The city of Markarth is still Diamond's favorite city to travel to. With its stone built homes and stairs cutting into the mountain side, Diamond can't help but picture the city as the mountain itself. Then slowly through years of careful construction did the city form, making it a natural wonder of Skyrim on its own.
Still, Diamond wishes she was here under better circumstances. Thankfully no one questions her walking around in a black cloak because today it seems Sithis has blessed her with a rain shower that required most of the citizens to adorn such attire.
Diamond licks her lip, stirring up an ache in the gloriously painful split lip and scraped cheekbone she'd earned from her fight with Marionette, the Faceless' newest initiative as well as her stubbornness not to return to the Sanctuary after merely just walking out. Arnbjorn had scoured the entire perimeter of the Sanctuary and found no scent of Marionette following Diamond directly to the Sanctuary, although did find evidence that suggests she was waiting long enough in a tree for Diamond to walk past her usual trail around Falkreath. Diamond could not explain the relief of knowing she hadn't given away the location of her faction's only safe house. Still, she hoped she'd run into Mariontte again so that she can pry those stupid iron teeth straight out of her gums.
Adjusting her cloak around her body, she makes her way up to the Understone Keep of which she has earned access after she had helped slaughter to Forsworn rebels in her prior years. A contract she had taken on stupidly, underestimating the power of her opponents, and earning her a trip into the retched death camp of Cidhna Mine. The trip was quick and their leader had easily fallen with Diamond and her duel pickaxes. Still, she feels the reward was highly underrated for what she had gone through, and later paid her client a visit for a more reasonable pay. Sometimes Diamond still wishes she had let those rebels out on Markarth, but after a few encounters of them in the mountains years later, she didn't regret slaying them one bit.
The guards give her a nod of acknowledgement as she pushes through the massive bronze doors. Inside she finds the two town blacksmith's retiring to their chambers for the night and the guards switching patrols.
Diamond, with trained ease and persistence, keeps her feet quiet as she slips past the guards, mimicking a person in rush to speak to one of the workers before they withdraw for the night. She flicks her hood casually to hide her blonde hair as she heads up the steps. She stops just before the Jarl's chambers and takes a left, her ears twitching at the sound of barking dogs who are quickly hushed by their owners.
Snaking around a corner, she finds a chamber tucked near the corner with a woman wearing an apron sitting in one of the chairs, her voice speaking to another out of view from the assassin. Diamond remembers how she had easily bargained with a merchant in the streets to provide a long enough distraction while Diamond provides her work. Apart from her failed intimidation, the man's eyes seemed to widen easily when Diamond offered a handsome reward for his services. For his sake he had better deliver well or else no one will be able to recognize his body once Diamond's done chopping it up into little pieces, and that she promised unquestionably.
She keeps her hood up and straightens her spine, preparing her face to looks flushed from rushing from the market. Thankfully the mountain chill had reddened her cheeks enough. Diamond starts to huff her breathes as she enters. The servants immediately turn their heads at her attention, and out of the corner of her eye she can see the supposed chef Virane already sleeping.
The servant girl stands with concerned eyes. Diamond hurries in and doubles over to her knees. "I'm – I'm so sorry to bother you so late." She pretends to huff, her head starting to feel lightheaded from her unexpected breathing. "But, my boss, he has an order for the Jarl. A fresh venison for breakfast in the morning."
"What? But that's so sudden –" the servant girl says.
"I know, and I'm so sorry, but he claims the Jarl had just ordered it from his sudden cravings. And this is as fresh as we can get it. He sent be to retrieve you. And I'd recommend bringing your friend. It's a fresh buck." Diamond tries to give her best winded smile.
"Oh, I suppose we have time." The girl says.
"If we can hurry back, we can prep the spices." The young man next to her adds.
"Again, I am so sorry for the inconvenience." Diamond pants, rising to a full stand.
"No, no, no." the servant girl coos. "We appreciate it. It must've been horrid to come all this way during the rain."
"I'd bring a double layered cloak." Diamond amuses.
"Please, help yourself to some water and we'll be right back." The servant girl smiles. She leaves to retreat their cloaks and the young man spares Diamond a nod as they leave.
A part of her feels guilty for tricking such nice and innocent people. To have them be nice to her only to return to find the blood of their co-worker splattered across the walls. But at least they'll be grateful, Diamond had at least had the courtesy to have them flee the sight of the crime.
Once they flee, Diamond pushes the doors shut and they enclose her into the servants' chamber with a silent thump. Removing her hood, Diamond sighs and wipes her forehead, smoothing strands of her hair. Once she deems herself presentable. She taps the sleeping man on the shoulder. "Wake up, Virane." She speaks.
