"Wind,…I can hear,…the wind. It's cold,…very cold. I'm,…cold! Am I alive? The last thing I remember,…I was,…Murdered. I was betrayed,…by who? Was it,… Mercer and Karliah? Wait,…How is it so,…I still yet breathe? I must open my eyes,…I must move. It's so painful,…I don't care! I have to,…Get Up!"
Eradros awoke to the sight of an all white sky, and grey somber clouds passing over him. The winds howled deafeningly loud. He panned his eyes around while squinting to keep snowflakes out of them. They then landed on a person that was standing over him. His vision was still yet hazy. All he could make out was the silhouette. He wanted to move, to get up off of the cold snowy ground, but pain shot through his torso each time he tried.
Voice: Ah,…so you did survive. I was beginning to think I would have to get out the sheets and rope.
Eradros immediately recognized the voice speaking to him, but he was not alarmed. It made since actually. It all was finally starting to make since. He took a sigh of relief and began smiling a bit.
Eradros: You know I never doubted you, Karliah.
Karliah kneeled next to Eradros with a rag in hand, and began cleaning his wounds.
Eradros: AGH!
Karliah: Stop twitching. You'll only make it worse. You've already bled through the first set of bandages. Why are men such babies?
Eradros: Says the person that just put an arrow in me. And what kind of poison was that? I've never been poisoned in my entire life! Ouch!
She then looked him in the eyes after tying up his shoulder.
Karliah: My apologies. You see the arrow was initially meant for Mercer, and I was unaware that you would be with him. The poison was,…special, and the brewing process was very time consuming. I only had enough poison for one arrow, so I made a last ditch effort to get you out of the way.
Eradros could see the sincerity in her eyes. He was still a bit soar about being shot but it apparently had to be done.
Eradros: Well next time just yell duck or something would you?
She chuckled as she began tending to the stab wound Mercer gave him. It seemed they were outside at the camp originally set up by he and Mercer. From the looks of it, Mercer had taken off in a rush.
Eradros: What were you planning to do in there? Were you seeking revenge,…for Gallus?
Karliah: No. That wouldn't clear my name. If anything it would only serve to confirm my accused crimes. No the poison on that arrow was meant to paralyze him. So that I could capture him and clear my name with this.
She then held out what looked like a Journal.
Eradros: Is this,…Did this belong to Gallus?
Karliah: Indeed. It details everything about Mercer's crimes toward the guild, and why Mercer wanted Gallus dead.
Eradros: This must be what he was after. He brought me for insurance against you, but he planned to kill me once he got his hands on the journal.
Karliah: As I said, my intention was not to harm you, but I could not be sure if he'd gotten into your head about me as well. Mercer is very skilled in the way of manipulation.
Eradros: Honestly,…I didn't believe it for one minute. You and Gallus,…you two were in love. Everyone could see that. Once he died,…the smell of death flowed heavily through the guild halls. It was almost like,…his murderer had come right back to us after it was done. Like they had never gone anywhere at all. I saw it,…in the sanctuary. How his aura had become twisted and dark. I knew in that moment,…that was what I had been sensing all this time.
Karliah: Mercer was not always like this. There was a time when we were all shared in a singular goal. Somewhere along the way he began to feed into his own greed. By the time anyone had noticed it, we had already lost Gallus.
Eradros: How,…how does one become like that, like him?
Karliah looked down at the pendant on her cloak that had a winged insignia on it. She stared at it while taking a deep breath. She then looked at Eradros with a serious glare.
Karliah: I will explain once we are back at the guild. We will need Brynjolf with us.
Eradros: Are you sure you can go back?
Karliah: If it were just me, maybe not. But I have you to back my claims now, and Mercer thinks you dead. I finally have things in my favor. It's,…been so long. Living in hiding. Never knowing when one of his paid thugs would come for me in my sleep. It's finally going to be over soon. Can you stand now?
Eradros: I can try. Rrrgg!
Eradros slowly got up off of the ground using a nearby stone to prop himself up. He took a look around and noticed both he and Mercer's horses were gone.
Eradros: This won't do. We can't possibly walk all the way back to Riften.
Karliah: You won't make it like this.
