Diamond stirs the vegetable soup over the fireplace, while Libby finishes scaling the fish she caught. Diamond watches as she chops the head and dumps the entrails out the window. How could she do this, and still be squeamish about killing people? She even shot an elk on their way back.
After the girls escaped Markarth, they took the carriage all the way back to Riften without stopping. Paying off the driver was the thing, Diamond knew that, but Libby didn't say anything. They're now back in Riften, sheltered in the safety of Libby's home Honeyside.
During the ride, the girls talked but managed to avoid the topic of apologies. And as Diamond pours the soup into the two wooden bowls set up on the table, Libby cooks up a salmon steak, still without a word.
"So, you never answered my question." Diamond starts. She pulls at the blue robe Libby gave her, silk and warm, as she sits down at the table. Her hair pulled into a bun. "What were you doing in Markarth?"
Libby has her hair down and a fleecy nightgown on as she sets the salmon down. "I told you. I had jobs to do."
"That, and you also came looking for me." Diamond pries.
"I did." Libby admits, taking a spoonful of soup. "Because I knew you'd get in some kind of trouble."
Diamond sighs and takes a sip of water. Libby looks to her and sees the frustration. Libby puts down her utensils.
"And because I wanted to apologize." says Libby with a sigh. "It was wrong of me to yell at you, and for that I'm sorry."
Diamond's fork taps her bowl for a moment before she exhales. "And I'm sorry that I always get in trouble, and have a short temper, and that you always have to bail me out. I don't mean to, it just happens."
Libby smiles. "Thank you. And also, I'm sorry it you feel, under-appreciated. I, I known that everything I do, I always involve it with the Guild; and I'm trying to not do it as often. But please know that you're my best friend and you always will be."
"Awwww!" Diamond smiles and blushes. "Thank you. And maybe I could try and get into less trouble."
"That would be something." Libby teases. Diamond pokes out her tongue as she takes a bite of the salmon.
"Oh! And here." Diamond says with her mouth full.
"Don't talk with your mouth full."
Dia gets up and rummages through the pockets of her uniform. She pulls out a bloated coin purse. She tosses it to Libby and sits back down.
"What's this?" Libby asks.
"Part of my payment from the conract."
Libby's eyes widen. "She paid you all this?"
"I got the two for one deal. She paid me double the amount to take out two targets." Dia explains. "This is repayment for Whiterun, and for Rorikstead, and for Riften."
"When Riften?"
"Just now when I was buying some potatoes." Dia speeds through, gulping down water.
Libby chuckles and thanks Dia. She gets up and puts the purse in the drawer of her end table next to her bed. It was a miracle that the two managed to sneak back into Markarth to retrieve Diamond's payment from Muiri. Libby had shown Diamond a shadowmark that led to a secret passage within the stone walls of the city. It's located under a guard tower and leads to all the shops and homes of Markarth, and then exits by following the ricer out to the bridge.
Libby boasted about it's not a miracle, but skill, which is debatable but still, they got the coin.
Finishing their meal, Diamond retires to bed while Libby heads downstairs into the basement to spend some time in the Alchemy lab and Arcane Enchanter. Diamond forgets that Libby "works in the shadows", so her sleep schedule is a bit off. Diamond would always encourage her to rest, saying that even in broad daylight Libby wouldn't get caught.
Still, Dia lets Libby mix and enchant as she crawls into bed, burrowing into the sheets. For minutes she listens to Libby downstairs; mashing and mixing and pouring until she hears the clinks of new bottles of poisons and potions. These noises tickle her eardrums until her eyes drift shut and the darkness carries her down into sleep.
Libby's muscles feel stiff as she awakens to the morning, finding herself curled up in a chair in the room of her enchanter. On the table is her Daedric Bow, glowing an orange-red blaze; the light growing and fading like the thing was breathing, long and even breaths. She had spent nearly half the night perfecting the flame enchant on her weapon, then had fallen asleep in the basement.
Libby gets up and stretches out her arms and legs, then twisting her torso from side to side until she heard a crack and pop. Then she yawns and walks up the steps to the floor above and finds Diamond stretched out across the bed. Her one arm dangles over the side, her foot the other, and a light snore blows strands of her hair when she exhales. Even if Libby had gone to bed, she would've spend the night on the floor.
She rummages through the dresser next to her bed and fishes out a comb. After detangling her hair, she puts it into her normal braid down her back. Out on the patio, overlooking he lake and Goldenglow Estate, Libby had strung up their uniforms to dry after Diamond washed them last night. Pulling them off the clothing line, Libby goes back inside and folds Diamond's, and slips into her Guild uniform.
Starting up the fire, Libby goes back out to the patio to harvest the salmon strung along the banister by rope.
