Thread: Random Short Stories *May contain triggers/graphic scenes*

Astrid moved closer to the large central fireplace, gray eyes scoping the collection of trinkets and art that lined walls and bookshelves. She couldnt help but be impressed by all the fine furniture and art each time she came to Mavens home. One day she would have just as many nice things, she had decided on her first visit. Each subsequent visit had left that mantra ever stronger in her head. The blonde Nord looked up as she heard someone enter the room. The man that stood at the opposite end of the great room was unfamiliar to her. Out of habit and her sense of survival, her hand moved to her hip, resting against the hilt of her dagger as she sized him up. Tall, with hair the color of flames and green eyes that were friendly and open his broad shoulders and muscular build belied the fine clothes that seemed to say merchant. The stranger seemed to be assessing her as well, and took a few steps closer with a lithe grace that screamed danger. Astrid felt her body reacting to him in a way that brought a delicate flush to her pale cheeks. Well, lass, youre not Maven, the man said in an accent that was both foreign and intoxicating to the young Brotherhood agent. Aye, that I am not, she agreed. She should be along shortly, or so Sibbi had informed me when he deposited me here a quarter of an hour ago, she sighed. The man chuckled softly, causing a weird butterfly sensation in the pit of her stomach. Youll learn that Maven works on Mavens time, lass, the stranger said with a friendly smile. Astrid snorted softly and rolled her eyes at that. Oh, Im well aware of that already, she admitted. It didnt bother her much, it wasnt like she had much else to do. Maven was just giving her a new assignment, one that no doubt had a very specific time limit. Youre unfamiliar to me, lass. What business have you with the Black-briars? The man asked, leaning his frame against the wall. His green eyes roved her figure again and despite herself, she flushed. I could say the same for you, she retorted. The smirk that crossed his lips could only be described as sinful. Are you a little she-devil, lass? He asked, and when their gazes met it took her breath away. When the mood sways me, Astrid said with more disinterest than she felt. My name is Astrid, she said after a short pause. And you are? Brynjolf, he said with a nod and that wicked smirk graced his lips again. And the pleasure is surely mine, lass. Just then, Maven swept into the room in her typical self absorbed fashion, saving Astrid from fumbling for some witty retort. The Black-briar matriarch glanced from Astrid to Brynjolf and nodded once. Good, youve met. Saves me some time, she said. Everything about Maven Black-briar was efficient. There was never a wasted moment of her time, and save the soul that inadvertently did. She moved to the desk near where Astrid stood and rifled through a few pieces of parchment. She picked a few and read them quickly. Now, I know you normally do quick jobs, in and out with little risk of exposure. And, while I appreciate that, Maven explained handing one parchment to Astrid. I find myself in a delicate situation. It seems my idiot of a son has implicated my familys darker history in a letter he sent to an associate of his in Morthal. Not to mention a rather antique necklace that I would like retrieved. Astrid glanced over the information then gave the woman an incredulous look. You want me to infiltrate a well to do family? Maven shrugged. As a maid. Working in the shadows is what youre best at, is it not? Astrid wasnt going to argue with the matriarch, though she wanted to point out that the Brotherhood didnt work in the shadows. They ended lives, as easily as could be done and with as little attention as they could. Actually, Maven, thats more what we do, Brynjolf interceded. He gave a curious glance to Astrid and she sensed he wasnt quite aware of what organization she belonged to. Well then, its a good thing youll be working together, isnt it? Maven asked with a bit of edge to her tone. Again, Astrid felt his gaze on her and she sighed softly. So you want me to gather these things the letter and the necklace? Then hand them off to Brynjolf. she said, trying to follow the womans thoughts. And then you want him disposed of? Maven shook her head. Is there anything on your orders about killing him? She quipped. Astrid shook her head slightly. No, but Im not sure why you wanted the Brotherhood involved if you dont want someone murdered, she sighed. Maven gave a dry chuckle and tsked at her. Dear girl, I cant very well send that brute of a man in for espionage. Hes too memorable. She said, giving a dismissive wave in Brynjolfs direction. Hell be working with a blacksmith in the area. You will rendezvous every two days until you manage to gather my things. Astrid sighed and nodded her understanding. What good would it do to argue with the woman anyway? Maven had her motives, none of which were ever shared with the hired help. Besides, it was always better if Astrid didnt have all the details. Your payment will be delivered per our usual agreement once Brynjolf has returned my things to me, Maven said. The woman was already looking over other papers, leaving it clear