A/N

Yes, I am VERY SORRY for not being able to update for the last two months. I am very busy at work so I really have little to no time to write.

Anyway, here's another update! I hope you do like it, but I don't think you will since we're still in the filler part LOL


Just an hour after passing out from magicka deprivation, Sissel woke up to the smell of something… delicious?

"Rest well?" a gentle voice suddenly asked. It was Serana, sitting at the foot of her bed. The distracting smell was coming from a bowl of soup atop the corner table beside her.

"Yeah, I think." Sissel sat up.

"Eat up." Serana muttered as she gestured at the bowl.

The smell was tempting but Sissel had something different in mind. "We're carrying on with the lessons, right?"

"No, you're going to eat your soup and rest some more."

Sissel tried to pout her way out into getting more lessons but Serana was hardly even looking as she was completely focused on yet another book.

With a sigh, the little girl half-heartedly reached for the soup. Scooping hastily, she placed a spoonful in her mouth.

"How was it?" Serana was quick to ask despite her eyes remaining locked on the book.

"It's okay." The girl nonchalantly replied.

Suddenly, the vampiress slammed the book shut. "Okay? Just okay? But I followed the instructions by the book!"

"Yeah. But I'm tasting nothing special." Sissel added before stuffing another spoonful in her mouth.

"…You keep eating it though…"

After finishing her soup, Sissel continuously begged Serana to carry on with the lessons, but the latter insisted that she needed to rest. Giving up, she resorted in asking technical questions related to magic instead.

Despite the continuous barrage of questions, the vampiress felt obliged to answer even if she's known to like her peace and quiet, especially now that she's holding a book.

This continued for hours at end, until it was but a few hours until sunset.

Suddenly, the sound of doors opening at the entry way was heard. This startled Sissel since they were both settled at the second floor.

"Who was that…? I don't think it's Jordis..." Sissel asked in a hushed tone albeit a little alarmed.

Serana calmly closed her book. "I have an idea. Let's go."

The vampiress was first to exit the room with the little girl huddling up behind her.

"What are you acting so scared for?" Serana chuckled.

"I… I don't like strange noises."

The very moment both of them reached the ground floor, Serana was tackled by a big creature startling Sissel.

"Meeko!" Serana called, giggling as she stroked the dog's mane. "How've you been, boy?"

The dog barked happily in response.

"I didn't know you were here, my Lady." A deep voice greeted from the entry way.

"How's the hunt, Gregor?" Serana smiled in response.

"It was good, very good! I brought some game, just right outside. Three stags, some mudcrabs, wolves…" he gave the dog a warm look. "Wouldn't have gotten that much if it wasn't for this mutt."

"A doggy!" Sissel suddenly exclaimed as she eyed the dog. Meeko curiously sniffed at the girl before allowing himself to be held. He also gave her a playful lick.

"That tickles!" she laughed. "I didn't know you have a doggy!"

The housecarl scratched his head before giving Serana a look. "Who's she?"

"Well, she's—"

"I'm Sissel!" the girl suddenly broke in with a self-introduction as she held the dog closely.

"Remus said she's going to stay here with us—I mean you." Serana stuttered. "—You. Right… here."

"Is that so?" Gregor beamed before hunching down to give the girl a closer look. "I'm Gregor. Housecarl to the Thane. Nice to meet you!"

"Nice to meet you, too! You're so tall!" Sissel shot back.

Serana felt a wave of relief upon seeing Gregor. This way, the little girl's attention would be split rather than being all too focused on her.

"How long have you been gone? We arrived three days ago."

"Around a week or so. Been resting my head either on camp or at Dawnstar since I have matters to attend to at the capital."

"Matters? Like what?" Suddenly she came up with a realization with what just transpired within these past fe weeks. Her eyes grew grim. "Is this about…"

Gregor gave the kid a short look before responding with a sigh. "Yes. Dawnstar has weakened with the recent attacks. We must ensure that the city's safe as it recovers."

Serana also turned her head to look if Sissel heard, but thankfully she seemed too busy with petting the dog.

"Hey." Serana nudged.

