I crouched near the water, watching guards patrolling with torches. I had skirted along the water's edge on the south side of the lake, attempting to get a feel for what I was up against. There was a stone bridge that lead to an island, from which one could access the other two islands.
The only problem was there were guards everywhere, and three alone watching that first bridge. I determined the only way to get to this sewer drain mentioned in the notes was to wade along the edge of these bridges and islands. For a brief moment, I considered just abandoning the Guild and moving on to the next town rather than risk death, but quickly realized that was my cowardly side rearing its head and I couldn't let my new family down.
Careful to keep my satchel above water, I slowly waded into the freezing cold water. It took all my willpower to not make any noise as my nerves protested. Using one hand to grip the stones of the bridge, I moved as silently as I could beneath where the guards were standing.
"There's no way she survived," one guard was saying while the other two laughed.
"Say, you don't think they'll try anything again, do you?" another asked.
I balanced the bag on my head as I used both hands to hold myself above water when the bed of the lake plunged deeper.
"They'd be insane to. Aringoth hired 15 more mercenaries."
'God help me,' I thought, feet finding purchase on ground again with shaky legs.
Deciding it might be best to cause a distraction by taking out the beehives first, I proceeded to my left. As I made my way around that first island, I struggled to remain quiet as my feet would slip on the mossy rocks. The sudden splashing sounds could be attributed to those giant crabs I had encountered, but didn't want to take any chances.
Taking care to stay in the shadows cast by the light of the two moons, I waded across under a wooden bridge to the island the beehives were on. Even from my distance, I could hear the buzzing.
Proceeding along the south face of the island, I held onto roots and jutting rocks to keep my balance until I discovered a place I could likely scale up. Digging the toe of my boot into the muddy side so as not to slip, I jumped up and grasped a large root. Pulling my body upward, I found footing on another root and continued to hoist myself to a boulder.
After successfully scaling the wall of the island, I leaned back and breathed a deep sigh of relief. Turning my head, I found I was behind a wooden fence, the buzzing of bees on the other side.
Reaching into my bag, I pulled out the steel and flint. Making sure the coast was clear, and no guards were nearby, I snuck around the fence and knelt behind one of the enormous hives. Aiming the direction of the sparks toward the thatched roof, I began to strike the materials together.
The first time I did it, I cringed at the seemingly loud sound it made. Peeking around the hive, I didn't notice any guards reacting and so tried again. Repeatedly, I struck the materials together, hoping I was doing it right, but having no luck. Tossing the materials to the ground, I thought I'd try a fire spell.
"No time like the present," I told myself, rolling up my sleeves. Reaching a hand out toward the roofing, I closed my eyes and tried to simultaneously think of how badly I wanted the roof to catch fire while muttering one of the incantations I had read about. Spending longer than I wanted on the attempt, I growled, feeling angry again at Mercer for tricking me into this situation. It was while imagining the day I would be able to set Mercer on fire, anger still coursing through me, that a leap of flame shot out from my still-outstretched fingertips and toward the beehive.
Gasping in shock, I watched in fascination as the roofing slowly caught fire. With an enormous grin, I jumped up and down with glee. Abruptly remembering my task, I grabbed some of the burning material and quickly used it to light a couple more of the hives.
The sound of guards shouting nearby set adrenaline pumping through my body as I scrambled over the fence and crashed onto the boulders behind it.
"Search for intruders! Someone get some buckets!"
Hearing those commands, I quickly shuffled down the rock face and into the water, not bothering to worry about my satchel or its contents getting wet. I swam stealthily to the northwestern portion of the main island, listening as the guards complained about not finding anyone.
Once I had finally made it to the other island, I crouched and admired my handy work. The large beehives were still ablaze while guards ran around trying to keep the flame from spreading.
"One task down, one to go," I breathed heavily, casting my gaze about for the sewer entrance. Climbing in, I looked around one last time to ensure I wasn't spotted.
The skeevers Vex had previously taken care of were still laying around, their stench causing me to squeeze my nostrils together. The notes had said the sewer system led to a ladder, which then left me near a backdoor to the manor. When I came to the ladder and lifted the sewer cover, I carefully peered out for any guards in the area. Seeing only darkness and a thin layer of fog, I pushed the cover aside and hoisted myself out.
By the moonlight, I reached into my bag and pulled out lockpicks before setting to work on the door's lock. The first few broke from my nervous hands shaking. Taking a calming breath, I tried again. It was a much more complicated lock than I had yet practiced with, but the mechanics were essentially the same. It took me another ten anxious minutes, and several broken lockpicks, before I heard the wonderful sound of the mechanism clicking into place.
