Night fell and the cistern was quiet again. Shadows danced on the damp bricks and the torches crackled softly. A small candle gently illuminated Mercer's desk and his page flipping was drowned out by the soft burbling of the water that flowed slowly under the cistern. Time was running out to make the final arrangements necessary in securing his exit from the Guild and Skyrim.

The quill pen stopped its dance and Mercer raised his eyes under his brows to see Brynjolf standing in front of him, yet again.

"I want to know what's going on, Mercer." Brynjolf lay another pile of notes on the desk, "Is there something I can help you with? I've noticed you've been especially short lately. Angry, even. You haven't started on the skooma again?"

"I'd appreciate it if you'd mind your own business, Brynjolf." Mercer sneered.

"Hmph." Being called by his full name in private caught Brynjolf off guard for a moment. "I don't think so. Not anymore. Something's happened…or going to. I can feel it. You know something and you can trust me with your life. You know this, Mercer."

Mercer dropped his pen and inhaled sharply, "Agh, fuck, Bryn…" he massaged his eyes with his finger and thumb, thinking about how to explain himself. "I guess there's no point in keeping things from you any longer. I'll clue you in, but not here. Head over to my place, I'll be there shortly." Mercer didn't look Brynjolf in the eye and got back to writing his letter once more.

Brynjolf sat alone for a long while in Riftweald Manor, awaiting Mercer to tell him everything that was going on. He eyed the fire dancing in the it's rocky bed as he sipped a bottle of ale. Mercer leaned up against his home outside, looking up at the star peppered sky, trying to figure out a way to explain everything to Brynjolf. He couldn't know everything, not now. Mercer rotated his shoulders and stretched his jaw before heading inside.

Brynjolf stood quickly, hearing Mercer enter through the back door. "Mercer." He held out a bottle of ale. "Glad you could make it."

Mercer took the bottle and looked at it for a moment. "Well, let's get this over with. Have a seat." They sat side by side in front of the fireplace in silence. Brynjolf patiently waited until Mercer was ready to talk.

"What you say, stays with me." Brynjolf tried to reassure his partner.

"It's…Karliah. I think she's back and, I know that when she makes her grand entrance, she'll try to have me killed for seeing her exiled."

"Karliah? But I thought she…"

"Well apparently not. Do you remember that bill of sale from Goldenglow? Well, it mentions Gulum-Ei, an ex-affiliate of the guild. I'm sure you remember that slimy, Argonian handbag."

"Aye, I do."

"I got ahold of some of my contacts in Solitude and it was overheard that a certain Dunmer woman had it out for the Guild, and more specifically, me. She was heard talking to a certain Argonian at the Solitude docks quite recently. At first, I didn't think it could really be her, but I received a threatening letter today…quite personal, actually…" Mercer growled, "My suspicions grew as I read the contents, as it also contained the same symbol from the bill of sale and also some other… very specific information." He took a long drink from his ale bottle.

Brynjolf stayed quiet for a while, thinking about the death of Gallus and exile of Karliah. "But…why? What does she hope to gain?".

Mercer looked at Brynjolf, hesitant to release more information. "You know how I've always wanted leave Skyrim for good." Brynjolf cocked his head slightly, confused. "Well, I think it's time I told you the truth."

"Go ahead, I'm listening."

"Back then, I was young and naïve. I remember always wanting to be more than a partner to Karliah, and for a very short time, we were physical together. Unfortunately for me, Gallus also had his eyes set on her. How could she resist him? Leader of the Guild, rich…good looking." Mercer mumbled. "Anyway, I had made my fortune, I was ready for my way out. I wanted to return home and prove to my family that I wasn't a worthless pile of mammoth dung. My stint with the Imperial army wasn't enough to convince them I could be a productive or successful member of society, but if I returned home with my own fortune, they might not see me as a good-for-nothing-at-all any longer. However, Gallus wouldn't let me leave. We had sworn an oath, as N-"Mercer stopped himself ,"-as official Thieves Guild members."

Brynjolf listened intently, "He wouldn't let you leave?"

"No. All he had to do was look the other way. But he couldn't just leave well enough alone. I always felt like he wanted to rub his relationship with Karliah in my face. One night, I decided to walk away, without their permission. I was stopped in my steps by Gallus, who insisted I recite my oath. I wouldn't do it and he drew his blade on me. I had no choice, he knew he was outmatched, but he tried to end me where I stood. I drew my blade and cut his throat with a single swing."

"Wait," Brynjolf blinked in disbelief, "You're telling me…you killed Gallus?"

"I did." Mercer was prepared for any reaction Brynjolf might have. Brynjolf stayed quiet for only a moment.

"Then what happened?"

Mercer's shoulders sank in relief. "Unfortunately, Karliah had been watching from nearby. She obviously didn't appreciate me taking out her lover so coldly. She drew her blade and we engaged in combat. It must have been hours…I managed to overpower her and held my blade to her throat. She didn't flinch. I had also loved her once and wasn't able to draw her blood quite so easily. Instead, I gave her a chance to leave and never come back. At least if they were no longer part of the Guild, I could carve out my own way. I decided to stay and lead the Thieves Guild. Obviously, people wouldn't understand the nature of our little trinity and my only option was to pin the murder on Karliah…to keep it short and sweet…" His voice trailed off.

"I see." Brynjolf looked to the floor. "Does anyone else know about this?"

"No." Mercer answered plainly. "Obviously, if Karliah were to return, she would let everyone know the truth…her truth."

"Your secret is safe with me, Mercer. I'll follow your leadership to the end." Brynjolf stated plainly and began stripping off his clothes.

Mercer watched quietly until Brynjolf was completely naked, standing by the bed. "Tales of lies, murder and thieves get you going, huh?" Mercer chuckled to himself.

Brynjolf smiled, "Only if you're in it."