"Hm?" the girl's bright green eyes shot her a curious look.

"Want to play with Meeko outside?"

Sissel's eyes sparkled like emeralds. "Let's go boy!" she called as she ran towards the entry way, the dog dashing just behind her.

"Be careful!" Serana scolded. "And don't go too far!"

"Yeah!" the girl called back as she fixed the scarf around her neck before heading outside.

"Lively girl that one!" Gregor's voice boomed with laughter. "I didn't know you were good with kids, it's just like you're—"

"Don't even bother finishing that sentence."

Gregor laughed again. "My bad, my bad. But it is certainly unexpected. I'll just leave it at that."

Serana heaved a sigh. "How's Dawnstar doing?"

"The recovery is pretty slow at first but eventually, more and more merchants have come to lend us supplies. All just because the rumors have finally been confirmed…"

"What rumors?"

"…that the Dragonborn has returned."

"Wait, how were the rumors confirmed?" Serana asked. She knew about the defense of Dawnstar, but she didn't bother knowing about it in full detail.

After all she's still in the dark as to how she got to Dawnstar safely.

No, she has an idea of how. The real question is who.

"He did start a ruckus at the Jarl's Hall so there's that…" Gregor replied as he scratched his head.

"…Of course." Serana briefly replied. She heard something about it from her idle chats with Jordis. "Anyway, I suppose you'd want to rest?"

"Ah, no." Gregor quickly responded. "I have to look over the progress they've been doing out there."

Out there? He must mean the village construction near the homestead.

"Oh, alright. Then don't let me keep you here. Rest when you can, though."

Gregor gave him a short nod and a friendly wave as he went for the exit. Serana's ears perked up during the brief moment Gregor opened the door, trying to hear what's going on outside.

Giggling and laughter accompanied with barks.

Serana heaved a sigh. They'll be fine. When did she care so much?

She went back to the room where Sissel previously rested her head and picked up her book, turning pages to find where she left off.

Uncharacteristically, she felt dropping it off to go on and pick up another book.

The book she saved for later at the cellar?

She shook her head at the thought. No, not today.

Yeah. But I'm tasting nothing special.

Sissel's words echoed once more in her head, bringing her mood down.

She picked up another cooking book from the shelf.

The Uncommon Taste – by the Gourmet.

"Tch. It's not like I don't have the time to read." Serana muttered to herself.


It was evening, and it's about three days since Remus left Heljarchen Hall. He arrived at Riften – merchants outside the city were hurrying to get behind doors as soon as the sun went down.

It was not a new sight, especially with the Thieves' Guild back in power for quite some time, but the atmosphere seemed a little different.

Guards, who used to reek of alcohol, stayed vigilant and cautious.

"Who goes there?!" one of them shouted as soon as Remus' dark cowl came in sight, immediately drawing his weapon.

Maybe a little too cautious.

Remus didn't answer and continued to walk towards the gate. The other guard watched in horror, his knees were shaking despite having his hand on his sword's hilt.

The guard who had his weapon drawn was a little hesitant at first, but with a cry he ran towards Remus and swung his weapon.

Remus was quick to dodge and easily tripped the guard with his foot. Before the second guard could draw his weapon, the man stood before him.

"I'm Thane of Riften. Get out of my way." Remus coldly said before shoving the guard to the side.

"Thane? B-But there's only one Thane of Riften and that's—" the guard was cut short as he saw the stranger playing with the gate key that was attached on his waist just a moment ago.

As soon as Remus was finished in unlocking the gate, he turned to face the second guard. "Yeah, that's me."

Without saying another word, he tossed back the guard's key and entered the city – closing the gate behind him.

A small group of guards were just behind the gate, drinking while on duty. They briefly looked at him before shrugging him off and going on with their business.

It bothered Remus how lax the security is behind the walls despite warning Maven about the vampire threat. Given the guards inside the city's attitude to work, Remus already knew what was going on.

The guards probably worked in shifts, the unlucky ones would be doing guard duty outside the gates while the others would be doing relatively easier work – albeit doing the same, they'd be protected by city walls.