Reaching into my bag, I pulled out a steel dagger Rune had packed and gently opened the door. Thankful that the door didn't creak, I took a moment to listen for any movement. I could hear voices in the distance, but they didn't seem to be moving, so I took a step forward.
The slight squeak of my wet boots made me cringe. The voices continued as normal. Standing still, I debated what to do. I ultimately decided it just wouldn't work. Crouching down, I unstrapped my leather boots and peeled them off along with my socks. Setting both by the door, I doubted I would see them again.
Tiptoeing to the end of the hallway, I held the dagger in one hand and the small mirror in another. Using the mirror, I could see two bandits sitting at a table playing a game at the opposite end of the hall while another stood watching. A few feet along the wall across from where I stood was an open door. Not seeing anyone inside it from my vantage point, I decided to make a run for it. Taking a deep breath, I quickly spun around the corner and dashed into the open room, hoping it was empty.
I let out a sigh of relief as I was greeted by a large, vacant dining room. The guards burst out in laughter. My confidence growing, I continued to prowl through a few more rooms and hallways. Most of the guards seemed unaware of the fire outside, and were even complacently jesting with each other how no one would try any funny business again with their increased manpower.
I finally came into view of a locked gate that appeared to lead down to the basement. Using the mirror to peek around the corner, I saw a lone guard patrolling up and down the corridor. If his constant yawning was an indicator, the Breton was clearly bored out of his mind, exhausted, and ready for sleep. I worried about whether I could unlock the thing on one of his short circuits down the passage. Looking down, it struck me that my gear wasn't all that dissimilar from what some of the other guards had been wearing, them being mercenaries for hire, and a plan quickly hatched in my head. Praying for my idea to work, I tucked the mirror away and waited to hear his footsteps approaching.
"They've sent me to relieve you. An incident happened with the beehives outside, and they wanted me to fetch a few more to help keep the blaze under control," I said confidently, waiting until he was practically on me before rounding the corner. I prayed he didn't look down and see my bare feet.
"Who sent you?" he asked suspiciously.
"I don't remember his name. I'm one of the new mercenaries brought in, and I haven't quite got everyone pegged down yet."
"I see…" He sounded a little more convinced.
"Some of the others said I should fetch you to help since you've been at it a while, and I figured you'd like some fresh air. Was I wrong?" I asked, cocking my head to the side innocently.
"Actually, going outside sounds great," he sighed, rubbing at his eyes. "Thanks."
And with that, he walked passed me and down the hall. I quickly set to work on the novice-level lock, heart racing. I'd practiced that kind everyday, and had it open in under a minute. Closing the gate behind me, I heard the lock latch back into place.
"Shit," I said, shaking the gate to see if it would open under brute force. It held strong, making my stomach lurch. I hoped I could find another way out, or that there was an extra gate key laying around somewhere.
After quietly slipping through the door to the basement, I looked around horrified. Broken furniture and cobwebs littered the place, and my skin tingled as though spiders were already crawling all over me. Two mercenaries were across the large room at a rickety table. One was sharpening a sword while the other had his head hung back while humming.
Keeping to the shadows along the walls, I carefully made my way behind pillars and stacks of barrels toward the doorway near the two men. I was convinced there was no way I was getting through that door without them seeing me. Looking around for anything to help me, I spotted a broken chair leg behind a nearby stack of crates. Reaching my arm out, I careful lifted the object from the ground. All I needed was a distraction, and this would do perfectly.
Creeping as close as I could to the door without being seen, I gave the two men one final glance.
"You're calm, you can do this… Don't let Brynjolf down," I whispered to myself before hurling the chair leg back toward the entryway. When they scrambled to their feet to go investigate the noise, I steeled my nerves.
The moment their backs faced my direction, I leapt out from my hiding spot and made for the door. After making it into the shadows of the adjoining hall, I took a minute to calm my racing heart.
"Probably rats knocked something over," one of the men said while settling back into his chair a couple minutes later.
"Still… gave me a fright."
Pressing my palm to my forehead, I took a few deep breaths before continuing along. Taking a bad turn when I hit another hall, I had come upon an empty bedroom with a large sack of gold sitting out in the open. Fully embracing my new profession, I quietly stuffed the money into my satchel, making sure it wouldn't rattle against the other items.
