Full Summary:
A high ranking member of the Hew's Bane Thieves Guild believes that nothing exists that hasn't been seen or done before. So, when sent to Rawl'kha as an observer to one of their splinter groups, who insist on referring to themselves as a 'crew' rather than a guild, the only expectation is more of the same. Some heists, a few scams, maybe even blackmail and extortion. This turns out to be true.
Until one night, when the crew-master calls a meeting and the Observer, along with a couple of crew members, are sent to Summerset Island for a new business venture.
There it will be discovered that not only is there still have much to learn about the world, but about oneself as well.
I know in the beginning it seems like there are a lot of OCs here, but I promise as the story goes on, more and more familiar characters will appear and take on major roles.
In the meantime, as a new writer, I ask you to please leave a comment (even a quick one is very appreciated) to let me know how I'm doing. Thanks!
Sitting at the head of the table, Alex slowly sipped from his glass of Cyrodiilic brandy, while his eyes scanned the rest of us seated before him.
Only two escaped his scrutiny. One was Viro, who leaned back in his chair that was positioned just behind Alex's right shoulder. His arms were crossed, as well as ankles on outstretched legs.
He looked bored out of his mind.
The other was Rune, who had chosen to sit alone, off to the side of our table, as far from the rest of us as possible. A dimly lit lantern was perched on a crate next to him, and he angled the book he was engrossed in towards the light. We did our best to ignore him, as he did us.
I was seated in one of the chairs along the wall, so I could view the entire room. I hated having my back exposed, not knowing what was or could be behind me. Though I know this was probably one of the safest places for our kind in all of Tamriel, old habits are still hard to break.
Glancing at the group of eleven, I noted that were all here except the Khajiit. Crazy cat was probably loaded up on skooma and passed out under a rock somewhere. Damned if I could figure out why Alex kept him around. From my short time observing the crew, it seemed to me that he was at best useless, and at worst, a liability.
But what really caught my attention was that Adrien had broken policy by taking the seat at Alex's right hand. I found this intriguing.
Viro, as second in command, had correctly followed the protocol for official meetings when positioning his chair. But Adrien's seat should have been occupied by a higher rank than his own. Such as, and usually, the Advisor to the Guildmaster—oops, I mean Crewmaster, or whatever Alex calls himself…
I snuck a quick look over at Rune, who even in the uncomfortable silence still hadn't bothered to look up from his book. To oblivion with the rules. Though he was the Advisor, a rank that was almost equal to Viro's in importance, he obviously wasn't about to compromise his dignity by having to sit among races so vastly inferior to his own.
But still, there was Salyar, the crew's enforcer. Or even Lucan, their diplomat (or 'negotiator', as Alex liked to refer to him). Either one of them outranked Adrien, and therefore earned his seat.
But Alex seemed to take no notice of this.
Could a change of officers be coming? This could be meaningful…
My thoughts were interrupted when Alex finally spoke.
"I'm glad to see everyone made it here." Though his voice didn't indicate that he was pleased, but rather it was just as he expected.
"I know this post-midnight meeting is cutting into your prime business hours," he smirked. "So, I'll get right to the point. As you know, or should know, a few days ago Queen Ayrenn of the Aldmeri Dominion issued a decree which effectively opened up the main Summerset island to all citizens of Tamriel for the purposes of visiting, immigration, trade, and so on…"
He paused to take another sip from his glass before continuing.
"What I'd like right now, from each of you, my esteemed colleagues, are your thoughts and ideas regarding this situation."
With that he leaned back in his chair, and waited for a response. The room fell deadly silent, as everyone exchanged hopeful glances at each other to see who would answer him. Being a mere observer, and the only one present who was not an actual member of the crew, nothing was expected from me.
I watched with mild amusement.
A snort of derision came from the high elf, as he turned the page of his book.
The corners of Alex's lips pulled up slightly. "Thank you Runilkar, but I'm already well aware of your opinions regarding this matter."
Alex was the only one who ever called him by his actual name. The rest of us simply referred to him as Rune. Not because it was easier, but just because we knew it irritated him so.
