A/N: And I am back! This chapter is basically just moments of Babette's life in the Guild… The next chapter will have the action!

I do not own The Elder V: Skyrim.

Bloodstained Smiles
Sun's Dusk

"Thieves are no cowards!" Vex scolded her sternly. "And if you don't watch your mouth, you could get kicked out of here for such a comment. I don't know if you've noticed, kid, but everyone around here have tried taking things that didn't exactly belong to them. And from what I've heard, so has you."

Babette shoulders had fallen slightly after the outburst. "I never said I wasn't a coward. I just… Isn't it cruel at times? Death can be a mercy compared to starve to death after having the last coins stolen."

"Look, the business would be rather bad if we targeted beggars – so we don't. I don't know what you've heard, kid, but the best purse to pick as the filled one. Who told you those horror stories anyways?"

"Our organization isn't exactly liked if you asked those upstairs," Babette answered, pointing at the ceiling with her thumb.

Vex could not help but flinch at the word our. The girl was getting serious even faster than expected. But fine, if she wanted it this way – then she should have it. "So what've you been taught?"

"Not to talk when I am not supposed to."

"And how is that going?"

Babette glared at her, knowing this would be a long day. "Not that good. But I just need to pick the last lock, and Karliah said I had potential for picking pockets."

"Making friends with the Nightingale, are we?" Vex muttered as the girl kept following her.

"The Nightingale?" Babette immediately reacted to the word. She wanted to gather all information she could about the thieves in the strange armor; about Karliah and Dagmar.

Vex mentally cursed herself. She had been with the kid for like five minutes, and the kid had already caused her to make mistakes. "Karliah."

"Why did you call her Nightingale?"

"Just an old nickname," Vex said through gritted teeth. "So – what do you expect to do today?"

The question caught Babette off guard. "Train? Like yesterday?"

Vex smiled at her; a smile that made the child suspicious. "We are going to train, kid, but it'll be nothing like yesterday."

"Why not?"

"Because the boys go soft on you."

Babette glared at her, her lips forming a thin line. "Cynric said I could not stop until my fingers bled."

"And did you do as you were told?" she bit back.

"Rune and Vipir came – that's not my fault!"

"Anyways," Vex said as if struggling to turn away from the discussion, "Tell me, kid, what does a thief do?"

Babette looked at her as if she had turned crazy. "Steal things?"

"Fine. Your job is to steal things then. Return to me when you've achieved that."

For a moment, the child let the order sink in. Finally, she asked with a quiet and confused voice, "I am going upstairs? To the market?"

"You kidding? Delvin's not the usual one to give orders, but I am not going to cross him on that. I hope you don't miss the sunshine, kid, for you won't be seeing it for a long time."

Babette spread out her arms in desperation, not amused by the situation. "Then what am I supposed to steal?!"

"Look around, kid. We might be hiding in sewers but I trust you should find something of value. Oh, and don't get me wrong; you have to return it all once you're finished. Wouldn't want you to make foes down here, would we?"

"So I'll have to take something from the Guild?"

"Remember the purpose of your task. You will be handing me stolen items; not something you got with those puppy eyes of yours." Vex turned around, leaving the child on her own. "Find me in the Flagon once you've finished."

"Aren't you supposed to teach me something?" Babette muttered as her new trainer walked away.

"I'm a believer of learning by doing. So get to it, kid."

Babette watched her go and let out a deep sigh. Sure, she could manage to find some things to bring to Vex. But this place was filled with thieves, and having to explain why she was removing their valuables from their spot was failing at her task. She had to do it without getting seen – and face the angry thieves later. Hopefully, they would turn on Vex…

Was the pale thief planning on making her hated? She wanted her kicked out, right? This would be a good plan to achieve that.

Turning around, she glanced into the Cistern. Where to start? Should she take the chances by picking a pocket?

The problem was just that all the thieves were awake. And most of them were discreetly trying to glance at her.

