AN: Ch 11! Woo! Really, though, I hope you guys like this chapter. There is direction, I promise haha. Serious mode, though. This may be the last chapter I post for the next couple of months. If I'm lucky, I'll be able to get one more out. Work starts full swing next week, and then the end of August leads me into classes and blah blah blah until mid-December. I WILL always be writing this story. I have this story well planned. Far more than any of my others were. I don't think I've even put too many useless scenes in here yet, other than a couple fillers for the purpose of revealing things...Ah whatever I'm rambling. Enjoy the chapter, please review!

Shout Outs to: Nave1027, futsch, MasterAssassinScrolls, and whoever was the kind guest that left a review as well. (P.s. Them ore reviews I get, the more motivated I'll be to write ;) Join my faithful reviews!)

Want a shout out too? Drop a review!

ON TO THE FIC!

Four days, she counted. Four days that Brand-Shei's stall had been closed. She'd been in Riften for six days.

Brynjolf kept his word.

Ariel watched from the graveyard. From her position, she could see through the pillars of the balconies and just through the stone entrance of the temple. She watched the Dunmer look over his wares, checking everything to make sure none had been stolen. It was late. He was alone. It was perfect. And yet..

Ariel tried. She tried so hard. Yet she couldn't take a step closer.

What would she say? What could she say? She couldn't apologize to him for sending him to prison, then turn around and ask him to keep her secret safe. But maybe…maybe she could use the information as incentive? After all, his theory was just a theory. Perhaps some confirmation of his sanity would be worth keeping her secret. After all, he didn't know she was the one who planted the ring. How could he even be sure the guild was involved?

Ariel sighed, slapping her hand against her face. She was tired. She spent the last few days doing small jobs for the guild and getting to know her new 'family.' After speaking with a few members of the guild, she'd found that they weren't all so bad. It was a business, a family, and everyone watched each other's back. In a way, it reminded her of the Companions. While jobs here were mostly solo work, she found that there was an equal amount of support and protection, here. She would never have expected that from thieves. It was hard enough to find in the common folk.

She slid her hand down her face, as if wiping away the stress. She just needed to walk up and initiate conversation. The rest would take care of itself. With a calming breath, Ariel moved forward, her eyes glued on his back as he set up his stall for the next day.

Ariel could breathe, after this. She could let go of the tension she'd held onto since talking to Tythis, whom she hadn't spoken with since. In fact, she'd found herself avoiding the Dunmer. Despite the twinge of guilt she felt, the intimacy he'd been about to employ was too much.

Her heart still ached for her little memories of Whiterun. Something was still connecting her to the city, making it hard to close that chapter completely. It was as if a major part hadn't yet been written, leaving her unsatisfied and unable to move forward.

As Ariel crossed the entrance of the temple toward the market circle, she shifted her thoughts to her current tasks. She still had to get the Marks of Dibella from Bolli and Indaryn. Hofgrir had given it to her with little protest when she had arrived to help Shadr with his debt from Sapphire. She couldn't understand what the purpose of the marks were. They were simply intricate-cut sapphire stones. Either way, she'd have to complete that favor before she could move on to her next job.

Maven Black-Briar. She had a meeting with the woman tomorrow afternoon. Brynjolf had to explain the extreme necessity of Ariel's cooperation. After all the things she had heard about Maven, she didn't want to work for the evil, corrupting woman, and had made that quite obvious.

Ariel stopped moving, now only several feet away from the Dunmer. He had yet to notice her, his back still turned to her as he rifled through one of the crates of merchandise. How did she get his attention? Would he be suspicious of her? Attack her? Ariel rolled her eyes. Just talk!

"Hello, Brand-Shei." Ariel watched as he momentarily stiffened before turning, his eyes sweeping over her quickly. She was sure he was unable to see her face from the current angle. The few city torches were only around buildings, and behind her was the light of the forge. Her hood shadowed her face with the light of the moons, leaving him no way to identify her.

"Do I know you?" He asked, his Dunmer accent heavy in the silence that surrounded them. He was looking at her with obvious distrust.

