Chapter 63

The Embassy

Three short days of peacefulness passed. The Companions left for Whiterun and Rona and Bishop spent their time indulging in one another, trying to forget the horrors gone by. Serlas was good company as well. They had supper with him at the tavern every evening while Rona shared her voice with the townsfolk, singing and playing her lute to her heart's content.

When the day of the reception finally came the three of them were having breakfast together and Delphine came in with a very nervous looking bosmer at her heels. She looked around. The inn was mostly vacant except for an argonian in the corner munching on a pastry while Corpulus and his son were busy baking bread and prepping for the day and his young daughter Minette sat in a corner entertaining Karnwyr and fed him bits of her own breakfast pastry to Bishop's chagrin.

He grumbled, "She's gonna give him a stomach ache..."

Rona rolled her eyes as she took a bite of her omelette and Delphine came over to them and sat down, motioning for the bosmer to join them. His eyes darted all over and he warily eyed the argonian in the corner for a minute before Delphine finally yanked on his arm, making him sit.

He looked over all of them and then his eyes rest on Rona and he said incredulously, "You?You're the Dragonborn?"

She cocked an eyebrow and said, "Yup. Want me to shout you across the room to prove it?"

He leaned back, "N-No! No... Okay," he glanced at Delphine and said in a hushed voice, "I hope you know what you're doing."

"Trust me," Delphine said, "We're good, we've already got an in since Serlas and Rona here were actually invited to this party and know the Thalmor personally."

This did not assuage his fears in the slightest as he frowned a little at Rona and his frown only deepened at the sight of Serlas, a full blooded altmer sitting there. Serlas just gave him a friendly smile in return and turned his attention to Bishop. "I managed to secure permission for Bishop to come with us as the Dragonborn's personal security as well," Serlas said,"They didn't have any room to argue, though they certainly tried."

Delphine smirked and said, "Perfect. The more people we have inside the better. So here's the plan..."

Delphine pulled out a map of the grounds and went over everything with them, telling them where they were likely to find the documents they needed to steal and made suggestions on how to get to them.

"Once you're all inside, that's when the fun starts," Delphine said, "Bishop, you're going to be our sneak thief."

He leaned back and laced his fingers together, cracking his knuckles, "I'm a bit rusty but I'll see what I can do."

"You'll have to slip away from the party without raising the alarm. You'll need a distraction."

"A distraction?" Serlas said, "I may be able to provide that."

Bishop chuckled, "Yeah, just set some fireworks off up Elenwen's skirt. That'll be distraction enough."

Rona laughed, "I was thinking of shouting her into a block of ice myself. Make for a nice decoration for the party at least."

Delphine chuckled and said, "Well, all joking aside, take care of yourselves in there. I'd rather not see any of you hurt. Don't take any unnecessary risks," she looked at Bishop and spoke seriously again, "Once you've managed to sneak away, Malborn here will take you to where he's hiding your equipment. He'll smuggle in anything you think you'll need. Try to keep it light on him though, he can only get a few things in without raising suspicion."

Bishop picked up a small wrapped parcel off the floor and passed it over to the bosmer saying, "Already got everything we need in there."

Malborn took it and said, "Really? That's it?"

"Just a pair of daggers, a few lock picks and some potions of healing and invisibility," Bishop shrugged.

"Not bringing your swords?" Delphine asked Rona.

"We figured I'd be too busy listening to Elenwen drone on about joining the Imperials to do much of anything else," Rona said, "Besides I have my magic and my shouts if I need them and one of the daggers is for me."

"If you're sure," Delphine, however, sounded very unsure but moved along, "Alright. Better get changed you three. We don't want you to be late."

The three of them stood and went up the stairs to the rented room. Bishop and Rona sat at the edge of the bed while Serlas went first, going behind the changing divider and coming back around after a few minutes wearing his finest, dark wine colored robes with swirling gold trim on the sleeves and the bottom hem.

"Very sophisticated, Ata," Rona said with a grin.

"Very purple," Bishop said cocking an eyebrow.

Serlas chuckled, "They call it redguard red. I bought this in Hammerfell years ago. My finest set of robes, only to be worn on special occasions where I will be attending parties and infiltrating enemy holds, just my usual hobbies."

They laughed and Rona pushed Bishop forward and said, "You next!"

