Skyrim's weather was cold, extremely cold compared to Cyrodill. Sibylla could not imagine how the Nords can stand to live here. The wind that blew made her shiver uncontrollably each time it caresses her body. The snow that was falling didn't help either. It made her have second thoughts that coming into this land was a good idea. However, she knew she had no other choice. Going to her native land would mean surrendering herself to an unwanted fate.

Thankfully, she was getting closer to a city named Riften. There she will be able to rent a room for the night in order to get some rest and warmth. She still had a couple of septims left, meaning she didn't have to steal from anyone today for her to pay the rent and eat.

As she got closer to the city, she noticed the gate was closed. And right in front were two Riften hold guards.

"Stop right there, Imperial! No one can enter without paying the visitor's pass." one of the guards informed her while approaching.

Instantly, her face reflected disbelief beyond measure. "A tax?" Sibylla inquired, she just wanted to get inside and find the Inn, she didn't want any trouble. "How much is it then?''.

"Three hundred septims.'' the guard answered while smirking. His companion squaring up right next to him.

"Three hundred septims? Surely, you must be bluffing." She tried to reason. Paying the tax would mean going to sleep without food in her stomach. Yet, she knew she was not good at convincing guards without giving a little bit of money away. Another breeze hit her and she made her mind. She was in no condition either to steal the money back nor run if discovered. Defeated, she reached down to her pouch.

"Leave the lass alone, she's with me.'' A male voice from behind her interrupted.

Startled, she looked back only to find a Nord putting an arm on her shoulder while smiling at her.

"Alright then." to her surprise, the guard responded and went to open the gate. Since she didn't start d to move when the gate opened, the Nord kindly motioned her to follow. Once inside, she thanked him for helping her.

"Don't thank me yet lass" the Nord began saying. "I'll need your particular set of skills for an errand I have to do."

That was when Sibylla came to the realization. Right from the beginning, she got a friendly vibe out of him. "And what particular skills I have that you may know of?" she replied, following his game.

"Unique ones that a fellow friend can recognize." he declared while offering his arm for her to take.

"What are you implying Nord?" she countered while accepting the arm. He started guiding her around the city.

"I'm saying that you've got the coin but you didn't earn it honestly. I can tell." the Nord explained.

"You're a thief." she stated.

"And so are you, lass." he announced.

"Alright, in what do you need help?" Sibylla asked smiling. No matter where thieves helped each other. "I'm Sibylla."

"Pleasure to meet you. Name's Brynjolf."

And this was the beginning of her new life.

Author's note:

This story is based on a role play I participated in Gaiaonline five years ago. The roleplay died rather quickly but I fell in love with the story I helped create. Throughout the years I've written a couple of scenes and now I'm properly writing chapters. I have a timeline all figure out. It does not follow the main story. Only briefly mentions each event. In this story the Dragonborn (have yet to decide gender and race) decided after defeating Alduin to just follow the ways of the Greybeard and meditate for the rest of his life. Refusing to get himself involve with any conflict occurring in Skyrim. He does not like the blades and spends the majority meditating with Paarthurnax.

Thus the other leader roles (Harbinger of the Companions, Guild Master of the Thieves Guild, Listener of the Dark Brotherhood) are taken by other people. This is merely the prologue, in the chapter the main quest of each faction already happened. The Thieves Guild and Dark Brotherhood have formed an alliance and are thriving because of all the contracts to kill and steal. However, something happens and that is when the story really begins.

Any suggestion, grammar correction, is highly appreciated. English is not my first language. Hope you enjoy it!