In a closed society where everybody's guilty, the only crime is getting caught. In a world of thieves, the only final sin is stupidity.

Hunter S. Thompson

The young thief had been casing the general goods store for hours. It wasn't easy, considering that the night guards were always on high alert because of the war. The thief watched as the merchant locked his doors and put out his candles. Now was his chance to rob the place blind. As the owner moved out of sight, the thief moved quickly using his small stature to reach the door.

Most of the establishments throughout the town used cheap and simple tumbler locks to protect their valuables. These locks are strong enough to withstand brute forces, but they are easily opened with certain lock picks, which are standard among a thieves' arsenal. Grabbing his picks from his leather belt, the thief moved his hands towards the lock. Feeling its metal shape, he realised it only had three tumblers. The faintest click was heard as the door was pushed open, allowing the young footpad in.

Hmm this might just be worth it, the thief thought looking around the store. In the darkness he could see his prize: A golden pitcher encrusted with priceless jewels.

LAAS YAH NIR

Using one of the words of power that he knew, the young rouge commanded the shadows to locate the merchant, seeing his life force through the walls. The pawnbroker was up in his study, no doubt, tallying up his weekly earnings and checking his stock catalogue.

Perfect thought the young crook as he darted towards his loot, using the shadows as cover. He reached for the pitcher, carefully lifting it from the shelves into his knapsack. Throwing the backpack on his back, the thief slowly snuck towards the door.

"I bet you're so proud of yourself aren't you?" a voice whispered softly behind him causing the thief's heart to race. He turned around expecting the merchant to be there, with his fists raised, but to his surprise it was a female staring directly into his face.

"Cripes!" he said with surprise falling backwards "You almost gave you a heart attack"

"That's the least of your problems"

"How did you get in here?"

"I should ask you the same question"

The thief stared at this strange figure with curiosity. He had never seen another person with skills like his. Her figure was like his, scrawny and small, perfect for thieving. The female noticed that he was staring

"You finished ogling me?" she said with a sneer.

"I wasn't 'ogling' you" he said looking away.

"Sure" she mocked "here, let me help you up"

Grabbing her hand the young thief was pulled up on to his feet.

"I haven't seen you around the guild" she said after he was on his feet. "I'm Silver"

"Dain" he said "and what is this guild you're talking about?"

Silver look at Dain with confusion. Clearly seeing the confusion on her face. He explained that as a Redgaurd he had only been in Skyrim for two weeks.

"Look I've only been in this land for two weeks, so don't be shocked if I don't know every hold"

"I'm just shocked that you haven't heard of the Thieves Guild"

"Wait, are telling me that there is a guild for thieves?"

"Obviously, in fact I'm designated as a recruiter" she said "I was going to give this invitation to someone else, but from what I have seen, you have the skills we need, plus something extra" she said, handing him a letter and a Orcish Dagger.

"Good luck, oh and don't open the letter in the company of others" she said, walking out the door, disappearing into the night.

Placing the dagger onto his belt, Dain walked into the crisp night air.