Northbound Pilgrimage II

Chapter XCIV - The Priceless Freedom

Author's Note:

Dear all,

I hope you enjoyed the finalization of the Thieves Guild plotline. It's been a rough one to write for certain. Now the last chapter of it all awaits us before we delve into new adventures again :)

I wanted to mention that there are still stories to be told regarding the Guild. Right now you can find the first chapter of a prequelesque story in Second Book Extras already, related to the Guild plotline. And following that, I will be posting a story of the Guild's endeavors after Brynjolf became the Guildmaster. So I hope you're going to enjoy all the extra content if you choose to read.

And last but not least, credit where it's due, a huge thanks regarding today's chapter goes to Rainpebble3, Vivifriend and VivalaPluto for their excellent suggestions on certain things included in the story ;) And of course, I highly recommend that you check out Rainpebble3's and Vivifriend's stories on AO3.

That's all. Enjoy <3

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They were all called into the Guildmaster's chamber right after breakfast.

It had been two days since the news of Karliah's death was announced and everyone had been adjusting at their own pace. Aeyrin kept fussing over both Bishop and Raven to distract herself, but Raven seemed a little better on his own after his talk with Bishop. Though he still had moments where he just disappeared and didn't come back for hours. Bishop wasn't trying to avoid Aeyrin anymore, but he wasn't eager to talk either. He did tell her what had transpired between him and Raven, much to her surprise, but he didn't talk about Karliah at all. He just seemed more and more annoyed by their stay in the sewers, growing restless by the minute.

But Brynjolf kept asking them to stay. He asked them to be patient for a while yet.

They weren't involved with any missions that were supposed to build the Guild up again. They weren't involved with anything at all, which was kind of unfortunate. It just gave them all too much time to think.

But finally, after those two days had passed, all three of them, Aeyrin, Bishop and Raven, were called to see Brynjolf in the... well... in his room now.

They arrived in the chamber shortly and Brynjolf was already waiting there, along with Delvin. His right hand now, apparently, though that was hardly surprising.

"Good morning," Brynjolf smiled at them warmly. He looked very tired, but surprisingly at peace. "We've been pretty successful so far with the more urgent alliances that needed to be secured. We won't get to keep the entirety of Karliah's network, but... we'll be alright."

"That's good to hear," Aeyrin smiled back at him. Hopefully now this would be a Thieves Guild worthy of its name – stealing from the rich, taking care of people who had no choice in their life but to pick pockets and keeping the black market business flowing. There was never going to be a society with no crime, so at least the underworld would have a reasonable and kind leader now in Brynjolf.

"Aye," Bryn nodded. "And, after everything, I have decided to extend an... official offer. To all of you," he gave them a meaningful look. "You know that the bounty is taken care of, there will be no other, of course, and you are welcome to trade with the Guild or ask for information any time you wish. But we could also use your help in the days to come – with missions and plans. Raven, Bishop, you two have already been part of the Guild. I would be glad to have you both back. And Aeyrin, I know your... skills are a bit different, but that doesn't mean that we have no need of protection. I know you have other duties elsewhere, but you would always have a place here if you agreed to help when we need."