Suddenly, they both heard faint horse noises off in the distance. Eradros looked until he saw an animal appearing to get closer to them. It was Sasha. Eradros assumed Mercer took her with him. She seemed to have gotten away from him somehow. She walked up to him slowly. He placed a hand on her face as he rested his head against hers.
Eradros: Am I happy to see you. I thought Mercer might of taken you away,…or worse.
Sasha grunted in response as Eradros gave her a final pat. He and Karliah then sattled up and began making their way to Riften. The trip would take them some days, with stops along the way. It was a slow process giving Eradros's condition. He and Karliah had time to discuss many things that had changed since she left the guild. It was almost as if she had never left.
It was the forth day of travel and the two were finally nearing Riften. It was just up the road with only a large manor in the woods between it and them. Eradros sat on the back of the horse to regain his strength. He had been extremely bored, only having stories from Karliah to keep him entertained. He then felt a strange push in the wind. He sat up and gazed their surroundings for a short moment. The terrain around Riften was the very image of Autumn. The trees and ground were both covered in leaves all colored in different shades of orange, red, and yellow. The trees around them were very tall and narrow, allowing for a clear view through the trees every so often. He watched as the trees slowly passed each other by, some faster than others. Sasha stayed at a steady trot, as they made their way passed the large manor. Thats when they both sensed it.
Karliah: Eradros,…
Eradros: I know. Are you ready?
Karliah: You can't fight in your condition.
Eradros: I will do what I must. Are you ready?
Suddenly an arrow came wizzing passed their heads as the figures of men began to appear from behind the tall trees. Karliah pulled Sasha to a halt and readied her bow. The men approached slowly. No other arrows were shot after the first.
Karliah: They mean to kill us before we can tell the others.
Eradros: Not before shaking us down for the journal first. We're playing keep away looks like.
Karliah: How many?
Eradros: Five. Two with daggers, a bruiser acting as leader, a swordsman and one archer on high ground.
Karliah: I see,…
By this time the men were now gathering around the horse slowly. Then a large man came up from behind wearing thick metal armor. He wore a large, devilish smile on his burly face as he extended his arm all the way out.
Burly Man: Well Well!
He then slapped Sasha's backside, causing her to raise up in a panic and throw them to the ground. The impact from the fall sent lightning ripping through Eradros's wounds. Karliah quickly jumped to her feet with her bow in hand.
Burly man: Ah ah aah,…I wouldn't make any hasty moves if I were you. My archer friend brought more than one arrow if you know what I mean. Names Roh'shak by the way.
Karliah: And why are you telling me?
The man then pulled a two-handed steal hammer from his back as the two men with daggers approached slowly.
Roh'shak: Curtesy I suppose,…but you're right. All these pleasantries are beneath us. We are simply the men hired to make sure you,…never get to where you're goin'.
Eradros: Figures he would do this.
Eradros slowly rose to a kneeling crouch behind Karliah. He was lightly gripping the chain connecting his cloak to his armor. He waited for a brief moment before undoing it and shouting.
Eradros: Now Karliah!
He quickly threw his cloak in the air over his head while reaching into his boot to grab a throwing knife. The cloak managed to blind the archer for a brief moment as he threw two daggers passed Roh'shak, and hitting the two men behind him both in the neck. The archer attempted to take a shot through the cloak impairing his aim, but he was quickly hit in the chest by an arrow from Karliah. The swordsman finally caught up to what was going on and went to attack Karliah. He was immediately halted by the sword Eradros had now placed at his throat.
Eradros: And to think,…a moment ago your comrades were still alive. Whats going to be your fate hm?
The swordsman swiftly parried the sword away from him in frustration. The man was of Nord descent, with long red unkept locks, and a stubbly beard to match. He was about the same build as Eradros, and possibly a bit younger. He was a hot headed man by the looks of him, but skilled all the same. His armor was made of hide. It was light, and afforded little protection, but he was not the type of fighter that took many hits during battle. He dealt them.
Swordsman: Smug,…too smug for someone workin' with one arm and broken ribs.
Roh'shak: I gotta admit that was pretty daring. Mercer said you were a crafty lot, but takin' out a few newbie sell-swords ain't enough to impress me. You're gonna have to be a real animal if you wanna survive this.
