AN: I am back! I am sincerely sorry for such a long break, especially since I posted an update promising a return! Things in life have been going well for me, I'm very busy with school and work, finals are approaching. I will keep this short, as I'm sure all are awaiting this chapter in particular. It's got some smut, FINALLY!!
I did write this entire chapter on my phone, so apologies for any abnormal formatting or otherwise. I hope everyone has been well, is well, and enjoys the chapter. Thank you for your patience!!
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is property of Bethesda Softworks. I own nothing but Roseleigha. Thank you for allowing my words to have the privilege of your time.
The Seer and Her Thief, Chapter 16
Brynjolf sat in the Ragged Flagon, a bottle of Mead accompanying him as he stared blankly at the wall in front of him. He couldn't remember the number of days, weeks, perhaps months he had done this for. His world felt empty: the Guild's progress was stagnant at best, the members were slowly losing hope, and Roseleigha was still nowhere to be found.
Sighing heavily, he took a big drink from the bottle and set it back to the table harshly, causing Vekel to jump. Everyone in the Guild knew of Brynjolf's struggles, but it seemed to reach a boiling point.
Brynjolf furrowed his brow. Perhaps it was time to hunt her down, he thought to himself. Karliah, the one who so easily pulled the rug out from him and the entire Guild, was still out there. Mercer seemed to have lost interest in finding her, or didn't dare to try. She deserved to pay for all the pain she caused him and the entire business.
Suddenly, Vipir came barging into the Flagon, with an even faster pace than normal. He was out of breath and nearly collapsed once he reached the bar.
"Where's the fire, boy?" Vekel asked, pouring him a tankard of Mead.
"There's no time," Vipir managed to say between catching his breath. "There's someone in the Ratway, matching Karliah's description!"
Brynjolf pushed himself from the table, causing the chair to fall behind him. "Are you sure?" he asked, approaching the thief.
"Yes," Vipir says, swallowing hard. "I was coming back from a job when I saw her shadow. I don't know if she knew I was there, but she's coming in here."
"Shit," Brynjolf cursed under his breath. "Vipir, get everyone in the cistern, weapons ready. I don't want her dead, yet. There must be something going on."
"Aye," Vipir dashed to the cistern's door, leaving Brynjolf with Vekel. Both the Nord's heads were spinning.
"What in Oblivion is going on?" Vekel asked, almost rhetorically.
"I wish I knew," Brynjolf admitted to him. "Keep a close eye on her when she comes, Vekel. She hasn't shown her face in decades, and now she just waltzes in? Something is off..."
Roseleigha's heart was in her stomach as she walked through the Ratway, entering the Ragged Flagon. She had no idea what to expect from anyone. Forgiveness, anger, confusion, betrayal. The last month was not only spent trying to find evidence against Mercer, but trying to find the words to gain the trust of her Guild family, her brother, and her beloved Brynjolf.
It was obvious her feelings for him. He lingered into her dreams, day and night, plaguing her thoughts. Despite training her mind to focus on the present moment, she could not get that damn Nord out of her head.
"Are you ready?" a soft whisper of a voice broke Roseleigha out of her thoughts. She looked to Karliah, her mentor, anxiously awaiting an answer.
She nodded, but lacked confidence. The Dunmer noticed this and frowned. As she began to talk, a gray finger lifted to her lips.
"I know," Karliah stopped Roseleigha's words. "He'll understand. They all will. Give him time."
Nodding again, with assurance, Roseleigha stepped toward the cistern's door. Karliah grabbed her hand tightly and opened the door.
They approached slowly, but guarded. Roseleigha could sense all the anger and hostility in the room. Nearly every member was there, she could feel it. All but one.
"You better have a damn good reason for being here, especially with that damn murder." Brynjolf spitted, nearly breathing hate in his words. Vex and Delving were standing beside him, weapons drawn. Roseleigha kept her ground, preventing herself from flinching from the sharp words.
"Please, lower your weapons," Karliah demanded, but somehow calmly. "I have evidence you've all been lied to!"
"What's she talkin' about?" Delvin asked, intrigued.
Roseleigha stepped forward, Gallus' journal in hand. "This has all the answers you need," she said, holding the journal to Brynjolf.
