Tonight, Windhelm will bleed. She frowned, he had been allowed to live for far too long. No more.

 

 

Lilith never feared the dark, it was comforting, quiet. Her heels clicked on the pavement as she walked. Spring had started to settle in. It really was a lovely night, for the most part...

 

 

She had heard him - and moreover - smelled him, long before he staggered around the corner. The man reeked of cheap alcohol and groped at the air in front of him, evidently trying to grab her.

 

"Heyshh babbyy.. how mucshh fo' a go..?"

 

 

She glared silently. He would never know quite how lucky he was that spring evening. The city was always filled with men like him this time of year - before the Nords' petty civil war would start again, come summer. No one would notice if he'd gone missing - at least not until he floated back up in the canal..

 

 

She snorted and walked past him - there was no time.

 

"Baah! Dun youuh waalk awaysh! Wahtt kindsh o' decentsh wohman wondersh tha streetsh aht nightsh?!" He slurred his words as he fumbled about at the bottom of the stairwell, in no shape to actually follow.

 

 

They say a drunk mind speaks a sober heart. Lilith had always thought "they" were stupid, but there was more truth to the drunkard's words than he could possibly know.

 

Decent women - and decent men, for that matter - would be in their homes, with their loved ones. A 'decent woman' was the last way Lilith would describe herself. The only thing the man really got wrong was her profession.

 

 

Lilith glanced down the sidewalks as she approached the house. The city was quiet. She eyed the guard at the door up and down before approaching.

 

 

She smiled at him. A smile to melt the heart.

 

"Long night?" She tilted her head, coming close, pushing her chest outwards, looking up at him playfully.

 

“Aye. But I don’t think I can aff-“

 

 

Lilith gasped, she placed her hands on the man’s chest, frowning lightly and interrupting him.

 

“Mmh, now, who’s saying anything about payment? Is -that- what you think I am?" She pouted.

 

 

"All you big, strong men.. you invite us Dunmer into your city, keep us safe… we should be more appreciative, don’t you think?”

 

Her words were all honey, likely the warmest thing the man had felt in months.

 

 

She backed off and smiled as he started to remove his helmet. He was young, barely an adult, by her estimation - it's no wonder he was so receptive to her advances.

 

 

After some hesitation, he wrapped his hands around her hips. she could feel them lightly shaking – he was nervous. It made her grin.

 

 

“Aawh, so sweet … most of the men here are –so- rough, it’s no wonder they have to pay.. mmh.. -you- though.. you must get all the girls..”

 

 

“Aye.. a lot of folk don’t like you elves – a shame, really. "

 

She ran her delicate hand across his cheek, nodding her head. "Do they really have you standing out here all night? How awful."

 

 

"It's.. alright. Could be worse.. A-anyway.. do.. do you want to.. go somewhere else? Don't think the old goat would notice if I went missing for a bit.."

 

“What’s your name, hmm?” Her right hand left his chest and went down to her belt, rummaging for something.

 

 

His cheeks turned red, he looked away from her gaze, finding himself peeking into her cleavage instead.

 

“Oh, heh.. right.. we haven’t even.. been introduced.. I.. I’m Svend. And you?”

 

She paused for a few moments, saying nothing, her crimson eyes staring at him intensely.

 

"Svend. You.. you're a good boy, Svend."

 

 

While he was busy staring down at her chest, the dagger slid into his throat, opening his windpipe. As smooth as summer silk.

 

 

Lilith placed her hand on his chest and gave him a light shove as she opened his throat. He looked shocked - betrayed, even.

 

 

“Wahht thh ff-“

 

He choked on his words - and his blood - as he slumped against the door. Lilith slid her dagger all across his neck, leaving a wide, dark-red gash.

 

 

Svend's hands desperately tried to stem the tide, blood burst from his mouth as he tried to speak again, dripping down his chin and onto the Windhelm bear on his gorget. Tonight, Windhelm will bleed.

 

She placed a hand on top of his - firm, but also gentle. She sounded different now. Cold. Every bit as cold as Svend was likely feeling.

 

"That won't help." She shook her head. "Just let go, it's better that way."

 

Lilith almost felt sorry for the man. It was merely bad luck that he happened to be guarding this particular door on this particular evening. His eyes locked with hers, he was horrified. As sweet as she must have seemed mere minutes ago, she must look like a demon now.

 

She smiled at him. A smile to gladly bleed to death for.

 

 

It was not long before he would stop moving. She would have to act quickly - the uniform was not going to be a good fit for her, but it would have to do.

 

“MORE WINE!”