The man groans, but shifts. "Yes, yes, for the hundredth time, I am Brenton." He seethes as he adjusts to a sitting position, his eyes not fully wide enough to capture what Diamond is. He rises to stand still, his eyes squinting at the firelight. "I was born in High Rock. And then I came here. I am not a Reachman!"
Diamond can't help but chuckle at the man, but doesn't reply as she slyly shifts her arm under her cloak to grab her dagger.
"Who are you? What do you want?" Virane asks.
"The Gourmet. Who is he? Where is he?" Diamond demands flatly.
Virane stiffens, and Diamond can see his lip quiver from surprise. "The . . . the Gourmet?" his face shifts to anger, and scowls, "Never! I don't know what led you here, but nothing will betray my trust. I'll take the secret of the identity of the Gourmet to my grave."
Diamond smiles wickedly. Virane leans away and his forehead starts to gleam with sweat. "For the Dark Brotherhood that can be easily arranged." Diamond purrs.
Virane pales. "The Dark Brotherhood." He breathes, unable to keep the fear in his voice.
Before he even has time to react, Diamond lunges forward ramming her knee into the man's stomach and whirls the man down onto the floor, her dagger pressed to his throat. The man shivers and quakes as Diamond pins his one wrist to the ground with her foot, ready to grin it should he resist more. She stares at him with trained intimidation and an expressionless face.
"Now . . . now, wait a minute. Let's not get hasty. I mean, surely my friend wouldn't want me to endanger my own life. Right?" he stutters. Sweat clearly materializing on his forehead.
Diamond slowly turns her foot on his wrist and he instantly grits his teeth from the pain. Diamond can hear the popping of the bone, one simple flick of her ankle away from breaking.
"Look, his name is Balagog gro- Nolob. He's an Orc! The Gourmet is an Orc!"
"Keep your voice down." Diamond calmly speaks as she presses her tip onto his throat. Her voice is calm. She remains serious despite thinking of the possibility that he might soil himself.
"He-He's staying at the Nightingale Inn! That's all I know!" Virane begs. "Now . . . now you'll let me go, right?"
Diamond stares at him for a few more gloriously torturing seconds, giving him a smile that holds no warmth before she leans her head away and removes her foot from his wrist, her dagger from his throat.
Virane carefully lifts himself from the floor, rubbing his wrist and making sure it's still functional as she rises to stand. Diamond can see his les quaking so badly, but the man does his best to redeem himself. "Okay. All right." He speaks, more to himself than to her. "You're welcome! I'll just be on my way, then . . ."
Diamond nods and readies turns away, heading for the door. As she calculates Virane's movements, under the cover of her black cloak, she flicks her wrist and a throwing knife slips into her palm. She turns around ever so casually and throws the weapon with lethal speed. The knife shoots straight like an arrow and plunges itself into Virane's heart. He only has time to gasp and to look up at Diamond's glittering eyes before a second knife impales his forehead.
Snatching the gold from his pockets, Diamond leaves the daggers where they are and opens up the doors once more. The dogs have long since gone to bed with their masters and thankfully none of the guards stop her as Diamond carefully but casually adjusts her cloak around herself.
Carefully trekking her way through the hall and down the stairs, she manages to flit past the guards and out the double front doors just as she can see the servants returning with armfuls of venison.
They don't notice Diamond as they chatter amongst themselves, the woman complaining about how his majesty can't just have a certain craving and send them out in the middle of the night. The man quickly shushing her and saying he can so long as he gives them a home.
Easing her way out of the Keep, Diamond trudges down the steps as quickly as she can without stirring up suspicion, the rain reduced not to a simple drizzle and people pulling off their hoods.
Diamond had just made it to the gates when she hears the shrill cry of the servant girl.
Snapping the reins and a few sprints of Shadowmere's powerful legs later, the city is nothing but a mere glow in the distance as Diamond returns to the main road and continues on her way. She pulls out Libby's fast-traveling map and finds an outline of the Nightingale Inn. The Inn itself is a faint grey, like there's a veil cast over it as the rest of Diamond's locations are a darker black or grey. Her closest location is a Dwarven tower called Raldthar.
With a tingle of skin and soft kiss of wind later, she and Shadowmere are in front of the tower. Shadowmere shakes and huffs as Diamond grips the reins and clicks her tongue. She tugs her cloak tighter about her body as it does little to keep the frigid air from freezing all of her. Easily, Diamond can spot a trail of snow-worn rocks that trail up the side of a hill fair-sized inn that has warm buttery light leaking from the windows.
It mimics the perfect place for travelers as it has small fish nets set up for scaling catches of the day, a small pond off to the side and a tree stump with a hatchet impaled at its center for wood chopping. It's near the middle of the night as the sky has opened up and revealing countless starts and beautiful colored lights that dance across their dark velvet stage.