Making my way through a few more passages, I felt my heart leap when I spied the cellar door. The only thing in my way was another lone mercenary. I didn't think the same trick would work on this one. He was wide awake, and clearly meant to be guarding the one thing. I didn't even consider using my dagger on the man, for he was a giant of a Nord. He was easily 6'5" and quite possibly the most chiseled man I had seen yet. I knew, without a doubt, I had no chance against him.
"What do I do? What do I do?" I murmured to myself, watching the man through the mirror.
Considering the man in the reflection, even if I could get close enough, I struggled with how I would disable him. His large axe would likely slice me in half before I could get a blow in. I had to think of a way to come across as unthreatening as possible, so I could get his guard down and have time to strike. I would not kill him - I couldn't even stomach the thought of stabbing him - but thought a good knock upside the head with one of the large, loose stones on the ground would do quite nicely. That meant also getting him to remove his helmet.
Looking down at my bare feet, the worst idea possible started to form in my head. It was bold, daring, and completely underhanded. It would also require an amount of confidence I wasn't sure I had, if the tight knot of tension in my stomach was any indicator. I had always seen shows and movies in my old life that depicted a seductress using her feminine wiles to bring strong men to their knees and gather necessary information. I wondered whether I could do the same with this Nord.
I recalled a conversation between Thrynn and Niruin. The Bosmer mentioned wanting to open a brothel, and the former bandit told him how it would be a great idea.
'The one thing bandits, mercenaries, and thieves all share in common - a weakness for the flesh,' Thrynn had laughed.
That memory seemed to fuel me into action. I knew time was not on my side, and I couldn't afford to dawdle. Survival instincts vanquished any timidness my plan aroused. Undoing the straps on my gear, I started to remove my clothing. The initial sight would be shocking enough, and the excuse I was formulating seemed believable enough in my mind - especially for a man who was about to be presented with quite a show.
Once I was completely bare, my gear and underclothes in a pile against the wall with my satchel, I untied my hair and ran a shaking hand down my stomach. I had definitely toned up a little in the last couple weeks, but was still soft enough to not immediately stand out as a criminal of any kind. Not thinking myself unattractive, I felt my plan had to work. Running through my scheme one last time, I plastered on what I hoped was a seductive smile and sauntered casually around the corner and into his line of sight.
To say he looked surprised would have been an understatement. He seemed flustered at the unexpected sight.
"Hello there," I said in a low tone, grinning as I approached him.
"Good evening, miss. Wha-what are you doing down here?"
"I was called in by Aringoth. Before we had our fun, he was telling me why he had mercenaries all over the place. He said there was a lone man posted to watch a cellar door all night."
I found it a bit funny to see such an imposing, hardened man squirm like he did when I ran my hands up his biceps.
"I thought we could have some fun, the two of us, before I leave," I continued, molding my body along his and grinding against his pelvis. "I told Aringoth it was wise to keep a man happy who was guarding something important, and he paid out a bit more on your behalf."
"What about my post? How do I know you're not pulling a fast one?"
His defenses clambered into place as he grabbed me by the wrists. Trying to keep a relaxed face through my panic, I smiled up at him.
"Do I look like a thief to you? And how would I have gotten all the way down here in my birthday suit?" I chuckled, eyeing a chair near the loose rocks I had spotted earlier. "And who says I'll make you leave your post?"
Grabbing him by the front of his gear, I pulled him over to the chair and had him sit. His demeanor changed completely as his eagerness took over. Straddling his lap, I went to pull his helmet off. Feeling the substantial weight of the steel in my hands, I considered it while he ran his hands along my body. The calluses caused a shiver to thrum through me, awakening a glimmer of the more carnal desires I hadn't partaken in for many months. If I was going to be intimate, though, it certainly wasn't going to be with this Nord beneath me. The whole situation left me feeling mortified and filthy, but it was the only idea I had.
When his mouth closed around my right nipple, I ran a hand through his greasy hair as a display of encouragement. I wasn't certain how sharp his senses were, and wanted him to be completely off his guard. But, as one hand grasped an asscheek and the other started sliding fingers along and then into my nether parts, I decided this was going too far too fast. I needed to make my move.
Using the hand in his hair to position his head better for my purposes, I firmly grasped the iron helmet in my other hand. With all of my strength, I brought the helmet down as I struck him in the back of the head. His body went limp and, after I stood up and rushed to get my satchel, he crashed to the floor.
