I am Laeilwyn Riverpool (A Skyrim Adventure)

Chapter Six: Old Friends and New Enemies

Brynjolf gave me my old key to unlock the hidden cellar to the Guild's living space. It was in the mausoleum of the Temple of Mara, but only Guild members knew it was there.

"Why would you put a secret entrance in a mausoleum?" Erandur asked as we were going down the ladder underneath the secret door.

"Leads right down to the Cistern, where everyone sleeps. Better than having to go all the way through the Ratway and possibly getting yourself killed." Brynjolf shrugged, leaping off the last few steps and landing feet first on the cold stone floor of the Cistern.

"I've heard a lot of stories about the Ratway. Heard they're home to the worst lot. Hope we don't run into any trouble while we're here." Erandur said nervously.

"Don't worry Erandur. We could handle them." I smiled and nudged him with my elbow.

"Alright Elle, you should be mostly familiar with your surroundings," Brynjolf said, gesturing around the room as he spoke. "But we've changed a few things since the numbers have... erhm, declined. From the door we just came in, left side is your training room, right side is the entrance to the Flagon, and straight across is the vault."

"What's in the vault?" Erandur interjected.

"The Guild's funds. It's impossible to open unless you have the two keys. Special lock system. Best one money can buy." Brynjolf answered. "It was actually Elle's idea to get these locks put on."

I nodded. "I'm not just a genius at picking pockets you know!"

"Anyways, you guys can sleep wherever you want, but let's go check in with Mercer and then the rest of the gang."

We approached Mercer's desk. He was rapidly writing in the ledger and biting his fingernails. Mercer always made me uncomfortable, I just couldn't figure out why. The Guild was made up of a lot of sketchy people, but Mercer was different. Unfortunately, he was Guildmaster now, and there was nothing I could do but listen to him and obey orders. I'm right back where I was eight years ago... I thought.

"Mercer. I've brought Elle." Brynjolf interrupted my thoughts.

Mercer looked up. He had large bags under his eyes. They were bloodshot. His forehead was deeply creased. He looked like he aged twenty years since I last saw him. He wrinkled his large, crooked nose and looked up at me. "Well, well, well. How long has it been Laeilwyn?"

"Eight years, Mercer."

"Glad to see you've come back after you abandoned your family." Did I detect disdain in his voice?

"Oh Mercer, I wish I didn't have to leave, but I had more pressing matters that required my immediate attention. Besides, had it not been for me and Karliah leaving, you possibly wouldn't have been named Guildmaster." I suggested.

Mercer visibly bit his tongue. "I'll let that one slide because you're an old friend. Who's the dark one, some n'wah bodyguard you've hired?" He looked pointedly at Erandur.

"Hey, Mercer, you better watch your language!" I cautioned. My hand instinctively went for the hilt of my sword.

"I'm Erandur, you bloody swit." Erandur retorted, his face hardening into an intimidating stare.

It felt like time slowed down while we stood in the suffocating tension. Nobody moved. Erandur glared at Mercer, Mercer glared at me, until Brynjolf stepped in between the three of us, dagger in hand. 

"That's enough. Mercer, I brought Elle and Erandur all the way from the other side of Skyrim to help us, and you insulting her partner is not helping our case. Elle, the Guild has been under a lot of stress lately so tensions are naturally high. Let's let the past stay in the past, and start a new chapter in Guild history together shall we?" Brynjolf mediated.