The Noble and the Thief
The Noble and The Thief
Written by: Lenus-Nel Bronkorst & Marisa Squier
************
It's 1806 and Rebecca was a woman above her station but too stubborn and wild to rise above it. 23 and unmarried her parents are at their wits end. No man wants a woman who rides horses like a cowboy and mucks out stalls with the help. It was also not a woman's place to be in the forge helping the smith, or in the Orchards picking fruit, and There Rebecca 'Phoenix' would be. Though if her parents only knew half the things this tomboy got up to. Often dressing as a man and painting her plumage, Rebecca would go to pit fights, gambled, and caroused in the common drinking houses. Strong of will, beautiful, and well educated she was a prize woman, if it were not the way she behaved. And not for lack of trying on the part of the lesser nobles, any and all men, no matter who they were. But in times such as these, it is not advised to anger or offend every noble in England.
Karis was a thief. He lived off the street and what it had to offer. He lived where ever he could stay undisturbed. He was good with swords and very agile. In most fights he would ware his opponent out rather than beating him with strength . The palace and the nobles he avoided. Keeping to shadows of the streets. The crow was witty and a constant thorn to the guards.
********************************************************************************************************
She sat in the back of the smokey room, the cards in front of her were terrible, and she hadn't been in the best of moods today. Though her opponents thought a rather effeminate man none would challenge her. Her bored expression showed as Leo placed his bet. Clicking her beak her light green eyes snapped around the room always on the look out for someone who would recognise her. Marie the hand maiden was always trying to cover bruises from the night before, and though Rebecca found it tiresome her parents would get their drawers in a knot if they found out. Finally Leo's turn was over, the man didn't have the money he just bet, and yet he still did, Stupid Labrador she thought. Looking at her cards again she realised how truly terrible the hand was. Deciding to do the dog a favour she placed her cards on the table "Fold, I'm out gents, and I'll see you all tomorrow again" she was leaving unusually early but she had other things on her mind, some fisher eagle was coming tomorrow to try and tame this shrew, and Rebecca was dreading the man.
As she left a voice came from behind her, a young crow was leaning against the wall "and where are you off too my dear?" as he moved in next to her "the night is young still" he smirked, his black feathers gleaming, the white feathers on his chest almost completely covered by his buckled leather jacket, he pants loose and flexible "why don't I join you on your stroll, after all, the night can bring lots of unsuspecting adventure"
Rebecca's eyes narrowed. She was not often caught out as a woman, and in the mood she was in right now she was not in the mood for the show that would ensue if she was found out. Her scarlet feathers rose and fell as her mind quickly raced. A brief smile crossed her lips and she stepped past him out the tavern door. Re-adjusting her coat, she stepped on into the night no doubt with the crow on her tail. As she meandered her way down the street her claws were the only noises she could make out on the cobbles for now.
"the silent type is see?" he laughed "hmmm, this could be fun" he eyed her "not often I get to see people like you around" still walking behind her, her clothes, her attitude, even her voice was masked rarely well. But for a thief the tell Tales were there. A certain sway. The voice a key off. The feathers not bright enough for her kind. Yes. She was female. This was what caught his eye. Going through all that trouble to hide who you are just to simply walk through town... She was hiding something delicious, and he wasn't talking about just her body.
As Rebecca walked her suspicions were confirmed, the crow was following, walking just a little further till she was in the shadow between 2 lamps she stopped turned around folded her arms and waited for him to come past. As he approached she stuck a feathered hand out. "Can I help you mister." Her eyes were hard, she did not like being looked at like that and she was making it clear.
