So, maybe it was not the smartest idea I have ever had. But I did not think that swimming across a lake in my new, all-leather Thieves Guild armor would be that harmful.

Once I got to shore, I found out I was wrong.

Grumbling in the night, I wrung out my dripping hair and crouched behind a bush next to the main gate. Thanks to Tonilia, I had my new armor, as well as a few dozen more arrows to use against these mercenaries. Bryn did a thorough job warning me about how guarded this place was, and I was glad he did. If he had not, I would have been totally overwhelmed by the sheer number of guards.

First order of business was getting past the locked front gate. At least two different guards paced behind it, if I could trust that my ears were not hearing things. I would have to cause some form of distraction, then hope that they would open the gate and not choose to rain arrows down on me instead. 

Might as well just go for it.

I strode right up to the gate and knocked. As soon as the two pairs of feet rustled behind the gate, I ducked back into my hiding spot and waited. The gate swung open, and two of the fur armor-clad mercenaries came into view. They both wielded steel swords, and both bad torches in their other hands.

I released an arrow from my bow, striking the first man in the head. He died without a sound, falling to the ground with a heavy thump. His compatriot's head swiveled around, first at the body at his feet, then towards my hiding place. I hurriedly nocked and released another arrow, but this one only embedded itself into the merc's shoulder. He released a cry of pain and came rushing towards me.

I whipped out another arrow, holding it tightly in my hand. When the man was close enough, I drove the iron point into his throat. Blood gushed over my hand when I pulled it out, and the mercenary dropped his sword to clutch his neck. He fell to his knees moments later, his blood pooling around my boots.

I pulled the other arrow from his shoulder, picked up his sword and sheath—I figured having a sword as well as a dagger would be useful—and made my way through the open gate. I put my bow on my back, then worked on strapping the sword's scabbard to my belt. Once that was done, I crouched low and pressed my back against the low, natural rock wall lining the cobblestone pathway. Close by, other mercenaries chattered about their favorite brand of mead or their ex-lovers, as if they had not heard their friends die just outside the gate.

Vex must not be as good as they say, if she couldn't get past these imbeciles.

I would never dare to say that to her face, though. She already hated me—or strongly disliked me, at least—and I knew better than to insult her.

Instead, I focused on getting to the beehives without being seen. I knew that would not be easy, considering I would have to light three of them up with a torch I did not yet have. As if remembering to only burn three was not hard enough.

As I veered off the cobblestone path and up a rough dirt one, I found a torch sitting in a sconce close to the hives. I smiled to myself, picked it up, then continued to sneak closer. I crept through the mountain-flower fields, approaching the closest beehive. I held the torch to it, and it caught fire instantly. Carefully but quickly, I rushed to the third one in the row, putting enough space in between each so that maybe the blaze would not consume all the hives. Once the third and final beehive was lit, I stamped out the torch and made a mad dash to the shadows. How the other mercenaries had not seen me, I did not know, but I was not complaining about it.

What's that expression? "Never look a gift horse in the mouth?"

I made it to the front door of the house without problem. I pushed the door open and slipped in before the guards could see me.

The first room was empty, aside from a couple benches and a low table. I crept across the wooden floor, my leather-clad feet making the floorboards creak and squeak. I winced with every step, hoping that there were not any mercenaries within earshot.

I turned left down the first hall, then proceeded through a dining room of sorts. The next hall and room, like the first ones, were devoid of mercenaries. I allowed myself a smile. Perhaps the majority of the guards were outside, or they had left to tend to the burning hives.

The third room had a few mercs inside, but I dealt with them accordingly. Two fell to my bow and one to my, shall we say "newly acquired," sword. I used a cloth I found on a nearby table to clean my arrows and sword before pressing on to the next floor of the estate.

The house was built like a maze. Taking a wrong turn could mean wandering down long halls that lead only to dead ends. I almost got lost just looking for Aringoth.

Finally, I found him behind locked doors. I managed to pick them open, and I stepped into the large bedroom.  I saw the elf cowering in one corner of the room, but I left him for a moment. Instead, I walked to the table next to the bed and swiped a small golden bee statue. Only when I had it in my satchel did I approach Aringoth.

He gave me a surprised look, but at least had the decency to stand up and face me. He dusted off his fine clothes, a look of disgust replacing his one of surprise. "Useless mercenaries."

