i reach out to my lifeline, the angels laugh in paradise
The Last Whisper had grown in the couple of years since the fires ended, that was for sure. Not that El was overly familiar with the place, but no one in their right mind would have come seeking entertainment in the Hollowed Grounds in the year since the war ended. They wondered idly how such a secretive little place was able to draw so many people; perhaps word of mouth? If so, El had not been privy to the rumors, and had only just discovered the little covered alley a couple of weeks ago, by chance.
It was strange for them, seeing so many people concentrated in one place. It frightened them at first, and the first time they came, they spent only a few minutes there before leaving. However, over some time, they became more comfortable, even working up the nerve to go to a couple of shops and bars.
This is what they wanted to do when they came down here tonight, but first, they needed some money. People came to the Last Whisper with their coin purses full, so El didn't even have to steal the whole thing. Their usual plan went like this: they discretely broke a hole in someone's purse, then, as they helped the person pick their money off the floor, they made off with a bit of money. Just enough to get a drink, perhaps a curio from one of the boutiques. They were good at being quiet, at staying unnoticed, even with their above average height. They hadn't been caught before, though they'd only done this about two or three times in the past.
El waited until they spotted a possible target. Someone was standing at an open bar that lined the side of the way, and there was a lovely-looking crimson pouch on their hip. El wasted no time and sidled up behind them, making use of the crowded space to get within 5 feet. After a few seconds of concentration, the purse broke along the seam, and the sound of clattering coins filled the air.
"Oh my goodness, let me help you with that!" they said quickly, in their most concerned voice, disrupting the flow of people milling around them to bend down and start gathering coins.
It was strange for them, seeing so many people concentrated in one place. It frightened them at first, and the first time they came, they spent only a few minutes there before leaving. However, over some time, they became more comfortable, even working up the nerve to go to a couple of shops and bars.
This is what they wanted to do when they came down here tonight, but first, they needed some money. People came to the Last Whisper with their coin purses full, so El didn't even have to steal the whole thing. Their usual plan went like this: they discretely broke a hole in someone's purse, then, as they helped the person pick their money off the floor, they made off with a bit of money. Just enough to get a drink, perhaps a curio from one of the boutiques. They were good at being quiet, at staying unnoticed, even with their above average height. They hadn't been caught before, though they'd only done this about two or three times in the past.
El waited until they spotted a possible target. Someone was standing at an open bar that lined the side of the way, and there was a lovely-looking crimson pouch on their hip. El wasted no time and sidled up behind them, making use of the crowded space to get within 5 feet. After a few seconds of concentration, the purse broke along the seam, and the sound of clattering coins filled the air.
"Oh my goodness, let me help you with that!" they said quickly, in their most concerned voice, disrupting the flow of people milling around them to bend down and start gathering coins.
they say i am my own lifeline
ELEFTHERIA