Spotting Rune at the dinner table, she ran towards him. "Kid," he greeted her, eyeing her from the top to the bottom. "New dress?"

The fact that he noticed it made her feel happy and warm; a feeling that had been lost for a long time. Being ten, Babette was a sucker for compliments. The assassins had known that too, and had made a big deal out of praising her for every poison she had given them.

She nodded excitingly. "Isn't it pretty?"

"It looks good. Not that I am the best judger of dresses. Never worn one myself."

Babette giggled, sitting down next to him. "Of course not!"

"I heard you were on a little adventure this morning?"

The child let out a small snort. "I leave my bed and everyone goes crazy. But I just wanted another chance with the lock. Unfortunately, I have not exactly improved since yesterday."

"It takes time," the thief told her. "But you shouldn't just wander off in the night-"

"I've already been scolded," Babette muttered. "I don't need you to repeat it."

"Delvin was really worried," Rune continued softly. "And it takes quite a bit to unsettle him like that."

Babette shrugged and lowered her glance. Rune's purse was too obvious not to notice. She had practiced stealing it yesterday; why not try now?

"Delvin's just worried he'll be blamed for the trouble I cause," she muttered bitterly, reaching out her hand.

Rune shook his head. "Had that been the case, he wouldn't have let you stay in the first place."

"Do you ever have weird dreams?"

"You're meaning nightmares?"

"No, like old memories. Dreams that give you a feeling like there is something you need to do." Words streamed out of her mouth, distracting him while her hand inched closer.

Rune looked like he was in deep thoughts. "Yes, I know of those dreams. Tried to listen to them once; didn't really bring me anywhere." His hand shot down to clamp it upon hers, gently pressing it against the bench. "I like that you keep training, kid, but I'm afraid you won't have the best of luck here." He let go of her and she immediately pulled back.

"Vex said I should just give it a try. Learning by doing, as she says. Are you a believer of that too?"

"Experience never hurt. I just wouldn't put my money on the bet that you will succeed." Realizing his words, he quickly added, "Not that I don't believe in you, kid. But picking a pocket from another pickpocket is not that easy."

Babette swallowed a giggle by the weird sentence. "Then I don't know what to do?"

"Well, what about introducing yourself to the rest of the Guild? Since it seems like you'll be staying here, it won't hurt."

Babette could not help but search for her lost comrades in the thieves. Rune reminded her of Veezara with his brotherly affection that was slowly growing.

Festus Krex's grumpiness could be found in all them who were displeased with her presence. Sapphire definitely belonged to the category. Her greeting had basically been to tell the child to go away – Babette had answered this by sticking out her tongue the moment the thief was not looking.

Vipir and Cynric both remembered her from yesterday – Cynric with an offended snort and a comment about the locked chest.

Thrynn reminded her of Arnbjorn, and even though the former bandit did not seem to like it, Babette chose to follow him around, asking him endless questions about being a bandit. When he had finally managed to shake her off, she found Niruin.

"The Guild's just went through a bad time – and taking you in just seems to be lowering the standards again, no offense," he said after five minutes, coming to the point where he was irritated enough to be fuming.

"It's been lower than this? You had rats running around your legs or what?" she spat back, leaving behind the whole sweet-little-girl-act.

"Well, some might see you as a vermin, so watch your words."

"I don't get it. A marksman? What thief needs a bow?"

"A good one. Aren't you supposed to be off somewhere?"

"No. I am supposed to make friends, but it's not as easy as planned. Can I try your bow?"

Niruin quickly secured his weapon on his back. "You are not even allowed to touch it."

"But I really want to learn! I've never been able to fire an arrow before! You could train me!"

The thief snorted. "Even if you had the coin, your arms are far too weak. Come find me once you're actually taller than the bow."

He walked away, hoping this was the end of the conversation. Unfortunately for him, he was wrong. "But you could teach me?"