"and here I thought you were ignoring me!" Karis took her hand and kissed it "Karis is the name" he stood back. "as I said before, the night is young, let's enjoy the evening together" he looked her over "hmmm, I like it when a girl is all tough. Means lots of fun can be had" he leaned against the wall "may I ask your name, 'sit'" he added with a cheeky smirk
"Phoenix, I am known here as Phoenix." She rolled her eyes at his mocking title. Firmly removing her hand from his grasp she looked up at him, she didn't like the way his eyes roved but she held her peace, she was unsure of what he could do, she couldn't afford a fresh bruise tonight. He was a thief, she had learned that much from her time here. And wasn't carrying much gold she wasn't worried about that either. Her scarlet crest was tied in a warriors tail at the nape of her neck and in it she had hidden her dagger. Lifting a hand to surreptitiously 'scratch' her head she slipped the thin blade up her sleeve. "It is a young evening indeed, and though I am sure your company is engaging, I have an early day tomorrow." she placed her hand at her side again the dagger hidden from sight. She wasn't violent out side of the pits, but she was not sure about this new development in her evening.
He flitted in next to her not letting her get away "now now. Don't be in such a rush, we don't want to cause a scene... Guards can be very worrisome sometimes. Those nobles up there think just because they are of a superior breed us lesser avians mean nothing" he spat "I bet if they were to swap places they wouldn't last a day" he shook his head and chuckled "that's no way to start an evening. I know a great place we can enjoy ourselves! Lots of gambling, fights etc" he slapped her back "what do you say?"
Rebecca spotted the veiled threat the moment he spoke it. She didn't like it, her curved beak pulled as pursed her lips. This man was dangerous. She shifted on her claws. When he commented on the nobles her heart raced, did he know? Had he seen her before? Again her striking green eyes narrowed studying the man. A small nod of her head showed her agreement, "lead on then, though as I said, I have an early day tomorrow."
He became even more cheerful "great news! Let's go!" he led her along passageways corridors, stairs, murky pools, in a way that anyone would realise the place where they were going wasn't ment for normal folks to visit or even remember where to find it. As the came close music, song, dance and laughter could be heard. He stopped and looked her over "just a few things before we go in..."he got some oil out of his pocket and began to smear her feathers "to make it brighter..." he prodded her here and there and stepped back "there... Now you look more like a male... Even to me... But one thing, don't tall too much, I can't change your voice"
As he led her along she made notes of where they were going, about a 3rd of the buildings looked identical, she did not wish to get lost in here. She followed him her mind racing also of the possibility of surviving this night. She had never been this far into the city before and had always avoid this area. She studied everything as best she could. Once they had arrived at their destination however her guide stopped. He suddenly turned to her. And all of a sudden his hands were all over her, and almost let out a small squawk. She jigged a bit though, the only person who really touched her was Marie. She scowled at him when he commented on her voice her face settling on a scowl, "fine"
"ready?" as they entered their vision was filled with color. Music played. Love birds were dancing in very provocative clothing. There was an owl at the piano. A budgie was singing. Cockatoo was playing some sort of stringed instrument and lots of others were dancing. People were clapping some where dancing. It was one big party
She stepped into the room behind her captor. And the sight and sounds the were before her were amazing, though she could not resist the blush that crept under feather at the ladies who were semi-naked. She looked to the tall crow standing at her side. She was a bird out of it's cage, and she had not what to do beyond scowl.
"come on!" he laughed and pushed her onto the dans floor where she was almost instantly grabbed by another female into the throng of dancers . He watched the bird with curious but amused eyes
Rebecca just managed to keep her balance as was suddenly surrounded by others. The woman who grabbed her hands began a dance Rebecca was familiar with. It was a good thing knew the male steps or else there might have been a problem. As twirled, bowed, bounced, swayed and clapped she began to relax a little. A small smile cracked her beak she danced. She hadn't danced like this is a while. "Eeeya!" She yelled as the last part of the dance was completed in a wild flurry. Before she had a moment to catch her breath another female grabbed her hands and they were off again on another but no less familiar dance was had, this one more wild than another, her smile broadened as she skipped with the pretty wren on her arm. Once that dance was over she was panting almost, but chance for rest was given as she was swept up in a little ditty with sparrow. She laughed then, a deep husky sound. She had almost forgotten her companion so busy was she.
He would have loved to cut in, but that would cause her to be in trouble, they what she enjoyed her self, her smile, he liked her, he still was wondering who she was hiding from and... What she really looked like. He got both of them a drink and patiently waited for her. All the while clapping and singing along.
