Mercer followed him from his quarters to the Ragged Flagon where Vekel gave him a nod as he drew near. The Ragged Flagon was under the city of Riften and a front to the Thieves Guild. Vekel manned the establishment and dealt in information and passed messages. He wasn't a fighting man, but he could sniff out rumors and convince those over drinks to share what they knew. It had a bar and some tables, its entrance overlooking the smaller cistern and the Ratway tunnels. Gallus sat himself on a tall stool at the bar and Mercer joined him. The plate had a few slices of hot crusty bread and a steaming mug of hot tea. Mercer declined Vekel's offer of breakfast but sipped on some water as he waited.
"Vekel. Any rumors or visitors from yesterday?" Gallus inquired. The knife scraped the butter across the warm bread. It melted almost instantly.
"The young Black-Briar heiress sent one of her retainers down here requesting for you, but I advised you were away as directed. They said they wanted to speak to you when you returned." Vekel resumed cleaning the bar; it was always in impeccable condition in Gallus' opinion. But Vekel was a perfectionist.
"Mercer I want you to start handling the guild connections and looking to establish more." Gallus chewed around his bread, his voice muffled from the food. Mercer sorely needed to work on making connections. He was a great thief and an even better bladesman but socially inept. Thankfully he was still at a point to work on those skills. The Breton sighed and nodded. "I'll come with you so they can adjust to working with you. Practice this as you practice your sword forms. Creating new contacts means new revenue for the guild." The Black-Briars were a dying house in Riften, their power decreasing over the years. Her father was often referred to as a drunk and the sole reason for their decline. Perhaps the young woman could wrest power from him and improve their influence. This could be very beneficial if played right.
Gallus pushed the empty plate away and drank the rest of the tea in one gulp. "Thank you Vekel, I'll be back later tonight." They made their way behind the bar to where the Thieves Guild truly resided. Tapping on the false back of a tall cabinet opened a secret passage to the Cistern. It was a great stone chamber, also under Riften. The water dripped and echoed throughout, and it smelled of lake water. It was home to him, and for all the other members. There was a huge stone island with paths leading to it making it easy to cross to the other side. A ring of pitted stone circled the outer chamber where beds and shelves lined against the wall for the guild members. Most had few belongings, but chests were available to those who wanted to protect what they did have. Gallus made his way to his 'desk'; he kept some correspondence there but more confidential notes were locked away in his room. He heard Eryk in his head as he glanced at all the youthful faces that gathered around. "Young Whelps." Gallus bit back a smile and looked around him.
Delvin was there, listening closely to a young redhead with a few other boys. Brynjolf spoke in hushed tones but was animatedly telling a grand story of some sort, his arms and hands waving. Brynjolf joined a few years' prior stating he was an orphan and made his way to Riften. It could be true; the young Nord was not even a man yet and survived this far. Behind the boys stood the brothers Maul and Dirge. Maul and Dirge were both of beefy stock, strong and intimidating but poor thieves. They still had their uses though. They often stood guard in the Ragged Flagon to kick any unruly visitors out. Both being quite a bit older waited patiently for Gallus to start. Mercer shot a glance to Gallus before coughing loudly, which Brynjolf almost jumped and then turned as red as his hair. Delvin let out a snicker and grinned.
"Fellow thieves. Thank you for meeting here at the early hour of eleven!" A few chuckles from the younger boys and groans from the older ones echoed nearby. Gallus continued. "I will get straight to the point. I have something that I'd like us all to work towards. There are loads of riches in this world. Some are mere rumor, some are fact. Some are older than Skyrim itself. Anything that you hear on your travels, of jewels or crowns, or ancient swords of power. Hell, even if someone has a boatload of gold just waiting for us to take off their hands. Find out about their history and where they may be. I want to make a list - The Grand Heists if you will - that we can work together as a guild. We can showcase them here, showing our prowess as the greatest thieves guild ever." He gestured with his arms… and he could see the dreams and machinations work in their eyes.
Brynjolf was the first to speak; he was never shy. "What about things if we don't know if they are real? Like the cowl of the Grey Fox."
Mercer stiffened next to him but Gallus took the question in stride. "The only way we'll find out if they're real or not is if we investigate, right? No harm in looking, and I'm open to looking at anything you all find. Although, I think the Nightingales have the cowl of the Grey Fox, and we wouldn't want to mess with them, right?" Delvin barked a laugh and Brynjolf clenched his jaw, his face flushing.
"I know they're not real." The young Nord said defensively in a quiet voice.
