The Hobbit reference ahead! Because I can and it fit rather well 3

-T-

During the whole journey to the Imperial city, the feeling that something terrible was about to happen still haunted the elf. She ignored it, or tried to, but it was hard.

In the city, the part of putting Phillida's finger in the desk of the new legion officer wasn't as hard as she was imagining. Thindril had the crazy idea of setting fire to the prison tower which made everyone forget their duties for a while and try to put out the fire. Thindril got in, left Phillida's finger on his desk and left as quickly as she could. She didn't think anyone saw her, at least, no one alerted the guards. Once Thindril was at the city's gates, she took a carriage to Cheydinhal. Her feet hurt a lot and she hadn't had a good night's sleep for a while, besides, it was faster than walking.

"Miss." The man said. Thindril groaned.

"Hey miss, we're here." He told her.

"Huh? Thanks." She groaned while handing a bag of coins to the carriage driver.

"It was my pleasure, miss." He nodded while grabbing the bag.

Thindril rubbed her eyes while walking to the Sanctuary. She needed a good night's sleep and a warm meal. Once inside, she couldn't help but sign in relief.

"Sister!" Grogon greeted with a while walking to her. "We heard the news! Congratulations!" He held her, a bit too tight. Thindril gasped for air.

"Thanks!" She managed to groan.

"Oh, you big brute, let the poor girl go!" Telaendril laughed. "Congratulations, Thindril!" She cheered, hugging her in a much more gentle way. "You look exhausted though."

"Thank you! And yes, I am so tired. I haven't had a good night of sleep in days."

"But you can't go to sleep now! We have to celebrate!" Grogon replied.

"I think I can stay up a few more hours. I'll just take a quick nap." Thindril smiled.

"Great! We will be waiting in the common room, then!" He said with a grin.

"Okay, I will meet you there. I need to see Ocheeva now. See you later!" Thindril said while walking off.

"See you!" She heard Grogon and Telaendril say.

Thindril made her way to Ocheeva's quarters, but she stopped when she saw Teinaava standing in the corridor.

"Teinaava! I've got something for you!" The Dunmer smiled while giving him the black sack with Scar-Tail's heart inside.

"Oh! Is this…" He muttered while opening it and taking out the heart. "It is Scar-Tail's heart. I know an Argonian heart when I see one." Teinaava said while examining the organ. "Thank you my friend, you've done us a great favor. I have something for you..."

"Oh, don't bother. I did it for you brother…"

"Shh… I insist." He smiled. "I will put a pair of boots next to your bed. They are yours. You will find them rather useful whenever you're fighting, or falling."

"Thank you." Thindril nodded with a smile.

"And I heard you killed Phillida. That rat had it coming. He killed a few friends of mine. I need to thank you for that as well."

"The world is a better place without him. Our world, at least." She smirked.

Teinaava laughed. "It is! Now my sister is waiting for you. Don't keep her waiting, she's anxious to see you."

"I will go now, see you later, brother!"

"Walk always in the shadow of Sithis, dear sister." He nodded with a smile.

Thindril walked to Ocheeva's quarters and knocked. She opened the door and said. "Adamus Phillida is dead! I could feel my heart swell with the Night Mother's love the moment that Imperial pig issued his last breath!"

"Yes, he is, sister. He will not trouble us no more." Thindril replied with a small smile.

Ocheeva smiled back. "Come in, I have your payment. Take a seat."

Thindril sat down on the chair next to Ocheeva's desk and eyed the Argonian.

"You also managed to leave Phillida's severed finger as a warning to his successor. Well done! Your bonus, 500 additional gold coins, is well-earned!" She said while giving her a bag full of coins. Thindril had earned so much money recently. She almost felt like she was rich again. "You should now rest, and celebrate of course! The others were planning to have a small party in the common room."

"Oh yes, they told me about it. Will you be there?"

"Surely, count me in." Ocheeva nodded with a smile.

"Good! I will take my leave now, I'm going to take a nap before the party." Thindril said.

"Surely, sleep well."

"Thanks, sister."

Thindril left Ocheeva's quarters and headed to the dormitory. She heard a familiar voice behind her.

"Sister…"

She turned around. It was M'raaj-Dar.

"Yes." Thindril uttered, idly.

"Look... I've been thinking, and..." He stammered. "Well... I guess I just want to say I'm sorry for the way I've treated you in the past." The Kahjiit admitted. "I mean, look at you! The things you've accomplished! You've obviously proven yourself a valuable member of this Sanctuary. So let's start over, shall we? I know from now on, you and I are going to be great friends! Now, is there something you'd like to buy or sell?" M'raaj-Dar said awkwardly, kind of hurrying the last part. Thindril sighed.

"It is not in my nature to forgive and forget, M'raaj-Dar." Thindril replied. "But it takes a lot of courage to admit you were wrong, so… I guess I could make an exception for my brother." She finished with a smile.

"Great!" He grinned. "That pleases me! Do you mind if I join you all later?"

"No, not at all." She replied with a smile.

Thindril then bid the Khajiit goodbye and finally went to the dormitory. Antoinette's presence made her roll her eyes, but she remained quiet. The elf was too tired to argue.

"Oh, look who just came in! You killed a man and you're treated like you are the newest Hero Kvatch." The Breton mocked.

"Goodnight, Antoinette." Thindril said, dismissing her.

"You will fall, Thindril. And I will be there to see that."

"Surely, whatever you want." The Dunmer mumbled, she was so tired that she was half-asleep already. The Breton mumbled something else, but Thindril didn't hear it. She fell asleep.

-T-

Thindril woke up three hours later, feeling better and more relaxed. She put a green blouse and leather pants on before heading the common room, ready to have fun.

"There you are." Vicente said when catching her in the corridor.

"Oh, hello Vicente." Thindril replied, feeling a bit awkward.

"I heard about your latest success. I'm so proud of you." He said while grabbing her hands. Thindril shuddered a bit, but didn't let go.

"Thank you, I owe it all to you." The elf replied.

"I wish we could be friends again, like we were back then." He said and then bit his lip. "Even though I still have feelings for you."

"Still? You're with Antoinette." She narrowed her dark red eyes.

"She… She was a mistake. I see it now." Vicente admitted with a sigh. "Look, I want you to be happy, okay?" He cupped her cheek. "And if Lucien ever stops making you happy, I will be here for you. Always remember that. I am patient. I can wait."

"Oh Vicente…" She whispered, touched by his words. "You deserve someone better than me. You will find someone who loves you soon enough."

"Shh…" He put his finger on her lips. "I said I am patient." Vicente then smiled, showing his fangs. "Now let's go to the common room before I kiss you again."

"Oh, please don't!" She chuckled while walking.

"Why, was I that bad?" He asked, faking to be offended.

"No, I just felt guilty because of Lucien."

"Yes." He sighed. "Me too."