3E 414, 1st of Midyear

I open my eyes, my neck stiff, as well as my shoulders and spine. I let out a silent yawn as I stretch, my joints cracking, some areas feeling less stiff now. With a wave of my hand, a green aura of calm washes over me, and I sigh in content. I must've fallen asleep during paperwork, my mage lights are dim. I waved my hand at them, brightening them to their usual state, so I could organise my paperwork properly, everything must be in the right place or else everything will become confusing, not only for me, but also for the items meant to be shipped off to different associations. After I had everything in its proper place, I stood up and pushed the cushioned velvet chair in, the seat tucked away under my desk. I walked out of the room, my hand waving absentmindedly as the mage lights in my study dim, before flickering out. A crate of beauty products on one of the ornately carved tables against the wall in the main sitting area catches my eye, and I sigh in irritation. Of course Galathil forgot to put her supplies away again. I really ought to figure out how to teach her a lesson so she won't forget to be organised. Maybe due away with a favoured object so she must organise… I shrugged to myself, the crate cradled to my side, my arm holding it while my hip balanced it, making my descent down the stairs easier, my free hand flicking sleeping mage lights to life, illuminating my way to the storage room.

A shuffling, previously unnoticeable, became more prominent as my descent came near its end, my feet stopping a few steps from the main floor. Galathil would not be up this late, nor would she be moving about in the dark. Quietly, I set the crate down on the steps, and I cast a spell to muffle myself. With another flick of my hand, once my movements were silenced, I cast detect life, first looking up, and with the confirmation of the illuminated form of Galathil in her room, presumably asleep given that her form is laid on its side rather than upright, before looking into the main shop area. Illuminated in the back, hunched over and crouched by the locked door leading to the storage cellar. My eyes narrow in distaste, a thief? In my shop? That would not do at all. With a calm fury, I strode silently towards the cellar, not bothering to turn on the rest of the mage lights, I knew my way. Hearing a click, and irritated mumbling from the thief, I assume they failed once more with their attempt to unlock the door. I quickly placed a hand on their shoulder, the paralytic spell leaving my finger tips, and shooting into their body. Their legs stiffened and gave out beneath them. With the thief, a man, (given his surprised yelp, when he went from a crouching position to laying on the floor, his legs unable to move, in a matter of seconds.) laying on the floor, his eyes wide with fear, stared up at me. Realising he could still move his upper half, he sat up and quickly scooted back and away from me, his legs dragging awkwardly with him.

"You are in my shop, why?" I ask the thief, my voice layered in ice, my eyes just as cold. He stammers, but I can't make out what he's saying. Not that I care. He broke into my shop, and he is attempting to steal from me. I cannot let that slide. And I won't. With a flick of my fingers, his useless stammering ceases as a silence spell washes over him. His hands fly up to his mouth and throat, his desperate attempts at a noise futile. Maybe I should turn him over to the guards… the thought briefly crosses my mind, before I brush it off with a mental shake of my head. Why should I allow him to be released after a sentencing? It is idiotic to do so, a thief will always take what isn't theirs, so the only way to eliminate the threat of further break-ins, besides enhancing locks (that is a given) is to eliminate the source of the threat. Such as, getting rid of the source. Permanently. Coming to a decision, the thief none the wiser as it happened in less than a minute, I reached out, touching the shin of the thief, so the paralytic spell may be enhanced, the spell spreading up further. Deeper as well. The blood flow in his veins, stop in their tracks, his organs, stop their duties, then his heart, stops beating. The spell flows up, and into his mind, slowly stilling his thoughts, before his eyes, once full of fear, stared blankly and unseeing. Knowing I can't just dump the body, I must erase it from existence. No one will miss a lowly thief. Concentrating, I closed my eyes, my thoughts roving over my mind, thinking of a spell that can transform matter into ash. My eyes open once I find the spell I'm looking for, and I charge the ball of blue green energy between my hands. Then, I release it towards the corpse, watching as every part, the filthy leather of his clothing, to the hair, and everything in-between, disintegrate before my eyes. A pile of ash remained, as well as multiple golden coins and some jewels, no doubt stolen.

