Zarissis knelt down, crouching in the shadows against the wall. In front of her guards walked back and forth, the Detect Life enchantment on her ring turning them a luminous purple. Even more figures lit up from other areas of the prison, their lights obscured slightly by the walls between them.
This contract was madness. She'd been told that she'd be the first person to break in or out of the prison…ever. Thanks to Lucien, a secret entrance to the prison from the sewer had been discovered. She'd been relieved when she realized that she wouldn't be wading through several feet of feces and bodily fluids, as the smell would certainly alert the guards to her presence.
After several days in bed together, Vicente eventually had discovered her newly acquired magical talent, and she was thankful that he took the time to teach her the Chameleon spell. There had been several moments where a guard had turned her direction and only a quick cast saved her from being chopped down instantly.
She may have been shaping up to a formidable assassin, but Zarissis knew that armed combat with a trained guard would only end with her face down in a pool of her own blood.
Carefully darting around a corner, she only managed to duck behind a pillar in time to avoid a guard catching sight of her. Her heart pounded in her chest, filling her ears with the sound of rushing blood. Being a vampire must be nice; she knew that Vicente never would have feared such a task and would have glided over the stone floors as stealthily as the dead could. Without the reminder of his own life force pumping in his ears, he'd concentrate fully on the task.
Of course, getting distracted thinking about him didn't help her either. Zarissis clenched her jaw as she watched the back of a retreating guard. In ten seconds he'd turn the corner, giving her only a small window of opportunity to sneak by before the next guard entered the room.
With her bow on her back, she continued to sneak along the floor, the soft leather soles of her boots absorbing the echo of her stride. She ducked the corner, barely a second before she heard the next guard enter the chamber behind her.
Zarissis could tell she was getting closer; faint voices drifted to her from another room up the hall. She rounded the corner, seeing Valen Dreth shouting loudly at a guard through his iron bars. She quickly ducked into the shadows, listening intently.
"Slimy bastard!" Velen hissed, grey hands gripping the steel bars intensely. "One day you'll be in here to rot and die! Just you wait, Imperial scum. They'll come for you too!"
The verbal abuse seemed to be something the guard was considerably used to. With one quick thrust, he jammed his iron gauntlet into the Dark Elf's gut, knocking the wind out of him.
"Keep telling yourself that, Dreth. I'd never stoop to your level."
Zarissis slunk back and recast her Chameleon spell as the guard departed from Valen's cell, the Dark Elf continuing to shout obscenities as he left. He strolled by her hiding place without a second glance, and she waited until the sound of his footsteps faded from view and his purple life-force faded from range.
At last, she turned to face the cell, a snide smile planted on her face. "Hello, Valen Dreth," she whispered, her voice carrying through the stone halls. Keeping the Chameleon spell active, she slid along the floor until she could see him clearly, the position perfect for a straight aim.
Her voice reached his ears and Valen immediately sat up, a look of concern plastered on his face. "Who's there? Show yourself, coward!"
The assassin crouched in the corner merely clicked her tongue. "Such brave words for a dead man. I wonder how the Night Mother will enjoy your company in the Void?" As she spoke she eased the bow from her back, aligning an arrow into place.
Her words seemed to have a visual effect on him. Valen's face became a very pale grey, any blue hue fainting away slowly from his cheeks. "The Night Mo…"
Before he could finish his sentence and call for help, she loosed the arrow, watching as it hissed through the air and buried itself in his chest. Dropping Chameleon, she stood and approached his cell.
Valen laid on his back, the arrow sticking into the air as blood pooled around the shaft and stained his shirt. He opened and closed his mouth, as though attempting to speak, before the life finally drained from his eyes. She waited for his purple life force to fade before dropping back into stealth and departing from the cell, her figure once again becoming obscured by the shadows.
A deep sigh escaped her lips as Zarissis raised the bowl to her head and tipped it, letting the hot water soak through her hair and drip down her back. She was thankful she stopped in the inn for a night before heading back to Cheydinhal; there was nothing quite as relaxing as a warm bath after a murder. That, and she did crawl through a sewer.
She found a few shots of a fireball and her bath would stay warm indefinitely - or as long as she had magicka to spare. Steam rose from the surface of the water, coiling through the air and pooling against the ceiling of the inn. Zarissis heard once the Dwemer had running, heated water and that their cities were adorned with spas and baths. How wonderful would it be if they could acquire such a thing for the Sanctuary?
