So after a long trek through The Rift, I finally reached Riften. I enter the city, only to see that, for some unknown reason, an Imperial courier was in the middle of the market running away from the guards! The citizens rightfully kept their distance, save one: Maven Blackbriar! She started attacking any Riften guard she could. Unfortunately for her she was quickly overwelmed and brought to her knee. The guards sheathed their weapons, only to have Maven start attacking them again when she recovered. It was quite the scene.

I wonder if I should step in and help Maven since I'm the leader of the Thieve's guild and all, but then that'd get the guards all up my [censored] as well...

ppffft, let her suffer, [censored] deserves it, she wouldn't be any more grateful towards you even IF you helped her

I guess the guards got sick of her? Perhaps the modern day Nords have hope after all...

You know, you could help her out. Sure you may not want the guards riled up but if you have enough charm, you may get by. Besides, you are a thief...you are supposed to have a bounty!

You should rather wonder how it came to this. Maybe the courier came to deliver a message to Maven? Or maybe he was a spy working for Maven, and they got found out?

What I'm trying to say is this: don't get involved in her dirty business too much, pal. She doesn't own the Thieves' Guild, in fact I you do, and we don't owe her any debts, now do we? She might tattle on me you 'though. But even then nobody's going to believe I'm the head of the TG, since I'm known as a helpful and lawful Dragonborn hero, and they all know she'd love to get back at me since she and I have proven to not be the bestest friends either you're the leader of the TG if you've covered your tracks like any decent thief would do. And if you didn't, just grab some poor fool and let him believe he's the leader of the Thieves' Guild, so all the blame can go to him. No worries, you'll do just fine in this new job of yours, I believe in you my littkle scapegoat!

Do not let her suffer, my child. Let the Empire control all of Skyrim...