Kimbra crept quietly through the interior paths leading to Fairstrom Manor. Though the humid air was thick in her lungs, she had been trained to carefully control her breathing. There in the manor, her target was located on the third story, through the second window on the eastern side of the manor. Guards were stationed throughout the grounds, but so far she had evaded them with sharp turns and careful maneuvers. Tall black boots, leather armor, and a dark cloak wrapped her form in darkness as she silently approached the manor.

A sturdy and boxed trellis attached firmly to the wall offered her a perfect place to climb without being noticed. The trellis was hollow and covered with vines and a latticed pattern that would hide Kimbra as she climbed inside. She looked in every direction to be sure no guard was passing by, and she carefully slid up the trellis. Sweat beaded on her forehead as she strained against the narrow openings that offered little holds or support. A few times brought her fear that the trellis would fall from her weight as the old wood creaked and groaned.

Kimbra finished her ascent and looked through the closed window that had two panes which opened outwardly. The room she peered into was dark, but there was a light at the far end where two people appeared to be talking. She waited until her amber eyes adjusted to the light to survey what she could before entering. The window was supposed to be left open for her. She slowly lifted the window’s pane to the right, careful not to make a noise.

The window opened, just enough for Kimbra to slide in. She closed the windowpane, then melted into the shadows to evaluate her next move. A young woman was sitting at a table on the far end of the room, platinum blonde hair long and braided at the sides. Her soft white skin and dazzling looks marked her as nobility, along with her high cheekbones and perfect posture. Her grey eyes looked concerned, nervous. She looked to be sweating, though she was hiding her nerves quite well. She was dressed in a simple white gown with lace and a bodice, no doubt something she wore to bed.

The young man was similar in that he was obviously nobility, though with dark hair and hazel eyes. He had on a tabard, hose, and boots. The tabard was purple and held the Fairstrom Crest, a gold eagle holding a spear in its claw. The black hose matched his boots and short, black hair.

The candle on the table was the only one lit, and the rest of the room held bookshelves and tables similar to the one they were sitting at. A library, Kimbra thought. Perfect for her cover. She went from shelf to shelf, hiding behind the tall bookcases as she came to the open area where the table was located. Before she approached the pair, she listened in.