Rune responded no further.
After a minute or so had passed, Alex softly sighed. "So, no one has a single thought about this?"
He paused a beat. "Look, it's not like I haven't said this before, but okay, I'll say it again. Political neutrality is good thing. It's good for business, therefore it's good for us.
However, political ignorance? Not so much."
Of course he nailed it.
It wasn't that his people were afraid to speak up. As far as guild- errr… that is, crew-masters go, he seemed to be rather open-minded, fair, patient and non-critical. He encouraged his members to speak honestly, whether they thought it was something he wanted to hear or not.
'All day long, people lie to me constantly. And for free. Why should I pay anyone to do it?' he would ask.
I suspected the real problem was that they either hadn't heard of this decree before now or perhaps as myself, heard about it but hadn't given it much, if any, thought at all.
Summerset island was quite a distance from the mainland. It was also inhabited completely by the Altmer, who much like their anti-social kinsman sitting here alone with his book, wanted as much to do with us as we did them. So, who really gives a skeever's tail about what's going on over there?
Without shifting position, Viro spoke up. "It's an opportunity, and one that we'd be foolish to ignore."
His voice indicated a level of boredom to match his appearance, as his eyes scanned those of us at the table. He was speaking to us, not to Alex. It then became clear that those two had discussed this earlier, as Alex had obviously spoken to Rune about it as well.
He continued. "We need to move in, and fast. Many from all over the mainland are already on their way, hoping to get their foot in the door before someone over there comes to their senses and slams it shut."
"Precisely, Viro." Alex leaned forward, folding his hands on the table. "There's a lot of gold on that island. A lot. We're talking amounts probably only rivaled by Imperial City."
He winced slightly as he said it. It was only a fraction of a second, but I caught it. "At least how it was…" he added softly.
I felt a pang of sympathy. Up until that point I hadn't considered how the three banners war in Cyrodiil may have affected Alex, Viro, and Lucan as Imperials.
I tried to imagine if it was my homeland that had been torn apart and destroyed. If it had been Solitude or Windhelm that had been so badly demolished that no one could even reach the city limits to assess the actual damage, as I heard was the current situation with Imperial City.
This would be like a dagger permanently driven through my heart. The pain would never go away. Even if the dagger was removed, the would may very slowly close, but would never completely heal.
Political neutrality is not the same as ignorance, and certainly is not the same as not caring...
"Anyway, you get the point." Alex continued, "It's all there for our taking, as long as we jump on it quickly.
I've been doing some extensive research and have put together what I believe is a solid plan. A plan that each and every one of you will have a part in."
Now it was Lucan who winced, just as Salyar and Severin both released a low groan in unison.
Having swallowed the remainder of his brandy, Alex placed his glass back on the table a little more firmly than he would've usually done.
"Look, I know you're all busy, that you have a lot going on right now. I understand that. However, I'm asking you to make this a priority, and find some room in your schedule. I assure you, in the end it will be well worth it."
There were a few murmurs of reluctant agreement. It was an inconvenience for sure, but they knew that Alex was almost never wrong about these things. Not to mention that in the end, they also knew that they had no choice.
"Good." Alex leaned back in his chair with a tight-lipped smile. "What I need right now, is for two of you to head out to the island right away to start setting things up. One will leave tonight, the other tomorrow or the next day."
The room became quiet, as glances were once again exchanged all around.
Then a soft voice seated on Alex's right spoke up, "I can go tonight."
Adrien turned to Alex to await his reply.
It came quick enough with a slow shake of his head. "Thank you Adrien, but you'll stay here. Runilkar will go."
Now everyone turned their attention to Rune, who was still absorbed in the pages before him. It must have been some fascinating reading. I could only hope that perhaps it was a guide on socially acceptable manners and etiquette, but I seriously doubted it.
He turned a page and simply replied, "Send Adrien."
"No. I'm sending you." Alex's voice remained low, but more firm. He wasn't going to let the Altmer forget who was in charge here, especially not in front of the others.