Diamond parks Shadowmere outside and adjusts her hood once more as she mounts the steps, and carefully enters the inn. Even with her cloak and gloves, her fingers had easily grown numb with the cabin located so far up the mountainside. So much so that she could only feel the downy softness of the fibers itself along with the frozen dagger blades as they tinkle beneath her vambraces.
Against the warm inside air, her skin flared fire hot. Her feet prickled, the numbness slipping quickly away, replaced by the sensation that the splinter wood she stands on has been transformed into a bed of burning coals. She spars the bartender a nod of salutations as she walks over to the fire and warms her hands as best she can without revealing her arsenal of daggers and knives. Though she is still well aware of her Warhammer strapped to her back.
She then walks right up to the barkeep. He doesn't recognize her, but she doesn't expect him to – not when she has been so careful to hide her identity all those years.
The barkeep is already pale, and his sparse hair has become even sparser over the past year and a half. He tries to per beneath her cowl as she halts at the bar, but the mask and hood keep her features hidden.
"Drink?" he asks, wiping sweat from his brow. There's only one other guest still awake at the inn, and the drunkard's head soon sounds behind her as it thunks to the table and onto a platter of salmon fillet.
"No." Diamond says, her voice contorted and deep beneath the mask.
The barkeep grips the edge of the counter. "I'll tell you what you want, just pleae, keep things quiet."
So he did recognize her, then. Diamond smiles beneath her cowl, and the barkeep mops his brow against and pours her a brandy.
"On the house." He says sliding it to her. Diamond catches it in her hand, but doesn't drink it. He wets his lips.
"I have need of you."
He lifts his brow. "Me?"
"I have come to inquire after a man." She says. "An Orc, more precisely. Is he here?"
He turns eve paler. "I don't know anything."
Diamond leans forward, removing her arms from the cover of her cloak, revealing all of the sharp, serrated and slim daggers strapped to her vambraces, and glinting off of her belt and strapped to her thighs. The barkeep goes even paler as Diamond flicks her wrist, releasing one glimmering blade and spins it between her fingers. "Allow me to repeat my question, barkeep."
The man swallows as Diamond spins her blade out and aims it at his throat. "He's in the basement." he breathes.
Diamond retracts her blade. Drifting down the stairs like a ghost, she vanishes into the room of the basement.
The basement itself is a whole mixture of hay, and crates and mead barrels and brewing vats of ale. Off to her immediate left is a room with quaint furniture like a bed, a dresser and two small tables; then there are homey accommodations such as a lute, a small bowl of fruit, taxidermy animals and pelt rugs.
The Orc is just getting into bed when his head turns to find Diamond standing in his doorway. His eyes only widen as she shoots an arrow straight into his heart without hesitation. He grunts and gurgles blood before collapsing into bed, his blood splattering onto the pillows. Diamond searches his body and finds the Writ of Passage, thankfully unstained as well as a small pouch of gold.
Taking in the surroundings of the basement, and knowing all too well that the barkeep will keep his mouth shut, Diamond drags the body into a dusty old secluded corner of the basement behind the brewing vats. A spider already makes its new home of webbing starting behind the Orc's ear.
After helping herself to some of the finer clothing the Orc has available, Diamond makes her way back upstairs and tosses the barkeep a pouch of coins, nearly startling him to death. She doesn't turn back or look at the other late night visiting guests in the eyes as she exits the keep.
Overall her journey has taken her nearly three to four days, and a pang of guilt punches her heart as she still feels the urge to contact Libby and ensure she hasn't been taken once more by the Faceless.
Fast traveling to Falkreath, Diamond keeps two serrated daggers in her hands as she holds the reins of Shadowmere while trotting past the wall of the small town village. This is the last spot Marionette had ambushed her, but she manages to trot all the way back to the Sanctuary and make her way inside.
She removes her hood and finds her forehead moistened with sweat. She drops her burlap bag of the clothes near the door and smiles past Astrid as she goes to find Festus. Behind her she can hear Astrid say, "From that look on your face, I trust you have good news."
Diamond finds Festus at the Arcane Enchanter this time crafting a new ice sword of some kind as she can see the blade glowing a pale blue, pulsating like it has its own personal ember glowing inside of it.
"So, the prodigal murderer returns." He says over his shoulder. "And the Gourmet?"
"Dead." Diamond says candidly.
"So I gathered." Festus says, and Diamond can tell from the tone that he has a smile on his face. "It seems a certain Orc has disappeared. Which means you not only killed the Gourmet, but disposed of his body as well."
Diamond holds up her hand and shows Festus the Writ of Passage between her index and middle finger.
"Ah, you've got the Writ of Passage too, I see. Splendid, splendid . . ." he nods as she grips the sword, lifting it into the air. "And word has come from Markarth that the keep's cook has met an untimely demise. You performed your duties to the letter."
