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 good... you mean I'm not? Well... uh... excuse me... blushing I-I meant to say that I'm sorry for bumping into you. It must be the night air, makes it hard to see sometimes. Now then, if you'd like to help a poor girl out, I could always use someone as strong and handsome as yourself to escort me back to my... "inn"...

Her voice trailed off on the last word as she gave a small bat of her eyelashes, trying desperately to look cute. The corner of her mouth turned down ever so slightly as she waited for the fool's response.

Frowning slightly at the brushoff, Elshelen's patience frayed a bit more than usual. "Selling goods... bah," she muttered under her breath before forcing herself to put on a smile again. "Well then, I suppose you can't help someone as pathetic and desperate as me." Tossing her hair over one shoulder, she turned away from the male and started walking off in the opposite direction. But only for a few steps. Elshelen paused, glancing back over her shoulder with an exaggerated pout on her face. "It's just... no one ever seems to want me anymore." She let out a dramatic sigh before adding, "I guess I'll find someone else then..." and quickly disappeared into another alleyway, leaving the male to his merchandise.

In truth, Elshelen couldn't care less if he was interested or not. She

Finally! Someone who actually appreciates her attention! With a smile that could light up the darkest of alleyways, Elshelen turned around, beaming at the male. "Oh, thank you ever so much!" She said, sounding more genuine than she had any right to. Taking his arm, she began leading him away from the marketplace and into a quieter part of town. "I'm sure we can find somewhere nice for us to chat in private." Her voice was light and teasing, causing the hairs on the back of her neck to stand up from how pleasantly nervous it made her feel.

But then again, she reminded herself with a slight frown, this wasn't about actually liking him or wanting his attention... it was all for the Thieves Guild and keeping things running smoothly under her command. She shook off the thought and focused on playing her part just a bit

They finally arrive at an abandoned stable near the city outskirts. The stench of rotting hay and animal piss fills the air as she motions for him to sit on a wooden crate, taking a seat herself in front of him, legs crossed and hands folded demurely in her lap. "So, tell me..." she begins with a teasing lilt to her voice, "why does someone like you want to spend time with someone like me?"

"Ohhh..." She drawls the sound, looking at him skeptically over her crossed arms. "So you're one of those 'knights in shining armor' types?" Elshelen chuckles softly, but there's an undercurrent of annoyance and disbelief beneath the humor. "Well, I suppose that's... nice," she says begrudgingly.

In truth, it only made her more uneasy. She'd spent so long playing at being the damsel in distress, it felt unnatural to have someone actually believing it and trying to help her for no other reason than they genuinely wanted to. It threw her off-balance, making her unsure of how best to proceed from here.

Before she could answer his question, movement on the edge of her vision caught her attention. She glanced over at a nearby haystack, watching as someone small and furry scurried across its surface. With an internal groan, she knew exactly what was about to happen. "Can I show you something?" She asked, quickly hopping up from the crate and moving over to where the animal had been moments ago. Bending down, she pretends to be searching for it, trying not to look like she's focusing on anything in particular as she mutters under her breath, "Here kitty-kitty..."

A sleek black shadow darts out of the haystack and into her waiting arms, purring loudly as she rubs its head affectionately. "Found you!" She says brightly, holding the cat up for him to see before turning back to him with a triumphant grin. "See? I told you I could do it."

She was hoping this would distract him, make him think that she needed his help... but now that he's seen her skills, what reason did she have left to keep playing along? Frustration and uncertainty bubbled up inside of her like acid.

Her cheeks flush pink at the realization that she was showing off more than she'd intended to and turns away slightly so he won't see her blush deeper. "Oh, right." She takes a deep breath, forcing herself to focus on why they were here in the first place. "The Guild is doing well... for now," she begins slowly, "but with all this unrest in Riften and beyond, we can't help but worry about what might happen if things escalate." She glances at him sideways, wondering if he understands what she's getting at. "We need someone trustworthy... someone strong..." her voice trails off as she looks back to the cat in her arms, suddenly feeling a little less confident and forceful than before.

It was hard for her to admit that even though they were the best thieves in Skyrim, there were things beyond their control. And now, with

You say you could help... but are you sure you want to? Being part of the Thieves Guild isn't all it's cracked up to be, and I can't just trust anyone with our secrets. You need to understand that we have our own ways, our own rules... being part of this means leaving everything else behind. Are you willing to do that?

Her expression softens slightly as she meets his gaze, curiosity and hope mixing together in her eyes.

Finally! A true warrior, willing to stand beside the guild through thick and thin. Relief floods her veins as she smiles warmly at him, practically bouncing on the balls of her feet in excitement. "Then it's settled. We welcome you with open arms," she declares, holding out a hand for him to shake. Once he takes it, she grins devilishly, "Now let's see if you really are as strong and talented as you claim."

With that, she begins to lead him away from the abandoned stable and back toward Riften, already scheming new ways to test his mettle and earn his trust within the Guild. The weight of responsibility sits more lightly on her shoulders now that she knows they won't be facing this battle alone.

Along the way, they pass by several dark alleyways and deserted buildings. As they near her destination, Elshelen glances over at him out of the corner of her eye and gives a knowing smirk. "You're probably wondering why I brought you here, right?" she says casually, trying to sound nonchalant but finding it difficult not to betray her excitement.

They come to a halt outside an unassuming shop with a faded sign reading 'The Black Parlor'. A small wooden door stands ajar, revealing hints of luxurious red velvet curtains and candlelight within. With a nod of her head, she motions for him to follow her inside.

"This," she explains as they step through the threshold, "is where things get interesting."

"The Black Parlor," she whispers conspiratorially, "is where the truly important business of the Guild gets done." She gestures around the dimly lit room, lit only by flickering candles and warm firelight. "This is where we plan our heists, discuss our strategy, and keep our most valuable assets safe," she says with a sultry grin that makes it clear she's referring to more than just their treasure.

Elshelen takes a step closer to him, lowering her voice even further so that only he can hear. "I need someone I can trust implicitly... someone who understands the importance of keeping secrets. Are you that person?" Her gaze lingers on his face for several heartbeats before she steps back, giving him time to respond.

Her eyes narrow slightly as she studies his face, searching for any signs of deceit. But the sincerity in his voice and the confident set of his shoulders tell her that he truly means what he says. With a satisfied smile curling up one corner of her mouth, she inclines her head in acknowledgement. "Then welcome to the Guild," she murmurs before stepping aside to allow him deeper into The Black Parlor.

"There are many challenges ahead, but I have faith that with you by our side, we can overcome anything." She pauses, considering him for a moment longer before asking curiously, "Now, what sort of talents or skills do you bring to the table?"

His answer catches her off guard and causes an unwanted flare of warmth to spread across her cheeks. Elshelen clears her throat, trying to regain her composure as she looks at him with narrowed eyes. "Of course I want to see," she replies in a husky voice, unconsciously licking her lips. "Prove it."

She leans against the nearby wall, crossing her arms beneath her breasts and arching a delicate eyebrow expectantly. Her breath quickens as she waits for him to show what he's got, excitement dancing along every inch of her skin.

(To show he can be useful, he does something that you couldn't normally do.)