King of Thieves

Her bare feet hit the ground one after the other as her bright blue eyes constantly scanned to her left and to her right in an attempt to find someplace that she could hide. She hadn't expected them to find her missing this quickly, they had at least twenty others to worry about, but apparently they do head counts far more often then she would have imagined. It also didn't help her that one of the guards had taken a personal interest in making her time with them a nightmare, and when she was no longer there to taunt and tease, he would notice right away.

What these people were doing was wrong-but then again, no one valued a servant girls opinion. She hadn't been a servant long at all, either. Her parents had been in debt, and they had to sell everything just to get by. This included Analysse.

From all of the running that she had been doing her braids had fallen out of the lose braids that she had kept it in, long black hair falling down to her waist in lose curls that she was now constantly pushing out of her face as she ran. It was just then where she saw a couple of boys that seemed to be heading out of the city that she was just brought into, probably merchants from the look of it. She took the chance and ran to them, now panting and out of breath.

She didn't even get the chance to beg them to show her pity and let her hide in the back of their wagon when the older of the boys hoisted her up and put her in, telling her to get down before he buried her in a layer of animal hides that he had probably picked up at this town to sell at the next. She tried to calm down her breathing, she knew that they weren't far behind her, they couldn't be. They had horses and she was only on feet, bare feet at that. Her heart was pounding quickly in her chest, partially from running and partially from fear of being caught. Who was to say that these people didn't take her in only to later expose and sell her? It was a chance that she had to take.

It wasn't long before they had begun moving, the wagon had shifted when they got onto it and the horse began to walk and move the wagon. She stayed quiet for what seemed like hours, but no one had ever seemed to bother them. Finally the man who had helped her in reached back and unburied her, it was dark by now. "I think your safe for now, missy." he said with a warm smile. She nodded and moved to sit up, the fresh air soothing her throat and lungs.

"Thank you." she said, pushing back her hair and looking down humbly. "I'm sorry for the inconvenience." she added, having nothing to offer them in return. She didn't even have a penny to her name.

"It's no problem, but do you mind telling me what you were so anxious to hide from? And where are you headed to?"

She went into her story, not going into great detail on anything though. The conversation died down after that between the two, and the pair of boys were now talking as she sat in the back, looking back on the city that she was now being taken from. It wasn't her home town, and it really meant nothing to her. She was heading somewhere else now though, but she had no plans. No one would take in an apprentice off of the streets after all, she would have to be cunning in order to find work.

"Shh." the younger one said, stopping the horse as he listened cautiously. They seemed to be on edge, but merchants often did have to be on edge. Eventually, a pair such as these two would be robbed by bandits, so they had to exercise extreme caution.

Wraith slid near the road, unseen by the merchants. He wouldn't attack them. They had enough troubles with the girl they picked up and the fact that they didn't seem to really have much money as was. Instead, he was just teaching a little. There were two new thieves. Anyway, the brothers knew him and would know what he was up to the moment they saw his face.

He brought his small band far enough away that the people on the road wouldn't hear him. "We are going to be practicing, not actually robbing. Remember that," he hissed, brushing a lock of white blond hair away from his snow white eyes. Naturally, they would be red, but he had managed to bleach the irises.

He fixed each of them with a hard look, making sure they all understood. Then, Wraith led the way back to the group of three.

A wry smile danced across his face for a second before dissolving. He nodded to the trainees sharply. They went out, and made their attempt. However, it wasn't a good one, and they were soon beaten by the brothers.

"Inept, the lot of you!" he announced, walking into view.

"What?" demanded one of the men, walking over. He was a good head taller than Wraith even though the man was of average height, and he had been giving the smaller thief trouble through out training.

"They beat you all easily. You are all inept, now go home," he ordered. All except the man before him left. "Go." The snap was intended for the fool in front of him, but he didn't leave. Wraith took it as a challenge, and instantly struck back, making his trainee fall with minimal effort. "I said go," he snarled. With a glare, the man finally left.

Wraith snorted in disgust and brushed his pale hands over his clothing to get rid of the dust from his opponent. "They just get worse and worse," he muttered angrily, his eyes narrowing.

During the fight Analysse had been told to stay in the cart, which she had obeyed. She had only been in a few small scuffles as a child, but never a serious one where her life may be on the line. Still, she didn't show to much fear, and honestly didn't feel to much fear about the situation for some reason. She could always bail and run on them, as horrible as it was, they had only seemed to want the goods that they were carrying.

