The name's Matthew. I guess you could say I'm a thief, but there are uh...other titles that we 'thieves' would much prefer. And stealing's bad, children, so don't go around picking other peoples' pockets: cuz that's my job.
I was about 13 at the time...or was it 14? It doesn't matter. But it was around the time I met her for the first time. She didn't look like the most extravagant lady on earth. She was just plain-dressed like a commoner. Yep, that was her alright. No decorations or girly jewelry whatsoever. She was just plain-dressed. I didn't notice her at first. But her blazing red eyes sure caught my attention –...right away.
"How do you do, milady?" I asked her, my tone slightly mocking. I didn't intend to sound that way. She gave me a curious glance.
"Who are you?" she said to me, not really answering my question, just replacing it with one of her own.
I smirk. "State your name first."
"No, I think you should go first. After all, you were the one who came up to me in the first place."
How odd. She had not gotten all mad and red-faced like most girls I tried this little stunt on. "I'm Matthew," I answered, grinning. I couldn't help but add: "It's spelled like this: M-A-T-T-H-E-W. I'm a guy." I almost burst out laughing at my own corny joke.
I think it was then that she got the impression that I could never be serious. She raised an eyebrow at me. "My name is Leila. And I'm sure you know how to spell that."
Then a few years later, I got my first mission for House of Ostia. There was this blue-haired dude sitting on the couch. I gave him a stare. Then when I turned to my employer, I mumbled: "Who's this fat- I mean big-boned guy? He looks awfully...heavy."
My employer gave me the look. "This 'big-boned guy' is Lord Hector, of the House of Ostia. I think it would be best if you learned to hold your tongue." He gave me a nasty smile. "Or I'll cut it right out."
I cringed, shuddering, and decided to keep my thoughts to myself. When I was ten feet away from 'Lord Hector', I stopped walking.
"Howdy, Mister," I began. I stole a glance back at my employer standing behind me, who looked like he was going to hit me over the head. "My name's Matthew, and I'm uh, going to be your new personal spy!"
The employer stepped in, looking as grand as can be. "Oh yes, he will be perfect for you, milord!" he said smoothly. "He has some...abilities that could be of use."
"Like what?" Lord Hector's voice was sarcastic.
"I'm a thief!" I blurted. "I can pick locks, sneak around, I can even see through fog!" I didn't hold my head high, because my employer was holding a stick.
"A thief?" several merchants nearby in the court chorused, looking afraid as they clutched their purses and goods to themselves.
And so I got my job. But I didn't expect her to be there...