Chapter 49

Jane's last day of freedom passed by in a blur. She spent most of the day discussing the mechanics of sneaking and other various techniques with everybody. Eventually, her head was filled with too much information and she had to take a break. She escaped back to her bedroom and took a small nap until Lynne came looking for her.

"What is it?" Jane asked, and she eyed the small bundle in her hands.

Lynne sat down on the edge of the bed and opened the bundle.

"I know you're going to do great," she started softly. "I just thought that any little bit of help would be good."

Lynne handed Jane a set of worn boots. She immediately recognized them as belonging to the Dark Brotherhood armor.

"They're from my old set of armor. I don't have all the pieces but these boots have a powerful enchantment. Nobody will hear your footsteps."

"Wow," Jane replied with a small grin. "Thanks, Lynne."

"I also have the gloves and cowl. The headpiece will fortify your archery and the gloves will prove useful if you use this..."

Lynne handed her a small dagger. It was an impeccably crafted Ebony dagger and Jane's eyes widened as the Nord handed it to her.

"You realize you might have to kill, right?"

Lynne looked at Jane with a weighted expression, and she nodded.

"Yes... that crossed my mind."

"Try to be as discreet as possible. I know you can succeed."

Jane was impressed by all Lynne had to offer her. Between the partial Dark Brotherhood armor, the dagger, and her own abilities in conjuration, she was feeling quite confident. Jane was well aware that she might have to kill some Thalmor agents but she was going to try and keep that option a last resort. By now she had killed a couple of bandits but it hadn't been an easy thing to do and Jane wasn't sure it would get any easier.

Lynne chatted a while longer with Jane and then took her leave. When Bo appeared sometime later he found Jane standing with her back to him and she stared down at all of the supplies on the table.

Bo wrapped his arms around her waist and hugged her from behind. Jane smiled and patted his arm and then she turned to look up at him.

"Is this what you'll be giving to Malborn?"

"Yeah," Jane replied softly, and she turned back to the table. "I tried to keep it light. Luckily, I don't need a bow or any arrows. It's just my armor, some potions, and a dagger."

"Nice dagger," Bo commented, and he ran his finger along the smooth black hilt.

"Lynne gave most of these things to me."

"How nice of her."

Jane swiveled around in Bo's arms and tugged on the collar of his tunic. Bo happily complied and he smiled as Jane pressed her lips against his. She ran her fingers through his soft hair while they embraced and one hand trailed down to cup his cheek. Then Jane pulled back and she stroked one of his white tusks for a moment.

"I came to bring you downstairs for dinner," Bo growled. "But part of me has another idea..."

Jane squealed in surprise as the Orc suddenly hoisted her up into his arms. He swiftly walked over to the bed and laid her down. Within seconds she had her breeches off and Jane sucked in a deep breath as Bo began kissing down her thighs.

"I-Isn't everyone waiting for us?" Jane gasped.

"Yeah. They can wait."

An excited shiver ran up Jane's spine and she reveled in Bo's enthusiastic response. He made quick work of Jane as he hungrily gripped her thighs and pressed his face between her plump lips.

"Bo," Jane gasped breathlessly, and her whole body trembled as Bo pleasured her. "Y-You're so fucking good at this..."

Around ten minutes later the couple wandered downstairs into the dining hall. Jane's cheeks were still flushed and she hastily patted her tousled hair down with slightly shaking hands as she took a seat beside Lynne. The Nord raised one eyebrow at the pair as she noticed Jane's content expression and Bo sat beside her with a stupid grin on his face. She chuckled softly and shook her head as she realized what had taken them so long.

The group enjoyed another meal together. Nobody said anything but they didn't need to. Tomorrow Jane would go to the Thalmor Embassy and everyone was silently worried about it, Jane most of all. She remained strong and confident for Bo but inside she was a nervous wreck. She just hoped she hadn't grossly overestimated her abilities.

All too soon it was time to bed. Everyone hovered in the dining hall as they finished up the last of their drinks. Finally, Jane and Bo retired to their room so Jane could try and get a good night's sleep.

Lynne watched them go. She had confidence in Jane but she also knew what the Thalmor were like and so she was terribly worried for her safety. Beside her, Naz was feeling the same way. After a while, the other couples retired to their rooms. Lynne laid in bed with Naz's arms wrapped around her and they were both quietly consumed with their thoughts.

"Naz."

"Yeah?" Naz grumbled quietly.

"What... what if Jane gets caught?"

"Don't think about that," Naz responded quickly. "She won't get caught."

"But... what if she does, Naz? Surely you know the rumors..."

