A/N: Yes! It's finally finished! This one went through a re-write, and I had my wisdoms cut out, so it's finally here for all to read. Do enjoy – may you walk always in the shadow of Sithis, Sisters and Brothers…. Oh, and I couldn't find the supposed Castle Dour exit - I spent about 2hrs real-time in Solitude while I was nursing away my chipmunk face trying to find the way out that they mention in-gameX3
Guest Z3R0, your review made my day! I'm hoping this update will be worth a little something-something, yeah?
Lastly, I have an Easter Egg lined up - 100th reviewer (sadly guest reviewers are not included in this) will get a character in this fanfic - last I checked, there were 10 reviews to 100, so go for it, peeps! I'll PM the 100th reviewer with the news.

Chapter 21: Bound Until Death, Part II

The Winking Skeever was surprisingly empty by the time I headed downstairs for an early breakfast in my dress, pointedly ignoring the few lingering gazes of scattered men and one or two women. I ordered breakfast and ate quickly, deciding I'd rather spend some of the day wandering the city to get to know a few escape routes, and see if I couldn't stash my pack and possessions somewhere outside the city for me to fetch at a later stage, should I be separated from them for whatever good or bad reason.

I wandered through all of Solitude for the better half of the morning, memorizing niches and hiding spots that could prove useful. The city was immense, and I had no doubt they'd put it in lock-down as soon as Vici was killed. That meant I wouldn't be able to escape for at least a week if I couldn't get out via the Castle Dour, or even the Catacombs – I'd leave the Catacombs as a backup for my backup – and when they eventually did lift the heavy security to allow people in and out again, they'd surely stop almost everyone and search bags.

How exciting!

The chances of getting caught raised the stakes, made the kill even more tantalizing… I grinned, walking over to the Temple of the Divines. I let my smile fade away gently, looking up at an Imperial soldier as I made my way closer to the courtyard where I could hear a man give a long-winded speech about prosperity and peace and honor and other political nonsense. The soldier moved to block me. I smiled gently. "I'd like to head into the Temple, please," I explained. They couldn't deny us religion, not even for the Emperor's wedding. He nodded stiffly, motioning at a younger soldier to walk with me. Lots of high-profile people. Is that… Amaund I see over there? I wondered, catching a glimpse of a Breton who looked a lot like my client. I grinned at the thought that he might be here, and headed into the Temple.

It was quiet, and cool inside. The soldier hasn't come in with me, so I could wander through the place with relative ease. The priest and two priestesses were kneeling by the many shrines, their heads bowed in prayer. I wondered again – surely for the millionth time – if their gods ever heard them. I knew Sithis and the Night Mother heard me; I knew the daedra often chose mortal champions, but the Divines?

I frowned slightly, shaking my head as I explored the upper levels first. A door led to the outside, and I stood on the balcony Gabriella had promised to leave a surprise on. There was nothing here now, but I had no doubt that she had already known my plan of action. It gave me a wonderful view of the courtyard, and the balcony where, what I assumed was, an Imperial Legionnaire was giving yet another well-wishing and political speech. I was surprised that I found no Thalmor in the crowd…. I suppose it's not really any of their business.

I looked up, trying to see if I could scale the wall and from the parapets make my way to the Castle Dour. For the limited amount of space, I'd need a rope dangling down to help me up. Too vulnerable to archers, I scowled. I'd come back for Gabriella's gift anyway, and see if it would be useful to me. I went back inside the Temple, and found the crumbling stone passages to Potema's Catacombs.

I eyed them warily, agreeing with Festus that they were a fool's or a desperate assassin's escape. And there was no guarantee that the barrow it led into would have another exit, or if that exit was even viable to use. Assuming I could even get through them – surely some kind of dark magic also protected the place, regardless of whether or not Tawarthion had cleared the catacombs a few months ago – or something like that.