A tingle along Libby's spine makes her freeze. She cans sense danger before it happens.
Libby whirls around while snatching a dagger from her belt. It leaves her hand and sticks to the wood of the doorframe, nearly missing the hooded figure behind her table set. The armor of the Guild is what stops Libby from launching another. So instead she holds her dagger posed to strike.
"You're getting good, lass. Nice work." Brynjolf smiles. But Libby doesn't lower her dagger. Still, Brynjolf laughs. He holds up his hands. "Victory is yours. I submit."
Now Libby smiles and sheathes her dagger. "Never let your guard down until your enemy submits." She quotes.
"I've taught you well lass." Brynjolf says as he takes a seat at the patio chair.
"So, dare I ask why you're here? You only come here when you have a job or bad news." Libby nervously says as she sits across from him.
"Well it's a little bit of both." Brynjolf sighs.
"What is it?" Libby asks.
"Why don't you wake up Diamond and meet me in the Guild." Brynjolf says. He then gets up and leaves Libby.
Libby sighs and heads back inside. Diamond is still sprawled across the bed. A small trail of drool in the corner of her mouth. Libby chuckles as she rounds the bed. She places a hand on Diamond's shoulder and gently taps.
"Diamond." She whispers, hoping not to startle. She can't remember how often Dia sleeps with a knife. When Diamond doesn't respond, Libby shakes harder; her voice growing in volume. "Diamond. Diamond!" Libby shoves her, but Dia only rolls to her back.
Dia momentarily giggles and has a goofy smile on her lips. "Hehehe. Oh Cynric! Of course I'll marry you!" she mumbles with a smile.
Libby can't help but snicker as she sounds like she's had too much skooma. Not to mention she now can file that juicy tidbit away for later. "Diamond, come on!" Libby says. "We need to get to the Guild" Diamond only answers with a snore.
Libby groans in aggravation. She rubs her face with her hands and sighs. Rounding the bed so she faces the door to the patio, Libby grips the blankets and sheets in her fists. Then with one collective whip, she snaps the sheets and hears the thump of Diamond's body o9n the floor followed by her yelp of pain.
"Ow! What the hell?!" she hollers as she thrashes within the entanglement of cloth. When she finally throws it off, she glares at Libby; who stands with her arms folded. "What was that for?!" she growls.
"Brynjolf wants us to meet him in the Guild. Said it was important." Libby says as she steps over to the hearth.
"And you couldn't think to wake me gently?" Diamond says as she stands. "I think I landed on my hip."
"Please you've been hurt worse since. Give me a break." Libby retorts. "And I tried, and you weren't exactly responsive. Now get dressed. Your uniform's out on the deck, your weapons in the trunk downstairs."
"Is everything okay?" Dia asks as she tries to smooth her hair.
"I don't know. Brynjolf said it was a mixture of bad news." Libby answers. "He wants us in the Guild in a few minutes; so hurry up."
"Okay, okay. Ms. Bossy." Dia pesters. As she goes to retrieve her uniform, Libby slyly smiles.
"Oh and Diamond," she says. Diamond turns her head on attention. "I don't think Cynric's ready for marriage yet."
Libby's smile widens as she watches Dia's eyes widen, and her cheeks bloom a full red.
"Shut up!" Diamond squeals and she's met with Libby's hysteric laughter.
Once dressed and past Libby's tantalizing, Diamond follows Libby through the Square of Riften. She expects to weave through the crowd, dodging elbows and muttering "excuse me" the way he always does, but there is no need. Wearing her Guild armor has made Libby noticeable. The crowd parts for them, their eyes cling to her as she passes. Either Libby doesn't notice or doesn't care, because her face bears a ferocious dominating glare. She acts as through she's above them. Which given the circumstances, seems appropriate. Diamond follows close behind. The people lean into one another and whisper. Dia keeps her head high and even flinches to a local, who jolts back. Dia smiles; having Libby with her seems to make everyone treat her with more respect.
Libby keeps her head straight as they pass the Mistveil Keep. Guards' heads turn and Dia looks back without flinching. Once inside the graveyard just to the left of the keep, Libby tells Dia to keep a lookout while she enters the mausoleum holding a coffin with the emblem of the Guild on its side.
Dia listens as she hears the stone scrape slightly, then the loud clang of machine and stone as the coffin slides into the wall, revealing a staircase that leads to a small hole curving deeper into the mausoleum; like some oversize rabbit hole. As she strides down the stairs, the coffin slides back over their heads, entombing the girls. The space it all enough so both girls can stand straight. Libby twists and pulls the cover off and climbs feet first into the hole.
"Make sure the cover's secure." She calls. After Dia. Then she clambers into the dark space and is gone.
