Sagax was quiet along the way to Windhelm, didn't even stop to chat with anyone when they stopped at Rorikstead. He sat alone, staring at the ground, thinking. Reflecting on the assault at the redoubt. Thinking about his first kill. Throughout his years, Sagax always saw himself as a good man. He was certainly no saint, his thieving years made sure of that, but a decent person. He began to doubt that. Could anyone really be considered good after they've cut down another sentient being, another person? In Sagax's circumstance it was self-defense, sure. But his blade still met the flesh of another, and ended their life. He didn't even hate that man. Hatred of that level just wouldn't hold in Sagax's heart. He just sort of...did it. One swift motion and down the Reachman went, splurting blood from his wound and mouth. No spiteful words, no roaring emotions, nothing. Just the thud of a body hitting the frozen ground of the Reach. The kill itself wasn't what bothered Sagax the most, though. It was the fact that he didn't even think about it when it happened. He just leapt back into battle, scrabbling up the redoubt wall without a single returning glance to the man he had killed. "Is that what war does to people?" Sagax would think to himself. He began doubting his place within Ashav's company, thinking that maybe he wasn't cut out for mercenary work of this kind. But what else would he do? Striking out on his own would inevitably see him strung up in some bandit's cave somewhere, and finding a new company wouldn't be easy. Besides, Sagax had managed to gain the respect of some of the others after his performance at the redoubt. Ultimately, Sagax decided to stay, and he did his best to purge the thoughts of guilt that plagued his mind. Such morose thoughts would do him no good. He had to keep fighting for his family and come back in one piece.

Sagax sat at one of the upstairs tables up at Candlehearth Hall, with his hood tucked away in his pack. He tried getting some sleep at the warehouse, but he was feeling particularly restless. Aside from that, his hands shook far too much to write anything legible, and so he made his way to the local inn to warm up. He set aside some of the bread and his canteen from his bag on the table, along with his writing tools. He gave the inkwell a good shake and, hearing liquid thrash around inside, uncorked it and began writing, taking a bite and short swig of his bread and water every so often.

"Piper,

We made it! The assault on the redoubt was a roaring success! We lost a few people, but we beat back the Forsworn in no time at all. We sent them running for the hills, tails between their legs! I didn't get hurt at all, lucky me, huh? Maybe Lady Mara really is watching over me after all. My climbing skills came in handy. I bolted up the palisade and took down a mage with a technique father taught me, half-swording he called it. My superior, Dumhuvud Cat-Kicker, hauled him away for interrogation. He must have given the man the boot later though, as I haven't seen hide nor hair of that fire-slinger. 

I think I've also managed to gain the approval of the rest of the company. Next is their respect...baby steps, eh? Maybe one day I'll gain command of my own squad. Wouldn't that be a strange sight? Me, tiny Sagax, leading warriors into battle! You'd be better suited for that I'd think, and that may actually come true if you join the Watch.

We're up in Windhelm now. I've seen the Palace of the Kings, and it is a wondrous sight. It must look even better on the inside. Once this is all over and father is free, we should use the gold I'd have accumulated by then to take a family outing to Skyrim and see everything it has to offer. It truly is a beautiful province. 

I apologize for any grief or stress my last letter may have caused for you all, and hopefully this letter proving my wellness will make up for it.

Tell mother I love her and miss her greatly, and Varulae that I'm grateful for her potions. I have a feeling they'll be very useful in times to come. And of course I miss you too, sister. Please don't worry too much about me, I may be small but I'm very resourceful. 

I will be sure to write again soon.

- Sagax"

Putting everything back in his bag, Sagax leaned back in his chair and observed his surroundings. Quite a few cheery people, full of good mead and warm food. He was drawn to the laughter of what appeared to be Sevine and an unknown man. The man's face was wet and there looked to be bits of leek in his beard, which caused a bit of laughter of Sagax's own to erupt. Sagax hadn't made a point to say hello before, so he walked over and waved his hand at the jovial duo.

"Good day, Sevine!" He said cheerfully. He then turned to Leif with a smile. "And good day to you, sir." He was a very imposing man, even with vegetables stuck to his face. Hopefully he was as friendly as his booming laugh suggested.