Hands visibly shaking, I pulled out my lockpicks and quickly tried to get the cellar door open. When the mechanism clicked into place, I didn't think I had ever heard a more beautiful sound. Careful to prevent the door from shutting behind me, I walked to a table on the far end of the cellar where a heavy-looking strong box sat. Smiling at my goal, I bent to inspect it.
Instantly knowing there was no way I would be able to pick the high-level lock, I took a better look around the room. In the corner, beyond a row of wine barrels, I could make out what appeared to be a sewer grate. I put its presence down to being for easier dumping of bad barrels of wine. Walking over to it quickly, it took all my muscle to pry the grate off.
"Right, you're my exit," I said aloud, eyeing the sewer tunnel below.
Turning, I hurried back to the table and extracted my mage tunic. While I was wrapping the heavy strong box in it for easier transport, I heard a loud groan behind me. Spinning around, I saw the Nord rubbing at his head as he sat up. A ball of anxiety forming in my stomach, I knew there would be no going back for my clothes.
Wrapping the satchel around me and lifting the tunic-wrapped strong box, I quietly made my way back to the sewer grate and lowered myself down. After dropping into the slimy sludge below, I hastily retreated in the direction opposite the ladder, my feet constantly slipping amid the slick surface. I knew it would be best to avoid going above ground so close to the manor.
Finally coming upon the exit, I poked my head out to survey the surroundings. I had no idea how long I had been in the manor, but the mercenaries outside appeared to have been able to extinguish most of the fire. Quickly making my way from the sewer to the water's edge, I cursed Mercer once again for tricking me into the mess I found myself in.
Wanting to get back to Riften as quickly as possible, I eyed the short distance to the dock and shore to my northwest. The fog had thickened considerably since I'd last been outside, and that was the only place I could see across the dark water. With my lips pressed into a thin line, I gently waded into the cold lake. Putting the wrapped strong box on my head, for I wasn't certain it was waterproof, I continued in until I couldn't touch the bottom. Teeth chattering as my naked body was engulfed by the lake, I used all my strength to keep my head constantly above water while traversing toward the northwestern shore. I hadn't even gotten half way before my legs were protesting the strain of keeping my head afloat
Once hitting land again, relief washed over me and it took everything I had to not dissolve into tears. I still had to make it back to the Riften. Unwrapping the strongbox, I put my tunic on for what little warmth it would offer. Grateful it at least went to mid-thigh, I picked up the heavy strongbox and made my way east.
Sticking to the shoreline, I walked along, shivering, until I came upon Riften's docks. Glad to get off jagged rocks, I stepped onto the smooth wooden boardwalk with a happy sigh. I got a few strange looks from early morning workers. Continuing into the city, I hastily made my way around to the cemetery as dawn began to break.
Despite having walked through it every day, I still felt creeped out walking through the cemetery with a thick blanket of fog surrounding me. As I neared the crypt, movement within had me clutching the strong box with a death grip. I stood still as the figure a few paces away rose from a seated position against the secret entrance.
"Lass?"
I didn't imagine Brynjolf waited for many in the Guild to return from jobs. The fact he had obviously done so for me, combined with the pure relief I could hear in his voice, caused my emotional dam to break. Not able to recall having ever been so glad to see someone before, I dropped the strong box and rushed forward.
"Brynjolf," I choked out, throwing myself at him. I felt his arms wrap around me before I was lifted completely off the ground and crushed against the man. Burying my face into his shoulder, I clung to him as my fear and anxiety were washed away with tears and his comforting embrace.
When he pulled away slightly to look down at me, I could hardly make out his features through the tears pooling in my eyes. Blinking a few times helped to clear my vision. The emotions were flickering across his face - relief, roiling anger, back to relief, then something I couldn't identify.
"What the fuck were you thinking?" he whispered with an angry tone, one of his hands coming up to smooth my wavy brown hair out of my face.
"When I accepted Mercer's challenge? I wasn't thinking at all," I gurgled before pulling him in and resting my forehead on his shoulder again.
"You could have easily been killed," he said softly. I could feel the brush of his breath on my neck as he rested his head against mine. Seriously doubting many people got to see this vulnerable side of him, I tried to comfort him.
"I made it back. I'm okay," I whispered into his shoulder, almost not believing it myself. I had been convinced the guards would figure out what had happened and scour the area around the lake for me.
Without warning, Brynjolf dropped to his knees with a heavy sigh, his hands gripping at my bare calves. Gently, I knelt before him on my own knees.
