DESTINY UNRAVELED

CHAPTER ONE

1st of Evening Star, 4E 201

Riften wasn't known for its cleanliness but they could've fixed the sewer issue at least - the smell was unbearable. I dreaded to look over the railings circling around the buildings and luckily, I managed to resist my own curiosity. Who knows what I would've found floating on the water's surface? To think that somebody would live at the lower level, right next to the canal. Poor folk, I thought as I held my breath and made way towards the marketplace, all the while keeping my eyes on anything but the canal beneath.

As I walked, I found myself surprised at how much the city hasn't changed. The old wooden, tattered buildings were still withstanding the currents of time, refusing to collapse under their own weight. The Temple of Mara stood on the south-eastern part of the city, though I did notice new braziers and flags positioned at the front entrance. The Bee and Barb was still in business as well, with raggedy rabble leaving the inn, already drunk at noon and singing The Day Of Oppression from the top of their lungs.

Evading the merry company that was about to crash with me, I finally got to the market. I noticed how the town square, where the market was located, was empty save the few vendors who welcomed no customers. It was well past morning and with that said, the market was supposed to be bustling with a loud crowd shouting for fresh fish.

I kept wondering over and over what caused such a grim change in the city.

Giving into my curiosity, I approached the closest shop that I could spot which turned out to be a jack-of-all-trades stand, held by a Dunmer merchant.

"Good day to you, sera" I greeted politely, remembering that the Dunmeri people valued culture, politeness and proper use of pronouns.

The merchant offered a kind smile in return, "Good day to you too, sera. How can I be of service to you?"

Carefully picking my words, I said, "Riften seems...different these days. What's going on?"

He seemed to have not understood my question. "Miss, the city has been the same for the last twenty years, as far as I know. "

My face twisted into an annoyed frown. "I meant, why is it so dull? Where are all the people?"

He gave a saddened smile."Oh, you mean that. Well, a lot has happened in these last few years. "

Irked by the information, I took a few steps closer to the elf.

The Dunmer noticed my attention and continued in a hushed tone. "You know how Riften used to be run by the thieves alone? "

I nodded in response. "Well, that is no longer the case. People don't fear them; in fact, they mock them. They've been having more than a few setbacks and it has taken a toll on their outfit. "

I frowned. The Thieves Guild was declining in influence for the last twenty years but it never reached the point of mockery. In fact, the Thieves Guild always had luck on their side.

I guess that was no longer the case.

"But what's that got to do with the grim scenery" I asked curiously.

The Dunmer sighed. "As much as it pains me to say, the Thieves Guild kept the economy up and running. Sure, they get the most shares but we merchants would get some good deals as well."

"Isn't it kind of paradoxical that it's them who control the trade" I asked.

"That's correct for other holds" Dunmer answered. "However, Riften's reputation as a trading city is amplified by its notoriority. The Thieves Guild has the best goods and everyone wants them. Without the proper quality tradables at the market, no one wants to buy anything and then you get...this."

"So, the reason for such doom and gloom" I said, "is because a band of criminals is out of business?"

He growled in response, nodding.

"What do you think of them" I asked him after a short while.

He scoffed. "Same as everybody else. They're gutter-rats, hiding away in Ratway where they belong. It would be funny if it weren't pitiful. "

"Don't they try to recruit or something" I asked.

He scoffed again. "No one wants to join them. Even if they flaunt gold and jewels out in the open, no sane person would willingly enter their ranks."

"It's that bad" I asked.

The Dunmer nodded. "Even worse, sera."

I sighed. "I see. Well, thank you for the information."

As I turned on my heel, I intended to have a drink at the Bee and Barb inn when my path suddenly got blocked by a massive figure.

This figure turned out to be a Nord, dressed in finely tailored blue clothes that indicated he might be more wealthy and influential than most people around. His hair was fiery auburn and his eyes were forest green. He appeared to be around thirty winters in age but the dark circles under his eyes and wrinkles on his forehead aged him by at least five more winters, hinting at a lifestyle filled with a lot of stress and sleepless nights spent doing Divines-know what.

With that said, I offered a curt bow and said, "Apologies, sir. I haven't seen you."

He offered a wide smile, revealing glistening white teeth. "No need for an apology, lass, I was standing behind you this whole time."

I raised a brow. "You...did?"

He nodded. "I overheard, of course not intentionally, your conversation with Brand-Shei over there. "

Not intentionally, my ass.

"I beg your pardon" I asked.

He responded, "You were interested in the Thieves Guild."

"I was interested in the city's current state" I corrected him.

He chuckled. "I could tell you more if you want."

I dismissed him quickly, turning my back to him, "Not interested."

I headed towards the Bee and Barb, careful not to slip or trip. I grabbed the knobs of the door and pulled the open, revealing the warm and inviting hearth of the inn. Just as I closed the door behind me, I could hear the footsteps follow me inside. Rolling my eyes, I turned around again and, true enough, there the stranger was, smiling innocently.