"Look, I don't want any trouble. I just want the key to your safe."

He laughed, right in my face. "And what makes you think I would give it to you? I've never seen you before. You're just some little waif that got lucky."

I wrinkled my nose. I tightened my hold on my dagger. I wanted to kill this stupid elf for his arrogance, but Bryn said not to unless he got in the way. "Fine. You don't want to give me the key? I'll go unlock the safe myself." I turned to walk away.

"What? No! I won't let you take everything I've worked so hard for!"

A blade unsheathed behind me, and I hardly had enough time to draw my own and block Aringoth's blow. His long, elven dagger slid along the length of my sword, and the elf behind it pushed me into the wall. I stumbled, and Aringoth took advantage of me. He slashed his dagger into my left arm, breaking clean through my armor and cutting deep into my skin. I bit back a curse and kicked my opponent away.

"Is this really who the Guild sent to investigate?" Aringoth spat at me. "You're nothing!"

Fueled by anger as well as the hot pain coursing down my arm, I stepped forward and swung my blade at Aringoth's neck. He only had time to open his eyes wide and gasp as his head was severed cleanly from his shoulders.

"Serves you right," I muttered, kicking the disembodied head aside. I knelt down and began searching through Aringoth's pockets for the safe key. I found it tucked alongside some gold, which I also took.

After finding a cloth to press against my wounded arm, I left the room and made my way to the cellar.

Thankfully, I was able to sneak past the few mercenaries in the lower level of the estate. Two were too busy getting drunk, and the last one was out cold at his post. Aringoth had not been kidding when he called them useless.

I found the safe tucked in a corner by a small chest. I looted the chest before opening the safe. Inside, I found a large stack of coins next to a letter. I scooped the septims into my satchel, then took out the note. I opened it, seeing that the wax seal had already been broken. With one last look over my shoulder, I began to read.

"Aringoth,
This document acknowledges the sale of Goldenglow Estate, and all property, assets and materials contained within. Payment of the property has been made in full by Gajul-Lei as an agent on behalf of the buyer. All dealings with the Thieves Guild in Riften are to cease immediately. To deter any possible retribution for this act, you are to take immediate steps to protect our assets in any way you see fit. I think you'll find that the Thieves Guild is far more bark than bite and will likely avoid Goldenglow rather than thin their already dwindling numbers.
Good luck, and may this be the start of a long and lucrative partnership."

There was no signature, only an odd symbol at the top of the letter. I resisted the urge to crumple the page in my fists. This was huge. Brynjolf needed to see this. And he needed to see it yesterday.

With that, I hopped to my feet and made a mad dash for the way out of the estate.

-------

I used the secret Guild entrance that Bryn had shown me when I was ready to leave for my task. It was so much simpler than navigating the maze of the Ratway. I was thankful I would not have to go through the sewers every time I wanted to get into the Cistern.

Seeing that Bryn was not in the Cistern, I headed for the Flagon. On my way in, I passed by Tonilia and Dirge, who looked to be having some sort of serious conversation. Dirge looked serious, at least.

"Look, Ton," he said, voice louder than necessary, "Vekel is a good guy. You shouldn't cheat on him."

"What are you talking about?" Tonilia asked, voice indignant.

"Come on, everyone knows about you and Bryn."

My cheeks flamed, but I did not know why. Why would Bryn like me, anyway? He hardly knew me. I was his protégé, at best. A student and nothing more.

But that did not mean that hearing about him being with someone else did not hurt.

"Yeah, well, everyone's wrong," Tonilia's sharp tone cut through my thoughts. "So just shut up about it."

Now confused and emotionally conflicted, I rushed into the Flagon and away from the arguing pair.

Bryn had a smile on his stubbled face when I returned. "Word on the street is that Goldenglow's been hit. Good job, lass."

I ducked my head, trying to hide the blush of anger still hot on my cheeks. "Thanks. Here's what was in the safe."

"Let me take a look at what you've found."

I handed him the letter, head still down. As he took it from me, I pressed my hand over my still-bleeding and stinging arm, trying not to wince at the pain it caused.

After silently reading for a minute, Brynjolf's eyebrows shot up. "Aringoth sold Goldenglow? What was that idiot thinking? He must've had no idea the extent of Maven's fury when she's been cut out of a deal." His gaze grew curious. "Tell me, what happened to him?"