Aside from the guards, no one can be seen wandering around the city. This was how it always has been, but air was a little too dead for Remus' taste.

The muffled laughter and lights from the Bee and Barb made it tempting to stop by, but he knew there's some place else he had to go.


Lisanna, the caretaker at Honorhall Orphanage, just finished tucking the children to bed. For her, it was a long day with the tasks and all, but strangely enough she didn't feel tired.

She sat on a chair at the orphanage's living room and she was ready to open the book she held in hand when suddenly, she heard the building's locked door click open.

This wasn't the first time someone tried to break in. After all they're in Riften – although, she couldn't remember the last time a break in happened. Calmly, she stood up from her seat and picked up a long stick resting on a wall corner.

She doesn't know who she's dealing with. But this makes no difference.

They're in Riften. And she grew right in this very place. She'll do whatever she can to protect it… and the kids.

"Who's there?" she called out as she peeked into the entry way.

It was a man wearing a dark cuirass, his hood obscuring his face.

One look and she immediately knew who he was. Afterall…

"Look who finally decided to show up." The woman rested the stick back on a wall corner before crossing her arms haughtily.

A little distracted, the hooded figure replied. "You know who I am?"

Lisanna giggled. "You're not fooling anyone with that scarf on your neck." Then she gave him a weak smile. "Especially here."

There was no answer. But it didn't escape Lisanna how the stranger's blue eyes gleamed with guilt underneath his mask.

"Hey, did you just come here to brood?" the woman pouted as she placed her hands over her hips.

The man's eyes obviously widened in confusion, making her snicker.

"Just take that mask off and come on. Must be uncomfortable."

"But—"

"It'll be fine. The kids are asleep."

Hesitant for a moment, Remus asked, "Constance?"

There was a slight pause before Lisanna answered, "She's resting. Do you want to see her?"

"No. It's enough that I know she's fine."

The woman smiled softly. "Come now, make yourself comfortable."

With a soft grunt, Remus complied as he removed his mask and lowered his hood. He also removed both of his gloves before both of them sat in front of the hearth for comfort. He looked around, a little surprised with the changes in the place.

He scratched his head.

Of course, there would be changes.

He'd see Honorhall Orphanage every time he's at Riften but this is the first time he'd set foot inside the building after many years.

He also clearly remembered the last time he did set foot in that place – when he killed old Grelod in her sleep.

"You're silent." Lisanna remarked as she broke in his thoughts. "What're you thinking?"

"Nothing… just…" he shot the woman a look, "Aren't you angry?"

For a moment, Lisanna was stunned by Remus' question. But after a few seconds, she suddenly started laughing. "What would I be mad about?!"

"You know… I mean back then…" Remus could almost feel himself stuttering.

"I remember." Lisanna said softly, "I was a year older than you. I was sixteen when you left. You never even left a word. You asked me if I'm angry… in fact, I was."

"Look Lis, I'm really—"

"—Sorry?" she chuckled playfully. "No, it's fine! Everything turned out okay, as you can see." Suddenly, she punched him in the arm. Remus flinched in fake hurt before she carried on, "Still I was lonely."

He didn't care for friends as a child, but he'd consider Lisanna as one of his. He remembered her as the Imperial girl with long dark brown hair, who always cowered behind almost anything. She was also unkempt, as much as all of them.

Now, she's a lot different. Her hair was medium in length as they reached for her shoulders – her poise was that of a confident woman, unlike the coward he knew before who was always scrunched over. Her honey-colored eyes glistened – he didn't even know they were of that color because her hair had always obscured most of her face in their childhood.

Overall, his friend grew to become an upstanding and beautiful woman.

"You've really… become different." was all Remus could say.

"I've become really pretty, haven't I?" the woman teased with a giggle.

"I don't know about that."

The woman laughed before taking a good look at him, her head resting on her chin.

"Aside from growing tall and the fact that you now have that signature scar on your eye…" She commented. "…you didn't really change all that much."

"Really? How so?"

"Well, I don't really have much else to say." She added in confused laughter. "To be honest, that assumption just got thrown out the window the moment you got here."

"Care to explain?"

