THIEF

waiting

I open my eyes and let my eyes glide over the golden statue in front of me. Whoever designed it had faith in what he was designing.
Mara's features are soft and loving, gentle. The swing of her eyebrow is perfectly adjusted to the curve of her eye, the nose bends lovingly and her lips are full and well-formed. 

A wide variety of flowers and gems lay in the bowl in front of her, a gift for the goddess herself.
Many people in Riften paid their visit to the temple at least once a week. Some came because of their faith, some because of the priest, Maramal. 

I have to admit that I come because of the latter. Well, that and the atmosphere. 

It's always so quiet here. Quiet and serene. The temple has become a place of relaxation for me. Somewhere where I can hide and ignore my problems for a bit.

Maramal, however, is a Redguard which is why I immediately felt connected to this place when I came to Riften. He always has an open ear for Riften's inhabitants and their problems all while being understanding, caring, and tender. 
I like spending time with him, simply because I miss company. Ever since I left Solstheim, I have only spoken when I absolutely needed to and the opportunity of talking with Maramal is greatly appreciated. 

Today, the priest is sick though. He only caught a fever, nothing too bad but I know that he's already being missed. 

Earlier, I paid a visit to his house, bringing some blue butterfly wings I found. Blue butterfly wings are often used when making health potions and the insects can be found anywhere near Lake Honrich. 

After that, I visited the temple to organize my thoughts. It has become a daily routine to come here and take a few breaths of the quiet, cold air to ground myself. 

Two days ago, I put the parchment on my windowsill. The morning after I'd done that, It had been gone and, in its place, a pink flower. If I didn't know who put it there, I'd have suspected a secret admirer. 

I scoff at the thought.

Flower or not, I received no word from the strange man until now. I try my best not to lose hope. 

At least I managed to sell my potions. The owner of Elgrim's Elixirs had gladly taken them, even if they came from a Redguard. 
I believe he didn't pay me adequately for what they were worth but I didn't have it in me to fight a bitter old Nord over some poisons. I have my money, and that's what matters.

Over the past few days, I realized that my supplies regarding money are becoming less and less as the days go past. I have to find a solution to that problem, and I should do it quickly. 

Sighing, I take another deep breath before I rise from the wooden bench. My eyes glide over Mara's statue one more time and I bow my head in respect before I turn around. 
I was alone in the temple today and I am thankful for it.

 A little bit more than a month in Skyrim and the Nord's addiction to talk about things that mean absolutely nothing already annoys the hell out of me. Even if they aren't talking directly to me, their fake interest makes me want to gag from just listening to it. 

I open the big doors of the temple and groan as bright sunlight hits my face. Swiftly, I close the doors and make my way down the stone steps and towards the inn. 

I don't have anything planned today and been though I know it's foolish, I am desperate for any sign of the strange man. While his presence also threatens my safety in this city, he is my only hope for change, for a peaceful life. 
A part of me even feels calmer knowing he's watching me. After all, that'd be one witness more if something were to happen to me. 

So, you can imagine my disappointment as I hurry into the inn and into my room, only to find it just as I left it.
Merely to be entirely sure, I search through the room and even check my drawers but still. Nothing.