The streets of Lomedor were crowded with merchants, villagers, and travelers. It was late in the day. People were rushing to get the last things done on their lists. The sky above them declared the darkness approaching with a display of red and yellow. Mothers could be seen hanging out of the house widows calling for their children to return home. Husbands made their way to the pubs finally relieved to be off work but dreading the moment when they must return home.

Scattered into the crowd were a group of un-wanteds. This was their hunting time. The time when the chaos and stress of the people were at their highest. They targeted vendors and unlucky shoppers. None were exempt from these homeless rogues, for none had exempted them. Women and children were cast just as easily into the back-alleys and sewers of the town, doomed to live and unhappy life.

Among the forgotten citizens was a small boy that looked more like a dog. Not only did he look like a mutt, but he smelled like one too. Many of the townspeople easily confused him for a dog as kept low to the ground when he ran past them cutting their purses with his dagger. In a crowd of this size it was easy to disappear as quickly as one had appeared.

Quickly he was loaded down with the purses of the poor citizens. Chuckling to himself he began to make his way toward an alley, stopping every-once-in-a-while to grab another purse. He skidded out of the bustling crowd and jumped behind a couple of wooden box.

He dropped the purses to his feet with a smile as he counted how many he had. His smile widened as he said "Seven!" aloud. He fell to his knees and began emptying the contents of the many purses dreaming of the hot cakes and tea that he would enjoy tomorrow. "Another fine day of work," he said with a grin.

It was early afternoon by the time the shapeshifter and her familiars entered the city of Lomedor. The afternoon sun was still high in the sky, shining on her surroundings and casting short shadows. Ever since the Syndicate of Blades disbanded, Raven had not had many good reasons to enter the capital city of Ea, but although she disliked the city, she couldn’t deny that it was one of the best places to get supplies, aside from Ondolond.

Her first stop upon arriving at the city was the Wilwarin Inn. After paying for a quick meal, a room for the night, and housing at the stables for her warhorse, Naith, Raven had left the inn with her white wolf Aegis in search of travel supplies. The shapeshifter had left her other two familiars—Naith and Aranel—at the inn. Naith would no doubt be treated to a grooming and a meal by the stablehand, while Aranel, her Ehtele’mele bunny, was currently in Raven’s room, curled up asleep on the bed. A plate of vegetables and a small bowl of water had been left on the floor in case the rabbit awoke hungry.

By the time Raven had finished settling all her familiars, it was around three hours before sunset. It was at this time that almost every citizen of Lomedor was out on the streets, trying to get their day’s chores finished before the shops closed. It was also at that time that every thief in Lomedor was out on the streets as well, trying their luck on the passers-by.

Raven had finished re-supplying and was already on her way back to the inn when a dark shape crossed her path. At first, she thought it was a dog, but then she became aware of a weight being removed from her belt. The dark shape scampered off into an alley, and Raven inspected the belt where her purse had been hanging. The bag that contained the shapeshifter’s money was gone.

The shapeshifter turned in the direction the thief had gone, beginning to run. She arrived in time to see the dark shape jump behind several boxes in an alley. Raven crept up to the entrance of the alley, motioning Aegis to stay behind. The white wolf did not much like her idea, but obeyed, sitting at the entrance of the alley and watching for any signs of movement.

Raven closed her eyes, concentrating as her form shifted to that of a mouse. She skittered into the alley, rounding the boxes that hid the thief from view. It turned out to be a young boy, gleefully counting his prizes. He had his back to her as he emptied out the purses. She saw her purse there. He had not touched it yet.

As the young boy reached for her purse and began to open it, Raven transformed back into her human form. She walked over to the boy, grabbing the back of his shirt around the neckline. Smiling slightly, she pried the purse from his grip.

”I believe this belongs to me,” she said, taking it back. She then turned to the boy. ”Weren’t you ever taught not to steal, kid?”

It was obvious to her why the boy stole. He was extremely dirty, and from the looks of it, he hadn’t had a proper meal in a long time. From the smell of it, he hadn’t had a good bath in a long time either. She guessed his age to be about 11 or 12. Her gaze softened slightly at this.

