The Successor

Chapter 9

A Housing Situation

Thieves' Guild, 10:09 AM

''Madam, madam!'' Shouted a young boy.

He came at full speed through the door, without bothering to knock.

''What is it, Lieus?'' Answered Oranta, who was pacing about in the room.

''Madam, the scout has returned-''

''I know that! Don't you have any news that aren't told yet?''

''Please, madam, I was getting to that part-''

''Ignorant, proceed on!''

Although he was swelled up with anger, Lieus had to respect his new boss.

'' Yes, madam. A scout has reported seeing travelers camped b'tween the city and Bruma, three in total, one Imperial male, one Breton female, and a male Kahjiit.''

''Ah, a male kahjiit, whom I believe to be our dear Ja'braska. Yet this imperial I know not of. Neither of this female Breton. Was the scout in range for more specific details?''

''No, madam, although he did witness an unusual scene.''

''Unusual? Go on, Lieus, speak up!''

''As you wish, madam. The scout reported seeing the kahjiit sneaking behind the other two. He did notice the imperial start to twitch and become more alert. As soon as the kahjiit hit sunlight, the imperial lunged at him and the Breton aimed at him with a fine glass bow that she quickly pulled out.''

''Just skip to the part, boy,'' said Oranta.

''I was getting to that, madam. Anyways, the imperial suddenly reeled back, giving the kahjiit an opportunity for escape in which he took almost no heist in exploiting at.

However, the imperial began shouting in his direction, which wasn't in hearing range for the scout; the scout could only hear the shouts, not interpret them. The kahjiit stopped, turned back, and returned to the attackers. A small discussion became afterward and friendly gestures were exchanged. After the scene, the scout reported back here.''

Oranta stood musing for a while, leaving Lieus to stand beside his blazing emotions.

'' A most peculiar scene that was, very interesting and... disturbing.''

''How come disturbing, madam?'' asked Lieus.

'' Yes, Lieus. You have a very talented hearing skill. Disturbing in many ways, young one. For you see, they could have been old friends, and the fact that the imperial was able to detect him, Ja'braska, was most cunning. And even if it wasn't Ja'braska, most kahjiits are experts at the art of sneaking.''

Again she went silent.

'' The fact that the Breton was able to pull out her bow in fast speed was also amusing. So, Lieus, if you place all the hidden details into one big picture, you may see what I am seeing.''

''And what could that be of what you see?'' He asked.

''Destruction to our guild, death upon many thieves, imperial guards everywhere, our HQ discovered. All this due to that our enemies are very adept in their professions. And, if that was truly our Ja'braska with the enemy, then our allies are beginning to join with them.

Soon, they, our opposition, will have an upper hand. Soon, the guild may be left in ruins, much like the elven were left in theirs. All that will be left of the once mighty Thieves' guild will be iconic daggers, stain glasses, and ruined buildings. Once you can see all this, Lieus, will you truly comprehend the position that we now stand in. A much uncomfortable position...''

She proceeded to the desk, the same desk he sat on when he was here.

''Lieus, you are dismissed, for now.''

''Yes, madam. Good day, madam.'' He exited briskly.

Oranta sat down on the chair. But the stillness of the room somehow made her dizzy. She decided to go out for fresh air. As she stepped through the doorway, her sight turned unknowingly to a ruin. A ruin that was already explored, stolen of its sacred relics, and left to rot. Her mind drifted slowly back and forth.

'' Like the elven ruins, nothin' more...'' She muttered. Merely at a pace, she started to descend into her deepest thoughts, her forbidden thoughts. The ones where no living being could go in, and come out sane. And thus, sacrificing her reason, she went further down the stairs that lead to madness...

A grassy plain between Bruma and the Imperial City, 6:45 PM

'' A very confusing and frighting spot we have put you in,master. I beg forgiveness for this act of injustice.'' Ja'braska said so.

'' Ja'braska, how many times must I say that it wasn't your bidding. And please stop calling me master.''

''I cannot, it is glued into my extensive vocabulary. I have said it so many times, that it comes out unwillingly, master.''

''Well, if it can't be helped...''

''So anyway, guys, we have to start coming up with a plan, the sun is almost set. Let us use its last rays to see each face.'' Suggested Mina.

''Yes, yes. A plot to hide from our enemies. Perhaps in a cave or ruin?''

''No, no Ja'braska. Caves are filled with insect and rats, and sometime robbers and vampires. Ruins are haunted, everyone most certainly knows that. Even I have some fears.'' Said Mina

''Yes you are right, what about you, master?''

''Hm? O yes, a hiding spot...'' Jonathan looked into the sky, watching its deepness; its every illuminated spot, thinking of perhaps a niche or under a simple tree. How easy life would be under a simple roof...

