Skyrim: A Nord's Tale

Twenty

Elisia and I arrive at the party later that night and thankfully pass by the Thalmor guards without any trouble. The Thalmor Embassy was built on a mountain, and when we arrive, the snow is thick and falling fast.

We push open the doors to the embassy and brush the snow off of our clothes. Ahead of us, my stomach turns as an Altmer wearing the Thalmor robes walks toward us. "Welcome," she greets us warmly. This alone convinces me that she doesn't know that I am a Stormcloak. "I don't believe we've met. I am Elenwen, the Thalmor Ambassador to Skyrim, and you are...?"

Remembering the name on my invitation, I bow slightly and reply,"My name is Calandra. Pleased to meet you."

"And my name is Loreth, Madam Ambassador." Elisia bows as well.

"Ah yes. I remember your names from the guest list. Please tell me more about yourselves. What brings you to this.. To Skyrim?"

Before I can reply, Malborn interrupts from behind the bar, "Madam Ambassador, I am so sorry to bother you."

Elenwen purses her lips and turns to face Malborn. "What is it Malborn?"

"It's just that we've run out of the Alto wine. Do I have your permission to uncork the Arenthia red-"

"Of course. I've told you before not to bother me with such trifles," Elenwen's voice is hard and I can tell this is not the first time that Malborn has attempted to embarrass the ambassador at her own party. Without waiting for Malborn to reply, she turns back to Elisia and I. "My apologies. We'll have to get better acquainted later. Please enjoy yourself."

Elisia and I both nod and Elenwen returns to her guests.

I lead the way over to the bar and Malborn smiles at us and says in an undertone, "You made it in. Good. As soon as you distract the guards, I'll open this door and we can get you on your way. Let's hope all three of us live through this day."

Turning away from the bar, I examine the guests and thankfully, I don't see anyone who would recognize me as a Stormcloak. My eyes fall on a man by the window and I recognize him as Razelan, a man who works for the East Empire Company and who is obviously representing them tonight.

"See that man," I whisper to Elisia. "He works for the East Empire Company and he's a known drunk. The only thing saving his job is that he's related to Maven Black-Briar. She loves having her hands in the largest shipping company in Tamriel."

Elisia nods and after a few muttered words and an exchange of gold coins, she is carrying a brandy bottle and leading the way over to our diversion.

Razelan looks at us through bleary eyes. "What does a fellow have to do to get a drink around here?" He grunts.

"Here, I brought you a drink," Elisia says proffering the brandy.

Razelan's drunk fogged eyes light up. "Ah the one generous soul amongst a gathering of pinch-pennies and lick-spittles!" Uncorking the bottle, he takes a deep swig of the brandy. "If there's anything I can ever do for you, do not hesitate to call upon me!"

Elisia smiles and sits down on the bench next to him. "Actually," she says in an undertone. "There is something you could do for me."

"Wonderful!" Razelan replies taking another drink. "I can begin to repay your generosity immediately. Say on friend."

"I need you to cause a scene. Get everyone's attention for a few minutes."

"Is that all?" Razelan asks as though he was expecting something else. "My friend, you have come to the right person. You could say that causing a scene is somewhat a specialty of mine." Getting to his feet somewhat clumsily, Razelan declares, "Stand back and behold my handiwork."