After four days of studying the blueprints and documents, Jerien felt like she could walk around the Thalmor Embassy blindfolded. She knew the guards schedules like the back of her hand and knew how much time she would have to search certain rooms. She also knew which areas to avoid. Delphine went over several strategies and tactics with her and helped train her on increasing her sneaking skills. "You're going to need every advantage and tip I can give you." She said. "Do you have any potions of invisibility? They might come in handy. Are you any good at picking a lock? Malborn said that most of the doors are locked pretty tight in that place. He's only allowed one key and that's to the pantry. That's where you're going to hide until dark. He's also going to sneak in some of your weapons and armor for you. Some. Not your entire arsenal, so choose wisely."
They debated all night of the second day of preparations about what name and back story Jerien would use. Delphine wanted her to use a fictitious identity that she had been working on with a false name and background. Jerien argued that it would be far too difficult to remember everything and it might not stand up to any questions or scrutiny. It was a hard fought battle, but Jerien won out. The invitation would be printed in her real name. The name her mother gave her at birth, Jerien La Chance.
"If they don't know me yet, why shouldn't I use it? They're going to find out who I am eventually. And La Chance is the name I've used my entire life. I've only recently learned Mother's maiden name of Amontè and only began using it when I fled to Skyrim. I know dozens of rich merchants in Cyrodiil and they know me. That's the path Mother wanted me to take anyway, so I'll just use my education and knowledge of commerce and trade to my advantage." Now it was Jeriens' turn to smile, knowing her plan made the most sense.
"I still think you shouldn't use your first name though. It's too risky. What if you used your mothers' name instead?"
"NO!" Jerien quickly said, startling Delphine. "I mean, I don't think that would be a very good idea. She's a Nord and was born here and I, uh, think she may have had a bad run in with some high elves, so I think my name will work better." She almost added 'And there's no way in the entire world that I would ever use her name', but her explanation seemed to satisfy the Blade.
Tomorrow was the day of the party and Jerien was sitting in the common room of the Winking Skeever in Solitude eating an elaborate dinner of smoked salmon fillets, sautéed vegetables, garlic bread and butter, and enjoying an expensive bottle of spiced wine. Delphine had provided her with an allowance for clothing and Jerien was waiting for her new items to be delivered. "You can't show up to the Thalmor Embassy dressed like a commoner," she was told. Jerien always hated having to wear stiff 'snooty garb' as she liked to call it, but she had to admit that the clothing she saw on display at Radiant Raiment was very well made and the garments she purchased might actually be comfortable. The attitude of the owner needed some work, but her craftsmanship was impeccable.
Jerien ate her food in silence as she thought about her argument with Erik two days ago. She had sent a messenger to the Bannered Mare to deliver a letter informing him that she would not be meeting him for a week due to a delay and that he should take it easy and rest until she returned. He did the opposite and showed up in Riverwood within three hours of receiving the message. He was upset that she would toss him aside like a used mop rag and it took her quite some time to convince him that this was a part of her quest that she had to do alone. He was still her companion and friend and she would still need him for future journeys, but the need for secrecy right now was of the upmost importance. His argument was that if it was so dangerous, she would be better off with him by her side. She agreed that his quick thinking and bravery had been extremely valuable but this mission required stealth instead of brawn. Erik acted like she had slapped him in the face and left fuming as he headed back to Whiterun. He never answered her when she asked if he would still be there when she returned.
She was lost in thought as a voice startled her. "Our mutual friend sent me." A male voice whispered. It was coming from a short slender wood elf sitting at the table to her left. He had caramel colored skin and short brown wavy hair that seemed to stand straight up from his head. His pointed ears were long and narrow, just like the rest of his features. His eyes were the color of tree bark with flecks of gold and brown in them. "Are your items ready?" He asked.
Jerien stared straight ahead as she nodded and took a sip of her wine. "Good. I'll meet you in your room at midnight to pick them up. Which room are you in?" The Nord put her left elbow on the table and rested her chin on her palm. She extended three fingers across her left cheek. They both finished their meals in silence and the wood elf left the inn. Jerien remained in the common room for another couple of hours listening to a beautiful white haired Nord play the lute and sing. She charged five septims for her songs and Jerien paid for six requests and even joined in on a couple tunes. The bard was impressed with her vocal range and suggested to her that she might even be a candidate to join the college here in Solitude. Jerien waved the suggestion off and bought the woman another bottle of the spiced wine that she was becoming fond of. She eventually retired to her room and waited for her midnight visitor.
