Her blade slid out of his slumped over body easily, causing  a small amount of the remaining blood to spill out.  With a soft sigh she bent over and wiped the stains from her sword on the dead mans clothes.  Another job done, another late night, but certainly more money.  These jobs paid well and would make sure she wouldn't run out of money to live off when she could no longer work.  Suddenly, from another room a candle was lit as the guard came down the previously unlit hallway, his heavy footsteps marking his progress. She sheathed her blade in it's dark sheath, and went to the window she had entered through, looking back to see how much time she had.  The guard was still only halfway to the room where his employer lay slain, giving her enough time to search his body and immediate area for valuables that she could sell off, which she did quickly.  To her disappointment she only found 1 pouch filled with gold and nothing else she could afford to take and not be identified later.  After pocketing the bag she returned to the window and leapt from the ledge onto the roof nearby.  Without looking back this time she ran along the rooftops, hearing only a short time later an alarm being raised from the manor she had just left.  They were definitely going to search people tonight, for this target had been well off enough to have employees who would search for his killer.  She chose the same haunt that she always went to, even when she wasn't hiding after a job.  It was a quiet little tavern, that wouldn't be suspicious to see a woman in.  She entered the door silently and walked unhurriedly to a back table, taking a half-full tankard of ale from an unoccupied table.  It would help in taking suspicion from her, making them think she had been there awhile.  But before settling in she went to the restroom to hide the things that might be incriminating.  Walking over to the stall in one corner she stepped up on the toilet and moved the wood panelling above it with a soft sound.  Quickly she undid her sword, took off her gloves and boots, and placed them inside the small area, along with the small bag of gold she had pilfered from the man.  From the same place she took out a more feminine pair of shoes and gloves.  She kept the small dagger she carried around, strapped to her ankle, since that was a common defense for females.  As well, her cloak with the deep hood would not be out of place on a slightly chill night, even sitting inside.  After preparing herself and checking over for any sign of blood, she went and sat back down at her table and started sipping her pilfered drink.  It wasn't long before the door to the tavern was slammed open and several heavily armed men barged in. Hidden by the darkness of her cloak's cowl, her mouth twitched into a smile.  Now came the amusing part, for the tavern owner wouldn't take this laying down, even if he would allow the men to search the patrons after they explained the situation.  The dull familiar roar of talk that had occupied the enviroment hushed for a moment, until they saw the tavern owner approach.  The man in the lead spoke quietly to the tavern owner, making his frown deepen.  After what seemed to be a few moments the owner finally aquiesced into allowing them to search.  He took a few steps into the middle of the room, the men waiting expectantly behind him.
      "There has been a murder and these men are searching for the killer.  I have agreed to allow them to search the place, please cooperate so we can all get on with our nights," with those words and a frown the tavern owner walked over to his bar, continuing his work and keeping an eye on the search party. They made their way from the front of the tavern, searching people and going through their things.  The level of sound had raised now, everyone chatting about what was going on, and theorizing about the murder.  The lead man made his way to where she was sitting, and approached her table.  His hand was on the hilt of the sword hanging at his waist as he scowled down at her.
      "Now, if I can ask you to please take down your cowl so I can get a good look at you and search your belongings.  If you cooperate, it'll be quick," his voice held a threat in it, warning her to cooperate with him.  With a smile she lowered her cowl, allowing her golden hair to fall out.  Blinking she peered up at him with her piercing blue eyes, and smiled shyly, while nodding quickly.
      "Why, I don't mind cooperating sir. What part of my belongings did you want to search through?" Her voice was sweet, as she asked him.  He seemed flustered as he realized that she was female.
      "W-well, ma'am if you wouldn't mind emptying out your pockets and just letting me take a good look at your clothing..." He stuttered, wincing as the last few words came out of his mouth.
      "Why, sir!  I hope you won't be trying to touch my clothing while inspecting them, will you?  That would just be innappropriate!" She put her hand over her mouth and giggled shyly.  He shook his head furiously, his face a beet red. She flashed him a big smile and started emptying out her pouch and the pockets she had on her current clothing. After doing that she stood up from her chair and lifted her cloak to show him her outfit and turned around in a demure fashion.  He purposely tried to not stare at her, effectively not inspecting her closely.
      "Well, sir, do you mind if I ask just who was killed?" She looked up at him from half-closed eyes and gave him a shy smile.  Once again the man's face went beet red.
      "Not at all, ma'am. A wealthy merchant up the street has been killed and we are trying to catch his killer.  A real pro job is what it sounds like," He nodded matter of factly as he imparted this knowledge onto her.
      "Oh, dear!  That's such terrible news!  I do so hope that you fine gentleman will be lucky in your search tonight," She once again put her hand to her mouth and feigned concern over the news. 'I hope you'll be lucky and not find the killer...that wouldn't be good for you...' She smiled behind her hand.  
      "Thank you ma'am, and thank you for your cooperation.  I'll be bothering you no longer, have a good night," He gave her a quick nod and made his way back to the rest of his men.  After a few whispered words it seemed no one had been suspicious and they left without causing further trouble.  The rest of the night went without incident and after she reclaimed the rest of her things and put back her more lady-like things she went home.  
      She sighed as she came in the front door to her mansion, throwng aside her cloak on a couch and made her way to her bedroom.  As she entered her room, she stretched langorously, giving a yawn.  
      "What a night! A high profile job again...more of those lately.  Ah, well more money at least," Her voice low as she got dressed for bed and slipped under her covers.  She pulled the comforter up to her chin, and let out one more yawn before fading into sleep.
      
      The rays of the late morning hit her face, slowly waking her from her sleep the next day.  Blinking sleepily she guessed it was about eleven and decided she should get out of bed.  Throwing back the covers she sat up off the edge of the bed and stretched her arms into the air.  After finally blinking away the last remnants of sleep she got dressed and sat before her mirror, brushing her hair. As she ran the brush through her thick golden tresses, she decided she would take the next 2 or 3 days off from working and do some work on the estate.  Smiling at her reflection, she nodded resolutely and carried on with her day.  After eating her breakfast she went on to go over everything that needed to be done. Amongst everything, the most urgent were a large pile of papers that required her review and signature so she decided to take the day to go over them.  Sighing she sat at her desk and got right to work her intense eyes moving as they ran across the words.
      Finally, as the last rays of the sun set upon her sitting in her study and she gave the last piece of paper on the pile her signature, she was done.  With a sigh, she got up and stretced before walkong to the balcony from the study and stared upon the estate that had been left to her.  It was gorgeous, with all plantlife prospering, the few livestock she kept happy and well-fed.  Her servants laughed happily as they all retired for the day.  She knew that her mother and father would be proud of how she had kept up their estate.  Thinking about mother and father again made her smile sadly as she stood in the fading light, her hand gripping tightly on the railing in front of her, her knuckles turning white.  Her thoughts drew her back to how everything started...