Other Fan Fiction ❯ A Trip to Tamriel ❯ The Theives Guild ( Chapter 4 )

Gettin' sleepy. Need a nap. Zzzzzzz….

 

*~*~*~*~*Loading Chapter Four…*~*~*~*~*

 

Now that Jess was closer, she realized that the man was a Dark Elf, or as they would call themselves a Dunmer. His hair was jet black and his eyes were red, as was normal for a Dunmer, but his skin was a lighter shade of blue than she expected. He was squatted in the shadows, up against a building, and his eyes were intently focused on a well-dressed man with a fat purse. Jess made her way to the backside of him, and carefully as she could she leaned herself just behind his ear and whispered, “What'cha doin'?” The Dunmer jumped and spun around quickly, eyes blazing his frustration and anger.

“What do you want? Can't you tell I'm busy?” he snapped. Jess pouted and said, “Busy doing what? It looked to me like you were going to ste-“ her mouth was instantly covered by the Dunmer, who now looked a little more panicked than anything else. Not too far off was a guard, standing at his post by one of the giant double doors. Jess didn't struggle against him at all, although she was a little surprised at how quickly he reacted. In a hushed tone, the Dunmer asked, “Could I speak with you for a moment elsewhere?” Jess nodded, although she was relatively certain that it was meant as more of a statement than a question. The Dunmer removed his hand from her mouth and grabbed her wrist, leading her into some narrow alley. A beggar was asleep on a cot not far off, but other than that there was no one else to be seen.

“Now listen here, just forget you saw me and what I was doing, alright?” his voice was stern, and she didn't like it one bit.

“Why should I?” she asked. “You were going to steal from someone, am I right? I guess I can assume so, since you were so quick to hush me up about it. If you're a criminal, then what reason would I have to not turn you in?” The Dunmer appeared a little more humble now, and in a much more gentle tone he said, “Look, I'm sorry for snapping at you… I just don't want to spend weeks, or possibly months, in prison. You understand, right? And it's not as if I do this for the fun of it! There's nothing else I really can do. If I get a simple job that people would actually hire me for, I'll be living little better than him,” he gestured to the beggar, then continued, “but any time I try to get a higher paying job they say they won't hire me, because they don't trust me. This leaves me in quite a situation. Besides, I'm not a bad person, per-say. I just take from people who are too rich to notice something's gone, so couldn't you do me a favor and not tell the guards about that little thing you saw earlier?”

Jess was the kind of person who was gullible and easily swayed by no more than person's tone or choice of words. This being the case, she found her opinions of him easily shifted. She still intended to get something out of this, though, as was her plan from the beginning. Then again, it wasn't really a PLAN in her head, just a vague idea of getting money so she wouldn't have to work.

Jess gave the Dunmer her best hard and calculating look she could manage, and carefully said, “How about you pay me to keep quite? Twenty septims, and I'll say nothing.” True, she didn't need that much, but having some extra cash for food and drink would be nice.

The Dunmer looked quite flustered, and with a look of indignity he half-shouted, “You're out of your mind! I'll pay you, fine, but not that much! I've had to pay people to keep quiet about far greater things than this, and it never costs me that much.” Jess could only smile as she stated, “Really? Then that means that you've done worse, and I bet there's a number of crimes the guards would love to pin on someone. Guilty or not, people like to see a conviction, and I don't think the bail on you will be anywhere near a mere twenty septims…” The Dunmer opened his mouth to speak, then closed it again with a look of defeat on his face.

“I… I don't have the money on me right now, but maybe I could repay you some other way?” This was starting to sound like a rip off, but Jess could only hope that he valued his freedom more than money. Most thieves did, despite what people tend to believe. She agreed, and he began to lead her off down the alley to some small back lot. There was some grass, a tree, and even a rosebush here. There was also what looked like a manhole. There were two holes in the lid, and judging from the slight odor seeping from it she could only assume it was the sewer system of the city. Her nose wrinkled a little as the Dunmer lifted the lid, and seeing her expression he laughed lightly and handed her a small cloth to cover her nose and mouth with. She did so, and wearily followed him down the narrow ladder.

Inside wasn't as bad as she had thought, but it was still pretty nasty. Sections of the walls had green slime on them, as did the floor. There were vague footprints from other people coming down here, and Jess couldn't help but fantasize on what anyone would want to do down here. She also noted that the stone here, although still as finely constructed as up above, was made of stone that was a much darker shade of grey. Or at least, she guessed as much from the sections that DIDN'T have muck on it. There was a canal no more than three feet off with a shallow stream of the wastes from the city. It slowly gushed along, and Jess was horrified to see that something was living in it. Some very large crabs, by the looks of them. There were rats here, too. Many, many rats.