There was a tense moment of silence. She didn't know what to expect from the man before her. For what felt like an eternity, but likely was only a few seconds, they stood with eyes locked. Though she could not see, she knew his brows were furrowed in confusion and hurt.
Brynjolf snatched the journal from Roseleigha, opening it and studying the words.
"No... it can't be," Brynjolf had to push the words from his throat, unable to digest what was going on. "This can't ve true, there's no way!"
"It's all true," Karliah explained. "Mercer has been stealing from the Guild for months, right under your noses. Gallus was investigating it before his murder."
Brynjolf took a deep breath, trying to keep himself in line. "Delvin," he commanded. "Open the vault."
Delvin looked at him with confusion for a moment, but then nodded. The five thieves made their way across the pool of the cistern towards the vault.
"So," Delvin said, somewhat awkwardly. "What's in the book? What's it say?"
Brynjolf took a deep breath, "It says Mercer had been embezzling funds from the Guild for years, without anyone knowing."
"That's impossible," Vex chimed in. "You can't get in without two keys."
"That vault has the best locks money can buy," Delvin continued. "He couldn't 'ave picked it, could he?"
"He didn't need to pick the lock," Roseleigha answered.
The Breton man looked at her woth confusion. "What's she talkin' about?"
"Use your key, Delvin." Brynjolf ordered.
Delvin did as he was told, inserting his key into the door of the vault. He gave the door a solid push, then walked back to the others, shaking his head. "I've used my key, but it's locked up tighter than a drum. Use yours, Brynjolf."
Brynjolf took another deep breath as he walked up to the door. He almost didn't want to do this, but knew it needed to be done.
Roseleigha approached Brynjolf silently, putting a hand on his shoulder for comfort. She could feel the anxiety in his veins as he twisted the key, finally pushing open the doors.
"By the Eight," he breathed in with shock. "It's gone, it's all gone!" By this point, he was nearly screaming. The entire room was empty, beginning to form cobwebs. He rushed into the room, almost checking it again for ensure his eyes were not lying. "Get in here, all of you!"
"The gold, the jewels... it's all gone!" Delvin exclaimed, running in behind Brynjolf.
"That son of a bitch, I'll kill him!" Vex screamed, drawing her dagger.
"Damnit, Vex, put that away!" Brynjolf raised his hand to her in an attempt to calm her down. "Keep your head on."
"Do as he says, Vex," Delvin joined in. "That won't be doin' us any good."
"Find," Vex spat out with spite. "We'll do it your way, for now."
Brynjolf began giving orders. "Vex, Delvin, watch the Flagon for Mercer. If he comes in, I want to know immediately. If he steps foot here, he's not going to leave." The two thieves nodded to him and left for the Flagon. Brynjolf turned to Roseleigha, then to Karliah.
"Bryn," Roseleigha started.
"No," he interrupted her. "I need you to check Mercer's house. Find any clues of where he is or where he's going. Kill anyone you must, I don't care."
With a swift nod, she headed to Riftweald Manor.
Brynjolf couldn't stand being in the cistern for another moment. His head was spinning, the world was upside down. He couldn't stand to listen to Karliah explain these things to him. From the real events behind Gallus' murder, to the Nightingales... He didn't know where to begin asking questions.
The chilling night water from Lake Honrich felt refreshing against his face. Though he had no idea how he got there, or how long he had been there, the Nord did not care. He needed an escape for a moment, to try and determine if he was in a twisted nightmare.
Laying back on the dewy grass and fallen leaves, Brynjolf looked up at the sky. The moons were out, fully visible without a cloud in the sky. He could not remember the last time he laid and looked at the stars. The strokes of colors along the sky looked at though they were all painted there masterfully. The green and orange of the sky contrasted beautifully to the autumn leaves of the Rift. Brynjolf took a deep sigh of the night air. Might be nice for a bath, he thought to himself.
Sitting up, he removed his gloves and chest piece of his armor. He moved closer to the edge of the water, cupping his hand and slowly pouring some down his arms. The water was frigid, but refreshing. Removing his boots, he scanned the area for wanderers and rogue thieves before undressing completely by taking off his trousers and loincloth. He sat in a shallow portion of the river, trying not to freeze too much.