I huff in annoyance, after cleaning up the ash and dust, and disposing of it, as well as placing Galathil's items into the storage room, my shoulders and back ached with irritation, and I could feel a dreadful headache coming on. Idly, I wonder, does everyone try to purposefully annoy me? If so, I do not approve. Not that I'd approve if they didn't intentionally try, as they do still annoy me, but some things can't be helped from lesser races. You never see an Altmer being annoyed by another Altmer, unless they are… tainted in some way. Impurities in the blood, warped views and beliefs, that sort of thing. I shiver, goosebumps raising along my skin. A draft? Damn thief must've broken the door worse than I feared… a prickling sensation crawled up from my spine, to the nape of my neck. A sharp pang went through my skull, making me wince. It'll have to wait until the morning, I've dealt with enough this night as it is. Extinguishing the mage lights as I went, I make a quick brew of herbal tea, the scent alone soothing me. My hands, imbued with a very mild flame spell, more of a heat spell really, heated the liquid to the perfect temperature, soothing, yet not harmful. Taking a sip, I sighed through my nose in content. I quickly finish me tea, as I'm quite tired, not to mention the warmth of the beverage is making my eyelids heavier. Thankfully, my headache has faded.

3E 414, 6th of Midyear

My eyes open groggily, and I sigh and close them again, turning over onto my side. My feet poke out from under my covers, and I immediately jerk them back under the safety of the warmth, it is absolutely freezing in my room. Must be what woke me up… annoying. Steeling myself to the discomfort of the cold, I begrudgingly get out of my warm and very comfy bed. Slipping on my wool slippers, I trudge over to the window, closing it as the breeze plays with my silk curtains. Just as I'm about to pull the covers back over me and lay back down, a smooth male's voice stops me. "Going to sleep so soon? I thought we'd have a talk, you and I." I startle, my legs tangling in my blankets as I quickly scoot myself against the headboard of my bed. "Who's there?" I demand, not liking how startled I had gotten, by another damnable thief no less. Why must they be targeting my shop now? At the end of my bed, a figure, the man who spoke before, his eyes glowing an orangish red in the dark. I flinched and squinted my eyes as a red orbed magelight illuminated and floated up from a pale and gaunt looking hand. "I am Vicente Valtieri, Speaker of the Dark Brotherhood. You may be wondering why a creature of the night such as myself has entered your room," a startled look must have crossed my face, for he gave a fang-showing grin, "Yes, I am a vampire as well as an assassin. I haven't come here to harm you of course, unless perhaps my invitation to invite you to join the family is rejected. Sithis and his unholy bride, the Night Mother, have seen the deed you committed, just a few nights before now, and they wish to allow you into our dark family."

Out of curiosity for his stupidity for revealing so much to me, I ask, "Why are you telling me all of these things? What makes you think I'd join you to be a lowly assassin? You don't know if I could go to the guards as soon as you leave." His face broke out into a grin, a sinister aura coming off of him, "what made you think you had a choice on whether to join or not, my dear? There's only two options for you, join the family, as you are quite an asset, even if you don't participate with contracts. Or, you could join Sithis in the Void. Your choice really, it would be such a shame for you to choose the latter option however, so please do consider wisely." Silence followed after his words, his red magelight hovering above his head still, not improving the tense atmosphere. I should've known his reasoning for telling me so much, what kept him from killing me if I refused the offer? Nothing. I doubt anyone saw him enter my room, much less even entering the city. I suppose it couldn't hurt too badly. For me, I hope. That would be rather disappointing if I accept, and then I'm harmed myself, rather than others being harmed. Coming to a decision, rather reluctantly seeing as I was given a not so subtle death threat less than a minute ago, and I'm rather fond of living, I'm not ready to join my ancestors just yet. "Very well, I'll join your damnable family." I reply, disgruntled. He smiled, "Excellent, I thought you would. Now, in order to properly join our dark family, you must sign in blood. Not your blood of course, no, you will sign with the blood of a Breton. Her name is Sabrnette Thiech, and you'll find her in the city of Kvatch. I'm sure you can figure out where she is exactly, you seem to be an intelligent young woman."

