Online:Nicolas

Nicolas is the former guildmaster of the Thieves Guild in Abah's Landing. He was presumed dead after a failed heist in al-Danobia Tomb. He worked under the guise of the merchant lord "Cosh". He also posed as a painter named Vantus.
 

Related Quests




Quest-Related Events
Prison Break
After you gain entry to the prison section of the Iron Wheel Headquarters, you can look for Zeira in the cellblocks. Instead, you will meet Nicholas.
:Nicholas: "And who might you be?"

Talk with him to see what wants and knows.
:''"You certainly don't belong. Who are you, and why are you here?"
:Tell me where I can find Zeira.
:"Straight to the point. Very good. I know where Chief Inspector Rhanbiq took Zeira. I'm willing to tell you. My only price is a single lockpick."
:Why would I free you?
:"I didn't ask you to free me. A single lockpick, from one thief to another. A tradition Zeira began, which means bad luck for her should you break it. Ah, but we have company. And they seem … ambivalent to the idea."
:Hold that thought.

While you were talking to Nicolas, Quen, Velsa and Walks-Softly will have appeared behind you.
:Nicholas: "Ah, Walks-Softly. So good to see you again. How have you been?"
:Walks-Softly: "Hunted. Missing too many friends."
:Nicholas: "And Velsa as well? I thought you'd retired!"
:Velsa: "And I thought you were dead. Seems we were both disappointed."
:Nicolas: "And … who are you? I don't believe we've met."
:Quen: "I'm someone who knows better than you listen to your lies."

After discussing it with your companions, you can decide whether or not to give him a lockpick.
:"Well? Is there honor among thieves, or will you prove Zeira wrong?"
:I've made my decision.
:"Good, good. Always commit fully, even when your heart brims with doubt. Now. The lockpick?"''
 

If you decided to give him a lockpick:
:Walks-Softly: "Here you are. Worst of luck to you."

However, if you refused:
:Walks-Softly: "Search the Warden's Office. Look for any clue that leads us to Zeira."''

The One That Got Away
Following the prison break from No Shira, you will learn from Zeira that Nicolas apparently went overboard during a storm. Zeira and Magnifica Falorah don't believe he is dead and the former asks you to follow some leads. Eventually find yourself at Volunidai's Manor and once you enter, you will hear a familar voice.
:Nicolas: "My darling Volu, is that you in the kitchen? My muse has left me. Perhaps kisses would restore it?"

As you approach he will realize you are not his sweetheart.
:Nicolas: "You are not who I expected to see."

When you speak to him, he will be calm—just saddened that his past caught up so quickly.
:''"I knew my time here wouldn't last. I hoped it would take longer, though. Zeira wanted to make sure I was truly dead, yes? I taught her too well."  
:We have unfinished business.
:"What business? The man you knew as Nicolas truly died in that storm. I am a changed man, a married man. I live quietly in this house, painting things that my wife adores. I … retired."
 
thumb|left|Letting Nicolas live
If you decide to leave him be, he will be surprised but thankful.
:Nicolas: ''"Thank you. I won't squander this."'
He will then run outside to talk to Volunidai.
:Nicolas: "I had an unexpected visitor today. Nothing to worry about, and they are leaving.  You and I should relax and have a nice glass of wine. I have some of that nice Colovian vintage breathing."
 

If you decided to tell his wife the truth, he will just say, "Just get this over with." If you try talking to him again. 
Once you have spoken with Volunidai, the furious Altmer will run into the house.
:Volunidai: "Vantus! Or Nicolas. Whoever you are, you are no longer welcome!"
:Nicolas: "My darling Volu, I can explain!"

However, if you decided to kill Nicolas, Volunidai will rush upstairs and grieve over his dead body.

Dialogue
thumb|right|If you let Nicolas live, but tell his wife about his dubious past, he ends up a fisherman
If you revealed the truth to his wife but didn't suggest that he be shipped off to Taneth,  he can later be found fishing either at near the Outside Inn in Elden Root or near the Undaunted Enclave (Mournhold) in Mournhold. When you talk to him he will say, "Just leave, You're scaring away my dinner."