Brynjolf smiled as he handed her the payment. There was a twinge of guilt as Elana accepted the septims. But what had Brand-Shei done for her? Dark thoughts, but if they helped-

"You've got a gift, lass. Say, we have an opening in our organization, if you can make it to the Ragged Flagon in the Ratway-" Brynjolf silenced himself as a strong, warm hand came down on Elana's shoulder. "Ah, I can see you're already occupied. The offer will stand if you ever tire of him."

Elana snorted, but didn't allow herself to think of what it was in response.

She let herself be led away by Vilkas and didn't breath right until they had left Riften and were headed towards Riverwood.

"Vilkas, what organization is beneath the Ratway?"

The burly man about turned around and walked back into the city but Elana dragged him back to face Riverwood. "It's the Thieves Guild. You were propositioned by the Thieves Guild. Why shouldn't I go run him through now? He stands for lawlessness that we fight against."

"Well, you have no proof. And we so do not have enough to post your bail." Elana tugged a bit at Vilkas. "We have things to do. He will slip up and get caught. That's how the world works. But after all, no one controls the Companions, so you can go kill the 'Elixar' merchant if you like. I'll still be on the road to Riverwood to fulfill a promise."

Elana pushed him a little bit as she let go and turned from Riften. "The Thieves Guild doesn't bother me, Vilkas. Don't let it bother you."

Growling something along the lines of "I would litter Riften with dead bodies if I had to," the seasoned Companion followed after his shield-sister.

"What are you doing in Riverwood anyway?"

"I have to thank a family that helped me. Besides, it will allow us to get a good night's sleep indoors not surrounded by dead bandits."

"It was too dark and you were too tired to make the walk to Riften."

"I know. Doesn't mean I wasn't unnerved by sleeping next to the dead. I probably would've slept better in a cave of sabre cats."

Vilkas laughed and lightly punched her shoulder. "And to think, you wouldn't have been so tired had you let me help you storm the bandits instead being your independent self."

"Fine. I hereby allow to you help me even when I don't want to be helped. You are a boon to a weary traveler."

"I could do without the sarcasm."

Elana didn't reply. She just smirked and walked on, internally debating whether to tell Ralof her name was 'Elana' or 'Elan.'

"Another disappointing day, Brynjolf."

"It almost wasn't. I almost had a new recruit. She walked like she had secrets and knew how to keep them. I was so close to convincing her to come down here when some Companion dragged her off."

Mercer's eyes shot towards the Guild Second. "A Companion? You propositioned a Companion? Do you want to be dead as well as poor?"

The redhead lifted his hands. "Cool it, Mercer. She may be with the Companions, but something in her isn't satisfied. She won't rat us out. I have a feeling we'll see more of her yet."

The Guildmaster of the dying collection of thieves did not cease to glare at Brynjolf for quite some time.