When Maulakanth acknowledged Berich, the small man felt his innards get tingly. "Although you may not be able to picture it, there exist talents that can be used off the battlefield," [i]Why did you say that?! Don't sass the giant, idiot![/i] "I know how to make a deal, and I assure you that will come in useful. I may even be able to find a shirt your size; obviously succeed where you've failed." [i]Stop it, man! You're killing yourself![/i] Berich chuckled half nervously and shuffled off before he could be squashed.

A half-smile fell over Berich's face as he observed everyone talking, bickering and colluding. He had to admit, there was something exhilarating about being a wanted criminal, on the road, off on a quest to break into a lord's castle. Of course, he wanted to return to his normal life at some point. [i]I hear Alinor is wonderful this time of year, but I hear tell of the Altmer committing those purges against all non-Elves... so that might be a no-go. I could always go to one of the Khajiiti kingdoms. No Imperial authority, and I could get in on the Moon Sugar trade. That would be an... acceptable future, of course that is only if I can't arrange a pardon in return for the Emperor's gold.[/i] 

Berich was particularly proud of how he handled that little fiasco. Emperor Meade gave Berich's bank the [i]entire[/i] budget for Imperial presence in Skyrim next year -- wages for soldiers, armor, weapons, and food for employees, and so on -- to invest and grow in various businesses around Tamriel. Berich was able to turn the money into something else... something that suited his needs more precisely. And now, the Emperor is facing an economic disaster in Skyrim. It could have all been avoided if Berich was made Councilor... but at this point, he'd settle for just being able to return to his businesses. [i]At least until the Dominion finally invades and has him executed...[/i]

"I don't think we need to sneak anywhere, but that's just my opinion," Berich responded to Finch. "There are a few constants that you need to learn in life," Berich announced to anyone who would listen. "One of the most obvious is that everyone has a price. If we find the jailer who is keeping this young man, I might be able to convince him to hand over the prisoner. I'm very persuasive like that. Gold would help too, though. And we'd need to find the local brothel, of course. But assuming Camlorn is like literally every other place on Nirn, they have gold and whores ready to be used to suite our needs."