”What’s your name?” she asked.

((Hope you don’t mind that I grabbed your character, Quinn. If you do, you can always say that he dodged it or something and I’ll edit my post. ^__^))

Sophia had just made it into the city after a long travel. It was almost sunset and many townfolks roamed about quickly. She stepped in among the hustle and bustle, loving the energy it gave off.

She moved with the crowd a bit, not knowing where she was going really. Sophie stood towards the right side of the cobblestone streets, looking at all the buildings. If she wanted to do any shopping she would have to get it done soon.

She started to walk towards a small bookstore that caught her eye. She had some gold to blow and was in desperate need of a new book. Most of the time books where better than any other companion.

Before she knew it happened, her pack was missing. Did it drop! She began to look around frantically in the mass of people. That's when she seen the little street urchin moving away quickly with her pack. " That little rat cut it right off my back..."

She began to chase after him, trying her best to weave through the crowd. She could not move nearly as fast as the little boy. She began to call out " Somebody stop that little thief!" Nobody came to her aid however.

She may have spoke to soon though, as a woman grabbed onto the boy. Sophia soon made it over to them " Where is my pack you little monster" Sophie did not like children, even though she was still in her youth herself. She found them to be mischievous and too optimistic.

She did not even look over to the other woman that had stopped the little boy. She only kept a dark stare on the thief. It wasn't that she thought the boy should have his hand cut off for stealing. It was just that she was tired from her travels, and also that the little boy stirred up bad memories.

(( sorry about not replying, did not see you made the thread))

The smelly orphan joyfully counted the contents of the first purse. Alas, it only contained a few silver cent coins. The dirty child knew very little about the world around him, but he the value of money. Pick pocketers picked up on each coins value fast when they were hungry. Hunting at night did have its draw backs. The most obvious was that people had already emptied most of their purse's contents by then.

The stray did not let this sink his spirits. He had done well and gathered several purses. The was bound to be a hefty reward rendered once all of the purses were emptied. He dropped the leather pouch on top of the coins that were gathered at his feet and went onto the next bag. He began to untie the straps when a hand reached over his shoulder and grabbed it from him.

She quickly claimed the bag as her own and lightly scolded the boy with a few words. She did not seem harsh or unfriendly; in fact, one could describe her appeared warm and friendly. There was something angelic about her. Her face was soft and caring. Her eyes even seemed sympathetic toward the kid.

The boy did not react in the same jovial manner. He jumped to his feet and spun around to face the woman. Drawing his dagger he hissed showing a mouth full of crooked teeth. His hand shook violently with adrenaline. His eyes raced across his surroundings looking for a way out. He was not a mugger; violence was not his game. He would rather avoid conflict if he could.

"What is your name?" the woman asked with a kind tone.

The boy's eyes jumped back to her. His hand stopped its shaking for second as her words startled him. "Quinn I 'spose," he said. The name was as good as any other. It was what the social workers had called him before he gave up on them. The locals, however, all had their own names for him. The nicer ones were mutt, tramp, and ruffian.

His eyes glanced up and down her body but quickly returned to the alley looking for a quick escape. He stepped back a little feeling the sacks of gold under his feet. He would like to grab a few of them before bolting, if possible. His eyes returned to her. He studied her body language hoping for his chance.

Raven took a step back, startled as the boy jumped out of her grip, drawing his dagger. The shapeshifter couldn't help thinking that the boy looked very much like a startled animal. The hand holding his dagger was shaking, probably out of fear or shock. His eyes were wide and he hissed at her, showing her a mouth full of crooked teeth. She stood where she was, apparently unfazed by this movement. In reality, Raven was slightly apprehensive, but in her experience people like this were more likely to attack if they considered her a threat.

She listened as the boy introduced himself as Quinn, before turning her eyes to the mouth of the alley. Another woman had walked in, turning to the boy angrily. Raven's eyes widened slightly in recognition. She had seen this woman before, in the Swamp of Shadows. She had been one of the group of adventurers that she had accompanied into the swamp.