"Was I not clear enough when I said that I wasn't interested" I asked rhetorically before heading for the bar.

Obviously not taking the hint, the Nord followed me and stood at my side while I sat on the bar-stool. "You haven't earned an honest day for all that coin you're carrying, eh lass?"

I gave him a look that was far from pleasant. True enough, I was a thief by trade - or rather, a scammer if you like - but I'd be damned if someone accused me of larceny so openly in public and expected me to remain indifferent.

"That is not your business" I said sweetly, forcing my lips to stretch into a polite smile.

"Ah" he exclaims, "that's where you're wrong, lass - money is my business. Maybe you'd like a taste?"

I sighed, "I'm really not in the mood. Could you please find someone else to bother?"

Finally giving up, the man backed away a bit, grinning sheepishly. "Okay, okay I'll stop bothering you. "

I said nothing as I waited patiently for a barman to notice me and serve me.

"Though, should you change your mind" he added, whispering in my ear with a serious tone in his voice, "find me at the marketplace during the day. I will be at my stall."

He then offered a curt bow and disappeared in the crowd that occupied the lower floor of the inn. I closed my eyes and sighed again - what a nosy man.

"Stay away from him, girl" a voice said, gruff and slithery.

I rose my gaze and found an Argonian woman, dressed in barkeeper's clothing. Her beige-colored scales glistened under the flickering candlelight and her red eyes stared straight at me. She seemed familiar but I couldn't quite put my finger on it...

She smiled as she said, "He seems slick and wealthy but he's as shadowy as they come."

I chuckled halfheartedly. "Don't worry, I'll steer clear of him. I've dealt with his kind on more than one occasion. "

She nodded approvingly in return. "It's good to see some bright-headed maidens in this city. Divines know that Riften is short of them. "

I laughed this time. "One would think that the presence of goddess of love in this city would account for something."

"You can say that again" she added, cleaning the tankard. "I swear, there is so much sin in this city that you can almost grasp it."

I nearly choked on my own saliva. "Don't tell me..."

She nodded with grave expression on her face. "That's right. Here, everybody knows everybody, knows about everybody, is with everybody... The amount of gossip that passes through my inn is innumerable and believe me when I say that I wish I could sometimes forget things the moment I hear them."

"So, you hear a lot of stuff from your patrons" I asked with apparent glee.

She gave me a suspicious look. "...That's right. Something particular you wish to hear?"

"Well since you ask" I remarked and she rolled her eyes at that. "Let's start with the annoying brute that followed me here."

"Brynjolf" she asked slowly. "Well, apart from what I told you earlier, there's not much. He's in with the Thieves Guild, though."

That would explain his earlier proposal. "What else can you tell me?"

She seemed to have pondered on the thought for a while before saying, "Nothing else to say, I'm afraid. Besides his allegiances, the man is a mystery through and through. I would advise you, however, not to search into his background too much."

"Why" I blunder out.

She seemed uncomfortable. "I'm not sure but he had these periods when he was just out of his mind. Just...trust me, okay?"

I nodded in understanding. "Very well, I'll keep my wits about me."

"Good" she said. "Now, how about a drink, on the house?"

I raised my brows. "On the house? What did I do to earn such kindness?"

She gave me a crocked grin. "Let's just say you remind me of someone I knew long ago."

I smiled sheepishly at that. "Well, thank you, um..."

She inclined her head. "Keerava."

"Keerava" I said and then added, "I'm Ziiah by the way."

Keerava smiled and offered me a tankard of mead in response. "Enjoy."

And I did.

~•~

After the sixth tankard of mead, I decided to retire for the night. Keerava was gripping her head after I admitted that I was only fifteen and hence, was not supposed to drink alcohol. Giving Keerava a few septims and renting a room, I saluted her and the other patrons before making my way up the stairwells. My feet were aching and under the influence of alcohol, my legs were wobbly and everything seemed to twist and swirl. It was a tough and long battle, but I managed to reach the second floor unscathed with all my limbs intact.

All that happened afterwards was lost in my memory; I probably picked a room at random and fell to sleep immediately. Of that much I was certain since I woke up dry and dressed. The only casualty of my drinking was the bothersome hangover that threatened to squish my head entirely. Groaning, I pulled myself up into the sitting position. Taking a look around, I noticed a glass of water and a note resting on the nightstand. I reached out for both, holding the glass in one hand and the letter in another.

Ziiah,

Here's some water for the hangover. I told Talen to watch over you until you fall asleep. Come down when you wake up.

Keerava.

Smiling, I silently thanked the barkeeper as I sat up. My head started to pound even harder at the change of position, but I ignored it as much as I could. After chugging down the liquid, I wiped my mouth and carefully made my way down to the bar. It took me a few tries to stay up straight and walk without tripping on my own feet. Once I reached the bottom of the stairs, I saw Keerava and whom I think was Talen-Jei talking. Keerava soon noticed me and smiled.

