Quote:
It's been quiet, peaceful in the world of Tendaji. Many have grown used to the new normal between the Aishans, the Earthlings, and the Kahikinans. Because of this sense of security, a few unsavory folk are taking advantage of the distracted locals.

A pickpocket is on the prowl in the marketplace, and you find yourself involved.

This prompt will be resolved by rolling 1D100.
    1-20: Oh no! Something VERY VALUABLE was stolen!
    21-50: While not majorly valuable, you do have an important item taken from you.
    51-90: A small item is taken and you immediately identify the thief in the crowd.
    91-100: Not today - you catch the thief in the act.

[ Each participating character in this WE rolls 1d100 and roleplays their reaction. You are also welcome to have your character reacting to this event happening to someone else, if it makes more sense for your character's plot.

Or, even better, maybe your character is the thief - roleplay it out from the perspective of the thief. ]


Summer was Xaawo's favorite time of year by far. Their island wasn't a terribly chilly place at any time of year, but fall and winter demanded more clothing than she preferred and spring had her sneezing whenever she lingered too long around all of the flowering plants.

It was a good reason to leave. Maybe. There was a strong possibility she would sneeze just as much around mainland flora, after all.

She had never thought she would be the last of her sisters to explore the world beyond their island, but she kind of wasn't. There were always more Vandrea being born, and Zinnia would probably remain here until she had catalogued the entirety of their home. Xaawo loved this place, but sometimes it could be frightfully boring. Not right now, but sometimes.

No, today was the first day the marketplace was officially open, and Xaawo had a lot to see.

First was the fruit stall, where she picked up something new—a bright yellow thing that she immediately jammed in her mouth.

Haelir laughed, gently grabbing at her wrist. "No, dear. You have to open it first."

"Open it?" This was the first she'd heard of a fruit that needed to be opened like a door. "How?" She held it out, the end decorated by a row of tooth-shaped punctures.

"Like this." Haelir took it from her and picked at its end, peeling the outer layer away in thick strips and leaving the paler interior behind.

"What's it called?"

"A banana."

Xaawo chuckled, biting into the newly unveiled fruit. It was good. Slimy, but good.

"Mainlanders, right?" Haelir tossed her a second yellow fruit, as well as a small bag of deep blue berries.

The girl continued snacking on her banana as she turned away from Haelir with another laugh, aiming for the weapons next. She had been practicing with a wooden staff in anticipation of getting a spelled one someday, and she wanted to take a look at what Caluia had available. She wasn't even trying to be sneaky—one minute she was eyeing a pretty braided sash meant to hold polearms, and the next there was an ownerless dagger thunking to the ground at her feet.

She wasn't usually in the habit of taking things from others, but convenience and curiosity had her bending low and scooping it up. Xaawo turned in the opposite direction and walked away, impressively nonchalant. She had never considered it, but perhaps fighting wasn't her future. Maybe thieving was.

- - - - -

Hours later, the girl sat alone, feet tucked beneath her. The dagger rested on her lap, sparkling in the low light from the nearby fire. It was heftier than it looked, and though she had every intention of trying it out, all she had done so far was stare. She couldn't believe she had managed to take something so valuable right out from under a sister's nose.

She rose, squared her feet, and took a deep breath.

"If you stand like that, you'll lose to the first thing that attacks you."

Xaawo brandished the dagger as she spun, waving it around a few times in what she hoped was a threat. Anavii didn't flinch, a smirk on her lips. "Here. I'll show you what to do."

The girl didn't answer right away, eyeing the older Alkidike with faintly narrowed eyes. They hadn't had much reason to interact over the years, but Xaawo did know that Anavii was one of the more respected Sacred Hearts here. Had she realized who she was stealing from, she might have left the knife alone. With a shallow nod, Xaawo flipped the dagger in her hand, somehow managing to keep from cutting herself, and passed it to Anavii.

"All right. First you want to grip the handle so that the blade is parallel to your wrist. Your feet were almost in the right place. Someone your size should bounce on their toes though. It makes it easier to get away. Knowing when to run is just as important as knowing how to fight." Anavii passed the dagger back, crossing her arms expectantly. "Show me."

Xaawo did as she was told, turning the knife inward and balancing on the fronts of her feet.

"Now, strike like this." Ana sliced her arm forward. Xaawo followed. "And this." Again.

It was Anavii's turn to nod. "It's a start." She turned to exit the cave.

"Don't you want your dagger back?" Xaawo asked. She really did feel bad for taking it.

"Nah. It's yours now. You earned it."

[ 756 words ]