"You alright?" I asked, craning my neck to see his downturned face. His defeated expression nearly broke my heart.
"When I propositioned you for the Guild," he began, his hand coming up to smooth my hair again, "You asked why I was willing to take a chance on someone who was totally unfamiliar with thieving. I told you it was because I'm fond of strays. There's a bit more to it than that."
Not sure what to think, I wiped at my drying tear tracks and listened intently. Sitting back onto his heels, his hands rubbed at the stubble on his face while he continued speaking.
"I grew up here in Riften, at the orphanage. The matron there is a beast, so it wasn't pleasant at all. As soon as I was old enough, I tried to find employment. I managed to get lucky and acquire an apprenticeship with a local family's chef."
That surprised me, for I couldn't remember Brynjolf ever even stopping at the kitchen area, let alone cooking.
"I gave it a few years, but was completely shite at it," he chuckled, grinning up at me for a moment. "He eventually told me I was done and the family tossed me out on my arse. I found myself in a predicament similar to yours - nowhere to go, no money, no food. I tried asking for help from people who knew me growing up, but no one gave me the time of day."
I could see the hurt and betrayal in the lines of his face.
"At just seventeen I was destitute, and resorted to thieving. One day, I tried to take from the wrong man, but instead of punishing me, he offered me an opportunity - to turn my life around and start anew. His name was Gallus, the previous Guildmaster."
I nodded, my fingers playing with the hem of a sleeve.
"He took me in when I most needed it, and taught me everything I know. He is the one who made the Guild like a family, and I'd never had that before. When I saw you, young and desperate to survive, it was like looking at myself all those years ago."
We sat staring at each other, streaks of daylight beginning to tint the sky orange. Sensing there was still more to his story, I waited patiently.
"Gallus took me in, and at the time it felt right to do the same for you. You definitely don't have the typical disposition for a thief, but I know Gallus would have taken the chance. And when Delvin told me you ran off to Goldenglow…"
I felt a thrum of remorse in my chest as the shadows of despair spread across the Nord's face. I'd only seen that look once before, after I had snuck out to a party in high school and my parents awoke to my empty bed. I would definitely have to keep a cooler head when it came to Mercer.
"It may be insubordinate, but I was ready to attack Mercer for letting you do something so dangerous before you've trained more. I don't think I could have forgiven him or myself if you hadn't come back to us."
He seemed as though he was fighting with himself before he sighed.
"You see, lass, I promised myself I would protect you, like Gallus did for me when I first started, and I failed you," he finished with a shaky breath.
"You brought me in, so you feel responsible for me?" I supplied softly.
'That must be why he's willing to cover my costs until I can go on jobs myself,' I thought guiltily.
"I brought you in, I should be responsible for your well-being," he said bluntly. "As part of the Guild's leadership, I care about each member, but I feel particularly accountable when it comes to taking care of my own. Hell, I still watch out for Thrynn, and he's a big lad."
The finality and earnestness of Brynjolf's proclamation had me sitting back to look him in the eye. The fierceness in his gaze as he searched my face made me want to cry again. Brynjolf seemed to notice.
"You alright, lass?"
"You really do care - a lot - don't you?" I asked in a whisper, reaching out to take one of his large hands between mine. "I've been missing home since I've been in Riften. But, knowing I have someone who will have my back, a friend who concerns their self with my well-being as much as people back home did… I mean, I know you're my boss and we have to have that professional part of our relationship, but I'm coming to see you as a friend and …"
I looked up briefly to give him a grin as I realized I was rambling.
"I haven't been here long or gotten to know everyone terribly well, but I really feel like I can call this place home, even if Mercer would rather see me beaten to a pulp," I chuckled nervously, looking down to our interlocked hands rather than seeing his reaction to my soliloquy.
"Well then," he began, "welcome back home, Dani."
"Good to be home, Brynjolf…"
Standing up, I went to retrieve the forgotten strong box.
"Lass, what exactly happened to your clothes?"
"Oh," I groaned, remembering my state of undress. "It's a bit of a story. Let's get this inside to Mercer then I'll tell you all about my adventure at Goldenglow."
"Here, allow me," he offered, taking the heavy object.
We proceeded inside, myself getting slaps on the back for coming back in one piece from the few who were awake. We made our way through the Cistern and into the Ragged Flagon, where we found Mercer eating breakfast at a table on the deck.
"Well, you're not covered in blood, so am I to assume you were successful?" Mercer scowled, turning his chair to face me.
