The Thief of Hearts (A Brynjolf Fanfic)

14

We set out the next day. The frost from the Jerall Mountains blew down into Riften's surrounding areas, casting us on horseback in a deep chill. We wore furs and our hoods to keep us from frostbite, camping only when the moons were high above the mountain peaks because the temperature dropped too much to travel any longer. Delvin made a fire only large enough for minor warmth, while Vex and Niruin pitched tents. After we'd turned in, I stared up into the darkness. My teeth practically chattered. Vex, Tonilia, and I shared one tent in order to provide body heat for the other. Though the image was a hilarious one, I'm sure the men did the same in order to not freeze to death. Nevertheless, I wanted to see something for myself.

Wrapping in singular, thick fur, I poked my head out into the chilly air. I was surprised to see a smaller, lone tent sitting at the head of our campsite. Curious, I hurried across the ground to see who's it was. I heard wolves in the distance, howling maniacally. The vicious creatures of Skyrim were a violent lot, prone to attack and eat livestock and even children on occasion. They were hunted mercilessly, and our horses had been tied up within sight so that their nervous whinnies would alert us should need be.

I gently pulled the flap back, surprised to see Brynjolf lying there alone. He was sleeping soundly, chest rising and falling. He had brought his own supply of blankets and furs to protect him from the elements. I supposed the idea of sleeping all snuggled up with Delvin and Niruin wasn't one that tickled Brynjolf's fancy. I hid my smile behind my hand and turned to leave him to his rest.

"Don't go," he murmured. I jumped, startled; he sat up on his shoulders. "Sorry, lass," he said in a whisper. "Can't sleep. Come in."

"Bryn," I said cautiously. "What if the others awaken? What if Vex finds me gone and they start talking?"

"Lass," he chuckled. "You really think that, after the dance at your celebration, they haven't gotten the idea that something is going on between us?"

Something is going on between us? I thought with my heart skipping a beat. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't wondered about what was to happen now with Brynjolf being my leader. I secretly hoped we could pursue something more...long term. But that was coming from a feminine, silly mind. Not the mind of a thief who had Riften to save.

"Fair enough," I murmured, crawling beside him. It was warm in his tent, his body giving off heat as I lay upon his chest. I heard his heart beating and found it utterly soothing. I smiled slightly, but cleared my throat. "What are we to do when we find Maven?"

"Kill her," he said bluntly. "What else?"

"No, I mean, how are we to do it?" I asked.

"Hmm," he sighed. "Well, we'll have to be entirely stealthy. I was talking to Delvin and Niruin about that earlier. I'm thinking of using Niruin and Vex as a distraction while I--"

"I want to do it," I burst suddenly. He went quiet. Even in the darkness, I knew he was staring at me. "Please," I said softly. "I-I owe it to you."

"You owe me nothing," he announced proudly. "And over my dead body will you be risking your life for mine."

"It's not just for you, though," I said. "I'm sorry if that's harsh, but I want to make things right. Months ago I nearly cost all of you your lives by venturing into Maven's stead without a second thought. I was impetuous and arrogant. But I've changed and I want to make things right. So please let me do it."

"Lass--"

"Please!"

He sighed. I felt him shift, rubbing his face with a large hand. "We'll...see. Is that fair enough? Because honestly, I've not any idea how we plan on attacking the bitch."