Disclaimer: Everything except Kalina and this story belong to Bethesda. Though I REALLY wish I owned Bryn!
Brynjolf sighed inwardly. It was another slow day and the only ones in the market seemed to be the regulars. He had considered closing the shop more than once if not for the fact the little money he did bring in helped keep the Guild afloat. They needed a break and soon. The redheaded Nord didn't want to think about what might happen if that 'break' never happened. Old Delvin liked to say there was something of a curse going on. He'd never admit it to Del, but maybe, just maybe, he had a point. Sure they'd had dry spells but nothing like this before.
Glancing around he noticed a new comer come through the gates. Turning slightly he watched Maul give her the same warning he gave all the other newcomers - Riften was home to the Thieves' Guild and Maven Black-Briar was the true ruler of the city, no matter that it was Jaila Law-Giver who was the jarl. Brynjolf's eyes drifted over her, taking note of her armor, weapons, and any jewelry she was wearing. A smile ticked the corners of his mouth upward. This Imperial woman had had more coin on her than most of the guild saw in a month. A prime target.
Kalina moved on from the man named Maul after hearing his warnings and subtle threats. She already knew this place was home to the Thieves Guild and she didn't give a skeever's ass about this Maven Black-Briar. She wanted to find Esbern than head home to Jorrvaskr. Shaking her head she sighed. The Dragonborn knew it wasn't that simple. The dragons were returning to Skyrim - or if what Delphine said and what she herself had witnessed with her own eyes was true, they weren't returning. They were being resurrected.
If what Delphine told her was correct she could ask some of the people in the Ragged Flagon if they knew where Esbern was. Only question was, Where was the Ragged Flagon? It wasn't the tavern that she expected to find in the city. That was the Bee and Barb.
"Why can't things ever be easy?" Kalina muttered as she walked to the Bee and Barb.
"Welcome to the Bee and Barb, stranger," came the husky voice of an Argonian. "I am Talen-Jei and that is Keerava," he said motioning the other Argonian who was currently wiping down the bar. "We're the owners of this establishment."
With a smile she nodded to Talen-Jei before walking over to Keerava who looked up from her cleaning. "Can I help you, Imperial?" she questioned.
"Actually, I hope so. I'm looking for a place called the Ragged Flagon," replied Kalina.
Keerava scowled at her. "And why would you be looking for the Flagon?" she demanded.
Kalina blinked her gray eyes at the Argonian female in surprise. There was such venom in Keerava's voice when asked about the Ragged Flagon. What in the name of Nirn could cause that type of a reaction from the bartender?
"I prefer for that to remain my business, thank you," came the simple reply.
The innkeeper frowned fiercely. "Fine. The Flagon can be found in the Ratway underneath the city. Beware though, in the Ratway and the Flagon is where the Thieves Guild can be found. If I were you I would stay out of the Ratway. Stay out of the Ragged Flagon."
Kalina gave a wry smile, "Was that so hard?" She tossed a few coins on the bar top as a way of thanks before making her way out to the market. The Thieves Guild…that would figure. She'd managed to keep out of the Guild in Cyrodiil. She had hoped to do the same in Skyrim. Well there was no help for it then. She'd better stock up on healing potions and such before entering the Ratway. Damn thing was probably filled with skeevers.
Brynjolf watched the lass leave the Bee and Barb obviously having obtained whatever it was she wanted - be it information or a bed. The Imperial seemed to be lost in her thoughts as she walked into the market to peruse the goods. She had stopped at Brand-Shei's stall to examine his wares and possibly sell a few of her own.
While the Imperial lass was absorbed in her haggling Brynjolf decided it'd be the perfect time to perform a little 'shopping' of his own. Tucking the 'Falmer Blood Elixir' in a safe place he proceeded to walk past the woman his hand reaching out stealthily to her pocket and coin purse within.
He had done this so many times it was second nature to him, so the shock he felt when the Imperial lass grabbed his wrist before he even touched her purse was enormous. Brynjolf looked up into the gray eyes of a very annoyed woman and got the feeling this woman was not what she appeared to be. Not at all. The redheaded Nord had a fleeting thought that his world was about to get turned inside out and upside down by this woman.
A/N: And here is Chapter 2. It's weird lol I want to know how this ends up as much as anyone else. I have an idea but it's exciting for me as well to see how this story unfolds. Again be gentle please :) It's my first fanfic ever.