As if on cue, she heard a soft knock at her door at twelve o'clock. She opened the door and the small man quickly entered. Jerien only had two candles lit in the spacious room but they gave off enough light for the pair to see well enough.
"Ok, what do you want me to sneak in for you?" He asked. Jerien gave him the satchel she carefully packed the night before, with the Blades' help. He opened it and poked through it. It contained a set of well-oiled dark leather armor including boots with a sneak enchantment and gauntlets that increased her lock picking skill, several lock picks, some carefully wrapped potions of invisibility that Delphine had showed her how to make (and three potions of healing just in case things went south), her bow of electricity with three dozen elven arrows that were dipped in a paralyzing poison, and her sword of ice. Both weapons were fully charged. She had added a glass dagger to the pack this morning as an afterthought. She wasn't planning on any close quarter fighting and was hoping that she wouldn't need it, but would rather be safe than sorry. "Good, all light weight. No battle axes or any heavy, squeaky armor. I'll make sure this gets into the embassy. Don't try and sneak in any weapons on your own. The Thalmor take security very seriously and will inspect you before you are granted entry." He slung the pack on his back and started walking towards the door. "I've got to go, you'll see me at the party. When it's wrapping up and everyone is leaving, I'll find you during the distraction and sneak you into the pantry. Have you figured out what it's going to be?"
"I'm still working on it. The list you gave us of other guests has given me a couple of ideas, but I'm going to have to wait until I'm there to figure out what the best plan is." Jerien was still unsure how she was to accomplish this distraction, but was positive that she would be able to think on her feet and find a solution.
"All right, I'll be ready and nearby. Any questions?" The wood elf said as he put his hand on the door knob.
"Why are you doing this? Helping Delphine?" She asked.
Malborn let go of the door handle and slowly turned back towards Jerien. "The Thalmor treat every other race as being beneath them, especially wood elves, even though we're basically kin. They don't consider our lives worth much. They see us as born to serve them and then when we are no longer useful, we are … disposed of. Anything I can do to bring them down, is worth it." She could see the hatred flare in his eyes. He nodded at her and then left the Nord alone with her thoughts.
Jerien didn't sleep well and was already up and dressed when she heard the first rooster of the day. Her new clothing was delivered mid-morning and she marveled at the fit. Her dress was made from a warm honey colored silk that brought out the gold of her hair. The outer robe was a dark moss green that matched her eyes. It was trimmed with gold embroidery and cinched with a beautifully etched wide leather belt. It was a shame that she wasn't going to be able to keep the garment, but it didn't make sense for it to take up space in her backpack while she was sneaking around the compound. So she'll do as Delphine suggested and make sure they are burned in the fire of the kitchen so no evidence will be left. She completed the outfit with a gold and emerald necklace that increased her majikal ability and a ring that increased her stamina and one that was enchanted with speech craft. She spent the rest of the morning milling around in the city square, observing the residents as they went about their day.
At the agreed upon time, Jerien left the Winking Skeever and made her way to the farm just past the city's outer walls and met Delphine behind the stables. She gave Jerien a nod of approval as she approached. "Not bad. You should have no problem passing for a real guest. Did you meet with Malborn last night and give him your gear?" She asked as Jerien nodded. "Good. Here's your invitation, Ms. La Chance. I've rented a carriage to take you to the Embassy and it should take a little over an hour to get there. Pay attention to the route because you'll be walking back. Any questions?" Jerien took a deep breath and shook her head from side to side. "All right. Just make sure you get back out of there alive with the information we need. Good luck."
The scenery from Solitude to the Thalmor Embassy was breath taking and cold. Jerien was glad that she splurged on the dark saber cat cape as they went farther North. The cold didn't really bother her that much, but she was glad for the extra layer of warmth, especially since it started snowing heavily halfway through the trip.
