Across The Pond

Emperor Mede made his way to the room Vallius was staying in. When he arrived the door was ajar and Emperor Mede let himself in ans closed it behind him. Once inside he saw Vallius straitening out the room and a traveling bag in the corner.

"Going somewhere?" asked Emperor Mede.

"To Cloud Ruler Temple, Twilight's friends mentioned others of her kind there, I figure they'll be safe enough here so I'm going to help around the old place. I just don't like waiting around for something to happen" Vallius told the Emperor, not bothering to stop his cleaning.

"I'm actually glad you said that Vallius" Emperor Mede said.

"Oh? And may I ask why that is?" Vallius asked, stopping and turning to face the Emperor.

"You are one of my best scouts, and I have a special mission for you" Emperor Mede said.

"What kind of special mission are we talking about here sir?" Vallius asked skeptically, keeping his eyes on the Emperor.

"The kind we can't talk about again, the kind that's off the books. Interested?" asked Emperor Mede.

"Go on, I find myself ... enthralled by the thought" Vallius said, choosing his words carefully.

Emperor Mede chuckled before continuing "as you know we have officially declared war. Well I don't think the Thalmor will be the only threat here. From what intelligence has gathered the Dark Brotherhood has been working very close with someone by the name of Lord Aramoth. I also hear you have had more than your fair share of run ins with the Dark Brotherhood as of late."

Vallius nodded in response, allowing Emperor Mede to continue.

"Well we have also received a letter since you started staying in the castle. Here' Emperor Mede handed Vallius a faded yellow envelope. On the front was his name written in neatly in black ink.

Vallius eyed it suspiciously before opening it and looking inside. In the strange envelope there was only a single piece of yellow parchment that was folded three times into a long rectangle. Vallius opened the letter and on it was a black hand print and beneath it were the words "we know" written in the same neat hand writing and black ink.

"Do you know what it means Vallius?" asked Emperor Mede.

"The black hand print was on the cloaks of the Dark Brotherhood" Vallius said flatly.

"My sources tell me this is sent to people the Dark Brotherhood wishes to recruit. The black hand print supposedly represents the five elite members of the Brotherhood that serve directly over who they call, the night mother' Emperor Mede told him.

"Why are you telling me this?" Vallius asked.

"Isn't it obvious Vallius?" Emperor Mede asked.

Vallius stared blankly at the Emperor.

Emperor Mede sighed before saying "I wan't you to join the Dark Brotherhood Vallius. I want you to rise through their ranks and earn their trust. Find out as much as you can about our enemies and this 'Lord Aramoth.' Whomever they may be I don't want to take any chances, not with the Thalmor breathing down our necks."

"What you're telling me to do is-" Vallius began before being cut off by Emperor Mede.

"Is what Vallius? Crazy, ludicrous, unreasonable? These things are true but we are presented with a unique opportunity here Vallius, surely you see it."

"Do you really think it's the right thing to do?" Vallius asked.

"Yes, and remember I need you to do whatever it takes to earn their trust. They are already going to be weary due to the fact that you work so close to me. I will tell you this, whatever you do when under cover you will get a full pardon from once this war is over. I promise you that Vallius" Emperor Mede reassured him.

Vallius chuckled. "And how do I contact them?" Vallius asked.

"Go into the market district and stay at an inn. They'll find you. I'm told that's how they operate. All you have to do is fall asleep somewhere accessible, and in the Imperial Palace isn't exactly accessible, now is it" Emperor Mede said with a smile.

Vallius and Emperor Mede sat in silence for a moment while Vallius thought over the information he was just given. The Emperor gave him time to think, allowing as much time as he needed.

"I'll do it" Vallius finally said.

"Fantastic" Emperor Mede said. "Oh, and one more thing Vallius. Since this is off the books you are likely to be marked a deserter or a traitor. If you are caught I won't be able to help you, I will deny giving orders like this."

"Of course, I completely understand the risks sire and will do what I must to keep the Empire safe" Vallius said with confidence and force behind his voice, even though these unorthodox orders had him worried. He hoped they would not see though his ruse before he can get the information he wanted.

Vallius brought his bag to the Market District and rented a room at The Merchants Inn as instructed. Vallius had thrown his bag into the small room and walked to the bar. He ordered two mugs of Nordic Mead as soon as he got there. He downed the first one almost immediately but took his time with the second mug.

"Rough day?" asked the bartender.

Vallius laughed a little and said "You have no idea. This whole day has been crazy."

Vallius started to look around. there were many people in this inn and any one of them could be the assassin that was looking for him.

Vallius stayed at the bar late into the night. He drank five mugs of mead in all, he always could hold his liquor well. It was late and everyone else had either gone up to a room on the second floor or had left. Vallius decided it was time to go to sleep and stumbled his way up the stairs.

Once Vallius had gotten up the stairs he made his way to the room he was permitted to use and collapsed onto the bed in it, and allowed himself to fall asleep.