Okay, so a little note: this story is an AU (Alternate Universe) so for the purpose of this story, some of the early quests of the Dark Brotherhood storyline have been adapted to occur in the years 430, '31 and '32. All of the later quests (like the deadrops, Adamus Phillida, etc.) will occur in 433. Characters (apart from Mhezsura) and places belong to Bethesda Softworks.

"You were right" said an Altmer, a lazy finger swirling around the rim of her wine glass. Above her head, the lights of the chandelier rained down onto her light-gold skin- the brown hairs on her head shone slightly. Not as much as her obvious strawberry blonde roots. She was dressed in a suave, one-piece dress made of ocean-blue silk- her fingernails were painted and there was a hint of blush on her cheeks. Her eyes flickered up to meet his hazel eyes. "Speaker Lachance. When did I see you last, hm? Must have been about a year ago, if my memory serves me right." she spoke, with a fiery edge. And a lot of arrogance- explains 'High-Elf'.
"You are correct. The last time we saw each other was in 429. Winter, I believe." Lucien replied, plopping himself into a cosy chair opposite her. She took her glass, and downed the drink in one- thick berry taste running along her tongue.

"So... how about the new girl, huh? Any good?" the Altmer woman asked, her curiosity piqued. Lucien straightened himself up and leant in towards her.
"I have to say Arquen, she may be as good as you were. Perhaps better" he whispered into her ear. Arquen chuckled lightly, like he had told her a joke. Inside, she was furious. And jealous.
"How?'- said in a harsh tone. She coughed-'I mean, how did she do it? I understand it was a pirate she had to..well bump off." she whispered again. Curse having to do business in restau-no- feeding holes. It's not easy. A crowd of people filed past, most talking loudly- casting Arquen and Lucien sour looks.
"You should have read the papers, Arquen." Lucien said simply. He stood up, drew his hood over his face and left- leaving Arquen confused, with her mouth agape. She noticed a newspaper, in the far corner of her right eye- she reached out to grab it, instead her hand shaking quickly from left to right. Her worried face became slack with no emotion, and she grabbed the papers- the chitter of crunchy paper crisp.

She read the title; 'Murder on The Waterfront' and began to read the article in more detail. She slammed it down, her bangs flying up- her teeth gritted. Her shoulders tensed. Her breathing sharpened. And then a hand touched her left shoulder- an old, decrepit hand belonging to a equally old Breton woman. Blonde, wavy hair. Blonde, wavy, bloody hair. The Breton's body slumped over the chair, a look of shock a picture on her face.

"MURDER! SOMEON-" cut off with a slice.

"GUA-" stabbed through the gut.

"KILLE-" a bottle smashed on the head.

Finally, Arquen regained herself. Tidied herself up a little. Straightened her bangs. Rested her shoulders, and became lady-like. Then walked out, with a cheer in her step. Nabbed an apple. "Why, thank you" she thanked a corpse, bowing her head slightly as if to greet it. Took a bite.
Spat it out over the body's mangled remains, and dumped it. She looked around at the destruction- her destruction.

"Let's see you top that, Sonnerset."

FEEDING-HOLE MASSACRE!

MULTIPLE ATROCIOUS MURDERS HAVE TAKEN PLACE-DETAILS ARE POOR AT THE MOMENT, BUT THE IMPERIAL LEGION THINK THAT IT IS POSSIBLY DUE TO MORE THAN ONE PERSON. THERE ARE AT LEAST TWO IDENTIFIABLE VICTIMS: A MISS AMALIA BENEVIRE AND A MR. STEFAN LAUCHEON. THE IMPERIAL GUARD CAPTAIN ITIUS HAYN HAS REFUSED TO COMMENT AS WELL AS HIS OTHER ASSOCIATES. WE CAN ONLY HOPE THAT THE KILLER CAN BE STOPPED- IF ANY IMPERIAL CITIZENS SAW SOMETHING, THEY ARE ENCOURAGED TO TALK TO THE AUTHORITIES.