I am Laeilwyn Riverpool (A Skyrim Adventure)

Chapter Fourteen: The Frey Seal of Approval

-Laeilwyn's Perspective-

We reached Riften right on time. Brynjolf pulled out Sigaar's payment for the trip; a hearty amount of gold. They shook hands, Sigaar gave me a small bow and then he went into his stable.

We walked into the city, greeted almost immediately at the door by another thief named Sapphire. I thought it was an impressive name, but she would never tell me why she chose to go by it.

"You two. Mercer said he wants to meet you both in the Barb. Important business client is there too." She explained.

"Thanks Sapphire. We'll go right up." I said. We entered the Barb and nodded at Keerava who nodded her head upstairs. I mouthed thank you and tossed her a coin. She was kind Argonian, but she didn't trust a lot of people in the city - unless you had gold. It was the only way we could use her hall as a meeting place with Maven. She would close the inn for a short while so Maven didn't have to be seen making deals with thieves. It would "ruin her business", as she liked to put it. I thought she was just being a bit over dramatic.

"Wait, Elle. Before we go up, may I make a request of you?" Brynjolf asked, holding my arm.

"What is it Brynjolf?"

"Try to be civil up there. Please?"

"Brynjolf, they're rude and despic-"

"You can think that all you want, but please, please, please do this for me. If you can get the green light from Mercer again, then you won't need to drag me along next time, and we'll get more money from Maven." He persuaded.

I contemplated for a moment. "Fine. But only because I don't want to drag your lazy arse all over the province whenever I get a job."

"Fine with me. Whatever you want. Let's get up there." Brynjolf replied.

"Welcome back, you two. Please sit." Maven greeted us and gestured to two empty chairs at the table. She poured us both a tankard of Black-Briar Mead. Brynjolf drank, I did not.

"I heard through the grapevine that poor Sabjorn has found himself in the Dragonsreach dungeon for trying to poison Commander Caius. What a shame!" She laughed wickedly.

"Here's what I found in his office." I said, cutting straight to business. I handed her the letter. "No name of the partner, but the same symbol is on this letter as was the Goldenglow Bill of Sale."

Mercer took the letter from me. "Interesting. It seems our adversary slipped up. This note reveals more than you think. They are probably using an old Guild contact at the East Empire Trading Company as a go between."

"Who would that be?" I asked.

"His name is Gulum-Ei. Dishonorable Argonian who should be questioned when you get to Solitude. Should be found in the Winking Skeever. He'll probably be using an alias, but he's hard to miss. Excellent work. Brynjolf, here's for your troubles." He tossed him a hefty bag of gold. "As for you Elle, I'll have your gold for you by tonight. You seem fit to take the next one on your own again."

I held my tongue and nodded. "Thank you Mercer. And thank you for the opportunity to help your business Ms. Black Briar. It surely was no trouble."

As we got up to leave, Maven stopped me. "May I speak to you in private Ms. Riverpool?"

I looked back at the boys. "Go ahead, I'll meet you back at the Flagon." They spoke briefly with Keerava before leaving.

"I'll only be a few more moments Keerava!" Maven shouted down the stairs. She turned to me. "I wanted to give you this. You are a highly skilled recruit, and I am most impressed by your work. Consider it a thank you from the Black Briar family, and an apology for the way I acted when we first met. You have helped our business more than you realize." She passed me something wrapped in hides.