 

She could hear his shouts as soon as she walked in.

 

 

Lilith took her place as one of the guards. No one ever seemed to pay attention to guards here. Not even other guards.

 

 

“M-my lord..” The servant stuttered. “Jarl Ulfric is due to arrive any minute. Are you sure y-“

 

“Sho waht?! I canne drinks in ma own house annemore cos da big jarl’s comin? Piss on that! WINE!”

 

 

There he was. Chief Torgeir. He did not know it yet, but tonight - Windhelm will bleed.

 

 

No more than a few minutes passed before Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak himself - Lord of Windhelm and Eastmarch Hold, opened the doors and walked right past Lilith. She had never seen him in person before. Compared to the sad, old man at the table, he looked like a giant.

 

 

“ULFRY! There ye are! Come on! Siiiit! ‘ave a driink!” Torgeir flailed his arms dramatically at his Jarl as he sat down.

 

 

Jarl Stormcloak sat down opposite to Torgeir. He was quiet as the Chieftain raised his tankard.

 

"Cheers! Ish lovely of you.. to pay ush a vhisit.."

 

The Jarl stared at him in silence for a few moments - he seemed almost.. sad. Weary. Eventually, he spoke. Where Torgeir was loud and boisterous, Ulfric was quiet. Lilith strained to hear him.

 

"You know why I'm here, Torgeir." He sighed heavily. "Summer is almost upon us. We need more men from the North - the Thalmor have already arrived in force. Your bannermen have been shirking their duties.."

 

 

Torgeir set his mug down and shook his head. He raised one hand and waved it left and right.

 

"Ulfry.. Ulfry.. we.. we both knowsh wut needsh to happens.. Whiterun. Yesh? Get that cowardsh Baalgruff in line.. and we win! Ees' as simple as that!"

 

 

Lord Stormcloak sighed as Torgeir reached for his wine.

 

"Baalgruuf has been.. slow to respond to our messages. He's still stalling, even now. I hoped he was a true Nord, but.."

 

 

“Empty! Ish goddamn empty!”

 

Torgeir shouted, tossing the flagon away as he mumbled to himself, staring at his empty cup in disbelief.

 

 

Ulfric stood up suddenly. He muttered something under his breath - far too low for Lilith to hear. He then sighed and composed himself. The chieftain had obviously stretched his patience.

 

"We'll speak again tomorrow, Torgeir. Remember - I need those men. We need them, or..." He stared at the old man as he continued to nurse his empty cup, and just shook his head. "Tomorrow. Get your house in order, Torgeir."

 

 

Torgeir followed them on the way out. "Lemme shee you out. You worreh too musch.. we na gonna lose to dose imperial panshies.. pssh.."

 

He checked his cup again every now and then, as if it would somehow magically refill. His disappointment seemed crushing every single time.

 

To her surprise, Ulfric stopped and looked at her. She stood at attention and held her breath.  "Hmh. What's this?"

 

 

Ulfric approached Lilith and placed a hand on her shoulder. He -almost- smiled.

 

"This isn't the Imperial Legion, friend. No need to stand there like a statue, hmm?"

 

She nodded her head. "Of course, my lord." If only he knew who hid under that helmet.

 

She could feel her heartbeat quicken - Lilith considered what she would do if discovered. Would she even be able to run? If they discovered the guard's body..

 

 

"Heh. You have a true shield maiden here, Torgeir."

 

Ironically, Lilith was the only thing that seemed to brighten Lord Stomcloak's day a little bit. Ulfric turned his head towards the Chieftain, looking at him with pity.

 

"Baahh.. I dun remembersh hiriingsh any wimenz.. whatevers.." He waved a hand dismissively, preferring the company of his cup.

 

Ulfric patted Lilith on the shoulder again. "He ought to be less cranky when sober. Keep up the good work." He nodded his head and glanced at his guard as they both stepped out.

 

 

Torgeir stared down his cup one more time, then threw it to the ground in anger.

 

"Well?! Why ar ye allsh sthanding 'round ere?! Party ish ova! Go be usefhul outshide o' shomthing.. yor Chieftain has businessh upshtairs!"

 

He flailed his hands towards the door, the other guard nodded his head and bowed slightly before turning to leave.

 

 

Lilith would be staying. She watched as Torgeir precariously climbed up the stairs - one false step and the Gods would be doing the job for her. She frowned. That wouldn't do. It would be far too quick.

 

She followed him. As she stared from the door, she saw the battered Dunmer woman the bastard was standing over. She knew about this - it was part of the reason she was here, but she did not expect to see one here right now.  