"That one's easy." Lisanna grinned. She stretched out her arms and let out a deep sigh before she continued "You've attained so much and surprisingly, became the revered Dragonborn and hero of Skyrim. But even with all those titles and accomplishments… you remained one thing."

She quickly brought her face close to his. "You, Remus, were a coward."

"Oh yeah?" Remus smirked before gently pushing her face away. "That's rich coming from the branded coward back then—"

"You said it yourself. Back then. People change." Lisanna retorted as she fixed herself on her chair. "You did too. But for the most part, you didn't. Well, until now." She started sniggering. "Though, you really had the gall to come here, pretending not to know anything about that huge bag of septims being dropped off here every year."

"Hey I—"

"Don't deny it. I know it was you." Lisanna interrupted calmly. "The septims were dropped off during the 16th of Sun's Dawn. My birthday. A day only two people knew."

Remus couldn't get out a single word.

"I used them to get the place fixed… as you can see. And of course, for Constance's medicine." She heaved a sigh. "Still, I was surprised that you remembered… but I wished that you would actually visit yourself…"

"I was guilty."

Lisanna chuckled softly. "You should be."

"I convinced myself – as long as you didn't show yourself here, you'd always remain that coward Remus I knew. Surprisingly, you did show up." Her eyes darted towards the red scarf that hung on Remus' neck. "But… the most surprising thing is after all these years… you really managed to keep that."

Remus buried his face further in his scarf without saying a word.

"You really held her close to your heart, didn't you?"

Once again Remus didn't answer – both of them just mindlessly stared at the hearth for a while.

Suddenly, Lisanna broke the silence.

"I wonder how Almaria would react if she knew you've become a hero – something she'd always wanted."

Remus felt a dull ache on his heart as he heard her name.


When Remus first stayed in the orphanage, he had headaches due to unknown reasons for the first couple of weeks. He was unhealthy and didn't eat often – well, not like children under Grelod the Kind's "care" had the luxury of eating as much as they wanted.

He was also frequently bullied by the other kids because of his unusual hair color and because he was easy – afterall he was frail.

One day, the bullying was worse than usual, with Remus being beaten down by the other boys.

That's when someone interfered.

A dunmer girl named Almaria. She was outspoken and had a sharp tongue – which were almost always enough to make the other children back down. She was also not afraid to use her fists or hands if needed.

She also wasted no breath to talk back at Grelod whenever she woke up on the wrong side of the bed – which was mostly the reason she went to bed supperless. However, this never stopped her from snapping back.

These qualities were the reason why she was feared and respected by the other children in the orphanage. However, these were also the reason why she also lacked friends. But after that incident with Remus, she had two – including Lisanna.

Due to Almaria's constant nagging about Remus' lack of appetite, the boy surprisingly started to gain vigor. The girl also had a knack for theft, which is why the three of them occasionally managed to enjoy snacks behind the Orphanage as they snuck out to the backyard in the dead of the night.

Almaria had always admired heroes. She was very particular about a forgotten hero from her homeland, who was apparently unmatched both in combat and in magic. The word "hero" piqued Remus' interest every time Almaria talked about them for reasons unknown to him, but it was primarily because of a strange woman's voice in his sleep.

Regardless of how unlikeable or repulsive Almaria is to the other kids, she was greatly admired by both Lisanna and Remus. While the Dunmer girl's eyebrows would almost always be lifted in prejudice, she would always meet her friends with the gentlest carmine eyes.

She also liked giving as much as she can to both of them – mostly food. Plenty of times she'd offer a portion of her share to either Remus or Lisanna.

"You should eat a lot! Or both you will just stay weak forever!" Remus remembered her say.

During the hard times, when Grelod would be in the mood to beat some of the kids up in 'the room' – a small closet where Grelod occasionally enjoyed beating up or torturing the kids, she'd always reassure them in the aftermath, "Don't worry! When we grow up, we'll get out of here, away from old stinky Grelod! We'd become strong and become heroes! Skyrim is ripe for the taking!"

Despite their injuries, Remus and Lisanna would almost always laugh whenever she said this, wondering where the girl got his fervor.