They reached the Thalmor Embassy right before sunset. It was a large and formidable looking structure. She already knew what to expect on the inside but to see just how big it actually was, intimidated Jerien a little. For just a moment, she had a feeling of déjà vu and a chill ran up her spine. A thought crossed her mind that she had been here before and that she should run from this place as fast as she could. She shook her head and banished the idea. 'It's just nerves' she told herself as she took a deep breath and dismounted the wagon. 'Here goes nothing.' She said as she stood up straighter and sauntered towards the high elf guard standing by a series of stone steps.
She walked by a dark haired Nord that looked like he had already started his own celebration before he even got inside. "Ah, a newcomer to Elenwen's little soiree. And arriving by carriage no less, I salute you my good lady! (hic) My lateness is due more to getting lost on the way up this gods' forsaken mountain. Heh heh, they must have forgotten to send a carriage for me. A slight oversight. I will forgive her, of course, because my family is very well known and influential and the Thalmor need us to supply them with everything." The tipped up a bottle of mead and drained the rest of it in one gulp. "There's not enough drinking in the world today, wouldn't you agree?" He said as he jogged to catch up with her. He tripped and Jerien was forced to catch him. He smelled like a brewery but she kept the smile on her face. This had to be Razelan, the son of a founding member of the East Empire Trading Company. The dossier she had read told her that he had never worked a day in his life, was spoiled rotten and almost always drunk. He was one of the 'possible distractions' Jerien was contemplating on using.
"Welcome to the Thalmor Embassy. Your invitations please." The female elf said as they approached. Jerien handed her the counterfeit letter and held her breath. The High Elf scanned it without smiling and said, "Thank you my lady, go right in." Jerien's heart skipped a beat as she started up the steps. 'It worked! Now for the real test.' She did her best not to run up the rest of the stairs. Two more High Elf guards in gleaming gold armor stopped her as she reached the entrance and the one on the left rolled a wooden rod up and down her body. He nodded to the guard on the right and they opened the wooden doors to the compound. She did her best to embrace a haughty 'holier than thou' attitude as she lifted her chin up and entered the embassy.
A tall willowy High Elf woman with yellow hair, a pointed nose, and sparkling bright yellow eyes walked up to Jerien as the doors shut behind her with a thud. "Welcome. I don't believe we've met. I am Elenwen, the Thalmor Ambassador to Skyrim, and you are?"
"Jerien La Chance, from Skingrad. It's a pleasure to meet you." She held out her right hand out with her fingers pointed down for the Ambassador to take. It caught the woman off guard but she went along with it and gently took Jeriens hand and quickly gave it a peck. "So you're the ones that are trying to improve this backwards province. You have your work cut out for you." Jerien said in her best snobby voice.
"Well, we're doing what we can with what we have. So, what brings you to Skyrim then, Ms. La Chance?" Elenwen inquired.
"Business." Jerien said as she took in her surroundings with a grimace on her face. "My family is wanting to expand our trading empire to a wider class of clientele. Father suggested Skyrim, but I have no idea why. I haven't found a single reason for us to step more than one foot North of Bruma myself. But I'm a dutiful daughter and not one to turn down an extended paid vacation. And you never know, this realm might surprise me. Please tell me that you have a decent Cyrodiilic brandy?"
Elenwen put on a quick smile and said, "Oh, don't worry, my parties are always well stocked with the finest food and drink available in this country. But first, please, tell me more about yourself. I'm intrigued with what you think this …"
The High Elf was interrupted by Jeriens new friend barging through the doors. "What does a fellow have to do to get a drink around here? I'm dry as dirt!" He practically yelled. "Ah, Elenwen, great party, where's the ale?" He sloppily put his arm around the startled High Elf's waist and began to drag her towards the bar. Jerien followed them, trying her best to stifle a laugh.
She instantly saw Malborn behind the bar, filling silver wine glasses with a chilled liquid. He looked in her direction without any recognition and continued filling the glasses without spilling a drop. She walked up to him and waited until he acknowledged her. "What may I get you, good lady?"
