Snippet #2148934

A smudge of black spread from a tree branch about 10 feet up near the gate to Helgen. A low, dry chuckle issued from it. It never ceased to amaze Sobek how easy it was to sneak by people. He did not need to of course, no one would be able to see his face behind his Nightingale mask, and the flier HAD said that all were welcome to join the new guild, but...old habits died hard. He slid his daggers out of their sheathes briefly to make sure they were still well oiled and easily withing reach. Then, he dropped soundlessly to the ground in front of the Orc and stood up. He fully expected surprised outrage, but he interrupted anything by speaking quickly, yet quietly.

"My name iss Ssobek. I have come becausse of the the flier? I am looking for a Lyra Victuss."

He clucked his tongue, and his horse came trotting up the road from where he had hidden it. It nudged him, looking for sugar or some other treat. He fished a cube of moon sugar from one of his many pockets and held it out to the horse, which chomped it appreciatively. Then he looked back at the Orc, who seemed to still be recovering from his surprise.

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Two days ago

Sobek lounged in his chair at the Ragged Flagon. Gold was starting to pour in, and new thieves joined every week. They had to start screening new arrivals, however, and had already caught a Thalmor spy attempting to infiltrate them. The reason had gone with him to the grave, as he had said nothing, even when put to the flaying knife. Dirge had flayed his entire right arm before his heart gave out. A pity.

Suddenly Sapphire came running in.

"Hey, you lazy louts! Get up. We just received a new bit of intel on that new guild. The Watchers?"

The various thieves gathered around her, with the exception a few, as she read from a flier aloud.

"'Adventurers, are you alone in this life? Do you wander without purpose? Do you seek to do good in this world? In an attempt to help reform Skyrim since the Dragonborn Crisis, The Watchers Guild has been formed. We are located in Helgen, and any are welcome to join. Simply report to our Guild Hall, and speak with our leader Lyra Victus. We look forward to your arrival.' What a load of trash! But the guild leader wants us to look into it. Any volunteers?"

Sobek thought carefully, then looked over at the Bosmer leader of the Thieves guild. Eryn Laffier had still been relatively new when Brynjolf had died, but the man trusted him for some reason, and had given over leadership of the Thieves Guild to him. No one argued, as he held his own, and was quite the accomplished thief.

Sobek contemplated a few seconds more, then raised his hand.

"I will go, Ssapphire. I have an interesst in this new guild. Ssomething ssmellss like a bad egg to me. And, it'ss been a while ssince I've been down that way."

Sapphire looked at Eryn, who nodded. Then she tossed Sobek the flier.

"Have at it, Sobek. Oh, and don't forget, you're a thief first, so anything shiny, bring it back to us."

Sobek laughed dryly, the sound like scales slithering over a bed of rocks.

"Of coursse, Ssapphire. I love sshiny thingss."

An few hours later, Sobek was on a horse, loaned to him by Maven Blackbriar for services rendered. The Argonian thief trotted down the road, his blue eyes constantly shifting, looking possible enemies, and of course, things to steal.