a/n: Sorry about this long author's note, but I just wanted to clarify some questions in a PM and review I got regarding Aela's vampirism.

Regarding her never realizing she's a vampire, no one ever discussed the topic of vampirism around/with her, so there really was no way for her to find out, (thus never calling herself a vampire). It may seem like something obvious, but she never encountered any situations that would explain what she was until the Dawnguard came.

In terms of the sunlight, I also knew it would be an issue, but in Riften it's almost always cloudy and whatnot, and I felt like it may be a bit weird and repetitive if everytime Aela stepped foot in the sunlight that she would go on about how it burned at her skin (such as back in Whiterun, Falkreath etc.), however I did touch upon it every now and then to remind the readers. I was also supposed to give her a hood early on, but I never got around to it :3.

In terms of her blood cravings, I realized I left it out in the previous chapters (other than touching on her feeding on animals briefly), so I tackled that issue and any questions regarding her feeding in this chapter (hopefully). And I thought about having a conversation between her and Brynjolf about the cold hands aspect, but I never really considered someone's cold hands to be a big issue (If it is let me know and I'll put it in a later chapter :P). Alright, sorry about that, but I hope that cleared up some questions I got.

(Didn't expect to come out with this chapter so fast, but I was waiting for this one for a while now).

Note that there's more cursing in this chapter than any of my other ones.

I took a quick glance around the room, making sure there were no guards present as I crouched in front of the cell door and began picking the lock.

After a few seconds of fiddling with the pick, the cell door unlocked with ease.

I quickly gathered my belongings in the chest and surely enough, Sapphire's equipment was in the chest as well, collecting dust.

"How long have you been in here for?" I asked, turning to her.

She scoffed, "Almost 5 months."

I raised my eyebrows as I pointed to the chest containing her belongings. She quickly took her things and headed for the front door. Before she could open it, I held on to her shoulder brace.

"What do you think you're doing? The front door, Sappihre? Really?" I said, rolling my eyes.

She paused, "Oh, right. It's been a while" she groaned to herself.

"There should be another way out of here…" I muttered, taking a look around the room.

"There's a door behind those barrels over there" I heard Sapphire say, pointing to a pile of rubble in the other end of the small room. We ran up to the barrels and quickly began moving them out of the way of the entrance, careful not to make to much noise.

Once the path was cleared, I tried fidgeted the door knob, but it refused to budged.

We heard shouting from outside the front door, "Yeah, yeah I'll check up on them, keep your tops on guys!"

"Damn, we don't have enough time to pick the lock, help me break the door down!" I whispered in a yell to Sapphire. With barged at the door with all our force. After a couple bashes against the door, if finally broke down. "Get out, go!" I yelled to Sapphire as we ran through the opening that led towards the back of Morthal. We ran as far away from the town as possible, in hopes that the heavy snowstorm would cover our bodies and tracks.

"Shh, get down! I whispered to Sapphire as we laid in the heavy snow.

I saw a vague shadow run past us by a few feet before it turned back.

"Damn it! I lost them!" I heard the voice shout as it headed back towards the town, barely audible in the storm.

"Give it a minute" I muttered to Sapphire, "in case they do another search."

Once the coast was clear, we ran down the road, trying to get as far away from Morthal as possible.

"I hope you don't expect us to walk the entire way back to Riften" scoffed Sapphire as we were walking down the path. We had covered at least two miles by now.

"I hope not. If we're lucky, we'll find someone to ride us back to The Rift." I said, remembering what I told Brynjolf about breaking into Mercer's house after sunset. "We need to get back before dark" I muttered.

After what seemed like hours of trekking in the snowstorm, it began to ease down as we spotted a carriage coming our way. "Praise the gods!" I exclaimed, waving my hands in the air, "Stop, please!" I shouted, as we ran up to the carriage.

"What are you doing out here?" Asked the driver, a dark elf in ragged clothing.

"We need to get to The Rift, do you know where we are?" I asked.

He laughed, "You're nearing DragonBridge. You'll be lucky to get to The Rift by nightfall if you use a carriage."