to Astrid and Brynjolf that they were dismissed. Astrid sighed softly as she stood in the shadows of the Jarls longhouse. Shed been under the employ of Naviel Trission in Morthal for nearly a week now, and shed seen no sign of this letter or the necklace that Maven had sent her after. She was beginning to wonder if the Black-briar matriarch wasnt just a bit too paranoid. You do cut a striking figure in that maids uniform, lass, Brynjolf said from the shadows, startling her out of her musings. Astrid rolled her eyes and snorted her irritation at being caught off guard. She bit her lower lip as Brynjolf moved into the moonlight, her gaze roving over his body. Striking figure indeed, she thought. Shed found over the past week that she much prefered the plain linen shirt and leather breeches he wore for working the forge. They better displayed the raw power and muscle that seemed to make up the man. Despite her best efforts to ignore the more sensual thoughts her mind conjured around him, she felt her body reacting to him in a very female fashion. Brynjolf chuckled softly as he felt her gray eyes travel his form, stirring thoughts that often kept him awake into the wee hours of the night. He wasnt sure what about the woman had so fascinated him, but hed found it hard to cast her from his thoughts. Ever since meeting at Mavens, hed wondered how that full lower lip tasted. Bit skittish tonight? He asked with that wicked smirk as he moved closer. Im just not used to someone who works so comfortably within the shadows, she shrugged. Perhaps you can show me a few.tricks, she drawled with a smirk. He grit his teeth against the images her simple innuendo conjured. Perhaps another time, lass, he said with a dark chuckle. Safer when were not on Mavens time at the very least, he sighed and shifted, leaning against the side of the longhouse. Any news? Astrid sighed softly and shook her head. None as of yet, and Ive been all over that house. Ive three lockboxes and a safe left to check. Trission and his family are taking a daytrip to Rorikstead the day after next, Ill probably be able to knock them out then. She gave a slight shrug. Hopefully luck will be with me this time. Youll find it if its there, Brynjolf assured her. He studied her profile as she looked up at the moons. Aye, and if its not? I doubt Maven will believe me, she sighed after a few moments contemplating Masser and Secunda. She jumped as she felt the weight of his hand on her shoulder. He frowned slightly as she jumped from just the light touch. Who messed you up like this, lass, he wondered. Its not time to worry yet, he assured her, a finger stroking along her neck. He drew his hand back abruptly, wondering what in Nirn he thought he was doing. Astrid shuddered at the light caress, blushing crimson when he yanked his hand back. No, I suppose its not, she agreed, turning to face him again. She sighed softly, looking over his figure once more. I suppose, Ill see you in two days time. She said as she slipped back into the shadows once more. Finally she caught a lucky break the second day the family was away. The second to last lockbox held the necklace as well as a few correspondences between Sibbi and Naviel. She quickly gathered everything that would be damning if handed over to the wrong hands. She was nearly out the door when it occurred to her that she would instantly be fingered as the culprit. Damn you, Maven, she groaned. A quick glance around the house didnt immediately give her any ideas. How could she get out of there, without arousing Trissions suspicion? She started at the door for a while. They would no doubt notice the missing things near instantly. And suddenly inspiration struck. Trission was a well off merchant, and it wasnt a secret. It would be quite normal if while the family was away, someone broke in and ransacked the place, she thought. She went back to her pallet near the kitchen, chuckling softly at her brilliance. She pulled her dagger from her sheath and made a quick slice in her palm with a wince. When she was sure there was enough blood on the blankets, she laid a trail of her blood to one of the back windows. A quick jab with the hilt of her dagger shattered the glass and she finished the whole scene by scattering some papers and furniture around the house. It didnt take long at all. And a few hours later she met a courier on the road. She paid the woman a good sum to deliver her message to Brynjolf back in Morthal. Then she headed towards Riften and her promised reward. Brynjolf walked into the Skeever, dressed as the merchant he portrayed so easily. The dark green tunic was nothing too flashy, but suited him well. Grey eyes followed his figure as he moved to the bar, speaking quietly with the keep. There was a moments pause as Brynjolf surveyed the patrons. From her spot in the rafters, Astrid could see the exchange of parchment followed by coin. The men talked for a moment what were the latest rumors, any new faces lately, and a brief goodnight. She watched as Brynjolf moved to the stairs. Silently she descended from her perch, moving to the door of his usual room. It was very easily escaped if need be, shed watched him do it multiple times. The door was unlocked as of now, so she simply let herself in. She went