Groaning, he answered, "I've never done much of teaching children. Besides, profitable training isn't cheap."

Babette finally gave up and turned away. It was now dinner time and the thieves were placed around the dining table. The child was yet to steal for Vex.

Of course now was the chance. Just lurk into a corner and take what was closest to her. But she doubted it would impress Vex.

She walked past them with her shoulders lowered, but a voice called out before she came too far. "Kid!"

She turned around, facing them with a tired expression. Irony always proved her wrong. Today was worse than yesterday.

"Let her go, Thrynn," Rune said. "Vekel's probably having her dinner ready. You must be hungry," he said, looking at Babette who just shrugged.

"I just want to ask about her hair," the former bandit grumbled.

Babette's stomach suddenly felt like it was filled with ice. The subject managed to throw her off the edge every time. Her hand shot up to grab the longest wisp of hair.

"What about it?" she almost whispered.

"Did you cut it?"

"Thrynn," Rune growled quietly, telling him to shut up.

The thief looked bewildered. "I'm just checking up on her! You know what they said about the last caretaker at the orphanage. Perhaps they cut it as a punishment – it looks like it," he added quietly.

Babette stared at him, her lip quivering. Finally, she turned around and walked away, trying to keep her back straight.

"Idiot," Vipir told Thrynn flatly.

"What?"

"You just made her cry."

"Well, I didn't mean to! Don't tell me you haven't wondered!"

Niruin quietly nodded in agreement. "She did look like a boy in a dress the first time I saw her."

"It's impolite to ask of such things," Sapphire told them coldly. "The hair is a woman's pride."

Vipir grinned. "Really, Sapphire? I don't recall you brushing your hair for hours."

"Perhaps because no one around here is worth dressing up for."

Rune cringed at her sharp voice, and decided to let the child walk away. Vekel knew how to comfort the girl, he was sure of that.

Babette walked straight towards her bed, not even glancing towards the thieves. Sitting down, she grasped the fabric of her clothes. She wished she had something from the Sanctuary. Her fingers needed to hold something comforting, but she understood with dread that she had nothing that could remind her of her lost family.

Looking down at herself, she suddenly felt the need to throw away the new dress. It meant nothing for her, after all.

Vex was at the bar, and Babette knew she soon had to face her. Empty-handed. Just great. Like there was not enough humiliation already.

Taking in deep breaths, Babette calmed herself down. Why was she even upset? Her hair would grow, it was not the end of the world. The strange feeling in her stomach remained, though. Looking around, she made a weak attempt to see if Lucien was there. But no; she was the only assassin.

Anger mixed with the cold feeling she now recognized as feeling alone. She missed her comrades so very much, and now she was angry at the stupid thieves that saw her as a stupid, helpless child that was only capable of annoying them.

Babette stood up and marched straight towards the bar. Sitting down next to Vex, she leaned over the desk. "One sweetroll, please," she told Vekel.

"So," Vex started, placing her bottle of mead on the desk. "Anything you want to show me?"

"Just a minute." After Vekel handed her the treat, she gave it to the thief next to her. "Here. I haven't paid for it, so technically it's stolen."

Vex looked like she had just swallowed her tongue. "Is this supposed to be a joke?!"

Babette shrugged and jumped off the all chair to head towards her bed again. With an angry sigh, Vex followed her and grabbed her shoulder. "Look, kid, you don't pull such sort of crap on me," she hissed slowly. "In case you haven't noticed, I'm your trainer and you are supposed to show me respect."

"Well, you're a bad one! You haven't even taught me anything!"

"Oh yes, I have." Vex pulled her face closer. "You now know that being a thief isn't a golden life. Things don't go after your mind, and you have to deal with it."

Babette pulled away and rushed towards Vekel, surprising all the thieves that was now staring at them. Jumping unto the left chair, she swung around to stare at Vex. "And now I stole your chair!"

Vex slowly approached her. "You're treading on some seriously thin ice."