Luckily she didn't have to run, the boys had defeated the thieves quickly and easily, and she smiled warmly at both of them, thanking them.

"Oh, it's no big deal." The larger one she had come to know as Emmet said with a bright smile.

The younger one, Cory, puffed up his chest a little bit, proudly. "Of course, it's no trouble at all." he said. He couldn't have been more than fourteen or so, which wasn't to much younger then her, but the way he carried himself showed that his brother tried to keep him in his blissful youth as long as he could. The journey continued but not for to long, it was best that they camped before they got to the pass.

At dinner time they even shared their food with her, assuring her that they had enough to go around when she at first refused to take their food. They were very small time merchants as it was, and they didn't carry much food in the cart with them. But in the end she ate a little, thanking them. She helped out where she could to repay them, always wishing that she could do more then help them with little chores.

She went to bed after the other two had fallen asleep, still a little nervous that someone would find her. She was a long way away by now though and the chances were unlikely, but she was also worried that thieves would come to rob the poor boys who had been so selflessly helping her, and wanted to stay up to keep watch for them. In the end sleep took her though, and she wound up sleeping against the cart.

He watched over the travelers, knowing how the fool from earlier might see well to attack and actually rob. Wraith wasn't going to allow misfortune to befall them. They were good hearted men, and had helped him find a way to bleach his eyes.

He was quick, quiet, and small. A bright shadow. A ghost. His name fit extremely well. Wraith. Exactly what he was in the dead of night.

A few people tried to attack in the middle of the night, but he easily fended them off. He wasn't King of Thieves for nothing. It was no problem to take care of them. He was on his way to the middle of his court, and it was in a town in the same direction. He watched them sleep when it was calm.

Dawn came, and he had foraged a bit in the night. He walked into their camp with his offerings, and sat.

"Morning," sighed Emmet when he woke. Wraith nodded in response. "I hear you're doing well in spite of everything."

"That I am," he answered, a wry smile overtaking his features. He liked the brothers. They always said vague things that really weren't so vague.

"Wraith!" cried Cory, obviously happy to see him again. "I think I'm taller than you now!"

"I'm pretty sure you are, I'm short," he answered, shrugging. Then, he grinned in spite of himself.

Analysse glanced up at all of the commotion when she awoke, looking over Wraith. She didn't want to interrupt, so she didn't ask about him just yet, she would wait until she was introduced. She got up and stretched out, going over to pet the horse gently and sweetly. She had made plans to depart with the group in the next town, she couldn't stay with them forever after all. She had her long black hair twisted into a messy bun at the top of her head, sighing as she looked around.

The new guy had an odd appearance, he was small and his eyes were an eerie white color. It was haunting slightly, and something about it seemed unnerving. It was as though it was a bad omen or a warning. She was superstitious, as was her family and the entire town that she had grown up in. She longed to return there, but she knew that if she did her parents would only sell her again, probably to the same people who purchased her in the first place. No, that was not what she wanted.

She made her way back to the group, giving them all a sweet smile. It was about time to be headed out, the sun already up and out, shining brightly. The day was pretty warm, and the weather was fair, not a cloud in the sky. The wind was only a slight breeze, just enough to cool the suns direct heat. She only looked at Wraith as much as socially demanded, always avoiding his eyes. She was cautious around all of the boys, however he was the only one she seemed truly uneasy about, and she never directly said such things.

"This is our newest one," said Emmet, gesturing at the girl and giggling madly.

"Going crazy?" asked Wraith, who looked her over. He knew well that the brothers had a tenancy to pick up wanderers or fugitives, basically anybody, and help them. It was something that he had been grateful for. Everybody they took under their care was thankful that fate had brought them to them.

"Nah, I was just being silly," he answered cheerily.

Before he could reply, Cory took hold of his attention. The barrage of questions over how he was doing, many of which were very sneaky and secretly asking about his condition, was quick, concise, and time consuming. They were already on their way when Wraith was finally able to shake free the younger boy.

"So, what brings you around here?" he asked the woman, his white eyes scanning her. He knew well that he unnerved just about everybody. His paleness, eyes, and the way he usually held himself was very foreboding.

