I'm back! I've been trying really hard to overcome my writer's block, and I'm finally getting some progress. I am so sorry again for the long wait. I'm slowly getting back on my feet and will try to post regularly once more.
I also wanted to thank you all so so much for the kind words; they warmed my heart, and I am so happy to have your support 3 It's such an amazing feeling to know that there are people out there-who don't even really know me!-who care so much. I am beyond thankful for your patience and support :) You're the best readers ever!
Now, without further ado, here's Chapter 34!
Brynjolf sweeps the hood from his head upon entering Riften through the gates. His eyes wander to Iris's house on their own as he walks by, and he finds himself worrying over her once more. The house still stands empty; it looks as though she hasn't been there in weeks. Come to think of it, he hasn't seen her for three weeks now. He can only hope she'll stop by the Guild soon.
He continues on his way, taking the familiar path past the Bee and Barb and intending to head to the cemetery when he notices a crowd of people standing around a courier in the marketplace. Curious, he meanders to the crowd, straining his ears.
"Dead? What do you mean dead?" Haelga shouts out.
A flash of blonde hair catches Brynjolf's eyes, and he spots Vex standing at the edge of the crowd.
Sidling up to her, he asks, "What's going on?"
She shakes her head, crossing her arms. "Gaius Maro is dead."
His eyebrows raise in surprise. "Gaius Maro? How?"
She leans in, dropping her voice. "They say it was the Dark Brotherhood. But that's not all. Supposedly, the guards discovered plans on the body. Assassination plans."
"What? For whose assassination?"
She draws back, a smirk on her face. "The Emperor."
Stunned, Brynjolf leans against the stone wall. "Damn. I suppose that explains this uproar." He gestures to the feisty crowd.
"It's a big scandal. News just came in an hour ago, but the poor courier hasn't been able to leave yet. Too many questions." Vex smirks again, watching the crowd. "Provided a great opportunity for some shopping though." She pulls a coin purse out of her pocket along with a strand of pearls. "People become very distracted when they're upset."
Brynjolf can't help but laugh at his fellow thief. "I better get back to the Flagon. I need to tell Delvin that I finished the Morthal job."
She nods, tucking the stolen property back into her pocket. "Hear anything from Iris?"
Sighing, he shakes his head. "No. And I'm trying not to expect to."
Vex's frown deepens. "You shouldn't waste your time worrying about her when she's clearly not worrying about you, Bryn. You deserve to be happy. Not to pine over someone who won't even bother to visit you."
Brynjolf feels stabbed by her words. "You're wrong, Vex. Iris has her secrets, but we still care about each other. I know you don't like her, but I do. I can't make myself stop worrying about her. Believe me, I've tried."
"I just don't want to see you get hurt."
"I appreciate it, but I'm fine." He gives her a small smile. "I need to get back."
"I'll see you around."
Brynjolf manages to fight his way out of the yelling crowd and ducks into the cemetery. Vex's words echo in his mind, no matter how hard he tries to stifle them. She does have a point. Why hasn't Iris visited? She's back from her Dragonborn business; she was in the Flagon only a few days ago, but she still hasn't come to see him? Something seems off. There's something she's not telling him.
He scoffs to himself.
There's always something she's not telling him. Before, he was fine with her secrecy. They weren't very close yet, and he respected her desire for privacy. He knows he should still feel the same, but something keeps him from doing so. Before, she'd leave on jobs that should've taken two days or so and would be gone for weeks. She'd never tell him where she was, and he never asked. He wondered, sure, but he never asked. But now? He feels so invested in her life that he almost feels like he has a right to know. But…he can't think like that. He can't force Iris to tell him everything; it isn't fair. Especially, when he never bothered to tell her the whole story about his family. He just wishes she trusted him more to let him in.
Sighing, he runs a hand through his disheveled hair and kicks the button on the sarcophagus.
Climbing down the ladder, he half-expects to hear Iris's bubbly laugh echoing through the cistern, laughing at something Rune said. But of course, there's no trace of her, though the cistern is more crowded than usual. It seems everyone, save one, is actually home for once.
"Evening, Bryn," Vipir greets him. "You hear about Maro?"
"Aye, I did."
"Do you think it was the Dark Brotherhood? I thought they were all gone," Vipir comments, going to a fire to stir the pot.
"So, did I. But it's a possibility. Everyone thought the Thieves Guild was gone, yet here we are."
Vipir nods thoughtfully, tasting the soup he's stirring. "Ugh, needs more salt."
Laughing softly, Brynjolf continues on his way to the Flagon, immediately ordering an ale when he takes his usual seat.
"Hey, Bryn." With a groan, Delvin takes the seat across from him. "Finish that Morthal job?"
"I did. In and out. It was easy."
Delvin nods, taking a drink. "Good."
Vekel approaches the table and brings Brynjolf his ale.
"Thanks, lad," Brynjolf thanks him. "You hear about Gaius Maro?" he asks Delvin, taking a drink.
"Who hasn't?"
"They say it was the Dark Brotherhood."
A strange look crosses Delvin's face. "Did they now?"
"Aye…" Brynjolf frowns, confused by Delvin's reaction. "Do you believe it was them?"
Delvin looks down, swirling his mead around. "It could be."
"Do you still…do business with them?" Brynjolf asks tentatively, taking a long swig.
"Sometimes." Delvin shakes his head, clearing his throat. "Want another job?"
Brynjolf sighs, downing the rest of his drink. "Might as well. I can't sit around here hoping for Iris to stop by forever, can I?"
Delvin chuckles. "You've got it bad, Bryn. Here's what I have."