"I can't steal from them! I tried, but… I'm not good enough," she finally admitted. "So unless you are planning on letting me out, you have to teach me."

"Kid, you'll never be able to pick any pocket down here. But let's make a deal. You start doing exactly what you are told, and I can try and get you ready for a job."

Babette felt like bouncing up and down. "A real job upstairs?"

"Of course. You don't think I would spend my money on buying those damn ingredients for you?"

The child leapt of the chair to throw her arms around her. "That's a deal," she squealed happily.

Vex froze for second, but then pulled her off. "No hugs. At all."

"Alright."

As she ran off to tell Dirge about her day (Vex pitied the lookout who Babette for some reason had chosen to be her best friend in the Ragged Flagon), Vex sat down. "I told you I was a great teacher."

Vekel raised an eyebrow. "It's still a matter of discussion."

"I force some humility down upon her while she learns to grow up. Delvin will love me for it."

"Delvin already loves you."

"Don't make me lose my appetite."

Vekel chuckled and turned away. "Oh, and Vex? The kid stole your bottle."

"Somethin' is wrong," Delvin grumbled, pulling his tankard closer as if for comfort.

Vekel on the other hand did not look worried. "I know. Just hope the boy is alright."

"Oh, I ain't talking 'bout Etienne."

"You're talking about the kid," the bartender finished for him with a sigh. "You do realize she is just reading a book."

"She's been quiet for too long; she's plannin' something, I tell you."

"You're being paranoid."

Delvin shook his head and stood up. "I know 'er too well." While Vekel was sighing in disbelief, Delvin made his way to Babette's corner. They had put up a standing wall to give her some privacy, but he just had to walk around to see that he was indeed right.

"Give me that," he said, stealing the book from her hands before she could react.

"Hey!" she yelled angrily. "I was actually reading that."

Delvin turned to book around to look at the title. "This ain't something for ya."

"I know my own taste in books, thank you."

"Well, you won't be reading this again," he told her sternly and placed 'Nightingales: Fact or Fiction' under his arm. "Where did ya even get it?"

"The Cistern," she answered honestly. "It was just lying on some table, so I didn't see anything wrong with it. Can I finish it, please?"

"How far did ya read?"

"Only the first five pages before you so rudely stole it."

Delvin narrowed his eyes. "Good." Handing Vekel the book, he gave the order, "Put it on a high shelf."

"But Vex said I was off for today. It's not like I was hurting anyone-"

"Oh, you are gonna read. But the book needs to be something worth your while. Just let me see." He walked away from the bar, heading towards the unused bedroom.

Babette let out a sigh as she sat down. "The Nightingales was not a waste of time," she muttered bitterly. She had been so close – so close to finding out what the armor meant. The pages she had managed to read were unclear. It had just been one big discussion whether these Nightingales did exist or not.

"Like reading fairytales?" Vekel asked, hoping to save the situation for Delvin.

The child looked at him, her eyes intense. "You know about them?"

"Of course. Just an old myth among thieves. Exciting? Sure. But I don't think the book can teach you much."

"This can," Delvin declared, dropping a book in front of her.

First glaring at him suspiciously, Babette leaned closer to take a better look. "Shadowmarks," she read out loud. "By Delvin Mallory…"

"Read it, love it, take notes."

Babette raised an eyebrow before slowly pushing the book away, obviously not interested.

With an angry scowl, Delvin practically shoved it into her hands. "I meant it. Tomorrow, you'll be drawing all the marks to tell me what they mean."

"Why?"

"It's a knowledge all thieves need. Can be quite handy. Why did ya think I wrote a book about it?"

"Fine," the child finally muttered, remembering her deal with Vex. Now she was getting homework… Just lovely.

As she walked away, Delvin yelled after her, "Thing's a lifesaver, kid. You're gonna thank me."