She'd heard from the guards few times that Riften was not safe for a nighttime stroll. Citizens who weren't affiliated with the guild weren't perfect, clean individuals. People would get mugged in the streets, beaten and forgotten, killed and dumped in the lake. The citizens of this city were worse than the guild could ever hope to be. At least they never killed, and tried to avoid hurting anyone.

"Not personally, no." Ariel had learned how to be polite, even in the oppressive heat that had caused days of irritation. Just like in Morrowind and Cyrodiil, she had adapted slowly. She was uncomfortable, but she had learned to quiet her bitter thoughts and return to her calm temperament.

Snow Elves were not made for this environment.

"But I know you've noticed me." His suspicious look hadn't changed, and he remained silent as he waited for her to continue. She could tell his entire body was tense, his body ready to fight or run. She sighed softly, bringing her hands up to the sides of her hood. They were shaking.

Slowly she pushed the hood back, her eyes closed as she attempted to push down her nervous energy.

"By the eight…"Ariel opened her eyes, surprised more that he had spoken of the eight then the Tribunal. "I was right!" Ariel watched as he dropped a few items from his hand to his stall before walking forward slightly. "A Snow Elf!"

"Hush!" She reprimanded, looking around. She pulled the hood back over her head, moving her eyes back to him. "Tythis told me. Understand, this isn't something to be advertised. I don't want anyone to know about this. As far as everyone else is concerned, I'm a Breton." Brand-Shei squinted, as if still observing her features through the shadows. She had to fight off the urge to snap at him. This is what she was, in this world. A spectacle. Those lucky enough to know what she was would treat her like a statue, something to be observed and forgotten.

But she could use it to her advantage.

"How is this even possible? I thought all the Snow Elves were killed or turned into Falmer."

"Some of us hid. What will it take to keep your mouth shut about it?" Brand-Shei raised an eyebrow at her.

"I don't intend to spread your identity over Skyrim. Your secrecy is none of my concern." Ariel stared at him in shock for a moment before sighing.

"Oh. I…didn't expect you to be so kind," Ariel admitted softly, guilt stabbing at her heart. She bit her lip to keep from admitting her crime to him, choosing instead to ask the questions that had been surfacing since she'd joined help Brynjolf. "Brand-Shei, may I ask you something?"

"Of course." Ariel took a deep steadying breath as she lifted herself up to sit on the stone wall, praying to the divines that he would be able to help her.

"What do you know of my people?" Silence blanketed them for a moment, and she was sure he was carefully considering his words.

"Not very much. I came across Falmer in my travels, and naturally became curious as to what they really were. Most of what I know comes from books and other travelers."

"What books?" Ariel had leaned forward on her perch, excitement lining her tone. But her enthusiasm was not met.

"I don't remember…Most of them were just musings of other travelers, quoted in text. There was one book…it had quite a bit of information on them, from a researcher. She made some historical references to your kind and to Ysgramor's notes." Ariel felt her excitement melt away. One book? Likely, she'd never find it. Knowing her luck, there'd only be one copy of the book in all of Tamriel. It was probably floating at the bottom of some lake, or ripped apart by a bear in a cave.

"Oh. Well, thank you." Ariel tried to brush away the sadness that had enveloped her. She had thought she'd been a step closer to finding out about her kind. After all, if she knew more about her history, perhaps she could find others like her, hiding away in ruins of ancient elven cities.

What a fairytale that all was.

"Perhaps I could point you in a more helpful direction?" Ariel moved her eyes back up to him, an eyebrow cocked in question. "I hear the College of Winterhold has quite the extensive library available to their apprentices. If you ask for help from them, they may allow you access." Ariel snorted, shaking her head. The College of Winterhold. Mages?

"They'd never let me near the place. I'm not the greatest at magic. Those mage robes of mine were mostly for comfort, over anything. I doubt they'd even let me think the word 'book' around them." She laughed sarcastically, a bitter undertone ringing clear.

"If there is one thing I've learned in all my years, it's that everything is worth a try. The only thing that can stop your progress is yourself." Ariel stared at the outlines of his eyes, wondering if he was hiding a sarcastic smile under the shadows or if he was being serious.

Whether or not he was being sarcastic, it had instilled some hope. At least now she knew where to go next, after leaving Riften.

