I am Laeilwyn Riverpool (A Skyrim Adventure)

Chapter Forty Three: Regards, the Guild

-Laeilwyn's Perspective-

"Ugh, I hate these fancy robes. They're so itchy and not flattering in the slightest." I said looking in the mirror. 

"I don't know lass, I think you look good in everything you put on, wouldn't you agree Erandur?" Brynjolf said. I rolled my eyes, but caught him winking to Erandur out of the corner of my eye.

"Erm, uh, well yes, of course Elle looks good in everything she wears!" He said, almost nervously.

What's going on with those two? "It's alright, you two don't have to lie to me. Brown isn't really my color. Erandur, is the ring ready?"

"Almost!" He focused intently trying to get the jewel on. 

"Don't put it on too tight lad, it has to be able to pop out easily." Brynjolf reminded him, standing up and checking himself out in the mirror. 

"Brynjolf, please, I know what I'm doing." 

Brynjolf held his hands up in surrender. "If you say so lad."

I chuckled. Those two were always bickering. I was glad they had grown so close though, especially after the whole thing between Brynjolf and I. It brought me a little joy to be surrounded by people I deeply cared for and that deeply cared for me during these troubled times. 

"Alright, finished." He passed the ring to me. "For you, my lady." 

I put it on. It seemed very inconspicuous, like any other ruby ring you would see at Madesi's stand. Perfect. If you looked closely at it though, you'd realize this ring was a little different from the others. I played with the jewel using my thumb, easily popping it off and put it back on again. Erandur handed me another ring which was almost identical to it. 

"Now, when you pop the jewel from the first ring into the goblet, you'll have to switch to this plain ring to make it seem like nothing is amiss." Erandur explained. 

"Are we sure the poison will be released from the jewel?" 

Erandur nodded. "It's not actually a jewel, it's frozen lotus extract that will stay frozen until it enters the wine at the feast. From there, it will immediately thaw and won't change the smell or taste of the drink. It's a low enough concentration that it will start working precisely one hour after consumption."

I nodded. I exhaled, nervous for tonight. Erandur seemed to sense it and took me aside. "Elle, you can do this. Just remember who you're doing this for, and that everything will be alright. I will be right here when you get back. I believe in you."

I smiled. "Thank you Erandur." I pulled him into a hug. As we stood there in our embrace, I felt a deep sense of comfort and peace wrapped up in his arms. Like all my troubles had finally melted away and I was home. It was something I'd never felt before, especially with Erandur. 

Brynjolf cleared his throat, bringing me back to reality. I pulled away, more determined than ever to end this once and for all. I hooked my arm with Brynjolf's and we strolled towards the Cistern. The new recruits wished us good luck. Sapphire waited at the mausoleum entrance. When she saw us approaching, she nodded and snuck off towards the jail. The pieces were falling into place, and shit was about to go down.

***

We approached Mistveil Keep arm in arm. We were joyfully chatting about how excited we were for the feast when the guard at the door stopped us and asked for our invitations. 

"Ah, yes of course, can't have anyone enjoying this feast without express permission from Maven herself am I right lads?" Brynjolf said to me. I pinched Brynjolf's arm as hard as I could to get him to shut up.