3E 414, 17th of Midyear

Kvatch is a nice city. Smaller than Skingrad, more crowded, more beggars, but it was nice. In its own way. It was no where near great like the cities in the Isles, but it's a necessary conflict for expanding the reaches of the Order. Due to my current business here, I regrettably had to wear unappealing attire in order to blend in. Thankfully, I was not the only Altmer, so I wouldn't stand out too much. Even so, this damnable shirt, though a nice shade of green that complimented my skin tone, was scratchy. My skirts, a nice tanned brown, were thankfully comfortable. My attire isn't the only change I had to make to blend in, my years in Cyrodiil has made me quite a notable figure. I mean, how often does a face sculptor appear in the lands of man? Exactly, I am the only one in Cyrodiil besides my apprentice. My hair, usually down to my shoulder blades and a honeyed blonde, now cropped short and white, my eyes a dull green, and my nose a bit larger to my liking, and hooked. The necessary sacrifices to keep my identity free of incrimination, even if I have to make myself look horrid. My lips are way too thick to my liking, thinner lips allow my expression to be less readable, from what I've gathered. Even my eyebrows, usually neat and trimmed, were thick and untamed, of course I wouldn't lower myself to a monobrow, this is still rather embarrassing. At least no one will recognise me. Now, I need to stop dawdling and fussing over my looks, regrettably, and search for this damned Breton woman so I can go home and wait for the blasted vampire. He hardly gave me any information, all he did was give a name, the city, and the murder weapon I must use. Ridiculous he wouldn't let me use my magic, after all, I could have just summoned a dagger, kill the woman, dispel the weapon, and no incriminating evidence against me, if I'm careful with the blood splatter. Even if it were to get on my attire, I brought a change of clothing so if that were to happen, I'd be prepared, and a simple flame spell would do away with the evidence covered material.

The inn smelt of urine, alcohol, tobacco smoke, and a whole list of unsavoury stenches that came with a busy establishment full of people. Alas, it is a good place to start to find the damned woman who would secure me my life. I found it rather annoying that I, a very well off woman who cared for herself - can't say too many do, they weren't born with superior traits unfortunately… - had to perform this dreadful task just to appease a blasted vampire, who not only broke into my sleeping quarters, but also threatened my life. It is not my fault I had to dispose of a damnable thief who had broken into my establishment. Certainly not. Now sitting at a rickety old barstool - which smelt of sweat and alcohol - I request a simple drink of flavoured water. The bartender, an elderly female Bosmer set a glass in front of me. "Anything else for you, Miss?" Her voice hoarse, yet loud enough over the sound of the crowd, she must yell a lot. Deciding now is the time to ask about the Breton, I smile meekly and nod, seeming timid. "I'm looking for a woman, I found something of her's and I'd like to return it, only… I don't know who she is or where she is besides that she's here in Kvatch. I do know her name if that'll help…?" I finish shyly, waiting to see if my explanation were to be believed. I certainly looked the part of an innocent bystander with no ill intentions, and I hoped I acted too, after all, this is the most deviant thing I've ever done. What I did to the thief was justice taken into my own hands.

The Bosmer gave an irritated sigh and set the glass she was wiping, as well as the cloth, down. "Take it to the guard. I have enough on my hands dealing with this bunch, I don't have the time to go helping every traveller with their needs. I can give you food, a strong drink, or a bed. Don't want any of those, get out." She finished with another, yet more weary, sigh before she moved on to the next patron. I finish my glass, the tang of strawberry flavoured water soothing some of my irritation from being refused information. I leave a measly tip on the bar before taking my leave of the piss-smelling establishment. Inhaling deeply, the fresh air clearing my lungs and nose of the foul smell, I start my search for a guard, whom of which I dread dealing with as me asking for the damn Breton to a guard could arouse suspicions that I caused her death. I will, to preserve my own life, but they mustn't know that. I blink, and refocus on my task, it is rather irritating to be so distracted. I blame it on my current predicament, one will always be lost in their thoughts if they had to go through this sort of thing. Alas, I've done it again. Look for a guard, look for a guard. In the distance, patrolling down the street near some shops, a guard clad in the typical legion armour, only instead of the dull grey, it is a bright silver and gold. Must be of a higher rank… I stop in front of him, my hands fiddling with my skirts as I meekly make eye contact, keeping up the act of a harmless citizen. "Excuse me, Sir…? I'm looking for a miss Sabrnette Thiech. Do you know where I could find her?" I look away, seemingly afraid to hold eye contact any longer. "Sabrnette? I know of her, she lives near the chapel. Be careful dealing with her ma'am, she chooses the company of unsavoury types. Now, excuse me, I must continue my rounds. Blessings of Stendarr upon you in your dealings with her."