He sighed not looking forward to wearing frumpy noble attire for a second time in his life. Serlas went over to a dresser pulling out a stash of clothes and handed them to him, "I know how much you hate the tighter fitting clothes so I made sure to keep it simple for you. You'll wear the leather vest underneath it all. The Thalmor will still search you, but since you're considered Rona's security detail, if you're wearing just the armor you'll be fine."

Bishop took the pile of clothes and went around the divider and they listened to his irritated grumbling as he got dressed. Finally, he came around wearing a plain white, blooming shirt which he'd tucked into his tight fitted, belted black trousers. The leather armor underneath was hardly noticeable at all through the loose shirt. He was barefoot though and he wiggled his toes and said, "Hope they're not expecting us attend barefoot."

Serlas picked up a nice pair of black leather boots from the side of the bed and handed them to him. "You'll like these," he said, "Enchanted them myself. They'll muffle your footsteps and easily enhance your stealth."

Bishop sat on the bed and tugged them on and gave a pleased grin as he tapped the floor with a foot, "These are pretty nice. Might trade them out for my old worn ones instead. Gonna have to break them in though, they're a little tight around the toes."

Serlas waved a hand, casting a spell over the boots and asked, "How's that?"

Bishop smirked, "Much better. What would we do without you Serlas?"

"Suffer with pinched toes it seems," he chuckled and then said to Rona, "And now you dear."

Rona hopped off the bed and pulled out the evening gown Bishop had rescued from their torn up home. She went around the divider and undressed from her old red, Brigida day dress, which the castle maids had kindly cleaned and pressed while she was still in the hospital wing. She threw it up over the divider and pulled on the pretty gown and looked herself over in the full length mirror standing off to the side. She ran glowing fingers through the dress, smoothing out all the creases and wrinkles and then took a minute to curl her hair and tied it up into a cute updo with long curling bangs to frame her face. Then she went about applying some makeup to her lips and eyes.

She didn't think she was taking that long until Bishop sighed loudly, "Ladyship, come on. It's not the Grand Crystal Ball all over again. You don't have to get that fancy."

She threw a hand up over the divider and waved, "Give me a minute!"

When she finished with her makeup she slipped on a pair of sexy black, high heeled dress shoes she'd picked up a few days before at The Jewel. She took one quick twirl, looking herself over in the mirror and smirked. She came around the divider and of course Bishop's grumpy expression changed immediately to one of desire.

Serlas stood from the bed and said, "Lovely velvyn. You look positively elvish my dear."

"Thank you Ata," she said smiling at him. Then she glanced at Bishop who seemed at a loss for words and she asked, "Ready?"

Bishop grabbed a pillow and awkwardly placed it over his lap, coughed slightly and said, "Um, give me a minute. I'll catch up. Just want to... fix my... shirt."

Rona rolled her eyes though she had a smug little smirk on her lips all the same as she followed her father out and down the stairs. They met with Delphine by the stables and she looked them both over, "Wow, you two clean up nicely. Rona though, you really outdid yourself. You look beautiful."

Rona blushed and said, "Thank you."

"But where's Bishop?"

Serlas said politely, "He'll be catching up in a minute. Having some trouble with his trousers it seems," Rona blushed even harder at her father making note of the obvious, then he added, "We have plenty of time though, the reception isn't until noon and at this rate we'll be at least a half hour early."

It wasn't too long before Bishop came wandering down to the stables, he had Rona's white cloak over his arm and Karnwyr followed at his side. He walked up to Delphine and said, "Mind taking Karnwyr back to Riverwood for me?"

"Sure. I'll look after him until you three get back," Delphine clicked her tongue and Karnwyr loped over to her, looking for any possible food in her hands and then turned and looked up at Bishop.

He firmly said, "Follow her," and pointed at Delphine. Karnwyr cocked his head, but seemed to get the gist of it as they all boarded the carriage and the wolf stayed right by her side.

Delphine stepped over to them and said, "Watch yourselves in there. I'm putting everything in your hands, not least of all Malborn's life. Do whatever you have to do, we need those documents."

"We will not disappoint Marjorie my dear," Serlas replied with amusement.

Delphine smirked at the sound of her fake name and waved them off as the carriage strode along the path.

It was a two hour ride up into the chilly mountain tundra to get to the embassy. Rona was grateful that Bishop had thought to bring her cloak because she needed it the minute they hit snow.