'' A house...'' He said absentmindedly.

'' A what?'' asked Mina.

'' A house, yes... A house would be perfect.'' responded Jonathan.

''A house, that's ridiculous, master! A house is so easy to spot, and every house on sale is in a city. Unless you expect us to build one in a remote plain?'' asked Ja'braska.

'' That's exactly what I was thinking, build our own house, why not? We could escape the trouble that follows us. No one would find us, it'll be like we were invisible.''

'' Woah, let me stop you right there. Locking ourselves away from society wouldn't suit me, master. And how do you expect us to survive? Sure, we could raise livestock and a farm, but what about adventurers who are lost and stumble upon our home? It's an idea with many pros and cons. But I don't favor it, master.''

''Ja'braska has a point there, building a house in a remote area or local wouldn't suit me neither. We need a better idea...''

They all pondered for some time, how much, one wouldn't ask. But it was between five to fifteen minutes.

''A house... what about my parent's house?'' asked Mina.

''Their house? I'm not sure, it seems too predictable...''

'' Master, what other choice do we have? We can't live in filthy caves like bandits. And we sure heck don't want to live in a gloomy place like a ruin.''

''For now, Jonathan, we have to stay there. Until we come up with a better hiding place...''

''Very well, Mina. To your parent's house in Skingard it is.''

''Marvelous! Just for now, master.''

''Just for now, living like outcasts...''

Their travel to Skingard was filled with the usually common highwayman, goblins, and rats. Nothing the trio couldn't handle. It took them no less than a day to be in the city's area of influence. Upon entering the sight of the walled city at around 7AM, they left Mina's horse at the stable and proceeded onto the inside.

Perhaps most folks don't realize the fine craftsmanship built into every nook of the city. But since they weren't going anywhere particular at fast pace, they had much time to gaze at the bridges that separate the city into two sections. It was if they were two different towns joined together.

As they went through the narrow streets, they couldn't help but notice what appeared to be a new superstition or cult fad. On almost every window, door, or balcony a handwritten note swung on the wind. Upon studying its inscription, Mina discovered they were prayers and thanks to her late father.

The notes held many praising words, shouting out thanks for the saving of the land, giving notice to his hard dedication to the empire, and mourning his unforgettable passing. Perhaps he was missed more than emperor Martin.

Jonathan and Ja'braska read the pages, too, and they knew when to speak out or stay silent. Finally, after passing a corner, they reached their destination.

The house was old and had signs of tattletale. Moss shot up the masonry walls. The windows wore of aged dust and were opaque. However, on the doorstep laid many small trinkets along with a few larger ones. Some with small papers attached explaining happy thoughts. Others just standing alone, but still delivering a message of gratitude.

After carefully pushing the objects of thanks aside, they ventured into the house. Its smell instantly reminded them that it has had no occupants for a long time. A more or less but strong humid smell, without any putrid or undesired stenches. Darkness covered much of the house, for the windows had heavy blinds over them. Upon a closer look, the surfaces had fine coatings of dust.

''Are you sure about this, Mina? No one has recognized us yet, or at leas I hope not.'' said Jonathan.

''Yes, but I don't like all this mess in here. Why don't we open the windows and let in some fresh air, eh?''

Both men stood flabbergasted at her command.

''M-Mina! What are you saying. That will give away hints that someone occupies this house.''

''Look, Jonathan. I don't want to live in all this dark aspect, as if we were breaking into a house! I do not, not one percent, care if someone takes a look and thinks 'Why, someone occupies the house now!'.

I couldn't care more! I said just for a few days, or, if we're really in that much danger, less than three days. As if WE were weaklings! My mind is final, we refresh this sunken place.'' She said with no room for argument; her mind was set up.

I do wonder what has gotten into her, she wasn't like this when we left Bruma, she wasn't showing up a display of power. I think it may have to do with Ja'braska being present. I'll ask her tonight about it...

The rest of the day went by into fixing the home into one specified by her wish. Since they were more used to sneaking and running, they had no experience in housekeeping. So it came as an embarrassment when Mina went about the house rapidly, swaying the feather duster and springing up dirt into the air. On a ratio of rooms to clean, Mina beat both of them joined on a three to one. It is hard to find one who is good at fighting, magic, and housekeeping.

Around 8PM, Jonathan and Ja'braska were slumped on a now dust-free sofa. Mina was about on another room, and could they hear her humming a jolly song.

''Why do you think she's all energetic, master? Has she forgotten about the danger that follows her?''

''I don't know, Ja'braska. Perhaps she's acting this way to liven up the moment, you know, not be so depressed and spread it as if it were a disease.''