"Here," Babette declared, handing him a roll of paper. As he did not accept it, she sighed and folded it out. "Thieves' cache," she started, pointing at the correct mark. "A gift from another member is usually inside, so it's worth to check out. Empty; it means it empty… Loot; not empty. Oh, and you made a spelling mistake in the description for that one."

Delvin squinted in distaste, but did not comment about it. "Go on."

"Escape Route is if you've been stupid enough to go to jail; it'll show you the criminal way out. Danger warns you of places you don't want to enter. Fence; that's a person you can sell stolen items to, right? Protected is for places you must not steal from. Probably houses of persons has paid or flattered the Guild enough to go free. Safe will show you good ways to get away. And then there is Guild." Her voice shook slightly as she continued, "It means home. A safe place for a thief."

The last sentences caused her throat to hurt for unknown reasons.

"I told you ya would enjoy it," Delvin said slyly.

"Can I get my book now?"

"Until you get tall enough to reach it, ya won't be seeing it again," the thief said casually, leaning back in his seat.

Babette let out an angry hiss and stormed away to get Rune who was the only one patient enough to listen to her complains. Delvin picked up the paper to get a closer look. If the kid was brave enough to correct his spelling mistakes, he had to get something on her too.

After half a minute, he noticed the Vekel was chuckling quietly for himself. "What?" he asked, lowering the paper a little so he could look at him.

"Nothing," the bartender said, clearing his throat.

"It's just that the girl captures your good side so well," Tonilia said from her place, her tone too amused for Delvin's liking.

"What?" he asked again, this time honestly confused.

Vex who had been watching the entire scene from the shadow (and actually satisfied of how well had student had handled it) snorted, "Just turn the paper around."

"Oh." Doing what he was told, Delvin found that Babette had made a drawing on the backside. His brows furrowed as he understood that she had drawn him.

And around the badly drawn bald thief, different insults were written. Delvin read the words 'book-thief' and 'mean' before crushing the paper into a ball.

"Ain't funny," he told the chuckling bar.

"Delvin?" the girl asked innocently, slowly coming closer.

Noticing that the girl's hands were behind her back, he immediately turned suspicious. "What? If ya broke something, then it's Vekel ya need to tell. His bar, his problems." He put his tankard to his lips.

Babette was grinning madly as she held out a note with a stretched arm. "I was just wondering… What's your most valuable asset?"

Delvin choked on his mead, sputtering as he tried to catch his breath. "Give me that!" The girl did not protest as he grabbed the note Vex had written to him. "That ain't yours," he growled.

Still giggling, Babette ran off, enjoying the sweet revenge.

"Little thief," Delvin scolded her quietly, until realizing that it did not work as an insult down here.

"Look what I found!" Babette exclaimed, waving the piece of paper in front of Rune.

The thief grabbed her arm to calm her down. "Found or stole?"

"Found. Sadly, I still cannot touch their purses without getting caught. And Sapphire hits really hard," she muttered, remembering how the thief had slapped her fingers as punishment for trying to steal her coins. Though it had been no serious punishment, Babette had not tried again after that.

"That's the reason why we're still training, kid." Even though Vex still had the main responsibility for her, she let the other thieves take the lessons that did not involve lockpicking. And of course she would suddenly give Babette smaller jobs, like stealing a certain item from a chest in the Cistern, that would either drive the girl crazy or fill her with pride when she actually managed it.

Babette sighed and practically shoved the note into his face. "Just look at it!" Rune tilted his head as he read; it only took some seconds as it was a short note. Babette looked at him expectantly. "Someone is in love with Sapphire!" she exclaimed.

Rune grinned softly before handing her back the note. "Well, it seems like someone wants people to give her a second chance."

"She needs it – her temper scares me," Babette revealed and shivered visibly. "And look!" She held up her fingers, hoping that they somehow were still red from the slap. "They're still sore!"

"But you're the one at fault for that, kid."

"Vex told me I should keep trying… Not my fault that she wouldn't let me explain."

