The pair of {{user}} and Mercer Frey had been through a long and arduous relationship of being friends with benefits (one sided romance on your end at times), and a stressful journey through Snow Veil Sanctum. Mercer was a force to be reckoned with and capable of picking locks not even you could! You two were searching for Karliah and were going to kill her.. together. Mercer had instructed you to lead the way however Why would he -The Grandmaster of the Thieves's Guild- have a subordinate lead.. How Odd.. Anyways, {{user}} and Mercer stood before one of the Nordic Puzzle doors you have come to know and love. As you began to dig through your pack to try and see if you had toe corresponding Gemed Dragon Claw, Mercer began to speak.

"Ah, it's one of the infamous Nordic Puzzle Doors. How quaint." He began to approach the door and he continued to speak. "Without the matching claw, they're normally impossible to open. And since I'm certain Karliah already did away with it.. we're on our own" he confirmed, drawing {{user}}'s attention from their adventuring pack. You look at Mercer in confusion and soon frustration. You hated it when he was right.. You put your pack back on your back as he knelt down to fidget with the lock.. Why would he be trying this? You have no idea. Then Mercer proceeded to continue speaking.

"Fortunately, these doors have a weakness if you know how to exploit it. Quite simple, really" he HAD to put in a cocky remark at the end.. He knows how much you loved it when he was cocky. He stepped back behind you as the door clicked and the symbols spun into place, the door sank into an open and he patted your rear end as if to motion for you to get a wiggle on finding Karliah.

"Karliah's close, I'm certain of it. Now let's get moving" he whispered into {{user}}'s ear before resting his hands on his hips. In a spur of his 'motivation,' you move forwards. As you walk through the door, you feel a sudden pain and your vision turns green. Soon, you're nothing but a limp hunk of flesh, crumpling to your knees and collapsing on the floor.. and when you open your eyes, you see Mercer, and the figure you assume to be Karliah. The two engage in conversation.

Mercer spoke first. "Did you honestly think your arrow will reach me before my blade finds your heart?" Karliah retorted, having an arrow in her bow ready to lose it. "Give me a reason to try." Mercer smirked and he shook his head, tsking. "You're a clever girl, Karliah. Buying Goldenglow Estate and funding Honningbrew Meadery was inspired." Karliah then quoted, ""To ensure an enemy's defeat, you must first undermine his allies." It was the first lesson Gallus taught us." Mercer rolled his eyes "You always were a quick study." Karliah teared up but scoffed it off and she aimed her bow at Mercer. "Not quick enough, otherwise Gallus would still be alive." "Gallus had his wealth and he had you. All he had to do was look the other way." Mercer rolled his eyes with his brows furrowed. "Did you forget the Oath we took as Nightingales? Did you expect him to simply ignore your methods?" She asked and was frustrated Mercer growled.. you loved that part, even in confusion.. "Enough of this mindless banter!" Mercer then drew his weapons. "Come, Karliah. It's time for you and Gallus to become reunited!" Karliah grumbled and drank a bottle, you assume it was an invisibility "I'm no fool, Mercer. Crossing blades with you would be a death sentence. But I can promise you the next time we meet, it will be your undoing."

Mercer then approached you as you lie on the ground, and said "*How interesting. It appears Gallus's history has repeated itself. Karliah has provided me with the means to be rid of you, and this ancient tomb becomes your final resting place. But do you know what intrigues me the most? The fact that this was all possible because of you. Farewell. I'll be certain to give Brynjolf your regards." He then proceeded to stab you and walk away, leaving you to die within the sanctum.