Guess who's back|Rivenway, Ronduin

[Kender Bard]

The mention of nobly born struck a nerve with her. She winced inwardly but hardened her resolved. "all right," she sighed, resigned. "I'll go. But I'm not full-trained. What if I get caught?"

[adris]

[whisper=admin]I believe in you, I don't think you will get caught. Even if you do, you have friends in high places knowing you are trying to set things right. We will protect you, you just go and find what is rightfully yours.[/whisper]

[Kender Bard]

That was comfort. She hadn't known she had 'friends in high places', whatever that meant, but it sounded good. Humming to herself, she set out for the market area.

After a while, she picked a couple targets. She had a better eye for merchandise than her stupid mother had, even if she hadn't much skill at lifting said goods. But luck was with her today. The merchant was having a heated conversation with the man in the stall next to his. It was child's play to slip over, crouch down and grab up a handful of the coins he kept in storage just under the 'counter', then scurry off with them. "Is this enough?" she whispered.

[Northen Light36]

"Having fun kid?" comments a voice from behind her. "Who are you talking too?" Mat looks down at Damaris, frowning just slightly. There's something odd here, aside from the kid apparently talking to herself. She simply doesn't have the look in her eyes of someone who enjoys stealling. Either she's so desperate she has to do this or there's something going on that the Guild should know about.

[adris]

[whisper=admin]I wish it were Damaris, but you need much more. Don't rush though, just remember that you deserve this.

He cursed when he heard the newcomer. He sighs, knowing he couldn't expect to go entirely unencumbered.

Don't reveal me to him Damaris, please my friend, he isn't deserving. But don't force him away, see what he wishes, he might be able to help us.

Maybe, if she could get herself somewhere with a hierarchy he could consume her life with advancement. And in order to advance, she would have to take for herself... never giving an inch.[/whisper]

[Kender Bard]

Damaris trembled in abject fear when she whirled around and saw Mat. She had half a mind to throw the coins she'd just snatched at him and run the other way, but her traitorous feet kept firmly rooted to the ground. Instead of a coherent answer, all that slipped out of her was a frightened squeak, so much like a mouse.

[Northen Light36]

Mat kneels down to Damaris' height and says gently, "Hey, relax. I'm not going to turn you in, if that's what you're spooked about. But you don't look too happy and I'd like to help. How about you give me those coins, I put them back and you and I get something nice to eat while you tell me what the problem is?"

[Kender Bard]

"I need them," she whispered so softly it was barely audible. Now she clutched to them possessively, tightly. "Please don't take them."

[adris]

[whisper=admin]He wants to take what is yours Damaris... it isn't fair of him is it? Good for you for keeping what is rightfully yours. You are a good girl Damaris, I am proud to call you friend. Just do me a favor, please don't tell him about me, he will want to take me away from you. I want to stay your friend Damaris, I promise.

He needed to play this softly. He would use pawns instead of going for the checkmate right now. He made good progress, only a few steps away from making her want not only the necessary, but all that she can get her hands on.[/whisper]

[Northen Light36]

Mat nods calmly, keeping a plesant smile on his lips. Yes, something is certainly wrong here. "all right, they're yours. Would you still like a meal though? You look like you could use one and it's cold out here."

[Kender Bard]

She bit her lip, shivered at the mention of the cold, and nodded. She didn't feel right going back to the priests with stolen goods and eating their food. Putting the coins in her pocket, she said, "Very well."

[adris]

[whisper=admin]Seraven decides to let them interact without bothering for now. She seems to be making the right decisions for him so far. He just has to monitor things closely. He does tell her 'good girl' and offers encouragement to make sure she knows he hasn't left her.

You are a good friend, I am happy.[/whisper]

[Northen Light36]

Mat smiles and leads the girl to a small cafe he'd found here a few days ago and takes a seat at one of the tables. "The food is nothing fancy, but it's warm and it's filling," he comments to Damaris. "Oh, I didn't tell you my name did I?" Mat laughs. "I'm Mat. What's your name kiddo?"

[Kender Bard]

"Damaris," she says, feeling uneasy being in the company of a strange man. Perhaps her 'friend' could help her if she got in trouble. That was a novel idea. "How come you're taking me to eat?"

[Northen Light36]

"'Cause I know what it's like to be cold and hungry, kid," Mat replies simply enough. "And I don't like to see kids in trouble. You looked like you were all three. If you want to talk about it, maybe I could help." The offer made, Mat orders two serves of cottage pie and vegeables for himself and Damaris.