I am Laeilwyn Riverpool (A Skyrim Adventure)

Chapter Forty One: Casualties

-Laeilwyn's Perspective- 

My eyes opened. I was laying in a small cave. Beside me was Brynjolf, eyes still shut. I couldn't tell if he was breathing. To my other side was Karliah, pale as the snow in Dawnstar, eyes glazed over. She was definitely not breathing. 

Where is Erandur?

"Elle. You're okay?" I heard his voice ask me. I couldn't see the detail of his face, just a shadow hovering around the three of us. 

"Yes Erandur. I'm fine. Is Brynjolf ok?"

"Yes. He'll come around." 

"How did we get out of there?"

"I lit the way and you pulled Brynjolf and Karliah out. I brought all of you to here, away from the water." 

My memory came back. "The ball of light... that was you!"

I could hear a soft chuckle in the darkness. "Yes, that was me."

Suddenly, Brynjolf gasped and spluttered. "By the Eight, what happened?" 

"We made it out." Erandur reassured him. Gravely, he looked at Karliah. "Unfortunately, not without casualties."

I shook my head. "Eight years in exile, and she never even got to see Mercer die..."

We sat in the darkness in silence. 

"The only thing we can do to make sure she didn't die in vain is to ensure the safe return of the Skeleton Key." Brynjolf said. 

"That'll be no easy task. The only way to return the key will be to take the Pilgrim's Path to the Twilight Sepulcher, like she said back at Nightingale Hall." I pointed out. 

"Who will return it?" Erandur asked. 

"I will." I said. "Brynjolf should return to the Guild and operate as Guildmaster while I'm gone."

"I'll go with you." Erandur said. 

"Erandur, you can't. It's my duty as a servant of Nocturnal." I said, reaching out to make contact with him in the darkness. 

"Well, what should I do then?" He asked. 

I looked over at Karliah's body. "We have two bodies to prepare for a funeral now. Andurs is already in Riften working on Sigaar's body, you should help him in any way you can."

Erandur nodded. "As you wish. You better return safely."