At that moment, Mina peered around the corner, spotting the two slouched on the sofa.

She enter the room and look down upon them with a gruff expression.

''Since when did I say we were finished? Don't tell me you both are tired, surly not from house work? I thought you two were experts in sneaking and other unrelated stuff?''

''At sneaking, Mina, but not on this! I don't know anything about housing. We have been moving everything here and there, rushing through the rooms, trying to keep up with you,'' Jonathan said.

''Ah, so two guys can't compete with me, hm. Very well, since you two are left out of breath, why don't we call it a day's end?''

Both were delighted to hear the offer, and they eagerly accepted. Jonathan was next to surprised with his cooking ability, making a delicious meal with simple ingredients, and Ja'braksa had very good information from the source itself, Oranta.

After the leg-cramping dinner, the party decided in which rooms to stay for the following nights. Mina chose her original room. It was placed a bit lower between the uppermost room, which used to belong to her parents.

Ja'braska chose the bottom room, and Jonathan chose a mid level room. There were a total of five rooms, two at mid level. One was closer to the doorway, and one further back. He chose the one closer, in case it was deemed necessary.

'' Well guys, it's getting late, and since I'm of feline species, I have more energy to restore. Good night, master. Good night, miss Mina.'' Ja'braska headed down the stairs and into his room. As soon as she heard the slam of the door, Mina grabbed Jonathan's hand and dragged him upstairs at running speed.

''Whoa, hey Mina where are we going. Hey! I almost tripped there, slow down.''

Suddenly she stopped and turned to face him. They were in her room.

''Ok, Jonathan. We're alone now, so I don't have to wear this disguise anymore.''

''What disguise? You don't have any disguise!''

'' Don't act like that, I've been keeping my fear and worries locked away, but I just can't hold them anymore! I'm losing it here, I'm tremendously afraid of what might happen if we're discovered. And more so if the dark brotherhood knows our whereabouts!''

She plopped down on her bed. Her maroon red hair spilled over her face, her big emerald eyes looking down.

Jonathan sat down beside her, and after a couple of seconds embraced her. She didn't resist, and began letting her tears flow out freely.

After a few minutes, he let go of her and tilted her tear stained face towards his.

'' Mina, we'll conquer this together, you, me and Ja'braska, along with anyone else who join our cause. You don't have to live in fear, you're a hero's daughter, so it's time you start acting like one. Your father didn't venture into those oblivion gates and came out victorious just for fame. He did it for the good of the empire. If he could stand up against unimaginable creatures, surly you can stand up against some pathetic people called assassins.''

''Yes... yes, you're right. I'm strong enough, I can overcome them. Thank you, Jonathan, for sharing this lesson with me.''

''No problem, Mina. Just remember, we're here for you.'' He caressed her soft face and gave her a kiss. It seemed the world slowed down just for them, and resumed when he parted lips.

''I'll see you in the mornin', k?'' He said as he stood up.

''Ok. Good night, Jonathan.''

'' Good night, Mina.'' And with those last words, he walked into the hall and shut the door.

Mina raised he hand and gingerly touched her mouth with two of her fingers. Still remembering the gentle lips of his. She than stood up and saw the door to her former closet. She wondered if her clothes were still inside.

She made her way over and open the door. To her amazement, her clothes were still intact and dust free, as if they were cleaned that very day. Sure, when she was cleaning her room she notice the closet, but left it alone, not wanting to bring back emotional feelings.

'' Did my mother leave these for me, and how come they aren't dust covered?''

She got her response when she tried to walk in and was blocked by an invisible barrier. Her mother's magic at work. Good thing she knew of dispels, and quickly brought the shield down.

Inside the closet were all her old clothes, including her night dresses. After changing into one, now a bit tight, she went into her bed. The freshly cleaned blanket comforted her and she fell asleep with soothing memories.

As Jonathan made his way through the empty closet, he thought of what he would wear for the night. It seemed the whole house was cleaned out. In the end, he had to sleep with his normal clothes on. Although the clothes were so-so, the bed was smothering him with softness. Just the right amount of firmness, too. It took no more than a minute to fall into sweet dreams, dreams in where he was victorious over all opponents who confronted him. Dreams where Mina stood smiling, and dreams where they were all happy, nothing in the world to bother them.

Dreams that were most likely never to happen, no matter how hard they tried...

Author's note

Hello everyone, I'm very sorry for the huge amount of time it took me to write this chapter. I was occupied with studies for my final exams, and I had a terrible writer's block. But, with much pleasure, I have finished this chapter. I do hope the next one won't last as long.

Also, I changed my writing style just a bit, not that noticeable. Thanks for reading!