I am Laeilwyn Riverpool (A Skyrim Adventure)

Chapter Thirty Five: Breaking In

-Laeilwyn's Perspective-

We had the Guild under control for the week that Brynjolf was gone. Erandur got pretty good at lockpicking and I managed to create a set of useful potions and poisons which I gifted to each of the new recruits we sent out to complete odd jobs. Almost exactly a week after he left, I was stopped by a courier on my way back from the Scorched Hammer.

 "I've been looking for you! Got something I'm supposed to deliver. Your hands only." He said, handing me a letter from his satchel. "A letter, from some guy with red hair. Asked me to get this to you as soon as possible. Said it was urgent. Looks like that's it, got to go!"

I opened the letter to read Brynjolf's chicken scratch. I noticed a blood splatter near the bottom of the page, just praying it wasn't Brynjolf or Karliah's. 

Elle, 

Come to the entrance to the Ratway through the Flagon. Karliah and I are waiting. Make sure Delvin and Vex know we come in peace. 

-B. 

I rushed down the ladder, throwing my purchases on my bed before entering the Flagon. I approached the table where Delvin and Vex were playing cards. "Can you guys meet me in the Cistern in five minutes?" 

"Why?" Vex said. 

"Just do it please. I'll explain later."

"But we're in the middle of a game Elle. It's high stakes!" Delvin protested. 

"Delvin, don't make me pull the Guildmaster card on you guys. Just trust me."

Delvin and Vex grumbled but got up and went into the Cistern. I went over to the door to the Ratway and opened it. Sure enough, Karliah and Brynjolf were standing outside. 

"Glad to see you guys made it back safely." I said. 

"Glad to see you're still alive." Karliah said. "Last time I left you, you were clinging to your life by a thread."

"Yeah, thanks for leaving me out there by the way." I retorted. 

"I had no choice. Thank YOU for sending one of Mercer's closest allies to meet me in Winterhold. He's lucky he's still here to talk about it." 

"I am not one of Mercer's allies, lass. I told you Elle was in no state to be travelling." Brynjolf argued. 

"Let's save this for later. Vex and Delvin are waiting in the Cistern, let's go meet them."

We walked past Vekel and Tonilia, both of whom gave us strange looks, but thankfully, none of them recognized Karliah. Opening the door to the Cistern, Brynjolf and I walked in first, Karliah behind us, just in case. 

"What the hell?" Vex said when she noticed us. 

They drew their weapons and approached us. "You better have a damn good reason to be here with that backstabbin' traitor." Delvin said. 

"Yeah Elle, start talking before I slit that harlot's throat!" Vex said, even angrier. 

I drew my dagger out of my sheath. "Now Delvin and Vex, we have to do this like civilized folk. No blood needs to be spilled tonight. Do you think Brynjolf and I would be protecting her if it wasn't for good reason?" 

"I don't know what your reasons are, but you better make them clear quick. I swore to myself if I was ever in the same room as Gallus's executioner I'd spill their guts and shove it down their throats." Vex replied. 

Brynjolf drew his dagger. "Now Vex, please. Karliah has proof we have all been misled."

"Damn right she has proof we've been misled! She's still alive, and Gallus isn't!" Vex said, teeth clenched.