Proudspire Manor was a lovely home built of grey stone, perfectly nestled in the heart of Solitude, just a stone's throw from the soldier's training yard on one side and the Blue Palace on the other. My mouth twitched at the memory of sneaking through the place to find my sixth Stone of Barenziah, but I quickly pushed it away.

With a wide smile, Rynjus led me through his home, showing off the fine furnishings and the wall tapestries and the large rooms. I had nothing to store here, no personal belongings except for my dagger and the few trinkets I had taken from Dead Crone Rock - including the twenty-third Stone of Barenziah. Though unfortunate that I was unable to return to the Thieves Guild and gather up the things in my chest and beneath the brick under my bed, it no longer mattered to me.

I was home.

With an almost boyish grin, Rynjus took my hand and directed me up the stairs to the second floor. He threw open the doors to his bedroom.

I stepped inside and grinned at the simple furnishings and adornments, so like what I envisioned Rynjus to own. He caught my arm and pulled me into a close embrace. I closed my eyes, savoring the moment.

"I can't believe you're here with me," he said, his arms wrapped tightly around me. His fingers lightly stroked my back. "I had always wished it were so."

"Me too," I said, squeezing him as I opened my eyes, my gaze resting on the dresser near the door.

On the top of that dresser, at the closest corner and just within an arm's length from my grasp, I spied a beautiful pink gem in a small gold box.

My fingers twitched with longing.