Sivaas

Chapter 1

A Chance Arrangement

A/N: Reuploded because I needed to change a few things. Sorry.

"Never done an honest day's work in your life for all that coin you're carrying? Eh, lass?" The dark skinned wood elf turned to face the red head Nord talking to her. She smiled and tilted her head. Her long orange hair shifting with her movements. He may look the part of merchant but he certainly couldn't trick her. "Oh my. I haven't been called 'lass' in a long while." Her orange eyes glinted gold as she laughed. "And what's it to a little nord boy, how much gold I've got on hand?" She placed her hands on her hips and looked into his green eyes.

"Wealth is my business." He smirked. "If you'd like a taste, extra hands are paid well." He mimicked her posture, hands on his hips. He tossed up a coin pouch. Her coin pouch.

"Oh, deary me." She placed her hand on her cheek, a smirk plastered on her face. "It seems my pocket's been picked." She deftly reached out for her pouch only for him to pull away.

"Not so fast, lass. How about it? At least listen to my plan and I'll give it back?" He leaned in close. His hot breath against her pointed ear. She had to control all urges to 1. Ravage this poor nord for laying his hands on her things and 2. Ravage this poor nord for his very attractive physique and manner of speech. "I need someone to steal Madesi ring. Right there in his stall." He made a small gesture towards the Argonian.

"And where will I be planting this said ring?"

"In Brand-shei's pocket." He pointed discreetly to a dark elf idly standing by his own shop. "I'll put on a show so everyone's distracted. It's honestly easy work." He moved away and winked.

"If it's so easy why do you need me?" She kept her eyes on her pouch he idly threw into the air.

He wagged his finger, "You know I can't put on a show and steal at the same time. I'll pay you. What say you?"

"Can I have the name of my compatriot? I'm Estinan." She gave a mocking bow to the nord.

"Brynjolf. So, you'll help?"

Estinan nodded, the orange braid fell from its place behind her ear. Brynjolf reached and fixed her hair. "Thank you, lass." He took her hand and placed the coin pouch into her palm. "Are you ready to do this now?" She nodded.

"Absotively." The short elf walked over to the small wall around the market area. The lock box was in a small area for holding goods. She had 4 lock picks to her name and these were easy worn locks.

"Everyone! Everyone! Gather 'round! I have something amazing to show you that demands your attention! Gather 'round all! No pushing, no shoving. Plenty of room!" Brynjolf started his show. Like flies to honey, they drew close. Madesi, the argonian, moved closer just out of view from Estinan.

Estinan strode over to his stall casually admiring the handcrafted jewelry. She almost felt bad for stealing from him but money was in the job description and she certainly couldn't turn down funds. A Riften guard walked past, just out of her view. She knelt behind the stall and made quick work of both locks before stashing the ring onto her finger. She made eye contact with the green eyed nord and casually walked over towards the crowd. Brand-shei sat on some boxes. She walked over making sure to bump into him as she sat down. "Oh, I'm terribly sorry." He grumbled but accepted the apology. She locked eyes with the nord. She rested her head her propped up hand and smiled.

Her job was done.

And done fast.

With no hiccups.

"Well, that's enough for today." Brynjolf smiled as he sold a few bottles. Estinan waited until Brand-shei left before standing. She dusted off her fur armor and walked over to the nord. "Falmerblood Elixir for the lass." He handed her a bottle different from the others and small pouch of money. "Looks like I chose the right person for the job. And there's more in it for you-"

"Ahhh. The thieves guild. I see now." She added the coins to her existing stash and put the potion in her small satchel. "Okay. Sign me up. I was bored of being a mercenary."

"Meet me at the Ragged Flagon. It's right underneath us. You'll have to trek through the Ratways to get to me. Are you up for that task lass?" Brynjolf leaned against his stall.

"Oh, trekking through skeever infested sewers at a chance to meet with the prince of thieves? Do I get a romantic date?" She laughed and walked away from the nord male.

"It might not be romantic." He yelled out after her.

Estinan chuckled as she made her way to the stairs. Getting through a sewers would be no issue. Joining the Thieves Guild would be no issue. Trying not to maim Brynjolf either out of fury or sexual desire would be an issue. Hircine had 'blessed' or 'cursed' Estinan, however anyone looked at it. Estinan was a werewolf. The beast wanted out the moment she laid eyes on the nord. She couldn't quite tell the reasoning behind the urge to change.

Her nose scrunched up as she walked through the door to the Ratway. Whatever human waste was above had been dropped through to the sewers below and saying it stank was an understatement. She shivered slightly at the significant temperature drop. Her ears perked at the sounds of voices. Hopefully they wouldn't get in her way. She readied her dagger nonetheless. Better to be safe than sorry, especially when dealing with rats in the Ratway. The two men looked at her and she barely had time to react when they attacked.

She checked their pockets and satchels for gold. They didn't have much, but one had an enchanted bow. She decided to keep for good measures. She found a locked door. No problem. She could pick that lock. Life would be easier if she picked it. The noise drew the attention of a skeever and what one could only believe was its owner to the door. There were too many fights going on in a what was supposed to be a rat filled sewer. She climbed the stairs and saw a makeshift sign.

'Ragged Flagon'

The wood elf opened the door and walked in. Despite being in the sewers, the air here was significantly cleaner. She heard voices in the distance.

"Give it up, Brynjolf... those days are over." One man said, unfamiliar to her.

"I'm telling you, this one is different…" She heard the familiar voice of Brynjolf.

She peaked around another 'Ragged Flagon' sign.

"Dying breed, eh? Well what do you call that then!" He approached her and clasped his hand on her shoulder. "Color me impressed, Lass. I wasn't sure I would see you again. You got here without any troubles it would seem." He smirked.

"Besides almost get killed a few rats and very large skeever. It was easy. I wouldn't miss an opportunity for our date." She winked and grinned. "So, I assume there's more before I join. All the tales I've read, there's always something more to do before you get to join the hero on his quest." She chuckled.

"There are a few dead-beats that owe us money. Keerava, Bersi Honey-hand and Haelga. Honestly the money is a bonus, but we need you to teach them a lesson."

Estinan put her hand on her bicep. "Don't underestimate my skills now Brynjolf. Any tips you want to give me?"