**A/N** Wow, two postings in one day? I'm impressed *Bows*

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V Enjoy! V

A Diamond in the Rough

Surprise!

Ariana was browsing in the weapon-smith when someone put a hand over her eyes and an arm around her waist and said 'Surprise!'

Ari stepped on his foot, and elbowed him the stomach before whirling around to see Seth clutching his belly and cursing colorfully. She laughed in spite of herself.

"Goddess, Seth, I'm sorry. But you know, you did ask for it."

He just glared at her, making Ariana laugh even harder. "I need a drink," he said, laughing as well, "there's a good pub across th' street."

***

They were sitting at a table in the Silver Ring when Seth presented her with her 'surprise'. The blue amber bracelet, plus a matching necklace, ring, and earbobs. Ari laughed with delight and hugged him before turning serious.

"So you're a thief?" she asked.

"Yes," Seth admitted, looking at her sharply, "do you think less of me for it?"

Ariana considered the question, "No," she said finally, "I think I think more of you for it. Can you teach me how? To be a thief, that is. I've always respected them, but I never thought I'd get a chance to be one."

"Why not?"

Ari studied the boy. For all she didn't like him this morning, she felt that she trusted him now, "I'm a noble. Ariana of Celesta."

"You're a *what*?" he yelped.

"You're making a scene," she hissed, rolling her eyes, "calm down."

"Why are you here? Why aren't you in th' Palace? or at Celesta?"

Ari sighed, "Hm, long story. Orphaned, evil relatives, exile. Hey, shit happens. I don't want to talk about it."

Seth raised an eyebrow, "Oh?"

"Will you teach me or not?"

"I'll try."

"Well that's all I can ask."

***

"OK, now you try," Seth said. He had just explained and demonstrated how to pickpocket. "I recommend starting wiv' someone old or fat, so they can't chase you whe-" he had started to say 'when' but changed it to "if ye get caught." Young thieves *always* got caught on their first try, but there was something strange about this girl.

She winked at him, "I won't get caught." And disappeared into the crowd. *She sounds like Cousin George already,* he thought smiling.

His smile vanished as he watched in horror as Ari walked up to a very rich-looking young man who moved with muscled grace. He wouldn't take kindly to a thief, even one so young and pretty as Ari.

*Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit,* he thought.

Ariana bumped into the man and Seth was the only one who saw her grab his purse as she apologized.

Seth breathed a sigh or relief and slumped against the wall as Ari walked up to him in one piece. "That was easy, and fun."

"'Ow in all th' bloody 'Ells did you do tha'? It was yer first time! Ye could have gotten killed!" he said, his accent becoming heavier with fright and anger.

"I'm a fast learner?" she tried.

"You're a bloody liar," he said, calming down a touch.

"Fine. I'm at a bit of an advantage."

He crossed his arms, "How so?"

*Here you go, revealing another bit of information to a boy who you've beat up twice and have known for a day.*

"The Crooked God is my father."

"*What*?!" he cried.

Ariana went on to explain to him everything her mother had told her while they were walking back to the Graceful Crane. When she finished, Seth was looking at her with awe and fright.

"So you're god-born?"

"Yes, I believe we clarified that. Anyway, I want to be the greatest thief of all time. The Lady Rogue," she confided.

"Well, he Graceful Crane is the Rogue's headquarters in Port Caynn. I'm sure there will be plenty of men who would love to teach the Crooked God's love child," he teased lightly, (Ari scowled) "Plus, you can use the money you nicked to have a new sword made, and a book on how to use it."

"I know how to use a sword-well," she blushed, "kind of."

Seth smiled, "And if you want to be the Lady Rogue, there are two ways to do that"

"Yes?" she prompted, curious.

"Well, you can kill the Rogue, or," he chuckled, "become his lover."

Ariana's features hardened, face showing no emotion, "I'd rather kill the bastard," she said, brushing past Seth, leaving him to wonder what he said wrong.

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V Ok, sorry this is sorta long, but its necessary V

***A/N***

1st of all, I have some questions- How old was George when he saw Alanna for the very first time? (In the marketplace, on her 1st day as a page), and When did George become the Rogue?- I can't post again till I get the answers!

**Also, remember, Ari never told Seth about Mikeal and doesn't plan to anytime soon, only Mistress *Goodman* knows

**Reviewers**

Camisole- I know Seth is my idea of a perfect guy too, lol- and yes, don't worry, there will be SOTL characters soon

T.B.A./Babooshka- Don't worry, she doesn't fall in love until, like-well I can't tell you. but certainly not when she's 11 1/2, that's just wrong! Seth cares about her, but in a younger sister/older brother way you know?

And *yes*, For everyone who asked, I meant to type Mistress Goodman, not Cooper

**Hehe, do you like the whole 'Lady Rogue' thing? I thought it was quite clever personally.

**BTW** Don't for get to read 'We Only Want The Rice To Make Rice Wine'! See chapter 3 A/N for details!

**Did I meet my goal to make my characters more life like? Review and tell me how I did/am doing- Also, suggestions would be greatly appreciated, b/c I have a bit of w/b regarding what to do next. Of course any other comments/criticism (constructive or just a flat out flame) whatever, would be great, I live on reviews....

See that beautiful lilac 'review' button? go on, don't be shy...p-p-please?

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