AN: Who's ready for a fun chapter? Well, fun as in...funny of course. Read on...

Chapter 36

Mead

I used to wonder why he bothered. He'd say a thousand different excuses and I still wouldn't believe him.

But yes...

I'd isolated myself purely because I felt it was the right thing to do. I was worried Nocturnal would berate me for my own choices. Then you remember I'm a thief. Stealing isn't exactly a good choice in the matter. I returned the key, did what I needed to do, then moved on.

And...I cared about Bryn. I really do. He means a lot to me. But he didn't mind what I was, he just...seethed at my attempts to get away. I honestly did it for his own good. So he could be focused. I really hoped he would lead the Guild, but like me, he was too stubborn to change his mind.

Karliah was the next choice in line. For all the wrongs done to her as well, she had lasted this long and was finally set free. Free to give Skyrim the biggest crime spree it's ever known. And she deserves to do so as well. I'd wager next to Mercer and Gallus she would be the most experienced and had seen all angles. Some would state Delvin, since he's been around the same, but Karliah learned from the best, going by our previous talks.

But looking at the bigger picture, I couldn't weigh Bryn down any more than I already did. I did it because he's a good man who had a good thing going and I unknowingly ruined everything. But he was insistent that I was best thing to ever happen to the Thieves Guild in a long time. Some days I wish he'd take one long look at himself, then pat himself on the back occasionally. Or at least get drunk and party with the rest of us. Never seen him get drunk before.

During my time as Vampire, I still kept up with my duties. I'd never sever the ties with the Guild. The fact of having secrets, contacts and connections with a lot of borderline moral people was actually exciting. And the fact that we all flowed well together is what made the experience so perfect. Being a monster of the night made it hard, although not to difficult. I did tell Bryn that it was easy to withhold the need to feed, when in actual fact it was quite hard. I just had a good strong will to suppress the hunger as well as occasionally going out and directing that hunger somewhere where it could be used and not hurt innocent people. At least not physically.

No doubt this is a world of people living in black and white, but we thrived on people in the grey area. They were nice enough but not afraid to break the law when it warrants it. It helps having the guards in your pocket as well if anything went wrong. It must drive the victims of burglary nuts, with the amount of times we steal.

The Khajiit caravans were highly useful as well. They could get merchandise from other provinces and they could buy all the junk I find elsewhere. Whether it's in someone's home or in some dark, dingy cave if it's worth something they'll buy it.

So none of us were crystal clean in all of this. But when it comes to me, who's currently violating the laws of Arkay, people would cry VAMPIRE! And attempt to kill. When Brynjolf and I returned to the Guild, we kept our arrival quiet, but I had a feeling they already knew I was back. Though the others probably ordered the rest of the guild to leave me alone. I hope they did. Vex, Tonilia and Sapphire already knew of my predicament and probably threatened the guys if they came near me. Though once I get cured and come back, they can chat to me all they want. I wouldn't be a threat to them any longer. After all, they were family.

I stood behind Bryn most of the time, sticking to the shadows as much as we could. We went over to the desk and talked. Karliah had come by as well, checking in on things and interested why I had my hood on.

Brynjolf raised his index to his lips before Karliah even opened her mouth. She understood soon enough, though was confused by the whole thing. I don't blame her. After what happened, even with the Guild back to full strength, there was still a whole slew of issues to take care of. Some of them involving me unfortunately.

"Alright I won't question it. But I will question what actually happened at the Twilight Sepulcher? While everythings sorted there you just vanished. I was worried Nocturnal..."

"No, I'm sure Nocturnal didn't kill me Karliah, or else I wouldn't be standing here." I assured her with a smile.

"Okay then. You still hadn't explained what happened with Mercer either. We're not calling you a liar, we all know he's dead. But you never gave us the chance to speak to you about what went on."

I looked down. Should I really tell her?

"Many things my dunmer friend. Many things." I said subtly. I don't know whether she was able to absorb all that information I'd give her or she'd just get confused as Brynjolf was.

But I could tell she was also annoyed by the fact that I wasn't telling her how Mercer went down either. She was eager for the tales of how I bashed the shit out of the breton man.

"It involved me...a tower in a plane of Oblivion, vampires and a mace." I explained in the most modest of terms.

Karliah tilted her head, running the course through her head.