"Sophia, right?" asked Raven, turning to her, "I believe we've met."

She turned back to Quinn, keeping an eye on Sophia as she did so. Aegis walked into the alley, following Sophia's entrance. The white wolf did not move, but watched both Sophia and Quinn warily.

" Where is my pack you little monster" asked Sophia.

"Quinn, I suggest you give Sophia's pack back," she said in a gentle tone, but firm enough to let Quinn know that she meant business.

The young thief was backing up, scanning the alley hastily. No doubt he was looking for some sort of means to escape. She kept a firm eye on him. She didn't intend to hand him over to the guards. Raven wasn't that kind of person, and didn't much care for the way the guards handled things. However, this boy intrigued her, and she wanted to know a bit more about him.

She could already guess what it was that thrust this boy out in the street, just as she knew what it was that had thrown her out into the wilderness--the death of one or both parents, or perhaps abandonment. She had been a little older than this boy when she had had to leave her home, and she had already learned how to use the bow, but that didn't mean that it was easy for her. Raven remembered those first few years. They had been the hardest years of her life. She herself could admit to being guilty of snatching a loaf of bread or two, or a gold coin, whenever she could bring herself to venture into cities. As she became more skilled a warrior and an adventurer, however, money and food came easier, and her time with the Syndicate of Blades had helped her income somewhat. Even when the guild disbanded, being a shapeshifter helped her find things on her travels, and there was always work for a skilled adventurer in the world of Arda. All in all, things were better now, but she knew where Quinn was coming from, and didn't judge him for it.

Sophia turned to see a familiar face " Oh Raven, yes you where with me in the swamps. What a dreadful experience that was! I am glad to see you well though."

She stepped closer to the the boy, named Quinn as it seemed. She eyed him carefully. He was definitely poor and dirty. She felt a little pity in herself, but still was quite angered. She would not be able to rummage through the book store.

She always had a place for children with nowhere to go, as she was thrown out herself. She was older than this child though, so it was easier for her to find money. Still she wanted her pack. It held everything she owned, so it was something she was scared of losing.

Sophia decided to try her hand at diplomacy " Quinn is it..? It is ok that you have stolen my pack. I will not punish you or turn you in to the authorities. This offer is only available is you return what is mine back to me

She tried to speak in a soft friendly tone of voice, feigning a cheery attitude. This was a bit contradictory to her normal quiet, mellow, and a bit withdrawn self. She really did not feel any malice towards the little street boy, but it was a necessity that she received her stuff.

Another woman entered from the streets. She introduced herself by asking for her purse as well. Quinn's muscles tightened. Of course, he would not hand over his prize. It would be like him begging on the street corners again. No one would even part with two cents.

Sweat beads rolled down Quinn's face. His fist tightened around his dagger. He was not a mugger or serious criminal. He only dealt with petty thievery. He did not desire to become a cold murder, but he did not want to submit to the likes of these two women either. He was afraid that if he made his stand someone would get hurt. He was not afraid about getting hurt himself. Leaving on the streets had made him a bit reckless with his own life. He was afraid of becoming a murder, the type of person who earns a wanted poster on every wall. He was not one of these brutish lions, but even a cornered kitten can act quite fierce.

Quinn took another couple of steps back until he was touching the alley wall. The purses lay at his feet between him and the first lady. He was scarred of what would come next. Would he become a cold murder or enjoy another night of hunger and thirst.

Raven nodded at Sophia's words. Their adventure in the swamps had been a harrowing experience, and not one Raven hoped to relive in the near future. All in all, it had not been a very good place for a first meeting, and she was glad to see Sophia well again somewhere that wasn't being infested by mosquitoes the size of her hand.

"As am I," she said, in reply to Sophia's words. She watched as the girl tried to persuade Quinn to hand over her stolen pack.

The boy didn't seem to have any intention of handing over Sophia's stolen purse. He had backed up against the stone wall of the alley, clutching the dagger closer to him. Quinn was looking more and more like a cornered and frightened animal, and Raven's previous experience with cornered animals was that they tended to be very unpredictable. She had been scratched and bitten enough times in her childhood to know that.