Bishop yawned and leaned back in the carriage, throwing his hands up behind his head and rest a leg over the other. He'd taken the lone seat across from both of them.

Serlas looked over at his very casual posture and said, "Perhaps we should go over traditional Aldmeri etiquette while we have the time."

Bishop glanced at him and smirked, "What? You afraid I'm not housebroken and I'll piss on their carpets? Pft. Give me some credit."

Serlas chuckled, "Well I hadn't considered that until now. Since it's the Thalmor I certainly wouldn't put it past you."

Bishop gave a loud laugh and said, "Yeah, that doesn't sound like a bad idea honestly. Alright, so what do I gotta know? I don't have to kiss too many asses now do I?"

"No, no one's rumps will need any kissing, thank the gods. However, as a human - a nord rather - you are one of a race in which they deem very beneath them. You will need to bow and give the subservient greeting in proper Aldmeri to our hostess."

Bishop scowled, pulled his arms down and crossed them over his chest, "Seriously?"

Serlas pressed his lips together and said, "Unfortunately, you heard correctly. It's rather antiquated, but it is expected of those who are considered servants or 'the help' if you will. And since you are neither a thane, a Jarl, or a noble, you will be required to perform this one simple greeting to our hostess, Ambassador Elenwen. After that the wisest thing to do would be to keep your sharp tongue sheathed, as they don't take kindly to insolence."

Bishop twisted his mouth and asked, "Alright, so what's this formal greeting?"

Serlas held a finger up and said concisely in Aldmeri, "A bo'sun va ni bala ae dominius ry ture vas a, ry gen am Auri-El."

Bishop just stared at him and Rona started to giggle under her breath. He muttered, "There's no way. I'm never going to be able to pronounce all that gibberish."

"Well, we have plenty of time to practice, another hour's ride I'd say," Serlas said with a smile.

Bishop furrowed his brows and asked, "What does that even mean?"

Serlas replied, "Ah, a rough translation of it is, 'I bow to your might and dominion as lords over me, as bequeathed by Auri-El'."

Bishop pursed his lips through a harsh scowl and said, "M'nope. No way. No fucking way they're getting me to say that shit. It'll be a cold day in Oblivion before I let those words cross my lips, in Aldmeri or Cyrodillic."

Serlas sighed, stroking his beard thoughtfully, "I understand your feelings about it. Well I suppose we could always insist that you're a mute."

"Yeah," Bishop agreed, "Let's go with that."

"You'll still have to bow," Serlas said raising his brows.

"Just tell them I've got a bad back too."

Rona let out a string of giggles and Bishop smirked at her. Their chatter died down for the rest of the ride, not wanting to go over their real plans in front of the carriage driver, staying as cautious as Delphine would expect them to be.

When they arrived it was snowing in full force and Rona pulled her cloak around herself tighter as she shivered. Serlas and Bishop hopped out of the carriage first and then Bishop kindly helped her down, more than likely using the moment as an excuse to get really close to her. He lifted her out of the carriage by her waist, setting her down very close to him and said, "My poor pathetic Ladyship, always shivering in the lightest of snow."

She immediately nestled under his arm as another shiver overtook her, trying to steal some of the nordic warmth from him and said through chattering teeth, "Y-You call this a l-light s-snow?"

He chuckled and wrapped his arm tighter around her shoulder. Serlas was already a short way ahead of them and was stopped by a very drunk redguard man who started slurring and rambling to him.

Bishop leaned over, pressing his mouth very close to her cold ear and whispered, "I didn't get a chance to mention it before, but you look incredible Ladyship. Very, very sexy. I'm looking forward to tearing that dress off you tonight." Her face burned red at his words and he chuckled lightly before he nibbled at the tip of her ear and mumbled, "Your ears are blushing here too."

She nudged him in the ribs just as Serlas turned around and called, "Come along you two! Let us take leave of this bitter snowstorm!"

They trudged through the snow together, Bishop still had his arm around her shoulder and the Thalmor guards at the entrance gave them the dirtiest of looks. Rona wasn't sure if it was because she was a half-breed, or because she was allowing Bishop, a nord, to embrace her like that, or maybe a combination of both.

But they were immediately stopped by the guards regardless, "I must see your invitations."

