Bound Until Death

A Marriage of Inconvenience

This quest begins once you complete Dark Brotherhood Quests: The Silence Has Been Broken.

Upon completion of your previous Dark Brotherhood Quest, a rendezvous with Astrid reveals more about the first of Amaund Motierre’s list of targets: Vittoria Vici, an Imperial with pro-Empire sentiments. She is set to be married to her Nord fiancé, Asgeir Snow-Shod, who has strong ties to the Stormcloaks. Although invited, the Emperor respectfully declined. But no matter; his family will be directly affected, for Vittoria Vici is the Emperor’s first cousin. The current animosity in the region means that the assassination of the Emperor’s cousin will force him into involvement in the Civil War.

Divines Retribution

Locate the imposing rock fortress of Solitude and enter the city. Pass through the outer bailey of market shops and houses and into the large inner courtyard to the northeast, which is adjacent to the Temple of the Divines. Step through either archway, and you’ll see the ceremony reception is already under way. You can chat with any number of guests: Noster Eagle-Eye, Vivienne Onis, Vuwulf Snow-Shod, Kayd, Alexia Vici, Nura Snow-Shod, Jarl Elisif the Fair, Pantea Ateia, and Lodi. You may even wish to give your regards to the bride and groom for flavor and fun.

With the ceremony under way, you have numerous methods of removing Vittoria Vici:

• Fire from afar: Take to the battlements via the stone steps in the adjacent courtyard, working your way up and around to the crenellations above the temple and then striking Vittoria with a well-aimed arrow or magical attack (dip an arrow in Lotus Extract to ensure a one-hit kill). This allows you to escape more easily.
• Babette’s advice: She mentions an old statue that rests rather precariously over the balcony where Vittoria will be giving her speech. Take one of the side doors or the crenellations to the statue and push it off so it lands on Vittoria’s head.
• Gabriella’s advice: She tells you of a small parapet (accessed via a side door near the reception courtyard) directly across from the balcony where the speech will be given. She’s already left a present: arrows and a special enchanted bow named Firiniel’s End. Locate the parapet, and use this bow instead of your own.
• A more messy death: Of course, you can run her through with your pointy weapon, bludgeon her to death with a warhammer, or attack her from close quarters. This has few advantages other than seeing your victim die in close proximity to you.

• Firiniel’s End

Escaping Solitude

Now that the marriage is over and the reception ruined, you must make good your escape. Along the way, you may run into Veezara, who Astrid has sent to keep an eye on you. He tells you to run while he holds off the enemy. Oblige him rather than sticking around to face overwhelming odds; Veezara can take care of himself. Rush to an exit, flee the city, and continue into the countryside until you aren’t chased anymore. Fast-Travel (or trek) back to the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary.

Quest Conclusion

Rendezvous with Astrid, and once you confirm the bride’s demise, Astrid seems quite excited at the path you’ve trodden and rewards you with an impressive spell. If you killed Vittoria as she addressed the crowd, you are given additional gold pieces. Then Astrid requests you go speak to Gabriella; she has some information on your next quest.

• Summon Spectral Assassin (Power)
• Gold pieces (bonus)

Postquest Activities

Dark Brotherhood Quests: Breaching Security begins immediately.