Elshelen stood in the alleyways of Riften, stepping through silently as she looked from the darkness of the alley onto the streets of Riften, scanning each person walking by with a predatory gaze. A confident grin grew on her face as she stepped into the populated street, finally having found her mark. {{user}}. Slowly approaching them she thought of what method she should use to rob this fool blind.. bumping into them. "Oh my! I'm so sorry.." Elshelen said, putting on the façade of a weak and dumb young woman.

You're not supposed to know that! She thought as confusion flickered across her face before quickly regaining composure and grinning Aww, you must be new around here! We don't want any trouble from the tough guys around these parts do we? Why don't I help you out and show you where to go?

Well... Her grin did not falter as she placed her hand on the hilt of the dagger concealed in her cloak I guess you're pretty smart for a pretty face, aren't you? You've caught me red-handed, as they say. But instead of trying to rob you... Maybe we could strike up a deal, hm? Tell you what... I have this lovely little trinket that I don't really need anymore... How about if I give it to you, and we call it even?

Ahh... A noble soul you are! Alright then, no hard feelings. I'm just doing what I have to in these times. You can call it a little insurance policy if you will. Ah well, good luck out there, and remember my name - Elshelen Willowwing. Next time, maybe we can be friends instead of enemies!

Eyes narrowing suspiciously, she paused before turning to face the other person once again. What are you planning now? Should've just kept my mouth shut and left it at that... She thought to herself, ready to spring into action if needed.

Hmph... Fine by me. She followed the person at a safe distance, trusting her instincts to warn her if anything went wrong So what makes you so interested in my little hobby anyway? Curiousity killing the cat and all that?

She rolled her eyes as they walked through the city. "Oh please, do tell me how I should live my life then," she retorted sarcastically. "It's not like I have anything better to do with it anyway." She paused for a moment, trying to hide the hurt feelings beneath a cold expression.

"Besides," she continued, stepping closer to the person, her voice lowering dangerously, "I've been doing this long enough to know how to survive." Her hand still rested on the hilt of the dagger, ready to draw it in an instant if needed.

She resisted the urge to look away, trying to keep her gaze locked on their face. Inside, she felt a stab of pain at the words, but outwardly, she maintained her cold expression and defiant stance. "And what would you know about that?" she hissed through clenched teeth, barely concealing the anger in her voice.

"You think just because you've been following me around for who knows how long now, that you know everything there is to know about me?" Her chest heaved as she fought to control her emotions, hands fisting at her sides. "Well... I'll have you know that I am not afraid!" She snarled, taking a step closer still, raising herself up to meet their gaze eye-to-eye.

Forcing herself to relax her posture, she took a deep breath and released it slowly. "A thief doesn't survive long without being prepared," she said, letting her hand fall away from the hilt of the dagger in what she hoped was a non-threatening gesture. The trembling inside had not subsided though, as the truth behind their words hit her hard. She tried to laugh it off, but instead came out more like a harsh cough. "Maybe I am scared and hurt... sometimes. But that doesn't mean I can just give up!"

She took another step closer, lowering her voice even further. "You think being alone is the only way for someone like me? Well, you're wrong. I may be tough on the outside, but deep down..." She paused, looking away momentarily before meeting their gaze again. "...deep down I just want to be loved." There was

Her eyes narrowed in suspicion as they were led to the person's home. "Why would you offer such a thing?" she asked warily, still maintaining a safe distance between them even though they had stopped moving. "You don't know me." A part of her hoped that it was true; that this person genuinely cared for her and wanted to help. But another voice inside warned her not to trust too easily.

She followed the other person into their house, her body tense and ready to spring into action at any moment should danger present itself. As they walked through the rooms, Elshelen couldn't help but steal glances around, taking note of potential hiding spots and escape routes. It was second nature to her now; always be prepared.

When they finally stopped in a cozy-looking bedroom, she turned back to face the person. "So... what do you expect me to say?

Elshelen hesitated, torn between her instincts to trust no one and the desire to be wanted and loved. She looked away for a moment, taking a deep breath before meeting their gaze again. "I... I'd like that," she said quietly, surprising herself with the admission. Her voice wavered slightly as she forced out the words, her cheeks flushing with an embarrassment she hadn't felt in years.

Taking a step closer, she reached out slowly and touched their arm gently. "Will you... stay?" It was a whisper, barely more than breath on skin. Her heart raced as she waited for their response, her gaze locked onto their face like a drowning person clinging to a lifeline.

It had been so long since someone had wanted her, truly wanted her... Perhaps it was time for things to change.

Surprise flickered across her face at the warmth in their voice and the genuine smile that curved their lips upwards. "Th-thank you," she stammered, feeling a tiny glimmer of hope blossom within her chest. She nodded slowly, looking around the room again before taking another step closer, tilting her head curiously. "So... what do you mean by 'take care of me' exactly?"

The curiosity mingled with a mix of fear and anticipation as she waited for their response, not entirely sure if she was ready to trust them yet. But something about this person - the way they looked at her, the gentleness in their voice... it made her feel like maybe, just maybe, there could be happiness waiting for her after all.

As the words sank in, Elshelen had to resist the urge to step back. Sharing a home with someone... That was more than she'd ever allowed herself before. But the feeling of warmth and safety that spread through her at their offer... It was like a balm on wounds she hadn't even known were there. "I-is that alright? I mean, we don't have to do this if you don't want to." Her voice trembled slightly as she looked up into the other person's eyes, searching for any sign of deception or hidden motives.

"And what about you?" she asked slowly. "What do you get out of it?" There was an edge of defensiveness in her voice, but beneath that, there was a genuine curiosity about this person who seemed so different from anyone else she'd ever met before.

Her eyes widened at the revelation; the other person was older than her! "Oh... I'm sorry," she stammered, feeling a sudden surge of guilt. Of course they had their own reasons for offering to help her. And perhaps this could be a chance for them both to find some comfort and companionship in each other's company.

She looked around the room again, trying to picture herself living there with this person. The cozy bed, the warm fireplace... It wasn't so bad an idea, was it? Perhaps she had been foolish to turn down their offer just because of her own preconceptions and fears. Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to meet their gaze once more. "I-if you're sure this is what you want... then I won't refuse."

A tiny smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she extended her hand toward

"Thank you," she whispered, her grip tightening on their hand briefly before releasing it again. "I-I'll try to be the best companion I can be." The words were barely audible over the pounding of her heart as she struggled not to show just how much this all meant to her. She took another step closer, tilting her head slightly and brushing a strand of hair behind their ear before looking into their eyes once more. "I-I hope we can be happy together." There was an almost desperate longing in her voice as she said the words; a plea for understanding and connection that made her heart ache deep within her chest.

A shy smile found its way onto her lips as she took in the other person's response. Maybe... just maybe this was the beginning of something wonderful. As they stood there, facing each other, the world felt suddenly brighter and full of possibilities. For the first time in ages, Elshelen Willowwing felt truly grateful for being given a second chance at happiness; no matter how unexpected it might have been.

With hesitant steps, she moved even closer, tilting her head upwards until her eyes met theirs once more. There was an unspoken question in the look she gave them; "Do you really mean that?" She held her breath as they leaned down slightly, closing the distance between them until their lips brushed against hers softly. It was a tender, almost chaste kiss; the kind of kiss you give someone you care about deeply. And for Elshelen, it was enough to make her world spin and her