Libby nervously waits in the room outside the Ragged Flagon. Being in the Ratways again is bittersweet. Libby has never felt more rejuvenated to be back in the one place she calls home; however whether or not she'll be welcomed with open arms is left to be decided.
There still hasn't been a sign of Diamond since she left the mansion. She said that she would be heading back to the Brotherhood Sanctuary, yet it's been hours, and twilight is soon approaching. Libby is dressed in her Nightingale uniform with Gallus's blade strapped to her side. She's looked at herself in the mirror a couple times with her hood up, and there's a conflicted feeling inside her gut every time. She normally dressed in the uniform of then Guild. And while this is sort of an, extension of that, it still feels misplaced, yet with it being her father's, it feels right.
"Libby, we need to get going." Karliah says as she enters the main hall.
"But Diamond said she'd be here." Libby retorts.
"I'm sorry Libby, but we need to go. We cannot waste any more time."
"But Diamond -"
"Diamond is late. I'm sorry but we need to go. Before Mercer realizes everything that's happened after." Karliah points out. "Perhaps she got hung up with the Brotherhood and can't make it."
"I suppose."
"How about this, I'll scout ahead while you wait for Diamond. But when the moon is at eleven, you need to come to the Ratway. I'm sure Mercer's gotten word of my arrival."
"Then the Guild will be expecting us."
"Perhaps me, but not you." Karliah says. "Come at eleven, no exceptions."
Libby has never seen Karliah so on edge; she's always so soft spoken. Mercer must be really getting to her now that they're revealing all they have to the Guild. She hasn't set foot in there since the death of Gallus. So Libby nods and sighs.
She sits at the dining table for her time, eating, drinking and cooking to pass. But still no one shows.
So she decides to, escape.
She explores through the woods on her property of Lakeview Manor. She shoots a couple dear and practices her archery with a special training mechanism. At least she knows where Diamond is.
When eleven comes and Diamond still unavailable, Libby has no choice. Leaving the manor, Libby tells her carriage rider to head to Riften.
The darkness has overtaken the city and with the carriage parked outside the stables, Libby climbs up over them and over the wall avoiding the guards up front. She runs along the stone top plate until she reaches the garden of Honeyside. She jumps down into the greenery and blends in with the shadows.
Keeping close to the walls, she makes sure to pickpocket a few of the guards she encounters before sneaking into the graveyard and to the mausoleum. Pressing the button, she coffin slides back into the wall, but when Libby goes to twist the cover, it's stuck. She tries again it doesn't budge.
"No, no." she whispers.
She's about to pound on the lid when she stops, realizing it'll give away her cover. Libby groans and slips out of the mausoleum and ducks under the architectural groins of the Temple of Mara before sprinting across the wood, hopping down to the lower level. Rounding about the Square, Libby makes it to the gates leading to the Ratway.
Easily maneuvering through the tunnels, Libby enters the door to the Flagon and is suddenly pleased as her eyes first find a merchant that's moved in just outside the Flagon. She then spots Karliah nervously leaning against the wall, arms folded. When she notices Libby, she approaches.
"I'm glad you're here. I think some of these people are beginning to suspect who I am." Karliah whispers.
Libby looks ahead and instantly feels her stomach twist. Usually Vex and Devlin are present, Vekel is there, but that's it. This isn't good. Libby's hands grow cold and they behind to shake.
"Are you ready to face the Guild?" Karliah asks.
"What it Mercer's in there?" Libby asks, her voice shaking, and she mentally slaps herself. Karliah places a calming hand on her shoulder.
"Then we show them Gallus's journal and hope for the best." Karliah says.
"Sounds like a confident plan." Libby remarks.
"We have evidence, all Mercer has is his word. Now keep your eyes open. I'm not sure what to expect when we enter the cistern."
As she begins walking ahead, Libby grabs her shoulder. "Wait! Maybe I should go first."
"What?"
"Like you said, they're not expecting me. Who's to say they won't cut you down on the spot without listening to you?" Libby asks.