Suddenly two arrows bounced off of his armor one by one without even making him flinch. The arrows simply spun off into the bushes after the impact. Roh'shak looked down at his chest where the arrows hit, then back at Karliah who had fired them. He clutches his warhammer and lowers his stance.
Roh'shak: You're right,…I was talkin' too much.
Karliah: Well It was worth a shot.
Eradros: Switch!
The large man charges Karliah. She quickly roles back toward Eradros as he swipes the swordsman's legs from under him, causing him to fall. He rolls over her using her back to prop himself up as he unleashes a kick to Roh'shak. The kick landed on his chest, but did not do much but stop him for a brief moment.
Roh'shak: Was that suppose to hurt mate?
Eradros backs away slowly having lost a bit of his edge. The man was a hulk, even more muscular than Gavhelus, and with heavier armor. The swordsman got up from the ground even more frustrated.
Swordsman: I'm not done with you yet pirate!
He takes a step in Eradros's direction but was quickly cut off by three arrows landing right before him.
Karliah: Sorry. He's a little busy right now.
Swordsman: Out of my way!
Karliah: You're too emotional. You've already lost sight of what you're here for.
Swordsman: Shut up!
The man charges Karliah swinging his blades rapidly. One after the other, Karliah dodged each attack swiftly and gracefully. The man swung wildly. He was caught in a frenzy of anger and ego. Not the type that survives very long. He went for an aggressive cleave, but his blades touched not. Karliah ducked under it with a forward tumble and retaliated with an upward kick to his chin, which also allowed her to handspring backwards onto her feet. He stumbled back holding his jaw, then readied for another attack. Eradros was in the middle of a tempest of hammers. Roh'shak swung wide and aggressively, leaving craters wherever his weapon touched. He could not keep this up much longer with his injuries. He was much faster than Roh'shak, but fatigue was setting in quickly. Eradros waited for an opening. He managed to dodge a wide swing that left Roh'shak completely open. This was it. He got low as he approached and went in for a quick slash. He only managed to scrape his armor. The effort that went into that attack alone put great strain on his body. He looked up to see Roh'shak was unfazed. He just stood over him smiling with his hammer clutched tightly. Eradros was hunched over trying to catch his breath. Roh'shak leans down in front of him until they were face to face.
Roh'shak: Gettin' a bit winded are we? That's tough!
He then swings his hammer at Eradros', catching him in the midsection and lifting him off of the ground. He swung the hammer with great force, sending Eradros flying back toward Karliah who was still doing battle with the swordsman.
Roh'shak: Thoryn,…To me!
The swordsman turns in frustration at the order given.
Thoryn: But boss,…I was just about to-
Roh'Shak: I said, to me!
The swordsman lowered his swords and returned to Roh'shak's side as Karliah ran to check on Eradros. The impact from the hit had completely knocked the wind out of him.
Karliah: Eradros! Are you alright?
Eradros: Nnggh! I'll,…live.
Roh'shak then kneels down and picks something up off of the ground.
Roh'shak: Well well well. Look what we just got our hands on.
They both look up to see him holding Gallus's journal. This shocked them both. The entire fight was just him biding time to grab the book.
Karliah: The journal! How did he,…
Roh'shak: Must've fallen when you guys took that spill. Or maybe it was during all those cute little flips that you dropped it. Doesn't really matter now does it? Bottom line is we got what we came for. Thoryn,…why don't you finish up.
Eradros struggled to get up from the ground. His injuries were on fire, and he could barely move his arm. Karliah went to help him up, but it was no use. He was unfit to fight at this point.
Karliah: This isn't worth our lives. We should retreat. We'll find some other way to expose Mercer.
Eradros: Tie my arm up behind my back for me.
Karliah: For what? You're in no condition to fight.
Eradros: Do it dammit!
Karliah: We're not going to win this. I've been running for years,…what's one more day?
Eradros did not respond to her. He simply sat up and waited for her to grab his arm. It was clear he could not be talked down. She quickly grabbed a then leather lace from her wristgaurd, and used it to tie his arm up to his waistband behind him. It was painful for him, but he didn't care. Eradros was determined not to let them get away with the journal. As Thoryn approached them ready to end it, Eradros managed to slowly get back to his feet. Thoryn was savoring the moment. He'd wanted nothing more than to put Eradros down, ever since they were briefed about him by Mercer. He was eager to prove himself to his comrades, and Eradros was just the right kind of mark.
