Between Light and Darkness

4

With a spring in my step from successful transactions, I made my way toward the imposing structure of the Jarl's Keep. Riften's streets thrummed with life, but my focus was singular—Payment. The moment I stepped inside, the air felt thick with tension, a stark contrast to the vibrant market outside. The guards eyed me warily, but I breezed past them, knowing full well that Maven had little tolerance for idle chatter. As I entered the dimly lit chamber where the Jarl held court, I found Maven seated at a grand oak table filled with food. Maven noticed me quickly, her piercing gaze locking onto her.

"Ah. I hope you come bearing good news."

"Always," I replied smoothly, leaning casually against the table. "But first, I'm here to collect on some bounties."

Maven gestured to her secretary who paid her for the bounties completed then handed her new ones, and I snatched it up with an eager grin.

"These bounties require finesse. The targets are not just any commoners. I expect you to handle them delicately."

I rolled her eyes, the thrill of the hunt already coursing through her veins. "I wouldn't dream of being reckless, Maven. After all, I have a reputation to uphold."

Maven raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement playing on her lips. "Just remember, I have eyes everywhere. I'd hate for you to become a target yourself." With a nod of understanding, I tucked the scroll into my satchel and turned to leave, but not before Maven added, "And be careful down in the Ratway. The Thieves Guild is not the only group lurking in the shadows now."

"I know, something sinister is brewing. I can feel it." I looked at her sadly, "The souls in my gems scream in despair when I enter there. Something isn't right in Rifton."

As I made my way toward the Ratway, the atmosphere shifted, the noise of the market fading into the background. The entrance to the Ratway was a dark, uninviting alley, a stark reminder of the underbelly of Riften. With a determined breath, I descended into the dim light of the Ratway, my heart racing with anticipation. The familiar scents of damp stone and lingering smoke filled her senses as she navigated through the labyrinthine passages. Finally, she arrived at the entrance to the Thieves Guild, the door creaking slightly as she pushed it open. The atmosphere inside was warm, a stark contrast to the cold shadows outside. I was greeted by the sight of familiar faces, each lost in their own scheming, and the sound of muted laughter echoed against the stone walls.

"Look who decided to grace us with her presence!" Brynjolf called from a nearby table, a drunk grin plastered on his face.

"Only for the best company," I shot back,

As I approached the heart of the cistern i could see the glimmer of coins and the remnants of a good time scattered around. The air was filled with the scent of spiced meats and the faint trace of smoke from the torches lining the walls. I went and ordered some food from the bar and went to go sit with Brynjolf to discuss guild business. 

"Ah, the life of a thief," Brynjolf mused, a grin tugging at his lips as I sat down and started eating. "And how's our esteemed Jarl treating you? Still keeping you on your toes?"

"Always," I said with a chuckle. I washed the tender mammoth meat down with some Cliff Racer, the nightshade stinging my lips in the best way. "Maven had a bounty for me. Just another day in paradise. But I was hoping to hear what you've got cooking in the Guild."
"For that we need Delvin and Vex," he waved them over and the came.

I took another bite and listened to this months haul, and the figures. The jobs were steady, new thieves were trying to come in every day, and the marks were getting richer. As i listened to each of them i noticed delvin hadnt said much.

"Delvin." i finished my drink and sighed contently. "Whats going on?"

"I have possibly grave business to discuss with you. Some one has put a bounty on a shipment heading to the blackbriars." his voice no more than a whisper as he leaned in. "nothing more than a food and supplies shipment for their manor, but still." he trailed off.

"Thats dangerous."

"Its dangerous and downright idiotic who whould do such a thing?"

"Thats a death sentence, Delvin. Who ordered the mark?" 

He handed me the piece of paper with the details. I scrutinized the paper, trying to get any information from it, nothing. Just the job and the payment amount. This was strange, no one just orders a robbery hit on the Black-Briars.

"Delvin. I have done a lot of things. Ive stood eye to eyes with Daedric Princes, and slain dragons. I run almost every major criminal organisation from here to Solstheim. But, for the sake of all of that i need to know who gave this to you."

"Thats the problem. It was delivered by courier, who said that whoever it was, said nothing other than 'Thieves Guild' and 'Pluuto' and then vanished." he made a poof gesture with his hands, "Like smoke." I put some septims on the table and nodded to the three of them. They followed me into the Ratway and i place a ward behind us locking the way so no prying ears or eyes could reach.

"I also have something terrible to share. As I was speaking with Maven, she mentioned something lurking in the ratways." my eyes darting between the three of them, their faces hinting confusion, but solemnly listening. "And she isnt wrong. Something is wrong i can taste it in the air, and its chosen to take root here. Do i have knowledge of what it could be, no. do i know someone who could, possibly but i need to run to College of Winterhold and talk to him as soon as possible." I looked sternly and seriously between the three of them. It wasnt unlike them to be this silent.

"What do you need from us?" Vex asked

"Brynjolf, i need you to get word to karliah and inform her that i have business with her as soon as necessarily possible. Her connection to Nocturnal can possibly give us an idea to whats been infesting this place." He nodded and left.

"Vex and Delvin, i need you to be the face, act like normal and keep handing out jobs but be careful and keep an ear to everything. I need to know who sent the Black-Briar mark. And if that courier comes again keep them until i can get back." They nodded and left.

I followed and then left out through the graveyard.