"You went to Coldharbour?" She questioned with surprise.

I often forgot Dunmer were highly affiliated with Daedric Princes. Idiot Petra, you were serving Nocturnal for the Gods sake!

I forced a nervous smile at Karliah.

"Uhhh yeahh..."

She didn't look too happy with that response. Nobody would be.

"Petra, that is a pretty big deal. Mercer dealing with vampires. It explains a bit more, but raises new questions." She said, concerned about such matters.

Brynjolf decided to step into our conversation.

"Yes, we can talk about Daedra and Vampires another time...right now we have bigger things to worry about." He interrupted, before it got more awkward.

I stood back and crossed my arms as Brynjolf relayed information to the violet-eyed elf. It was clear that she was hesitant, but ultimately, she had our confidence in her to succeed.

"Karliah, Petra and I discussed this on our way back, and we decided it would be best that you be the Guildmaster." He told her outright with confidence and nary a pinch of hesitation.

She was visibly shocked.

"Me? Guildmaster? Surely you jest!" She spoke, still stunned.

We both shook our heads.

"Mercer sold you out. He killed Gallus and he tried killing you and Petra and had used the Guild as a means to an end. Petra and I will be gone for a while and we need someone like you to keep this guild in line. And plus Vex and Delvin will be glad to help you out."

Karliah looked at us both suspiciously, as if we had some alternate idea in mind. I mean, we did but...the look she gave was briefly mischievious, before it turned back to serious.

"You honestly think the Guild is going to trust me as their leader?" She questioned us.

Brynjolf and I exchanged glances. This might need some convincing. Like with me, such change and acceptance will not happen over night.

"Karliah you're a fantastic person. You've lasted this long and I'm genuinely impressed with your skills. I mean, Bryn and I won't be going that far, hopefully just within Skyrim. Just send us a courier or something. I don't think we'll be unreachable as far as I'm aware." I told her. How true that was debatable.

Although what we were going to do was mostly uncertain for sure. But I was meant to do this and I'll see through till the end. However, I will put the Guild first for anything. And if Bryn was needed more than me than so be it. I wasn't going to argue.

Brynjolf agreed.

"The lass is right Karliah. I also believe you'll make a great leader. You learned from one of the best. Surely you'll earn their respect if you tell them your stories." Bryn assured.

Karliah gritted her teeth. She could have been willing to do it, but the look in her eyes suggested it might impact her negatively. Judging how her own lover was once the boss. But Brynjolf was right. She did learn a lot from him. I only met the man once...as a spirit and he was very strong and willing even under the dire situation the Guild was in.

"If the pair of you have that much confidence in me, I'll...consider it. Gallus was a great teacher. And as Nightingale it just seems...right. A void in my life has been filled it would seem..."

Didn't actually take her long to get her self pumped up for the position. She was reluctant. I mean, we could have chosen Delvin of all people, but then Vex would crack the shits. I still think those two just need a nice date together. They frustrate me with their tension sometimes. But other than that, I'm certain it would be a challenge for her nonetheless, but one she would embrace.

As luck would have it, the others had apologised for their wrongsays. These weren't the honest of people, but they knew where they were wrong in jumping the bow a bit, and outright realized how we were all wronged. It wouldn't be long before everything would be set right again.

Though affairs would still be handled normally, they weren't with two of their best thieves. But I would still keep in practice from time to time to make sure I wouldn't get rusty. We set our version of coronation for our 'queen', with Karliah being vaguely embarrased by the whole thing, then Brynjolf told everyone else to get back to work. I made a subtle laugh about it all. But the rest seemed to happy with it. Life went on as normal, like nothing changed. I was jealous.

Karliah met me and Brynjolf out by the exist of the cistern. Obviously to meet us out. I wish her luck in her endeavours and just know she'll make a great representative the Guild. One that was surely needed. She didn't have to meet high expectations, considering the actions of the last Guildmaster. In my gut of guts, she'll take care of her rogues.

"Well, this is it then." Kariah mentioned with a hint of sadness. The temporary parting of the Nightingale Trinity.

"I can't thank either of you enough for what you've done for me."

I grinned and hugged her.

"No, I should be thanking you Karliah. You've been great and too good to us. I'm glad we could get things sorted as they did." I complimented.

Karliah blushed.

"Too kind Petra. I wish you well on your journey. Oh and Tonilia told me to give you these..." She said as she looked down.

