A cold wind blew off the sea, stinking of salt, fish, and mud, as I walked through the Riften gates. It looked so much darker than I remembered, although it had been nearly ten years and with the war and the dragons it was actually surprising that Riften was still standing.
I walked toward the market, my eyes sweeping over the vendors until I found the man I was looking for.
He was tall with dark red hair and an accent I couldn't place. He was leaning against the wall of the inn, his eyes roving over the crowd until finally landing on me. I could tell he was sizing me up, noting my expensive looking cloak. His eyebrow twitched up as I started toward him.
"Are you Brynjolf?" I asked quietly once I'd reached him. A small smirk tilted the corners of his mouth.
"Who's asking?"
"You don't remember me? I'm hurt." I deadpanned. He chuckled but looked me over again.
"Wait...aren't you that lass that wanted to find that old coot in the ratway?" I nodded. "Well, never thought I'd see you again." I shrugged.
"I need a job. I was hoping you still had one open." He scrutinized me.
"Jobs still available. Sure you're up for it." I snorted.
"Guess you won't know until you give me something to do." He chuckled.
"I think I'm starting to like you, lass. Alright...you've obviously made it to the Ragged Flagon before. Meet me there after dark." I nodded and he pushed himself off the wall, heading towards the Temple of Mara. I blew out a sigh and walked over to Honeyside. I unlocked the door and stepped into my old house.
The first thing I noticed was that, despite the decade I'd been gone, there was no dust and the fire was lit. Instantly, I was on alert, my hand drifting to the dragon bone dagger at my hip.
"You know Avaelayn, trying to kill me would put a bit of a damper on our relationship," came a cool, familiar voice. I sighed, my shoulders slumping and my hand falling from my blade.
"How did you find me, Lydia?" I pulled my cloak off and hung it by the door. Lydia stepped up from the stairs and fixed me with an arched eyebrow.
"It really didn't take much. I know you and I figured you'd be heading here." I sighed wearily and Lydia's face softened. "I'm not here to try and force you back. You know I wouldn't do that. I know you need a break. I just want to make sure you're ok." A smile found its way onto my lips. No matter what, I would always love Lydia.
"Besides, a friend of yours wouldn't leave me alone until I came for you." My brow furrowed and Lydia went to the back door.
A second later, a giant ball of fur jumped into my lap. A laugh burst from me as I threw my arms around it.
"Vigilance!" Vigilance licked my face enthusiastically and I laughed, petting him just as energetically. "Aw, did you miss me, boy?" He barked and clambered off me, his tail wagging furiously. I scratched his ears and smiled widely.
"He's definitely missed you," Lydia said.
"I missed you too." I looked up at Lydia as I spoke. She smiled back at me.