Rune shook his head in amusement and handed her back the note. The girl disappointed to see that he was not that excited about it. "Keep your eyes on Sapphire. There's more to her than meets the eye," she read out loud. "Someone got a crush on her, don't you think?"

"Perhaps they just feel sorry for her," Rune spoke casually. "It's not her fault that she has her walls."

Babette squinted, suddenly figuring it out. "You wrote it!" she yelled accusingly. "Why?!"

"Calm down, kid," the thief said, holding up his hands to prove his innocence.

"You love her?" she asked, spitting out the word as if it was dirty.

"Keep your voice down before the others get the wrong idea," Rune hushed her. "No, I don't. But I think it's a shame that people keep judging her before getting to know her."

Babette was almost fuming with anger; the reasons for it were unknown, even for her. But suddenly, Sapphire seemed so stupid and unfair in her eyes. "They judge me too!"

"And that is just as big a shame."

Babette grudgingly sat down on one of the chests. "Do you want her as your girlfriend?"

"'course not. I want her as my friend."

The girl made a snorting sound and blew away some stray hair. "I've never had a boyfriend."

"Well, you are a bit too young for that sort of thing."

"So… You are just like Delvin? He totally has it for Vex."

Rune cringed at her comment. "Don't notice that sort of things, kid."

Babette just grinned. "But it is so obvious." Kicking with her short legs, she calmed herself down again. She disliked Sapphire for rejecting her before even introducing herself; and she thought of Rune as her new brother. They should not belong together, not in her mind. "Rune?"

"What?"

"There is something I have to ask of you," she said softly. "I know you have to keep training me in pickpocket, but… There's something I want to learn."

Rune did not say anything, but waited for her to continue.

Babette jumped of her bed and walked towards the cupboard where different weapons were lying. "I want to be able to defend myself."

"From what we've seen, you are more than capable," Rune chuckled, remembering the night that had suddenly turned funny after the thieves had gotten used to having her around.

"I used to be more…. armed. But I've never been taught how to use a real weapon." Her eyes were set upon the different swords. "Please, Rune!"

"I don't think that is such a good idea, kid."

"But I've seen you train! We could just start with the daggers! I've held one of those before."

"You have no need of such things while being on a job," he protested.

"We are not allowed to kill. But injuring a guard just enough to get away doesn't count as killing." She made her eyes bigger, tilting her head. "Please, Rune! You know I might have to need it!"

Though they have no said much about her reasons to be in the Ratway, Delvin had told her that it was dangerous for the girl to be upstairs. That someone was chasing her…

"I don't think Vex will be glad to hear that we've changed her plans…"

"Just one hour! Please?"

"Faster," Vex ordered, staring at the girl that was kneeling on the floor.

"I'm trying," Babette said through gritted teeth, not moving her eyes from the lock. They had forgotten about the Master chest, and had instead focused on quickening her skills. Three chests had been pointed out for her to open, and Vex was watching her impatiently.

When she finally completed the task, Vex was not impressed. "You waste too many picks. If a guard had been after you, you would already have gotten comfortable with your cell by now."

"They won't throw me to jail, would they?"

"I wouldn't count on anything, kid. But don't be stupid enough to believe that you would get away with no punishment."

"But the Guild got my back," she answered slyly. "Brynjolf told me that."

"Every thief must learn of their mistakes and the consequences that follow. If you are counting on getting away, that lock needs just one pick. Again."

They continued like that for some time until Babette grew too tired. "You don't like me, do you?" the child suddenly asked her.

Vex blinked. Was the kid trying to give her a guilt-trip? "I'm not your biggest fan, yes."

Babette thought for a long time before saying, "I like that you don't like me."

"They didn't say you were the smartest," Vex muttered, not understanding the comment.

"It can be fatal to trust the wrong persons. I've learned that."

"Whatever you say, kid."