"Something that isn't pond scum would be wonderful." He looked at her with a blank stare. She sighed and said, "Do you have anything imported from Cheydinhal or Skingrad or Leyawiin, or anywhere decent?" He shook his head from side to side, not knowing what to say. She rolled her eyes, "Then whatever you recommend that won't make me gag."
Malborn quickly nodded and poured a dark liquid in a silver goblet. He handed it to her as he bowed his head. "Here you go my lady, the finest Colovian brandy. Is there anything else I can get for you?" Jerien took the cup and waived him off with a flick of her wrist. She hated being so rude to him but she had to keep the persona of a privileged daughter of a merchant.
She put her back to the bar and looked out at the gathering she was about to involve herself in. She saw her spoiled friend Razelan slapping a man with long white hair in Thalmor inquisitor robes on the back as he laughed like a drunken boar hog. She stopped breathing until the High Elf turned towards her. She didn't recognize him and she let loose a sigh of relief. A beautiful grey skinned Dark Elf maid was meandering from guest to guest, offering hors d'oeuvres from a large silver platter she was carrying. She was being hit on by an obnoxious acting blonde Nord dressed in very fine and regal looking clothing. He had an air of nobility to him and Jerien guessed that he was Erikur, a thane of Solitude. Within a few minutes, someone began to chastise him for his lecherous ways, which solidified his identity. He was another of her potential distractions she could use.
The next person she noticed was a very stern looking Nord woman with coal black hair. She wasn't what Jerien would call beautiful but her features were very striking and she would be considered a handsome woman. She looked like she would weigh and measure everything someone said or did. She was speaking to a woman with long salt and pepper braids that was dressed in a very fine dark leather garment. The handsome woman was rolling her eyes at what the other woman was saying and shook her head gently back and forth in a silent disagreement. She said something that Jerien couldn't hear and walked away. The other woman turned and walked towards the bar where Jerien was standing and she saw her clearly. It was Jarl Igrod Ravencrone! 'Shit!' Jerien thought as she turned around. She wasn't on the list of guests, so what is she doing here? The Jarl walked up and leaned against the bar directly beside her.
"May I have another cup of that delicious chilled spiced wine?" She asked Malborn. He handed her a goblet that he had just finished filling and she thanked him as she took it. The Jarl turned towards Jerien and held her cup up as if to toast. The Nord stood there, frozen, for a few seconds until the woman whispered, "Don't worry. The Divines told me that you need to remain in the shadows. But be mindful though, you walk amongst adders." The Jarl winked at her and bounced her cup up and down to emphasize to Jerien to participate in the toast.
Jerien forced a smile to her face as she nodded and picked up her goblet. They clinked glasses and took a sip. She had to force the liquid down her throat. She didn't know if this woman was crazy or really did talk to the Divines but Jerien prayed to all of them that the Jarl wouldn't blow her cover. If she did, this would be a short mission. Fortunately the rest of the guests arrived without any new surprises (other than realizing that she had met Jarl Elisif, High King Toryyg's widow, before. She was the beautiful Nord woman she had spoken to when she was on her way up the seven thousand steps, the one who warned her about the frost troll. She wanted to thank her for her advice, but decided that now as not the time) and they retired to the dining room for dinner.
Jerien was somehow lucky enough to be seated at the opposite end of the long banquet table from the Jarl and Lady Elisif. She was seated between Erikur and Maven Blackbriar, the stern woman with back hair. Razelan was opposite from her sitting between the Thalmor Inquisitor and a woman who was introduced as Vitoria Vicci, a wealthy merchant working for the East Empire Trading Company and cousin of the Emperor, Titus Meade the Second. Jerien thought the woman thought a little too much about herself for just being the Emperors' cousin.
She remembered meeting Titus Meade the Second several years ago when Mother took her to the Imperial City to do some trading. He seemed like a very kind man and treated all of his subjects in a caring way. He listened to everyone's opinion, no matter if they were a dock worker, shop owner or a visiting merchant. His cousin, on the other hand, could use a lesson or two in compassion. She treated the Dunmer server as though the girl hadn't bathed in a year and would actually scowl if she didn't fill her goblet quickly enough. Jerien frowned at the woman's attitude until she remembered that she was supposed to be acting like that also. She resumed her previous entitled attitude as she listened to Erikur start a tirade.