He led her through a metal door, and the passage they went through was very narrow indeed. Since she was a girl, and had narrower shoulders, she managed to get through without rubbing against the walls. Her companion, however, had to walk with his shoulders slanted to avoid getting dirty. They arrived at another open area, with the same canal system, but there was also a crank for controlling the sewage flow. On the other end of the room was a second crank, and the Dunmer began to turn this one. As he did so, it occurred to Jess that it would probably be best if she were to introduce herself, since it seemed as if she'd be around him for a while.

“I know I haven't mentioned it before, but my name's Jess. Could I know yours?” The Dunmer over at her a moment, went back to what he was doing, and after thinking on it decided to answer, “My name's Othrelos, but try to keep that to yourself.” She smiled and nodded, even though he couldn't see it. A door nearby began to open when Othrelos turned the crank enough, but there was just another door waiting. This one was wooden, and looked like it was just slapped on there at the last moment. He went to this door and motioned for Jess to come as well. She did, and curiously tried to peep through the slight cracks.

Othrelos knocked on the door rapidly, and on the other side a smooth masculine voice said, “At least give me a chance to answer! Geeze… What's the password?” Othrelos frowned, “It's me, fool. Just open the damn door.”

“I said; what's the password? If you're really supposed to be here then you'll know it.”

“You know damn well that I belong here! I'm not saying the password, now would you open up?”

“If we're going to have a password, and I'm going to be stuck with door duty, then I want people to use it!”

Jess listened to the exchange and tried not to giggle when she heard Othrelos mumble the phrase `chicken butt' under his breath. The door swung open, and they were greeted by the face of a beaming Redgaurd. His skin was dark brown, like all Redgaurds, and his hair was a small puffy tuft that covered his head. He had large, chocolate colored eyes and his face was pleasantly devoid of wrinkles of any kind. He almost looked like a sculpture. Othrelos was still annoyed with him, and so rudely shoved his way past him. As Jess began to follow, the Redgaurd asked, “Hey, hey! Who's this? I've never seen her before.” Othrelos told him it was none of his business, and grabbed her wrist to hurry her along. The Redgaurd sighed and shut the door, continuing his duty.

This place was very different from the rest of the sewers, and the most prominent thing was the lack of stench. In fact, the smell was almost gone entirely. Another noticeable difference was the lack of slime anywhere. These walls and floors were kept quite clean of any mess. All around her were many interesting things, such as expensive clothing and furniture just lying in heaps inside of open boxes. Otherwise fine tapestries hung on the walls in such numbers that it was gaudy, and there were a number of small cots here, also overdone with comforters, blankets and pillows of good to excellent quality. There were also a number of people in here at the moment. There were Khajiits, Bosmer, and a few Argonians. Seated at a table, playing a card game with a few others was another Redgaurd, but this one had a more aged look to him, and his head was shaved. He was dressed simply, which contrasted his surrounding horribly. He wore a white shirt, light brown vest, black pants, and leather boots. No fancy embroidery, no flamboyant colors.

Othrelos cleared his throat, and the card players shot their heads up at them all at once. One of them just grinned upon seeing Othrelos, or maybe it was Jess who was making him grin? She couldn't tell. Either way, the others went back to concentrating on their game while the Redgaurd sighed and set his cards face down on the table. He rose from his chair, and Jess just realized how very tall he was. This man was about as tall as her brother! (Who, if you'll remember, is remarkably tall.)

“Othrelos, if you're here to ask to be lent some money, then the answer is no. I told you the last time you needed to pay off someone to be quite that you'd be on your own, alright?”

 

*~*~*~*~*Intermission*~*~*~*~*

To those of you who play Oblivion, I hope that you will not this bit of fun that just made itself apparent. In the game, Othrelos is a character who can train you in how to sneak and be undetected. I decided to be silly and make him someone who sucked at hiding himself.

*~*~*~*~*Back to the Story*~*~*~*~*

 

“I know, I know…” said Othrelos, “But listen, I don't need to borrow any money this time. I just need you to let her join the guild. I haven't seen her around before, so she's clearly new. Also, I overheard her talking with that Burxton lady earlier, so I can guess that she owes her some money. She could probably pick up on things quickly enough, so she'd have a source of income and I won't be in jail. What do you say?”

