"I can't believe we have to go to this wedding."
Tanya's grumbling came as she pulled on the fancy dress. Vivienne had observed Tamrielic fashion enough already to help her find an appropriate dress that was a cut above the typical outfit there. Vivienne had made it her mission to inspire something other than the 'hideous abominations of fashion' she had witnessed there. Upon hearing that the Strong-Steel siblings were invited to a wedding, it was the perfect opportunity.
It made sense that Vittoria Vici wanted the Strong-Steels to attend. They were nobles from Cyrodiil, and their father, the Count of Kvatch, was close friends with the Emperor. It had been decided that Tanya, Vidar, and their sister Carlotta were to attend while their parents continued to attend to business in Kvatch. Carlotta was thrilled, according to her letter. Tanya and Vidar...less so.
The Dragonborn's hair had been toyed with by the Inquisitor, doing...she wasn't sure what she had done, using magic and hair products. The end result was curls that managed to stretch just past her shoulder blades, bouncing up and down as she walked. Her blue and cream colored embroidered dress reached her ankles, sleeves loose and waving ever so slightly in the wind.
When Vivienne and the Inquisitor pulled back, they smiled in delight. "Oh, look at you," Dawn cooed, "you're absolutely adorable in that dress!"
"You'll be the talk of Tamriel. Start a new fashion trend." Vivienne agreed. "This wedding is important for you to attend, Darling. You are nobility, and you must maintain your appearances to remind not just the people, but yourself. As the daughter of the Count of Kvatch..."
"I know, I know." Tanya cut her off, looking exasperated. She had never had much of an interest at all in the machinations of court life, leaving that to her younger sister. Her interest in becoming the ruler was even lesser; too many expectations to meet. County Kvatch was among the most prosperous lands to recover from the Great War, and corruption was very low, making her family beloved and wildly popular among their people. She didn't even want to think about being chosen to keep those expectations that high. Tanya had no clue how her parents managed it all.
No, the life of a scholar was far better suited for her. She had nearly burned their castle down at age five when her magic flared and made itself known, and was promptly apprenticed to the Court Mage to control it. Tanya was to attend the College of Winterhold for a few years and then come back home to take over her master's job as Court Mage. That was the closest she wanted to a job at court.
Then it was revealed she was Dragonborn, and she could practically feel the eyes of the entire Imperial court on her. It wasn't fair; she was the middle child. Vidar could have an obvious claim to the title of Count over her, but he as well had no interest in ruling a county. No, their younger sister was the clearest choice. It didn't stop them from all getting invited to all the parties, and this wedding in Solitude was too important to skip.
She liked Thedas as a place to hide. No one knew her name. No one knew her title. And best of all, no one knew she was Dragonborn. Save, of course, for the Inquisition.
"It's going to be alright," the Inquisitor reassured, noting the Dragonborn's sour expression, "I've done this song and dance before. Smile, nod your head, mind your manners, and you'll survive. Skyrim isn't like Orlais."
"Thank the Divines for that." she couldn't help but agree. Tanya was fairly certain she'd be dead by now if she had to play the Game. She bit back grumbles when Dawn moved in to work on her makeup, dabbing her cheeks with foundation and blush, while Vivienne managed to put eyeliner on her. Finally, they pulled away, pleased with their work.
Vidar peered up the stairs to the Inquisitor's room impatiently. "Are we going?" he snapped. "We're going to be late." Onmund appeared beside him, being the Dragonborn's date.
"All done." the Inquisitor announced.
"You can come up, Onmund." Tanya declared. He came up the stairs and paused at the threshold, taking in his girlfriend. He smiled.
"You look lovely."
"Thank you. You look good, too," Tanya agreed, itching at the shoulder of her dress a little too roughly, but only briefly before having her hand swatted by Vivienne. She groaned. "It's...well. I prefer mage robes."
"Let's be off," the Inquisitor interrupted, "if Tanya uses that Fast Travel spell after the wedding, we should be back to Skyhold by nightfall." She patted the Dragonborn's shoulder reassuringly with a smile. "Don't worry so much. You're not going to die at this wedding."
Several of the others came to Solitude to explore the city during the wedding. Sera found herself plotting pranks on the tailor's shop for 'being a frigging bitch' while Iron Bull and Dorian tasted spiced wine in the marketplace. They ending up buying several bottles to take back to Thedas to share. Varric had managed to strike up conversations with several locals in the Winking Skeever over a mug. Blackwall settled with Varric in the tavern. Cole had tried to enter the clothing store for a hat, but found himself shooed away by the shopkeeper. Cassandra found herself looking through various shop stalls, eventually purchasing a few books from an orcish vender. Solas quietly walked through the city, taking in its splendors.
"This city is a vast improvement over what I've seen so far of this miserable country," Vivienne decided, "if all the cities looked like this, it would be adequate."
She and the Inquisitor had volunteered to come with them to the wedding, which was open to any who wished to come. They reached the training grounds near the Temple to the Divines, where normally Imperial soldiers would be practicing. Today, however, it had been cleared out for use for the wedding of the Emperor's cousin. Flowers and golden decor decked the walls.
A woman with black hair that was long and loose, with slightly darker skin than Tanya was waiting in the middle of the courtyard, decked in a long pink dress with puffy sleeves. She was tapping her foot impatiently, waiting for her kin. When the group walked through under the archway, she turned her head, hoping to see who she was expecting. Her eyes met her brother and sister's eyes, and she beamed, as did her siblings.
