Is it in any way surprising that no, he quite deliberately hasn't been to Markarth proper? The Forsworn have really interesting hobbies but last time he asked, they wouldn't let him in their club.

"I'm sure either of our governments would have quite a lot to say about it, if it did." It's a reassurance, so long as you don't over-analyze it.

"Oh, there are engravings? I'd love to see them." His is a world not yet saturated with Youtube videos and selfies and Google maps, and his immediate keenness reflects that. Getting actual pictures of a mysterious foreign land is a rare pleasure.