Mossi

[Vaelahr]

Coin Collecting

The House of Joy stirred with the comings and goings of Selgaunt's nightlife. Lovers of food and pillow-play caroused with minds absent of all but pleasure. Small thrones of cushions surrounded scattered low tables, where one sat that I had my eyes on. Her belongings hung casually, worn leather flaps and simple buttoning spoke silent invitation. She was not the usual patron of this Sharessian flophouse-eatery. No, she was a woman of some interest and my new brothers would no doubt praise me for what I was about to do.

A small party made their way out...I followed. In the tall blue fescue I crouched, downing one of several vanishing potions. Back inside I sneak, the heavy oak door closing behind me. My mark sat confidently, chatting and sipping with her associates. My quiet, invisible form glided between a pair of sultry maidens making their way to the grand pool downstairs.

Ah, here we are. Invisible at her back, my hand worked quickly in her purse with the grace of a serpent upon sand.

Mm, careful with those stacks.

Sembian fivestars, stacks of ten and twenty went from her purse to mine. Over and over, my eyes half-closed, my unseen fingers worked steadily, slipping in and out, in and out.

Don't lose track of time.

I felt warm and flushed, butterflies dancing in my belly.

Mm, a potion vial too.

I had to go, my vanishing magic only lasting so long.

Just a few more coins. I'm well over a hundred.

I grin excitedly.

Time to go.

I bite my lip. I tease a breath on the back of her arm.

Do you feel me? ....I didn't think so.

The invisible, wide sleeves of my dress cloaked each transfer.

Time to go!

I stroll softly away in the passing shadow of a young couple on their way outside, lifting their pouches of silver as I go. I slip out of the House of Joy as my form fades to visible. I cast a smiling glance back inside to the oblivious Harper. She unknowingly paid a price for living in Selgaunt.

Our city, not theirs.

~M