I was scowling deeply when I returned to the main hall within the Temple, and sat down on one of the pews, my head bowed as if in prayer. I stayed for a few moments, then smoothed my features and left, right as one of the priestesses seemed to look my way. There is only one way in and out of here… I reminded myself when I stood in the courtyard again.

The same soldier as earlier escorted me out. "Will the reception be open to the public?" I asked, lifting my brows as I looked innocently at the soldier.
He nodded quickly, glancing away from me. "Yes," he said stiffly – he sounded nervous. I almost grinned. "Tomorrow and the day thereafter the public will be allowed to see the lady Vittoria and her husband, Asgeir Snow-Shod."
I smiled brightly at him, smirking on the inside at the light blush on his cheeks. "Oh, thank you!" I half-giggled, leaving the baffled soldier with his furious superior.

I headed up a long flight of stairs to the parapets, and a very abandoned-looking Thalmor Headquarters building was on my right. Castle Dour was a bit of a stretch to the left. I walked closer to my escape, seeing it was something more akin to a dungeon and the Imperial Legion Headquarters. I'd have a hard time getting past the guards without a fight, but so long as I had a bow I could shoot down one, maim another and have my blades ready for the last two. I smiled shyly at those guarding the doors, and headed inside.

I must have wandered through at least three times before I came to the conclusion that there was no way I could escape from here – unless I took the door out on the southern side and used the stairs in a tower to go all the way down to the Winking Skeever. If I was fast, I could maybe push through the gates before they could call lock-down and be out on my way home. I was mildly angry – this was entirely useless and Castle Dour was nothing more than a death-trap! Unless there was a restricted area to the outside, and one person can only do so much visual scouting and ask so many questions before it becomes suspicious.

I couldn't remember exactly what Veezara had said about Castle Dour, but I had a strange suspicion Astrid might have something to do with it. I shook my head and gave up for today. Tomorrow was the day, and I would improvise. Besides, assassins can't always count on plans working perfectly.

I bought lunch from a small stall, and bought several yards of rope from another, which I used to make my escape from Gabriella's balcony. I was wandering back to the inn when a familiar, green face appeared in the crowd ahead. I blinked once: why was Veezara here, dressed as richly as he was? He nodded at me, then turned down one of the alleys.

I followed immediately.

Veezara was leaning against a wall when I reached him in the narrow alley, a toothy smile on his face. "It's good to see you too," I said softly in reply to his grin. "What are you doing here?"
"I had a nearby contract, and thought I'd come to Solitude and see of you needed help with the escape. Not that I doubt you – it could just be the difference in seconds between being outside Solitude or outside a jail cell until they eventually find you, if you'd like my help."
My lips turned upwards darkly for a moment. "I appreciate it. But what if you get caught or killed? It's not as if we have so many dispensable siblings; and besides – you're the last Shadowscale. Someone has to teach the next Argonian who turns out to be like you."
Veezara grinned slyly. "Let's just say I'm not as alone as I thought I was. And I know all of that – I still want to help. So, what about Castle Dour? Can it work?" My scowl gave away my feelings. "So it wasn't quite as useful as I heard and assumed it would be…" Veezara trailed.
"Heard it would be?"
"Astrid mentio–"
"That conniving harlot!" I hissed, wishing I could stab someone. Veezara stared on, shocked. "After everything I've done to keep her happy, keep her as my leader and she still tries to undermine everything that's beyond our control!" I seethed.
"Alysa, slow down! You surely don't mean any of that…?" the Shadowscale was standing now, his arms at his sides.
I glared up at him. "I do. I really, really do. If you still want to help it's up to you. I strike tomorrow, and I'll be staying at the Winking Skeever."

I turned and left. Oh, when I get back to the Sanctuary…. Astrid, you had better start praying for our Mother and Sithis' mercy….