One winter was particularly harsh and Remus hated the cold – while both Lisanna and Almaria were surprisingly impervious to it.

Remus looked like he was going to die from the cold any moment now, when Almaria decided to give him her scarf.

"Fine, it's yours. It's not like I need it anyway."

She smiles, "Kind of suits you, same color as your hair."

The scarf was particularly large, which was why it was enough to keep Remus warm for the winter's remainder. This gesture was enough to make Lisanna jealous of the gift, but Almaria promised to knit her a new one for the next winter once she gets ahold of materials.

Unfortunately, Almaria didn't live to see the next winter.

It was fall of the following year, both Remus and Lisanna somehow grew courage with Almaria's influence.

It would be Remus and Lisanna's first time to steal.

Remus was supposed to steal the spare key from Grelod while Lisanna stood guard, retrieve food from the pantry during the dead of the night while Almaria waited outside. This way they'd be having a feast, because two pairs of hands will be doing the work instead of one.

It was a success, and the three friends ate their food like usual – both Lisanna and Remus unaware that they forgot to return Grelod's key back in her room.

The next day, Grelod noticed that her spare key to the pantry was missing and called the rest of the children after checking the stock. She proceeded to search each of the children for signs of the key.

Remus was scared out of his wits – scared enough to think that he might piss himself in place, but no key was found in his person. However, the same key was found in Almaria's pocket.

The boy gave her a horrified look, realizing that she stole the key from him the moment Grelod called for them. All Almaria gave him was a proud grin in response.

Grelod dragged Almaria by the hair towards 'the room'.

Everyone knew this wasn't going to be just any other beating.

For hours at end, Almaria's cries echoed in the Orphanage, however she would also throw barbs at the old woman, resulting into more bloodcurdling screams. Grelod would come out, but always lock 'the room' behind her.

This carried on for the next three days – Almaria's screams and curses as Grelod beat her up, with Lisanna constantly crying inside their room with Remus sitting right beside her doing the same. Both did not have enough courage to even sneak in 'the room' and bring her food – not like it was possible to do so.

Everyone was afraid of Grelod. Everyone except Almaria.

The fourth day was particularly silent, and Grelod did not return inside the closet for the rest of that day. Both Lisanna and Remus thought of this as a good sign, maybe Grelod was becoming tired and Almaria would soon be free.

That night, Remus awoke to the sound of loud thumping from outside. Curious as to what was going on, he sneaked outside.

There he saw Grelod struggling with her shovel as she dug up soil behind the house. Right next to her was something wrapped in linen – bloodied and with the shape of a human.

All Remus could let out was a muffled scream. Grelod looked back at him, before giving him a sinister smile. Her crooked mouth opened before saying,

"Do not tell a single soul about this, or you'll be next."

Fear crept up on Remus' back. He tried to scream and shout, but he simply couldn't. Taking a step back for each passing second, he quickly turned tail and ran as far away as he could.

Still he didn't get far, as he found himself beneath Riften's docks.

He was feeling all kinds of emotions – fear, helplessness, despair, but most importantly… hatred.

Hatred for himself and his inability to do just about… anything.

Gripping the scarf she's left behind, that night he swore to himself that he will avenge Almaria.

But first, he's going to live.


Suddeny, Lisanna spoke and jerked him from reminiscence. "I always wondered… what if we didn't forget?" She exhaled. "What if, we didn't forget to return that key?"

Then Almaria would still be alive.

Even if this thought crossed Remus' mind, he kept his silence.

"So, are you going to tell me…? Why you finally decided to show up?"

Remus turned to face her.

She was smiling, like always. But he could clearly see the pain in her eyes.

Of course, she'd be hurt. He was so blinded by his rage back then, that he forgot that there was another friend – another important person waiting for him to come back.

Remus cleared his throat, "Do you remember what Almaria wanted us to be?"

Lisanna chuckled. "How could I forget?" She turned her eyes towards the hearth fire. "She wanted us to become heroes."