"Thank you. I'll keep that in mind."

"There is something you could do for me, traveler. In exchange for honoring your secrecy." Brand-Shei leaned against his stall, his eyes serious.

"What is it?"

"In your travels, keep a look out for any information on a ship named 'The Pride of Tel Vos.'" Ariel raised an eyebrow.

"May I ask why?"

"Well, you've probably figured out Brand-Shei isn't exactly a Dunmer name." It didn't take as long as she had anticipated for Brand-Shei to tell his story of his life with his adoptive Argonian parents, as well as his quest to find his identity. It was a story that left Ariel feeling bad for the Dunmer, her heart aching in her chest. Sure, she had been left to wander on her own for years, wondering about her people and wandering without purpose.

But at least she knew her parents and what happened to them. It was no great mystery that kept her up at night. Rather, a nightmare. But something known.

"Of course, Brand-Shei. I'll look for clues in my travels so long as you keep my secret safe." Brand-Shei smiled at her, a real smile that was full of gratitude and fragile hope.

"Thank you." Brand-Shei turned to move away, most likely to the bunkhouse. She could see the exhaustion on his face during their conversation. She could imagine that the jail beds weren't all that comfortable.

There was that guilt again.

"Brand-Shei?" He turned, and she imagined the questioning look in his gaze. After all, from this angle, she could only see shadows. "My name is Ariel." She said softly, as if her name was a secret as well. After a moment, Brand-Shei nodded.

"Thank you, Ariel."

He reminded her of Larena.

Everything he did was done with enthusiasm. Even though it was painfully fake, and he was obviously exhausted, he moved with energy that Ariel certainly had never been able to tap into.

Ariel had pushed open the doors to the meadery minutes ago to reveal a poor, overworked Bosmer. She had seen him just that morning, like Tythis had said, running around to retrieve some items from the shops as they opened and delivering a few cases of mead. In fact, he had been running around from nine to ten am, where she had spent most of her time browsing the market stands. She'd spent quite a bit of time at Brand-Shei's stand, discussing some of her travels through Morrowind. She'd spent quite a bit of gold at his stall, partly to help him catch up on any he'd lost after several days in jail. Two books, a peculiar stone with a red glow, and a few potions later, Ariel had spent nearly two hundred septims. But she couldn't resist Sujamma. And that was before he allowed her to taste what he called 'Sadri's Sujamma.' She had shivered as the brew slid down her throat, nostalgia washing over her. Her normally empty pack was now full of Sadri's Sujamma and potions. The Heart Stone, as Brand-Shei had called it, was tucked away in the upper pocket of her armor. Finally, she had shoved the two books into the pouch at her side. They would provide some entertainment in her future travels.

"Good morning!" Ariel quickly moved to sit on one of the stools around the counter, sighing lightly as she did so. "Allow me to recommend the Black-Briar mead…the purest brew in all of Skyrim!" She looked up at him, her eyes meeting what had to be the fakest smile she'd ever seen. But she could see it; apprehension in his eyes. Tythis wasn't lying, then. She smirked slightly. His fear was amusing, in a way.

"A vampire, huh?" She said, her voice shaking with amusement. A surprised look came over his face, a flash of fear, then curiosity.

"I'm not sure I know what you're talking about, milady." Ariel laughed at him, a soft chuckle as she shook her head.

"Drop it. Tythis told me you were convinced I'm a vampire. I get it, but I hate vampires. I promise you, I'm just a normal Breton who hasn't had any sun in a long time." She said, waving her hand in the air. "I don't have glowing eyes or pointy fangs, I promise." Ariel held up a hand as if swearing on her soul, smiling at him.

She could feel his relief. His form practically melted In front of her for a moment.

Did he really think she'd come in to make him a meal?

"Oh, well…Great! In that case, can I interest you in some Black-Briar Mead?" Well, he certainly didn't shut off, did he? Ariel, still struggling with her amused smile, nodded.

"Sure. I'll take some reserve." She fished around in her coin pouch, for once not worrying about the price of the superior mead. She had plenty of coin.