Karliah: If I knew you were this stubborn I'd have made two poison arrows. Come on!
Eradros: I'm not running anymore!
This outburst gave her pause. Eradros was not the type to lose his cool, even when things aren't looking very good, but he was serious now. This wasn't him being his usual calculated self having run out of options. This was a man fighting against the self he no longer wished to be.
Eradros: Forgive my rudeness, Karliah. (breathes deep) But you misunderstand. My whole life,…has been running. From the law,…my troubles,…it has all been a marathon,…of endless running. (Coughs a bit of blood) Its why I've come back you see. There is someone,…who needs something more than that from me.
He then stands up straight with one arm behind his back, and the other now holding his sword. He raises the blade and points it directly at Thoryn.
Eradros: So if I'm going to stop running,…What better time then now?
Thoryn: Enough talk! Let's be about it!
He then rushes Eradros and Karliah with both swords ready. Eradros places his sword arm low and extends the blade outward. He was only working with one arm, and could barely stand, but this had to be done. Thoryn swings at his neck with a leaping slash. He landed only to realized he touched nothing and was now kneeling with his back to Eradros.
Eradros: Get up!
This bothered Thoryn. This was not the same man they were just winning against. He could have killed him right then. Instead Eradros yelled for him to stand. As if to make him aware of every time he made the wrong choices in battle. Eradros'd had it. It seemed he had done exactly what Roh'shak suggested to win. His combat style was not its usual conservative form. It had become somewhat animalistic. They clashed swords for a while longer until Thoryn began to lose his nerve.
Thoryn: Dammit! Why won't you die!
Roh'shak: Stop playing around. The guy's got a lame arm for crying out loud! End this!
Thoryn continued to swing both blades at Eradros but could not manage to cut him down. A wide swing left him open. Eradros used this to uppercut him with the butt of his sword. Thoryn stumbled back, struggling to regain his footing. Eradros went on the offensive with aggressive slashes meant to break his guard. Each time Thoryn attempted to block, his blade was knocked out of the way by the strike.
Eradros: This is the difference between us! (swings sword) Amateurs should stay in their place!
Once Thoryn's guard was completely broken, Eradros went for a shoulder charge. It had great impact. It was enough to knock Thoryn into a nearby tree, hitting his head and knocking him out cold. He then turned to Roh'shak.
Eradros: Well, it appears you're out of dogs Roh'shak.
Roh'shak: I guess you're right,…and I don't really like to pay for shitty work. Why don't you do me a favor and end him for me?
Eradros: He isn't worst the stain it would leave. But you,…are definitely dying today.
He readies his sword in preparation to fight Roh'shak. The man was still grinning ear to ear. It seemed he had no intention on losing the fight at all.
Roh'shak: Big words coming from half a man right now. You know you honorable types are all the same. Screaming your ideologies at people who could give a shit. I don't have those kinds of things weighing me down. It's all about the coin for me,…simple as that. And that's why it will be you who dies here today.
Eradros: Say it with the hammer. Talking's over!
He then charges at Roh'shak with his sword low to the ground. Roh'shak went for an upward swing with his weapon, but Eradros spun around to his side to dodge. Roh'shak brought the hammer back down ferociously. The impact kicked up dirt and rock, on top of leaving a hole in the ground where it hit. Eradros dodged this as well with a back hand spring.
Roh'shak: Whats with all the dance moves? I thought this was an actual fight. (Takes another swing) I thought you were going to kill me!
Eradros went in for a spinning slash. He connected but did not do much in the way of damage. His blade simply clanged against Roh'shak's armor, leaving mere scratches. This did not deter him. He sent more slashes at Roh'shak, spinning and dodging whenever he'd retaliate. Roh'shak slammed his hammer to the ground once more as Eradros drew closer. It kicked up dust once again. He was sure he had smashed Eradros this time, but as the dust was settling, he felt a weight on his weapon. Eradros ran up the the hilt of his hammer and Kicked Roh'shak square in the face, then he jumped off of the weapon and over his head. Roh'shak was now disoriented. Eradros landed behind him and delivered another spinning slash to the vulnerable parts of his legs. Roh'shak let out a scream from the injury. He then fell to his knees, unable to move his legs anymore. He was exhausted and heavy. Sweat ran from his brow, falling into the dirt beneath him as he tried to catch wind. What was once his iron protection now felt like iron weights meant to pin him down. He knew he had now lost. He sat there on his knees now at his limits. He watched as Eradros walked around to his front holding his sword directly in his face.
