Ethereal

Thievery and War

I.
"It's a beautiful day in Holmeirna, ain't it Catherine?" Criss smiled brightly, looking at me as if he needed confirmation. But, I said nothing and went on to twirl my dagger on the tip of my finger.
"You don't think it's lovely out there? Come on, Cath, this is the longest time we've stayed in one city." He nudged my arm, getting an annoyed look in response.
"We're only staying here this long because I value your education. It's becoming risky, though. Not long before word gets around that I'm actually a thief." I sighed, sliding the dagger back in its sheath.

"Value my education or want your own personal healer?" He chuckled, sliding off of the table that he was sitting on.

"Both. Preferably the latter. Honestly, though. I think some of the townspeople knows about me."
Criss smirked to himself before leaning forward.

"Perhaps if you were a better thief, you wouldn't have to worry."

It was as if he didn't realize how stupid what he had said to me was, flinching as I smacked my palm to his cheek and letting out a whiny 'ow!'

"I am an excellent thief! But we've been here for so long and people are noticing that I never have an excuse for 'being gone' during the time of the robberies and pickpocketing. Not to mention that you and I are able to afford your classes without working within the city."

He couldn't argue with that and leaned back in defeat, holding his hand to his face as it turned red. As much as we joke and poke fun at it, getting caught could be potentially serious. Usually, I wouldn't have worried about it. But we had been in Holmeirna for nearly half a year and I had begun to notice suspicious glances.

"Speaking of which, I have to go out tonight. Lots of drunks roaming the streets, should be easy." I sighed again and stood, adjusting my outfit. It was light and made of dark leather, perfect for sneaking. Criss moved behind me and helped tie up my hair, pulling the brunette mess into a bun. We do this now from prior difficulties, such as scaling the wall to a city and getting it caught on the stone.

"Be careful, please. I know that they're drunk, but that can make them dangerous. And don't get greedy again." He tugged my hair lightly, laughing at memories of us running from being caught.

"You have my word."
❧
The city was beautiful at night, lanterns lining the streets, reflecting off of the wet stone from a previous storm. It smelled of fresh bread as I walked past the bakery, pushing between a group of children who were out far too late. The tavern wasn't very far from where Criss and I lived, only a street or two away, depending on how stealthy I was. The city guard patrolled on a schedule, and I had finally figured it out. Two of them would walk  the street near the tavern at dusk, but would leave at nightfall. After about an hour, another two would resume their duties. There was more than enough time for me to pick a few coins.

Upon arriving, I covered my nose and mouth with a black sash and flipped my hood up. All that was left to do was wait for a few intoxicated men to stumble out and walk home. And for once, it didn't take long at all.

The doors flung open as a group of drunkards staggered out, singing and moaning as they took on the streets. I waited an appropriate amount of time before following them from a safe distance until one strayed from the group. A simple job with a small take, but coin nonetheless.

"This be my home, gentlemen." One of them coughed, waving obnoxiously and turning to a rather sizable home. I took my chance as he fumbled with his keys, dropping them and trying to push one into the lock.