I'd forgotten to see that Karliah had black armour in her hands.

"She said you're just as important as a Guildmaster and wanted to welcome you with the standard special armour...and this necklace to with it. She said it would be better than the...expletive gear you've got on now."

I looked at it, then looked at Brynjolf, who was smiling.

I turned back to Karliah.

"We best get moving. Bye!"

I don't know if Karliah figured it out or that the others told her eventually I was a Vampire. I couldn't tell if the Guild somehow knew already. If they did, perhaps the others would tell them to shut the Oblivion up and mind their own business, lest the fangs pop out.

Either way, it didn't matter. Brynjolf and I headed out of town and grabbed our horses. We had no where planned just yet, but we'd headed off towards what ever direction suited us best. Now, yes our intentions were to go to the Greybeards and obviously you go to Ivarstead. I wanted to get read of this vampirism but had no way of knowing how.

Brynjolf made the suggestion of heading there anyway. Surely they'd understand, but I wasn't a hundred percent sure on the matter of how it was going to be. But, we eventually decided to College of Winterhold would be the better source of information on the cure and rode our horses to the north.

It made sense, but Bryn berated me, that for all the books I had at the Uttering Hills camp, that none of them had anything on actually curing it. I rolled my eyes. I had the books shipped back down to Riften and gave them to what's her name, Ingun. I'd also managed to find the ingredients she was looking for in the meanwhile and shipped them to her too so she wouldn't have to bother me so much any more.

But anyway.

We made it to Winterhold in the midst of the night. While I was fine in the dark I noticed Bryn all quiet like. I'd forgotten what fatigue from lack of sleep was like. I'd sleep during the day of course, since most of my work needed the shadows to ply our trade, but Brynjolf had been busy, even more so. And he needed sleep.

He didn't say anything as we left our horses out the outskirts of the deadbeat down. Deader than me at least. As always the town was in a snowstorm, so we visited the local inn instead. I left Brynjolf there for a bit told him to wait and have a drink or two. He nodded and did as he was asked, then went to the College to meet up with Enthir.

I'd had to negotiate with the Altmer guarding the place, but my experiences as a Vampire helped me prove my worth before heading into the College itself. Large place but bizarre location. I was forced to be shown around the grounds. I let them do their thing for the next half hour. I could come back here if I had to. I was told where to find the Arcaneum, where some old orc was the librarian there. I went to speak with another familiar face first before I did any research...

Lastly I found Enthir in one of the room and spoke with him. He'd asked me about Karliah and how she was doing. I told him that she's Guildmaster now, which made him happy.

"So, I doubt you came out all this way to just have a chat. I assume your here on business." He queried. Straight to business.

"Correct. Enthir, don't be alarmed on what I'm about to tell and please keep your voice down."

He snorted.

"Hardly anything is surprising these days. Hit me." He said, seemingly disinterested.

Alright...

"Do you know anything about a cure for vampires?" I whispered.

His eyes widened. So much for being Mr. Unsurprising.

"Uhh...not really. Wait, I do know there's a Redguard by the name of Falion who might know. Rumour has it that he's delved into the topic of Vampires but not actually one himself. Go figure." He explained.

A vampire expert. Perfect.

"Where would I find this Redguard?" I asked.

Enthir pondered.

"He's living in Morthal at the moment. Oh and take this..." He said as he pulled something out.

He gave me a dark violet crystal.

"You wanna deal with Black Soul Gems with this guy. Give it to him and use it well. It's on the house."

I smiled. Black Soul Gems weren't cheap. But if it was going to help...

"Appreciate your assistance." I thanked him. Didn't need to see the grumpy old orc after all.

Enthir grinned.

"Anytime. Send Karliah my regards."

Now we were making progress. All we had to do now, was head to Morthal and find this Falion fellow. I think that it may sound simple, but somewhere in the back of my mind was the knowing that it may been more complicated than it seems. But if he could do it, I wasn't going to care anyway.

I went back to the Frozen Hearth, finding Brynjolf already having drunk several bottles of mead in my absence. By Nocturnal...

I approached him nonetheless with the new information I was given. He may get pretty excited that's for sure. I think he's needed this type of adventure for a long time. Being a thief is no doubt adventurous, but for what I could become, was to explore places that hadn't been visited in thousands of years. And I get to have the uhh...most...um...uhh, you know, amazing guy by my side? Ahem.