As she dipped her head beneath the water to wash out soap, Zarissis' mental alarms went off; the same chill she felt when she first met Lucien. She rose out of the water with a gasp, looking around the room. Nothing seemed amiss, except for the unusual shadow looming from behind the ornate lace screen blocking her view of the doorway. Lucien, as she knew, preferred to use chameleon.
Without a second thought she dove out of the tub, spilling water over the wooden floor. Whoever was in the room of the inn below her would have a wet night, she feared.
The sound of her lunge alerted the intruder, who charged from behind the screen. His sword pierced the wall above her head, just as she snatched up her dagger and drove it into his gut. Once, twice, three times.
The dying assassin released the sword and stepped back, but not before Zarissis grasped his leather jerkin by the collar and tore off the hood. Red eyes stared at her in shock as the life began to dim from them, and Zarissis released the Dunmer, allowing him to fall to the floor.
She searched his pockets hastily, worried about the sound of their fight. Killing someone in public, even in self-defense, wasn't a place she wanted to be. Not to mention that the nondescript black leather armor he was wearing wasn't one she was familiar with.
Zarissis grabbed her bag and made for the window, still very aware of her lack of clothes. But she could hear them coming up the stairs, running to see what the noise was about.
Pushing open the window, Zarissis pulled herself into the chilly night on the roof, dodging out of sight just as they burst into the room. She cast chameleon on herself and climbed across the roof before jumping down into someone's garden.
There were only three exits out of the Imperial City and now the guards would be investigating a murder. A naked women running through the streets would be a horrible giveaway, not to mention questionally embarrassing. She hoped she could keep up chameleon long enough to make it to a city gate, otherwise Zarissis worried she may be out of options. It was not something she was used to - the looming feeling of failure.
I've completed my contract. Does it count if I don't make it out of the city? She bit her lip and ran for it, running completely naked through the Imperial City. Not that they could see her, but it still felt awkward and she wasn't sure she wanted to tell this part of the tale to anyone, except maybe Vicente.
She was just about to round a corner when she collided with someone else, definitely a man by the incredible muscle she slammed her body into, knocking him over in the process. Without seeing his assailant, the man grasped her arm on the way down, pulling her on top of him and canceling her spell.
Laying on top of him, having somewhat recovered from the impact, and now completely visible, Zarissis' face paled. The specific Imperial man below her at first looked angry, shocked, and then disturbingly pleased.
"I always knew you'd come around to me," Lucien smirked as he grasped her hind quarters and squeezed.
She slapped him. "Now is not the time! I need to get out of here." She struggled against him, but Lucien's hands kept her from escaping.
"Do you?"
Zarissis didn't like the smirk on his face, or the sudden change of position as he rolled on top of her.
"Lucien," she snapped, "I killed someone who tried to kill me, so get me out of here."
"And I thought you covered yourself in blood just for me." There was a dangerous glint in his eyes, and Zarissis almost feared what he would do next, if it were not for the guards suddenly sprinting past their hiding place, completely missing the duo in the shadows.
Lucien smirked and pushed himself up, before holding out a hand for her. He said nothing as she reluctantly took his hand and was pulled to her feet.
"I could stop for you to dress but this is much easier." Lucien unclipped the cloak from his dark robes, throwing it around her shoulders.
"Follow me," he instructed as he grabbed her wrist. Not only was his grip almost painful, but she was surprised how agile and quick Lucien was, to the point that she was almost out of breath trying to keep up with him.
"Cast chameleon," Lucien commanded as they turned the corner, an exit in sight. She wondered how he would have possibly known of her magical ability...but it is Lucien, and he already proved to have a tendency for following her. Zarissis quickly powered up and cast it, followed by him. Although she couldn't see Lucien, she could still feel his hand on her wrist, guiding her. He allowed his grip to loosen to take her hand, a little more gentle as he slowed his pace.
Running through the gate wouldn't do. Escaping with a naked girl covered in blood was generally unusual, and Lucien figured his generally dark demeanor would give them a bad impression. Chameleon would do, and would keep questions from being asked. He didn't want to be arrested for kidnap, and Zarissis was obviously running from whatever trouble she managed to get herself into. Naked. Just his luck.