As the 6Th dance finish Rebecca made her escape, she stepped off the dance floor a little un-steadily. Composing herself, and tucking her shirt in here, tucking a loose feather in there, she tidied herself up. Looking up she realised she couldn't see the man she had arrived with looking around wildly she searched for him. And then she spotted him. Her chest was heaving with exhaustion and she was thirsty. Making her way through the throng Rebecca wondered at his insistence on her joining him here but she more worried about what he would do to her.
"I see you enjoyed yourself" he handed her the drink and he whispered "drink all in on gulp... Its a male drink" he sat back "so" he continued "what brings you into town as you are"
She looked away at being caught out. "I guess" she rolled her eyes at the mention of manly drinks, "I've been doing this for a while you know" and with she opened her throat and in one massive gulp the drink was gone. "AH" she sighed as took the glass away. "That's better, thank you for that." She looked around her again at all that was going on. Noble didn't party like this that was for sure. She decided to make her way to a table nearest the door, seating herself in such a way as to watch the door, she ordered a round of drinks for the two of them. She was quiet during all that time. Even when the drinks were delivered she was quiet. She was watching the room, the people, her companion.
"I can see that" he followed her and joined her seating "you're very generous, just try not to flash money around too much" the party continued. Dancing, singing, gambling, music. After a bit he got up "time for me to stretch my legs" with a flurry and almost gliding, he was on the floor, girls seemed to flood him. "karis! Dance with me. No. With me. No! With me!" the crow seemed to enjoy the attention, in the end he ended up dancing with all of them. He glided over the floor, the way he moved, for the trained eye, one could see that dancing wasn't his only dexterous skill.
She watched him move, a graceful creature, she had to admit he was very skilled. She watched as he moved from woman to woman, a charismatic one too I see, she thought wryly to herself. She ordered another round and sipped more slowly on hers. Her green eyes watched the crowd also, she was ever vigilant for anyone who might know her. As she started coming to the end of her drink she started feeling a buzz. It was time to go home. She made to catch Karis' attention but he seemed to be having a good time of things. So she began to make ready to leave. She had a long day tomorrow after all.
As she left he was at her side "so when will I see you again?" asked, the light from the room behind him made him look like a complete shadow
They stepped out into the cool night air. She had relaxed a little, from the drink but was still alert. She followed him as he led her back the place they had actually left from. "Well I will hopefully be back tomorrow night but then, you never know. Other plans may arise." She kept quiet for a while and then "Why did you do what you did tonight? Have we met before?" She didn't really want to talk but then she wanted to know.
"nope, met you tonight" he leaned into her face, their beaks almost touching "why would a woman as yourself go through so much trouble to look like a man. What are you hiding"
Her eyes grew as he leaned in and she leaned back. Then narrowed as she leaned into him. "My secrets are my own. And ones I would share with a man I had just met." Her eyes became harder "I choose to be here, and what does my cast have to do with it anyway? It is my life is it not?" She hissed back at him.
His own eyes narrowed "cast? Are you... From the palace?" his entire attitude changed "did you use me...?"
She laughed, her husky voice lifting. "Of course I'm not from the palace," she sneered "and why would use you? I was happy to be on my way and you followed me. I have worked hard for years to have this small freedom, I have made good friends in there," her arm extended to the tavern up the road, "and you would think I used you? I enjoyed the evening thank you, but you were not used in any way." Her face creased as her anger rose. Eyes flashing she bid him his leave "I wish you a good evening sir, I am leaving now." She turned from him then, and with a small movement ensured the hilt of the dagger was in her fist incase she needed it. Her heart was racing as she took the first step, her claws making a loud noise to her ringing ears, and her beating heart sounded loud in the night air.