He moved with ease, showing none of the discomfort of his illness. It was nice for him to be that way, and it was good to know that no one could tell. If they could, he would be in very big trouble. Many would be able to work with the problems the illness wrought upon him to defeat him. Wraith wanted to keep his place, and he was determined to. The illness wouldn't get in his way.

Analysse sat in her place in the back of the cart, her knees against her chest now. She kept quiet and kept to herself, never one to get into other peoples business. Then Wraith came to talk to her, shocking her a little bit. She hadn't seen him coming, having been off in her own thought.

"Ran away from someone, these guys were kind enough to help me out." she said with a small smile. She didn't bother to go into great detail about what had really happened, not liking to burden people with her tail. She was also a very private person, and he didn't need to know her life story. She didn't need anyones pity after all, and that is all a tale like hers would draw from people. She looked him over for one quick movement then away. He was small for a guy, only a little taller and bigger then she was, and she was about as scrawny as they come.

It wouldn't be very long before they hit the town and she knew that. She only hoped that no one was there and waiting for her, the guard really had taken a specific interest in her. She was a little paranoid about it of course, but she believed in exercising caution in order to stay out of trouble. If she didn't get caught then she wouldn't have to find another way to escape. It was no easy task, and she felt guilty leaving everyone else there, but she had tried to set them free as well.

She was the only one who made it though.

"So, what are you doing here?" she asked with the tilt of her head.

"I'm one of the most wanted men, the King of Thieves. I was trying to train some new recruits. It wasn't working too well," he answered, shrugging. She was nice enough, and he wanted to know why she ran away. However, Wraith wasn't the kind to really probe into other's lives. He had his own secrets after all.

He scanned the world around them, on alert at all times. If any guards came, he'd have to hide. He was known as a ghost for his basic coloring and his stealth. He was also very proud of it.

He rolled his shoulders, and wondered why she was running, who she was running from, and what that would mean in all reality. He pushed the questions away again, and thought of something else to ask.

"What do you plan to do?" he asked, being as nonchalant as he possibly could. Wraith was always interested in getting more thieves, even if he did have to train them. He also reflected that he could pass the job to somebody else, but he was just too possessive of it to do so. He wanted to teach all new recruits that he was not to be trifled with, and the best way to do that would be to train them himself. Thus, he was the training master.

Analysse was a bit shocked to hear that he was the King of Thieves, saying it as though it were no big deal. Of course it was a big deal, she was in a cart with a fugitive, a criminal. Suddenly she found herself biting her tongue inside of her cheek, unsure of what to say to that tidbit of information. Then again, she herself was considered a criminal for running away to try and earn her own freedom back.

Then he asked what she was planning on doing with herself when they got there. She had no real plan for the moment-The only job she would be able to find is that of a servant, which is what she had just run away from. Perhaps she could find someone who didn't treat their servants as objects, then she could use that to get by until she had a real plan of what to do. The only real option she had to climb back up the social later was to marry someone who was already high on the social latter. But who would marry a girl who can really be no more then a servant?

Unless she lied and said that she was merely visiting, but since she had no one to visit with and would be dressing and acting the part of a servant, it seemed rather unlikely that it would ever happen. Besides, she didn't want to marry yet anyway. But how to answer Wraith, she wondered.

"Honestly, I'm a little unsure of what my plans are going to be." she admitted. She had no idea what to do really, and while she would love to tell him some grand story, she just didn't have one to tell. They were nearing the town too, she knew, and she would have to make up some plan or else she would have nowhere to sleep that night. Even if she did come up with something she would probably end up with nowhere to sleep that night, but she had been in worse situations before and she would live through it.

"That does seem to happen. Emmet and Cory have a talent for finding people in a bad spot who don't know where they're going to go from there," he said, chuckling to himself. He was also considering making an offer. She looked like she would make a decent thief, but would it be worth it? Would she learn well?

He sighed and made another scan, narrowing his eyes every now and then when he turned his head toward the sun.

"We could use some half-decent thieves if you could actually learn well, you'd do good," he offered, rubbing a sore muscle without even noticing it. He didn't like the pains and cramps, and they were usually worse late at night and midday. Meanwhile, the nausea was worst on average before bed and right after he woke. Wraith was forever being hounded by the cursed illness.

He huffed out a breath and forced himself to stop before she noticed something was up. Even if she did notice, he wouldn't answer any question she asked. Nobody could know. Except Emmet and Cory, but they were the ones helping him conceal it.