Roh'shak: What you gonna kill me now? You couldn't even kill my lackey! Like I said, you honorable types are all the same.
Eradros: Your lackey,…will eventually wake up and choose a different profession. Hopefully, but you're projecting the hate for yourself and what you do onto me by calling this honorable. (Leans in closely to speak into his ear.) I'm a piece of shit just like you, but I at least clean up my own mess.
Roh'shak: Is that right? Well on with it then. I ain't got all day!
Eradros: Gladly,…
Karliah could barely hear what they were saying from her distance, but she saw Eradros raising his sword to his flank. He then swiped it from one side to the other. The large grin on Roh'shak's face slowly turned to a gasp for air. His body then fell before Eradros on the ground. It seemed it was now over. Eradros reached down to pick up the journal. It was now back in their possession. He then went to place his sword back in it's sheathe, but he suddenly collapsed, dropping the blade onto the ground.
Karliah: Eradros! What's wrong?
She then ran over to see his breathing was strained and his temperature was rising rapidly. He had overexerted himself in the fight, and his injuries had taken damage as well. He was still conscious but in much pain.
Karliah: Come on now. You're not dying here,…we're almost there. Riften's just up the road.
She reached down to pull him up and threw his arm over her shoulder. They then slowly made their way into town. They had to make it into the Cistern as well. It would be tough, but they would have to convince the others of her innocence.
Brynjolf was inside the Cistern, mulling over documents and information he had been receiving recently. He seemed to be frustrated at the lack of explanations surrounding this mysterious house. Everything was connected somehow. It all seemed to lead back to Mercer. The infiltration he sent Vex on yielded only more confusing factors. He wondered if he had done the right thing letting Eradros go with him. He was then approached by one of the lower ranking guild members.
Thief: Brynjolf,…You might want to come see this.
Before he could completely stand up from behind his desk, he saw Karliah and Eradros coming in through the secret entrance. They walked in slowly. Eradros was still very injured and barely able to stand. Karliah did the best she could to keep him up but eventually they both fell to the floor.
Brynjolf: You'd better have a damned good explanation for being here traitor.
Karliah gets to her feet and tries to help Eradros.
Karliah: Please! He's hurt,…can you see to him?
Brynjolf signals two of his men to grab Eradros. This brought relief to Karliah as she was very much worried for his wellbeing. They began to lift him up and carry him to a bed. As Karliah stood up as well, she was met with Brynjolf's blade at her throat.
Brynjolf: Start talking,…now.
Karliah: I am not the person Mercer has made me out to be. I did not kill Gallus. I did not betray the guild.
Brynjolf: Words,…show me proof.
Eradros: I have it!
They turned to see Eradros struggling to retrieve something from his jacket. The men seeing to his wounds were trying to keep him still but he would vouch for her if he could. He then tossed the journal onto the floor next to the bed. It took every ounce of strength he had just to grab it.
Eradros: There,…it is proof. Mercer betrayed me,…in the sanctuary. He was after this journal. (Takes deep breaths) He murdered Gallus,…because he knew that Mercer was stealing from the guild. Killing people.
Brynjolf lowers his sword and retrieves the journal from the floor. He looks through it as Vex and Delvin gathered near. It grew quiet as Brynjolf flipped through the pages. His brow furrowing at every bit of information. He then snapped the book shut in frustration, and burried his face in his hand.
Brynjolf: This can't be real,…Mercer's been deceiving us the whole time. Every bit of it was a lie. The things about Karliah, all lies.
He then looked to Karliah.
Brynjolf: I'm sorry I ever doubted you. We were fed that lie for so long with out any real answers. It was just easier to believe I guess.