Of course, he would kidnap her. What else would he do? This was such a rare opportunity, he couldn't pass it up. Vicente's fun was over, and one night without her wouldn't hurt.
They quickly crept toward the guarded entry, Lucien's steps becoming silent as he snuck forward. Zarissis knew her steps in the gravel would not be noticed, but her skill clearly could be improved upon when compared to the Speaker.
They cleared the gate, and Lucien quickly pulled her to the side and into the trees where they were hidden before dropping his spell. Zarissis wasn't so quick to comply, but to her shock her spell shorted out suddenly, and she released her magicka was low.
"Lucien," she growled, suddenly feeling suspicious. "Did you drain my-"
She would have finished her demand if it were not for Lucien suddenly pushing her against a tree, trapping her against him, both hands on either side of her head. Instead of the onslaught she thought she would get, the assassin placed his gloved hand over her mouth and motioned for her silence.
Although Zarissis could only look at Lucien in her position, she heard the sound of running, accompanied by the clatter of multiple riders tearing through the forest, clearly looking for something. Lucien merely smirked, still gloating about her loss of clothing.
It was only when their footsteps faded that Lucien released her, but not before pushing on an old knot on the tree. She would have gazed at him in confusion if not for the sudden scraping of wood as the hollowed tree revealed the trapdoor inside.
Lucien stepped forward and pulled open the trapdoor, motioning her forward.
"Welcome to my home. I sincerely hope you enjoy your stay."
"Do you think this is a joke?" Zarissis didn't make a move for the entrance. Instead she stood with her arms crossed, scowling.
"On the contrary, my dear. You were in aid and I am helping you, and what better way to help someone than to lend your home?"
She didn't trust his smile, or the soft tone of his voice. Lucien was an assassin, a liar, and someone who was not above manipulation to get what he wanted. However, he was also her Speaker, and crossing him would be a mistake. She shot him another glare and descended through the trap door and down the ladder.
Zarissis was pleasantly surprised to find his quarters to be very open and clean, and somehow very homely too. There were books scattered across a table with various alchemical reagents beside them, a fire blazing in the hearth, and in the far corner Lucien's bed was made up nicely. It all felt so...human, enough to make her feel like she was barging into his home. It was too intimate and made her cheeks burn.
"Is there a problem, Slayer?" Lucien dropped through the trap door behind her, and upon seeing her face, addressed her by her rank with more mirth than he'd ever shown before. She neglected to answer or move, choosing instead to remain still and motionless.
"You prefer silence then? As do I," there was a dangerous tone to his voice, the kind of hidden message that told her she was the prey and he the hunter. He ran his fingers over her shoulders, and the next moment she felt the warmth of his mouth against her neck.
"Oh no." She pulled herself away, quickly moving to the other side of his chambers while pulling his black robe around her tighter. Behind her she heard him sigh.
She turned around. "You better explain yourself."
He blinked, actually having the nerve to look surprised.
"What do I have to explain to you? You are a beautiful woman, and I your Speaker. We are family, are we not?" As Lucien spoke to her, he ran a hand through his dark hair, looking casual for the first time since she met him. Before he always looked serious, or like a proper psychopath, and now he looked like a normal person. Almost genuine.
Almost.
"Ever since I've joined the Dark Brotherhood, you have taken every opportunity to try to seduce me! Not once have my feelings mattered. The only reason I seem to be getting promotions is because you have a hand in it."
Zarissis furiously paced the floor, not wanting to look at him any further. Speaker or not, she would not tolerate this behavior.
Lucien laughed out loud, the sound echoing through his chambers. "You are sharp. It's about time the Dark Brotherhood had someone as intelligent and adept as you. Too bad you squander your talents on a vampire."
"That's what all of this is about? Me and Vicente? I have news for you Lucien Lachance; I picked him!"
"Perhaps for now," Lucien stepped in close, bringing his hand close to her face and stroking his thumb down her chin, "but one day, you won't have a choice."
Her breath caught in her throat, and not out of arousal, but fear. Lucien was a terrifying man and up close, looking into his dark eyes she could see apathy, but also the unrestrained desire to kill. Never before had she gazed at someone and been able to tell that they could hurt her unapologetically, and enjoy it. Even Vicente's eyes, while red, had something warm to offer; Lucien on the other hand had a black soul, and he liked it that way.
Should she ever try to refuse him again, should she ever say no, he would kill her, that much she knew.