He continued, "These are your people. You know the culture, as well as the unwritten rules. We need to move quickly, but discreetly. To connect with the right people, while avoiding the wrong ones.
Not to mention, the plan requires someone who can blend in seamlessly, not a nehbra who'll attract everyone's attention just by walking through the marketplace."
Rune surprisingly gave in rather quickly with an exaggerated sigh. "Very well, as you wish… And it's pronounced nebar-ra."
And again a heavy silence fell over the room. If it hadn't, I might not have heard Amaris breathe a whisper to Elsonia sitting beside her, and across the table from me. "What's a 'nebar-ra'?"
The young Bosmer responded with a look of uncertainty, just as Rune suddenly slammed his book shut startling a few, including myself.
He stood up quickly, and finally addressed the rest of us with his eyes. "Every single one of you in this room." His voice dripped with disdain.
Then not bothering to wait for a response, he abruptly took his leave with a level of haughtiness that could only be achieved by an Altmer.
Once certain that he was indeed gone, Amaris, with her usual amount of eloquence, expressed ever so exquisitely what most of us were thinking.
"Pfffft… elves…."
Then quickly catching herself, she turned back to Elsonia. "No offense to you, of course. You're nothing like him."
"It's okay." The wood elf offered her an assuring smile. "I understand, and none taken. The Altmer are a breed of their own."
"Of course they are. The Gods know that no one else is willing to breed with them." Amaris quickly responded in a simple, matter of fact tone.
I couldn't help but chuckle at this, along with the others. Alisiah, who was in the middle of sipping her drink when she heard this, suddenly spewed a mouthful onto the table as she broke out giggling. Her normally fair Nordic skin flushed bright red as she quickly began to wipe it up.
This raised the volume of amusement among us even more.
"C'mon guys, I'm sure he didn't mean to be so abrupt. He's probably just in a hurry to straighten out his affairs and start packing."
If you didn't know Lucan, you would have believed from the infliction in his voice and dead pan expression on his face that he was being sincere.
But by the way he pulled up the left corner of his mouth just slightly, we knew better.
"Yes, I'm sure that's the case," Salyar added in such an exaggerated condescending tone, that it made the Redguard almost sound like an Altmer himself. "He just can't wait to finally be among those who are truly worthy to appreciate and bask in his brilliance."
A chorus of laughter, snickers and snorts then broke out all around, except for the head of the table where two remained conspicuously silent.
Viro looked downward, studying the back of his hand with mild interest.
Alex's arms were folded to his chest as he leaned back in his chair. His lips were pressed together in a tight, indulgent smile. It was clear that he'd allow us only moment or two more to relieve the tension, then it would be back to business.
"Okay, that's enough." Alex leaned forward again and started shuffling through the papers before him.
"I still have a lot to cover here, and Id like to get this done and get some sleep."
He does sound very tired. I wonder when was the last time that he actually-
"Observer."
Thought broken, my head snapped in his direction.
From the very first day that I arrived, he'd always referred to me by my job description, rather than my name. I guess such a right was only earned after becoming an official member of his crew.
"Yes?" I responded quizzically.
What could he want from me?
His face was expressionless, giving me no clues. "I think it would be a good idea if you went as well."
Huh? Why would he want—Well, he's up to something of course. He needs to get me out of the way for a while, make sure I don't see whatever it is that he's planning as it happens…
I decided to play it naïve.
"Why me? I mean, of course I have no objections, but of what use to you could I possibly be there? I know nothing about the island, nor have any contacts there."
I offered him a helpless shrug and a small, most sincere smile.
The smile he returned told me that he wasn't buying what I was selling.
"Well, your job is to observe our operations, right? So, what could be better than to witness how it goes right from the beginning?"
I was unprepared to argue it further and knew it was pointless. His mind was already made up.
I'll come up with something. Find a reason to suddenly come back here in a day or two and take him by surprise...
"Okay, that makes sense. I'll go. I always wanted to see the Summerset island anyway." I lied, not even bothering to completely cover the tone of my voice. There was no point, he would have seen through it anyway.
