A Fool's Blade

Chapter 48 - Back Home

"I'm afraid that's it. I've done all I can. I hope the place is at least livable now. Good luck with, your, um...contracts. It's good to see you in one peace. Word has been going around that the Brotherhood's been destroyed."

"...It was...there are only four of us left..."

"Oh..." Delvin spoke softly then quickly tried to change the subject, "You know, you should go see Bryn before you head off again. You haven't been back to the Guild since Jack's wedding."

"I know, but...I don't think I can bear to tell him that I neglected the Guild for so long to become a murderer. He's not exactly fond of the idea of killing."

"Neither were you when you first joined."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Look at it this way, Jay. I'm guessing the Brotherhood took you in because you killed old Grelod, right? But that was an accident. Up until that point the only person you had ever killed was Mercer, and that's because you were the only person who could. You never had it in you to just walk up to someone and assassinate them."

"I don't understand what you're getting at."

"I'm saying that the more contracts you went on the more you built up a wall, an mental barrier that prevented you from realizing that you were killing. Just think about it. How many jobs have you been on?"

Jade looked down, averting her eyes. "I'm...not sure...I never really payed attention..."

"That's exactly what I mean."

"I should probably get out of here before Brynjolf catches me. I'll be back soon, Delvin." Jade began to make her way out of the sewers, but a rough hand grabbed her arm, yanking her back. Her stomach twisted into a knot upon hearing the smooth, accented voice fill her ears.

"Lass, we need to talk."