 

Lilith clenched her fists, she threw her shield to the ground with a loud clang, grabbing their attention.

 

 

"Eeeh?!" Torgeir groaned. They both looked at her in shock. Neither of them seemed to be expecting more company.

 

 

"Waaht in da hellsh ar you doin up heresh?!" He walked towards her and pointed his finger repeatedly.

 

"Let me shee yor faacsh.. you donesh in dis city yu foolsh... you'llsh be scrapings ore in shome mine 'fore the endsh of the weeks.."

 

He needn't ask. She wanted him to see her face. Lilith was already unstrapping her helmet before he even said the words.

 

 

Lilith did not say a word. She stared at him. He was likely far too drunk to understand how hateful her glare was, though the dunmer behind him knew. She was petrified, not moving an inch.

 

"Waaht th fuk? Why ar ye werin datsh uniform yu dum bint?!"

 

He seemed completely shocked, but after pondering the matter for awhile, he nodded his head.

 

"Aah, whatsheversh... I couldsh ushe a new elf whore.. shtart stripping and gets on dat bed.. hurreh up.."

 

 

He fiddled with his belt, seemingly incapable of actually opening it. "I'll showsh you waht a REALSH Nord man can do.."

 

He looked back up at her - she had not moved, at all.

 

"Whatsh tha matta?!? Dint ya hearsh me?!” He raised his voice, before musing for a few moments and coming to a realization. “Ar ya softs in da ‘ead? Aaah perhapsh thatsh fo' tha bests, ye nae gonna cry sho much.. comes ‘ere, I strips ya myshelf..”

 

 

He stumbled towards her. She stared, unmoving. "Thish one 'ere ish all spents.." He threw an angry glare back at the bed. "yer all quietsh.. very niceee.."

 

 

A split second before his fingers would have touched her, she drew her blade and plunged it into his belly in one swift motion, and then again – and again. She wrapped an arm around his back and smiled, as if they were dancing.

 

 

A loud, piercing shriek filled the room - the monster's captive covered her mouth as blood started to soak his tunic, he could only stare in disbelief. She gave him a shove, knocking him to the floor.

 

 

Lilith kneeled on top of him and gripped her blade with both hands.

 

“You..” She raised her dagger. “.. are not a real man.” She plunged it into his chest, and pulled it out. “ You are a worm.”

 

 

She stabbed him again. “You are nothing.” She struck him a 3rd time, twisting the blade in his flesh. “.. No one will miss you.”

 

 

She glanced up at the 'man''s captive. She was wide eyed and shivering, covering her mouth - she was almost as surprised as he was.

 

 

She wiped her dagger on his clothes and stood up. The man tried to speak –but he could only cough blood – he tried to breathe, but the dagger had pierced his lungs. She turned towards her instead, letting him suffer.

 

“Get dressed and leave. Go to the Cornerclub and ask for Thalsa, she will take care of you.”

 

She frowned at the utterly terrified elf. “If you stay here, they will blame you for this.” She tilted her head towards the dying man on the floor. “.. And you will hang.. if you’re lucky..”

 

Torgeir struggled to get a few words out, the stabbings seemed to have brought him out of his drunken stupor somewhat. "T-thallmor.. bitsch.."

 

 

Lilith grinned. She turned back towards him and leaned down.

 

"Thalmor?" She looks back to the elf, though she didn't seem nearly as amused. "He thinks he's important enough for the Thalmor to assassinate him."

 

She glanced back to him. "What have the Thalmor ever done for me? " She looked at his victim again. "For us?"  She shook her head. No, worm. You're breathing in your own blood now because you're a monster. We don't suffer monsters to live in this city. Not anymore."

 

 

 

 

 

Lilith's words seemed to convince the elf, who scrambled for her clothes, her hands shaking and always looking back to her “rescuer”, she never said a word.

 

She turned to leave. He would suffer. It was still too quick, but it would have to suffice.

 

 

Bells tolled throughout the city as Lilith made her way onto a cramped side street. The once quiet Windhelm was suddenly alive with activity.

 

 

It felt good, knowing all these men were frantically running around the place, all because of what she did. It felt like justice.

 

 

Lilith entered the safehouse, smiling at Thalsa and Trevyn.

 

 

"Is it done then? Is the pig dead?" Thalsa crossed her arms and looked up at Lilith. She seemed anxious to hear the news.

 

 

Lilith smiled and silently sat down next to Trevyn, embracing him and giving him a long kiss. Making Thalsa wait was always entertaining. Eventually, she pulled away and smiled again.

 

 

"If the Gods are just, he is still choking on his blood. It is done."