"Who's to say they won't do the same for you? As far as they're concerned, you're just a trespasser. And they don't take too kindly to those." Karliah counters.
Libby is about to say something, but Karliah takes the lead and Libby follows. Libby decides to make her way around as Dirge approaches. He spots Karliah and is about to question her but Karliah immediately jabs at his throat and slams her foot into the side of his head. Before Vekel can call out, Libby jumps across the counter and slams a blunt weapon into his head, knocking him out cold. Libby looks to Karliah and she nods.
Catching up, they enter the Cistern.
Standing in the short tunnelway before it opens up into the Cistern, Karliah signals Libby to stay a little behind. Up ahead, Brynjolf can be seen with Delvin and Vex with their weapons drawn. Libby feels her hands grow clammy and her stomach plummets to the floor. Karliah walks ahead, and Libby stands by the door.
As soon as she enters the light, Brynjolf draws his weapons and Libby can see Karliah tense up.
"You had better have a damn good reason to be here after everything you've done." Brynjolf sneers through grit teeth.
"Please, lower your weapons so I can speak." Karliah says, though her tone quakes making it appear that she's begging to them. Libby approaches carefully behind her, still out of sight.
"There is nothing left to say, Karliah!" Brynjolf screams. "First you murdered Gallus, and now Libby! A nineteen year old girl!"
"Please Brynjolf . . . I have proof that you've all been misled!" Karliah calmly replies.
"No! No, I'm not listening. I don't want to hear it. I'm done listening!"
Brynjolf then charges forward and Libby feels her heart freeze. Without thinking, she lunges forward drawing Gallus's Nightingale blade. Brynjolf goes to slash at Karliah, and Libby jumps in front and blocks it.
The entire Guild seems to freeze as the metallic clang echoes throughout the Cistern. Libby had shut her eyes, and with her face being inches from Brynjolf, she slowly opens them.
Brynjolf watches as they slowly open, and two orbs of piercing emerald green gaze into his own eyes. His mouth agapes.
Within seconds, Libby pushes off, spins and knocks Brynjolf's blade aside then whirling down and kicking one foot out from under him, then nailing her foot in his diaphragm to knock him back a few feet from Karliah. Delvin helps Brynjolf to his feet who holds his stomach. Now Libby can see the entire cistern, all the members, Thrynn, Cynric, Vipir, Nuruin, Etienne. They're all armed to the teeth ready to attack.
Brynjolf grunts as he gets to feet, and Libby sheathes her sword.
"Who's this? Some lackey?" Brynjolf snarls.
Libby now stands in between him and Karliah. Libby raises her hands in surrender. She shifts her hand back, centimeter by centimeter, so Brynjolf doesn't notice. Her hand reaches the edge of her hood.
"Brynjolf" Libby speaks. "Please."
Brynjolf instantly freezes and his face goes from feral to confusion instantly. His grip on his dagger loosens and Libby moves her hand and normal pace.
Vex readies to launch but Brynjolf stops her. "No, no."
Vex looks to him confused and angry, but Brynjolf takes careful steps towards Libby.
"C-can it be . . .?"
Libby keeps her hands steady, her fingers shaking with anticipation. She closes her fingers around her hood and pulls it back. She simultaneously pulls off the mask covering the lower half of her face. The fabric falls with a soft hush and the cool breeze of the water in the Cistern blows across the sweat gathered on Libby's forehead. She sighs and flips her hair out and over her shoulders. It falls in a black curtain of waves and she tucks a few strands behind her ears.
Vex and Delvin stare in shock and disbelief, and Libby can see Vex's eyes glisten, but no tears spill over; though she nearly drops her dagger. Delvin's eyes widen and his mouth drops open.
Libby's exhale of breath shakes and she swallows thickly. "Hi Brynjolf."
She had meant to say it louder, but it comes out as a whisper and instantly she feels her eyes moisten with tears. Libby blinks them away and forces herself to talk more.
