Quill of Gemination

The Quill of Germination is an item used in the Thieve's Guild quest The Pursuit. It belongs to Maven Black-briar and was lost by Mercer Frey's guard Vald.

Location
Finding the Quill can be a bit of a chore. It is in the bottom of the lake outside Riften.

If you go out to the docks of Riften & enter the water between the fishery & the meadery & head straight towards the ship docked at the island of the Estates (The large ship) you can't miss it. There is a sunken row boat with a locked chest containing the Quill. Deliver it to Maven & Vald's debt is paid. Thus allowing you an easier time in your quest.