He looked on as she left, and he quickly faded into the night, light in the streets were good for only one thing... Getting caught and that he will avoid to his death
She walked off down the street, she resisted the urge to look back and placed her hands in her pockets and walked on. Karis had unsettled her, only 3 people knew of this and now there was this Crow. She pulled a pocket watch out and looked at the time, oh goodness she thought, it was late. She picked up speed, till she was running, using an easy energy saving lope. She was on the entirely other side of the city to minimise getting caught. Moving swiftly using her tail to maintain balance she made it home just before midnight. She stuck to the deeper shadows as she entered the wealthier areas, oblivious to anything around her. She needed to go and sleep. As she came to her sheet however she slowed making she wasn't followed she scaled the wall to the property and then the one to her bedroom. As she climbed Marie stuck her head over the balcony, "Goodness Milady, I was getting worried there." Rebecca smiled at the Collie, "I was distracted on my way home by a thief who wanted to show me something." She clambered over the balcony. "Phew, I thank you again Marie, what time is Lord Fenris coming tomorrow?" Marie took the clothes that fell to the floor as Rebecca walked into the room. "9'o Clock I think Becca." Rebecca's shoulders slumped. That meant that she would have to be up at 6 to be ready for the man. "Go straight to bed Marie, I don't want you to be too tired tomorrow, mother will have your hide if you look tired, but I want you to sleep here during the day. I will send Pye for you if I need you." Marie hid the clothes, and hugged Rebecca, she had always cared for the Kite but now it seemed the Kite cared just as much for her. "Night Becca." "Night Marie." Fully naked Rebecca climbed into bed almost falling instantly.
Karis was awake most of the night. The image of her running had him up. So secretive. Because of his thief curiosity he felt the urge to finally know her secret. And for her to hide like that. Where Did she come from. Where did she live. Her mystery was just another object to be stolen. But the avian herself... Was a mystery in itself, one he wished to unravel. He wanted to know Her, everything about her. He sat up. With that he went in the direction she did. Following peoples description he tracked her to farely close to the palace. Loosing her trail there. He planned on keeping close but far enough to avoid suspicion by the palace guards
**************
As the morning sun touched the horizon, it's week rays touched on the Avian and her Canine servant getting her dressed for the day. Rebecca's favoured colours were greens and browns, so as a concession her mother allowed her to wear dresses of or close to those colours. Today's dress was selected to show off her unusual scarlet plumage, a green dress the same shade and tone of her feathers. The part Rebecca hated the most was the corset. She had never liked the bloody things. She could hardly breathe in this one. Her skirts however were cut for riding, she was one of the few noble woman who rode properly and not side saddle. She had jewels entwined in her crest, and unless anyone was looking and knew what they were looking for they would not spot the similarities between her and a certain man named Phoenix..
They were having breakfast in the garden today. And Rebecca was thankful for it. She watched as the cousin to the prince road up the gravel drive in his carriage, she sighed, she hope she wouldn't offend him too much. As he came onto the patio she watched the wolf. A handsome man to any other woman, she found him unattractive. She curtsied when he greeted her. Once all the formalities were out the way however Rebecca suggested they go for a ride through the city. The wolf agreed and they set of with a small guard of his own.
Astride a large Frisian stallion Rebecca conversed with Lord Fenris as they rode around the wealthier parks and streets. She was on her best behaviour. Her parents were running out of suitors and he was one of the last few still interested.
Karis was making his way through the crowd when he heard a shout. As he looked up a carriage almost ran him over he nearly got trampled. Before he knew it he was on the ground, tasting dust and seeing stars
Rebecca heard the shout go out and a scream from an hysterical woman, she looked behind her as the carriage that was coming up behind them almost rode over a man. Without thinking she wheeled her steed around and raced to the scene. Jumping down she knelt by the man. "Are you alright?" Taking a handkerchief from somewhere on her person, she held it out to him. Coming up behind her Lord Fenris was arriving. He dismounted and came and stood by her, his guard fanning out.