"Right away!" The Bosmer turned around, walking through a door behind the counter momentarily before he quickly returned. The blue bottle he placed on the counter in front of her was sweating, and she wondered what methods they used to keep their bottles cold. Perhaps they had access to some magical snow, as well? "Here you go, the best mead in Tamriel!" Ariel slapped a few septims on the counter, which he gracefully swept into his own coin pouch. She quickly pulled the cork from the bottle and took a large swig of the mead, savoring the taste. As far as mead went, it was the best she'd ever had.

"Is there anything else I can get you, milady?" Ariel looked back up at him, fake smile still plastered on his face, despite the exhaustion in his eyes. She raised an eyebrow at him before the corners of her mouth twitched upwards. "We serve only the best!"

"Oh? What makes Black-Briar mead 'the best?'"

"Lady Maven's been developing the secret recipe for Black-Briar mead over the last several decades!" He responded quickly, his voice filled with excitement. "She uses a very secret blend of spices, fresh honey from Goldenglow Estate, and specially constructed aging casks to ensure the best flavor. Even when you get to the last sip in your Flagon, it'll taste just as good as the first!" Ariel couldn't hide the smile, and she cleared her throat to avoid laughing. This was too good.

"First, I have a bottle, see?" She picked it up, shaking it gently to punctuate her point. "Not a flagon. And, second, that was far too rehearsed." The smile faded slowly from his face before he sighed, leaning on the counter.

"Damn it," He said, his voice low and lacking all enthusiasm. The sudden change was almost surprising. "Sorry. I'm not very good at this." He shook his head. "Look, just don't say anything to Maven, will you?" he looked up at her with fearful, pleading eyes, causing Ariel to straighten in her seat. Fun time was over, apparently. "I've spent weeks trying to get that right, and if she sees how stupid I am, she'll get rid of me!" Ariel looked at the mer with slight amusement.

"There are worse things than being fired."

"Yeah…fired. Sure. That's what I meant." Ariel's smile fell now as she observed him and the emotions in his eyes.

"What can you tell me about Maven?" He stared at her for a moment, as if entertaining an inner debate before he responded, his voice betraying what he really felt.

"She's an absolute pleasure to work for!" He smiled, as if trying to trick her that it was the truth. "In fact, I almost feel guilty accepting pay from her. Why, just this last week I was commenting to my fellow meadery workers just how lucky we are to be working for such a charitable family." Ariel stared at him for a few moments, getting the message across that she did not believe his bull. After a moment, the smile dropped again, and he sighed.

"Come on. Get the truth off your chest."

"Okay, look," he began, his voice quiet and nervous as he looked behind him, checking that he had shut the doors. "If I'm caught saying anything bad about the meadery or the family, I'm a dead man. I'm the fourth person to work the tasting counter in the last year. The last three are at the bottom of Lake Honrich!" He shook his head, removing his gaze from hers. "Just take my advice, and just get out of Riften as soon as you can."

"Maven has her workers killed? Why would you work here if your life was in danger?"

"We all need money, right? I wouldn't have taken this job if I knew I'd be stuck here, constantly looking over my shoulder!" She understood, now, why he looked so tired. She gave him a sympathetic look, pushing the bottle of mead toward him.

"Sounds like you need this more than I do. Maybe I can help you."

"Help me? Why would you do that? You don't even know me." He asked suspiciously, crossing his arms over his chest. "Besides, what could you possibly do to help me?" Ariel smirked.

"Well, I know your name is Ungrien, and now I know you're afraid Maven will have you killed. You seem nice enough, which is good enough for me," she said, shrugging. In truth, Ariel felt bad for the Bosmer. The desperate look he was giving her was enough to break her heart. The elf in front of her seemed to relax as she spoke, his exhaustion becoming more and more evident. She could tell he wanted to accept her offer. "Besides, I have a meeting with Maven today. If I get on her good side, maybe I can talk her into removing the knife from your throat, so to speak." She locked eyes with him as she took another sip from the blue bottle. His eyes had widened slightly.

"You...you work for Maven?"

"I'm not going to tell her what you really think about her or the meadery." She said, waving away his anxiety. "Honestly, I don't want to work with her at all. But it's essential to my…ability to make a living…sort of." Her confident tone had dwindled to a quiet mumbling at the end, tracing the outside of the bottle with an index finger. "I'm not interested in Riften's politics."