The shocking cold of it all was enough to ensure him he was awake, though he wasn't sure that was a good sign. Mercer had guided him through much in his life. He was a father figure, a mentor, a role model, albeit an odd one. Mercer dedicated his entire life to the Guild, how could he steal from it?
"Knock, knock," a soft voice startled him. Grabbing his dagger, Brynjolf turned around to see a familiar figure leaning against a tree.
"Am i interrupting?" Roseleigha asked, a smirk on her face. "You were quite out of it,"
Brynjolf sighed, trying to recover his composure. "What do you want, lass?"
Roseleigha returned the sigh, the smirk quickly disappearing from her. "I'm sorry, Bryn," she moved close to him, taking a seat at the river bank not far behind him.
"What happened? Why didn't you come to me?" desperation filled his voice. He couldn't bare to turn around and look at her.
"Karliah and I... we're close. After my family passed, she took me in. She taught me everything I know. She's been haunted by this for so long, Bryn. I wanted to help her."
"Why did you hide? I could've helped you."
Roseleigha chuckled. "Come on, Bryn. I can tell you're still having trouble believing this is true. Like you'd believe me a year ago if I told you I was working with Karliah to help the Guild."
Brynjolf was stumped. She was correct, everyone in the Guild hated Karliah with every fiber of their being. If the Dark Brotherhood and Guild hadn't had an agreement to mind their own business, Karliah would be the most contracted kill in Skyriml.
"We set this plan for years," she continued. "Karliah needed information from the inside, and I provided it to her. She needed someone there, someone without reputation, but skill. Someone like me."
They sat in silence for a moment, neither sure of what to say. Brynjolf's original goal of clearing his head in the waters was now impossible to accomplish. He had more answers, but more questions as well. He didn't know what to think.
Roseleigha walked towards Brynjolf, now entering the water. During the silence, she managed to take off her clothes without a sound. He stared at her, mouth agape.
The glow of the moons against the water lit up her figure in the dark night. Her hair flowed freely against her snowy white skin, falling down to her slim waist. He pondered for a moment as to where all of her hair was hiding when she donned her armor, but his mind quickly focused on her breasts. They were full and round, her peachy nipples perked up from the cold. As she sat down, her waist submerged into the water, the tips of her hair swimming around.
"Been so long since I've bathed," she sighed, stretching her legs out in the water. She seemed to enjoy the cold waters as she smiled happily. Brynjolf continued to stare, speechless. Her smile disappeared. "Could you not?" she asked, cheeks flushed. "I can feel your eyes on me."
He laughed breathlessly, "What'd you expect? How could I not stare at you?"
She pulled her knees to her chest, resting her chin on them. "It's embarrassing."
"You're beautiful, Rosie. The most beautiful woman I've ever seen." She jumped slightly as his hand touched her cheek, brushing her hair from her face and tucking it behind her ear. He chuckled, never seeing her caught off guard before.
She looked at him, locking eyes. The milky emptiness of them were just as beautiful as she was. He could see reflections of the lake in her eyes in the darkness. He cupped her cheeks in his hands and rested forehead to hers, unsure if he could control himself. Brynjolf could feel the heat radiating from her body, despite the nearly freezing air surrounding them. His breathing quickened, his thumb stroked her flushed cheek. The number of things he wanted to do to her were running rampant in his mind.
As if to answer his desire, Roseleigha softly pressed her lips to his. Lust took over his body as Brynjolf grabbed her waist and pulled her towards him, their bodies pressed together tightly. The sweet touch of her soft lips against his felt like bliss, he wanted to bottle up the feeling and keep it with him forever.
The cold waters proved unfit for them as Roseleigha started to shiver. Without breaking the seal of their lips, Brynjolf scooped her up in his arms, one holding her close around the waist while his other hand firmly grabbed her butt. She answered by wrapping legs around his waist and her arms around his neck, pulling him deeper into the kiss.
Brynjolf placed her gently on the ground, having trouble getting her to let go of him. Now out of the cold water, he felt the blood finally flowing through his body, to his member in particular. Sitting down next to her, he continued the kiss, slowly moving his tongue into her mouth. A light moan escaped her lips as his tongue entered, causing lust to overtake him. Brynjolf moved on top of her and he pushed her to the ground, his body completely over hers.