Briefly touching his scarf, Remus continued, "I wore this… as I fought through those years. I thought maybe… just maybe… I could live and carry on her dream. I tried…"

When Remus glanced at Lisanna once again, this time, the woman had a shocked expression on her which was immediately replaced with a soft smile. "So, that's why…"

A short silence. Remus could clearly see Lisanna's hands shaking over the chair's armrests.

"…You're right. I held Almaria close... I fought and fought trying so hard to become a hero… just like she wanted to be." He said as he stood from his chair. "I tore myself inside and out through those years, thinking 'Did I do it? Did I become a hero?' Until now, I don't have the answer."

He started removing the scarf from his being. "Even if I don't… I've come to realize that maybe… just maybe… Almaria would want us to let go of the painful memories of her." He sighed. "Maybe… she'd want us to move forward."

He gently placed a hand on Lisanna's shoulder which was already shaking terribly.

The woman acted as the Headmistress of Honorhall Orphanage the moment Constance became sick. For all the children she was an elderly sister or maybe even a loving mother.

She was only eighteen then. She silently took on that responsibility – that burden – of not being able to show feelings other than that of glee or happiness. She grew out of her cowardly shell of her juvenile years,but wore that heavy "mask of joy" in return. She perfected wearing that mask – she'd never cried, not even by herself.

But the moment her long lost friend – an important person from her troubled past – placed his warm and comforting hand on her shoulder, it was too much for her to handle. Tears involuntarily started streaming down her cheeks.

"If I became a hero for her sake… I have no idea." Remus softly said. "But Almaria being a hero…?"

Remus carefully wrapped the red scarf around Lisanna as he spoke,

"…From the start… She's always been ours."

Hearing his words and feeling the scarf's warmth, Lisanna cried harder. It was the first time in years… every hurt and pain she's felt resurfaced, but they almost immediately steadily flowed out through her tears.

Seeing his childhood friend cry in front of him made Remus feel a slight pang of guilt, but that guilt was overcome by a sense of relief.

"I know it's very, very late but… this scarf might be a little late…I know she said she'd knit you a new one, but I think this'll do." Remus smiled. "And Lis?"

The woman turned her head to look up at him.

"I'm really sorry… for everything."

Lisanna cried even harder. To Remus' surprise, she started 'ugly-crying'. It was hard not to giggle, seeing Lisanna's face like how he used to see it back then – her eyes swollen from the crying and some snot dripping down her nostrils.

"Damn it… I really hate you! You have no idea how long I waited!" Lisanna wailed and sobbed as she hugged Remus while she sat.

Remus chuckled. "Yeah, yeah… I know. Really. I'm sorry." he repeated.


Lis?

Hmmm?

There's a village... in Whiterun. It's up and coming.

Oh yeah? Let me guess, it's your land?

How do you know that?

Please, Remus. It was big news when you built that village at Hjaalmarch. That is… until you were gone. What's up with that anyway?

It's a long story… Maybe another time.

Hm. Mysteriouuus. I'll hold you to that.

So? What about it? The new village in Whiterun?

I'm having an orphanage built there… and I'd want you there when the time comes.

By Talos! Is that a proposal?!

You wish. I meant you, Constance, and the rest of the kids here.

Tch. And I thought I'd finally be living a noble's lifestyle.

Well, we can arrange that.

Yeah, I get it – you're rich. Now, stop bragging before I kick you out of here.

You haven't answered my question yet.

I mean I'd love to… but what will happen to Honorhall?

It's up to you.

I'll think about it. Still, thank you, Remus.

Least I could do.

Remus?

Hmmm?

You should go visit her.

Remus was hesitant at first but ultimately, he stood in the newly renovated area behind the Orphanage. It was way too different from what he was used to. Lisanna certainly made good use of the money – buying a portion of the land behind the orphanage just to expand the area.

There were already benches and plenty of mountain flowers, thistles, tundra cotton even. The biggest change was a small tree growing at a certain spot – a spot he knew very well despite all the changes.

He slowly walked as he approached the tree – rather, the gravestone directly in front of it and read the name etched on it.

Years back, Remus had the courage to write his first letter to Lisanna after murdering Grelod – telling her about what happened the night he left.