"I set a few of their hives on fire and got this," I said, indicating the strongbox. "From the cellar, right?"
Lifting an eyebrow at him, his own shock at my accomplishment gave me some vindication.
"Mercer, you aren't going to believe what they're saying happened at Goldengl-"
I turned to see Delvin looking me up and down, his eyes lingering on my exposed legs.
"Where are your clothes, poppet?"
Blushing furiously and choosing to ignore the question, I turned back to Mercer.
"I'm not good enough to open that complicated a lock yet. So, I brought the whole damn thing back."
His smirk seemed almost proud.
"Shall we?" he asked, signaling Brynjolf to set the strong box on his table. Pulling out some lockpicks, he was almost immediately able to open it. Sliding it back toward me, he let me have the honors of lifting the lid and revealing what was inside. Reaching in, all I saw was a slip of paper. Pulling it out, my eyes widened incredulously at the idea that Vex and I had risked our lives over this.
"Out loud, if you will," Mercer said, taking a bite of food.
"It has a strange symbol at the top, then reads: 'Aringoth, this document acknowledges the sale of Goldenglow Estate and all property, assets and materials contained within. Payment of the property has been made in full by Gulum-Ei as an agent on behalf of the buyer. All dealings with the Thieves Guild in Riften is to cease immediately. To deter any possible retribution for this act, you are to take immediate steps to protect our assets in any way you see fit. I think you'll find that the Thieves Guild is far more bark than bite and will likely avoid Goldenglow Estate rather than thin their already dwindling numbers'."
After finishing, I numbly passed the parchment to Mercer. All that terror and hard work for a bill of sale? Sure, it seemed someone wanted to hurt the Guild, but still - I'd gotten naked and let a strange man touch and fondle me for that piece of paper. Vex had nearly died in her attempt. Feeling my indignation roiling again, I turned and started walking back to the Cistern before Mercer could dismiss me. I was between the fake storage closet and the entrance to the Cistern when I felt a large hand close around my elbow.
"Hey," Brynjolf said softly. Not wanting him to see my exposed self-anger, I cast my eyes resolutely down at his feet. "Wait in my room. I need a word with Mercer, but you still have to regale me with your adventure."
With a weak laugh, I nodded and went to wait for him. Taking the time to cool my head, I wrapped myself in his blanket to warm up. I didn't look forward to asking Tonilia for a new set of armor - I was sure it would have to come at a cost.
Remembering the bag of gold I had snatched inside the manor, I reached to the floor for my discarded satchel. Pulling it out, I weighed it in my hand. After a long while, I layed down and started to softly sing a few songs that had been popular on the radio in my other life.
"You could have made a good bard."
I bolted upright at the comment.
"Brynjolf! I didn't hear you come in," I said self-consciously, wrapping the blanket around me tighter. He gave me an amused grin, though I could tell he was angry about something by the flush to his face.
"I know you haven't exactly had the chance to see me in action, but I am a pretty good thief."
Sitting beside one another on the bed, I took the chance to extend my hand out and offer him the money I had stolen.
"What's this for, lass? You should keep what you take," he said in surprise, not accepting the small bag.
"Vex told me about you covering my costs until I start doing jobs of my own."
"Little Vex," he growled quietly, leaning forward onto his knees and shaking his head.
"Think of it as a 'thank you' of sorts, for putting your faith in me and … well, making sure I'm taken care of."
I continued to proffer the money while he gave me a level stare.
"Don't you worry about any deals I struck to get you in. You earned that coin. Anything I cover from my own pocket is done willingly, so never you mind."
Letting my hand drop to the bed, I heaved a sigh and observed him. His face wasn't nearly as red as when he first made his presence known, but he still appeared on edge.
"Everything okay?" I asked tentatively, noticing his attempt to relax his facial expression.
"Mercer pissing me off some more," he grumbled. "He…"
Brynjolf turned to me, reaching out to rest a hand atop my still-damp head.
"What?" I urged, confused at what Mercer could have said or done. "Does it have to do with me?"
"Aye, lass. Mercer is insisting you follow up on this lead with Gulum-Ei. He's wanting you to set off to Solitude tomorrow morning."
"Wha-wha...what?" I spluttered. "Is he seriously still pissed off at me?"
"Looks like it - that and he thinks you have more potential than he thought. I managed to convince him to let someone go with you. Hell, I even volunteered myself since I know the slimeball Argonian, but he wants me to go investigate something else seeing as Vex is still out of commission."
