The player walks into a tavern to find 2 patrons arguing, one Redguard, and one Altmer.
(The Redguard, lines in blue, is an aspect of Mara, the Altmer, Julianos)
Int – Scene at Winking Skeever
You’re wrong, you know. Not only wrong, but tragically so.
Oh, save the lecture for someone foolish enough to believe it. There is no greater pursuit in this world.
And where has it gotten you? I almost feel like you’re proving my point.
But fine, humor me. What gifts does your knowledge and wisdom provide?
Wisdom can expand one’s mind as vast as the night sky.
But what is the sky without the stars to shine it? Love is the thing. It will always be the thing.
Fleeting, fickle, and forgotten. That is love’s destiny. No one knows how to make love stay. Not even you.
At this point, the player and Mara go into dialogue. She asks him, what is more powerful, love or wisdom.
The following happens if the player chooses wisdom.
Wisdom.
So you’re taking his side? You really must believe it’s true if you’re willing to stomach his gloating.
Oh, don’t be a sore loser. Unlike some people, this stranger doesn’t let emotion cloud their judgment.
Tell me, what form of wisdom do you favor most?
The power gained from magic, alchemy and enchanting.
A good choice. Just as the carpenter has his hammer, we too have our tools.
Learning the secrets of the gods.
Ah, to translate the transmundane. A noble goal, and I salute you.
The wisdom to know when to walk away from an argument.
And why would I walk away from certain victory?
I don’t know, I picked it on a whim.
Well, as they say, true wisdom is in knowing nothing. And you just may have that market cornered.
Well, I’m glad my colleague here has a someone who shares his interests. Hopefully that’s the extent of it.
Still, I don’t think this necessarily settles things. After all, I can just as easily find someone in this tavern who would agree with me as well.
After more dialogue with Mara, the player is asked to help settle their wager by meeting a man on an island and solve his dilemma.
This next portion of dialogue is if you click on Julian.
Greets
She’s always been a stubborn one. Never listens to reason.
I wouldn’t deign to speak to her at all, if I didn’t so enjoy being proven right.
Who are you two?
You might say we’re travelers. A more discerning mind would see our robes and call us scholars.
How long are you staying here?
We don’t plan on staying for more than a fortnight, perhaps a month at the most.
It’s mostly my partner’s doing. Rarely does a place hold her attention for long.
What can you tell me about this man you want me to help?
That he doesn’t need any help. He was just fine when we found him, and will remain so as long as he stays.
int – winking skeever
during the quest, the player will get knocked out. Before they wake up, they find themselves back at the inn, lying on the ground, but can hear Mara and Julianos arguing still
How do you think our friend is faring? Personally, I’d say things are going exactly as I predicted.
Oh please. He hasn’t even met the man and you’re already claiming victory.
(alt) She hasn’t even met the man and you’re already claiming victory.
You forget, more time works in my favor, not yours.
All I’m saying is, nothing is over until a decision is made.
Fine, in the meantime, let’s order another drink.
Post-Quest
The player returns from a long journey, to find the 2 at the inn.
As there are 2 endings, the lines are different depending on the player choices, denoted with an (alt)
You can’t possibly claim victory, given what happened.
Why not? Clearly it was love that drove the choices here.
Not in the slightest. They offered the Elf up because it was the logical decision to save the many over the few.
His sacrifice was driven by love.
(alt) They let the ghosts in the village die and prioritized their own safety.
(alt) Because they loved each other.
No, it was simply the wise thing to do.
Well, let’s see what our friend has to say first.
(player talks to Mara)
What drove this outcome in the end? Was it the heart, or the mind? Love, or logic?
The heart.
Well, there you have it. I win.
I demand a best two out of three. One incident is obviously not a large enough sample size.
Oh will you just admit you lost. It’s only a drink.
And you will likely choose the most expensive option on the menu.
Of course. But only because I know it’ll hurt you more if I do.
(this is a groan so doesn’t have to be “ugh”)
Ugh.
The mind.
Then as much as I hate to say it, I concede.
Oh, how I’ve wanted to hear those words from your lips for so long. You owe me a drink.
Does it have to be now? You’re insufferable when drunk.
It will be at a time and place of my choosing. The wiser course is to wait, and let you stew in your defeat.
(Groan)
As for you, you deserve a reward as well. Here.
Gold, after all, is the most practical of all gifts. Spend it wisely, as I would.
POST-QUEST HELLO
Wisdom and wit claim victory once again. When will people learn that emotion is a weakness?
(alt)
Clearly this experiment was tainted. The next one will have far less variables.