I am Laeilwyn Riverpool (A Skyrim Adventure)

Chapter Four: A Return to Your Roots

Getting to Riften was easy, even though we were across the province. I traded a silver garnet ring I 'borrowed' from that intolerant guard for the carriage ride. Somehow, my fingers always found their way into the pockets of unsuspecting victims and never left without a bit of gold or jewelry. It was a gift and a curse. Erandur wasn't sure if he approved of the transaction, but even he had to admit, the guard deserved it. Once we got there, a set of Riften guards in purple cuirasses stopped us outside of the doors.

"I always thought these guards were the prettiest of the bunch, don't you agree?" I muttered under my breath to Erandur. He smirked back.

"Halt! What's your business in Riften?" One of them asked.

"Here on business. I'm sure that's no strange occurrence in a city as wealthy as Riften?" I said.

"I can't let you in unless you pay the.. uh, visitor's tax! Yeah! Say, 100 septims each and I can let you in." The guard said.

"This is utterly ridiculous and obviously a shakedown!" Erandur protested.

"Hey, hey. Keep your voice down. Alright, I'll let you in. Don't mention this to the Jarl." The guard said sheepishly. He nodded to his friend, who pulled the keys out and unlocked the gate.

Riften was as gorgeous as I remembered it. It was set right in the middle of Skyrim's Autumnal Forest, where the leaves were always orange and it never snowed, only rained sometimes. It sat at the eastern edge of the province, on Lake Honrich. It was a short horse ride away from the neighboring Dunmeri province of Morrowind (where Erandur was from). That meant lots of trading which, in turn, meant a prosperous city. Riften was so wealthy, even the beggars wore fine clothes!

Once inside, Erandur whispered to me, "So who is this guy? Where can we find him?"

"His name is Brynjolf. He'll probably be in the marketplace. Nord, flaming orange hair, funny accent. You can't miss him." I whispered back.

Suddenly, we were approached by a big burly man wearing steel armor.

"Hey you two! I don't know you. You in Riften lookin' to cause trouble?" He asked us.

"No, just here on business. Who are you?" I asked, running my hand over the hilt of my sword.

"The name's Maul. Don't go causing trouble, and stay out of the Black Briar's business, or our next conversation won't be so friendly." Maul said. We nodded and moved along. 

I walked into the marketplace. I went up to one of the stands and greeted the vendor. 

"Brand-Shei! Long time no see! I've missed you!" I said, reaching over the stand to embrace the young dark elf. 

"Well well well, if it isn't the lovely Laeilwyn!" Brand-Shei said coming out of the hug. He pulled up my hand and kissed it. "It's been too long. What brings you to Riften?"

I blushed a little. Brand-Shei was a gentle-elf. He was as chivalrous as one could find in this vast province. Him and I met many years ago, our first encounter is a funny story I might share with you one day. 

"Always a pleasure to see you Brand-Shei. This is my friend, Erandur." I nodded my head in Erandur's direction and the two exchanged nods. "I'm actually here on business today. You haven't seen Brynjolf around here have you?" I whispered. 

Brand-Shei rolled his eyes. "He left his stand maybe an hour ago. Saw him head into the Bee and Barb. Did you know I watched him con one of the Snow-Shods into buying one of his "eternal life" elixirs this morning? I had to stand there and watch the poor man fork over the gold. Stupid bastard. I bet he's never done an honest days work in his life."

"Bee and Barb. Gotcha. Thanks Brand-Shei!" I started to head towards the inn. 

"Azura's wisdom to you friend! Come and visit more often than every eight years, alright?" Brand-Shei called after me. 

Erandur caught up with me. "A snake oil man? What sort of friend is that? Elle..."

Before he could lecture me further, I cut him off. "Listen, Erandur. Today, you will learn more about me than you have ever known. Brynjolf and I know each other from a very long time ago; long before I became a mercenary. We met each other when I decided to join the Thieves Guild." I paused for a moment to let him absorb this new information, then kept going. "My natural talent with a bow and my uncanny ability to get gold out of every pocket I came across made me an attractive recruit. I was one of the fastest learners. Jobs were handed to me before anyone else, because they knew I'd be back in a few hours wanting a couple more. One day, I had to leave. That's when I became a mercenary, and met you."

I could see the cogs turning in Erandur's brain.

"Why did you leave?" 

"I was in danger. There was a strange murder, one of the Guild members got blamed, and rumor spread that they were targeting the most treasured members out of jealousy. It was Brynjolf who warned me and helped me sneak out of the city quietly. He spread the word that I disappeared into Morrowind all these years."

Erandur silently processed some more. I nervously began to chew my bottom lip, worried for what might come next.  Anxiety was racing through my mind. I was worried he would feel lied to and betrayed, that he would walk out of the city and I would never see him again. Losing my best friend and only true companion in the world would devastate me. Then, he spoke.