"What's the catch?" Ariel snorted in amusement, looking up at him with a raised eyebrow.

"Did you ask that when you took this job?" His face dropped, his suspicious stare replaced by resignation as she shook her head. That response had not been called for. Riften was really affecting her. No, Brynjolf was affecting her. He and Mercer had drawn out every drop of sarcasm and wit she possessed in her body. At first, it had been nice being able to engage in friendly banter whenever she pleased. But now, it was bleeding into her daily conversations. "There is no catch. I don't like the sound of this woman, and I'm not a fan of…her methods. If my job for her goes well, I'm sure it won't be difficult to arrange for your safety." She shrugged, bringing the bottle to her lips and taking several large gulps. She let out a sigh of contentment as she stood, stretching. "Now, I need to speak to Indaryn and Bolli. Any idea where I can find them?"

Ariel smiled as she pushed open the door of the fishery to feel a cool breeze off of the water. Indaryn had been easier to persuade than she had anticipated, far too worried about his reputation at the meadery than keeping the useless stone. Bolli had instantly given her the stone as well, leaving her with just one task before her meeting with Maven Black-Briar.

Confronting Haelga.

Ariel moved to turn the corner, her smile still on her lips as she moved passed the building, until she felt something collide with her side and send her to ground. She landed painfully on the wooden walkway, groaning as her head collided with the wood and pain resonated throughout her body. She sat up, holding her head as her vision swam.

"Oh! I apologize! I should have been more careful!" Ariel jumped as someone kneeled down suddenly in front of her. It was another Wood Elf, one she had yet to meet. She rubbed her head through her hood, feeling the tender spot and wincing.

"It's fine."

"Are you alright?" Ariel nodded, finally removing her hand from her head and taking a better look at the elf before her. She recognized him from when she had first entered the fishery, talking to Bolli about fixing some netting before she had interrupted them. She could see the recognition in his eyes as he observed her, as well, taking in her pale complexion and blue eyes. After a moment, he stood, a hand held out to her that she gratefully accepted.

"I truly am sorry," he repeated, looking over her with concern. "My head wasn't in the present."

"It's fine, really," she repeated, brushing her armor off. That fall would have shredded her robes. The armor was, thankfully, untouched. "Thank you for helping me up." She turned to continue in her previous path in hopes to deter conversation, but an eager voice called from behind her.

"I am Valindor." His tone left little question that he wanted to know her name in return for his. Ariel turned slightly, observing his stare. It was the same look Anoriath had given her when he'd asked her to show herself to him.

"Ariel." She said slowly, communicating her distrust. If what Tythis said was true, and he tended to keep to himself, than it was likely no one knew much about this elf. That could mean two things. Either he was truly a quiet, reserved mer, or he had something to hide.

She didn't have the time to wonder.

"I've seen you wandering around the city. Are you a property owner?" Ariel saw a look in his eye that made the hair of the back of her neck stand up. He was fishing for information, and covering his tracks all at once. A clever one.

"I'm a traveler. So, no. This city is not where one starts a life, anyway," she mumbled, shaking her head. "Forgive me, I'm in the middle of something important." Valindor's analytical stare had not wavered. In fact, it had grown far more intense.

Had she just given something away? What was he searching for? She had a feeling this Bosmer was far more perceptive than the others she'd met. Or maybe she had just grown paranoid.

"Of course. Good day." Ariel wasted no time in walking away, leaving the Bosmer to stare after her.

What had him so intrigued? There was something he had obviously seen that she didn't. And if there was one thing she didn't like, it was being left in the dark. Perhaps he knew about her? Had Brand-Shei told him? Was he well-traveled? He certainly looked like it. Ungrien was very obviously not a traveler or warrior. He had probably been born in Skyrim, or entered Skyrim at a very young age, softened by a life of labor rather than survival. Valindor looked to be a warrior or hunter, with the matching physique and mentality. He had analyzed her in the same way she analyzed her prey when hunting; watching for certain movements, reactions, emotions.

She'd have to be careful around him.