"N-now I know what you're going to say, Brynjolf. How could I do this? Make you worry and, and team up with a traitor; but you know she isn't a traitor and I needed to do this . . ."
Suddenly the words are there, tumbling over themselves in a rush to be heard. Meanwhile, Brynjolf drops his dagger and approaches Libby. Libby has half a mind to takes steps back, but she holds her ground but feels Karliah taking steps back as he comes closer.
"S-stop acting so stoic, Brynjolf!" Libby squeaks. "Yell, scream, get angry, do something!"
Brynjolf is now standing right in front of Libby and when she blinks, tears stream down her cheeks and sear her cheeks. Brynjolf extends out a hand, and Libby doesn't cower from it. She clamps her lips tight and shuts her eyes as she feels his callous palm press against her cheek.
"I never thought I'd see you again." She hears him speak. It is soft and catches at the end. "I've missed you so much."
Brynjolf, whom Libby has never seen cry, has tears in his eyes.
That's it.
Libby's vision goes blurry with tears and she throws herself into Brynjolf. She sobs loudly and falls apart in his arms. All the pain she's felt about abandoning the Guild, stabbing from Mercer, and conspiring with Karliah, all flows with her tears. Brynjolf's arms wrap around her tight, coiling her into his chest and she can feel him nuzzle into her shoulder. One hand strokes her hair while the other keeps her pressed against him. Libby grips back tighter, memorizing the feel of Brynjolf's strong arms as they wrap about her. Arms that have made her feel safe all her life. Arms she trusts.
Over Brynjolf's shoulder, she can see Delvin wipe at his eyes and sniffle. Finally they pull away and Brynjolf cups Libby's face with his hands, wiping away her tears with his thumbs. Libby giggles and sniffles and tries to wipe them away, but Brynjolf leans in and kisses her forehead. Libby giggles more and sighs. Then she diverts to Vex who hugs her without hesitation. She chuckles and pats Libby's back.
"You little minx." She teases.
"But, how . . . why did . . ." Brynjolf stutters.
"Karliah saved me, Brynjolf." Libby interjects. "She saved my life when Mercer tried to take it away. She deserves to at least talk."
Brynjolf looks to Libby shocked, and then sighs. He looks to Karliah. "No tricks, Karliah or I'll cut you down where you stand; even if you saved Libby. Now what's this so-called proof you speak of?"
"I have Gallus's journal. I think you'll find its contents disturbing."
"Let me see." Brynjolf demands.
Karliah approaches and Libby takes Gallus's journal and hands it to Brynjolf. He flips through it and his eyebrows narrow.
"No, it . . . I can't be." He mutters. "This can't be true. I've known mercer too long . . ."
"It's true, Brynjolf. Every word." says Libby.
"Mercer's been stealing from the Guild for years, right under your noses." Karliah says.
Brynjolf looks to Libby who only nods with a concerned look on her face. Brynjolf grunts. "There's only one way to find out if what the lass says is true. Delvin, I'll need you to open the vault."
Without waiting, Brynjolf turns and starts to head towards the vault. "Wait just a blessed moment, Bryn. What's in that book? What does it say?" Delvin demands.
"It says Mercer's been stealing from out vault for years. Gallus was looking into it before he was murdered." Brynjolf explains.
As they cross the stone bridge straight ahead, Libby looks around at the other members. They're mouths hang in disbelief, and eyes cling to her face and body. As far as they knew – and she's sure they knew – Libby died no less than two weeks ago.
She looks to see Cynric and Rune on her left, bow and dagger in hand. Rune drops his weapon on the stone and sprints towards Libby. Cynric flinches forward, debating on whether to follow. Rune reaches for Libby, but Cynric catches up and sets a hand on Rune's shoulder to stop him. Libby feels a surge of gratitude, though still she reaches out and quickly grips Rune's fingers before following Brynjolf.
"How can Mercer open up a vault that need two keys? It's impossible." Delvin denies. "Could he pick his way in?"