"Good. I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I hear it's very beautiful there." His voice dripped with false sincerity and his eyes and smile oozed smugness.
It's fine. Let him think he won. I can be patient, play it his way. Ill find out what it is that he's hiding as soon as I get back. He only thinks he can get one over on me.
How dumb does he really think I am?
I know there's no good reason to send me there. Exactly what does he expect me to observe?
Rune and a bunch of his equally pompous, stuck up high elf kinsmen prattling on about how frustrating and tedious it is for them, being of the divinely superior Altmer race, having to actually interact with the intellectually deficient and utterly primitive inferior races?
Nothing new to observe there. I've heard such conversations many times before. The Altmer are nothing, if not predictable and consistent.
Of course, one or two may feel a moment of pity for the poor Nord sitting among them, just quietly observing. There's always that one or two who will offer their 'consolations'.
"No offense meant to you, of course. One cannot help what they are born into, but still I'm certain that you are probably rather adept at fishing with your bare hands, or clubbing a sabre cat to death and skinning it with a rock, or whatever it is that your people actually do…"
Ugh... Anything has to be better than listening to—OH BY THE GODS! NO!
It just occurred to me.
He doesn't really expect me to permanently accompany that arrogant arse of an Altmer throughout this trip, does he?
Sitting in on a meeting or two is torturous enough, but if I had to spend every single minute with him… I swear I'll end up putting my dagger through his heart, if he even has one, in the first twenty-four hours.
And that's an optimistic estimate. In reality, it will more likely be the first twelve hours.
I groaned internally.
What fate worse than any plane of Oblivion did I just agree to?!
I looked to Alex, perhaps a bit more wide-eyed and paler than I was a minute ago.
How should I approach this?
"Viro." Alex didn't bother to turn around, he just stared at the paper in his hand.
Viro remained silent and motionless, with only his eyes shifting in response.
As if he somehow knew he had his attention, Alex simply said, "You go as well."
A quick flash of confusion appeared on Viro's face before it settled back into his usual neutral, bored expression. I guess this small detail was left out of their earlier discussion.
"Why me? I'm just a nehbra."
He intentionally mispronounced the word as Alex had. I threw him a smile to let him know I found it amusing. He smiled back.
Watch yourself. Yes, he has his charms and is certainly attractive, but it's never a good idea to mix business with pleasure.
Okay, maybe not a good idea to actually do, but certainly fun to think about…
Alex apparently chose to ignore this jab.
"Oh, I think there will be plenty of use for a nebar-ra such as yourself." Eyes on his notes, Alex still wouldn't turn to face him, but continued to speak.
"A large portion of our business there will be in high quality jewelry and gems. Runilkar can deal with legal and social issues, but we'll need your expertise with the actual product."
Viro responded with a barely discernible nod of agreement, and almost as if Alex had eyes in the back of his head, he seemed to acknowledge this and began jotting down some notes.
This was my chance. "Alex?"
He briefly glanced in my direction before resuming his scribbling.
I put every ounce of effort I could into sounding nonchalant. "Would I be accompanying Rune or Viro?"
I summoned up the most neutral expression I could muster, ignoring the ongoing chant in my head.
Please Viro, please Viro, for the love of the Gods and all divine, please Viro…
Alex looked thoughtful. "Hmmm… good question, I hadn't thought about it."
Liar.
He cupped his hand under his chin and placed his index figure to his lips. "Which one indeed?"
C'mon already, am I doomed or what?!
"Well, I suppose it really doesn't matter to you either way.."
Did that bastard just wink at me?
"You can go with Viro."
How I managed to keep up my stoic façade I have no idea, because inside every fiber of my being had just collapsed with relief.
"Okay, that's fine with me."
At that point, Viro stood up and looked directly at me. "C'mon, lets go."
I got up as well, and after throwing a quick wave goodbye to those at the table, I went after Viro who was already heading down the stairs that led to the common area of the outlaw's refuge.