Diamond remains silent but forces her best nonchalant smile as Festus hangs the enchanted sword on the wall.
"It seems I was wrong about you. I see that now." He then says. To this Diamond's eyes widen and her mouth slightly parts. "Maybe we all were."
"Festus . . ." she softly speaks.
"Here's your payment. And . . . a little something else, as well. From me. Consider it my way of apologizing. For being so damned curmudgeonly." Festus tosses a fair sized coin pouch onto the table and then pulls out a ring from the sleeve of his uniform. He hands it to Diamond and sets it on her palm as she holds out her hand. "It's called the Nightweaver's Band. I wore this for years. I want you to have it now."
Diamond tries to hide her look of disgust at the thought of wearing a ring that Festus had had on for years of bloodshed and gruesome sorcery.
"It'll give your magic and sneakiness some of that needed "oomph.""
Diamond can't fight the small smile that tugs at the corner of her mouth. "Thank you, Festus." And then she watches hi give her a genuine smile filled with trust and acceptance. First Arnbjorn and now Festus. She's finally earning their respect.
Then Festus waves her off. "Now you'd better get a move on and see Astrid. It's time." He says. Diamond's eyes widen and her heart skips a beat. "Time for the final stage of this grand and glorious operation."
Suddenly Diamond's heart is beating fast and her hands feel clammy. She hides them beneath her cloak as she nods off to Festus and heads towards Astrid's office. Diamond finds her as usual standing over her table with a map laid out in front of her and daggers marking the location of all the people diamond had to assassinate along the trial of the contract.
"So it's done. You've killed the Gourmet?" Astrid asks as she ushers Diamond over. Diamond nods and rounds the table to stand on Astrid's left. "Arnbjorn told me about the attack near the sanctuary."
Diamond swallows thickly. She's about to defend herself when Astrid holds up her hand.
"He explained, everything. Those Faceless women are persistent. And I'll see to it that they know not to mess with us. Mess with you. I don't care how badly Miss Zuza wants you," Diamond cringes at Zusa's name, the memories of her calm torture of Diamond when she tried to flee. The pain in her lips throbs harder and she can feel a small headache knocking on her left temple. "And now, Titus Mede II is as good as dead.
"So it's time? Were ready to assassinate the Emperor?"
"Oh yes." Astrid purrs. "And I've decided that you will have the honor."
Diamond feels a strange thump in her chest. "I will not disappoint you, Astrid. The Emperor shall die! For Sithis!"
"Yes, for Sithis. You are the Listener after all. So let's not waste any more time." Astrid says. "Go now to Castle Dour in Solitude. Present the Gourmet's Writ of Passage to the officer in charge, Commander Maro. I'm sure you remember him."
Diamond hmphs at the reminder of what she did to his son in Whiterun. She'd meant to head back to Dragon's Bridge to see if he was sniffling and sniveling over the loss of his son, but had lost track of her days.
"You'll gain unrestricted access to the kitchens, and then the Emperor. You're posing as a chef so you'll be able to poison his meal rather easily."
"What poisons shall I use?" Diamond asks.
"Here, take this. It's called, Jarrin Root." Astrid peers towards the edge of the table and takes a wan looking root the color of ashen dirt and smells of a giant's toe. Diamond wrinkles her nose in disgust at the smell. "All it takes is one taste, and the effects are quite immediate. The Emperor will be serving Sithis before he even knows he's dead. Once Mede has been killed, escape through the upper door, and across the bridge. I've "arranged" for it to be unguarded once the alarm is sounded."
"Yes, Astrid." Diamond nods.
"Now go, my friend. Go, and fulfill your destiny as the Listener." Astrid praises. Diamond nearly jolts when she feels her hands on her shoulders. "Kill well, and often."
Diamond swallows and nods as she turns and starts to head up the stairs to the outside.
It's time. It's finally time.
The assassination of the Emperor.
Diamond's cheeks are buzzing from her smile and she's absolutely jubilant as she mounts Shadowmere. As they trot along the path, Diamond can see her hands shaking from the excitement building in her body, or perhaps it's . . . nervousness?
This is her biggest assassination for her, for the Brotherhood, for anyone! At least since Pelagius and Urial Septim two hundred years ago. And she could be a part of history now! The Brotherhood will be remembered and feared for years to come. And she will have earned the upmost respect of all the members.
Diamond feels the urge to travel back to Lakeview Manor and hope that Libby is home to give her the news, but she still feels like she needs to head to Solitude for preparations of her disguise. Though it has been a while since she's contacted Libby, and she doesn't want Libby to fear that she's been kidnapped by the Faceless again. So Diamond pulls out Libby's fast-traveling map and points her finger at Lakeview Manor. Diamond doesn't even feel the pain of the traveling as she opens her eyes and finds the beautiful manor in front of her and the automatic trotting of Shadowmere as he makes his way to the estate's stables.