Karliah: I appreciate the apology Brynjolf, but we don't have time for this. Mercer was unable to get the journal, which means he'll be moving forward with his plan as soon as possible. He can no longer afford the luxury of hiding his hand.
Brynjolf: What are we looking for?
Eradros: Check,…the vaults.
Brynjolf looked to Delvin and Vex. They both nodded to him before they all went walking toward the vault. Delvin stepped forward to unlock it, then Brynjolf and Vex stepped in. What they saw brought a myriad of emotions to everyones faces. The chests, all of them were empty. Picked bone dry with only a few gold coins scattered here and there. Vex's fists began to tighten and shake. She was furious beyond reasoning.
Vex: This whole time,…That son of a bitch has been hiding right under our noses. When I see him,…(grits teeth) I'm definitely slitting his throat.
Delvin: So, we're already too late, is that it?
Brynjolf: Not just yet. It says here that the bastard has actually found the Eyes of the Falmer, notoriously known and sought after by every thief worth his salt. This is definitely the last stop on his little "Be-trail".
Delvin: Aha! I see what you did there. Be-trayal.
Delvin looked around to see no one else was laughing.
Delvin: Serious moment, right. Um,…you were sayin'?
Karliah: What Brynjolf is saying is Mercer knows where the eyes are. So did Gallus according to his journal. We just need to find him.
Vex: We're going to kill'm right?
Brynjolf: Easy Vex. He'll most definitely be answering for every crime. And with the coin we'll get for those eyes, it'll be like he never touched the vault. In fact,…he's about to make a very generous donation.
Karliah: This is going to be a bit tougher than your normal heist Brynjolf. Mercer is,…twisted now. He can no longer decipher right from wrong, and the power he wields is corrupted because of it.
Brynjolf: Wait,…power? What power?
Karliah paused for a moment. She realized that this was not something she could divulge to everyone. Only a select few could know about Nocturnal and her blessing.
Karliah: I will explain all, but first we must wait for Eradros's recovery. We will need him for what is to come next.
Brynjolf: Is it that important?
Karliah: Trust me. Without it, we stand no chance against him.
Brynjolf pondered her words for a moment before signaling everyone to leave the vault. Eradros would need at least a couple of days to rest. Karliah and Brynjolf would spend that time coming up with a plan to stop Mercer. He was too dangerous to just let him be, on top of leaving the guild completely broke. Something had to be done.
[ Two 1/2 Days Later ]
The sun had been down for a few hours in Riften, and people were starting to retire to their homes. Eradros was nearly healed and was finally up and about. He had stepped out for some fresh air and to stretch his legs a bit. He had also received a strange note written by Karliah. It instructed him to meet her and Brynjolf at a location southeast of the city. He had been bedridden since they had arrived and was unsure what this was about. He decided to indulge her. It was midnight when he arrived. He had come to what looked like the entrance of a cave. Outside of it was a large dark rock with a winged insignia on it. The same as the one that was on his sword. He never knew what the symbol meant. Only that the sword was a gift from Gallus, given to him the night before he left. Eradros remembered that night well. It was as if Gallus knew that things in the guild would change forever. He did not say where he was going, but Eradros nor anyone else ever saw him again.
Brynjolf: Look who's finally up and walking. How you feelin' lad?
Eradros: I've seen better days, but still I draw breath. Whats going on you two? Why are we out here in the middle of the night?
Brynjolf: Your guess is as good as mine. I got a note same as you.
Karliah steps forth with a key in hand. One meant for the door before them.
Karliah: There is something I wish to show you both. It might be the key to what we need to stop Mercer.
Eradros: And what exactly is this place? Why does that symbol match the one on the sword Gallus gifted to me?
Karliah: This,…is Nightingale Hall.
Eradros: You mean that Gallus,…was a Nightingale?
Brynjolf: Wait,…Nightingale? I thought they were mere legends.
Karliah: I assure you they are anything but. Come. I will explain all inside.
The three of them enter the cave after Karliah unlocked the door. Inside looked like an abandoned sanctuary to a forgotten order. There were beds and chests all bout. There were Nightingale flags hanging on each wall. Training areas and a mess hall. It appeared to be a haven for Nightingales, although It was all old and unkept. Most of the furnishings had already decayed. It looked to have not been touched in years. Karliah lit the wall torches as they made their way further into the sanctum. They came to a large room with a cut out floor. In the center of it was a large pillar marked with the Nightingale insignia. It had three walkways that led to smaller pillars.