It was part of Remus' plan to have a gravestone erected behind the Orphanage in her name – seems like Lisanna beat him to it the moment she knew about Almaria's remains.

He silently sat in front of the gravestone, staring blankly at it for quite some time.

Finally, he spoke.

"Almaria… I'm back."


Remus entered the Thieves Guild's Cistern through the secret entrance and carefully walked into the room.

The other thieves looked at him with puzzled looks for they did not know who he was.

"About time you showed up."

He didn't even have to turn around to see who just spoke – the voice was all too familiar.

"Karliah." he grunted lazily in response.

"So, what're you up to?" she asked, leaning against the wall with arms crossed.

"Let's drop the niceties, you probably knew already." he answered, finally turning to face the woman. "I mean you did tail me from Riften back to Fort Dawnguard a month ago."

"There's really no escaping you." she chuckled as she shook her head. "And to think that you were just a helpless fox that time…"

"Times change."

"Indeed, they do." She nodded, her carmine eyes glittering as she smiled. "You even managed to snag a woman."

Threading lightly, Remus shot back. "Hm, I didn't know you were in Riften the last time I was here. Did you see me?"

"Didn't. It was Sapphire. Says you were talking to the Jarl at the Bee and Barb…" she gave him a look. "…And that you were with a strange woman."

"Yeah." Remus briefly replied, hoping the topic would die down on its own.

"So, why are you here?"

"Why are you guys so cold to me? Even Vex was the last time I visited." Remus laughed in fake hurt.

"Not really." Karliah responded gloomily. "It's just… you haven't been here for a while."

A short pause.

Remus finally broke. "Bring the Three along with you in my quarters. I've got something for you." He started walking away but after a few seconds he turned his head and gave the Dunmer woman a look. "Especially for you."

A few moments later, the acting leaders in the Guild – Vex, Delvin, Brynjolf, and Karliah – all stood before Remus, who positioned himself in front of a table inside the quarters

"You never visit." Delvin was the first to speak, "But the moment you do, you didn't even drop by the bar. No… apparently, you did visit when I was out cold, and you didn't even bother waking me up. You've changed, boy."

"I'd rather have not alcohol in me when I say what I'm going to say." Remus chuckled. "But it is great to see you guys."

Brynjolf sighed. "What is it, lad? You wouldn't be here if it isn't important."

"You're making it as if I only come here if I need something…" Remus responded, to which the rest of them shot him a look as sharp as daggers.

"…Fair enough." Remus sighed.

"Just spit it out already." Vex complained irritatingly.

"Alright. First off." Remus reached down from beneath the table before placing a heavy sack on the table.

"And what is that?" Karliah asked.

"Twenty thousand septims."

"Twenty thou—" Vex didn't manage to finish her sentence as she rummaged through the sack. "That's a lot." She commented as she shot her colleagues a look. "What's this for?!"

"I did say I'm bringing in a big haul in the good day the last time we talked." Remus shrugged.

"I don't like where this is going—" Karliah mumbled.

"Yeah." Brynjolf agreed before giving Remus a look. "What is this all about, lad?"

Remus smiled softly before bending down once more and getting another bag from beneath the table.

"I've come to bargain."

He slowly pulled a strange crown donned with crimson red gemstones.

"By Nocturnal…" Karliah stepped an inch back.

"Unbelievable!" Vex snatched the crown from Remus' hand and appeared to count every gemstone etched on the crown.

"Vex, what is it?" Delvin asked curiously before his eyes widened in realization, "Wait, that can't possibly be—"

"The Crown of Barenziah. Complete with the twenty-four stones." Remus finished before crossing his arms.

"How the hell—you must be the first person to set eyes on all twenty-four of them… for the last two eras. How—" Vex struggled with her words as she stared at the artifact.

"Does it really matter?" Remus shrugged. "Remember that night that guys would surrender the guild to me if I ever found all of them?"

"H-Hey, we were kidding back then. I mean we were drunk and all—" Delvin started to protest.

"Of course, I know that. But bringing back the paragon of this Guild is worth that much for a very good bargain, right?"

There was silence. None of the four could speak up as their eyes remained fixated on the Crown.