They hurried forth to each other and embraced, each sibling getting their turn. Carlotta grinned brightly. "Oh, thank the Divines, you're finally here! Oh, I've missed you two so much!" she cried excitedly. When Carlotta pulled back from her hug, she sized up Onmund, who had followed, standing awkwardly by his date. He smiled sheepishly at her.
"Hello. I'm Onmund, Tanya's, er, date."
"Boyfriend, more like?" Carlotta corrected. She smirked at him. "You look exactly like her letters say you do. She talks about you all the time, you know. My sister's grown very fond of you."
Onmund blushed. "She...she does?" He looked to his girlfriend, smiling lovingly. She had gone red and shrugged.
"I...I guess I do?"
Carlotta shook Onmund's hand before pulling the surprised Nord in for a hug. Upon pulling back, she nodded to herself. "You seem like a good sort; it's a pleasure to meet you at last. I am Carlotta, and I'm thrilled my sister brought you here. My parents wanted me to let you know that, if you're being good and keep making my sister happy, you're always welcome in our home."
"I see. T-thank you." Onmund grinned. No doubt Tanya had told her about the mess with his amulet and his family. Nevertheless, he was still keenly aware of the fact Carlotta was going to be watching him carefully through the whole event to see how he treated her sister.
She peered over at the Inquisitor and Vivienne and waved them over. "Greetings, please, come here. I'd like to meet my siblings' new friends." The two women approached, bowing politely to her. The Inquisitor grinned.
"It's a pleasure to meet you. I am Dawn Trevelyan."
"And I am Enchanter Vivienne. Charmed." Vivienne said calmly. "Tanya and Vidar have told us so much about you."
"Have they? Good things, I hope?" Carlotta's eyes flickered briefly to the hand with the mark, which was obscured by a thick glove. Dawn caught it and panicked for a split second, glancing down at her hand to ensure it was covered. Vivienne nodded.
"Of course, my dear. I understand you have quite the interest in court life. Very admirable, for someone your age. Nineteen, I believe?"
"Yes, indeed." Carlotta confirmed with a grin. "I want to learn how to better serve the people of Kvatch. The duty of a ruler is not to themselves, but to their people. Power is given because they should trust me. I can't start young enough to learn how to be a better leader to earn that trust." she declared. She smiled at the Inquisitor. "I know who you are, Inquisitor. Tanya tells me so much in her letters. I have great admiration for what you've done so far." Noting the Herald's and Enchanter's sudden looks of worry, she gave them a reassuring grin. "Don't worry. I haven't told anyone."
Dawn's eyes widened. "So you know. I'll thank you to keep this business under wraps."
"Done and done. It's not like anyone would believe me anyways, and I'd love to speak more with you later about all of this. But for now, come," she urged, waving her hand, "the wedding will be starting soon. We should be taking our seats."
The ceremony was lovely, and the beginning of the reception was going smoothly. Carlotta found herself pleased so far with Onmund, and the group got along well. Everything was perfect, and soon the bride stood up and tapped her glass, beginning her speech. Everyone turned, ready and waiting.
"Honored guests, good people of Solitude, good friends and neighbors." she started cheerfully. "I just wanted to take this time to thank you all for being here. To thank you for sharing this wonderfully happy day with myself, and my new husband." Cheers and applause followed, and she grinned. "Are you all enjoying yourselves? Please, eat, drink, and make merry on this most happy of days. My husband Aesgir and I thank you for coming to our reception. We thank you for sharing the love we have for each other."
She paused and reached for her drink, taking a sip before she continued speaking. "I thank you all again for..." The woman paled. "...f-for..."
Blood came out of her mouth as all color drained from her skin. She stumbled and hit the ground, unmoving, foam coming out of her mouth. Horrified shrieking and screaming followed while the Strong-Steels and Onmund gaped in shock. Onmund threw an arm around his date protectively, as if she was going to drop dead as well.
Dawn and Vivienne sprung into action, hurrying to the downed woman. Dawn checked her vitals while Vivienne inspected her drink suspiciously before turning to the Inquisitor. The herald looked up at the enchantress, shaking her head. Aesgir hovered over in a panic, desperately looking between the mages. "What's happened? Do something! Save her!" he begged, panicking, breath caught in his throat. Vivienne moved and inspected the body as well and drew the same conclusion Dawn did, sharing a look with her and a headshake.
Carlotta spied an argonian in black and red armor with a distinctive black hand on the chest of his armor, meeting a khajiit coming out of stealth by the archway. The back of his head was covered by a black hood, wearing similar red and black leather armor. The hood masked his appearance, his tail only visible for a split second before they took off. She stood up and pointed towards them as they hurried away. "Stop them!" she screamed, "Dark Brotherhood! Murder!"
The assassins had gotten away and Vittoria Vici was dead, her drink spiked with a powerful poison. After everyone in attendance had been questioned and released, they were free to go. Carlotta, Vidar, and Tanya stayed behind to help deal with the mess left and search for clues on the assasin's escape route, to no avail. It seemed as though the assassins had disappeared into thin air.
Dawn and Vivienne left with the party for Skyhold, and the journey back was deathly quiet. They had no idea the Dark Brotherhood existed before today, and the memory of Vittoria's death was burned into Dawn and Vivienne's minds. As if Tamriel couldn't have more horrors, they wondered silently. No one said a thing until they set foot in Skyhold, at which point Cole finally broke the silence.
"That was bad."
The khajiit assassin is a vampire named Fhitarr, an OC created by my good friend Aquatic Smores In our TES universe, he performs all the quests in the Dark Brotherhood questline. Tanya and her siblings were invited to attend and got to watch Vittoria get murdered.