I heard Sapphire groan, "Is there any way you can take us?" I asked, revealing to him a hefty coin purse. He tried to seem unfazed by my bribe, but his eyes screamed envy and desire.

I gave him a cheeky smile, "Well?"

He snapped out of his thoughts, "Get in."

As we hopped off the carriage and I handed the driver the coin pouch, I saw the sun set into the horizon, perfect timing. As we walked through the graveyard towards the secret entrance, I turned to Sapphire, wanting to weed out any information from her that I could.

"Why did Mercer want me to bring you back here? How do you know him?" I asked.

She paused before she answered, "I had connections with people here in Riften, and pretty much all over Skyrim and Tamriel. My contacts here in Riften were also connected to Mercer and Maven Black-Briar. I found some information I shouldn't have," she let out a laugh,

"And Mercer wanted me taken care of. He didn't want me dead, he just needed me to be quiet. He knew I would be too valuable alive rather than dead, even though he may not admit it" She scoffed.

I raised my eyebrows, "What information?"

"I think you should ask Mercer yourself. And before you flash me one of your coin purses, know that no amount of gold can make me talk."

"Oh come on, just a little bit of info won't hurt anyone, I won't tell Mercer" I said with a cocky smile.

She rolled her eyes, "Let's just say that we won't be around for long. Now come on, I want to see this infamous guild of yours."

What does she mean we won't be here for long? Is Mercer plotting against the guild? That's insane, why would anyone do that? Even Mercer is smarter than that. I'd have to let Brynjolf in on all of this, he'd probably make more sense of this than me.

"Alright, let's go." I said as we went through the entrance behind the graveyard.

We walked into the cistern, and without a doubt, Mercer was standing behind his desk, with his nose in that damned book.

"Mercer, we're here." I exclaimed to him, trying to get on his good side, in hopes he's forget the conversation we had this morning. Yeah, right.

He looked up at us, "Ah, Sapphire. I thought I'd never see you again."

She rolled her eyes, "Just tell me what you want from me, Mercer."

He turned to look at me, "Some privacy, Aela." He said, scowling at me.

"Right. Well, I'll be on my way." I said, walking past them.

She grabbed my arm, "Don't forget the deal" She whispered.

I nodded to her without saying another word as I headed into the Flagon.

I spotted Brynjolf at the table across from me. "Hey" I smiled as I walked up to him, sitting next to him.

"Another successful job, I see" he said, returning my smile.

I leaned in close to his ear, "I'm going to go raid Mercer's house for any information I can find. Make sure you keep an eye on him while I'm gone. No need to make this job sloppy, Bryn."

"Aye, well be careful, lass. His house is right behind the graveyard. You'll know it when you see it, it's the only one with an orc standing guard." He chuckled.

As I was about to stand up, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned my head to see Delvin, shame engulfing him.

"I think we need to talk about the other night, Aela" he muttered as he sat down next to us.

"Bryn filled me in on what happened last night" he said, looking at me, "Even though I wish he hadn't. I'm sorry about blowing your cover."

I rolled my eyes as I turned to look at Brynjolf.

"Delvin never apologizes, lass. I say you take it and run before he takes it back." He laughed, "Besides, only Mercer knows, and I'm not too worried about him right now."

"Well, I have to admit," I said, turning back to Delvin, "Watching your failed attempts at flirting with Vex was well worth it" I laughed.

"It wasn't a complete failure" He winked as he stood up and headed to the bar, ordering a tankard of mead.

"That was quite disturbing." I said, shaking my head as I stood up.

"Aye, but I must say, our night was rather enjoyable, wouldn't you say so, lass?" He asked, with a smug smile on his face.

I felt my face blush, "Very funny, Brynjolf. I may have no recollection of last night, but I was happy enough waking up in my clothes."

He laughed to himself; gods know what happened that night. "Come on, I'll take you to the exit." He said, getting out of his seat.

As we walked past the cistern, I spotted Mercer speaking to Sapphire at the other end of the room, oblivious to our presence.

"Did you get anything out of her?" Asked Brynjolf, following my eyes to where they were.

