it not occur to you that the Blades, who are sworn to find and protect any and all Dragonborns would seek this one out?! That should have the most predictable occurrence of any.
Further transcription forthcoming.