"That door has the best puzzle locks money can buy. There's no way it can be picked open." Vex says, and with her being the master infiltrator in the Guild, that's saying something.
"He didn't need to pick the lock." Karliah murmurs.
"What's she on about?" Delvin asks.
"Use your key on the vault, Delvin. We'll open it up and find out the truth." Brynjolf says.
Delvin walks over to the double iron doors that lead into the vault. They're at least three inches thick of raw metal, and Libby recalls that the doors won't even open against the Thum'm of a Dragonborn. He knows, he checked. Libby has only ever seen the inside of the vault once, and that was in Mercer and Brynjolf's presence as as they were taking inventory of the weapons. There's a clink and a tap.
"I've used my key, but the vault's still locked up tighter than a drum." Delvin says. "Now sue your."
Brynjolf, who's been clutching Libby's hand the entire time, releases and approaches the doors. Libby grips her arm as Brynjolf inserts his key. The doors swing open and he steps inside.
"By the Eight!" he shouts. "It's gone, everything's gone! All of you get in here!" he orders.
Libby is the first to react and dashes inside. Stepping over the threshold, she skits to a stop next to Brynjolf. Numerous chests are left open with nothing but small dust particles gathering in corners. Tables meant for expensive and exquisite weapons now are bear with only a steel mace and dagger left. Shelves are left with barely any books and strongboxes that held precious gems are empty. Libby walks all around the vault and stares in shock.
"The gold, the jewels . . . it's all gone." Delvin breathes in disbelief.
"That son-of-a-bitch! I'll kill him!" Vex screams drawing her dagger.
"Vex! Put it away . . . right now." Brynjolf demands.
Vex snarls and nearly growls into her teeth.
"We can't afford to lose our heads . . . we need to calm down and focus." Brynjolf adds.
Libby instantly grabs Vex's wrist and slowly lowers it down. Vex looks to Libby, and her snarl slowly fades away as she looks to Libby.
"Do what he says Vex." Libby whispers.
"This isn't helpin' right now." Delvin adds.
Vex sighs and sheathes her dagger. "Fine. We do it your way. For now."
Brynjolf wraps an arm around Libby's shoulder. "Delvin, Vex . . . watch the Flagon. If you see Mercer, come tell me right away." he orders.
"If I see Frey, I'll pluck his eyes from his skull with my bare hands!" Vex growls.
Libby looks to Karliah and smiles. Karliah shyly smiles back. Delvin and Vex disperse and Karliah follows. Libby is about to go, but Brynjolf's arm stops her. She looks to him and he pulls her over to a bare table. He hugs her again tightly and kisses the crown of her head. Libby smiles and nestles into the crook of his neck.
"I'm so happy you're back." He whispers.
"Me too. I'm sorry." Libby replies.
Brynjolf pulls back and tucks a few hair behind Libby's ear. "Don't be. You had good reason."
He boosts her up like a child onto the table, and Libby doesn't resist; she simple folds her legs and places her hands in her lap.
"Look, before I have you help track Mercer down I need to know what you learned from Karliah. I mean everything." He says.
Libby nods. "Well first, and obviously, Mercer killed Gallus, not Karliah."
Brynjolf chuckles. "Aye. I feared that was the case. From that last entry in Gallus's diary, it looks like he was getting close to exposing Mercer to the Guild. Anything else?"
"Um . . . well, Gallus, Karliah and Mercer were Nightingales."
"Nightingales? But, I always assumed they were just a tale . . . a way to keep the young footpads in line." Brynjolf says.
"Well, that explains my uniform." Libby motions to her black armor and cloak.
"Aye, I can see that. Certainly something I've never seen before. And I've seen everything. Was there anything else she told you?"
"Karliah and I were behind Goldenglow and Honningbrew." Libby admits
Brynjolf chuckles and lightly pinches Libby's cheek. "Trying to make Mercer look bad in front of Maven, eh? Clever lass."
Libby laughs.
