The Ratway

Astrid gasped as they landed in the underground sewer below Riften. “What the hell is going on?”

“This was all Maven’s idea, I swear,” the nord said. “I’m sorry for scaring you. Your family is fine. They were given a mild paralysis poison which made their hearts stop while I teleported them away. The plan is to move the entirety of the Dark Brotherhood to Dawnstar. There’s a sanctuary there. Maven had intercepted me on the way to the sanctuary and told me of Commander Maro’s intentions of destroying the Dark Brotherhood. Of course she didn’t want that to happen since she needs you to stay in power. So she arranged with me this fake scheme and now we’re here.”

“And what about clothes?” Astrid asked, stunned by this news.

“Oh…” the nord blushed. “S-sorry. I um… didn’t know you’d be n-naked. I uh… did he do that to you?”

“No,” Astrid groaned. “I was in the middle of some before I was interrupted.”

“Oh… sorry,” the nord said. “You can call me Silena, by the way.”

“I guess it’s nice to finally meet you,” Astrid mumbled. “But what about clothes?”

“Um… well… I don’t really have clothes with me,” Silena said. “But I’m sure the Thieves Guild will lend you some.”

Astrid raised her eyebrow. “You can’t possibly expect me to go in there like this.”

“I don’t think you have much of a choice. Unless you want to go back up to Riften and test your luck there,” Silena said. “Make your choice. Make it quick.”

Astrid blushed as she realized Silena was mocking her. “Shut up.”

“I’ll see you inside,” Silena said as she entered the Ratway.

Astrid reluctantly followed.