Zarissis arrived much later in the day back at the sanctuary than she would've liked. Far too much time was spent at Fort Farragut last night, she thought to herself, Vicente is probably wondering where I've been.
Word travels fast. He would have heard of the successful murder of Valen Dreth, but she hoped he hadn't heard anything about her being with Lucien. The Brotherhood had eyes everywhere - secrets were apart of their business.
After his threat, Lucien coerced her into training both with a dagger, and her new spells. How he knew that she'd been to the Mages Guild, she didn't know, but now she suspected he'd been following her for a while. Confronting him about it just made him throw his head back and laugh.
Oh Zaris, can I call you Zaris? You are so charming.
Ugh. It made her sick to her stomach. There was a time when his flirtatious remarks and forward behavior would have made her blush, but now she understood him more than she would have liked. Lucien didn't have lovers, he had possessions and obsessions. He wanted her to be both, and he would go to whatever means necessary to accomplish that.
Poor Antoinetta. Zarissis didn't know what she saw in Lucien, but there was no way someone would actually want someone so violent.
For now she would have to survive the best she could. He was still her superior, her Speaker; her time in the Dark Brotherhood could be over before it ever really began, and Zarissis had a feeling that no one ever left the Dark Brotherhood.
She had a lot to think about, that was for sure. Along with the training and alchemy lessons he gave her.
Ocheeva was waiting for her when she entered the sanctuary.
"Zarissis, we missed you! Where have you been? Oh, I was so worried something happened after you completed your contract." She hugged her, even gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Congratulations on another job well done, by the way."
"Thanks, I just got...hung up, that was all." Her answer wasn't very convincing. It hurt even to her ears.
"Hung up?" Ocheeva stared, her hands on her hips.
"By the Speaker." Probably not the best answer to give, but it was true.
"I see." She momentarily paused as if she had something else to say, but then just smiled and added, "Vicente will be most relieved to see you."
And she would be relieved to see him. Hopefully he'd been impressed with her last kill; she'd followed his instructions exactly and hadn't killed a single guard, nor did she get caught.
Zarissis really hoped that would make up for her unfortunate run-in with the Speaker. She had some questions for Vicente, questions that were in need of answers.
His room was uncharacteristically bright for the time of day. She was surprised to find him reading a book at his table with his hair undone, an unusually casual sight for Vicente. He looked up at her approach, and smiled instantly.
"Back again in good health I see." There was his humor. Zarissis found he often had a glint in his eye, like he knew more than he was telling. This was one of those occasions.
"You look like you have all the answers already." She stepped forward and pushed herself onto the table, an action that took a little more effort than it would for someone just a bit taller.
"Maybe I do. Just because I have heard the songbird's voice does not mean I do not wish to hear it sing."
She blinked. He was prone to moods, but she wondered what information was causing him to feel poetic. He only gazed back at her from his seat, loose hair and all. Something definitely put him in a good mood.
Zarissis wrapped her arms around his neck. "Well, I completed my contract, for one."
"Yes, so I heard. Valen Dreth lies dead and you infiltrated the Imperial Prison without once getting seen. A clean job if I can say, one definitely deserving of a bonus." Vicente's grin finally broke over his face. "And you saw the Speaker?"
"Is that what has made you so happy?" She felt genuinely confused. She had supposed the contract was why he was in such a good mood.
"Not several hours ago Lucien was here railing about your rejection of him. He is very lucky I have learned patience over the centuries, or I probably would have killed him."
"And that's why you're happy?"
Vicente leaned in for a kiss. "Vampires are possessive creatures. As normal as I try to be, I still find myself falling into typical behavior. It is incredibly fulfilling to know you are mine."
"And you are mine." Zarissis ran her hands through his hair and kissed him back, trapping his lip between her teeth. A guttural growl left Vicente's lips, just nearly as soon as his hands came up to remove hers from his hair.
"As much as I would love to continue this, I do have your reward and bonus to give you. And a special contract." His last words were whispered with more than a little passion, for Zarissis was leaning in for another kiss.
He gave her a slight push away, not making too much effort to misdirect her. "This contract I wouldn't give to just anybody, and I've come to rely upon your abilities."
When it became apparent Vicente wasn't going to give in to temptation and animalistically kiss her like she'd been hoping, she sighed. He could be very stubborn when he wanted to.
"Okay. What kind of special contract?"