Just a Skyrim fanfic: Extended cut

Becoming a nightingale

(In a clearing outside of Riften)

(Leonidas, Brynjolf, and Karliah are gathered)

Karliah: Good. You're here

Leonidas: What's the significance of this place?

Karliah: This is the headquarters of the nightingales. Cut into the mountainside by the first of our kind. We've come to seek the edge we need to defeat Mercer Frey

Brynjolf: What kind of edge?

Karliah: Follow me. I'll explain on the way

(Leonidas, Brynjolf, and Karliah head inside the nightingale hall)

Leonidas: Wow

Brynjolf: So this is nightingale hall. I heard about this place when I joined the guild, but I never believe it actually existed

Karliah: The assumption that the nightingales were just a myth was seeded within the guild on purpose. It helped divert attention from our true nature. What's wrong, Brynjolf? I can almost hear your brow furrowing

Brynjolf: I'm trying to understand why I'm here, lass. I'm no priest. And I'm certainly not religious. Why pick me?

Karliah: This isn't about religion, Brynjolf. It's about business. This is nightingale hall. You're the first of the uninitiated to set foot inside in over a century. Now if you'll both proceed to the armory to don your nightingale armor, we can begin the oath

(Leonidas, Brynjolf, and Karliah head to the armory and suit up)

Leonidas: I like the feel of the armor

Brynjolf: Ok lass. We've got these getups on. Now what?

Karliah: Beyond this gate is the first step in becoming a nightingale

Brynjolf: Woah there. I appreciate the armor, but becoming a nightingale? That was never discussed

Leonidas: Technically the nightingales are still a part of the thieves guild

Karliah: And to hold any hope of defeating Mercer, we must have nocturnal at our backs. If she is to accept you as one of her own, an arrangement must be struck

Brynjolf: What sort of arrangement? I want to know the terms

Karliah: The terms are quite simple, Brynjolf. Nocturnal will allow you to become a nightingale and use your abilities for whatever you wish. And in return, in both life and death, you must serve as a guardian of the twilight sepulcher

Brynjolf: Aye. There's always a catch. But at this point, I suppose there isn't much to lose. If it means the end of Mercer Frey, you can count me in

Karliah: What about you? Are you ready to transact the oath with nocturnal?

Leonidas: Yes. I'm ready

Karliah: Good. After I open the gate, please stand on the western circle

(Leonidas, Karliah, and Brynjolf each stand on a stone)

Karliah: I call upon you, lady nocturnal. Queen of murk, and empress of shadow. Hear my voice!

(A purple aura appears in the center, flashing with every word spoken)

Nocturnal: Ah. Karliah. I was wondering when I'd hear from you again. Lose something, did we?

(Karliah kneels)

Karliah: My lady. I have come before you to throw myself upon your mercy, and to accept responsibility for my failure

Nocturnal: You're already mine, Karliah. Your terms were struck long ago. What could you possibly offer me now?