Pinewatch: A House of Surprises

My Lady Kiya,

I apologize for the illumination I posted of me and Ulfric; I did not know you were with the Imperials. I bear you no ill will, and I would gladly meet again with you one day, but alas, we have a lot of things to do first. Please tell Lydia not to write to me; I certainly did not intend her to think I am interested in her. 

You remember Helgen, yes? As it was the place where I first saw you, even for just a very short moment, it's a special place for me now that we've met each other once again. I decided to visit it. Once there, I saw that only destruction remained in it, and I had to leave again. I headed west, and chanced upon this inconspicuous house. Little did I know what lies in store for me there.

Who's holding the machine for me?

It was a normal-looking house, one filled with pots, pans, books, and shelves. As I was looking about, I notice this shining circular thing near one of the shelves. I found that it was a button. Being curious, and also because the button was shiny, I just had to activate it. Once I did, the shelf beside it moved and opened into a tunnel.

Ooooh, what does this button do?

Not very far from the secret tunnel lies a hideout. I was greeted by lots of bandits. I'm sure you would've beaten them up with your bare hands (and your heavy gauntlets) if you were with me, and Lydia might have gotten ahead and got herself knocked out (again). Man, is she one annoying companion of yours. She gets you into lots of trouble, doesn't she? 

I took this picture despite getting hit by lightning. Impressive, huh?

In-between killing bandits and clearing rooms of them, I kept seeing this letter all over the place. A treasure room! I have to find it! This "Rigel" doesn't scare me; I doubt you'd even flinch upon reading her threat.

I can read a letter AND take an illumination of it!

I delve deeper into the dungeon, and I hear some woman asking, "Is someone there?" I thought she was a damsel-in-distress (don't worry, my Lady, I'm here for the gold) until she spotted me, wielding her iron helmet and mace, screaming, "Now ain't this a surprise. Time to die, hero!!" I wondered if this woman was actually Rigel Strong-Arm. I had to fight her or die, although she didn't prove much of a match. I found out it was Rigel Strong-Arm, and apparently my arm was stronger than hers. I moved on to find this treasure room the note mentioned.

I can identify people and places by looking at them directly.

Gods! A lot of gold! Books, ingots, enchanted apparel, and gemstones! Even rare books! I hit the jackpot by clearing out this dungeon. In addition to this, hopefully I find someone who'd want to hire someone to eliminate Rigel Strong-Arm. I'll gladly announce that I already have and receive some more reward.

I thought the letter was a trap.

...which I can split with you, if you'd like. You've already told me you're planning to buy a house, and if it would make you happy I can share the loot with you the next time we see each other. I don't trust giving the courier some money to deliver, not when the last one gave my letter to the wrong person. (Okay, he gave it to the companion of the addressed, but that doesn't make it right.) I hope this letter gets into your hand correctly this time, and I hope you enjoy what I've written here.

Until next time,

Kousei