Rona frowned, "My ata has them - Ata!" She called to Serlas who was already at the top of the stairs.

"I cannot let you through until I see your invitations," the Thalmor repeated snidely.

Bishop threw a hand out, "She's the goddamn Dragonborn, what more of an invitation do you need?"

The Thalmor guard sneered at him, "Hold your tongue you filthy snow-back. How dare you speak to me."

"What the fuck did you just call me?" Bishop snarled, getting heated.

Rona immediately put a hand to his chest as he started curling his fists. "Not here," she said firmly, locking eyes with him.

Serlas came back down and scoffed, "Honestly! I already presented invitations for them! Now may we pass?"

The Thalmor guard looked back at Serlas, his face etched with disdain, "If he is working as her security he must be searched. That is the protocol."

Serlas sighed and stepped down to them, giving Bishop a stern look of warning.

The Thalmor guard stepped in front of Bishop and demanded, "Hold your arms out."

Bishop's eye twitched slightly but he complied, raising his arms and the second guard came over as they thoroughly searched him. The first one unbuttoned his shirt and muttered, "Leather armor, hm? Any weapons on you?"

"Just my fists," he growled.

The Thalmor maintained a haughty look, narrowing his eyes at Bishop before he finally said, "He's clean. The girl next."

"Excuse me!?" Bishop snarled.

"BY THE GODS!" Serlas exclaimed, "Velvynen needn't be searched! She is the Dragonborn for Auri-El's sake! Formally invited here by Ambassador Elenwen herself! Do you always treat your guests with such hostility!?"

Rona tugged her cloak around herself a little tighter, not liking the idea being groped by these two elves, one of whom was giving her a lecherous stare.

The first one merely smirked at Serlas and said, "We have clear instructions from the Ambassador to search the Dragonborn for possible weapons. I assure you, I am only following orders."

Serlas and Bishop both shared the most livid expressions she'd ever seen. But she relented and held her arms up and said, "Alright, just, make it quick please. It's freezing out here."

The two Thalmor guards looked all too smug as they went over and ran their hands up and down her body through the fabric of her clothes, checking much too close to certain parts of her for these supposed weapons she might be hiding. She had no doubt in her mind Elenwen had ordered this and told them to do it this way. Another show of power by the bitch herself.

The first guard leaned his face rather close to hers as he ran a hand over the side of her breast and said with a haughty tone and a lewd smirk, "She's clean."

She immediately stepped away from them and yanked her cloak around herself. She felt a shiver crawl up her spine as they carried on up the stairs to the embassy and it was not from the cold.

Bishop looked over at her with a mingled look of anger and concern as he uttered, "Ladyship…"

"Don't worry about it," she said quickly, "Let's just get inside."

Serlas went ahead but Bishop grabbed Rona's hand and pulled her over to him, "Hey, how do you say, 'go fuck yourself' in Aldmeri?"

Rona raised a brow and told him, "Tarn quelna nitani."

Bishop attempted to repeat it, "Tarn kelna neetahni. That right?"

"You got it," she said.

A rascally grin played at his lips. The two of them entered into the embassy and looked around. It wasn't a very large place to hold a party, though there weren't a lot of people either. The walls were decorated with golden banners displaying the Aldmeri Dominion's crest of a silver eagle. There were a few tables set out with hors d'oeuvres and other hot food that gave off a gentle steam. Several guests milled about and a small group of bards stood by performing some very boring music.

(Recommended background music Dame Ne Regardez Pas by Erutan)

Rona really hated the Thalmor and the Dominion, but she absolutely loved traditional Aldmeri cuisine and was itching to go get a plate for herself. There was a bar nearby where Malborn was working quickly to mix drinks for those who stopped to ask for them. He glanced at them and tried really hard to pretend he didn't know them as Bishop walked up to the counter and said, "Get me a Black Briar's will yah?"

"Coming right up sir!" He said nervously.

Malborn moved quickly, too quickly, as he tripped over himself rushing to get the beverage. He returned and stiffly handed it to him, looking flustered, "H-here you are sir!"

Bishop looked at him with half-lidded eyes and said, "You really need to relax."

They spotted Elenwen across the hall deep in conversation with Maven Black-Briar. Rona was not surprised in the slightest. If they weren't so obviously different races she would have guessed that they were sisters. She gave a low groan and Bishop started tipping back his drink and said, "What?"

