Online:Esterdel

Esterdel
Home Settlement	Shimmerene
Location	Just outside Archon's Grove
Race	High Elf	Gender	Male
Health	39,959 15,000 (In Shimmerene)
Reaction	Friendly

Esterdel

Esterdel is a High Elf found just outside Archon's Grove. His betrothed, Niralin, left him for a Bosmer named Brengas, and while trying to flee Summerset both were captured by werewolves out of the Thornfang Pack who reside in the nearby delve.

Esterdel asks that you find Niralin, if only to keep his own reputation intact. Later, he can be found in Shimmerene.

Related Quests

• The Runaway's Tale: Find a runaway bride who was kidnapped by werewolves.

Quest-Related Events

As you approach the grove, he will call to you: "You there! I do say, you there!" Talk to him.

"I must say, I've just had the most dreadful day. First my betrothed runs off with some Wood Elf, and then she manages to get kidnapped by werewolves! At this rate my reputation may never recover. To think Niralin would put me in such a position."

If you've started the quest with Celinar, you'll be able to ask him:

Did you see Brengas with her? His cousin said he may be in trouble too.

"What do I care about Brengas? Honestly, I'd rather leave the two love birds to their fate.
But if word got out that I left Niralin to die, or if she managed to escape and actually marry that Wood Elf …. Suffice to say, I can't just leave her."

What do you plan to do?

"Well, I'm certainly not risking my life.
Hmm. You have the look of a ruffian. Want to take on the task? If you collect Niralin, or at least what's left of her, I'll make sure you're paid handsomely. Oh, and you could save Brengas as well, I suppose."

Otherwise, you'll say:

You don't seem very worried about Niralin.

"In all honesty, I'd rather leave her in this cave. She's certainly earned such a fate.
But if word got out that I left her to die, or if she managed to escape and actually marry that Wood Elf …. Suffice to say, I simply can't just leave her."

What do you plan to do?

"Certainly not risk my life, if that's what you're implying.
You know, you have the look of a ruffian. Want to take on the task? If you collect Niralin, or at least what's left of her, I'll make sure you're paid handsomely."

I'll rescue Niralin, or bring back evidence of her death.

"Excellent. Once you've finished, meet me near the Mages Guild in Shimmerene.
Of course, discretion is key here. I want no word getting out about this little incident, not even to common folk. Rumours [sic] do tend to spread, after all."

You seem more upset about your reputation than Niralin's safety.

"Do you know how long this marriage arrangement has been underway? Decades! Decades worth of work, all gone if Niralin smears her name through Wood Elf muck. Why, I'd rather suffer a thousand cuts than such a wound to my reputation."

Why did your marriage negotiations take decades?

"Oh, well of course you wouldn't know, given your … race. High Elves take marriage most seriously. A matchmaker must be contacted to research the couple's star charts, pedigree documents, that sort of thing. It's a lengthy process."

Sounds complicated.

"Excuse me? Well, sorry that we don't take marriage as a fast and loose affair. Marriage, as in all things, must be as impeccable as possible. Family, physicality, all those things must be taken into account. Otherwise it's just … chaos. Disorder."

What can you tell me about your betrothed?

"I feel as though I told you plenty, haven't I? It's a private matter. If she's alive, just remind her of her obligations. We can still make this little … fling disappear. Even after this mess."

You're still willing to marry Niralin, after all this?

"Naturally! Pending death, there's no honorable way to cancel now. It's best just to be discreet. After all, I can't have everyone knowing my betrothed ran off with someone of another race. Ah … no offense meant, of course."

If you are an Altmer:

Why did your marriage negotiations take decades to arrange?

"You really don't know? Ah, you must be a newcomer.
Every High Elf marriage in Summerset is meticulously planned. A matchmaker must be contacted to research the couple's star charts, pedigree documents, that sort of thing. It's a lengthy process."

Sounds complicated.

"It's necessary. After all, we High Elves strive for excellence. Marriage is no different.
You might want to look into a matchmaker yourself. Of course, it wouldn't take nearly as long as someone of my standing. And you'd be thankful, in the end."

What can you tell me about Niralin?

"You know how it is. The pressure of high expectations does not make diamonds of us all. Sometimes someone … cracks.
Niralin just cracked harder than most. Ran away from home and straight into a Wood Elf's arms. Can you even imagine?"

Are you still willing to marry her?

"Break off our engagement? At this point? Preposterous! After all, the invitations have already been sent. Pending death, there's no honorable way to cancel now.
Discreetly putting this incident behind us is what's best for both parties.

After you've found Niralin, meet up with him outside the Mages Guildhall in Shimmerene where he'll hail you with:

Esterdel: "There you are. Quickly, over here."

Speak to him and he'll ask you what you found.

"Well? Were you able to find Niralin? Or at least, whatever those werewolves left of her."

If you persuaded Niralin to live her life as a werewolf in Shimmerene, you'll say:

I rescued Niralin from the werewolves. She should be here soon.

"I see. Well, at least I won't have to begin my marriage negotiations anew. As long as Niralin's willing to put this incident behind her, all will be well.
Here's your payment, for a task well completed and your … discretion on the matter."

Niralin will appear and speak to Esterdel:

Niralin : "I've returned, Esterdel. And I've … reflected on my actions."

Esterdel : "I suppose nearly getting yourself killed will do that. I'm just glad you finally came to your senses."

Niralin : "Yes, of course. Dearest, tell me. Our wedding day … weren't we told the moons would be full?"

Esterdel : "Why, yes. A most auspicious sign, the priests told us."

Niralin : "Oh, yes. Most auspicious indeed. I very much look forward to it."

He will then tell you:

"Let's just hope my betrothed has learned a lesson from all of this. It certainly doesn't pay to go running off with the first vagabond who shows interest."

If you asked for Niralin's ring, you'll say:

Niralin is a werewolf now, and refuses to come back. Here is her signet ring.

"Well, that is troublesome. Still, I expect Narilin knows well enough to keep away. And no one else need know of her change.
Here's your payment. And, of course, discretion is key here. As far as you and I are concerned, Niralin died in that grove."

Speaking to him again after this outcome:

"A fling with a Wood Elf is one thing but … a werewolf? Unbelievable.
I'm sure you understand my need for discretion. It wouldn't just be Niralin's honor on the line if word got out. Why, it would positively ruin me as well, just by association!"

If you put Niralin out of her misery, you'll say:

She's dead. I've brought back her signet ring.

"I suspected as much. Well, at least now I can put this whole incident behind me.
Here's your payment, for completion of this task as well as your … discretion. There's no need for the torrid details of this affair to get out."

Speaking to him again after this outcome:

"What a positively pointless reason for Niralin to die. If only she'd been reasonable.
I'll make sure her family receives her ring, though I don't believe I'll be sharing the full details of this escapade. No need to grieve them further."