"Not really. Just that she said we won't be here for long." I paused, looking up at Brynjolf, "Do you have any idea what she's talking about?"

He shook his head, "I wish I did. I'm just as confused as you are."

"Well, hopefully this raid will be worth it." I muttered, walking to the exit in silence, within the shadows and out of Mercer's sight.

I turned to look at Brynjolf before I headed up the ladder.

"Well… wish me luck." I said, smiling.

Suddenly, Brynjolf took me and put me against the wall, "Is this a regular thing of yours?" I asked sarcastically.

"Be careful" he smiled back as he leaned in and kissed me, wrapping his arms around my waist.

"If Mercer found out about you, he'd have us both dead" he whispered as he kissed me again. "Good luck, I'm putting all my faith in you, lass." He said before he took a step back.

"No need to worry Bryn, this is practically second nature to me." I said with a smug smile. "So what should I look for?"

"Anything that seems like it'll explain what he's up to: Letters, documents, notes, books; anything."

"Easy enough. Watch my back while I'm gone." I smiled as I went on my tiptoes and gave him one last kiss, "I'll be back soon."

Surely enough, Mercer's house stuck out like a sore thumb. I spotted the orc Brynjolf told me about, who was sleeping on the ground in front of the main doors. "This is far too easy…" I smiled to myself. I took a quick look around the house for easy access points. I found a window on the first floor that seemed easy to budge and was out of sight of any of the guard's routes.

I tried fidgeting the window in hopes that it would open, but to no avail. I then spotted a small lock on the bottom of the frame, "You can't be serious, Mercer. Your windows? What could you possibly be hiding in here…" I smiled as my curiosity got the better of me again.

I took out a lockpick and attempted to pick the lock. It was more stubborn than the other locks I've come across, but it eventually gave up as it let out that satisfying click. I rolled the window up and silently made my way through the small opening.

For a guild master, Mercer's home was nothing extravagant. Nothing but wardrobes, desks, shelves and dressers occupied the first floor. I quickly rummaged through every drawer and door, but came across nothing other than odds and ends.

I headed up the stairs to the second floor, which was nothing but a bedroom. Again, I went through the same procedure as I did downstairs, not finding anything useful.

"You're a thief, Mercer. Shouldn't you have a safe somewhere at least?" I said to myself. I was about to give up when I noticed a wardrobe hidden in a nook of his bedroom. As I prayed to the gods, I opened the doors, but it was empty.

"An empty wardrobe is far too obvious." I said, laughing silently as I tapped the back wall of the wardrobe. It made a hollow sound, which was always promising. I placed my hands on the false wall and pushed with all my force. Slowly, the back wall opened, revealing a staircase that led down the stairs.

I slowly made my way across the hidden entrance, watching my steps for any traps. Eventually I came to a small room, with a desk and bed. There was nothing on the desk besides a couple papers and a book.

I opened up the first paper, which was a letter.

Mercer,

I hope you make the right decision on whether or not to transfer to Morrowind. I want my name and the Thieves' Guild to expand into the neighbouring region. Although you've proven the guild to be an utter failure over the last few years, I am giving you one last chance. You had been in charge of The Thieves' Guild in both its glory days and its dark days.

I wish for you to put your skills and methods to good use. Should you accept my offer, I will have Brynjolf take over the guild here in Riften, until it dies off. Do not utter a word of this to a single soul. If anyone finds out, take care of them, by any means necessary.

Maven Black-Briar

So Mercer's going to leave the guild, but why all the contacts we've been having to take care of? Sapphire must surely be able to explain. I quickly flipped through the book, in hopes of finding any loose papers, but came up to nothing. Finally, I opened up the last paper on the desk, which had rippings and markings all over it, making it seem like it was dated to several years back, at least.

Rorik,

I entrust that the 5000 gold I have enclosed within this letter will be enough your troubles.

Rorik… why does that name sound so familiar?