Rona whispered to him, motioning to Maven, "Remember her?"

Bishop stared hard at the haughty nord noble-woman before he slowly said, "Oooh yeah. The bitch from Riften."

Serlas let out a grumble of his own then and said, "Sheath your sharp tongue Bishop."

He clammed up, pursing his lips. Finally, Elenwen noticed them, her eyes immediately scanned over Rona, almost hungrily so, and she said with a smile, "Ah, the talk of the crowd has finally arrived."

Maven looked over too and said unimpressed, "Oh, the Dragonborn girl."

"If you'll excuse me Maven," Elenwen stepped over, taking a few long strides across the hall, to them. She was a very tall woman, just as Rona remembered her, nearly as tall as Serlas in fact. She had long, straight blonde hair and high cheekbones that accentuated the arrogant look on her snobbish face. She wore Justiciar robes instead of a dress too, always working even when she was supposed to be hosting a formal reception. Her slanted golden eyes looked right down at Rona, sizing her up when she finally said condescendingly, "My, don't you look lovely Miss Thoraminh. If only you were a bit taller, you might actually be able to pass for a real elf."

Rona just cocked her head at the woman, half-lidded eyes and made a face that screamed, really, you fucking cunt? Really?

Elenwen curled her thin lips into a nasty smirk and said, "Ah, but where are my manners."

Where indeed? Rona thought.

The woman gave a formal Aldmeri greeting, taking Rona's hand and bowing slightly, "Ali ae alis. Maye Auri-El haimile ura argon."

Rona did the same, rolling her eyes at the idiotic formalities the Thalmor insisted on, "(Honor and glory. May Auri-El bless our meeting.)"

Serlas followed suit, looking just as irritated with the whole debacle as well or perhaps he was just disgusted with Elenwen's utter audacity to start flinging insults the minute they met.

Bishop was sipping at his bottle of mead and looked like he was debating on how difficult it would be to kill the woman and get away with it. Elenwen glanced over at him and her lip curled at his very casual demeanor.

"(This is your security detail then?)" She said in Aldmeri with a sneer, "(He knows the formalities I take it?)"

Serlas replied back, firmly in Cyrodillic, because it absolutely infuriated him when people purposefully spoke in a language others could not understand, especially if it was about them. "He is aware of the formalities, Ambassador, though he has difficulty speaking the mother tongue. We would appreciate it if you could make an exception just this once."

Elenwen smirked at Serlas and said, "No, I cannot do that. As a servant he must know his place. Go on then, buroth. Let us hear your greeting."

Bishop looked her over and shrugged. He moved the hand holding his mead to his back and his other hand to his stomach and gave a low bow and said, "Tarn quelna nitani."

Rona snorted very loudly and uselessly covered her mouth while Serlas just groaned loudly and slapped a hand to his face.

Elenwen's mouth twitched and her thin brows slanted sharply over her eyes, "Amusing, buroth," she took her long fingers and grasped his chin, raising his head up to look at hers and spoke sharply, "I will let your impertinence slide this once. Do it again and I'll cut that dagger of a tongue of yours off. You are in my embassy, boy, and you will show your respect here."

He just glared at her but said no more. She remove her hand and said to the other two with a fake politeness in Aldmeri, "(Please enjoy yourselves, mingle, have some food and refreshments. I would speak with you both later about some very important matters)," then she looked at Rona and said, "(Keep your dog's leash nice and tight Miss Thoraminh. If I so much as catch him speaking when not spoken to I will not hesitate to discipline his behavior.)"

Rona pressed her lips together and met Elenwen's gaze, putting every bit of hatred she had for the woman into her glare and said with a fake smile, "(Of course, Ambassador.)"

Elenwen turned on toe and swept away from them, disappearing through a door to the right leading outside into what appeared to be a snowy courtyard.

Serlas looked right over at Bishop and scowled at him. Bishop flashed him an impish grin and took a sip of his mead. "Too much?" He said with a laugh.

"It is not wise to play with fire, Bishop," Serlas replied and walked by him heading for the food laid out on the tables.

Bishop frowned at his back, "Have you met your daughter? She's a walking, talking, shouting inferno."

"Gee, thanks," she said.

"I only mean that in the most flattering of ways, darlin'."

She laughed, "That's a new one."

"Hm?"