Unfavourable could have meant many things. She could have been with minor trouble makers, drug dealers - though I doubted Kvatch had an issue with Skooma and Moonsugar, not enough Khajiit or Dunmer to cause that - or they could have been petty thieves. Instead of any of those possibilities, it turns out she is a part of a crowd looking to begin a brothel, and she happened to be one of the women who intended to give services. Rather disgusting really, anyone who lowers themselves to such a position is well… unimportant and won't be missed. Which, thankfully helps myself, but it also makes it difficult. The difficult part being, how do I get her alone without lowering myself to disgraceful standards? I can't simply request services to get her alone, I do still have my dignity, even if I never actually receive or participate in the request. I couldn't offer to join either, that would be even worse than the former idea. Plus, with her being a part o this crowd, I doubt I could lure her away, asking for help. Perhaps I must wait, which isn't entirely agreeable since I would rather have this over and done with. If I were barbaric and with no sense of self preservation, I could just rush forward, do the deed, and be done with it. However, there's too many consequences doing that, besides the fact that I'm not barbaric and I do have a sense of preserving myself. That's the whole reason I'm here in the first place, to make sure I don't die myself. So the waiting will begin. I shall keep my distance, as I don't want to be near the fil- the unsavoury types, as I don't want them pestering me to have some 'fun' with them. Resting down against a stone building, I decided to put on the role of a beggar. No one pays them any mind after all. Reluctantly, I wipe some dirt and grime onto my face and arms, grimacing at the feel of the filth. I wipe my hands onto my skirts, the light brown becoming smudged with dark stains from the grime. I certainly looked like a beggar now, no longer just some poor commoner.

Hours tick by slowly, some shady looking people occasionally approach the group of aspiring harlots, taking them up on their offers and leaving to do the deed. However, every person that approached the woman I await to be alone, she rejects them. Rather odd in my opinion. I have no idea why. A finely dressed Orsimer - such a strange sight! - starts to approach Sabrnette, and actually, this surprises me greatly, they embrace, and then leave together. I wait a few seconds before I slowly rise and begin following them in pursuit. Who knew this would be the outcome? I surely didn't. They slip into a vacant alleyway, and I frown in disgust when I realise the alley leads no where but to a stone wall. I crouch to the wall beside a crate, my knees resting on the packed dirt of the ground, I peer around the crate, and grimace in disgust. The Orsimer has the Breton pressed very lewdly against the wall, their mouths entangled in an awkward looking kiss. I quickly move my head back, my gaze focusing on the stone wall of the building across from me. Then, the noises of the pair start, and I stifle a scoff of disgust. Silently, I cast a spell of muffling on my ears, thankful that I no longer have to listen to the disturbing act happening just a short distance away from myself. I'll never understand why someone would lower themselves to commit the act of sex. I myself have never done so, as not only would it be rather surprising that there was actually someone worthy enough, but I do not wish children. I suppose that's the only real reason to participate in the deed. I cast a very weak, and very simple, detect life spell in the direction of the pair, weak so it would only show their life forms, and very simple so it did not annunciate their forms. Two blurred figures, shaded in blue - I am advanced enough to choose the colour of spells such as this, I am no mere novice after all - still stood against the wall, very close to one another. That's all I can see thankfully, the whole reason why I did such a simple spell.