to the desk and took a seat on the corner, facing the door. She didnt have to wait long as Brynjolf entered just a few seconds later. Had a feeling someone was on my tail, he sighed without a glance in her direction. You know, theres a few better rooms than this one, lass. The one across the hall even offers quite the view of the gate, he added. Calmly he moved to the bed, stripping off his heavy cloak and the gaudy tunic. Astrid tskd softly, turning her gaze towards the window beside her in an attempt to ignore his bare back. Yes, but this one is easier to get in and out of if a situation arises, she said with a shrug. Im sure that comes in awfully useful when youre a double crossing bastard such as yourself, she added, glaring at him. Green eyes narrowed but he offered that damnable smirk. Ive no idea what you mean, Astrid. She snorted softly and rolled her eyes. Bull, she half snarled. Your people botched a job in Falkreath and now the guard is doubled. I have a contract in the area and our people cant get near without being questioned five ways to Sovengarde, she hissed, crossing her arms over her chest. You know, he said with that throaty tone of voice. Those leathers look much better than that macabre Brotherhood armor youre so fond of. She could feel his gaze on her body as if it were a physical caress and she turned her attention back to him with a glare. Oh no, youre not going to smooth talk me out of this one, thief boy, she insisted. Big mistake, she realized as she was confronted with that toned physique again. She watched muscles play over each other as he stalked towards her with slow, deliberate motions. Brynjolf. She cautioned, pushing herself up from the desk. He chuckled darkly and she felt the sudden flare of lust in the pit of her stomach. Brynjolf, on the other hand, found her sudden uncomfort all the more interesting. Do you know I havent been able to think clearly since you disappeared from the Morthal job, he pointed out. He placed his hands on the wall at either side of her head, still smirking. And then the guards found blood in Trission home. Those green eyes darkened with something like concern. She felt her heart race as he effectively pinned her in one spot. For a moment she wanted to lash out, escape suddenly. This was stupid, she chided herself. I had to figure out how I could make an exit, without it being noticed that I had the letters and necklace. What choice did I have? She protested weakly. Do you know how many nights youve kept me awake? The thoughts that have haunted me most nights since I first met you at Mavens? He grumbled. His gaze dropped to that full lower lip and again he had the insane urge to run his tongue over it. I thought Trission had figured you out...hired someone to he sighed and shook his head. Aw, whats this? The big bad thief actually has a heart? She quipped, attempting to lighten what was quickly becoming too heavy of a mood. She attempted to shrug him off. Brynjolf shook his head, not backing down one bit. Did you really follow me all the way to Solitude to discuss business, lass? He whispered. Brynjolf, she cautioned again. She noticed his gaze kept dropping to her mouth and she bit her lower lip in response. She remembered watching him in Morthal, the way he looked in those simple clothes. All she had to do was reach up and push him back, she knew he wouldnt force anything she wasnt willing to allow. Yes, she finally said. Thats the only reason- I want to kiss you, Astrid, he interrupted. Its all I can think about since we worked the Morthal job. Already he could feel desire stirring in his veins. He studied her face and when she didnt immediately push him away, he leaned in slowly. Astrid tilted her head up slightly, welcoming his mouth. She felt his lips against hers, soft - hesitant at first. Then his tongue swept over her lower lip and hers responded in kind. It was an invitation, she realized, a white hot need singing through her veins and wiping all thoughts of business from her mind. Her hands slid up his arms, one moving to feel those toned muscles along his shoulders, the other dipping down over his chest and abs. She heard him make a sound of pleasure as her hand slipped around his side to move up his back. At the same time, he deepened the kiss, his tongue plunging into her mouth to taste what he had longed for. If shed had any doubts, it was too late now, she realized. Brynjolf growled softly as her lithe fingers played over his skin. He pulled her against him, feeling the soft weight of her breasts against his chest. One hand returned the favor, moving down to cup a firm behind that was accentuated by the flexible leathers she wore. You really are quite dangerous, he whispered fervently against her throat, trailing kisses and nips along her pulse. He chuckled as he felt her shudder against him. Dangerous and delicious, he corrected. A fanfic I've been working on for Skyrim. Not sure why but I always thought there was something more about to the disdain Brynjolf has for the Family. And Astrid just kind of always stuck me as a promiscuous type. So....I explored. I figured I'd do a couple more installments. Cause I think what really causes the rift there is a few betrayals back and forth between the two. We shall see though.