He looked up at her. He knew that he was barely taller than her, and he wondered if she actually believed him. Few ever did. He was called "Pretty Boy" by some people, and many thought he was too small, weak, and sweet to actually be a criminal. Of course, they were wrong, but Wraith didn't exactly make himself unlikable. Instead, he was the kind of person people wanted to shelter. It was a good advantage.

She had chuckled lightly, not really believing that the question of her joining him was even a serious question. She wasn't any kind of thief, she was short and thin as a rail, she probably couldn't even hold her own in a real fight. "Thank you for the invitation, however I must decline. I don't think I would make a very good thief."

Perhaps she would though. She wouldn't want to attack people and rob them, but if she would be used just to sneak into a house and slip a few choice items that wouldn't be much missed, she thought she could fair well at it. But she was a morally sound woman, and believed that she truly couldn't do something like that. She understood that this was how these people kept bread on the table, however they were still thieves and she believed that what they were doing was wrong.

Not that the vast majority of the people that they were stealing from weren't in the wrong in their own way, stealing was never acceptable in her book. She would rather work as a scullery maid if the choice were presented to her.

She glanced up, she could just see the town taking shape now before her eyes. She would have to decide what to do quickly, though she probably wouldn't be able to take any action until tomorrow. She would make it until then at least.

"Have it your own way. Though, many of Emmet and Cory's take alongs have joined up with us," he remarked, not really mentioning that he had been one of those people. He'd been the first one they'd helped.

He picked up his pace until he was level with the brothers. "Special girl you have here. I don't think she agrees with what I do," he said, shaking his head.

"You're a thief," Emmet remarked bluntly.

"It's the only place I can really stay hidden, see my brother without question, and be fully and truly free," he sighed. "Besides, I wouldn't be able to find work anywhere else."

This gained a nod from Emmet, but Cory said, "Why won't anything else work?"

"Nothing else will work 'cause of, well, you know," he answered. "The times I work are flexible. I can work whenever is best for me. Thus, it's really the only place that works."

They continued on in silence. No guards came along the road as they made their way, and nobody paid any real attention to the odd group. They probably just figured that it was a group of wandering merchants that didn't mean any real harm.

Analysse listened to the conversation, curious herself as to why he needed such flexible hours. That was a poor excuse to become a thief if she had ever thought of one, and labeling himself as the king of them seemed downright cocky. She didn't comment of course, never one to make people mad if she could avoid it, though that didn't stop her from thinking it.

They were now in the town, and luckily they hadn't been given any trouble on the way in.

The town itself was a rather nice place she noted, all of the buildings made of stone. It was diferrent from her own town, which was made mainly of village people with only a small percentage of the people noblemen or higher ups. This place seemed to be the reverse, with sub villages around it where the lower class tended to live.

Well, perhaps it wouldn't be as difficult to find a job here as she thought. If there were this many higher ups, surely one of them would need some kind of assistant or servant sooner or later.

She smiled to the three boys that had accompanied her and taken care of her so far with a nod, "Well I suppose I'll be on my way now. Thank you for helping me out, I hope that one day I will be able to repay you for it."

"If you're looking for a job as a servant, go to the house of the Lord Cartel. Find Dartanian, and tell him Wraith sent you. He'll understand," he directed her. He didn't want anything bad to happen to her, and his brother would be able to care for her. Of course, she wouldn't know they were brothers. Wraith was the odd one of the family. He was light, the rest of his family was dark. She wouldn't be able to tell.

Secure in that knowledge, he trotted off to his court. He had some ruling to do, and a few thefts to plan. His people could get quite restless, and he'd rather not have them going on raids themselves.

He arrived, and was welcomed back graciously. The new trainees that he had had earlier were now attached to a senior thief, and their training would be finished with them. Wraith didn't want to bother with them anymore. He took his place, and watched the scene around him.

The Inn was a mass of chaos, and home to him. He wondered after his brother, but pushed the thought away. He'd be doing fine. Dartanian hadn't been ill, so there would be no problems with him. He was probably getting closer to becoming a knight, and he'd be in a good spot to help out the girl. Wraith took a drink and spoke to his closest followers. Together, they arranged a good heist that would appease the court at large. It would also keep them calm, and there wouldn't be any problems for a while with the main group of them.

The house of Cartel, huh? She was sure that with a little asking around that she could find it. She waved them off, thankful for the advice. Well, it seemed as things were looking up for her now. She looked around and began her journey to find this place, and sure enough before nightfall she had found it.