"The great war is long past. It's time the Empire and the Aldmeri Dominion put aside their differences. There is no real benefit to anyone if this silly civil war is allowed to go on any further." He said as he lifted his goblet up for Malborn to refill it. "I mean, that man has to understand that he is doing more harm than good by dragging this whole situation out."
"Well, that depends on how you look at it." Jerien said. "A war in Skyrim will create a shortage of goods and chattel, which creates a need. If you just happen to have what the warring sides require, that creates profit, especially if you happen to anticipate and raise your prices in turn."
"True, true, but how is one to anticipate what will be in demand?" Vitoria asked.
Jerien smiled and said in her best 'I know something you don't know' voice, "Father has an uncanny knack for knowing what to invest in. He also has ledgers and notes on every war or conflict for the past two hundred years and can tell you exactly what was in demand and what wasn't for every skirmish."
The conversations during the dinner went on like this for the remainder of the meal. It bored Jerien almost to tears to talk about trade and figures and the law of supply and demand with these privileged jackwagons. This had been her life for many years and she hated every minute of it, but did it to please Mother. At least now she was putting herself through this grueling event for something greater. It didn't make it easier to deal with though.
It took forever, but finally the evening was coming to a close. They had adjourned back to the sitting room and were finishing their after dinner brandy's. Now was the time for the distraction. Jerien had thought about it all through dinner and had come up with an idea. She sought out and found Razelan sitting looking forlorn on a bench by himself. She nodded slightly to Malborn as she walked over to put her plan in action.
"You look neglected my friend, is there anything I can do to raise your spirits?" Jerien asked as she sat next to him.
"They, those lllick spittle's, have cut me off! Me! The one who supplies them with all their lux(hic)uries and deliciousnessess'… Who, who do they think they are?" Jerien put a look of astonishment on her face and shook her head. "See, you agree! H-h-h-how would they, I mean, how would they even be able to, you know, even have a fancy-schmancy party like this without, without, my, me, my family?" Razelan then crossed his arms and nodded his head earnestly.
"You're absolutely right. Where would they be without your ability to get them what they need?" Jerien handed him her barely touched Colovian brandy she had accepted hours ago and adjusted her ring of speechcraft. "Here my friend. You should be the one to enjoy this imported delicacy! You, whose family made all this possible."
"Ahh, the one generousss ssssoul amongst a gathering of pinch pennies and brown noses. You.." Razelan clicked his tongue as he pointed at her, "You are, are definitely a keeper."
"And you should definitely be getting more respect than this. I mean, they didn't even send an escort or a cart for you, a person of honor. And, I really hate to tell you this, but…" Jerien leaned over and whispered, "Elenwen told me that she didn't even want you here, but did so out of duty. She originally put the invitation in your fathers' name and when he was unavailable, tried all four of your brothers before she felt obligated to invite you. She has purposely been avoiding you all night, it's truly despicable if you ask me." She leaned back and saw that her words began to light a fire behind Razelan's eyes. She knew that he had a temper when he was intoxicated, which was always, and throughout dinner Jerien had noticed that he had been drinking excessively. She looked over to where the Ambassador was chatting with Maven Blackbriar. They both began to laugh and Elenwen just happened to look towards Jerien and her inebriated friend. "Look at her, laughing at you. This is just going to continue happening over and over until someone puts a stop to it…" She trailed off as Razelan stood up suddenly.
"That filthy High Elf! Thinks she's better than me?" He mumbled. He pushed his way through the crowd as he made a bee line towards Elenwen. "Who do you think you are?!" He yelled as he reached her. "I deserve some respect!" Several guards unsheathed their weapons as he poked the Ambassador in the chest. The look of complete shock on the Altmers face lasted for only a second before it turned into angry annoyance. "You think I'm gonna lick your boots like everyone else? You gotta 'nother thing coming!"
The high elf that was guarding the door rushed past Jerien as he went to the Ambassadors aid. She took a quick scan of the room and noticed that everyone's eyes were on the commotion. She swiftly backed over to the bar where Malborn was waiting. He already had a door cracked open and she disappeared behind it unobserved.