When Aera woke, sunlight was streaming in through the hole in the Cistern's ceiling, illuminating the dust drifting lazily through the stale air. All around her, thieves were bustling about, getting dressed and having breakfast. She sat up and stretched.
"Good morning Guildmaster." A voice said. Looking up, she saw a fair-skinned, Imperial woman with silver hair walking past her bed.
"Good morning Vex." Aera replied.
Vex slowed, and finally stopped before turning around and giving Aera a look.
"You should talk to her." She said.
Aera looked up bleary-eyed. "Who? Lynne? Why should I? She's probably drunk again…"
Vex raised a pale eyebrow at her. "She's not usually drunk. Had a good day I guess, and wanted to celebrate. In fact, she's in the Flagon right now, just so you know." Vex turned, and left Aera staring and a blank, dusty wall. Finally she stood and walked into the Flagon, head held high. Sitting on one of the bar stools chugging down a flagon, was Lynne. Aera walked up slowly and sat down next to her.
"Morning." She said quietly.
"Mornin'." Lynne grumbled back.
"How are you feeling?"
The Breton smiled into her mug. "Not as good as I was last night." She looked up. "What do you want?" Aera smiled and tapped the counter for a drink.
"I thought we could try again. Last night you weren't at your best, and I believe in second chances."
Lynne chuckled. "That tends to happen when I drink. Sorry if I did anything you consider morally wrong, that's happened before."
Aera thought about what on earth this woman could have done that someone considered morally wrong, but dropped the thought quickly. "So how are you feeling? Not too hung-over I hope?" She asked.
The Breton shook her head. "I know how to hold my liquor." She replied, red curls bouncing.
"Aera!" A deep, accented voice yelled at her from across the Flagon. Delvin came running up to her, panting. He doubled over and held out a folded piece of parchment to her.
"This came for you, urgent letter from Maven Black-Briar." He wheezed.
Aera snatched the letter out of his hand and scanned it quickly. "Sorry ladies, I have to go. It seems Maven wishes to speak with me." She stood up, grabbed her things, and rushed out of the Flagon.
Once she had snuck out of the Guild, Aera headed up to Mistveil Keep. When she entered, the hall was bustling. Guards were shouting orders, and men and mer alike were speeding around in a blind panic. Maven herself was sitting in her throne massaging her temples while her son, Hemming, badgered her with information.
Maven looked up at her approach. "Ah, I'm glad to see someone can follow simple instructions around here."
"What exactly is going on?" Aera asked.
"There's been a break it. Someone has stolen the Neocresis."
Aera was confused. "Is that . . . a sword, or something?"
"No, it's a tome, actually." She responded. "It is ancient and has been in my family for many generations. I never touched it, but I know it is a dangerous book. It holds all sorts of dark rituals and magic. It is said to hold the door to our end, and the key to our future. But it is impossible to open, there is a lock, but no key."
"Then it sounds to me like I just need to fetch this book and return it."
"Not exactly. I said there wasn't a key because there isn't, at least, not a physical key. The only way it will open is when it senses the world is ready."
Aera was more worried now.
"There's more," Maven continued. "The other day, I went to deposit some things in the safe, and . . ." She sighed. "There isn't a way to put this so I don't sound like a madwoman, but I believe the book is alive somehow. It was glowing and . . . whispering, it seemed like. I didn't understand what it was saying, some language I don't recognize. But I fear it may be ready."
"Ready?" Aera asked. "Ready for what?"
"Ready to open."
Aera stood in silence. No one said anything.
Maven spoke. "I have reason to believe the Summerset Shadows are behind this. Possibly the Thalmor, if you follow the chain back enough."
The Thalmor behind the worlds destruction? The idea seemed outrageous. But given all that has happened of late, it wasn't out of the question. It seemed like everyone wanted to end the world these days. Maven handed Aera a small slip of parchment, upon it, a four pointed, gilded star was drawn.
"This was found in the book's case." She said. "It is our only lead."
Aera examined the paper. This was definitely the Shadow's logo, she remembered burning down a flag with the same image on it, but something just didn't make sense about all of this.
"Are you sure it isn't just a doppelganger?"
"We aren't. But that's where you come it. Find them. Find out what they are planning, and put a stop to it. If you can, bring back the book."
"Thank you, my Jarl. I will do my best." Aera bowed quickly and left the hall.
Aera headed back around the guilds entrance, head spinning. The sun was high in the sky now, but steel-grey clouds blocked most of its light. Small drops of rain misted her fur and a strong wind lifted her cloak around her. She hurried inside and packed up all her things, and anything else she could find. The last thing she needed was to go into this unprepared.
When Aera had last encountered the Summerset Shadows, true she had been a novice, but they were just beginning to form a guild but she was nearly killed and barely managed to crawled her way back to Riften in one piece.
Making sure she had all the required poisons, potions, and extra bandages, Aera threw her bag over her shoulder and made to leave.
"Where are you headed off to?" A voice asked. Aera whirled around and came face-to-face with Brynjolf, eying her curiously.
"A job, where did you think?" She replied.
"Normally you're much calmer about 'just a job'. Something's up, lass. What is it?"
Aera sighed. She trusted Brynjolf, and better to have at least someone know what she was up against in case she didn't come back. "Maven has informed me someone has stolen something from her; a family heirloom. A powerful book called the Neocresis. It's a book of dark magic. Apparently it will lead to the end of the world. And it's in the hands of the Thalmor."
Brynjolf looked shocked. "The Thalmor?"
"Actually, it's with the Summerset Shadows right now, but Maven suspects they are in league with them. It makes more sense that way actually."
"I thought you wiped them out months ago though?"
"We think they are reforming back at their old hideout. That's where I'm headed."
They shared a concerned moment before Brynjolf spoke. "I'm coming with you."
"No!" Aera's reply was harsh. She took a deep breath and continued. "I need you here to lead in my place. You are the only person I trust to do so. And should anything happen - ." He cut her off
"Nothing is going to happen. Trust me. Should I inform the rest of the guild?"
"There's no need. I plan to come back alive." She smiled at him and Brynjolf placed a hand on her shoulder in a reassuring manner.
"Good luck, lass!" He called after her as she rushed for the ladder out.
Before she could begin her climb, a hand grabbed her satchel and yanked her back to the ground. Aera turned around mouth open and temper rising ready to fire insults at whoever at stopped her, but paused when she saw Lynne looking slightly confused and holding a Stamina potion.
"You dropped this." She said. Aera snatched the bottle from her muttering a thanks and began climbing again. "Where are you headed in such a hurry?" Lynne asked.
"It's none of your damn business." Aera turned and glared at her.
"I'm just concerned for the well-being of my Guildmaster . . ." Lynne said airily.
When she didn't respond, the Breton leaned back against the wall, folded her arms and stated, "I'm coming with you."
"No, definitely not. You are staying here where you can be…watched." Aera said. "Besides, this is personal business and far too dangerous to bring an initiate along for."
"Personal business should never be dangerous business. So like I said, I'm coming with you."
Aera huffed. Lynne did have a point though. Maybe a mission as risky as this shouldn't be undertaken alone…
"Fine," She conceded. "You can come. Grab your things and meet me up top. I won't wait long."