"Did you doubt the Night Mother?"

"Your... organization hasn't been the most reliable."

She inclines her head; the truth is undeniable. "In recent years, yes. That is changing, and a new era of the night is beginning."

"Now, what does the leader of her own new era want of the Dark Brotherhood?"

"I want you to kill a Thalmor emissary."

"And your own forces aren't up to the task?"

"Not this one. Too much of a pain in the ass for a straight fight."

She'd like information on name and the intelligence Àshildr has. 

No name, just a title: the Golden Champion. Favors heavy armor and a two-handed sword called 'Penitent', the pretentious fuck. They've been tracking his movements as best they can, here's what they know.

Very helpful... They'll add their own reconnaissance of course. 

And this assassination won't come cheap. 

Shit like this never does. That's what the war chest is for.

Fair. What's Áshildr's timeline?

The sooner the better. Within a month would be ideal.

And any special requests other than 'dead'?

Make sure it's messy.

Can do. 

Good.

Is that everything they need, then?

All that's left is the formal contract. 

Right. That.

A quick process, now that the terms are decided. 

She'll sign.

"Pleasure doing business with you."

"Yeah. Hope you'll forgive me if I wait for results before saying likewise."

"Understandable."

"You get that a lot?"

"From people who aren't fanatics or frightened of us, yes."