"Aye but you weren't so sure of that a year ago." Delvin's deep voice quipped and everyone laughed. Even Brynjolf joined them after a few moments.
After the laughter died down Gallus spoke again. "Delvin, would you be interested in notating our findings?" It was a question, but Gallus knew that it was more of a command coming from him. Perhaps some more responsibility would leave less time for skirt chasing.
Surprise appeared on Delvin's face and it faded to eager acceptance. "Of course I will Gallus."
"Excellent. I'm sure many of you have heard some things in your lifetimes thus far that you can share with Delvin. There are some quills and parchment in the cabinet there. We can review them later this evening. Thank you everyone." With the conclusion of the meeting their voices sprung up into excited chatter, some already telling Delvin what they knew as he raced to get the parchment and quill in hand.
Gallus walked towards the back entrance with Mercer in tow. They climbed the wooden ladder, and opened the stone slab that hid the Guild in Riften. Not a cloud graced the sky and the crisp air smelled of autumn. It was a cool day, the breeze making him thankful that he had tea earlier. He wouldn't mind having more when he returned, or maybe some mulled wine if Vekel had the spices for it.
"You aren't afraid of them finding out?" Mercer muttered.
"Of course not, you heard them laugh after. Mind as well say that dragons are real and the Dragonborn has come to save us all from the end of time. The Nightingales are a myth to them. Besides, that cowl hasn't been seen in a few hundred years if I had to guess. Almost impossible to find since rumor has it that the wearer is erased from minds and history. How would one find an item like that?" Gallus replied under his breath, as he strode casually through the cemetery. Mercer said nothing but Gallus could feel he was taking notes. He was still a new Nightingale and felt defensive about his pact with Nocturnal.
Months ago, Dralsi and Gallus had discussed at length who should replace Eryk. Gallus recommended that they induct Karliah. He figured that she would want to train her own daughter as a Nightingale just as she trained her to be a thief. Dralsi had dwelled over the suggestion for several days before disagreeing and recommending a later time. Odd how that time came to be sooner than either of them expected. They deliberated on some other options before deciding on Mercer. Both were hesitant since he had no reservations on killing, but his skill with the blade was unparalleled. Dralsi made the final decision with her tenure. "Yes we're thieves but Nocturnal has tasked us with protecting her and the Sanctuary. Picking locks is nothing if you can't hold yourself against looters." His pessimistic attitude was also weighed upon and agreed that with focus he could change. Mercer seemed to be trying at least, and if he was thinking pessimistically at least he wasn't voicing them as much.
They climbed up the cobbled steps of Black-briar Manor and approach the guards. It was a large mansion, rivaling the Jarl's own residence. It felt ominous, the dark stone building reaching into the sky. Many homes in Skyrim had its own gardens or flowers growing offering a warmness to them. No such garden at this home. Gallus singled out the captain of the two guards, a red braided cord circled his shoulder, and approached him. "We're here to meet with Lady Black-Briar" he spoke warmly.
"We don't have notice that she'd be having visitors today" the captain said, his beady eyes looking much like a rat behind the visor.
"I'm sure if you let her know that her friends Gallus and Mercer are here she will want to see us." Gallus kept his tone warm, although mentally he grew agitated.
The guard stood straighter and retorted, heat in his voice "Like I said, we don't have notice of any visitors."
Shadows blind the man! Gallus mentally ground his teeth, he hated dealing with lickspittles. He always carried several smaller pouches of coin on him encase he needed to bribe. He felt in his pocket for a slightly smaller one, ten septims should work if he gauged correctly. Gallus kept his hand in his pocket and clinked the coins softly "I can assure you, any trouble you may get for just inquiring about our visit to Lady Black-Briar can be compensated. She will, like I said, be wanting to see us."
The guard licked his lips, the indecision growing in his mind when a clear young voice called from behind them. "Captain Rolf why haven't you seated my guests."
Gallus turned with Mercer to see a young raven haired woman climbing the steps, her belly swollen with child under her dress robes. Her maid lent her arm for support. He felt the guard shift behind him to stand at attention. Their scaled mail clinked softly. "My Lady, we had no notice and these fellows do not look a decent lot."
Maven Black-Briar reached the top of the stairs breathing heavily. "My father isn't a decent lot either and you let him in." She snapped. Gallus bit his cheek to prevent himself from grinning and from the corner of his eye noticed Mercer disguise his laugh as a cough. She took a deep breath looking into Gallus's eyes briefly before returning her attention to the captain. " I understand you were worried about my safety, and I forgot to advise you of my guests. Next time, have them escorted to my sitting room and give them every courtesy. If they turn out to be liars, then you can turn on them or report them to the Jarl. Probably the latter considering your poor excuse as guards. Come, now do as you're told." She turned to Gallus "I will meet with you in a quarter hour."