Ariel entered the city, her eyes scanning the crowd of shoppers. It was a warm, sunny day, meaning most of the city was out browsing the market. Surrounding shop doors were propped wide open, including the doors to the inn. She could smell the fine scent of salmon steaks and venison from where she stood next to the forge. Her stomach growled and she frowned, realizing that she hadn't eaten since the afternoon before. After all, she refused to eat anything down in the sewer, no matter how careful they were handling the food down there. She'd have to remember to ask Svana for an apple.

With the promise of food, Ariel pushed herself toward the bunkhouse, her face set in a concentrated, purposeful stare in order to discourage anyone from bothering her. After all, she had started receiving strange looks once she removed her mask and gloves from the equation. No matter, though. Brand-Shei and Tythis would be active enough help in spreading her lie.

The door to the bunkhouse was open, and Ariel was sure it was only Svana's doing, begging the gods for any breeze they'd permit to keep her cool as she worked. The more Ariel had thought about Svana's situation, the worse she felt for the poor girl. She was sure she'd never seen someone so abused in her days. Sure, she'd seen people who were equally as tired in her travels, equally as overworked. But they were older, fighting to survive and often paying for their own personal decisions. This girl had not yet fully matured, but was working like a single mother of three.

Upon entering, she found Haelga tying her apron, preparing to leave. Svana was nowhere to be found, but Ariel had no time left to spare. It was nearly noon. Maven would be judging her for every second she was late.

"Haelga." The Nord woman looked up at her and scowled, able to identify her quickly.

"Oh, it's you. Come to extort more from me?" Ariel felt the corner of her mouth twitch upwards, threating to slide into a smirk, but she bit her cheek. Instead, she reached into one of her pouches that contained the little stones.

"I believe these," she said, walking up to the counter and depositing them in front of the Nord. "Belong to you." Haelga grabbed one of the marks quickly, examining it in shock.

It was wonderful.

"What? How…" she stuttered, her eyes moving to hers. "Where did you get these? No! Don't tell me! I don't want to know." She picked up the other two stones and shoved them under the counter, looking frantic. "Look, we need to keep this quiet…between you and me, ok? No one else needs to know about it." She looked around suddenly, as if searching for anyone who could be listening. "If word got out that I was practicing my Dibellan Arts in Riften, they'll run me out of town! Here!" She suddenly moved back into the room behind the counter, practically running. Ariel heard shuffling and some banging before Haelga returned, a scroll of parchment in her hand. "Take this!"

"I don't want your pieces of paper." She said, a little quicker than intended. After all, it was difficult to keep from laughing. The wicked woman was a mess, just from someone bringing her some cuts of sapphire. "I want you to treat your niece like a human."

"Did she put you up to this? Fine, fine! Here, take it anyway! I'll be nicer to Svana, just don't mention any of this to her!" Ariel barely caught the scroll as it was shoved into her chest. Haelga hardly waited for her to respond before she was running out the door, her face a deep red and damp. Finally she was able to let the grin form on her face, her adrenaline kicked up from the encounter. However, Ariel was now left with a useless roll of parchment.

It wasn't as if she didn't know what it was. It was a scroll, a support for casting powerful spells that mages of high skill levels often took advantage of. Ariel was not a mage of high skill. In fact, she couldn't even identify the magic that was woven into the material. It was a destruction spell, but that was where her knowledge ended. With a light shrug, Ariel shoved the scroll in her side pouch with her new books. Perhaps she'd find someone who needed it, or could offer her a nice bit of gold.

Ariel was about to turn and leave when footsteps running toward her could be heard. From the alcove, where the Dibella statue sat, Svana appeared with a huge grin on her face. The girl rushed at her, leaving Ariel little time to prepare as she was suddenly encased in the girl's thin arms.

"Oh, thank you! I heard everything downstairs!" Ariel squirmed in the girl's grasp, feeling claustrophobic and helpless.

"Not a problem…" she huffed, pushed against her. She just wouldn't let go!

"I bet she squirmed like a skeever when you pulled them out of your pocket!" Svana finally let go of Ariel, who took a deep calming breath and wrapped her arms around herself, stepping back from the woman. "I think things are going to be a lot different around here from now on, and I have you to thank for it!"