Roseleigha's hands began moving over his body, stopping and feeling every detail and scar that decorated him. He followed her lead, taking his free hand to play with her breast. More moans left her mouth and entered his, encouraging him further. His fingers slowly moved towards her nipple, now completely erect. He pinched them softly and waited for a response. Roseleigha moaned louder and wrapped her legs around him, bringing both of their waists together. Brynjolf bit her lip as he felt her warmth between her legs come closer and closer to his member.
He could tell she was ready for him, but he wanted to keep this going as long as he could. Breaking lips and slowly moving down her body, he now locked lips with her nipple, making her squirm. Brynjolf smirked and looked up to her. Her back began to arch and her eyes were hazy with lust. Her hands moved from his chest, one to his head and the other to her free breast, stimulating her other nipple in rhythm with Brynjolf. His tongue circled around her nipple as he sucked on it, doing it slightly harder with every moan she gave.
He grabbed his member, now completely erect, and began stoking. He felt ready to burst, but tried to contain himself. He was ready for her. Gods, he waited so long for her. Now she was finally his.
"Bryn?" she said, a slight bit of fear in her voice.
"Yes, lass?" he responded.
"I've never done this before," she said shyly, not wanting to look at him.
He smiled, though inside he felt terrified. "It's okay. I'll be gentle, I promise."
She nodded, but he had no idea if he could keep that promise. He had never been with a virgin, typically it was all women he paid for and never saw again. He wanted her so badly; he wanted to claim every inch of her body, to give her a pleasure and euphoria she would never forget.
Brynjolf circled his member around her entrance, trying to keep cool. With a deep breath, he slowly penetrated her, warmth completely engulfing his member. Letting out a primal groan, he stopped to look at Roseleigha. Her face was scrunched up in pain, eyes closed.
"Are you okay?" he asked, worried. "Do you want me to stop?"
She shook her head and opened her eyes, tears beginning to form around the edges. "I'm okay," she finally whispered. "I want this, Bryn. I want you."
Those words sent him into a frenzy as he began moving. He felt her legs tighten around his waist, her walls closing in on him. His hips were no longer able to stop moving, her moans and yelps causing them to go faster. He couldn't stop himself at this point, even as her nails began to dig into his back.
"Gods, you're so tight," he gasped between thrusts. The warmth of her began to overtake him, her legs were shaking around him as she moaned with pleasure. Her walls clung to his member tighter with every thrust he made, squeezing him for all he was worth. Her back arched further, her hips completely off the ground. She was trembling.
Before long, his entire member was able to bury itself completely inside her, causing her nails to dig deeper into his skin. He could feel the blood welting beneath her claws, but he didn't care. Her body was completely his now, and nothing could keep him from claiming her.
He picked up his rhythm, now hitting her core with every thrust he had. Eventually, Roseleigha was screaming his name into the night. Each time she called for him, Brynjolf quickened his pace. He was no longer able to control himself, his mind and body no longer were one. He could feel his member beginning to pulse inside her, the walls of her making it even more painfully obvious what was about to come: him. With one more final thrust, his seed slowly filled her, spilling out and mixing with her orgasm.
Brynjolf collapsed on top of her, both panting and weakened from the moment of ecstasy. Roseleigha's arms and legs were still shaking as they wrapped around him. He was still inside her, though softening with each passing second. He wanted to be here forever.
The high of the orgasm was going away and Brynjolf returned to Nirn, hearing quiet sniffles from beneath him. Panicked, he pushed himself off the woman and looked at her, tears rolling from her eyes. His heart sank.
"Oh Gods," he whispered in a consoling tone. "I'm so sorry, Rose! I-I couldn't control myself. I didn't hurt you, did I?"
Roseleigha laughed, making him tilt his head with confusion. "I'm okay," she said, still giggling. "I'm just... so happy."
With a heavy sigh, Brynjolf laid next to her, his heart about to give. "You're going to kill me one day, lass."
She crawled closer to him, draping a leg between his and resting her head on his chest. Brynjolf pulled her closer by the waist, gripping her tightly. The stars above him slowly started to disappear as his lids closed over his eyes, finally able to rest.