"Was there anything else?"
"Mmmm, nope, that's it." Libby confirms.
"There is still one thing." Brynjolf insists.
"What?"
"Gallus is your father."
Libby feels her heart swell and swallows. Still she nods.
"He mentions you in a few entries." Brynjolf smiles. "And he would be proud of you."
"I hope you're right." Libby says.
"Well then, I have an important task for you." Brynjolf says. Libby hops down and leans her waist against the table. "I need you to break into Mercer's home and search for anything that could tell us where he's gone."
Libby gives him a looks of surprise. "He has a house in Riften?"
"Aye. A gift from the Black-Briars after they kicked the previous family out . . . a place called Riftweald Manor. He never stays there, just pays for the upkeep on it. Hired some lout by the name of Vald to guard the place." Brynjolf explains.
"Okay, I'll take care of it." Libby promises. She goes to leave when she feels Brynjolf's hand take her arm. She looks to him and finds his lace etched with concern.
"Be careful, lass. This is the last place in Skyrim I'd ever want to send you." Brynjolf says. "Just find a way in, get the information and leave. And you have permissions to kill anyone that stands in your way."
Libby nods and hugs Brynjolf.
"Maybe I should get someone else to do it, you've been through a lot." Brynjolf starts. Libby looks to him and gives him a smirk, quirking an eyebrow. "Okay, okay. Be careful at Mercer's place, I don't want to lose anyone else to that madman."
Libby smiles and hugs Brynjolf again, wrapping her arms around his neck. Brynjolf returns her hug and sighs into Libby's hair. "I'll be careful. I promise." She pulls way. "But how will I get inside?"
"There's a special kind of contraption I remember seeing on his deck. Said he installed it to make for quick escapes. One good shot should bring it down." Brynjolf explains.
Libby nods and leaves the Vault. She finds Karliah at the epicenter of the cistern, gazing at the floor, her eyes fixed on something with intensity. Libby trots up and when Karliah lifts her head, she gathers Karliah in a hug. Karliah giggles and it sounds like it's mixed with a sob.
"We did it." Libby breathes.
"Seems we have. But you and I are far from done."
"Only when Mercer's dead." Libby says. Karliah nods and exhales deeply. "I'm going to head to his house. Are you going to be okay, here?"
Karliah shrugs. "I suppose. I mean, we've proven everything, and I'm sure you've told Brynjolf everything, that I've at least told you. I should be fine. You be careful in Mercer's place."
Libby nods and heads for the sewer entrance. She stop in front of Thrynn and Etienne and gives them both hugs. Both grip her tight and squeeze as tight as Libby squeezes them. Climbing up the ladder and unlocking the sewer entrance she sticks to the back road of the graveyard. Knowing how the Guild is built within the Ratways, Mercer's house should be close enough so that can sneak underground instead of having to maneuver through the graveyard.
Libby finds the house literally a stone's throw away from the mausoleum. The gate is locked and Libby can see Vald leaning against the brick wall of stairs. Libby picks the lock effortlessly and opens the gate. Its rusty hinges attract Vald's attention and Libby ducks behind the brick wall as he approaches.
Holding her breath, back pressed against the stone, Libby creeps up behind Vald and manages to snatch the key to Mercer's house. Sneaking into the yard, but still pressed against the wall of the gate, Libby can see the contraption. Shooting it, the bridge slams down and once again Vald is led into the yard.
"Who's there? Come out where I can see you!" he demands.
Libby looks around and finds an empty mean bottle kicked to the side. Feeling in the dirt, she pulls it free and keep crouched low. Flipping so she has a firm grip on the neck, she aims high and throws it. It lands smashing against the basement door and Vald is now on high alert.
"Come out!" he demands.
As he goes to investigate, Libby swoops up the stairs and into the home. Unlike Mercer, Libby has morals.
The door takes her into an old second floor storage room with crates and barrels of food and supplies. Libby can't help but help herself to a few things like candelabrums and picture frames and perfume bottles. As she opens the door, there's a bandit marauder sitting at the bench. Libby grips and spins out her blackjack.
