Collapse of Skyrim

Rielle Black-Briar

When I reach Solitude with the spies of Elenwen's, I take in this abysmal city. I have been here several times before, but I think I might have been here last not long after Vittoria Vicci's death. But none of the guards even pay me any mind, as if they don't care about what I've done. But I'm sure of this time, it will be different. I'm here to kill Elisif, anyhow.

The spies do not walk too close to me, and they're all in civilian clothes, but I'm still wearing the black Elven armor. I approach the Blue Palace, and the spies, who are not any of them Altmer, most of them are Khajiit, so I don't know how they slipped in here unscathed. Most cities don't let them inside. I hated that rule. It's stupid.

I walk into the Blue Palace, and glance around. Four guards stand by the door, and as I ascend the stairs, I see the Jarl's court lingering around, some eating, some drinking, all of them talking. I silently slip by, shocked at how easy it's been.

Almost on cue, I round the corner to her room, where Elenwen said it'd be, and freeze in place. A male Altmer steps up to me. He has long, blonde hair, and amber eyes. He smiles, but it's a bit .... off.

"Can I help you, ma'am?"

"Um, just looking around," I say. "You work here?"

"Yes, ma'am," he replies. It sounds like he's saying mom instead of ma'am. "Who are you?"

I glance to the side, and see the one Breton man nearby that is also a spy, who is going to provide a distraction. I blink twice at him, the signal, and then turn back to the Altmer. He looks at me, a bit confused.

I do not want to hurt him, but I cannot tell him who I am. I then hear a loud crash from behind me. The High Elf before me brushes past, and without another moment to waste, I walk into the bedroom of Jarl Elisif.

She lays in her bed, her eyes shut, and she sleeps softly. She seems peaceful, happy. Content.

And soon, she will join her husband, killed not long ago by Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak. I draw my daggers and glance at the door, where one of the female Khajiit spies stands, watching me. I stab Elisif in the throat, then her heart. Her eyes fly open briefly, and she looks up at me.

"Embrace the Void," I whisper softly. "Your death is the beginning of the end."

She closes her eyes, and her body goes limp. I rip my blades out, cleaning them on her clothes, and sheathe them. I walk into the other room, past the Khajiit, and head down the stairs. But I do not leave yet. I walk over to the kitchen, and the Khajiit spy moves to distract the maids and chef, and I approach the food pot.

Slipping poison Elenwen gave me into every drink and food item I can see, I then slip out of the Blue Palace.

I walk down the street, and I hear a person yelling for guards. Confused people all look over and start to gather around the Palace, and I join them. I wear a confused face, watching the guards as they yell at us, telling us to get back, that they have it all under control.

After a while, some of the crowd disperses, and so do I.

Reaching the stables, I mount up Shadowmere, and ride off towards the Embassy. I make sure to wander a while, going to various caves and places, just to make sure I'm not being followed by anyone. When I finally reach the Embassy, I see Elenwen standing outside her office, the wind whipping her short, blonde hair, and the snowflakes sticking to it.

"The spies said you did exactly what you were told. However ... there was something off. You said to her to embrace the Void. I assume that is about the Brotherhood? Is that it?"

"I'm still a servant of Sithis," I say.

She nods. "Yes. Of course you are. Just .... remember who is in charge, Rielle."

"How could I forget? You always ensure I know," I say. "What now?"

She smiles. "Come with me. I want to show you something. And then, meet someone."