After a count of five, Diamond follows. She takes the lid in hand as her feet find the steps of the wooden ladder beneath her. Securing the lid, Dia takes careful steps down until her toes touch the wet dirt of the Cistern. Libby waits for her with her arms folded, but more with a nervous gait.
"What's wrong?" Dia asks.
Libby only continues to look forward and Dia follows her gaze. Mercer Frey, the Guild Master, stands at the epicenter of the Cistern with Brynjolf. His arms are folded and he looks more irritated than normal. Dia rubs Libby's shoulder and feels her relax only slightly. Libby can face bears, giants, trolls and even dragons without cowering. But if there's one thing Diamond knows she fears, it's an aggravated Mercer Frey.
"It'll be okay." Diamond assures.
Libby looks to her and gives her a ghost of a smile. She keeps her arms huddled tight as they enter fully into the Cistern. Light from the well located above at the center of the town, pours in. Its rays catch specks of dust as they drift in and out.
When Mercer looks to the girls, Libby's feet halt slightly, but with Diamond's little bump she pushes forward until they stand across from Mercer and Brynjolf. Brynjolf gives a small smile, and Diamond can't help but feel like they're about to be lectured b their parents for doing something wrong.
"Nice to see you Libby." Mercer says with a distraught tone. He looks to Diamond and nods. "Diamond."
"Look, whatever this is, I can assure you it was most likely my fault." Diamond suddenly blurts.
Mercer quirks and eyebrow in question while Brynjolf chuckles softly.
"You girls aren't in trouble." He clears. "We just wanted to discuss an issue with you."
Libby relaxes slightly but her muscles are still tense against Mercer's predatory gaze. The gleam in his eyes makes Libby question whether he'll punish her for mucking up, or claim her as his own.
Her curiosity on Brynjolf's statement keeps her voice from quaking. "What's the problem?"
"This has to do with the incident you two created in Markarth." Mercer scolds, folding his arms. Libby feels a ball of wax form in her throat, making it difficult to breathe. Diamond's heart triples in speed and her palms become sweaty. "Word is spreading that the Brotherhood and the Guild are working." Mercer continues. "And while it's true that we have connection with each other, I don't want the holds and guards to think that we're participating in each other's business."
"Someone apparently must've recognized you in your uniform, lass." Brynjolf directs to Libby. "And even though we don't know – or want to know – what happened, it was enough to start the rumor."
"Well, it's just rumors. They'll blow over." Libby speaks.
"Be that as it may, your mere stroll through the marketplace was enough to throw furl on the fire." Brynjolf says. "And while we're, happy, that you two have worked out your problems, we've decided it would be best if our factions stay separated for a while."
Libby's heart skips a beat and her brows instantly furrow. Diamond stares at Brynjolf for a second with a wide-eyed angry look, mouth agape.
"What?!" She exclaims. "You can't be serious."
"We're always serious." Mercer says. "Our factions need to be apart so that the rumor proves false."
"But we just made up!" Diamond preaches. "Do you, do you have any idea what we have been through?! This, this! This just goes against all revelation of the qualification and the justification. . !"
"What are you saying?" Brynjolf asks with an amused smile.
"I don't know, but it sounds legit and professional!" Dia says as she points her finger for emphasis.
Libby pulls Dia back and steps forward. "So, can we not see each other, or not be seen together in pubic?" she asks.
"You're more than welcome here in the Guild, Diamond. Since the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary is off limits to non-members." Brynjolf says. "But no, you girls can't be seen together in public."
"How long do we need to this?" Libby asks.
Brynjolf and Mercer tilt their heads toward each other, as if sharing a thought. Libby catches sight of the Dwarven sword tucked into Mercer's belt, the slides of its hilt painted red. The blade glows a deep red, pulsating like the blood is constantly flowing through it. And since it was designed to suck the life points of an opponent, the possibility is plausible. Libby shudders at the thought of its piercing her flesh.
"We presume only two weeks." Brynjolf finalizes.
"Two?!" Dia exclaims. "Come on! With dragons about, you really think that this rumor is bound to last more than two days?"
"Dia," Libby hushes.
"I've already spoken to your Mistress," Mercer says. "She agrees with the terms and says that she will find something to keep you busy, Diamond; since you can't seem to keep yourself still, and your mouth shut."
"We also have new assignments for you two Libby. So this way the two weeks will fly by." Brynjolf says to Libby.
"But let me make one thing clear," Mercer barks. "I don't want to see either of you together in public. Whether you're in Riften, Whiterun, Solitude, even Kynsgrove." He looks directly to Libby. "Do I make myself clear?"
Libby nods and huddles deeper into herself, her arms tightening around her torso. "Yes, I understand."
"Good. And now I think it's time we put your expertise to the test, Libby." Mercer says.
