"So, we could circle the Imperial City..." the elf starts, flicking her bottle open and taking a drink, "But that's a long enough walk on its own and highly visible. Or, we could just go straight through and hope the assassins aren't watching. I doubt they would recognise you, especially after some equipping."

She takes another drink and then looks out over the lake, "We could also cross the lake. There's no bridges up this side, but there should be boats and fishermen... or we can just walk over."

That statement alone is baffling. "I take it you have had no prior magical education?"