Before I even realise they are done, the Orsimer walks past me and back into the main streets of the city. Alone. His appearance is a little disheveled however… nasty. I dispel the spell of muffling and recast the spell of life detection. Sabrnette, no longer standing, but still in the same area, remained. She seems to be sitting. Probably cleaning the filth from herself. Even so, this is a perfect opportunity. She was seen leaving with an Orsimer into the alley, and said Orsimer was seen leaving alone. Not only shall I do this in a secluded area, but I also have somewhere to point the blame. Standing, I slowly make my way over to the Breton. "Go away you damned beggar, I have no coin for you," she snaps, sparing me but a glance before going back to cleansing herself. She really had no dignity. I catch myself, as I start to bristle in irritation and anger, but I remember that I am in the guise of a beggar. Her reaction is accurate. "Sorry Miss… but I have something of yours," I say as I step forward, she looks up in intrigue and suspicion. She opens her mouth to reply, but before she can manage, I cast a silence spell, and her words shrivel in her throat. Her eyes widen as her hands fly up to her throat. Within a split second, her expression changes to one of rage, she prepares to strike me, but the blade I was given beats her to it. Although I am not skilled with a blade, I still know enough basic anatomy to know where to strike, comes with knowing restorative spells. The blade meets in her chest, where her heart is, and her arm falters, in the air ready to strike me, but it falls to her chest, as she attempts to pull the dagger, but pain, as well as her life fading, doesn't allow her to succeed. I leave the blade in, as it keeps blood from gushing out and onto my person. I mustn't be a suspect after all. Plus, the knife I was given is rather ornate, so it matches the look of the well dressed Orsimer. Now to go find a guard and be on my way.

3E 414, 19th of Midyear

I turn the water tap off - yes, Skingrad is civilised enough to have enchanted bathing rooms for the upperclass so I am able to take a bath with ease, which is very much needed - and I sink into the delightfully hot water, lilac scented bubbles covering the exposed skin of my arms, shoulders, and all the way up to my neck. After two days of travel, I deserved this relaxation. Not to mention, it also allows me to think more deeply into my thoughts than when I'm on the road. I start washing myself, absentmindedly paying attention. My looks had already been reverted back to my original self, thankfully, as I could not stand to walk around looking as I did. Something I've found odd, no, strange, yes. Very strange indeed, is that… I feel nothing for the death of another by my hand. I should be upset that I had committed the deed, but I'm not. I mean, it really did not harm myself in anyway, nor did it compromise my standing reputation. I am after all, still Fairenilis Gaiander, daughter of Eldroonyaran Gaiander and Angalinewae Gaiander, and I am a high standing member of the Chirurgeon Order of the Summerset Isles. Nothing has changed… and yet, I feel it should have. But what has not harmed me should not be worried over. Unless of course, I somehow get caught, which is unlikely as, though new I am, I know how to be subtle. The vampire, Vicente Valtieri, comes to mind. I suppose I still have to await his damnable return too. Which reminds me, I should do some research into the Dark Brotherhood, the Night Mother, and Sithis. It would do me some good to be in the know of the situation I have landed in, rather than to stumble around blindly and hope answers come to me. I can't just simply ask around, nor can I go to a bookstore to purchase the books. Perhaps the Arcane University has some tomes on the subjects? Plus, I've been meaning to visit. It has been ages since I last went, and not only would I get information, perhaps I could learn a few new spells. I do have some time to commit to learning more. I want to keep my mind strong and capable, especially during what I must go through. I should also read up on vampires. Knowing their behaviours and such would be very helpful, if I must continue dealing with him. Throughly washed, and noticing that my skin is starting to prune, I wash the bubbles off of me, the tub draining as I towel myself off. I exit the bathing room and into my room - yes, they are connected, I am civilised after all - I begin my nightly routine, content to be back home and well. Now all I had to do was prepare for another visit from a dark fiend and research on matters I, regrettably, know little about.

Note: sooo… I do not have a set schedule at updating, I write when I feel like it (and have motivation) so… heh… also, yes I know, Fairen seems to be a bitch, which is why I put her inner dialogue in a lot, so you can see exactly what she's thinking. She won't ALWAYS be like that. Maybe… also, this story (hopefully) will continue into the events of Skyrim, right now it's before the Oblivion Crisis. I might do it in one fanfic, I might do it in two. Also, Tis surprising that the measly prologue got good feedback X3 this chapter is 500 words short, but I didn't know what else to put… it was dragging on and needed to close. Sooo, the next chapter will be out on *insert when I next update here*