A Fool's Blade

Chapter 2 - Grelod the Kind

        "Well...that's quite...exotic," the brunette said slowly, her slight accent outlining her words. "I've never heard of a jester in Skyrim before..."

        Jade let an arrow fly towards the target. "Me neither. I don't know what to think about the event, I mean he seemed nice and all, but..."

        "It's like he had a run in with Shegorath and didn't come out with his sanity in tack." She completed for Jade, attacking a training dummy with her mace.

        "I can imagine most people who come in contact with the Daedric Prince of Madness keep their senses." The two of them smiled as Jade let loose the string of her bow. "Most Daedric Lords are not as... kind  as Nocturnal, Jack."

        "Azura's not that bad either. Maybe we can go out and investigate her shrine by Winterhold later. I heard it was made by the Dark Elves, like Karliah."

        "What is this about Karliah?" A male's voice invaded the conversation, sporting a slightly thicker version of Jack's accent.

        "Oh, Brynjolf!" Jack exclaimed, "We were talking about the Dunmer."

       "If you want to talk to them head to Windhelm's Grey Quarter. That's where Ulfric stuffs them these days."

        "Sounds like you aren't too fond of him."

        "Why do you think I say 'By the Eight', Jackie?"

        "So you're just going to change your beliefs because you don't approve of the man leading the supporters? Talos is just as much of a Divine as Akatosh, Arkay, Julianos, Kynareth, Zenithar, Dibella, Mara, or Stendarr!" Jade said firmly.

        "Don't let the Thalmor catch wind of what you're saying."

       "The Embassy doesn’t scare me. A bunch of milk drinking, High Elves if you ask me." She snarled. "I'll send them all to Oblivion."

        "Whoa, lass, you’re a thief, not a killer.  I suggest you calm down a bit."

        Jade couldn't calm down, she hated that the Altemer were trying to control everything. She always made sure to stop by Heimskr and listen to his teachings about Talos when she went to Whiterun. She was good friends with the Priest and despised the fact that one day the Imperials would come and arrest him for preaching about the Mortal God. Jade felt a thirst build up in her, one that rivaled the hunger she had for Mercer Frey, the old treacherous Guild Master. Anger boiled her blood.

        "I'm going out on a job." She spoke quickly, attempting to keep her irritation under control. Spotting Vex in the Flagon, Jade quickly asked her if there was anything available.

        "Got more than you can handle." The platinum blonde replied. "What will it be, burglary, heist, shill, or sweep?" 

        "Burglary."

        "We've got a job right here in town. Taking something of old Grelod's from the Orphanage. A bejeweled candlestick."

        With that Jade took her leave and headed up to the surface. She walked past Mistveil Keep, Jarl Laila's residence, and went into Honorhall Orphanage. She was disgusted by what she heard. 

        "Those who shirk their duties will get an extra beating. Do I make myself clear?" 

        "Yes, Grelod," a chorus of children answered.

        The old hag continued, "And one more thing! I will hear no more talk of adoptions! None of you riff-raff is getting adopted. Ever! Nobody needs you, nobody wants you. That, my darlings, is why you're here. Why you will always be here, until the day you come of age and get thrown into that wide, horrible world. Now, what do you all say?" 

        "We love you, Grelod. Thank you for your kindness, " the kids mumbled.

        "That's better. Now scurry off, my little guttersnipes." The woman retreated into her bedroom. 

        The children made their way outside into a small yard, fenced off from the rest of the city by a stone wall. They were lead by a girl, younger than Jade, who she realized was her friend Constance Michel. After they disappeared behind the door, Jade slipped into the bedroom to grab the candlestick. After locating it she turned began to retreat back outside...before she heard a piercing shriek.

        "Thief!"