A blackjack is a small, easily concealed club consisting of a leather-wrapped lead weight attached to the end of a leather-wrapped rigid shaft, with a lanyard or strap on the end opposite the weight. This weapon works by creating kinetic energy in the dense core, via the spring handle, during the swing. When directed at the head, it works by concussing the brain without cutting the scalp. This is meant to stun or knock out the subject, although head strikes from blackjacks are regularly fatal.
Libby finds another wine bottle in the storage and aims it at a corner behind the bandit. She throws it and it crashes spurting red water all over the floor. The bandit jumps and looks around drawing his weapon.
"Is someone there?"
Libby swoops in as he gazes at the puddle of wine wondering how it might've fallen. Libby rises and he peers over his shoulder in time for Libby to get a perfect jab of her blackjack. Perfect hit to the dome, and the bandit falls. Libby catches him and pulls him back avoiding the puddle, but still drags his body to a small narrow closet behind the wall.
"If I were a Guild Master, my plans would be stashed way either in the basement, or a hidden room." She mumbles to herself. "I'd better start looking."
She finds a small stairway leading to the basement where there are lights on and another bandit sitting at a dining table. Candles are lit on some tables and Libby manages to creep over and with a swoop of her hand the flames are out. Libby observes the chain link to the fixture and readies an arrow. The arrow slices through the chain and it crashes to the table, splurting food fire and shards of glass over him. He screams and Libby instantly, silently dashes into a set of double doors. Closing them behind her while the bandit is still grunting and screeching in pain, Libby finds herself in an office.
A thick wood pillar is at the center and seemingly seems to be supporting the entire room. There's a fireplace on the left wall and throughout are wardrobes and shelves with bowls and troll skulls and a desk with a book and a dagger. Libby manages to find a coin purse as she scours the room. Knowing Mercer, something had to be hidden here. After looking at one wardrobe, Libby finds the other bolted to the wall. Knocking on the back panel, it slides back revealing a hidden staircase.
Further down is an office with a giant hole in the wall leading to an underground passage that's sure to connect to the Ratways. Libby turns left before coming to a room with pressure-plated floors. She first tosses a rock onto the plate and within seconds a fire spout roasts the thing in seconds.
"Gods damn you, Mercer." Libby mumbles.
She carefully navigates through the room with little hops, sometimes landing on one foot, teetering slightly, sometimes risking a few steps. At one point, she launches up in the air, over a small spout and lands on her tiptoes. But Libby overshot slightly, and her momentum throws her forward. She gives a sharp squeal as her hands hit the stone, but nothing happens. In a moment, she's regained her feet and continues until she has reached the other side of the room.
Coming to a long passageway, Libby makes another left coming to another passage with barrels and boxes scattered about. There's a sudden metallic clang and rumble and as she's in the doorway, a big axe swings out from the side. Another comes out and another along with a few battering rams.
"Fuck me up, down and sideways." Libby curses.
She watches the weapons for a moment, timing it properly. She leans down and preps one foot in front of the other like she's seen at races. She aims her vision high and when the aces swing out, as they retract, Libby dashes for the middle of the room. She just passes a battering ram and slaps her back to the wall. Once the axes swing out again, Libby dashes again to the other side. She heads down a steep slope and finds a door at the end with a little wire pulled taut at the bottom left corner.
Libby keeps close to the wall and opens the door. Instantly steel arrows shoot from two holes above the doorway. They shoot to quick that they blur together into a single arrow flickering with every blink of an eye. It only lasts three seconds, but in those three seconds, Libby could tell at least thirty arrows were shot in those single rounds.
She comes to a secret office that was undecorated, and built into the stone. A single table is against the wall with gold a few books and a bowl of jewels and jewelry. Around the legs are a couple of burial urns and on the one side is a display case with a unique looking glass sword inside. Then there's a bookshelf on the far wall with a few books an bowls and a deer skull.