She held up her fingers, "Let's see, Ladyship, Lightfoot, Princess, Sweetness, and now darlin'? Sometimes I wonder if you remember my name at all."

He smirked at her and leaned over so only she could hear, "You forgot, love."

She blushed a little and moved quicker towards the tables where Serlas was busy putting together one of his own plates. He seemed more agitated than usual. Rona wondered if it was because of the Thalmor or if it was because Bishop really was playing too closely with fire.

Although her father had seemed very down since she woke up in the hospital wing three days ago. Maybe it was the loss of his close friend. He never did tell her all the details of what actually happened while he was at the College. He also never mentioned anything about the Elder Scrolls, so she knew he probably hadn't learned anything new.

Or maybe he was just worried for her. Seeing her trapped in an endless nightmare, screaming and crying. Her father really was getting to be old for an elf. Technically speaking he was in his senior years. He would be considered great-grandfatherly by anyone on the Summerset Isles. He was probably exhausted by it all, by her and her journey. Rona hated herself for putting him through this.

Bishop distracted her from these concerning thoughts when he pointed at all the platters of food and remarked, "Eugh... what is all this?"

She scoffed, "Traditional Aldmeri cuisine. Just try some of it, it's really good."

Rona started loading up a plate with some of her favorites, stuffed squid, potato salad with herring, and slaughterfish with green peppers and clams.

Bishop was eyeing one particularly mushy looking platter of meat when he said, "The hell is that one?"

Rona laughed, "Boiled cow's head."

He gagged slightly and she scowled at him, "Oh quit that. I've seen you eat mammoth nose. How is that any different?"

He shrugged, "Mammoth nose is actually pretty good."

He pointed at another steaming dish and asked, "How 'bout this one, it looks safe enough."

"Oh that's baked apple terrine," she said.

"Guess I'm having dessert for lunch," he grabbed a small plate and scooped the apple pastry onto it. The three of them loitered around, eating their food and watching the guests mingle. The redguard man from earlier was heavily sloshed on ale and trying to get even more from Malborn who was very insistent on cutting him off.

Rona recognized a few of the thanes from Solitude having a quiet conversation in a corner. There was a male Thalmor Justiciar holding his nose high while he scanned the small party, like he was looking for any wrongdoing that he could correct.

An older nord woman approached them with a pleasant grin on her face. "Serlas Felroonyaran Thoraminh," she said smirking up at the old elf, "It's been far too long my friend, what brings you all the way out here among these adders?"

Serlas chuckled and shook hands with her, "Jarl Idgrod, a pleasure to see you as always," he put a hand to Rona's shoulder and said, "I am here for my daughter, Rona, actually."

Rona shook hands with the kind Jarl. The old woman had a firm handshake for someone who looked so frail as she said, "Ah that's right, I heard your daughter was the Dragonborn. Ooh, you're a tough one, aren't you?"

Rona looked surprised at her. Everywhere she went people couldn't believe she was the Dragonborn, most days she couldn't believe it herself to be honest.

"It's very nice to meet you," Rona said with a smile. Then she glanced back at her father and asked, "How are you two acquainted?"

"I had some business with your mother years ago," Idgrod said, "She had a bit of difficulty with the task required of her, however, and I insisted she enlist your father's help. You were quite the spritely little infant back then."

Rona laughed, "So we've met before?"

"Oh yes, of course you wouldn't remember though. You were much too small for that. But my, if you don't resemble your mother. By the Divines, I'd mistake you for her if not for the ears."

Serlas and the Jarl chatted for a bit and Rona noticed Elenwen stalk back into the room, looking quite pleased about something it seemed. Bishop leaned over to Rona and muttered, "Think it's about time we get this plan of ours moving."

He was right. They had to get going, especially since Malborn looked beyond anxious while he waited for them. They kept their voices low.

"Ask for the toilet," she told him, "Pretend to be sick and I'll start the distraction myself."

"Got something in mind?" He asked.

"I'll just do what I'm best at," she grinned.

He looked at her with half-lidded eyes, "You're going to sing aren't you?"

She laughed and nodded then she shushed him as Elenwen strolled back over to them all and asked, "(Enjoying yourselves?)"

"(Oh yes, very much)," Rona said feigning politeness, "(but my companion doesn't seem to be feeling very well.)"

