A Thief and...a Prince? (editing)

Chapter 4-Bottoms Up

Sol and I walked down the streets until we reached the slums. Cracked and collapsing buildings loomed around us.

I expertly navigated my way through the bricks and debris on the road, but Sol was stumbling in the darkness beside me, making an annoying amount of noise.

I turned around, ready to bite his head off for being annoying, when he fell spectacularly, limbs flying, on his face.

I couldn't help it. I laughed so hard that I literally fell down trying to wipe tears from my eyes. Turns out that Sol was giggling also, and we probably looked like lunatics or a couple of drunks, rolling around on the streets like that.

"Ouch."

"Yeah, I bet," I laughed. Then I stopped. Who did I think I was? A few hours with this guy and I was already getting soft, and I can't afford that to happen. I need to keep my feelings in check. I got up off the road and dusted myself off.

"C'mon, I've gotta leave soon. Let's move."

Sol finally untangled himself and got back on his feet, embarrassment coloring his cheeks a light pink color.

"Alright, let's go little princess," I drawled.

After a little more walking, we arrived at Little Ellen and her family's house. They volunteered to pass out money anytime I came over with loot. After five years of learning to fight, steal, and survive on the streets, they found me and took me in. They practically raised me from there. They're honest people. Besides, I can tell when someone's lying to me, which they have never done.

"Hello~" I called. Then I whistled a tune I'd made up so they'd know it was me.

The door opened, and a frail looking woman peaked out, a relieved expression spreading over her face.

"Faline, I was so worried! That took much more time than when you're usually out. What have you been doing?"

"Sorry, Ms. Tilia, my plan got messed up a bit." I said sheepishly. She's the only one who can yell at me and make me back down. "Here's the loot, don't worry, I'll take some when I leave, which I probably should be doing now."

"Don't worry about that, we've prepared all your belongings, clothes, disguises, tools, weapons, money, and food." Ms. Tilia said proudly.

"Do you mind if I take some extra?" I pointed at Sol.

"Well, it's not everyday you take someone with you! Make sure she doesn't do anything insane." The last part was directed at Sol. I rolled my eyes.

"I always calculate before I do anything complicated or possibly life-endangering."

Just then, Little Ellen skipped out from behind Ms. Tilia's skirt.

"Yay! Fal's back, everyone!" She yelled excitedly. A bunch of kids pressed forwards trying to see me.

"It's Fal!"

"She's back!"

"We can get food now!"

I smiled sadly. I hate how no matter how hard some people work, they can't even feed their family. Sol came up beside me.

"I take back saying that you don't have a conscience. You're actually a good-"

"Let's go, I presume you can ride a horse?" I interrupted. If I listen to someone's compliments, I'll just want to hear more. That's a human's nature.

Ms. Tilia handed me my bags and handed Sol two also.

"Those are extra clothes and food for the young man."