"I know. If she doesn't come back by nightfall, we'll storm the Embassy and take her back by force."

Lynne shuddered at even the thought and Naz's arms tightened around her. Nobody slept well that night and morning came all too soon.

Jane walked hand in hand with Bo down to the Solitude Stables. Ahmon had opted to stay back in the Inn with Nara since they had little involvement but Naz and Lynne trailed close behind them. Lynne tried to remain neutral but inside worry gnawed angrily at her stomach and she couldn't help but feel sick. Jane glanced back at them while they walked and she shot them a smile but it did not reach her eyes. She firmly clenched Bo's hand and he squeezed it back, feeling a lump rise in his throat the closer they got to the stables.

Delphine was waiting for them when the group arrived. She eyed Bo with a curious expression. A small bundle was tucked under one arm and a pack was slung over his shoulder but none of it was for him.

"Good to see you all again," Delphine greeted firmly.

There was a mumble of responses and Delphine turned to Bo with a small smile.

"Everything went smoothly with Malborn. I have secured an invitation."

"Well, I'm afraid you're going to have to explain it all to Jane."

"What?"

"Didn't Malborn tell you?" Jane sighed. "I'm going to the Embassy, not Bo."

"No, he did not tell me," Delphine growled. "Why would you be going?"

"Because that's what we decide."

The two women stared at each other for a long moment. Delphine was frowning and it looked like she wanted to argue but finally decided not to.

"Fine. I don't care who goes as long as they're successful. Do you have your items?"

Bo shrugged the pack from his shoulders and handed it to Delphine. They stood near a small carriage that would take Jane up to the Embassy.

"I'll be riding up there as well," Bo explained to the Breton. "I will wait on the road near the Embassy for Jane to come back."

"Alright, that's fine. Just stay out of sight."

Bo scowled but he didn't say anything. He didn't like being treated like he was a child. Lynne took the bundle from his hands and unwrapped it, revealing a beautiful and luxurious burgundy dress with a matching velvet coat and shoes. They were given to Jane by Nara who knew what sorts of clothes the people at the Embassy would be wearing.

"Those will be fine. Change quickly, I don't want to be late."

Jane wandered behind a secluded cluster of bushes and Lynne helped her into the dress. When she was finished they returned to the Orcs and Delphine. Bo couldn't help but smile at Jane as she beamed up at him.

"It's too revealing," Bo whined quietly.

"I know but I won't be wearing it for very long," Jane joked.

Bo growled softly and kissed Jane's cheek.

"I'll be waiting for you."

"I'll be there, eventually."

Jane tried to ignore the butterflies in her stomach and she focused on saying goodbye to Lynne and Naz. When she was ready, Jane climbed up onto the carriage and sat down. She quietly went over her fake story. She was a Merchant's daughter and knew next to nothing about her family's business because she just didn't care. It was easier to remain vague and Jane really hoped people would mostly leave her alone.

The driver snapped the reins against his horse's rump and the carriage rumbled as it began to move. Jane gripped the wooden side with both hands to prevent herself from tumbling over as it began to ascend the hill towards the main road. Bo stood beside Naz and he watched Jane leave. A pit formed in his stomach and he felt completely overwhelmed. When the carriage disappeared around a bend, he let out a deep breath and bowed his head.

"It's okay, Bo," Lynne murmured softly, and she rubbed his arm. "You did the right thing. We must have faith in our Jane."

"I know. I just don't want her to get hurt."

"Come on," Naz grunted. "Let's get your horse ready so you can leave."

Naz lightly clapped Bo on the shoulder and forced the Orc to move his feet. Bo shuffled forward towards the stables but he could barely focus. All he thought about was if he had made the right choice letting Jane go.

Please... If any Gods are listening... please protect Jane.

The Thalmor Embassy was just as Jane had seen in the game. She gawked up at the snow-covered building tucked behind a massive gated fence and admitted quietly to herself that it looked quite intimidating. She shivered as her breath came out in little white puffs and pulled her cloak closer around her body. Jane was glad she had it, for she forgot that the Embassy was located in a snowy region and she hated the cold.

The carriage rolled to a stop just outside the metal gates and Jane quickly got down as gracefully as she could muster. She clutched the envelope containing her invitation and began walking towards the Altmer that stood near the entrance. He wore a brilliantly bright set of Elvish armor. Jane's pulse raced but he greeted her kindly enough and asked to see the invitation. She smiled slightly when it was handed back to her and the Agent directed her up the steps towards the main building entrance.

Jane heard a loud voice and she turned around to see what appeared to be a drunken Redguard as he made his way towards her. She knew he was somebody she could rely on to cause a distraction and so she smiled warmly at the man and together they ascended the stairs and entered through the front door.