I wanted to keep an eye on him though, to make sure he wasn't overdoing himself for my sake. He had bags underneath his eyes as he drank down a bottle of.. probably seventh mead. Just...exhaustion was written all over his ragged face. Poor thing. I felt bad for letting him worry about me. And sometimes I feel like I should have just left things as is. But he remains as dedicated as ever.

"I'll go rent us a room." I told him.

He looked up at me. I've never seen him so weary. Woozy crossed with boozy. Sorry.

"No it's fine lass." He said, his voice low and slurred.

I glared at him.

"No...it's not. You're tired and it's my fault for making you do the run arounds. I don't need to sleep if I don't want to. But you're...you're still human. You're going to bed." I told him out right.

The way his eyes looked at me were heavy with burden and fatigue. I seriously had to keep that in mind next time. I walked over the innkeeper and paid him the coin to hire a room. I turned back to Brynjolf, who was still hunched over his drink. I rolled my eyes.

"Seriously? You're going to be like that?" I called out to him.

He ignored me and took another sip from his drink. He placed the bottle down eventually and stood up.

"I'll only go to bed, if you put me there." He joked. How much mead did he have again?

"I'm just joking lass. But seriously though, you're right.. It's..."

I groaned and pulled him to stop his yapping. What a reversal...I had to take care of him now.

"I'll put you to bed alright. Just shut up!"

"Aye..."

It took me a bit. I managed to drag him to the bedoom, with the innkeeper watching on with a puzzled eye. I plonked him on the bed, which for some reason, got him excited. I closed the door. I feared I'd have to some yelling otherwise.

I took a deep breath.

"Okay Bryn, what gives?" I scorned as I put my hands to put my hips.

He struggled to sit up on the bed. He did eventually.

"I'm sorry lass. Just...I'm not normally like that you know. I was speaking with some elf by the name of Nelacar. We joked and drunk and before you know it, I'm whacked like a horker on skooma."

I was not amused. Though interesting analogy

"Yes and you're also tired. I've been ignorant of normal bodily functions like sleep lately. I want you to rest for me. We're heading to Morthal in the morning."

Brynjolf nodded. At least he understood that much. But the look of disappointment on his face was depressing.

"Alright, alright. Can't a man have a drink once in a while?" He slurred.

I couldn't help but smile. It was fun seeing Brynjolf act like this. But still sad. Actually, I don't even recall seeing Bryn drink like this.

I wanted to believe his story about him and the elf...but they must have had some heavy conversation after I got back.

He looked like an innocent puppy as he looked at me with teary eyes. By the Nine I haven't been this drunk myself...never cared much for doing so, maybe from when I was living in Cyrodiil when I was younger. I wandered over to the bed and helped Brynjolf take off his boots. He looked like he had trouble taking them off. He gave me a drunken smile and thanked me for my help. Gods help me.

I took mine off as well. Brynjolf was currently in a mead-induced depression for falling for some apparent elf's business and was just slow, lanky and joyless. I sighed as I laid on the bed next to him, much to his surprise. Seriously Bryn we've done this before. Why does it surprise you now? Stupid, stupid mead.

I helped him lay on me as I laid my back against the wall behind me. This was so awkward. I was a miniature doll compared to him, but somehow rested his chin on my shoulder, and adjusted his head in the crook of my neck, his forehead resting against my cheek. I had one arm over him as he fought (and failed) off sleep.

"You're so cold lass..." He commented, voice soft and weak.

Yes because I'm a vampire. How many times must I explain this?

"Well if you don't like it I'll go elsewhere..." I told him straight up. If he wasn't going to be comfortable then I'd move for him.

He pulled his arm over me, with his hand resting on my side, which he then squeezed. Oh jeez...

"No...don't...don't go anywhere lass. I feel warmer with you here with me."

My cheeks warmed up heavily. Then I saw that idiotic grin of his as he adjusted himself so more.

"Fine. But tell me, what are you sad about? The fact that I've taken you away from the Guild is that it?"

There was a slight pause where refused to answer until I looked at his ragged face again.

"Of course. I love the Guild. But I love you more..."

I shook my head with disbelief. Pity the mead was doing the talking.

