#yeah so okay ik in the game you need a crazy high speech to actually get idolaf to do that

[incorrectskyrimquotes]

When Avulstein pulls a weapon out, so does Eryn. She tells him she will defend herself if she has to, and the fact she pulled out an imperial sword certainly doesn't help. Though she does spit "this was a trophy".

Fralia of course, breaks it up, calms them down. Eryn sheathes her sword first, in a show of good faith. Fralia gets them both some dinner and pours them both some tea. Lavender tea, which Eryn learns she loves.

Fralia and Avulstien explain to Eryn that they're both sure Thorald, her son and his brother, is alive. They don't have any solid proof, but they just know it. And they think the Battle Borns know something, too. Why else would Olfrid make such awful comments?

Eryn agrees to try and help, but she can't promise a miracle. She's no necromancer. But... she can see the pain in Fralia's eyes, how sure they both are. And she agrees to at least find confirmation of whether he's alive or not.

Trying to be smart about this, she decides to talk to Idolaf. Fortunately, he breaks and seems much more human than he was around his father. He explains that he thought death would be easier on the Grey Manes, on Fralia. See, he's actually being held prisoner, and probably tortured. And no one ever escapes the thalmor.

Eryn thanks him, but tells him she thinks the truth, no matter how hurtful, is always better than a lie. Idolaf says he's not sure he agrees, but that he isn't trying to do anything truly cruel or evil. He says he thinks Thorald is in Northwatch Keep, which is notorious for their brutal torture. Idolaf gives her the letter about it.

Eryn genuinely thanks him, and says that she'll take the burden of telling Fralia the truth. Idolaf asks her to keep his name out of it, and she agrees. She takes the letter to Fralia and Avulstein.

Of course, Eryn agrees to go with Avulstein to rescue Thorald. He tells her where and when, as he needs to grab a couple friends for this. And she says she'll meet him there.