| Ellie entered the common room grinning, those who would normally clap her on the shoulder or pass her an ale, barley noticed the young girl. She was completly diguised. Suddenly, she was seized around the waste, and pulled roughly into someone's lap. A male voce spoke teasingly in her ear "Carefull lass, this place is full of dangerous folk, I'll wager you need someone strong to protect you" The tone was unfamiliar to Ellie, but there was something about that voice...suddenly, it hit her like a rock, Blade! The reason she didn't recognise him immediatley was the flirtatious tone, slightly different from the death threats she was used to. "I'm sure I can fend for myself" She played along. "Mmm," he muttered "Idependance, I like that in women" "Really?" she said, turning to face him "Why the sudden change of heart?" Blade looked at her face in horror "You!" he spluttered, dumping her on the ground. Ellie had barley gotten to her feet when he lunged at her, blade raised high. She rolled left, as he struck the table hard. Nearby thieves roared with laughter "Having trouble with the ladies Blade?" someone asked. Blade scowled at her "We'll put you back in your place girl!, one of these days, you'll beg for our forgivness!" She looked down at him "Doesn't seem like i'm the one begging, does it?" There was more laughter, and someone clapped her on the shoulder. It was Marek, he spoke softly, eyes dancing "I'm proud of 'ye lass, ye make a better Rouge that i'd ever be." He stood up on a nearby table, clearing his throat. "All of ye's! Listen here!" To Ellie's great surprise, the common room quieted. "I'd like to make a toast, and I'm gonna need all of your ears" there were some mixed chuckles from the group. "To the rouge" Tankards flew up all around her "To the Rouge" the chorused. Ellie spent hours celebrating. Laughter, joy, and music from the minstles Marek had hiered, rang through the Dancing Dove. Out of breath from the last dance, she staggered over to the end table by the fireplace. To her surprise, it was occupied by four young men, only three of wich she recognised. The stanger, judging by his hair and clothing, was a Noble. That in it's self wasn't entirely uncommon, Nobles came and went from time to time, what was unusuall was the reception he was getting from the other thieves. Normally they would simply avoid or ignore Nobles, but this one laughed and joked with them as if he was a long lost brother. A young man by the name of Braiden removed himself from the group, acknowledging Ellies presence. "Who's the Bag?" she asked suspiciously, gesturing towards the young Noble. Braiden's lipps curved into a knowing grin " Master Thom? I thoughts ye'd be known' stuff likes this, see'n as you's Magesty'n all." Ellie rolled her eyes "I've enough trouble keepin' tabs on my own folk, and that's not countin' forign Nobles" He storted " Master Thom be 'ardley forign...He's Georges son." She nodded mutley, everyone knew George, he'd been King of Thieves before Merick. " Oy, Braiden" one of the tavern girls mused draping an arm over the young man's shoulders. " Would ye give us a hand upstairs then?" Braiden grinned smugly at Ellie and she winked, silently dismissing him. She turned back to his table where the young noble now sat alone. Evidently his companions had wandered off in search of more ale. Master Thom had neatly trimmed red hair and dancing hazel eyes. He smiled under her suspicious glance, and beckoned for her to take a seat. She grinned accepting his offer, "Lord Thom? She asked, offering a hand for him to shake "A pleasure". He looked up, kissing the offered hand. "The pleasure is mine Highness" Ellie shrugged of the gesture "Don't" she warned "Just call me Ellie." The young Noble thought about this " What, no surrname?" She shrugged "Swiftknife, I s'pose." Thom choked to his ale " Merik's your father? I'd have never guessed." Ellie shot him a questionning look. "To think" he continued in a more flirtatious tone " Merik Swiftknife being responsible for such a pretty thing..." Was he flirting with her? She blushed, deciding to alter this conversations direction. "How long you known Merik?" She asked, trying to sound offhand. Thom smiled and she had the distinct impression he saw her game "Him and my father go back a while." Ellie kicked herself mentally. "Merik's not really my father" Thom raised an eyebrow "Oh?" She shrugged " I'm a Streetrat, Merik was just kind 'nough to take me under 'is wing " she sighed glancing towards the crowded dance floor "But this is more than enough misery fer one night..." Thom caught her gist "Would my Lady care to dance?" " I'd be honoured...My Lord" Ellie teased, mimicking his bow. Laughing, he grabbed her hand, dragging her towards the dance floor. |