It's around twilight with three early night stars already poking out of the sky ready to greet weary travelers. Hopping off and patting the ebony steed's hide, Diamond removes her hood as she jogs up to the front door and unlocks it with her key Libby gave her. She steps into the entry hall and automatically starts to remove her shoes as she calls. "Libby? You home?"
"Miss Diamond?" a female's voice replies. Diamond recognizes that voice. It belongs to Libby's housecarl. Diamond trots into the massive central chamber and finds the woman adorned in her custom steel armor, a gleaming dirk and steel sword strapped to her waist along with a handful of steel daggers.
Libby's housecarl, whose name escapes Diamond, first came off to her as someone of epic proportional splendor. She has long red hair that mimics the blaze of fire when caught in the sunlight. It reaches down to the middle of her back, her bangs gracefully sweeping over her forehead and cover half of one eye. Her eyes, at a passing glance, one might are blue or grey, perhaps even green, depending on the color of her clothing. Up close, though, these warring hues are offset by the brilliant ring of gold around her pupils. Her detailed war paint curling and sweeping down one side of her face is a deep blue and circles around one eye in tendrils of delicate outline and emphasizing the gold.
If it weren't for the Faceless and their unique "knack" for finding both beautiful and deadly members, Diamond would've complimented the woman on her exquisite features; if only Diamond didn't hold suspicion that she was a secret undercover Faceless member.
The woman sits at the table with a book open in front of her, and a goblet of wine in one of her dainty hands. "Oh, there you are. I thought it was you." she smiles. "What can I do for you?"
"I'm, uh, looking for Libby. Is she here?" Diamond bashfully asks.
"I'm afraid not. She had departed just yesterday. To where, I'm afraid I don't know, though she did say she'd be gone for some time."
"How long?"
"At best, three to four days." Diamond shoulders sag and she sighs in annoyance. "My apologies, Miss Diamond. Would you like me to leave a message to her from you?"
"Yeah, that would be best." Diamond nods. She walks over to the master bedroom on the left and grabs a piece of parchment and a feather in an inkwell. She writes down as quickly as she can without making her writing seem unreadable. The letters are uneven, but they're suitable.
She briefly scripts on her plans and how she's finally ably to assassinate the Emperor, and how she's earned the respect of Arnbjorn and Festus, finally, after her so many years she finally feels accepted, and that she even hopes that Libby can sneak into the tower in time to see Diamond in action.
Folding the note and sealing it with a simple stamp, Diamond leaves it on the table in the bedroom and gives a brief goodbye to the housecarl before departing. She mounts Shadowmere and fast-travels herself straight to the farm located just outside Solitude's gates. She leaves Shadowmere with the stable girl, tipping her kindly.
Diamond can feel her heartbeat race as she walks her way up the hill and through the front gates no problem. She keeps her hood up as she enters The Winking Skeever. She stops in the doorway and the barkeep instantly looks to her. He gives a nod of his head towards the room down the hall and the first door on the right.
Without sparing him a nod of thanks, Diamond walks over to the room and shuts the door behind her. She instantly spots the wardrobe as a stunning dress hangs from it. For the next hour and a half, Diamond spends it preparing herself to look authentic.
She stands before the rosewood mirror, smiling.
Diamond runs a hand down her gown. Sea-foam white lace blooms from the sweeping neckline, washing upon her breast from the powered-pink ocean of silk that makes up the dress. A blue sash covers the waist, forming an inverted peak that separates the bodice from the explosion of skirts beneath. Patterns of clear pink beads are embroidered in whorls and vines across the whole of it, and bone-colored stitching stretches along the ribs. Tucked inside her bodice is her dagger, though it pokes mercilessly at her chest. She lifts her hands to touch her curled and pinned hair.
She doesn't know what she plans to do now that she is dressed, especially if she'll probably have to rip the dress off before she escapes, but –
Adjusting the green folds of the dress before stepping into her sapphire-colored slippers. By gods, it's hot with her uniform and weapons underneath, it'll be torture being in the burning kitchen. She sighs and grabs her cloak once more, draping it over her arm as she opens her door. Of course she doesn't waste time basking in the stares of envy, jealousy and temptation as she strolls through the lobby and towards the doors. Conveniently, two men preparing for happy hour come through, but immediately step aside with broad grins as Diamond gives them a sweetly nod and lifts her skirt just above her ankles to step down.
She still keeps her cloak on her arm as she walks her way left, giving guards an amiable smile as she passes, they of which bow their heads as they pass. She makes it to the archway that leads into the dour courtyard where there are still guards training, but the Penitus Oculatus agents have joined in duty.