She forgot Bishop couldn't understand a word as he didn't bother to fake being sick like she'd told him to. She kicked him slightly, giving him the go ahead and he groaned suddenly, holding his stomach, "Oooohhh, my stomach. Ugh, what was in that apple dessert Ladyship? Ooooh, it hurts."

Elenwen shot him a scathing look and said, "It's apples and cinnamon."

"Must have been the squid," Rona said quickly, "He doesn't do well with seafood, more of a red meat kind of man. Do you have a toilet he can use?"

Elenwen pointed over to the entry hall and said, "Do not get sick on my carpets, buroth."

"Ah yeah, thanks," Bishop ran around the corner and locked himself in the lavatory. Rona did everything in her power to stifle the building laughter in her chest at Bishop's ridiculous performance and her father's and Jarl Idgrod's baffled expressions. Then she quickly said, "Ambassador, I was wondering if you'd allow me to perform Auri-El's Prayer."

Elenwen raised her brows at her, "I suppose. I have heard tales of your voice, though if I remember right the last time you performed it was rather squeaky and off-key." She shot her a smug grin.

Rona's mouth twitched and her hands curled into fists. Last time she ever sang around the woman was when she gave a quiet performance for Emperor Titus during their visit to Alinor when she was just nine years old. Of course her voice hadn't been trained up that well and Elenwen just happened to walk by and overheard her singing. She said something just as rude back then too.

Rona smiled and said, "I'll give it my best, if you'll allow me."

Elenwen waved a hand, "Alright. Go on then. I was getting bored of this dull tavern music anyhow."

Rona went over to the band and asked if she could borrow one of the player's lutes. They obliged and she stood in front of them all and started playing, drawing everyone's attention to her as she sang a song of prayer in Aldmeri while the other performers backed her up on their instruments as well.

(The Song is Song of the Goddess by Erutan)

Bishop waited in the spotless toilet room for the sound of Rona's voice before he dared to step out. He was looking in a mirror and picking apple out of his teeth with his tongue. It wasn't too long before he heard her lovely song ringing throughout the embassy. He smirked. It was in Aldmeri, of course it was. He rolled his eyes. Though he kind of liked it when she spoke the language. The Thalmor always made it sound like such an obnoxious and snotty language, but when she spoke it, it came across her lips so softly and beautifully. It was a very romantic language he thought.

He thought of a game they could play with her saying dirty things to him in Aldmeri, then shook his head at his growing erection and nearly punched it down. He had to get moving, not sit around thinking about his sexy woman all dressed up in that gorgeous gown that hugged all of her curves and those heels bringing her up a few inches taller and accentuating her ass and thighs.

"Focus Bish!" He snarled at himself in the mirror. He took a breath, pushing aside his kinky thoughts for another time. He opened the door and peered around. Malborn looked over at him and motioned with his eyes for Bishop to hurry over.

He did so, creeping around the hall and saw Rona performing her song, capturing everyone's attention as she always did. He almost regretted leaving but knew the task at hand was pressing so he quickly ducked around the bar and followed Malborn into another hall as the bosmer closed the door behind him. They stepped into a kitchen where a khajiit woman was busy working over a cooking pot. She saw them and her ears fell back as she hissed, "Who comes, Malborn? You know I don't like strange smells in my kitchen."

"A guest, feeling ill. Leave the poor wretch be," Malborn was suddenly much braver than he had been all day.

The khajiit woman scrunched her nose at him, "A guest? In the kitchens? You know this is against the rules..."

Malborn scoffed at her, "Rules, is it, Tsavani? I didn't realize that eating Moon Sugar was permitted. Perhaps I should ask the Ambassador."

She swiped a paw at him, unsheathing her claws and hissed more fiercely, "Tss! Get out of here! I saw nothing."

Malborn led Bishop through the kitchen into another pantry and shut the door behind them. He whispered, "So far, so good. Let's hope nobody saw us slip out."

Bishop smirked, "With the way that goddess out there sings? Nah. No one could bear to turn their eyes from her even if they wanted to."

Malborn raised his brows and muttered, "Uh yeah... Well your gear is in that chest. I'll lock the door behind you," then he said more firmly with a trace of fear in his voice, "Don't screw this up."

Bishop scoffed at him and said, "I know you don't know me, but I was the best bandit in the Rift back in the day, so have a little more faith in me than that will you?"

