Brynjolf and I sat down for dinner later that night; he knew he was still in trouble after what happened earlier that day. I admit it is fun to torture him like this every now and then.

'This week has seen more gold come into the guild then the past four months,' Brynjolf said.

'And you thought helping the East Empire company was a bad idea,' I gestured to the Trading map that was tacked on the wall behind me, 'We put their rivals in Skyrim out of business and we know where all their trade routes and warehouses are if we want to "acquire" anything of significant value.'

'Like that,' he said pointing to the amulet around my neck, causing me to raise my hand to it. I took it out and looked at it closely in the warm candlelight. The bird was perfectly black, with rubies as its eyes and circular moonstone formed the moon. It was more than a token of love and affection from Brynjolf but acted as one of the badges and tokens that identified me as Guild master and leader of the Nightingale Order. The others being the Nightingale bow and blade, once belonging to my predecessor Gallus Desidinius. Brynjolf returned back to his salmon steak, the soft meat crumbling under the slightest pressure of his fork. I took a sip of my mead, enjoying the smooth and pleasant texture. I was preparing to take a spoonful of my stew but Brynjolf interrupted my by clearing his throat.

'Yes sweetie?' I asked.

'I was saving this for our anniversary but I feel our recent success is also worthy of it.' He lifted up a bottle of Flin. My eyes widening as I recognised the distinct bottle.

'I haven't seen that in years,' I gasped, 'At least not since I was in Valenwood. That must have cost a small fortune.'

'You would think so but the Jarl of Falkreath doesn't keep a good eye on his drinks.'

I held my breath as he poured us a goblet full each. I had forgotten the taste of it, not since my Master in Valenwood caught me having some of his personal stores.

'By the way how is our lustful young Jarl,' I asked as he passed me my goblet.

'As stupid as ever if you ask my opinion, but politics isn't our domain.'

'No it isn't, unless of course a client wants a political rival to be "involved" in illicit activity.'

Brynjolf nodded as I took a slow sip of the whiskey, letting the thrill if the first taste to come back. 'Ahh it's as good as I remembered.' I thought than came to my head. I finished my whiskey and stood up from the elaborate and ornate dining table. Brynjolf looked at my quizzically as I walked over to him and put a hand lightly on his shoulder. 'Come on. Let's have some fun.'

I woke up abruptly to find a darkness shrouded figure standing over me. I punched out at the intruder knocking them back a step allowing me to leap out of bed, realising I was half naked. How undignified, I thought. Regardless I snatched up my Dunmeri dagger and faced the intruder. A Khajiit, clad in the armour of the Dark Brotherhood. The commotion woke Brynjolf, who characteristically took a moment too gather himself, but quickly armed himself with my blade and moved to join my side. The assassin stabbed at my chest with his sword, I dodged to the right only to get my left arm grazed by his dagger. The pain flared up almost immediately. Poison. I gripped my hand tight to the wound and kicked at the assassin's chest. He jumped aside with all the nimbleness of his race but left himself open to Brynjolf, who tackled him into the wall and thrust the Nightingale blade up into the assassin's chest. I fell to my knees as the poison slowly took its hold. Brynjolf ran downstairs to retrieve a healing potion, rushing back to my side just before I lost consciousness and poured the potion down my throat. I opened my eyes slightly and coughed heavily.

'There you go lass, all better,' He said in a calming tone.

I coughed heavily again, 'I thought I told you not to call me that. Brynjolf smiled and kissed my forehead. 'You patronising git.'

'Spoken like a true Nord.'

I propped myself up against my side table and breathed heavily to get the air back in my lungs. Brynjolf checked the assassin's body for a contract.

'No contract.'

'Probably came here right after receiving it.' I coughed again.

'Take it easy now, we don't know what he had on his blade,' he stood up from the body, 'So the Brotherhood has been recruiting then. But the real question is who would order your assassination.'

'Nocturnal knows I've made enemies, I just thought we have sent a clear enough message.'

Brynjolf sat down next to me and put an arm around my shoulder, 'So did I.'

'Well the first thought that comes to mind is the Silver-Blood family, but they don't like any idea that threatens their business. A member of the Blue Palace is probably more likely. Thane Erikur isn't thought of highly there.'

Brynjolf sighed, 'I take it you're heading to Solitude then.'

'First I'm talking to Delvin about what he knows of the Brotherhood's recent activity. Then I'm heading to solitude.'

Brynjolf kissed the top of me head, 'You really expect Delvin to know something.'

'No, but I expect him to know enough to help me.'