There had been bad days. Vex could scream and swear at her, and the only reaction from the girl would be a dull glance. Eventually, they would let the girl wander off as they would get nowhere with her. Babette would then head towards her bed where she would stay the rest of the day.

Sometimes Delvin would try to lure her out, only to get insults thrown in his face. He would reply with threats that did not scare her the slightest.

When he finally left, Babette would silently continue crying. Guilt was haunting her as well as old memories. How many weeks had she been staying here now? And still no sign of Dagmar.

So why was she even here?

Was she just being selfish as always? Did she love the attention her new family gave her? Yes – she did. Even with all the hard work and insults that kept coming like a stream, she had come to enjoy her new life in the Thieves Guild.

But she could not shake off the agonizing feeling of betraying her old family – the Dark Brotherhood. Had she just replaced them? Was she not supposed to avenge them? Then why was she just hanging around, acting like she was actually going to stay?

Babette would sob and her hands would reach to her mouth where she would search for her missing fangs. It scared her how quickly she had gotten used to being mortal. Like the change was not that big.

But losing her vampirism, Babette felt lost and helpless. She missed the late nights were she would go hunting with the moon watching her. She missed sinking her fangs into a throat, tasting the warm blood…

When the feeling grew too big, Babette would turn to lie on her stomach and search through her brain for the right names.

Of course she could return to Movarth, where he, Laelette or a random vampire could bite her. But she did not trust the ancient vampire, and if he wanted to, he could kill her with a just one order from his mouth.

No, she did not like the thought of returning to that lair.

Instead she remembered the couple Canir and Bronnis Vediid; both merchants travelling together. While earning good money they also ended a working day with a satisfied thirst. Perhaps they were still in Skyrim, but Babette had not heard from them in years. She still owed them for giving her free healing potions the night she had run into a wolf pack just too big for her to handle. There was a big chance that they had left the land to find new hunting grounds – and new customers.

Then there was Elrene; a Bosmer that never left the forests. She would climb the trees from where she would stalk her preys. But she had been quite unstable from what Babette remembered; perhaps her wild lifestyle would eventually cause her to go feral?

Another opportunity could be Trond Night-Stalker. Even though he was always travelling, he would never leave his homeland for long. Babette had met him about sixty years ago where they had discussed who earned the prey that were both following.

Skyrim was filled with vampires but only few could be trusted. Especially now when she was no longer like them.

Turning to lie on her back, she would stare at the ceiling. She truly missed the moon.

Vekel cringed when he heard her sobs, but did not leave his bar.

There had been good days where she would never stop talking. Even Rune could grow tired of her, even though they all enjoyed her optimism. Those days she would sure to create a good impression, she would praise her fellow thieves and tell them how jealous she was of their skills.

She would act like she had been living there for ages.

"Can I get a pet?" she asked Rune one day. He turned to stare at the kid who was counting his money after having successfully taken his purse in their training session.

"No," he answered immediately. "I don't think it would be a good idea."

"But I would take care of it; I've done it before."

Rune was moving on to the daggers, choosing which one for the child to hold. "Back with your parents?"

"Yes," Babette lied.

"A dog?"

"…yes."

"I don't think a dog would like to live down here, kid," he said, keeping his tone very serious.

Babette shrugged slightly. "Animals survive the weirdest places."

"So does humans. I never expected my life to take place in a sewer, but I have to admit that it's the best home I've ever had."

"I once lived in a cave," Babette said, accepting the small weapon he handed to her. "And I enjoyed living there better than when I stayed in a house."

"I guess the company plays the biggest part," Rune said, getting into a combat stance. "You ready?"

The thief had finally agreed to teach Babette some tricks about fighting. The first time he had ordered her to be unarmed, and had been surprised to see how well she had done. He had left the training room with a sore body. Apparently, the child was an expert when it came to getting away from an attacker, and did not hesitate with stepping on feet, biting, kicking, or any other "cheap" trick. Of course he already knew that she could put up quite the fight; he still remembered the time with the nightmare.