My Argonian brother ended up staying in the Winking Skeever, too – bought the best room for a ridiculous price, but after threatening to take his business elsewhere got the room for less than half with any services he desired. If I hadn't still been furious about Astrid's little plot, I'd have been impressed. After storming away from Veezara, I had taken my pack down to the farm where my horse was stabled, hiding it between the back wall of the stable and a feed trough. After some debate I left my quiver and bow there as well. The horse actually seemed glad to see me, so I stopped for a moment to stroke it, and when the boy came my way again I tossed him a few more coins. He almost dropped them he was so shocked. He didn't even notice that a pig was missing, or the heavy, red-stained waterskin I carried away with me. I had what I needed to leave a signature.

Either way, I was back in the Winking Skeever, and the place was crammed again. I left for my room, and checked that I had everything I needed – lockpicks, daedric daggers (both in perfect condition), my armor, cloak, the dress I was wearing, and one small vial of frost poison. I also had my waterskin full of pig's blood which I would use to leave a little something at the wedding.

An artist always signs their artwork, not so?

Everything I need, I thought with a smirk, and carefully bundled everything together and pulled on the robes I took with me every time I left the Sanctuary. I cleaned up, pulled my robes on and fell asleep fairly easily – I couldn't wait for dawn.

I stood in front of the mirror that morning, scrutinizing myself. My hair was pulled back into a low bun to fit under my cowl, my armor just hidden under the crudely modified dress and cloak – thank Sithis the day was turning out to be cold, so I wouldn't look too out of place – daggers strapped on my thighs, the poison and blood tied onto my belt. I was ready.

Breakfast was light and fast, and I overheard Lisette trying to convince Corpulus to let her go to the wedding – just for one hour, then she'd be back, she swore. He had kept refusing, eventually sending her off with an irritated look on his face while she looked close to tears. I scowled in their direction. A little gentle persuasion should do it, I thought, standing and walking towards Lisette. "Come on, we're going to the wedding."
She stared at me a little blankly. "But, what about –"
"He's not a problem, let's go," I said, making a split-second decision to grab her wrist and pull her along behind me. I was grateful for the standard-issue Dark Brotherhood gloves between my skin and hers, though. I had barely ushered her out of the door when Corpulus stopped us. "Go," I commanded, shoving Lisette out into the streets of Solitude before sauntering back to the innkeep.
"What do you think you're doing taking her out of my inn?"
I glanced around the empty common room dramatically. "I don't see anyone down here who would miss her. Your patrons are either in their rooms nursing a good, old-fashioned hangover from your alcohol, or they're all down at the wedding already," I smiled darkly.
Corpulus almost growled at me, storming up and breathing down on me. My nose wrinkled on instinct at his stench, and my daedric dagger was in his belly as soon as he stood close to me. "Now, you'll let her go, or I'll be forced to satisfy my curiosity," I murmured, looking up at the blanched man. Up close I could tell he was mostly fat. "See, I always wanted to know what would happen if I sliced and diced a fat man like yourself – would fat ooze out, like blood, or would it be hard? And stop me, or punish Lisette for this, and Sithis knows I wouldn't be so open to… persuading you again."

I turned and left without a second glance at the man. My blade already sheathed and hidden before I reached the door.

"Are you ready?" a soft reptilian voice murmured by my ear. I was listening to the umpteenth speech Vici was giving, and each one was met with fervor from the crowd.
"Always," I breathed, turning around and weaving my way across the courtyard to my balcony. The crowd was thick, but still every now and then I had seen Lisette and Tawarthion in some place, smiling to each other with stolen touches and kisses that made me long for Cicero.