"Wait a moment, you're not talking about Goldenglow are you?" Brynjolf asks. "Even our little Vex couldn't get in."
"She's been with us for nearly twenty years, Brynjolf. So let her prove what she's learned." Mercer defends. He turns to Libby. "Goldenglow estate is critically important to one of our largest clients. However the owner has suddenly decided to take matters into his own hands and shut us out. He needs to be taught a lesson. Brynjolf will provide you with the details. And Diamond," Diamond looks to him. "It's time you head back to your family."
Without another word, Mercer turns and leaves. Dia is about to say something, but Libby stops her. "At least we can still hang out in the Guild." She perks.
"Yeah but what fun is that?" Diamond whines. "We can't kill bandits or raid houses down here. No offense Brynjolf."
Brynjolf shrugs.
"Well you can stay, you know." Libby suggests.
"And listen to a fun and sneaking mission that I can't join you on? That's just evil of you." Dia mocks. "I'll just head back home."
"You sure?"
"I'll be fine. Maybe, hopefully. Not really."
Libby laughs as she hugs and waves Dia goodbye. When her feet pass through the hole, Libby sighs.
"Well great meeting. See you." She chips.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa there lass. I'm not done talking to you yet. Get back here." Brynjolf snickers. "You feelin' better?" Brynjolf asks.
"I thought Mercer was gonna kill me. It's weird. It's like a relief, but disappointing." Libby answers with a nervous laugh.
"You two will be fine. I promise you. The worst is over." Brynjolf says. "Mercer would never kill you. You're too valuable to lose."
Libby smiles and leans into Brynjolf's shoulder as he pets her head. He never really was the fatherly type, but considering everything they've been through and the fact that he did raise Libby he's the closest thing she'll ever have.
But she wouldn't want it any other way.
"So, tell me about the Goldenglow Estate job."
"It's the small island you see from your patio. Goldenglow Estate is a bee farm; they raise the wretched little things for honey." Brynjolf explains. "It's owned by some smart-mouth wood elf named Aringoth. We need you to teach him a lesson by burning down three of estate's hives and clearing out the safe in the main house."
"What's the catch?" Libby asks.
"The catch is that you can't burn the whole place to the ground. That important client Mercer mentioned would be furious if you did."
"Makes sense. Good thing Diamond isn't here."
"Aye, and the last thing we want to be doing is crossing our clients." Brynjolf adds.
"What should I do about Aringoth?" Libby asks.
"Maven prefers that Aringoth remains alive, but if he tries to stop you from getting the job done, kill him. The Guild has a lot riding on this, so don't disappoint us. Not that I expect you to."
Libby nods and exhales heavily. "Okay." She breathes.
"You watch yourself on that island. Those mercenaries don't take prisoners."
Libby nods over her shoulder and heads to the Flagon to talk to Vex. He picks at her fingernails nervously as she rounds the corner to the bar. She finds Vex in her spot at the bar with a tankard filled with Black-Brier Mead. She notices Libby and smiles.
"So, did Diamond like the new arrangement?" she asks.
"Of course you know." Libby answers. "She decided to head back to the Sanctuary. Brynjolf said that Astrid had another contract for her."
"Oh." Vex takes a sip from her tankard. "Less of a headache for me."
"So, I heard you ran into trouble at Goldenglow."
"Hmph, yeah I did. That wood elf's wit . . . he's a lot smarter than I expected. Can you believe that fetcher had more than tripled the guard? There must've been eight of them in there. It was like he was daring us to come and get him."
"Well, now it's become my problem. Any tips to get me in there?" Libby asks.
"Well, there's an old sewer tunnel that dumps into the lake on the northwest side of the island. That's how I slipped in there. Should still be unguarded." Vex says.
Libby nods. She accepts a tankard from Vekel owns and operates The Ragged Flagon. She doesn't drink it. Vekel was once a resident of Honorhall Orphanage, and "continually got into trouble for concocting strange and powerful alcoholic drinks that kept his fellow orphans in a near continual stupor". He eventually ran away and saved enough from his burgeoning pickpocket career to afford the tavern.
"Vex, do you think I'm ready, for this?" Libby dare asks.
Vex is quiet and only looks to her. Libby gets a bubbly feeling in her stomach and prepares herself for Vex's ridicule. But the one corner of Vex's mouth twitches.
"I think it's about time they've given you a job. I was getting annoyed of seeing you wandering around all day while some of us have to really work." She says with another sip of her drink.
Libby's insides relax, and she has to bite her lip to suppress a smile. Even if that's the closest compliment Vex will ever give, it was more than Libby had expected. She chugs down her drink, and after a guttural belch, and praise from Dirge and Delvin, Libby gives her regards before heading back into the Cistern.