The table also has a map with a red X marked on a foreign place Libby didn't recognize. Bingo. She snatches the map, rolls it tight and after picking the lock on the display case, makes off with the sword and whatever other valuables she could find; including a bust of the famous Grey Fox.
She then makes her way through more tunnels leading into the Ratway until she reaches the Guild. The door's led her to the opposite side of the Cistern from Mercer's desk. She finds Brynjolf hovering over it while the other members go about their business, though they seem more on edge on guarding the place from Mercer.
"Hey," Libby says as she jogs over the Brynjolf.
"Hey, look we've scoured the town and I've spoken to every last contact we have left. No sign of Mercer. Any luck on your end?"
"No, wasn't there; but id di find these plans." Libby says as she hands over the map to Brynjolf, while also placing the bust of the Grey Fox on the table. She makes note to speak to Delvin about it later.
"Shor's beard! He's going after the Eyes of the Falmer? That was Gallus's pet project." Brynjolf exclaims. "If he gets his hands on them, you can be certain he'll be gone for good and set up for life."
"Then we have to stop him." Libby retorts leaning her palms on the desk. Her tone is confidence and lined with fierce determination.
Brynjolf can't help but smile. "Agreed. He's taken everything the Guild has left, and to go after one of the last greatest heists is just an insult."
Libby looks around and finds Karliah mingling with Rune and Etienne. "So, what about . . ." Libby trails off but point a thumb over to Karliah.
"I've spoken to Karliah, and made amends for how the Guild' treated her. Now she wishes to speak with both of us." Brynjolf explains.
"Alright, come on." Libby says as she leads Brynjolf to the epicenter of the Cistern. Karliah stands and Libby still in her Nightingale uniform stands next to Karliah.
Thank you for meeting with us, Brynjolf. And I promise to you, and Libby, all your questions will be answered. You just have to trust me." Karliah says.
"Aye, lass . . . and I've come to a decision." Brynjolf looks to Libby and Libby automatically takes his hand and is pulled to stand at his side. Libby can feel his thumb stroke her skin and he looks to their hands as he lifts his head and speaks. "Mercer Frey tried to kill both of you, he betrayed the Guild, murdered Gallus and made us question out future. He needs to die."
"We have to be very careful Brynjolf. Mercer is a Nightingale, and Agent of Nocturnal." Karliah says.
Brynjolf looks to Libby, releases her hand and steps back to gaze at her in her black armor. "So it is true. All of it. Everything I heard in stories. The Nightingales, their allegiance to Nocturnal, and the Twilight Sepulcher."
"Yes. That's why we need to prepare ourselves and meet Mercer on equal footing." Karliah says. "Just outside of Riften, beyond the Southeast Gate is a small path cut up the mountainside. At the end of that path is a clearing and an old standing stone. Libby has already been there, so I'd ask that you'd follow her there."
"Of course." Brynjolf easily agrees.
"Then I will see you both there."
"Can't we all travel together?" Libby asks Karliah.
Karliah leans close to Libby as Brynjolf heads back towards the desk. "I think it'd be best if you went with Brynjolf."
Libby looks to Brynjolf and can see why. His eyes seem more puffy than normal, as if he'd spent multiple nights crying, along with faded bags under them as well. Libby's fake death seemed to have more of an effect on him than he allows to show. Still, Libby's known him like a father since she was a wee lass, as he would say. And Libby's always looked to him like her father. He taught Libby everything she knows about larceny and truly made her believe she had a home and family once more. Libby decides to give him anything he could need, it's the least that she could do after everything he's been through. No doubt it had to have been the roughest he's ever faced.
Without another word, Libby jogs over to Brynjolf and when he notices her, she hugs him again. It seems repetitive, but Libby doesn't know of any other way to express her love for him. He isn't the touchy-feely according to other members, still he manages to let his softer side show for Libby. She and Brynjolf leave the Guild and leave for Honeyside to stock up on supplies.