"Good morning, kid" she teased. "Had a good time last night?"

I groaned as she laughed. "Yeah, yeah, make fun of the innocent."

As I strolled towards them, I stretched out my hand to Talen. "I'm glad that someone took care of me while I was...you know. So, thanks."

Talen gripped my hand and shook it. "Anytime. If I may say so, and I believe Keerava will agree with me on this one, you're the most well-behaved drunk I've ever seen in this establishment."

"More like in this entire city" I heard Keerava add acidly. "Come here, breakfast's ready."

Not needed to be told twice, I rushed to the bar and made myself comfortable on the barstool.

Keerava ruffled my raven curls before saying, "You had a wild night last night. But, all's well that ends well, I guess. Speaking of well, Brynjolf came by not a moment ago. He said to meet him at the market the moment you wake up. "

I gave her a tired look. "I don't wanna."

She shrugged. "Your decision. Wise, I'll admit but he seemed somewhat...fidgety. Talk to him, if anything."

Pouting, I found the advice reasonable even though it seemed pointless to me. "Might as well do that - but breakfast first."

As if expecting me to say that, Keerava reached out for a plate full of steamed mudcrab legs, salmon steaks and honey nut treats. My eyes widened and I could feel my mouth water at the sight.

"Divines bless thee" I sighed and bowed deeply to the couple before taking the plate and digging in.

~•~

The inn was full of patrons by the time I finished my meal.

It was unbelievable how much the people of Riften enjoyed morning mead. In fact, I was shocked to see the priest of Mara enter the establishment, preaching his faith and beliefs amidst all of the sinners. I subtly watched the people's reactions. They ranged from indifference to genuine anger. One man even stood up to punch the priest but was quickly calmed down, curtsy of Talen-Jei.

After a while or so of listening to the priest, I decided to take my leave. Picking up my bag, I bid farewell to both Argonians before heading for the market. I tried to delay my meeting with Brynjolf, but I'd rather watch him than that foolish priest of Mara spurting gibberish about dragons, sins, heresy and whatnot.

Once outside, I was met with a slightly different scenery than yesterday. It was sunny, a perfect time to go for an walk. The marketplace was filled with customers and the merchants seemed to be in high spirits as well. I quickly noticed the familiar red-head standing at his stall, talking passionately about something and a crowd gathered around him. I came a bit closer to hear what he was talking about.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Falmer Blood Elixir" he announced, holding a red vial in his hand. "It gives you an amazing regenerative abilities. Want to make love like a sabercat? Drink this and you'll satisfy even the most insatiable wenches in the world."

I resisted the urge to hurl though I would very much do so after hearing this. Regenerative abilities? Please.

"Are you seriously talking about the Snow Elves" the Dunmer merchant asked.

Brynjolf kept his cool, though he was obviously starting to get irritated. "The very ones, Brand-Shei. They are known for their incredibly long lives and strong magical prowess. Even the gravest wounds stand no chance against this solution. Buy it now! The stock is limited and not many is left. I assure you, you will be happy with the results."

A woman approached him suddenly. "Is that true? You can really make love like a sabercat with this elixir?"

Seemingly amused, the red-head responded with a smile, "That's right, Haelga. With this elixir, you'll become Dibella's most prized devotee."

Offended, the woman threw several septims at him, which he almost missed to catch, and she snatched the bottle from his hand. The crowd laughed at the woman as she left the market while Brynjolf gave her a satisfied grin and a long glare at her swaying backside. I groaned, disgusted.

Not long after, Brynjolf noticed me watching his little show. With a smirk, he dismissed the crowd that had gathered, promising them more products at display tomorrow. As the gathering broke up, I then approached the red-head, feigning impression.

"Congratulations, sir" I said. "You just sold well water to common folk - you must be proud of yourself."

He gave me a smug look. "You wound me with your words, lass."

"If only" I retorted.

He didn't take it to offense though and instead stretched out his hand. I look at it before looking at him.

"What?"

He rolled his eyes playfully. "Apology, lass. We started off on a wrong foot yesterday. My behavior was beyond inappropriate."

Slightly taken aback, I unintentionally stuttered. "A-All forgiven."

He then sighed before smiling sheepishly. "Thank you. I'm Brynjolf by the way."

Hesitantly, I took his hand and shook it. "Ziiah."

He looked a bit perplexed but also intrigued when he asked, "That's a strange name."

I hummed in response. "That's what I think too. Then again, all Redguards have exotic names."

Brynjolf frowned. "You're a Redguard?"

I felt a bit unease but answered anyway, "Well, half. My dad was a Nord but my mom was a Redguard."

"Are you an orphan" he asked then added, "I mean, you used past tense so..."

I gave him a blank look. "As far as I know, yes."

"Sorry to hear that" he said with an apologetic smile.

I waved it off. "Don't mention it. It's been a while now."

He sighed. "Anyway, shall we get down to business?"

I crossed my arms and listened to his proposal...