Malborn looked at him skeptically as he opened the chest and unfolded the knapsack within. He took both daggers, the one Rona had given him and his old one, strapping them to his belt then slid the lock picks into his pockets and tangled one deep in his hair just in case. He latched the two healing potions and just one of the two invisibility potions to his leather armor under his blooming shirt.

"Wish me luck," Bishop said as he uncorked the invisibility potion and gulped it down making him vanish on the spot.

Malborn whispered, "Good luck."

Bishop crept through the side door into a long hall and heard Malborn quietly shut and lock it behind him.

He moved slowly along the hall and immediately heard two Thalmor having a conversation through an open door on the side.

"Did you see those robes march in this morning? Who're they with? More of the Emissary's treaty enforcers?"

"No. They're high mages, just in from Alinor. I guess the Ambassador is finally getting worried about all the dragon attacks."

"Ah, good. I've been wondering how we were supposed to defend this place from a dragon."

"If a dragon does show up, maybe we'll get lucky and it will eat the mages first. Might give us enough time to kill it."

"Ha! I'd like to see those arrogant bastards taken down a notch. Always looking down their noses at us lowly footsloggers."

"Well, we'd better get back to our rounds."

They'd already suspected Delphine was dead wrong about the Thalmor having anything to do with the dragon resurrections, but this only cemented that fact for Bishop. He watched as one of the guards came through the door and walked down the hallway away from Bishop.

Bishop crept into the next room and saw the lone guard mulling around, looking bored. He really did love the new boots because he didn't even squeak like his old ones did. His footsteps were so quiet he wondered if he was really there himself.

He easily crept around them all and made his way outside into the snow courtyard where it was still heavily snowing. He looked around and noticed quite a few Thalmor wandering the grounds, too many for his liking and one even standing right in front of the door he needed to get through.

He started running several ideas through his mind, trying to think of a way to get through when suddenly the door to the main hall where the guests all were burst open and Elenwen strode through the courtyard with Serlas and Rona following.

"Great," he muttered under his breath. He quickly moved along, still invisible from the strong potion Serlas mixed for him. This was his chance to slip in at least. He crept right behind Rona, as her cloak billowed in the wind and she gave another light shiver. He rolled his eyes and thought all about how he'd warm her up later, once they go through this dangerous task.

The Thalmor sentry at the doors stepped aside allowing Elenwen and her guests to pass through. Bishop got really close to Rona and her eyes rest on his invisible form for just a second before she turned her attention back to the elvish bitch in front of her.

The door closed behind them and they heard a voice carrying over from an office to the left.

"But, I need that money! I earned it. I have my own expenses you know..."

"Silence! Do not presume, Gissur. You are most useful, but do not presume. We have other informants who are less...offensive."

"But no one else has brought you such valuable information, have they? Etienne, he's talked, hasn't he? He knows where that old man is you're looking for, he told me himself."

"You'll get the rest of your money when we confirm his story. As agreed."

"I knew it -"

Elenwen stepped into the room and said sharply, "Rulindil. I have guests. If you could take your discussion to another room. I must speak with the Dragonborn and her father, privately."

"Ah, of course Ambassador," the Thalmor man said then turned his attention back to the rough looking nord in front of him and said with a sneer, "Our conversation is more than over. Get out Gissur."

The nord man made a few frustrated movements before he gave up and left the building. The Justiciar named Rulindil stepped out as well and headed for the stairs across the way.

Elenwen motioned to Rona and Serlas, inviting them into her office. They went in and she closed the door over partway. Bishop stopped to listen for a moment but she immediately started speaking to them in Aldmeri and he couldn't understand a word between the three of them.

He took a quiet breath and moved forward searching for anything that would contain the documents he was looking for. He noticed a writing desk nearby and a large chest behind it. He smirked and went right over to it. He crouched down and started picking at the lock with one of his many lock picks and after a bit of a struggle, because it was a very well made piece of equipment, it finally clicked.

Bishop hadn't noticed that he was perfectly visible again, however, and he also hadn't noticed the Thalmor Justiciar Rulindil come up the steps until the elf spoke in a very arrogant voice, "Well, well, what have we here? A sneak thief?"

Bishop turned swiftly and didn't even get a chance to defend himself when the Justiciar shot him hard in the chest with a crackling jolt of electrical destruction magic.