I sat in stunned silence. Hopefully this task with Gulum-Ei wouldn't involve needing to put any of my newly acquired skills to the test. The previous night had been enough to show me how unprepared I still was. Brynjolf's hand ruffling my hair brought me out of my internal anxiety.
"So, tell old Bryn all about last night," he smiled, smoothly changing the subject as though reading my thoughts.
"Old Bryn, huh?" I laughed, setting the money back into my satchel before launching into my tale. I walked him through the beehive fiasco, and somehow casting a fire spell for the first time, and then penetrating the manor. He had given me a proud gleam when I explained how I had tricked the one guard into abandoning his post so I would have time to unlock the gate.
"See, that is what separates a thief from a common thug - being able to think quickly and intelligently in the moment," he had proclaimed, clasping his hand onto my thigh. He had immediately withdrawn it upon remembering I was still in nothing more than a thin tunic.
"Well then, you're going to love when I get to the part about my clothes…" I muttered.
I had then told him about distracting the guards by throwing the chair leg across the room, which had him laughing at the simplicity of the diversion. And thus, I arrived at the part about the cellar guard. Brynjolf had appeared both thoroughly amused and worried at my deciding to throw the guard off by posing as a prostitute. I skipped over the part about the guard fondling me, keeping my voice and demeanor as cool as possible. After I detailed my escape through the sewer grate and back out to the lake, I gave a shrug to signal the end of my story.
"Nothing else happened with that last guard?" he asked suspiciously.
"I cracked him upside the head with his own helmet and knocked him out," I explained again, twiddling my fingers and refusing to meet his gaze.
"What aren't you telling me?" he asked more firmly.
"It's nothing," I brushed it off, glancing at him briefly with a small grin.
"Out with it, I've noticed you tend to wriggle when you're nervous, and you're as fidgety as a skeever right now."
"Never compare a woman to a skeever if you want to stay in her good graces," I teased, playfully glaring at him.
"You're avoiding the question," he said in a sing-song voice.
"Fine!" I groaned, rolling my eyes petulantly before getting serious. "He... touched me... in ways I wouldn't normally let just any man do. It made me feel… well, like a real whore."
I wrapped the blanket more tightly around my chilled body and turned my face away from him.
"I don't know how common it is for the others to use their bodies during the course of a job, but…."
I felt Brynjolf's hand slide to rest comfortingly in the middle of my back.
"I've only ever been with two men, who I cared about deeply at the time," I explained without prompt, suddenly feeling the need to defend my honor. "If I weren't in a life-threatening situation, I wouldn't have ever even considered it. I'm just going to tell you -"
I abruptly turned to him, finally seeing the sympathetic look he was casting my way.
"If any jobs come up that will require seduction, I'm not your woman," I said firmly, steadily meeting his eyes.
"It's a very rare day when we get jobs that would even possibly call for that. And I promise we would never make you take something you aren't comfortable doing," he assured me.
"Good," I replied shortly, relaxing slightly.
"You really are unusual, you know," Brynjolf said after a while, retracting his hand to lean back on the bed. I turned to give him a questioning look. "Most of us who fight - most Nords even - when it comes to the flesh, we take what we can get when we can get it. Life is hard, and you never know when a day may be your last."
"Do… you…?" I wouldn't call myself a prude, but to think I somehow landed in a world where people had sex like they were drunk at a frat party? To think of Brynjolf sleeping around also made me feel as though a boulder had plummeted in my stomach.
"Not as much as when I was your age," he laughed. "I was quite eager back then. Those in this profession very rarely get involved in relationships, so we see fucking as something other than just an act of intimacy. I guess you could say I've mellowed with age, and have come to appreciate things other than sticking my nob into any willing lass the first chance I get."
"Where I come from," I began, considering my words carefully, "it could go either way. Some people were open to bedding complete strangers, some would only do it with who they were in a committed relationship with, and some would still insist on marriage first."
"Dibella, save us," Brynjolf joked. "I'm taking it you are part of that second group."
"Yes," I replied with a perceptibly defensive tone.
"Nothing wrong with that," he insisted. "To each their own, and all that. Although, more and more, I come to see how different you are from the rest of us."
"I'm nothing special where I'm from," I insisted softly.
"And where is that?" Brynjolf asked, leaning back farther onto his elbows. "High Rock?"
"Hmm?" I hummed, stalling while my mind raced at how to answer the question.
