Five Threads

by El Stormo

Five people begin their own stories, finding their way in the world. But lives rarely leave each other untouched, and paths that run as high as they can, will sooner or later cross. When they do, some walk together, and others will do all they can to push the other off the path and into the depths. Reviews are much appreciated, members and guests, but please keep 'em spoiler-free.

65. First Thread Tied

First Thread Tied

"We're almost home," Karliah said, smiling.

"I know. It'll be strange, you know, the elections and all."

"Pft," Brynjolf blew. "With both of us backing you, it'll be a formality. Even Vex will have to admit that you're the best man for the job."

"I suppose," Falnas said. "But still. Never thought I'd make it to Guildmaster." He added quickly, "If I get elected."

"I told you not to be ridiculous," Karliah smiled. "You'll be Guildmaster."

The return to the Ragged Flagon was triumphant, and indeed, even Vex was happy to see them return, if only because it meant Mercer had been smacked down. She'd taken it the most personally of all of them, for whatever reason. Then again, she took everything personally.

After a meal, a drink and a bed, elections were held, and indeed, they were nothing but a formality, the decision made before a half hour was over.

Falnas immediately started to reorganise the Guild, expanding operations out of Riften and setting up fencing and smuggling lines as well as semi-legal business opportunities, like shops and charities, to transfer and increase the gold inflow. Initiates appeared again, only a few at first, but eventually enough to warrant a suspension on hiring. Some started freelance, but the Guild wouldn't be the Guild if they put a clear and sometimes slightly painful stop to that.

Delvin attributed it all to the curse having been lifted, and he was definitely partly right, but Falnas, in all modesty, couldn't deny being a capable Guildmaster, his second-in-command Karliah sticking by him every step of the way.

Their personal relationship was a bit more difficult, Karliah still being unsure of whether or not she was doing the right thing by moving on, but when they stood in the graveyard one day, looking at Gallus' tombstone, the clouds parted and a nightingale settled on the grave, giving a few cheerful chirps before flitting off again.

Falnas went inside, poured himself a mug of ale for lack of a better beverage, and smiled. He looked at his kingdom, he was finally there, to sit on his throne as the boss of the lair.