"I'm glad I could help," Ariel mumbled, keeping her eyes on the girl suspiciously as she waited for another attack hug.

"Here, I want you to have this. It was my father's, but I'm certain you'll put it to good use!" She rummaged in the bag at her hip before pulling out a pair of gauntlets. "I'll never use them, anyway." Ariel reached out hesitantly to take the gauntlets. They were fur, in poor condition with a weak enchantment running through the fabric. They were utterly useless to her.

"Are-are you sure? I wouldn't want to take something that belonged to your father-"

"Oh, I'm certain! Thank you so much!" Ariel looked down at the gauntlets, swallowing a groan. She'd never use them, and she couldn't just sell the girls gift. It was sentimental. With a sigh, Ariel nodded and shoved the gloves into her pack.

"Thank you." She said, forcing a small smile before she pushed passed the girl, still beaming in her direction.

"Have a good day!" Ariel moved outside, her eyes set on the inn. If she wasn't already late, she was close. With a sigh, she pushed her discomfort behind her. After all, she often didn't let anyone hug her, let alone a Nord. The girl was sweet, though. Mildly driven by revenge, but sweet.

Ariel was careful to slip inside the inn without gaining the attention of Keerava or Talen-Jei. The smell of food hit her for the second time that day, and she realized bitterly that she had forgotten to ask Svana for an apple. With a sidelong glance at some patrons eating, she continued her path. Perhaps if in the future she came back to visit Riften, they would forget all about the incident. For now, though, Ariel felt it necessary to avoid the two Argonian's, even if she was starving. She still had a chance to earn their trust back.

Moving quickly up the staircase, Ariel found Maven exactly where she had been told to report. She sat on a chair at the only desk on the upper floor, just outside the master bedroom. Upon Ariel's arrival, Maven stood to address her, both women standing their ground several feet from one another. Ariel had a blank stare set on the woman, who looked at her with interest. She strived to remain as neutral as possible, eager to be done with her dealings.

Hadn't she told Brynjolf she would choose her jobs? Why had she accepted, again?

"So you're the one," Maven drawled, her eyes moving down her form and then back up. "Hmm. You don't look so impressive." Neither do you. Ariel bit the inside of her cheek, considering her words carefully. After all, Brynjolf had warned her to watch her tongue, lest the Dark Brotherhood should be called.

And while Ariel still wasn't quite sure what the Dark Brotherhood was, it didn't sound good.

"How about we skip the conversation?" Though Ariel's voice lacked any attitude, Maven's eyes widened slightly, as if shocked that anyone would speak to her in such a way.

Apparently, she hadn't been able to watch her tongue well enough.

"You're a firebrand, aren't you?" There was a tense silence that followed, and Ariel could feel a headache starting in the middle of her forehead. Finally, Maven spoke again, crossing her arms over her chest. "It's about time Brynjolf sent me someone with business sense. I was beginning to think he was running some sort of beggar's guild over there." Ariel exhaled the breath she'd been holding, her shoulders relaxing.

"You don't have faith in the guild?" She asked, curious as to why Maven would bother backing the guild if she thought they were useless. The woman simply made a noise of amusement far in the back of her throat.

"Faith? I don't have faith in anyone. All I care about is cause and effect. Did the job get done and was it done correctly. There's no gray area." The statement hung heavily in the air, making it hard to breathe. She wanted this meeting over with.

"Where do I begin?"

"Head to the Bannered Mare in Whiterun and look for Mallus Maccius. He'll fill you in on all the details." Ariel froze, her heart pounding against her chest.

Something had kept her tied to Whiterun, alright. Were the divines playing with her? She worked hard to keep her lips from curving upward into a smile.

Athis…She would see her friend again. How many times had she wished she could speak to him and ask for his advice?

Maven turned away from her, sitting back at the table.

"You're still here?"

And then she was gone.

Alright, and there you have it. Vacation from Riften?I'm sure Ariel is thrilled! Leave a review and let me know if you are, too!

I love you all!

SYANU!

P.S. Let me know if there are any mistakes! Much appreciated!