Raven eyed Quinn warily. The stolen purses lay at his feet, between him and her. She knew that if she lunged quick enough, she could grab them, but she also knew that that might provoke Quinn to action. If Quinn didn't hand over Sophia's pack, though, chances were the young boy would get sent to the authorities. Unlike Raven, who was a shapeshifter and could escape without anyone being any the wiser, Quinn would probably get sent to jail. That would not be a good thing for anyone to experience, least of all one so young. It was bad enough that he was living out in the streets. Still, Raven couldn't blame Sophia for choosing her course of action. Money was hard to come by, and everyone wanted to hold on to whatever money they had. She couldn't help but think that the money that Quinn had stolen from Sophia might have been her earnings from the swamp--gold that they had earned by risking life and limb.

She didn't want Quinn to get away with Sophia's money, but she didn't want Sophia to contact the authorities either. She didn't want to injure anyone by grabbing Sophia's pack herself and provoking Quinn to violence. The only peaceful way to solve this was if Quinn were to hand over Sophia's pack voluntarily. Looking at the young boy's face, she doubted he would do that. Their world was hard, but so was his. Although his prize wasn't something he had earned honestly, it had cost him a lot of effort nonetheless and was probably the only thing standing between him and starving tonight. She could see why he didn't want to hand it over.

Raven took a slow step forward towards Quinn, raising her hands slightly and facing her palms to him in a gesture of peace. As long as he could see her hands, she hoped he would know that she wasn't going to try anything funny. She moved slowly, so as not to startle him.

"Give Sophia her pack, Quinn," she said, trying to reason with him, "I don't want anyone to get hurt, and I don't think you want that either. Why don't you give her back her pack and I'll make it up to you."

Sophia was becoming annoyed. She did not like it when people did not listen to her. She crossed her arms and her face too on a meaner expression. Her gaze was stripped from Quinn to Raven. She was stepping closer, very slowly, but closer none the less.

Sophia stepped in a little farther as well. She gained her confidence from Ravens actions. She was less subtle with her actions though and moved at a normal speed. Quinn had nowhere to go. He was pinned on the back of the wall and they where closing in.

She eyed the rusty dagger in his hand. It was worn out and old. She watched his hand quiver and the blade shake. He was very scared and did not know what to do it seemed.

Sophia remembered her first nights on the streets though. She was older and could fend for herself better, but she was still afraid and her thoughts where racing. She was fortunate enough to come across an old lady that took her in and calmed her down.

Maybe she would be kind enough to take in this little guy as well. She certainly loved kids and was very affectionate. Sophia did not know if this street urchin could be tamed for house life though after so many years on the streets.

The kinder woman tried to plead with Quinn, but his heart had taught him never to trust others over the years. To many times had he been let down. He had been cast aside by family after family, going from one foster home to the next. Each time he was promised a better life, and each time he was lied to. He could no longer trust the words of others. They were all selfish, caring only for themselves. If Quinn wanted to survive he would need to be the same.

The kind woman raised her arms as if to surrender the fight. Quinn did not know what to make of this. She did not seem to want to fight. Maybe she though the boy would be to fast. Quinn warily eyed her hands looking to see if he could see a dagger hiding up one of her sleeves. He saw none, but still did not lower his dagger. To lower it would be to submit to the control of another, something he had not done since he had fled from the orphanage.

The other woman began to step closer. Quinn suddenly jumped back to reality. The two were in cahoots together. One was trying to distract him while the other was going to make her move. They were after his stash. Quinn doubted that any of the purses really belonged to them. The were probably older more experienced thugs trying to run him off of his territory. Quinn spat on the ground in front of the ladies. He then lunged his dagger through the air as a warning.

((I never said my dagger was rusty, chipped or what not. It is a normal dagger.))

A few tense moments followed as Sophia stepped forward, heading towards Quinn. Raven watched her warily. The younger girl's actions might seem like a threat to the young boy. Going back to her previous experience with cornered animals and cornered people, Raven knew that almost everything seemed like a threat at this stage. Unless you were a mindreader, it was impossible for anyone to tell what another person was thinking. People judged each other based on actions and words alone, and Sophia's actions might well spur the boy into action.

