Astrid had begrudgingly given up Shadowmere, and Kedi was thankful as she hung low over his neck, cherishing his body heat while the snow flurried heavily around them. He was fast, though. It was entirely possible they'd reach Windhelm before nightfall.

It had been a while since she'd last left the Sanctuary, and the blindfold felt peculiar and itchy on her face, but she enjoyed getting out amongst the trees all the same. Kedi's sense of direction was fantastic and Shadowmere was excellent with uneven terrain, so they didn't have to stick to the roads.

Wolves and other creatures would occasionally decide to chase them, but it would be only moments before the magnificent horse had outrun them.

Kedi had donned her leather Brotherhood armour, gauntlets and boots but a dark green cloak covered the trademark gear and helped them blend in amongst the trees. Or at least, it had… Until they had reached the north and everything had become blanketed in white. Luckily, she'd grabbed some cloaking potions and a tome from Festus and Gabriella's alchemy room before she left.

Just as the sun touched the horizon, Kedi spotted the tall stone walls of Windhelm. The snow had finally calmed, and she took a moment to admire the sight of the orange sun reflecting on the sheets of ice floating on the sea in the distance.

Before she reached the stables, she pulled her cloak securely round her and tugged the hood to conceal more of her face. She pulled Shadowmere to a stop and called on the stable boy. He appeared within a moment, and stared into her hood for a minute before stuttering out a welcome.

"Um… Good evenin'!... Miss..? What can I, uh, do for you?"

"What's the protocol with horses here, boy? Do I dismount here and walk the frozen bridge, or will you lead my stallion back and tend to him for me?"

The boy swallowed heavily and stared with uncertainty at the giant horse. "Um… I can tend to it… him. Miss. I think."

"Good. Come, then."

She urged Shadowmere forward, and, as always, he responded as though he were a part of Kedi. The trio began the trip across the long stone bridge, as the cold wind picked up. Thankfully, tall parapets sheltered them from the worst of it.

"So, uh… What brings you to Windhelm, Miss?"

"Business."

"In Windhelm? Huh… Oh, are you a supporter o' the Rebellion, Miss?"

She resisted the urge to growl at the boy, but permitted herself to roll her eyes. "No."

"Hmm. That's the only reason we get newcomers round here anymore. I will say, it's a little refreshing to see someone walking along this bridge without the armour on." He turned to peer at her again. "Although, I suppose I don't know what you've got on under there."

Kedi could practically hear the cogs turning in his head as he processed his next thoughts. When his step faltered, she knew he had reached the predictable conclusion.

"Uh… Miss…" He put his hand on the cheap short sword strapped to his hip. "Are you… You a soldier of the Legion? Here to spy? Attack us? You won't get near the Rebel King, you know! He's well protected! You better just leave, now!" He backed up a few steps and drew his sword, but panic was clear in his eyes.

"Calm yourself, boy. I'm not a fan of the Rebel King, but I'm no Empire dog either. My business here is unrelated to this silly war and your obtuse Kingslayer." He relaxed a little, but his brow wrinkled. "What's your name?"

"Aventus, Miss. Aventus Aretino."

Kedi's eyebrows shot up. "That's an Imperial name. What are you doing living in the rebel city?"

"My parents, uh, died… They were actually supporters of the rebellion, though. I didn't have anywhere to go after they… You know. So I stayed and got work at the stables."

"Why did they support the Kingslayer?"

The boy shrugged. "I didn't pay it much attention when I was younger. They spoke a lot about freedom though. That's all I remember."

"Hmm. I've heard Cyrodiil is quite a sight to behold. Certainly better than this cold, wet country."

"I wouldn't know, Miss. I was but a babe when my family came here."

"How did they die?"

"Sickness, Miss. Said to be spread by the Dunmer elves in the poor quarter."

"Do you know anything about the Dunmer girls being murdered?"

The boy's step faltered once more and he studied the stonework on the parapets. "No, Miss. I've tried to keep out of it. If you're hereabout that, you should check at the inn, or speak to the steward."

Kedi studied Aventus for a moment. If she were anyone else, she would've dismissed him immediately, assuming he was too young to be the murderer, but working with a 300-year-old child assassin and alchemist changed your view on some things.

"Will do. I may return to speak with you again; where are you staying?" They reached the huge gates, and Kedi quickly dismounted and stroked Shadowmere's neck.

"For now, I still have my parents' house. It's one of the upstairs apartments on the east side of town that hangs over the alleyway, the one of the left."

"For now?" Kedi furrowed her brow and handed the boy the beast's reins.

"The steward is turning me out and reclaiming the building soon, since my parents died and I can't afford to keep it. I spend most of my days at the stables, though."

"Alright. I'll find you." Kedi nodded, gave Shadowmere's neck one last pat and entered the city through the tall gate as the guards hauled the heavy doors open.