Diamond takes a deep breath and keeps her smile as he acknowledges the guards, whose eyes stay glued to her, hopefully because of her attire. She takes a deep breath as she heads straight for Commander Maro who stands guard at the front doors to Castle Dour. His eyes find her immediately and despite a somewhat friendly nod, he holds out his hand as Diamond approaches.
"Stop right there milady. I'm afraid the tower is off limits until further notice." He says.
"Oh, excuse me." Diamond quaintly speaks. she reaches into the pocket of her cloak and pulls out the Writ of Passage.
"What's this now?" he takes the note and opens it. His eyes flick across the paper. ". . . order of his eminence . . . possessor of these papers . . . "the Gourmet" . . ."
Diamond takes notice of how his hair is a deep brown, reaching just at the base of his neck. His sideburns stretch down to a simple beard and his eyes glow icy blue in the moonlight.
"By Azura. The Gourmet!" The Commander stutters. Diamond immediately smiles with her gleaming white teeth, and gives a breathy laugh. "I . . . I'm sorry! Your clothes . . . of course . . . I should've realized!"
"Oh no, no that's fine." Diamond assures, followed by a dainty laugh.
"Please excuse my ignorance. Gianna, the castle chef, has been eagerly awaiting your arrival. You should proceed to the kitchens straight away." The Commander says.
"Yes, thank you so much." Diamond says with a gentle hand touching the Commander's forearm. She gives another softening giggle before strolling into the emperor's tower.
She sees the floor first. Red marble, its white veins illuminate in the light of the sun, which slowly vanishes as the opaque glass doors groan shut. Chandeliers and torches hang all around. Diamond's eyes dart from one side of the large chamber to the next. A glass chandelier shaped like a grapevine occupies most of the ceiling, spitting seeds of diamond fire onto the windows along the far side of the room. No escape, save for the door behind her.
To her left, a fireplace occupies most of the wall, and as she strolls farther into the room, Diamond tries not to stare at the thing. It is monstrous, shaped like a roaring, fanged mouth. A blazing fire burning within. There is something greenish about the flame, something that makes her spine straighten. She leaves her cloak on the rack beside the door.
She sees a small servants' hallway off to her left tucked hidden in the corner. Peering her head around, she finds the fire of the kitchen, as well as the faint silhouette of a woman hovering over a stirring pot. Diamond straightens her spine and walks down the hall. The clicking of her heels give her away as the woman lifts her head as Diamond enters the room.
The woman rolls her eyes and sighs in aggravation. "Not another delivery. I told you people our stocks are fine. Now put whatever you have over here, then get out!"
Diamond looks to her, her eyes narrowing and a somewhat wicked smile comes across her face. "You misunderstand. For I am . . ." – Diamond gives a flutter of her hand – "the Gourmet!"
"The . . . Gourmet?" the woman – Gianna – breathes in shock. Her eyes widen and she flusters with embarrassment. "Oh! Finally! When I heard the Gourmet was being brought in to cook for the Emperor, I could hardly believe it."
Diamond gives a nod, and another smile that indicates she hasn't forgotten the insult she just gave, and Gianna knows it too. She's a Redguard, so her skin is beautifully tan with her black hair tied back and tucked under a chef's hat.
"It's just . . ." Gianna stutters.
"Yes?"
"Well, I never would've guessed the Gourmet would be an Imperial. I had thought it would've been someone more exotic. Perhaps maybe a . . ."
"Enough!" Diamond says with a rough clap of her hands. If she was going to act like a high-class chef, she is not going to pass up this opportunity without having some fun. "The Gourmet is here to cook, not talk! Let s begin."
"Oh! Yes, but of course." Gianna stutters, then clears her throat a she continues to increase the speed of her stirring. Diamond can't hide her grin as she can see the nervousness on the woman' face. "The Emperor has requested your signature dish – the Potage le Magnifique. I've taken the liberty of getting it started."
Diamond gives a nod and a playful twirl of her hair as she sets her hands behind her back and starts to walk around Gianna like a predator playing with its prey.
"But the cookbook only says so much, and everyone makes the Potage differently. I would b honored if we could make it . . . the Gourmet's special way." Gianna continues. "The base broth is already boiled. We can get started right now. So . . . which ingredient should I add next?"
Oh, this is going to be extremely fun! She examines the food spread on the table and taps her chin. "We shall add, carrots next!"
"Ah, yes I see. The carrots will absorb some of the broth and add an extra flavor to it, wonderful!" Gianna takes minced carrots without question and adds them into the broth. Diamond can't deny, the dish smell wonderful, even if her list in her head is complete horseshit. "What next?"
"You must now add a splash of mead! Every person, Nord or Imperial loves their mead."
"Ah, of course. I suspected as much." Gianna smiles as she takes a bottle of ale and pops the cork, adding a few pouring before setting it aside.
