The Crucible Campaign

15: Meet the Sneaker

.^^ Karon ^^

— Tommy —

As we separated into our groups, I gazed at Gladrin, who had gone quiet again. I saw his ears twitch, and grinned. "You hear anything juicy yet?" I asked.

He grinned a little. "Some, Yeah... looks like we don't have to worry about a Thief in the party anymore. Mother will tell us more details."

I smiled and punched his shoulder gently. "I knew you weren't the sulky type! You were just eavesdropping! I respect that." I nodded, then pulled him with me to the couch, sitting on his lap as I carefully loaded the hand-crossbow and revolver, familiarizing myself with their workings.

He cleared his throat, leaning away from me as I worked, and I raised an eyebrow, prompting him to speak up. "You're very... affectionate." He muttered.

"You didn't seem to mind last night." I shrugged, and holstered the two weapons on my hips, the arms of the crossbow folding in and making it no bigger than the revolver, and the grenade launcher was placed inside my new little satchel, which mother handed me and slid all my new stuff into.

"Please be careful with those." She asked me seriously.

"You guys act like you've never seen me handle a weapon, just because I was never military! I grew up shooting skeet with you and papa, just the same as Cassidy!" I snapped, annoyed.

She shook her head. "No, it's because we have seen you handle weapons, and you're reckless, plus your little pranks don't always end well for anyone involved. So just be careful."

I grumbled and settled the satchel on my shoulders, and then placed the Alchemist's Book in my jacket, and checked to be sure I had everything, following mother as she started walking out.

Gladrin sighed when I dragged him to his feet, but smiled. "I suppose I do have to go through there eventually, huh?"

"Yup." I shrugged, then caught mother's shoulder, and called out to dad. "Hey, question, why don't we have Caz just get two sets of armor for me and her, seeing as we're literally the same size and all, while Gladrin and I go buy some traveling clothes and camping supplies, and other essentials? I also need to stock up on those herbs Renata was talking about, the ones that ease cramps and slow the bleeding. If we're going to be out of the city for a month, I don't want to have to deal with finding those on the road." I suggested casually.

Mother paused. "That's true, your party is mostly women, that could get ugly... alright, yes, I'll still go with you, I don't need armor anyway, and I will need this stuff too."

"Good! Pick out something acid-proof for me, sis! Mighty important!" I grinned, and Gladrin led the way out of the back rooms.

Renata flagged him down, instantly. "Gladrinon, come sit with me, we need to speak about something."

"I mean, I would, Mum, but I'm leading the girls to the Herbalists, to get their womanly herbs and medicines and such, as well as some clothes and camping gear. Really important stuff." He grinned and slipped out the door swiftly.

"He's going to feel that in the morning..." I hummed, seeing her slowly raise her eyebrow at where he'd been standing.

Mother laughed. "True, Yes. Let's go."

The 'Herbalist' that he led us to was in the Silk District, and I needed no incentive to look about and enjoy the sights. The women around during the early afternoon were of a tamer sort than I expected, but I suppose the real women would be out as soon as the sun set.