"Parties," the man mumbled. "Boring parties."

"My name is Valencia Cornelius."

"Razelan."

Jane held the door open for Razelan and quickly ushered him inside. It was exactly as Jane remembered. Grey stone walls surrounded her and a small hallway led into a wide-open room where several people mingled around chatting and drinking. To her right, Malborn stood behind a wooden counter serving drinks and he briefly glanced at her before looking away.

For such a high-end party this sure is an underwhelmingly dull room, Jane mused quietly to herself.

Jane quietly stood near a potted plant and eyed some of the guests curiously but said nothing. A young Nord bard played a light tune on the flute. Jane spotted the Elf she assumed was Elenwen surrounded by a few other guests. She was dressed in the typical black robes of the Thalmor and her long gold hair had been pulled back slicked back and away from her face. The Altmer gazed around the room with a bored expression on her face and she paused when her eyes landed on Jane. Elenwen began to stride over to Jane and she sucked in a deep breath and plastered a smile on her face.

"I don't believe we met," Elenwen started, and she stuck her gloved hand out. "I'm Elenwen, the Thalmor Ambassador to Skyrim."

"Valencia Cornelius," Jane replied warmly, and they shook hands.

"You're from a family of Merchants, correct?"

"Yes," Jane smiled. "I'm afraid I don't know very much about the family business. It never interested me when I was growing up."

"What made you change your mind?"

"Well," Jane laughed softly, and she tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. "My mother thinks that it's about time I start being involved. She doesn't like to say it but you know... they're only getting older."

"Yes," Elenwen replied with a small nod, her expression thoughtful. "You do have to start thinking about these things, unfortunately..."

"Lady Elenwen," Malborn called from behind the counter.

Jane let out a small sigh as the Altmer turned towards Malborn and her attention was diverted.

"Your glass is empty," Malborn joked, and he handed Elenwen a glass of red wine.

"Oh, thank you," Elenwen responded lightly.

She took a sip of her wine and glanced back at Jane for a second before she turned to leave.

"Please, do have a drink and enjoy yourself. We'll have to catch up later."

"Will do, thank you."

Jane wandered over to the counter and she lightly rested her hands on the wooden surface and smiled at Malborn.

"What would you recommend?"

"Here's the deal," Malborn replied quietly, and he held up a bottle of wine for Jane to inspect. "You create a diversion. Anything to direct the crowd's attention elsewhere. As soon as you've done that, I'll sneak you in the back door. Got it?"

"Yes, I quite like this one, actually," Jane responded with a nod. "I'll have a glass of that, please. Also, whatever Razelan is drinking as well."

Jane was handed two glasses of wine and she turned around, looking for the intoxicated Redguard. She found him sitting on a nearby bench looking mighty bored.

"I thought you might need a refill," Jane greeted.

Razelan glanced up at Jane with bloodshot eyes but he broke into a smile when he spotted the second glass of wine.

"Ah, excellent, thank you."

Jane ignored the Thalmor agent that stood nearby with its back straight against the stone wall. He gave her one glance and then moved away. Jane chatted lightly with Razelan for a few more minutes, mostly to entertain him. Finally, he said exactly what she was waiting to hear.

"Please, if there's anything you need," Razelan told her with slurred speech. "Call upon me."

"Well..." Jane gave him a cheeky grin. "There was... one thing..."

"What is it?"

"I um..." Jane talked quickly, her voice low.

She gazed out at the room and kept her posture on the bench relaxed. Inside her heart was racing.

"I need you to cause a scene for me. Just for a few minutes... big enough to divert everybody's attention."

Razelan grinned and knocked back his wine in one gulp.

"Well, you've asked the right guy," he mumbled. "You could say that causing a scene is somewhat of a specialty of mine."

Jane smiled, feeling proud that her manipulation skills had been successful. She quickly finished her own glass of wine and took Razelan's discarded glass back over to the counter. While she was thinking about what she wanted to drink Razelan wandered over to the far side of the room and began talking in a loud, slurred tone.

"Attention everyone! If I could have your attention, please... I have an announcement to make."

Jane listened for half a second, her eyes glued on Malborn. The Bosmer nodded once and in a moment, she swiftly walked around to the other side of the bar. She went completely unnoticed. Razelan was doing a terrific job of diverting everybody's attention including the Altmer guards and even Elenwen herself.

"This way," Malborn hissed quietly.

The pair walked towards a wooden door with black metal hinges. Malborn opened the door and Jane sucked in a deep and stepped through the threshold without hesitation. Her pulse raced but she knew there was no going back.