When he slowly made an attack on her, she held up the dagger to block. "Good," he praised. "Your turn."

Through all her years, Babette had never been much of a fighter. Actually, she had come to admit that she was a coward. When the situations turned tough, she would run to save her life. But now she wanted to know how to face an attacker – without her fangs.

Her dagger was too dull to do any serious injury and Rune's armor was too thick, but she just had to touch areas that could bring him to his knees.

She tried to strike his stomach, but was blocked. "You need to be faster."

Just as he finished his last word, she kicked his knee. While he yelled out in pain, she thrust the dagger against his shoulder.

"Strong kick," Rune panted. "I don't understand why you insist on wielding a blade."

Babette stopped giggling, but was still smiling as she said, "Well, this is Skyrim. And I believe it will only be more dangerous to travel from now on."

"And where would you be travelling to?" Rune asked her teasingly. "I thought you said you had gotten comfortable here. Even ready to get a pet."

"I am, but… You never know what happens. Delvin says he still receives letters from that family in Morrowind."

"Oh, that's just a threat. You shouldn't believe everything he says."

"I don't," Babette told him and stepped forward to swing her dagger again.

"Bring this to the kid."

Delvin looked down at the bowl that was shoved into his hands. "Why me?"

"Because she is your niece," Vekel answered, cleaning the desk. "And because I don't have the time to get sick."

"It's just a cough. Not like it's lethal or anythin'. Besides; Dirge should be the one to blame. Let 'im do the dirty work."

"He might have shoved her in the canal-"

"She deserved it," came Dirge´s reply from the other end of the bar.

Vekel continued undisturbed, "But you didn't get her warm."

"Didn't have any blankets. And it ain't my fault the girl refused to get close to the fire."

"Your family, your problem. Now give the girl her dinner before she starves."

"If she sneezes on me-"

"We'll put up your bed right next to hers."

"Very funny. You see me laughing?" Grudgingly, he walked towards the child's corner. Babette was lying in bed, her face pale with a red nose to decorate it. She sniffed as he came closer.

"What?" she asked in a groggy voice.

Trying to keep his distance, Delvin handed her the bowl while leaning backwards as far as possible.

Babette accepted the food with a snort. "I'm not going to bite."

"It's a sneeze I fear, so I won't take any chance. Yell when you are back on yer feet."

"Wait!" she called out as he turned to leave. "I've been here all day-"

"And ya better enjoy this day off-"

"I want to talk," Babette said softly, picking up her spoon. "About Astrid."

Delvin frowned. "Keep yer voice down, or we'll both end up homeless in the Ratway!"

"I am keeping my voice down," she told him gently. "You, on the other hand, are not." She swallowed a spoonful stew while staring at him.

"Fine." The thief leaned against the wall. "What do ya want to know?"

"How you met, your relationship, what ended it… Everything about you two, I guess."

"I thought you were a little expert on that point."

She shook her head, causing her stomach to protest. She knew this was nothing serious, having played her part as being a healer herself, but it would take some days before she was ready to run around. "I only read the journals to find some advices. I am not the one to meddle in other's privacy."

"Don't make me laugh," he muttered darkly.

She sat up, clutching her blanket. "Please, Delvin! I'll answer any question you have for me then."

"What did your lovely mistress say about me? Surely, she must have mentioned me," he said with confidence.

"Well, we did have some business with you through the years, if you remember. Other than that, she spoke of you as her old friend. I know about your relationship, but she never went into details. Arnbjorn never liked when somebody said your name – he was her husband after all."

Delvin sighed, and made his decision. "And I ain't even drunk… Fine, ya get what you want."

A/N: This chapter was supposed to have more excitement; we should hear both Delvin's story and Babette would go on her first job. But the chapter turned to long, so I decided to split it up.

So, teaser for the next chapter; Delvin speaks of old memories, and Babette visits Elgrim's Elixirs in the middle of the night :D