Karis slowly began to rise. He got a taste of blood in his beak but ignored it. He took the help offered "thank..." he fell silent when his eyes fell on the one who was trying to help him
Rebecca looked straight into the face of the man she was helping, even with a bloody beak and dirt on his face she recognised him. "You!" She hissed loud enough that only he heard, but for everyone around she spoke up, "Can you get up good sir?" A stressed coachman came up as she spoke, "ooh dear ooh dear. Is he hurt? My mistress said she will pay for damages." Rebecca rose, the poor Vole cowered. "This man is injured ye..." Before she could continue Lord Fenris stepped forward. "Not worry I shall pay to have him fixed up." A heavy paw landed on her shoulder. "Perhaps we can take him back your home Mi'lady? It is closer than the palace as we stand." Rebecca stiffened at the show of possession, as well as the suggestion to bring the their home. "Why of course, I was about to suggest exactly that." The words were strained, she did not want Karis to know where she lived. She looked down on him as he used her handkerchief. Now there was an attractive man, she caught herself thinking. Scowling at herself she fully turned to the crow. "Come on then, let's get you to my home and can have a look at you." Lord Fenris offered one of his Guards horses for Karis to ride. And they all set off for the house of Kaiten.
Karis was still banged up, his head spinning. But he went along. In his current condition he wouldn't get far. He didn't hear most of the conversation. Nor could he see clearly enough to see who helped him. In his mind it was just more noble scum trying to show face in what clearly was their fault in the first place.
Rebecca fumed all the way home, claiming the site of the poor man's situation shocking, which allowed to be quiet. As they rode up the drive her mother came to them. "Is he alright?" She asked anxiously. "Yes, he's fine, I'll check on him now." Dismounting she went into the cool house, leading the men to a small room that was clearly for this kind of thing. "Put him there on the bed I will see to him myself." As she spoke she began collecting items from various locations. Once all her supplies were collected she looked up, "You," she indicated at a guard "go fetch me some fresh water please." Then to the remaining people " if you would be so kind as to wait outside, or on the far couch, I don't like it when people hover while I work."
He was where they put him. Eventually his vision began to clear up. He tried to take in his surroundings. Being knocked over. How humiliating for him. As he sat up a headache arrived. He held his head and groaned "uhg... " the female in the room seemed to be trying to care for him. Maybe she was a servant of some sort. He still couldn't tell things from others at this point. So he tried to stay still. Closing his eyes till the headache goes away. "thank you for your help ma'am" he spoke slowly, his words slurring a bit
She huffed at him, he seemed to have taken a rather hard blow to the head. Her deft fingers began first to wipe away the dirt and blood, then she placed bandages and poultices where necessary. Once the immediate wounds were seen to she began to feel him gently all over. Cold fingers were felt every just about as she felt for broken bones. Once she was completed she handed him a cup with a hot liquid in it. Once it was gone, she covered him in quilt and ushered everyone out. He would be asleep for a few hours yet.
Once everyone had gone home and Rebecca had made sure she was at home, she went and waited for Karis to wake up. Sitting in a couch watching him, she fell asleep.
***************
He didn't know how long he was out. But when he woke he felt like it was days. He slowly got up. He felt the bandages. The smell of medicine.
That's when he saw the nurse "you?! You work here?" was his first response, but quickly added "still... I appreciate what ever you did for me..."
Rebecca started awake. "Wha'?" As she awoke she realised where she was, and what was happening. "No, I live here, and it was a pleasure. You were out for the rest of the day, I gave you a tea that would take both the pain away and make you sleep." She slowly rose, she was still in her dress from the morning though it was a little wrinkled now. She stretched before making her way to the bed. "Alright, let's see what your wound look like."
He eyed her. She lived here? Then that means... He held up a wing "you're nobility" his voice was low. Stale. Not the way he was the previous evening
She looked away, "Yes I am noble, but from the Palace. Not something I asked for. If I had my way I would be on a farm outside the city doing as I please." She said all of this in way that only 3 others knew about. 3 people that understood Rebecca.