Before she walked up to request Sir Dartanian, she did her best to make herself presentable. She piled her long black hair into a messy but pretty bun and washed off her face and hands, making her clothes as tidy as she could. All in all she didn't look that bad, and she carried herself with a sense of grace that most servants didn't have. Had she the right clothes, you would think her still a woman of higher standing. Alas, that title had been taken from her by greedy parents.

She walked up and into the house, though not through the main entrance, and requested that she see a Sir Dartanian. Of course they were at first reluctant to send someone to request his presence, but she demanded and did not tell them the reason why. The fact that she was dressed as she was, yet spoke and carried herself in a different manor, confused them a little bit.

In the end the older woman went to fetch him herself, explaining when she saw him that there was a young lass dressed as humbly to see him, and that she had no intentions of leaving without doing so first. She left the decision of weather or not he would see her up to him, of course.

He was curious. Odd people came to their home often, but they always requested to speak to his parents. Dartanian figured there was no harm, so he made himself presentable. His dark chocolate colored hair was soon actually sitting well, and his deep tan skin washed off. He'd been in the practice yards when they'd come.

When he walked up to the woman, he noted that he was quite a bit taller than her. That was saying something to him because she was also taller than his younger brother. Of course, he didn't mention Wraith on a regular basis. Only the servants didn't mind him. To talk about him in front of their parents was taboo, and a quick way to get on their bad side. He didn't want to be there.

"You requested to see me?" he inquired politely, waving her inside and nodding for the servants to prepare some tea for them. He noted with interest the way she held herself, but he didn't comment.

Dartanian was also starting to wonder if his brother had anything to do with her appearance. After all, he was probably the only one who would direct somebody to him, and somebody this odd would certainly be the kind of person he sent this way. However, he wasn't going to ask her. She'd tell him if Wraith had sent her. It was the deal he'd made with his brother.

Upon seeing him she gave him a smile as she nodded, "Yes sir, I did want to speak with you." she said, pausing a moment before she decided on what to say next. "My name is Analysse," she gave no surname, "And I was sent by Wraith. I am here to request a job as a servant, sir." she said. She had no experience in the field to list here-she had seen servants work, though, and knew that it was no easy task.

Still, being a servant was better then being jobless and homeless, and the only other option that she had was to find Wraith, if she even could, and become a thief with him. Ha! Her, a thief! She could just see it, on her first day of stealing she would be found out and her arm would be cut off for the offense. Though she could easily imagine that scenario, she wouldn't put it past herself to one day end up there if this man was not kind enough to give her a job as a meager servant.

Even the scullery maid would do, though she still believed that becoming any sort of servant was demeaning. She was no longer on top of the world, she had been pushed off and shoved at the bottom. Right now she was not even qualified to be a servant, having no training or experience, and so she was even below them. She was on a level with a beggar, and would have to rely on the kindness of others until someone would let her work for her stay.

Suddenly that little idea she had of someone getting a nobleman to fall in love with her didn't sound so bad, if only it were possible. Alas, that day would never come and she just had to accept her new place in life.

"Figures he had something to do with this," he laughed. "How is the the ghost these days?" He couldn't help but to inquire about his brother. It had been a long time since he'd last been able to sneak out and have a talk with him.

He noticed that even the servants, who were trying to act like they had no idea what they were talking about, were interested in what the woman would have to say about him. Wraith had been well known as a sweetheart of a young man who had been born into the wrong household. Many of the servants hadn't minded him one bit, and had even done their best to sneak him treats.

Dartanian had spent plenty of his time with his younger brother. Of course, his parents hadn't approved, but he hadn't cared. He had loved Wraith anyway. The illness made no difference to him. A person was a person. Them being sick didn't change anything, and it was certainly no reason to treat them wrong.

He shifted and looked her over. She was dressed in servant's clothes with black hair, and overall not bad looking to him. She held herself differently then a servant. That meant she couldn't be near his parents. They would have troubles. Or she would have to be among his personal servants. He considered where she would fit in among that number, and just waited for her response as he did so.

"He seems to be doing quite well," She said, wishing that she could elaborate further on that matter. She really had only spent a brief amount of time with him, so she couldn't divulge into as much detail as she would have liked. Still, she gave him what she could.