I want them taken care of. I don't care how you do it, nor do I want to know how you attempt on executing your plan. A snitch informed me that Mattais will be taking a trip with his wife and daughter to Falkreath's border, most likely somewhere in the dense forest, a week from now. He has proven to be quite the problem for me, and Gallus is too idiotic to realize any of it. Kill Mattais and his family, and I will offer you a spot working for me, away from your aggravating group of bandits, and into the life you have always dreamed of.

Mercer Frey

I read the lines over and over again, feeling my blood race through my body as I began losing control of myself.

I felt myself shake as I tried to control my anger. I quickly took the letters and placed them in my bag as I ran back through the house and to the front doors, remembering the orc asleep outside. Rorik… I burst the doors open as the orc's body flung forwards onto the grass.

"What the fuck?!" I heard him yell as he looked up at me. Before he could reach for his greatsword, I unsheathed my blade and placed my foot on his neck, pressing down hard.

"Remember me, you bastard?!" I yelled, bringing my face close to his as I placed my blade against his neck, slowly cutting in to his thick skin, savouring the feeling of it piercing through.

"Get off of me, you damn bitch!" He screamed, trying to place his hands around my throat. I quickly took his hands and slammed them on the ground with one arm as I kept my blade on his neck.

I stared into my parents' murderer's eyes, "Remember when you killed my father? Did you enjoy having your sword dig deep across his back, before he died, protecting my mother and I?"

He was choking on his own words, "Fuck... you!" He said, barely audible under the sound of him choking on his blood.

"I'm going to enjoy this as much as you did, you son of a bitch!" I yelled, as I started digging deeper into his neck, his blood slowly starting to pour onto my blade.

Suddenly, the conversation with Falion took over my mind, remembering the cure for vampirism.

I slowly wedged my dagger out of his skin, making sure he'd feel every stroke of my blade before it left his neck.

"Where's the vampire?!"

"Die, you bitch!" He yelled as he kicked me off of him and went for his greatsword.

I lunged forward at him, tackling him back to the ground, placing my dagger right above his bloody neck, "The one that bit me, where is she?!"

"I killed that bitch after she took care of you in the forest!" he coughed, "Remember that? I loved watching your parents' bodies fall to the ground, and how much I would have wanted to have my sword pierce your pathetic, puny heart!"

I began sliding my blade into the wound on his neck as he screamed, "You liar! Where is she?!" I shouted.

"Sh-She's at Dawnstar, Mercer was supposed to meet her there tomorrow!" He yelled, gasping for air.

I slid my dagger deeper into his wound, as my lust for his blood grew stronger, "I really am going to enjoy this, you bastard!" I yelled again, my dagger piercing and digging through his thick skin, drenching it in blood as he let out his last cry.

I took my dagger out of his neck and began stabbing his body; at his heart, his face, his arms, his legs. I was puncturing and slashing anywhere I could draw blood from, as I felt my body begin to grow more and more lustful for the thick blood.

I threw my dagger on the ground. Catching my breath, I stared into the dead eyes of the bastard, the eyes of my parents' murderer, now my first kill.

I placed my fingers on his neck, pushing against the cuts as his blood coated my fingers. I then felt my body being taken over again, as I fell forward and dug my teeth into his neck, piercing into the skin as I felt fangs penetrate and suck at the blood.

As I felt the blood trickle down my throat and into my fangs, I felt my adrenaline rush as the invigorating sensation filled my whole body.

My mind went back to the nights where I would black out and hunt down the animals that I would feed on obliviously, waking up the next day, unaware of what I had undertaken the night before. But this sensation, it was so different. The blood of a person seems so much more tasteful than that of an animal's… I wonder what Mercer's blood would taste like on my lips, dripping from my fangs, as he begs for mercy.

I slowly got up off the ground and took my dagger. I ran past the graveyard, ready to pierce that bastard's heart with my blade. I hopped down the ladder in The Flagon shouting and cursing, "I'm going to fucking kill you Mercer, you hear me you son of a bitch?! You're dead you bastard!"

I just love cliffhangers, don't you? My first kill scene, I don't really know whether or not I like the way it turned out.

Again, feedback is greatly appreciated & thanks for reading :)