Into The Woods

He hated that she got in his head like sap and stuck there. All because of some stupid book his nicked off someone that he thought he was going to be able to sell for enough money to maybe get himself a few days food and ale. But then she had to go and say all those things... all those things about him having potential. No one ever said nice stuff like that to him before. He was just a petty thief, a little rat who lived on the streets and stole to survive and lived in a tree-top shelter in the woods when he was between villages.

Not everything he'd told her had been true, but most of it hadn't been complete lies either, so that was easy to talk his way out of if he had to. He'd learned early it was always best to stay as close to the truth as he could

But she, that noblewoman... correction, that Queen lady... she said that she thought he had potential and he could learn to read. ( If he knew how to read he could probably be of better use as far as what things were worth.  )

It was rare that Ananya was to be found anywhere other than the throne room in the early afternoon. Usually, she was there to hear petitions from those who had made their way to the castle to specifically ask for help resolving their issues. As most of those she personally saw had already had their problems heard and assessed by very competent staff that was designed to fix things that were easily fixable before they ever reached the ears of the king and queen, Ananya took her responsibilities seriously. These were issues that needed direct attention, sometimes from herself, sometimes from her husband, sometimes from both of them.

But today, though it was her day to sit for the petitions, there was no one waiting to speak to her. ( It was hardly surprising. )

Ananya closed the door with a sigh. It was not that she didn't appreciate the servants in the castle. She did, far more than most royals would be able to, or have the understanding to. She'd been one of them for a while, and she treated them with great respect. In return, they gave her loyalty, deference and affection. They wanted to take care of her. And she would be a poor employer if she denied them the opportunity to do their duties and be proud of their jobs. ( But once in a while, it was nice to be alone. )

“There,” Gin said as he tossed a few coins on the bar. “That should buy a pint of ale.” A moment later said pint was in his hand and he, along with a small bag slung over his shoulder, found an empty table to sit at.

It was time to relax and recount his spoils of the day. The bits, bobs and baubles were hardly trinkets of any importance. They would be easily hawked in the next village where no one be any the wiser that such items were stolen goods. That was for tomorrow, though. Tonight he was going to have a few pints of ale and find a stable to sleep in where it wouldn't cost him a thing and his only concern ( was being kicked or pissed on by a surly equine. )