The Ragged Flagon used to be filled noisy thieves and merchants, it used to be a place full of life. Now it was practically empty, save for Delvin, Vex, Dirge, Tonilia, and Brynjolf was there on occasion. This was one of those occasions. Brynjolf was pacing by the ratway entrance to the flagon, thinking about how the guild used to be as his footsteps echoed in the large, almost vacant area. His thoughts were interrupted by Mercer's rough voice.

"Brynjolf are you there? Or you in another world?"

"Sorry Mercer, I was just thinking" Brynjolf apologized.

Mercer scowled at him "I noticed, look Maven contacted me, she has had enough of Brand-Shei poking his nose in places it doesn't belong and wants it taken care of." Brynjolf nodded as Mercer continued. "We need you to frame him for something, possibly take something from Madesi, everyone knows they have bad blood. Just get it done. Ok?" Mercer turned around and stalked away without waiting for an answer.

Brynjolf left the Ragged Flagon and wandered off towards the marketplace. He was going to frame Brand-Shei for the theft Medesi's prized ring, how he was going to do it without anyone noticing him, was a different story. If only he had an accomplice who if was caught, wouldn't be connected with the thieves guild, seeing as they've had enough problems as it is.

It was almost as if the gods heard his thoughts, because just as he had been thinking that, he heard the Riften gates open and looked up to see a stranger walking in.

Having just come in from the gates, she paused at the gate for a second before slowly walking toward the city. Brynjolf looked her over as she walked, Riften rarely had visitors, especially someone like her. She was a high elf, Brynjolf could tell by the way she carried herself, she had a certain elegance and grace that only a high elf could have. Brynjolf would have thought she was a Thalmor agent if not for her apparel. She wore fitted gray light armor and wore a hood that covered her face in shadows. She looked like a shadow herself, which gave allowance for her to slip past the guards and Maul, Maven Black-Briar's watchdog. She quietly made her way to the marketplace, but hung back just outside, watching. At least that is what Brynjolf assumed since he couldn't see her face, as it was consumed in the shadows of her hood. After a while of watching her, he decided that she was perfect for the job.

Brynjolf quietly made his way to the edge of the market place and approached the elf. As he got closer, her height become apparent, she was tall, even for a high elf, and slender, with defined curves. Her head turned to look at Brynjolf as he walked up, although her face remained hidden.

"Can I help you?" Her voice was cool and smooth, sending chills down Brynjolf's spine. It was melodical, as if you had struck a class with the edge of a blade.

Brynjolf smiled, "What is someone like you doing in Riften? We don't get many visitors, especially not someone like you." Ignoring Brynjolf's compliment, she simply said. "I am looking for someone I was told would be in Riften, maybe you have information on them?"

Brynjolf laughed "Here information comes at a price lass, but you're in luck, I happen to have a job I need an extra pair of hands for, if you do this job for me, I will tell you anything you need to know." She seemed to think about it for a minute before responding "You've got yourself a deal, what do you need me to do?"

As Brynjolf explained the job to her, she nodded along. "I'll create a distraction and you steal and plant the ring got it? Can I count on you to get the job done?"

Her response came quickly and quietly "You just worry about keeping them distracted" She stepped back and slipped into the shadows and Brynjolf took that as his cue,

He called everyone's attention and they all gathered around his stand, he gave a few glances but even with his keen eyes he didn't see her. He spent plenty of time talking about this fake potions as if they were real, and he could only hope she got the job done. He began collecting gold from the gullible people of Riften when his worries were wiped away as he saw her standing on the edge waiting for them to clear. She approached him as soon as everyone had gone.

"Easy" was all she said.

He smiled and turned to face her "You got it done?" She didn't say anything, just nodded towards the guards arresting Brand-Shei.

Brynjolf beamed at her "Ya know with the way things have been going around here, it's amazing that our plan went off without a hitch?"

Her head cocked to the side "How do you mean?"

Brynjolf smiled faded slightly as he explained "Well let's just say my organization has hit a bit of a rough patch, but that's not for you to worry about." He thought for a minute before continuing on "Ya know there is more from where that came from if you are interested, my organization could use someone like you."

She nodded and said "I'm interested"

Brynjolf smirked and said, "We take our home in the ragged flagon, if you can make it there, we will consider adding you to our ranks.

"If?"

"Let's just say it's a bit of the challenge, hope you're up for it."

"I can handle it"

Brynjolf turned to walk away when he remembered

"Oh and a promise is a promise, who is it you are looking for?"

He couldn't see her face but was pretty positive she was smiling as she said

"Actually I already found you, Brynjolf" The shock Brynjolf felt was apparent on her face and for the first time ever, he heard her laugh. It was a very musical sound and ever so clear, like dropping a stone in the water. "See you soon" she promised and before he knew it, she had disappeared in the shadows.


*AUTHORS NOTE*

This is my first publish story so I really hope you enjoy it. Any advice is welcome. Thank you so much for reading!