His hand slithered up to meet the other side of my neck, them crawled it up to my chin. Brynjolf couldn't be drunk enough to mess with me. I'll let him do what he needs until he falls asleep. If he goes too far I'll kick his red-headed ass outside in the cold and into the Sea of Ghosts. While it was adorable to see him like that, I don't want him to do anything he'll end up regretting, but for now, he was still that teddy bear, but now entertaining.

"Yeah yeah...if you ever want to go back, let me know. I don't mind if I have to journey this alone any more." I told him, goodness knows if he'll remember it.

His expression changed as if he'd been offended.

"No, I made a promise and I'm sticking to it lass." He told me outright. His attempts to sound serious with a solid tone failed, coming out even more slurred.

I shrugged.

"Suit yourself."

It was nice feeling his warmth alongside me again. I know the...unpleasant experience we had at Nightingale Hall was certainly one of a misunderstanding, but I couldn't shake that off that easily as he rubbed against me that morning. So he actually wanted to release some tension. Makes sense. He's a male. But he still needed to know his place.

He kept running his fingers up and down my neck, fascinated by it's porcelain qualities. That just happens to someone like me. When I turn back I'd be less pale. It was perplexing as to why he was still..so interested in me at all. You think that now and say, 'that's not what friends do with each other'.

Who cares? Intimacy made us feel better. Not necessarily for each other but for ourselves. I cared about Brynjolf and felt more cosy with him than any other. We'd been through a lot together...and still..

He deserved a lot better than me forcing him down this twisted cruel fate with me. My heart wants him to stay and be close while my head tells me logically he shouldn't. I didn't know who was right.

"Petra?" He muttered to me.

"Mmm?" I responded apathetically.

"Can...can I...kiss you?" He murmured nervously.

I tilted my head down at him.

"Why?" I asked. Don't tell me he was listening to his loins again.

"I wanted to feel those sharp teeth of yours...you know...I've never really met a vampire before. Especially not one as beautiful as you."

I felt a sharp pang in my chest as he leered at me with the combination of those words. I had to be rational about this, because Bryn was in no state to think properly.

"Well...thanks...I guess? But I don't think you want to..." I told him...more concerned about other matters involved.

He was disappointed again.

"Oh...but I do lass...I promise to be careful..."

How in Oblivion was my face turning red all the time when I'm an undead...wait...

"You don't want to kiss me. That's borderline necrophilia." I was trying to convince him that it was a bad idea.

He chuckled and nuzzled his nose against my neck and smile. The hairs on my skin rose as his beard and stubble rubbed on me. Funny feeling that.

"Okay, two things. One, you're alive. You are not a ghost or a walking corpse. And two...your heart still beats. There may be no pulse on your neck, but I just know these things."

Yes of course romance boy. Sigh.

"If you don't want me to kiss you that's fine. I'll respect your decision. I really do like you Petra."

Again with the mead talking. I'll just play along. Mostly because he's my friend and I...well I do like him back. I'll reaffirm that I just don't want him to do something he'll regret later. I want him to sober before he makes any hardcore decisions. While a kiss like that would be potentially dangerous, I could let him kiss me on the lips instead. No harm in that. I probably owe him dozens of kisses by now.

"Just...on the lips. No feeling my teeth with your tongue okay? I can't afford to have anything happen to you." I explained to him clearly, I wanted him to get that message into his muddled little head.

And he actually looked at me with such dramatic shock. Damn it was funny to see. Especially from Brynjolf. He was like a kid. Just...so lovable.

He slowly but surely put his face closer to mine. My heart...or what ever was beating quickly. Seriously I don't know what other differences we have to the living other than being cold. Really contradictory. I could smell said mead on his breath. Wasn't the worst of smells...mostly honey and sweet smelling. But his breath was heavy through his nose so it got louder as he got close to me.

His eyes were closed as I prepared myself as well, resting own eyes. I was expecting something, but felt nothing but something heavy hit my chest.

I chuckled slightly as the man had passed out in the process. I'd finally succeeded in doing what I was intending to do. So now he can rest.

I laid there still awake as I carefully moved his head to my lap and started patting his head.

Seriously, poor guy. Just needs a woman to take care of him. Okay, I'm trying to blast out with laughter here but the man just needs to sleep the night away and I'll keep watch.

Thanks Brynjolf for being amusing tonight. Sweet dreams.