CHAPTER ONE
Niverel Fawn crouched low to the forest floor and listened the sounds of the forest. Her prey must take her for some blind fool and while she may be blind, she was no fool. She could see differently, putting her at a strong advantage. The things she smelled, heard, and felt produced pictures in her mind. Something most would consider a curse, but not her. She knew she was chosen for something good. That's why she was here today.
Niverel caught the sound of her prey running to the north and wasted no time dashing across the terrain. She didn't skip a beat as she realized the quarry was heading north towards the river, hoping to find a quick escape. Sensing the ground beneath her feet gave her the advantage to get ahead of her mark and make it to the river first. She quickly pulled out her bow and listened for the footsteps to slow as they neared the river giving her a shape in her mind. The feather ran between her fingers as she let go of the arrow and she heard the figure collapse to the ground with a groan.
Letting out a breath, Niverel walked towards the character and felt the face of her victim. The picture of a young man formed in her mind as she let her hands feel the arrow the pierced his heart. Niverel took the silk purse from his hip and searched for the stolen ring she had come for.
"Another successful contract filled." She muttered under her breath. "Time for payment." Niverel never enjoyed her contracts, but she knew she was doing right for the people.
Niveril called south for her horse, Frost. The horse's fur and mane where as white as Niverel's glassy eyes. She climbed on back of her steed and began travelling west towards Windhelm to visit her Dunmer cousins. She knew as a Bosmer she was not welcome amongst the Nords, no matter how much renown she had but she did not mind taking a risk.
As she rode into the distance she thought about the ordeal of visiting a Stormcloak city. Niverel was not nervous and scoffed at the idea of any Nord besting her in a fight. She was an expert with a bow and could slit a man's throat before anyone knew what had happened. Many factions across Tamriel had asked for her assistance in their endeavors - all were denied. She had no interest in working for an organization. She lived in solitary her whole life with no intent to change her status as an outsider. It was the best thing for her if she believed who she thought she was.
Niverel heard the whinny of a young mare and slowed Frost down. She addressed the Altamer gentleman standing outside.
"Can I tie my horse here? I am only visiting for a day and I can pay you to care for him." She held out 200 gold as she said this.
"Of course, my name is Ulundil." his voice was strange, he almost seemed nervous as he accepted the gold, quickly grabbing it.
"Thank you. Let me know if I can help you in anyway." Niverel dismounted her horse and tied it on the post. "I'll see you soon, Frost."
Heading toward the great door she heard the guards muttering about a young boy.
Aventus, she heard them say. Aventus Arentino. Black Sacrament. Orphan.
Orphan. Niverel felt a sting in her heart at the sound of the word.
Orphan. Just another word to describe her. A common trait with the Arentino child. This was the young boy that had run away from Riften a few weeks before.
The vile woman that runs the orphanage will soon be visited by the Dark Brotherhood if the rumors are true. Niverel thought. No Matter. I am here for my payment.