15thof Sun's Dusk, 4E 200
 
Andso the truth finally reveals itself. The healers say there is no cure for what
I have, and it will likely be a very long and painful death. Sad really, that
an assassin's blade didn't get me in my youth! Now I shall die an old man,
pitied and mourned only by politicians.
 
Isthis knowledge of my imminent passing a blessing or a curse? I do not yet know.
One question plagues me however; what will be my legacy to this Empire?
 
Alreadywe have seen too much of war and death. Unrest ravages Skyrim between Nord and
Imperial. I would be a liar if I did not confess to some sympathy for the
Stormcloaks, for how could any ruler ask a people to give up their gods? Their
very way of life?
 
Theprice of peace. Was it too high? Perhaps. And yet I fear from the Aldmeri
Dominion that it will be considerably higher by the time this is all done.
 
<b>12thof Morning Star, 4E 201</b>
 
TheElder Council grows restless since rumors of my illness have started to quietly
spread. I know the Traitor is among them; the family that conspired with our
enemy, sabotaging our every efforts against the Dominion! Were it not for them,
we might have won the war, and my Empire would not be broken apart. But who is
it?
 
Asmy time comes, I worry about the future. I know as soon as I die, the vultures
will fight over the corpose of my empire, until one is victorious. I cannot
allow the Traitor to assume my throne. I must act to uncover this conspirator.
But how?
 
<b>30th of Morning Star, 4E 201</b>
 
Thedemand was made, and I am unsure how to respond.
 
Howam I to even consider such a proposal? And yet the Aldmeri Dominion's position
has always been that the White-Gold Concordant was only a temporary measure.
They have the manpower to overthrow us, and we are not yet stable enough to
wage another war against them. We barely survived the first... But what Elenwen
asks is too much.... I must consider carefully.
 
<b>11thof Last Seed, 4E 201</b>
 
Myillness has prevented me from going to Skyrim as planned. At this rate, it is
unlikely I shall even be able to attend my cousin's wedding! I have sought her
advice on this matter, for Vittoria is a wise woman, and her father I have
always considered a mentor and a friend. She believes that we should concede to
Elenwen, for the good of all Tamriel. I know she has spent much time with her,
and she assures me Elenwen is sincere in her desire for peace. And yet....
 
Myheart is heavy.
 
Iknow I have no choice. If I refuse, the Empire will fall. And yet if I go along
with this, it will fall either way.
 
Isthere a way out for me? For the Empire? Perhaps the gods will show me the answer
eventually.
 
<b>18thof Last Seed, 4E 201</b>
 
Itis done. My signature is penned and my seal is affixed. Under the illusion of a
permanant 'peace treaty', I have practically signed over my empire to the
Aldmeri Dominion, and they will begin the annexation of the Mede Empire
immediately upon my personal delivery of this decree to Elenwen. I have sent
ahead a single copy of this decree to the Thalmor Headquarters in Solitude for
her to review, but I will deliver the original in person.
 
MayTalos...and all the Divines...forgive me for what I have done.
 
Andyet, there is a hope in my heart; a hope that the plan I have set in motion
will undo all of this.
 
<b>MyLast Entry</b>
 
Anassassin is coming for me. The Traitor has taken the bait.
 
Ifyou are reading this, Assassin, know that you have my thanks for ending my life
and cutting short what would have been a painful decline.
 
Nowthe fate of the entire Empire rests in your bloodied hands. You know the truth
now, of what I have done, and you now have the power to undo it.
 
Thereare only two copies of the decree; one in your possession and one in the
Thalmor Headquarters in Solitude. Retrieve the second copy at any cost. My asssassination
gives perfect excuse for this 'treaty' to be lost to the ages, and with no
emperor in power, Elenwen will have no way of moving forward with her plan for
some time.
 
TheTraitor that gave you my contract; please honor my request to kill him. With
him gone, the Elder Council will take a long time to elect my successor;
months...hopefully years. A temporary regent may be assigned, but they will
have no power to deal with Elenwen. It will buy us time.
 
 I only wish there was a Dragonborn left who couldtake my throne. I would have named them my successor if there had been.
 
May....theNine...guide you.
 
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