He feigned an insulted expression. “Did you think it would fall?” he asked with a short gasp. “I’m a little more than capable of keeping it from crumbling, lass,” he added with a smirk. “So, what brings you back to the city? You get bored out there? Can’t imagined life outside the guild is much fun.”

Brynjolf looked down at the fair-haired woman and unfolded his right arm from his chest. “Oh, sure, lass,” he replied. “You want me to pretend you didn’t leave us without a guild master, eh?” He snark was replaced by a genuine smile. “It’s nice to see you again, Bri.”