Karliah: Are you both familiar with the legend of the Nightingales?
Eradros: They're told to be the children of Nocturnal. Blessed by the night. Or at least that's how the children's tale goes.
Karliah: Correct.
Brynjolf: What does this have to do with us, or stopping Mercer?
Karliah: Gallus, Mercer and I were Nightingales.
Eradros: Wait Mercer too?
Brynjolf: Is this the twisted power you mentioned?
Karliah: Precisely. But I won't waste time explaining it all. Let us each take a pillar. Then we can begin.
They each stood on one of the three pillars connected to the larger middle one. Karliah then began to call out.
Karliah: I call upon you Nocturnal. Queen of Murk, Empress of Shadow. Hear my call!
Brynjolf and Eradros both look at each other from their respective pillars in confusion. This was all very strange to them, and they were not sure what exactly was suppose to happen. Then, a bright aura began to accumulate about the larger pillar. It swirled and swirled until it created a large glowing orb in the center of the room, right above the Nightingale insignia. The orb let off a peculiar glow. It sat in the middle of the room like the moon itself in the black of night. Soon after they heard a voice respond.
Deistic Voice: Ah,…Karliah. I was beginning to wonder where you'd run off to. I'd hoped it was to retrieve something very important. My key,…per chance?
Karliah: Forgive me,…Gallus and I,…we did not see the signs. Mercer is no longer the servant he once was. He's,…something else now. I am here to throw myself at your mercy, and to make an offering,…if you would have it.
Nocturnal: Your soul belongs to me forever child. What more could you possibly give?
Karliah: Would two more not suffice your grace? To serve in life and death.
Nocturnal grew quiet for a moment as she pondered this. The orb began to hover closer to Brynjolf and Eradros, as if examining them.
Nocturnal: Hm,… I do love new souls. A stalwart heart this one has. Oh and this one,…
The orb hones in on Eradros. The glow shining about his face as if he was being scanned.
Nocturnal: His is a soul worth all the riches in the world.
Eradros: Wh-, what does she mean by that?
Nocturnal: You can speak directly to me child. I don't bite. I love a man that wishes to be greater than what he is. Cast a lowly lot in life, yet you've seen fortunes beyond most men's wildest dreams. I think you will do nicely.
The orb then returns to its original position in the room.
Nocturnal: Well,…what say you? Will you two serve me in life,…and death. In exchange for my blessing.
Brynjolf: I don't really know much about the afterlife. Not really the philosophical type. But it's my job to see the guild put back to rights. I'm in.
Nocturnal: And what about you pirate?
Eradros: I'm bringing you your precious key,…and Mercer's head. That should be payment enough. My soul shall remain mine.
Nocturnal was a bit surprised by his response. She grew quiet for moment. This worried Karliah. She feared that Eradros had spoken out of turn.
Nocturnal: You're an arrogant one aren't you?
Karliah: Your grace,…If you would allow me to speak with him-
Nocturnal: Unnecessary,…He does make a fine point.
Karliah: I don't understand.
Nocturnal: You would not be able to retrieve the skeleton key and defeat Mercer without their help correct? I suppose it is a fair enough trade. Very Well! You shall have my blessing,…but know this. If you fail in bringing back Mercer or the key,…your souls will be mine.
Suddenly everyone's clothes began to change into the armor of the Nightingale. They all now had on grey leather armor, with masks that covered their faces. Eradros's armor came with a cloak that draped from the right shoulder. Karlaih's had a wider cape that covered her back. Brynjolf's had two capes that draped from each shoulder. Each of them also now had hoods covering their heads. They were now officially Nightingales.
Nocturnal: Go forth,…and see this matter corrected.
The orb then dispersed, leaving the room pitch black. Seconds after, six white lights appeared in the room where they were standing. The room was now aglow from the eyes of the newly sworn Nightingales. These were the eyes bestowed upon them through Nocturnal's blessing. With these, there was nothing that could hide from them now. Not even Mercer.
Chapter End-