"He and his friends were kind enough to assist me when I was in need, and he was also kind enough to refer me to you." she said with a small smile, forgetting that she was supposed to be acting like a servant, not like a visitor. When she remembered this she respectfully lowered her eyes as she waited for him to reply to her, hoping that he did have something for her to do. She figured that he very well may have a place for her due to his pleasant nature.

Even if he himself had no place for her, there was a chance that he could in turn refer her to another household who may need a maid or a servant. She wished that she could spout out some accomplishments, but all that she held would do no good here. After all, what sort of servant boasted that she was a good dancer, and could ride a horse side saddled for long journeys? No servant that she knew, surely.

"I have a very picky horse. She doesn't like any of the stable hands. If you get along with her, or are willing to put up with her, that will be your job. You will saddle her, groom her, and other such necessities when it comes to horses," he informed her, his eyes gently scanning over her.

"Here," said a maid, gently placing the tea in front of them with a small smile. Dartanian thanked her and waved her away, noting very casually how relieved she looked at the news of his brother.

"As far as wages are concerned, I would figure around five gold a day for the work with the mare will be good," he offered. He was glad he'd managed to think of something she could do without being subject to his proper and temperamental parents. Anyway, they knew he had a tenancy to grab servants who regarded him as an equal and acted that way. Thus, she wouldn't be bothered for being there.

Analysse smiled and nodded, grateful for the chance at the job, and such a seemingly simple job as it was. "Thank you very much, Sir." she said, trying to be respectful to him. It put her at ease that she now had a form of employment, and such a kind man to work under as well.

She was always good with horses-not that she had ever brushed or saddled her own horse, but she figured that it couldn't be all that difficult, and she was a fast learner as it was.

However, standing there before him now, she felt out of place. As a servant what was she supposed to do now? Run off and go do her chores? She didn't know if she would be staying in house or expected to find her own housing, as well as when he expected her to work and who she would be working under.

"You will live in the servants quarters and eat with them, and if you need any help with how to take care of a horse, the stable master will show you. Although, he will use another horse," he announced to her. Maybe with care of his horse, ironically named Sunshine, out of the way, he would be able to see his brother more than he had been able to in the past.

He stood, finished his own cup of tea, nodded to her, and then left. Dartanian had some more work to do before his parents got angry. He didn't mind making his parents mad, but he knew that the servants did. They felt more of their wrath, and they also had to put up with the shouting match that would result from it. So, it was less for himself and more for those who diligently worked for his family that he was getting what he had to done.

It was harrowing work. Mostly papers and other such things. He would prefer to act like a child and ride his horse, or find some other escape. However, he knew the ramifications of the situation and forced himself to focus. Physical work was much better to him, but he was a higher up. That meant he had the paper work.

She nodded her head, "Right, thank you sir." she said, giving him a pretty smile before she took this chance to make her exit. It wasn't long before she figured out where he quarters were, not that she yet had anything to put in it. She memorized where it was and then went to the stables to see the horse that she would be attending. Her sole duty.

The horse was quite magnificent, though very finicky as he had previously described to her. She talked to the stable master, and he had someone else show her just how she would be tending to the horse. She had never fed, watered, or saddled a horse but she had made it her job to learn how to do these things quickly. It was harder work than she had thought, as she had never been put through such physical labors. On top of that, there were a few people who didn't appreciate the fact that she "Got off easy" with only taking care of one horse.

Still, she ignored it and did her best to keep everything nice. Over the next few days the horse had come to trust her enough to brush him with him in a relaxed state, and she would help others if they asked of it. Sometimes she felt her kindness was taken for granted, and she was doing worked designed originally for them, however she reminded herself that she always worked less hours than everyone anyway, and that it wasn't much trouble to feed another horse or two if she was feeding Sunshine anyway.

Often she wondered what would have happened if she had joined the band of thieves. Surely she would have been kicked out quickly for lack of skill, but it amused her to think of other possible outcomes. She did have a family name-weather her family acknowledged her right now or not didn't matter. If she saved up enough of her hard earned wages then perhaps she could return to her parents with that as a gift, and then she could return to her normal life, perhaps meet a man and marry.

That sounded so pathetic though, to hope to return to the people who abandoned you for selfish reasons in hopes of getting married to go back to your trivial and selfish life. She wanted more then that-but also more than being a stable hand. She wanted excitement, but she was always to afraid to reach out and do something daring.