By the time he reached Riften, it was still in the twilight hours of the next morning and Acius could hardly stand without assistance. It irked him to no end that a five hour trip had taken him almost an entire day. It was well beyond bothersome. He dropped himself onto a bench to wait out the lightheadedness that was fogging his senses. It was then that he realized that he hadn't the faintest clue where the Thieves Guild was. He rested back against the railing and sighed heavily. He could always ask someone, but that would do little to endure him to the people here, and he rarely ever asked anyone for anything. He rarely spoke. But it would seem luck was on his side yet again as a blonde woman in the distinctive Guild armor passed him by. Lightening quick, he grabbed her hand and pulled her down to sit next to him.

"What the hell is your issue?" She spat.

"I know where she is." Acius said quietly.

Not missing a beat, she drew her blade and jabbed it into his already searing ribs, "You better start talking and fast."

"Not here."

She eyed the man warily. He was wearing Dark Brotherhood armor and that alone sent up enough red flags for her to seriously consider throwing him over the railing. The Guild occasionally did business with him and his kind, but she had no love for hired killers of any type. If he did know where the Guild Master was, she couldn't possibly drop him on his ass. So, she had to play along.

"Where, then?"

"The Guild."

"What's the catch?"

Ah, a smart one, it would seem. "I am in need of assistance."

She huffed in annoyance, "We're thieves. Not assassins."

"I'm aware. I meant getting there. I fear I cannot go on my own." Acius gestured to his tattered and blood smeared clothes.

"One wrong move and I'll run you through."

"Understood."

She offered him a hand up and slung his arm around her shoulders. It was a good thing he was a skinny guy, otherwise this would be a lot harder. She dragged him through the Ratways, avoiding the secret graveyard entrance. It was bad enough that she was bringing him down there; she wasn't about to reveal any secrets.

They stumbled into the Guild and she called, "Brynjolf, Delvin get over here!"

"What, Vex?" Delvin called back.

"Just hurry your ass up." She set Acius in a vacant chair and stood over him.

The two came sauntering over. Delvin raised an eyebrow. He had seen the man a few times for business, but they usually met in the Bee and Barb and it didn't explain why he was here now. Brynjolf drew his sword and leveled it at his chest.

"What are you doing here?" He hissed.

"He says he knows where our Guild Master is." Vex said, folding her arms.

"Talk and fast." Brynjolf said, the point of his sword never wavering. Acius nodded once deeply, acknowledging his chance to speak and the fact the Nord hadn't run him through on sight. The man had every right to, after what had happened the last time they met.

"Faldar's Tooth."

"How do you know?"

"I was there on unrelated business and saw her. We do not have much time. She's being tortured."

"We? What makes you think I'll let you anywhere near her?"

"I still have my own job to finish there."

"We'll get you patched up and leave in an hour," Delvin cut in.

Brynjolf scowled but sheathed his blade for the time being. While they tended to their guest, he paced around in tight lines. He should have gone looking for her sooner. If anything had happened to her…what was he saying? They knew she was being tortured. Plenty had already happened to her. All he could do now was run and hope he wasn't too late. He dropped himself roughly on the stone floor and let his legs hang over the cistern water. How could he have waited so long? The irrational part of his mind was blaming her nine ways to Sundas. The lass had a habit of running off for days before coming back with some rare treasure. She was a free spirit and followed the wind. When she said she would be back soon, it could have meant within the hour or the week. So how was he supposed to know she was in trouble? Because, he knew her. A day or two was normal. A week without word was odd and any longer was unheard of. She took her job as Guild Master seriously and was never one to shirk her duties, even if she did let him handle the books. Brynjolf let his head fall into his hands and rubbed his eyes with the pads of his fingers. This was a disaster. He supported his head with one hand while the other pulled a small case from a pocket on his cuirass. It held a simple gold band. With a heavy heart, he pulled the ring out and let it rest in the palm of his hand. It was small, made for the long, dexterous fingers of a certain missing red haired lass. Their relationship wasn't one that ever called for an Amulet of Mara, so he had skipped right to the wedding ring. He had been planning on taking her to the temple that week. If everything worked out, he'd still be able to go through with it. He didn't want to fathom the alternative.