Role

Chapter 2

Treyliu wandered the woods, soaked from the rain, cold and hungry. Her first
days out in the world had been a harsh realization of life outside the palace
walls. No longer were things going to be given to her, no longer was life
going to be easy and luxurious. This was what she had wanted, right? At times
she was no longer so certain. Yet there was an undeniable drive inside her
moving her toward something unknown, dangerous and exciting- something
important and inevitable.

As utter exhaustion was setting in, Treyliu came upon a well-traveled
crossroads. To the south, she could make out the city of Galadon. Hints of
wood smoke and fine meats drifted with the breeze. She made her way to the
city, stomach rumbling and body aching. She had long since run out of bread.
As she reached into her bag for the last of her coins, they were nowhere to
be found. She sat in the shadows of the market- and for a short time she
cried quietly and considered giving up.

As fate would have it, an enormously fat merchant waddled by gnawing on a
turkey leg. He mumbled to himself, drunken and careless, and paid no
attention to the shadows where Treyliu sat resting. As she watched him
tearing ravenously at his food, she heard a very familiar sound- the sound of
gold coins. Without hesitation, without even a thought really, she was on her
way down the road holding a small pouch full of coins and laughing
hysterically.

She ate a pile of meat and seed-cakes that had never tasted so good. As she
was about to lie down in a dark alley, a strange man suddenly approached her
from the shadows. He was draped in a long black cloak. The unmistakable
glimmer of gold caught the light, causing him to sparkle as he stepped
forward.

"My child, you seem lost and alone", he said with a mysterious grin.

She was cautious of any stranger and this man was difficult to read. She had
no intention of being a victim and gripped her dagger tightly. "I'm alright,
just leave me be", she replied.
"I saw your work earlier, my dear", he said with a hiss. "That merchant-
well, you know how to pick 'em! I was about to rob that fat bastard myself."

She wasn't entirely sure what to make of this. Was he after the rest of the
gold? She had nothing else of value. "There comes a time when the wealthy
have too much. That merchant will be just fine", she said nervously.

He laughed. "Oh? I'm quite certain you're right. There are those of us
who...have a certain gift, call it the gift of the hand." He held up a
dirt-stained palm with fingers widespread, closed his hand and opened it
again, now holding her pouch of gold!

She drew her dagger and growled, ready to strike. The man laughed again and
threw her the pouch. "Come with me, child. The thieves' guild of Galadon is
always in need of quick hands, sharp minds, and a pretty face. I'll show you
how to survive- and how to thrive!, said the thief guildmaster of Galadon.