At first Jess was certain that the Redgaurd would say no, considering how angry he looked. There was a brief exchange of heated words, mostly consisting of the Redgaurd (who's name was apparently Armand Christophe) telling Othrelos off for being to dumb as to bring her here directly. A few minutes in and Jess suspected that he was more angry that he didn't much choice but to let her in now that she knew of their hide out. Just when she thought that the argument was going to escalate, a very, very handsome Altmer broke up the conflict.

“Gentlemen, please, where are your manners? Fighting in front of a young lady; tsk, tsk. Othrelos, you must admit that bringing someone here without first gaining any kind of grantee or approval from another member was rash indeed! And Christophe, you need not loose your temper over to simple a matter. She seems trustworthy enough, so why not at least give her a chance to be initiated?” He had a hand resting on each of the men's chest, and set a good foot or so between them. They were both focused on one another, but still aware of the High Elf's words. After a moment they agreed to set things aside, and Christophe agreed to test her and see if she had what it takes to be in the Thieves Guild.

All of this was very sudden to her, and Jess couldn't help but feel as if she was being forced along a path like cattle. Othrelos never asked her if she would want to join; what if she wanted to be a good girl? And now that she thought about it, Elizabeth was awfully assumptuous in expecting her to pay for something that she hadn't asked for, and expecting her to just go along with the whole servant idea. On second thought, she DID go along with it, didn't she? That was right, for some reason Jess found herself just going along with all of these things like it were nothing. But why? Why on Earth- or rather Tamriel, would she just cease to question everything as was normally her habit? She'd have to think on that later, because right now things were happening. People were speaking, and she'd have to pay attention. Tonight, perhaps, she could think better on it all. In the meantime, she figured that she'd try to join this guild. She was indeed new, as Othrelos had deduced, and she did need money. Having some people she could count on wouldn't hurt either. A place to stay was also appreciated.

Jess couldn't help but feel, however, that her main reason for wanting to join was due to the appearance of the Altmer. Most of the other Altmer she had glanced at in the city were high-nosed snobs; much like the Bretons. They also seemed just `fine' in appearance. No one really stood out to her, but this man… He had light, golden hair that looked silky smooth. Being an Altmer he had no facial hair, and his eyes were wonderful to look at, being a deep and sensual green, framed along the edges with ice-green slivers. He had well toned muscles, nothing to big and intimidating, and he wasn't a slender stick either like most of these thieves seemed to be. He wore a leather cuirass, black boots, and burgundy pants. True, it was nothing special, but it seemed so much nicer on him. His voice was almost a melody in itself, and Jess really loved the manner in which he spoke.

By the time she had snapped out of her trance he was gone, but not before giving her a short bow and a wave goodbye to everyone. She felt her heart skip a beat. An Argonian, who had noticed the way she stared after him, laughed and patted her back.

“Best to just forget about him. He's a charmer alright, but he'll just break your heart if you try to pursue him. As much as he seems like a gentleman, that's just how he acts so he can con people like guards or rich women.” Jess could feel her face grow intensely warm at the knowledge that she was being so blatant in her fancy for him. Trying to regain herself, she quietly said, “Oh, I wasn't thinking about that- I was just spacing out a little…” The Argonian laughed heartily, “Sure, sure you weren't.” Jess was increasingly embarrassed, but wished to know what his name was. She hadn't heard it mentioned in anyone's conversation. Try as she might, she had a hard time stammering through her question. Laughing again, the Argonian knew what she was asking and decided to spare her by just answering, “His name's Tanendrall. He doesn't have a last name, though. Or if he does, he's never mentioned it. Probably just doesn't want his folks to know who he is if he's ever caught. Not that I can see that happening anytime. Oh, and by the way, if you care at all to know my name, it's Amusei. I don't mind if it takes you some time to get the pronunciation down.” Jess couldn't think up much of a response. If she met too many more people she'd need to make a list of their names. Amusei seemed like a nice enough fellow. He certainly seemed good natured enough.

Armand Christophe ran her through the guidelines for what she'd need to do to be accepted into the guild. Basically all she needed to do was manage to steal something; anything at all, from someone named Amanitas Allectius. He was an Imperial, judging from the name, and they would give her no more information than his name and that he lived alone in the city. The rest, they said, was up to her to figure out. The thieves guild had a long standing history of helping the beggars and protecting them from the abuse of cruel people, and so would most likely be willing to help her out with things like where he lived and such. After all, asking people about someone, and then that person being robbed would lead a very easy to follow trail for the guards.

*~*~*~*~*~*End of Chapter 4*~*~*~*~*~*