"He's dead. I guess he won't be finding out about Maven's fury, then."

Bryn nodded. "Right. If only the parchment had the buyer's name, instead of this odd symbol." He cocked one eyebrow. "Any idea of what that might be?"

I shook my head. "Sorry, no. No idea."

"Blast. Well, I'll check my sources and speak to Mercer. But for now, you're off to speak with Maven Black-Briar. She's asked for you by name."

I kept my surprise hidden. Maven Black-Briar asked for me by name? That either meant something really good, or something terribly bad. "Sure, but will I come out of there alive?"

He laughed, a warm and rich sound that used my make my heart flutter. Now it just made my heart ache. "If it was like that, she wouldn't be asking for you. She'd be calling on the Dark Brotherhood. It's just business."

"What does Maven want from me?"

"That's between you and Maven, and I prefer to keep it that way. Don't worry about it. Maven's business dealings usually involve quite a bit of gold for her people."

"Speaking of which..."

"Ha, of course... your pay." He chuckled as he handed me a heavy coin purse. "You're smart as a whip, lass. Keep doing right by us, and there's plenty more where that came from."

I nodded and pocketed the purse, having to take my hand off my makeshift bandage to do so.

"Lass?" Bryn's hand pressed against my wound, and I grimaced. "What happened to you?"

"Aringoth. He was pretty quick with a dagger." I shrugged his hand away. "It's nothing. I should go, like you said. I can't keep Maven waiting."

"Actually, yes, you can."

I gave him a confused look. "What? You just said—"

"You're no good to us with that wound. Especially if it gets infected. Come with me. Let's get you patched up right."

He guided me to an empty chair, then he went in search of some healing potions and bandages. After he left, I worked at slipping my arm out of my armor without having to undress completely. It was not easy, but I managed it.

Brynjolf came back a few minutes later with some bandages and a small healing potion. "'Fraid that this little thing is all we have in the way of potions," he said, shaking the bottle. "I'll just have to do my best at patching you up. Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. Had to patch up quite a few young thieves in my day."

He peeled the cloth away from my wound, then dabbed the cut with a damp rag. It burned like crazy, and I let out a few choice words.

"By the Eight, little lass. You'd do well not to swear like that."

"I'm not that little, Bryn." I bit back another string of curses as he laid the first of many bandages on the gash. "I'm probably older than you, actually."

"How could you be older than me?"

"Curse my Bosmeri blood. I look twelve years younger than I really am. So while I may look eighteen—"

"You're actually thirty?"

I nodded. "Not exactly a spring chicken anymore."

"And here I've been treating you like a child. I'm sorry, lass."

I shrugged my good shoulder. "You're hardly the first to patronize me. All's forgiven."

He used his teeth to cut the bandages away from the roll, then tucked the end under one of the wraps. "There. With the healing potion, you should be feeling better in no time."

I slipped my arm back into my sleeve. Then I grabbed the healing potion and downed it in two gulps. I shook away the bitter taste it left on my tongue, then stood. "I should go see Maven now."

"Before you go, talk to Tonilia about that rip in your armor."

My nose curled on its own. I did not want to deal with her. Not if she really was cheating on Vekel.

Bryn laughed and laid his hand on my shoulder. "Let me guess, you overheard Dirge talking to her about her cheating on Vekel."

I raised my eyebrows. "How'd you know?"

"Dirge is trying to spread that rumor because he wants Tonilia all to himself. I can assure you, it's not true."

"Of course you'd say that."

"I'm not lying to you, lass. I never have, and I never will."

I furrowed my brow. "Really?"

He chuckled and patted my shoulder. "Just go see Tonilia, lass. Torn armor is unprofessional. Best get it repaired before your big meet with Maven. You'll want to set the best impression, trust me."

I nodded, then headed back to the Cistern, where I had seen Tonilia last.

Bryn cleared his throat just as I walked into the dark hall between the Flagon and the Cistern. "Another word of advice?"

I turned and faces him. "Yes?"

"When speaking to Maven, best watch your tongue. She won't get her own hands dirty, but she's been known to call on the Dark Brotherhood for less."

I gave another nod. "Thanks, Bryn."

"Good luck, lass."

With that, I turned and left him behind.