"Now, one nirnroot."
"Nirnroot. Ah, I see. The flavors will add to the mead, making it taste a little sour for those little daredevils."
Diamond nods as she picks up a kitchen knife, running the blade along her palm, watching the steel gleam in the light of the fire. "You must now add . . . a septim." Diamond orders.
Gianna pauses her stirring. "A Septim? As in . . . a gold coin? Really, are you sure?"
The knife instantly clatters loudly against the wooden table, and Diamond slaps her palms flat on the surface. Her head tilted down, Gianna stiffens. "Am I sure . . .?" Diamond jerks her head towards the chef with such dead seriousness in her eyes. "Am I sure?! I am the Gourmet!" She shouts. "You dare undermine my authority, you insolent swine!"
Gianna raises her hands in the air. "Oh, no, no. I didn't mean to offend you but – oh, I see now! That would give the Potage le Magnifique a slightly metallic – but delicious – aftertaste. Simply brilliant."
"Of course! I am the Gourmet! You will never underestimate me again!" Diamond snaps her fingers. "You incompetent buffoon."
Diamond rounds to the front of the stirring pot. The Redguard woman gives the stew a few more whisks before speaking again. "I have to say, the stew seems done. Add anything else, and we may dilute the distinct flavors. So . . . is that it?"
"Just one final ingredient. Here, add this." Diamond reaches into her satchel strapped to her side and hands Gianna the jarring root Astrid gave her.
"Oh, what is this? Some kind of herb? Are you sure? The Potage tastes perfect as it is. Another ingredient might –"
Diamond slams her hand against the table once more. "If I wanted your opinion, I would've asked for it! You wanted it to be made the Gourmet's way. And who is the Gourmet here?"
Gianna gives a nervous laugh. "I'm sorry. Of course. It's your most famous recipe after all." Diamond smile as she adds in the herb. It sizzles and pops before sinking into the broth. Gianna stirs the soup with quick hands. "There, your secret ingredient is added. If I may say so . . ."
"Yes, yes of course." Diamond says with a wave of her hand.
"It has been an honor, getting a chance to prepare a meal with, well . . . the best chef in the entire Empire." Gianna giggles. "I'll carry the stew pot, and lead the way up to the dining room. I'm sure the Emperor and his guests are dying to meet you."
With gloved hands, Gianna takes the pot off of the fire and carries it smoothly down the hallway. Diamond follows, adjusting her dress and carefully reaching through a slit she made in the skirt to reach her weapons.
As she follows Gianna, she takes her cloak and wraps keeps it over her arm as they mount the steps. Diamond can feel hr heartbeat racing from the excitement. Her nervousness has long since been oppressed, but she still feels disappointed that Libby didn't seem to be able to make it.
They turn a corner and Diamond's ears instantly catch the sound of conversations. "You mean the wedding? My cousin's apparent murder . . .? These things happen."
"Quite, yet that recent business with the young officer. Maro, was it? How dreadful. The son of your commander, plotting your assassination?" says a noble.
"Here we are!" Gianna's voice pipes. "Gods, I'm nervous. We'll go in in just a moment. Please, I'll serve. You just stand there and . . . be amazing!"
"Thank you, Gianna." Diamond smiles with a gently bob of her head.
". . . An unfortunate turn of events, that. But an isolated incident . . ." The Emperor's voice speaks.
Gianna opens the door, and Diamond follows inside. Her blood roaring in her ears.
"And I have been assured that the fault was with the man's son alone." The Emperor continues.
As Diamond enters behind Gianna, one of the agents on guard in the room says, "The Gourmet! This is such an honor."
Immediately Diamond's eyes find the back door that Astrid had mentioned that leads to the bridge that is left unguarded. Diamond eyes the Emperor as he sits at the head of a long table decorated with an already extravagant feast, and tableware looking like it's made from pearl. Gainna rounds towards the Emperor's side and Diamond goes the opposite side so she's near the door.
"Killing an emperor can be useful, but befriending one? Now that's beneficial – as I'm sure you'd all agree . . ." The guests give a collected laugh. His eyes flick to Diamond instantly and smiles. Diamond would've returned it, had she not been focusing so much on keeping her hands from shaking. "Aha! Here we are. Honored guests, I present to you – the Gourmet!"
Hands clap and Diamond gives a curtsey with a bow of her head.
Gianna pours a ladle-full of the soup into his bowl. "Ah, the Portage le Magnifique. So delicious. My friends, as Emperor, I of course reserve the right of first taste." The guests laugh once more. The Emperor takes a spoonful of the soup and slurps it into his mouth. After a few lick of his lips, he sighs. "Oh . . . Oh how marvelous. Just delicious. It is everything I had hoped it would be. It . . . I . . ."