"Fine." Karliah finally answered. "What do you want?"

"Lass—" Brynjolf was about to argue but the Dunmer shook her head.

"We've got no choice Brynjolf. You have no idea how much power that Crown holds." Karliah immediately dispelled the man's qualms. "We'd be filthy rich the moment it is restored in the Guild's name."

"So, what's your price?" Vex finally sighed as she conceded.

"For the price of twenty thousand septims and the beloved paragon – the Crown of Barenziah," Remus started, "All of you must grant four of my wishes."

The four looked at each other before Brynjolf nodded in agreement. "All right, let's hear it."

"First, the moment this Crown is restored as the Guild's property, the Thieves Guild should do everything in its power to take away Maven Black-Briar's power… little by little for an entire year."

"Wait, that's impossible! Maven and the Guild has been in a long-standing agreement for a long time!" Vex countered as she slammed her hand on the table.

"It isn't impossible." Remus answered before giving Karliah a look. "Remember Goldenglow? Just do things like that… continuously."

Remus then cleared his throat. "This leads to my second wish, a transfer of power. After Maven is brought down, I want a new Jarl for Riften."

"Okay, now that one's impossible, boy." Delvin laughed. "You hitting Skooma or something?"

Remus could only smile cockily before continuing, "The stage is set for all of you in all honesty. I just want you to see things through. I wouldn't be asking for this if it was impossible, correct?"

Another pause.

"You're starting to think like Mercer… it's getting a little frightening, I'm not gonna lie." Brynjolf chuckled nervously.

"Luckily, I'm not a power-hungry psychopath like he is."

"So, who will be the new Jarl?"

"Bolli, owner of Riften fishery."

"Bolli? That idiot who kept on giving away his money and ploughed Haelga? You're mad!" Delvin exclaimed.

"Come now, Delvin. It's not about who's going to be Jarl. It's about who's going to be pulling the strings."

"And who'll that be?!" Delvin cried.

"The Thieves Guild and his steward-to-be, Ingun Black-Briar."

"Wow, I can't even listen to this. I have to sit." Delvin flailed his arms before finding a butt-rest to slump on.

"Ingun may be known to you as Maven's estranged daughter or Elgrim's dumb apprentice." Remus explained, "Sure, she's not gifted in alchemy but… little did you guys know…" he gave each of them a sharp look. "She's good in just about anything. You'll see it for yourself."

"I have no idea what's going in that head of yours, lad. But are you sure of this?" Brynjolf asked.

Remus looked at him straight in the eye before giving his answer. "Yeah. I'm sure." He turned to the rest, "The only part you'll play is to make sure that the end-result I wanted will come to fruition. Believe me when I said I've set the stage. All you need to do is to follow through."

"This bargain is getting crazier and crazier by the minute…" Vex said as she placed a hand over her face. "I mean… this crown is seriously worth it that we could even make do without Maven's money. I'm in." she looked over at Karliah and Brynjolf who gave her a nod. "I guess no one's against it or… Delvin?"

The rest of the group looked at the older man who ultimately give a sigh. "Fine! Crazy as it sounds, I'll trust the boy. Count me in."

"So, what's the remaining two?"

Remus took a deep breath before responding, "Another transfer of power."

"I swear to all the gods, if you want us to go beyond our territory and make someone Emperor…" Delvin started to scream before being cut off by Remus.

"Relax, it's nothing like that!" Remus laughed before looking at Karliah.

"I want Karliah… to be the next Guildmaster."

A long silence prevailed in the room as their jaws slacked open.

"W-Wait, lad… are you saying…" Brynjolf was briefly interrupted when Remus continued.

"As for my last wish… the Thieves Guild… I want out."


A/N

I actually wanted to write Remus' past in detail but it'll be time-consuming. Expect these filler chapters to be fast-paced here on out, because I seriously want to move along and write the final part for this fic. Peace is boring, jk. I know there's a lack of Remus and Serana moments in this chapter but I hope I could pick things up for them soon or on the next chapter!

If you have any questions, you can leave some comments or something! Please let me know if I still have readers up (it's been too long lol)