True enough, the cornered stray attacked, lunging at them with his dagger. The sharp bladed weapon cut through the air, heading towards one of the two girls. Which one he was aiming at, Raven couldn't guess, but whichever one it was, she didn't intend to let him continue on his course of action. The shapeshifter had hoped to solve this without any violence, although she knew that in a place like Lomedor that was asking a bit too much.

Raven prepared herself, ready to lunge and restrain Quinn. She quickly went over what she could do in her mind. She had her magic, but casting a spell took time that she didn't have. She could shapeshift, but shapeshift into what? She didn't want to hurt Quinn, but she wanted to restrain him before she could hurt anyone.

Quinn's sudden movement, however, had spurred her familiar to action. Aegis growled, leaping into the air in an attempt to tackle Quinn before the youth could reach them with the dagger. Many days in the past have people commented about Aegis and his intelligence, but Raven had to commend the animal on it today. Her white wolf could sense that the attacker was young, perhaps even frightened, and had not attempted to bite. The wolf had done what Raven herself had been planning to do, attempt to restrain the boy.

She knew where Quinn was coming from, and she knew what it was like to have to fend for her own survival, although hers had mostly been in the wilderness of Arda, and not in the cities. It had been much harder then. She had been alone, inexperienced, and minus one familiar. Looking at the white wolf now, Raven found herself thinking about how much she had come to rely on her familiar in the past year. He had gone almost everywhere with her, accompanying her on her crazy adventures around Arda.

Sophie backed away quickly when Quinn thrust his dagger through the air. She had it with this little kid. Every second she became more annoyed and when he slashed his knife at the too Sophia knew it was enough.

She opened her mouth to yell for the guards. Before she was able to get a word off though the wolf that followed Raven so closely jumped through the air. Sophia did not know this animal well. She really did not know any animals well. She was certain that the beast was going to rip the little boy to pieces for the aggressive attempt at an attack

She shut her mouth and kept her lips tightly closed, waiting too see what the wolf was going to do. She backed up a bit, not wanting to be to close now. Her eyes where completely glued to the action. He pounced so fast there was barely time to react.

She turned to Raven quickly to examine her. She looked relieved. This was a strange sight indeed. She would think that Raven would call the wolf off. Raven knew about her wolf companion and must have knew he wasn't going to kill the boy. Or maybe she had enough of the experience as well and just wanted her stuff back.

She then quickly went back to see the wolf and the little boy on the other end of the bounce. He didn't really have any room to move. There was little chance of getting out of this attack

(( oh Quinn after this roleplay I had an idea where I bring you an old lady charrie. I don't know her name off hand but I am in a roleplay right now and she likes to take in strays so I thought it would be a good character tie to you or at least a fun roleplay))

The two women did not heed the boys warning, and why should they? They had him outnumber and out classed. He was a mere child. They could surely defeat him. They only thing they had to fear is that they might get scratched by his blade and catch an infection. Who knows where that blade has gone?

Although, the women did not step forward either. They instead let a wolf take care of the human mutt. That would ensure that neither of them would run the risk of catching some mysterious disease. The wolf growled and jumped through the air at the boy.

Quinn quickly dropped to the ground and threw his dagger up. He did not quiver in fear as any other human in his shoes would have. He had nothing to live for. Not reason to hold onto life. He was reckless. He held his arm still waiting for the beast to fall on it. If he missed and the wolf teared him to shreds, he would at least die a valiant death.

((I don't think my character is headed in the direction of the old lady sorry. Im also sorry that my post are taking me longer. I am trying to make them as good as y'all's before I post them.

As far as this quest goes, I have no problem with going to jail. It would lead to a very interesting next quest for me. I also don't know how I am supposed to fight since I can't say what y'all or the wolf does. I am sorry this is my first ever rp so please bear with me as I try to learn, but perhaps we should just end it with police showing up and taking me away.))