A Fool's Blade

Chapter 27 - Erik the Slayer

        Jade lowered herself into the Cistern. Everything looked the same, save for a few new bed and a few new faces. They had been getting a lot more recruits since the Guild had been rising to power. Suddenly she flew backward into the ladder to the entrance, hitting it with so much force she was surprised it didn't break the ladder... or her spine.

        "JAY!!!" Jackie had her arms tightly wrapped around her, looking up excitedly with hazel brown eyes. "I'm so happy you're back! I thought you wouldn't get the letter in time!"

        She squirmed in her friends grasp, the mousse hair brushing her face "Can't - breathe-"

        "Oops!" Jackie released Jade, "Sorry! It's just been so long now. Bryn's been mopping around every day because you weren't here. He's just been sitting in the Flagon eating soup since you left. If you're not careful, he might start loving soup more than you." She said teasingly, fully aware of her brother's crush on Jade.

        "Come on, Jackie. You know I'm not sure if I feel that way about him or not." Regardless of her comment, she could feel the tips of her ears turning red.

        "Just warning you~. Come on. Let's go see Bryn before he drowns his heart in soup," She giggled, grabbing her hand pulling her towards the Flagon, "and there's someone I want you to meet."

        Walking through the doors and the fake cabinet, the pair arrived in the Flagon to here Brynjolf talking to Vekel.

        "Another round, Vekel."

        "You sure Bryn? This will be your fourth bowl in the past hour."

        "The soup is filling the whole left in my heart..." He sobbed, "My sweet soup will never leave me..." 

        "Didn't you propose to Jade last year?"

        Bryn threw a tankard across the tavern, "JUST GIVE ME THE DANG SOUP MAN! IT'S THE ONLY LOVE I HAVE LEFT!" 

        Vekel slowly pulled a bottle away from him, "I think you've had enough ale for now..."

        "You can take my ale, BUT YOU'LL NEVER TAKE MY SOUP AWAY!" He lost his balance, falling off the bar stool an onto the floor.

        Delvin burst out laughing causing the rest of the Guild to follow suit, including Jackie and Jade. After the laughter died down, Brynjolf was still lying face down on the floor. Jade walked over and helped pull him to his feet. She stared into his emerald eyes.

        "Missed me much Bryn?"

        Recognizing the person standing before him, he picked her up and twirled her around, "Lass! You're back! You have no idea how painfully boring it's been without you. I miss going out on jobs together. We'll have to do one soon." Jade could see the ale in his rosy cheeks.  

        "Welcome back to the family, Jay." Vex called out to her from her place by the crates, everyone else following in a similar manor.

        "So you finally got our letter, huh?"

        "Actually, I didn't. I'm in Riften for other business."

        "Then Jackie's surprise is going to be really big to you."

        "What do you mean?"

        Jackie came up to her, "If you continue following me then I'll show you exactly what he means." The two woman walked out of the sewers into town's local inn.

        "There you are my love. It's so good to see you!" An orange haired man hugged Jackie around her waist.

        "It's always good to see you." The two shared a smile, "Jay, this is Erik, my fiancée. Or, what was it now, Erik the Slayer?"

        "I wanted a name that will strike fear into the heart of my enemies! When I have some enemies, that is..."

        "What do you think Jay, scary enough for you?"

        Jade was completely taken aback. "Hold up just a second. You're getting married? I've never even heard of him before."

        "This was when you were gone. I went out on a job in Rorikstead. Erik was working in the fields, but he really wanted to become an adventurer. His father wouldn't let him so I gave him enough money to buy armor for Erik, he changed his name to Erik the Slayer, and here we are. Our wedding's tomorrow.

        "Well...that was...fast..."

        "You'll be there won't you?"

        "Of course! This was all very...sudden, but I'm not going to miss my best friend's wedding!"