Disclaimer: The world and characters of Tortall belong to Tamora Pierce, not to me.
Series: Bitter, Twisted Lies
Event: AU Hammer Throw
Words: 240
Bowed Head
She dashes through the streets – quicker, quicker, don't get caught – but the man catches up and she has to stop.
He holds out his hand and she, with a quick glance up at his impassive face, drops the purse into it – can she can get away before the guards arrive? Maybe, but the man has a sword – and backs away.
"Wait," he says sharply, and she freezes. "What's your name?"
She gives him an incredulous look – she's not an idiot, honestly, who does he think she is? Even thieves have a self-preservation instinct – "Rispah," she lies, using the name of a former Queen of the Rogue. "Rispah Cooper."
He gives her a searching look – does he know she's lying? Why isn't he calling her out on it? – but says, "Marek of Rocky Gorge. It's a pleasure."
A noble- she shouldn't be surprised, but she is. She nods slowly and slides a little farther away.
Marek – Lord? Duke? – sighs and flips her a coin. It nearly smacks her in the face before she remembers to reach for it.
She looks back at him and he waves at her. "Go on," he says, "I won't call the guards."
"Eiralys," she says quickly, and at his quizzical look, "I'm Eiralys." He opens his mouth to say something – does he know? Oh gods, he must, he looks young enough to have been around court back then – and no, she can't take it.
She runs.