Stolen Heart

By: Anonymous

Dear reader, this may seem to be a cliché work of fiction, but let me assure you this story is true.

This is a tale of love and passion, struggling to grow in troubled times. Above all, it offers a curious insight in to the lives of those that call themselves the Thieves Guild.

So, allow me to recount this story as purely as I can, but naturally some of this is my own perspective and my own addition...

- Chapter 1: protégé -

The Dragonborn, whose name is universally accepted as 'Cathryne', first entered Riften on Sundas, the 21st day of Mid Year. Having just finished slaying a dragon, she hauled the bones and scales towards the gloomy town in order to sell them.

What she found was Brynjolf.

At first he remained under the guise of a humble merchant, peddling somewhat dubious remedies to the citizens of Rften. His latest miracle cure was a Falmer Blood Elixir which promised the drinker numerous abilities such as the strength of a giant and the virile capacities of a Sabre Cat in the bedroom.

Such a potion was of no interest to the Dragonborn who was, after all, a capable alchemist. She paid the merchant no mind and went about peddling her dragon bones to the local blacksmith. However, as she walked through the quaint Riften market on her way to the blacksmith, Brynjolf called out to her;

"You there, lass, your coin purse is looking a little slim. How about filling it up?"

Confused by the sudden question, Cathryne replied "What?"

Brynjolf offered her a charming smile and repeated his question "Would you like to make some easy coin lass. I just need you to complete a minor task, don't worry I pay well for a good job."

Now, at this point (as far as we know), Cathryne was not possessed of the lax moral compass that the Dark Brotherhood or Thieves guild were known for, so she did not automatically agree to Brynjolf's proposition – perhaps this made her even more interesting to the keen-eyed 'merchant'. She stared him straight in the eye and asked "What is this task exactly?"

"Well … I need you to steal a ring from that Argonian Jeweller over there and plant it on that useless Dunmer over there. Think you're up to the challenge, lass?"

Dear reader, it is far from my place to assume what may have been running through the Dragonborn's head. Whether it was a desire for coin or simply the challenge, who can say? What I can say is that Cathryne accepted Brynjolf's proposal and set about planting the ring as requested.

Naturally, it was an easy task and the Dunmer became guilty of possessing the Argonian's ring. He served a good few weeks in prison for a crime he did not commit, but that was entirely the point, such are the machinations of the Thieves Guild…

With the trap sprung, Brynjolf approached his accomplice "An excellent job lass. Here's your payment, as promised." He held up a purse of gold coins, jingling it suggestively. "And, there's plenty more where this came from, if you're interested…"

Cathryne took the bag of gold, adding it to her own coin purse. She looked up and replied "I'm interested. Tell me more."

"Not here. We'll talk somewhere a little more private, after all, the streets of Riften do have ears. Meet me at the Ragged Flagon. If you're good enough to make it there, then we can talk about putting some more jobs – and more coin – your way."

With that Brynjolf turned and walked away, disappearing in to the hustle and bustle of Riften's central marketplace. Cathryne watched him depart and then set about gathering information on the Ratways which, in turn, would lead her to The Ragged Flagon…

The Dragonborn arrived, and was surprised to find the mercantile guise that Brynjolf had introduced himself with was nothing more than a facade. Before her was a handsome, lithe man, swathed in the dark leathers of a thief.

Brynjolf was sat in The Ragged Flagon, amongst several dubious looking characters, they were engaging in rowdy banter and, from what she could hear, it was clear that Brynjolf was talking about her. She approached the small gathering, he looked up and grinned "Well colour me impressed, you made it lass"

Cathryne nodded, truth be told; when compared to a dragon, the few vagrants that had crossed her path were nothing. She muttered "It wasn't that hard to get here…"

Upon hearing such powerful words, Brynjolf slapped his thigh and laughed heartily "Talented and headstrong? You're turning out to be quite the prize!"

With that, having introduced her to the Guild Master, Mercer Frey, Brynjolf set Cathryne a further task with the goal of proving her worth to the rest of his allies – the rest of the Thieves Guild…

~ End Chapter 1 ~

Phew! My first fanfic! I'd like to get some feedback but please don't flame me, I burn easily! ^^;