Gallus nodded and allowed her to pass. The captain himself then escorted them to the sitting room and summoned a maid for refreshments. Mercer took the opportunity to inspect the artwork and vases, thankfully with his hands in his pockets. Gallus turned his attention to the captain. "Captain Rolf did she say? I'm sorry for you receiving the rough side of her tongue, I know you meant well..." He pressed the small pouch of coins into the captain's hand which was accepted quickly.
The rat-eyed man relaxed and spoke quietly "She has been more annoyed of late. "
Gallus forced a grin. "Can you blame her? She is probably exhausted and hates everyone right now. Be glad you're not her husband." The captain allowed himself a small smile. Gallus clapped the fellow on the shoulder and proceeded to join Mercer inspecting several display cases. He gazed upon them, to a beginner thief the necklaces would hold some value but he had seen greater treasures than these. Besides, they needed the relationship more for continual revenue than a onetime burglary. Before he could say anything, the door opened and Maven walked in, alone. She took one look at the captain again before slightly flicking her hand in a dismissal. The captain left immediately, and she closed the doors behind him. Maven wore deep navy robes with a low neckline, showing considerable cleavage. A small strand of garnets graced her neck. Gallus avoided looking at her bosom and noticed Mercer having difficulty with where to look. And he was worried about Delvin! Thankfully she wasn't paying much attention to Mercer as she made her way toward the sofa.
"Please sit, I've had enough standing and walking today...I sorely need better help than that these days." She grumbled then slowly sat, moving several pillows behind her back. Mercer and Gallus sat on the couch across from her, the refreshment tray untouched in front of them. Maven stared intently at Gallus, and the silence grew uncomfortable between them. Mercer shifted his feet, his eyes darting between the two.
The young woman spoke first, her eyes judging and appraising him. "I think we may have briefly met before, but it was when Eryk met with my father last year. I know Eryk passed months ago, and my father is due to join him. Not a moment too soon." Her brows furrowed and rested on Mercer when she spoke again "I would like a glass of the mulled wine if you wouldn't mind, they boil all the alcohol from it because of my condition." The last word held heat at her situation. If Gallus had to guess she would be with babe in the next month. Her third child. Gallus made sure to learn as much as he could about her before this meeting. Mercer clenched his jaw and poured a glass, making sure the cinnamon and cloves stayed in the pitcher. He handed her the glass and she arched an eyebrow. "Don't make me drink this wretched wine alone now."
Before Mercer's tongue got the better of him Gallus spoke. "Lady Black-Briar, we have indeed met before as you said. I am Gallus Desidenius and new leader since Eryk's passing. This is my second, Mercer Frey. He will be assisting with any sort of communication you may have for us. Your father never called upon us often for tasks..." Mercer poured himself and Gallus a glass of the wine and sipped, thankfully not showing any distaste for the beverage except for a slight tightness around the eyes. Gallus took a long drink from the glass offered and realized Mercer's dismay. Not only had her staff boiled any alcohol from the drink, they watered it down as well. May as well be drinking a spiced summer juice.
She waited for him to swallow the wine and began. "I'd comment on your young age to lead a Guild but you're not much older than I am. Let's get past the niceties. Call me Maven, and I will address you as Gallus and Mercer. In private of course. As you know my father has nearly run our family into the ground. We have a few other dwindling income producing properties but I plan to change that. I want to get into the meadery business. But that is not what I called you for. I am... let's say... hoping to expand the Black-Briar name as a considerable trading partner in all of Skyrim." She sipped from her glass and intently studied him.
Gallus understood the meaning behind her words and his mind raced. She wanted to be the only large-name meadery in all of Skyrim. He prayed earlier that she wouldn't be playing too many word games with him... not that he didn't mind but a business transaction demanded a certain level of trust and openness. Wasted time on word games could mean wasted profits. Deceiving him would be a minimal loss to him but he could spin it if necessary a greater loss to her. Maven Black-Briar needed him, and the Thieves Guild, more than they needed her. She would need to weaken her business adversaries and he had a multitude of ways that he could accomplish that. Then upon completion they'd get a slice of the profit. Only seconds had passed when Gallus took a deep breath and calmly replied. "I think we could iron out an agreement for the right price of course."