Diamond slowly slides her hand into the slit of her skirt and starts to drag the tip of her dagger along the inside to prepare it for ripping when she has to run.
"Sir?" Gianna asks.
"I think something's . . . wrong . . ." the man begins to cough, and blood dribbles along his lips and his hand is tainted red. His eyes bulge with bloodshot veins snaking their way towards the pupil. The guests start to gasp. The Emperor's lips grow blue and his skin becomes pale. "I . . ." he gags on his own blood. He suddenly harshly coughs blood and hints of the soup escape his lips, spewing onto the table and he then starts to spaz before settling. Bile and blood stream down the corner of his mouth and down his neck.
One of the guests screams.
"You!" Diamond instantly points to Gianna, who is deathly pale. Diamond made sure to cut her thigh to make her eyes produce tears. "What did you do?! You poisoned my dish!" she screams.
The Penitus Oculatus Agent draws his sword and aims at Gianna. "Get her!"
"What? No! There's been some kind of mistake!"
"No! I was with you while we were preparing, and you had said the base broth was already complete! I didn't see how you had prepared it!" Diamond screams, more tears streaming down her face, and making sure her face shows absolute fear.
"What?! No! I –" Gainna barely has time to explain before the agents move towards her.
Diamond steps back into the doorway and turns on her heals, ripping her dress skirts before pushing through the door. The last thing she hears is Gianna's death cry.
The sky has darkened overhead. Starts spread out across and ducking behind the tips of the mountains.
She had done it.
Her heart still pounding, Diamond doesn't wait for people to notice her escape as she starts to jog down the long bridge, sadly ripping away the fabrics of her beautiful gown. She shakes out her hair and pulls it back into her ponytail, relieved from the scratchy pins. She's halfway across and is just wrapping her cloak around herself when she hears it.
Clapping. But why – ?
Suddenly two more agents of the Oulatus emerge from the entrance of the tower and run up towards her, swords drawn. Diamond clamps down her surprise as they don't attack.
The clapping becomes louder and from the upper level of the tower across the bridge, steps out Commander Maro, a torch in his fingers, but still clapping. The agents scowl at Diamond.
Her attention draws to the Commander. He has a smug little grin on his face, but his overall emotion is anger. "That man was, by far, the most insufferable decoy the Emperor has ever employed. I'm glad he's dead. Ah, but I'm even happier you killed him."
The frozen rage flickers, slowing, slowing slowing the world down. Decoy . . .?
A third agent stands in the doorway.
The Commander points a sword Diamond. "You, an assassin of the Dark Brotherhood, have just made an attempt on the Emperor's life. Would've succeeded, had it been the real man." The Commander grins wickedly while giving clicks of tsks, with his tongue.
A sharp pain twists Diamond's gut. She doesn't try to draw her dagger as she can feel her hands shaking, even through the cover of her cloak.
"Surprised?" The Commander coldly chuckles. "So was I when a member of you Family" came to me with a plan. We worked out a deal, you see. An exchange."
The words are still sinking in, each more awful than the next.
"I get you, and the Dark Brotherhood gets to continue its existence." He smiles. "But what they didn't know, is that I had a plan all my own."
He sidesteps allowing room, and out steps another Faceless member. Her hood covers her head, her lean body coiled in those purple and black wrappings, and her cape pools out at her feet, shadows sluggishly flowing off of it like smoke from a fire.
Who it is, Diamond doesn't know, but she knows it isn't Zusa. She can't be able to tell as fear suddenly surges through her. Just seeing one makes her legs quiver and she fears she'll collapse. Still, a scream bursts past her lips, though she clamps her hand instantly over her mouth. Her entire body is shaking.
"I've been working with the Faceless for some time now." The Commander claps his hand on the member's shoulder, and she doesn't shake him off. "I was sure they were just another assassination faction, until they came to me with information about your little group. And they've managed to always impress me and succeed my expectations. You followed their plans perfectly, and you're just as imprudent and predictable as they described."
Diamond can feel herself pulling away from her body. Inch by inch. Like a tide ebbing away from the shore.
"Now, I get to kill you, and butcher each and every one of your miserable little friends. Thanks to the Faceless, your Sanctuary's being put to the sword right now. And I'd like to see you take on my agents as well as the Faceless. From what I've heard, they've been wiping you and your pathetic friends out like bugs." The Commander laughs.
"No," Diamond breathes, from lips that feel far away. Her face is stricken and pale.
"Kill her," Commander Maro demands. "Make sure there's nothing left to bury."
He pats – actually pats – the Faceless member's shoulder. Then together they walk out of view.
Diamond feels a coldness brush her cheeks, and she realizes she's crying. The hope that had blazed within her instantly vanishes, leaving her cold and shaking.
Her Sanctuary. Her home.
The Penitus Oculatus agents draw their swords and charge.