"I don't believe you. No noble will ever give up their title. You're just out there making fun of us lower avians. Why do you have me here? Am I some kind of prisoner? Because I know who you are? Let me guess I will just be one of those people who vanish" he spat to the side "and that male with you? You're betrothed I assume. Probably is... Always out for power, you don't care who or what as long as you get something out of it" he fell silent. She was beautiful. No wonder she could get away with everything. Nobles. He should be known she was too good to be true
She snapped. Who did this Crow think he was little savage that he was "Why you ungrateful, judgemental crow! You think I like the way people view my station, my cast? You think I like having to behave like a 'Lady'" she spat the last word out like venom. "I have been to the streets, lived among the people, worked next to them when I could. I would rather be there, than in this prison. A prison where I am required to get married to someone above my standing. You think I am betrothed to that wolf?! HaH I would touch him with a ten foot barge pole if I could help it. My family spent decades working for what we have, and I will not be their downfall. I will just not marry. My sister can carry on the line for all I care." She stopped then, her chest heaving, the action magnified by the tight corset. "You are not a prisoner here, you are free to go whenever you wish. But know this, if you reveal my secret you will not only ruin me, but my family and my parents, you will cause others to loose their jobs. Consider that before you go caw my secrets all over town." She moved to the door, tears sliding down her face. Her freedom had been taken away, and now she had nothing left.
he stood there, tears, bah, what did these nobles know about tears, he will get out before she changes her mind. he past her very quickly, not even taking his things, just his clothes. as he past he caught a glimpse of her face. maybe she was sincere, but he would never be caught here with nobility. his skill even now was evident as he flitted over the grassy area, with a last look back at her, he gave her a sarcastic smile, with a hint of confusion. a single step and he was up in the air, he found holdings in the wall one would never known was there as he vanished into the cover of the city.
as he ran, he knew he must have hurt her with his words, but those were mere words. what he had to endure and survive on the streets because of the nobles... at-least he was free of them, he had a life in some degree, at night he was completely free. and that was how he hoped it would stay
She stood there, in shock as she watched him leave. As he disappeared she crumpled to the floor crying, a caged bird for the rest of her life. She had heard her parents talking to the Lord, he wanted her now, the show of care to the thief and her strong demeanour had won his heart. He was the leader of the Kings armies though, so he had found a woman who could ensure his men cared for when injured. Her parents had jumped at the opportunity. For the sake of decency though, he was to court her for 2 more weeks before proposing.
It was late in the evening when the moonlight found one Phoenix Redcrest, he was very feminine and as he walked a great sorry weighed his shoulders down. Our young gentleman was Rebecca out on her last excursion. She had an excuse to sleep late tomorrow so she didn't mind being out this late. Going to an entirely different quarter of the city she found another favoured tavern and began to drink. And drink she did, sitting at the bar for the last time she started putting beer after beer away all the while staring beyond the barman. The barman knew Phoenix and found it sad that the bright young lad was so grief stricken but he knew to keep quiet, and so just let the young man drink.
"So, out again i see?" came a voice and sat next to him. he didnt look at here, he simply spoke as if he knew she was listening. the past day he had some time to think, verything was just a bit of a rush to him. and seeing how he felt about the nobles, he didnt blame himself for reacting how he did
he simply stayed there, for a while he didnt say a thng, till finally he said the thing he wanted to say since after he escaped the confines of that estate "I'm truely sorry about yesterday, i know i was rude, but you also have to see things from my perspective" he looked around, making sure everyone there was way to busy to listen in on the two of them speaking "Waking up in a noble's home, to most of us, that will be a shock and i will not lie and say it wasnt. we of the lower cast look down on you in a diffirent way, we despise what you have and how the nobles' treat us"
without looking too suspicious he put an wing over her shoulder, still not looking at her "why dont you join me again tonight?"
She stared at the bar top in front of her. She listened to him speak. When he finished she whispered the words that broke her heart to speak them aloud. "This is my last time my parents have chosen my husband for me. In a week and 5 days I will become his fiance and within that week I will be married off. He is the general for the Kings army, so I will leave with him after the wedding." She choked on her words, faltered and then started again "I understand your anger at the Nobles I have seen how they treat the lower casts." Her voice again faltered, "I... I thank you for helping my family and keeping quiet. May your days be prosperous." She fell silent. "I do not wish to go dance tonight, I am too drunk and am bad company."
thats where he showed his true self once more, he grabbed her hand "oi! dont be such a boy, one thing to cheer up any man's heart is good wine, good music, and..." he whispered in her ear "in my case, good ladies" he stood up "you're coming with me, if you want to or not, you will have the best night of your life" he tossed a few coins to the bar tender and lifted the girl over his shoulder.