"Well you're tall and favor a Nord, but you're built like a Breton. And you certainly don't always act or speak like you're from Skyrim. Bretons can be a pretty odd lot, have their own way to them I've come to find, so I'm assuming you're from High Rock."
I glanced back at him and noticed his curious gaze. He must have been patiently wondering about the topic along with the rest of the Guild, waiting for me to tell my story. I hadn't volunteered much about myself, but knew it would be tricky navigating around it now.
"I'm not certain what my exact heritage is," I evaded. "And I'm from a little place you've never heard of."
"Try me," he insisted, with a smirk.
"America?"
Brynjolf appeared to rack his brain, but ultimately looked at me in confusion.
"Where is that?"
"A little nook in High Rock," I lied quickly, feeling a pang of guilt at doing so.
"Huh, you'll have to show me on a map someday."
"Sure."
I could feel his fingers playing with the tips of my hair as I gazed resolutely ahead, unable to look him in the eye and lie.
"Tell me about them," his voice commanded softly, cutting through my thoughts.
"Who?"
"Your people back home, lass. You said earlier you missed them, and it usually helps to talk about it when something is weighing on the mind."
Flipping backward to lay beside him, I studied the ceiling as I felt him settle onto his side. Glancing his way, I saw he was propped up on one arm facing me.
I spent the next several minutes telling him about my parents and brother, explaining my other life in terms that would make sense to someone from Tamriel. When he prompted about what I missed most, I told him a few funny stories and moments from my childhood. During the telling, I felt like something previously imperceptible was unwinding from around my heart. The simple act of sharing in what had existed only in my memories had a cathartic effect.
"My mom always made the best food when I came home to visit. I'd gain so much weight if I stayed for too long," I laughed, thinking about my mother's southern recipes.
"I've never known a mother's cooking," Brynjolf said wistfully, capturing my attention as he looked at me. "It sounds wonderful."
"Like Heaven," I sighed, smiling up at him.
"Heaven?"
"What we call the afterlife."
"Strange Bretons," he muttered, shooting me his characteristic grin.
"Thank you, Brynjolf," I said warmly, keeping the blankets tight around me as I rolled closer to him.
"Whatever for?" he asked, running a hand up and down where my arm was under the blanket.
"I really needed to talk about them, and didn't even realize it."
"Not many in the Guild still have family. Most were orphaned or broke ties. It's good hearing about something nice for a change. You should write to them when you get a chance."
I was sure my emotions were clear on my face, and was glad Brynjolf had closed his eyes for the moment. Schooling my features, I laid my head down by his propped up arm.
"I can't," I replied quietly, the verbal admission jarring something inside me. "They aren't in this world."
Keeping my gaze on his dark leather armor, I couldn't help but feel the pitying look he shot me as his eyes flew open.
"Is that why you came to Riften?" he probed gently, playing with the tips of my long, dark hair again.
"I don't know what happened," I explained, watching his fingers swirl a thick lock of it. "The last place I remember, before waking up in the woods outside Riften, was being in my parents house."
"You just woke up here?" he asked in surprise, his hand stilling in my hair.
"Yeah. North of town near the stables."
"You don't remember how you ended up here? At all?"
I looked up into his face and shook my head.
"But you're certain your family is gone?"
"Definitely." The words barely escaped me in a whisper before Brynjolf's face was hovering above mine.
"Lass," he murmured sadly before I felt his lips pressing against my forehead. My nerves still raw from the last twelve hours, I could only lay there numbly.
Letting the blanket fall off me, I reached up to grasp at his back as I felt the tears escaping my eyes. Part of me registered the soft murmurs in my ear while I struggled not to cry, the other part was finally coming to grips that I would never see anyone from my former life again. This was my reality now. It was something I thought I had already come to accept, but the truth of the matter had not hit home as hard as it had in that moment with Brynjolf.
"I'm sorry I'm such a wreck," I sighed after a moment, sitting up to wipe at my tears. "It's been a trying few days, what with Vex and then Mercer pushing me into the snake pit."
"You don't have to explain yourself to me, lass. You've exceeded all expectations recently."
"I feel like all I've done recently is sleep, but at the same time I feel exhausted," I muttered, comforted as he wrapped his blanket around me again and pulled me closer. Closing my eyes, I smelled the worn leather of his Guild gear.
"Rest up, then we'll get you some new armor later."
"I should get to my own bed. I've been hogging yours," I yawned, half-asleep already.
"Never you mind."
The last thing I would remember was the feeling of stubble and warm lips pressing into my temple.