But the hunt was much closer, and the thought of all the chaos I would cause was enough to make me feel a bloodlust I hadn't felt since I had returned from my meeting with Amaund. I raced up the stairs to the balcony, tearing off the dress easily and stuffed it behind a pot plant, pulling up my cowl and hood. When I opened the door at the top of the stairs, I smiled at Gabriella's gift. It was a bow – elvish in make, so it was lighter and more ornate than my daedric bow, along with a quiver of five elvish arrows and a Philter of True Shot. I crouched, quickly tugging on my rope to make sure it was still in place before I drank the potion. I was a fair shot, but I'd only have one chance at this: it wouldn't do to mess it up. I put the waterskin on the floor next to me, holding it up carefully as I used a dagger to cut the lip off to let me put my hand inside. The blood spilled out a little as I touched the palm of my gloved hand to the surface of the blood, and pressed it against the cold, grey stone next to me. I let the skin go, and it sagged under the weight of the blood, spreading in a deep crimson pool. I grinned, thrilled at the sight. I picked up the bow, and one arrow. I could feel the potion hard at work in my system: I knew the exact way to shoot for the perfect kill. I popped open my bottle of poison, dipped the arrowhead in and stood as I drew the bow. Vici was prattling on about peace and her day is everyone's day, a new day for Skyrim.

I fired.

She stopped speaking, gurgled. I smiled: my arrow was in her throat.

Her husband was shocked. Someone screamed.

I was racing up the wall, along the parapets over the balcony Vici had been speaking from, down the other side into the residential area of Solitude. Bells tolled loudly as the crowd started screaming and shouting. So alive, I grinned broadly under my cowl, ripping it down and flying into a small courtyard of a house, my fingers already working the picks to open the lock. I let myself in and shut the door. I would be able to hide behind the many barrels and crates in the basement I found myself in. Apparently, the owner liked wine: lots of wine. I crouched down in my new hiding spot, thinking to wait it out for a few hours while Veezara worked his magic.

I dozed occasionally, and sometimes scratched around in the crates that opened silently, and found an old, slightly musty dress that was a bit big for me, but something I could use to get out – I'd need to take off my armor and fold it into a piece of canvas I found – and when it finally turned to twilight I heard voices in the house, coming down into the basement. "Oh, that's awful! And you were there, my Thane?" a young woman's voice asked.
"Yes, Jordis. I just don't know how this could have happened, or who did it. I doubt the Argonian they caught had anything to do with it, though… it just seems too easy…" a man's voice trailed. It was a surprisingly familiar voice, too… I just couldn't place it. I kept listening, curious as to what Veezara had told them.
"And didn't they find a handprint on a balcony, with a bow called Firiniel's End and a pool of blood? Could it be the… you know, the…" the woman – Jordis's – voice dropped to a whisper as if she was afraid someone might hear them. And someone does, I thought smugly. A few glass bottles clinked together, and then against wood. "They did, yes. And it could be the Dark Brotherhood. I just can't imagine them sending out a member to take the blame while the other escaped; it's the only thing that explains what happened and their numbers are too low to allow for this. And the Argonian only mentioned that he knew who did it, not that he committed the murder." The man shoved a bottle back onto a shelf somewhere. "There's something very off about this, and Ulfric should know about it as soon as possible. Would you find Lisette for me, and bring her here? She said she was going back to the inn, and while I doubt anything would happen to her there, I'd feel better if she was closer to me."

Sweet Night Mother, I cursed mentally. What a house I had picked to break into. Jordis agreed to Tawarthion's request, and I heard her steel-booted feet disappear out the basement door. The Altmer sighed, finally selecting a wine that suited his mood and disappeared upstairs. I had moments to get out and away from here. Thank the previous brothers and sisters in my Family for having developed armor that was easy to put on and take off.

I was dressed and my things wrapped in canvas in record time, and after a quick scan of the indoor area, headed out. I had my cloak on to hide the change in clothes, and the canvas bag was cradled in my arms. It was surprisingly easy – I was almost suspicious of it. I passed Lisette and a dark blonde woman whom I presumed was Jordis, but neither saw me, thankfully. I made my way to the inn without trouble, and apparently the guards had already dealt with 'the Argonian' as the Shadowscale had been dubbed. I asked one of the maids to bring bread and cheese up to my room, and after that cold dinner I changed into my Brotherhood robes. I would find out a little more in the morning and leave then. For now, it was a job well done, and I fell asleep with a smile on my face.