"Ug." Alanna groaned. That was probably the worst dream I ever had. Wait, it feels like someone replaced my mattress with the- Alanna's eyes flew open. –ground. Shit. It wasn't a dream. Meaning that everyone else is either waiting for me to unspell camp, or, most likely, still asleep. Meaning that I get the delightful job of waking everyone up. Wonderful. Just wonderful.

"Oh Lu-uke. Wake up buddy. We need you to start cooking breakfast, since you two don't appreciate my cooking." When she got no answer, Alanna walked to the door of Luke's tent. "Luke, if you don't answer, I am coming into your tent and invading your personal space." Still no answer. "All right." But when she opened the flap, Luke's bedroll was empty and was rolled neatly into the corner of the tent. Alanna ran to Robyn's tent.

"Robyn, I can't find Luke-oh, Goddess." I found Luke. O.o Wait… Robyn and Luke were asleep. In the same tent. In the same (open) bedroll. Well, this is a surprise. Robyn was curled in the curve of Luke's body, his hand on her waist. Blushing, Alanna quietly slipped out of the tent. How can I wake them up? Inspiration struck as Alanna went back to her tent. "Is anyone awake?" she yelled. In about two minutes, Luke ran stealthily out of Robyn's tent and into his own. Five minutes later, Robyn appeared by the small, smokeless fire that Alanna had made.

"So Robyn. Sleep well?" Alanna asked wickedly. Robyn blushed slightly.

"Oh, the same as we always do in the forest, on the ground."

"Uh-huh." I'll leave her alone for a while. Maybe I can blackmail them with it. But who would I tell? Hmm. I'll need to think about that.

"Finally. Corus. Now, my fellow searchers for treasure and other great things, onward!"

"Wow, Luke. You should have been a Player instead of a mass "treasure hunter." "

"Yeah. The whole world suffers. Can we just get in already? I really want something to drink other than whatever is in Robyn's hip flask." She shuddered; she did not want to know what was in there.

"Alanna, shhh! We are trying to be quiet."

"I now hate you, Luke. You know that?" They were waiting a little outside of the city's walls, trying to get in without the guards seeing them.

"Alanna. Go ahead and do the spell. I'm–ah–going to go and see how the guards react to the-um-distraction." With that, Luke went off.

"He just wants to see what today's "distraction" looks like, doesn't he?" Alanna said, watching the blond man run off.

"Yup." Robyn sighed. Even though Alanna's "distractions" (images of buxom, "beautiful" women with little or no clothing on, made by Alanna's Gift) were fake, she suddenly felt a pang of jealousy for today's.

Inspiration struck for Alanna. "Hey, Robyn. Want the distraction to look like you?"

"What?" The woman stared at her friend. She stared into Alanna's eyes, trying to judge her sincerity when she suddenly got a fierce headache. Purple eyes can do that to you. O.n

"No, wait. I can make it so that Luke only sees you, and the guards will see Pricilla." Pricilla was the most used (a blue-eyed blonde) image.

"Oh. Um…sure why not?" She hesitated, then asked, "Alanna, you know, don't you?"

"Maybe. But come on. You have the Gift strong, so you can do the one of you. I need my magic for Pricilla." She looked up, trying to decide the best spot to cast the image. "Luke is in for a nice little surprise."

"A-Alanna, d-did you m-make th-the d-distraction?" Was all that a blushing Luke could say when he next saw the two women, inside the city gate. While his question was addressed to Alanna, he couldn't take his eyes off of Robyn, who was looking down at her feet.

"Why, whatever are you talking about? I only made Pricilla, like usual. Why, it was your loving girlfriend that did anything different. Don't worry, the guards saw Pricilla even if you didn't. Now, I must find a place to stay. You know, two rooms will be a lot cheaper than three. Have fun "talking", you two."

"Alanna!" Robyn squeaked, but she had already sped off.

"Now, what's this? The Dancing Dove. Hey, Robyn. Will this place fit your needs?" Alanna called over the loud noise of the crowd.

"Sure, but why don't you look around for tools while I get the rooms?"

"'Kay. Oh, but you might want to get a scarf. Your new boyfriend left you a present." Alanna snickered when Robyn looked at her confused, but looked away and put a hand over part of her neck when she realized what Alanna was talking about. "Oh, you might want to go in and ask for something for your bruise."

"Alanna!" But once again, Alanna had disappeared into the crowd.

"Shady place. Shady place. Where is a shady looking place for experienced thieves?" Oh shit. I'm talking to myself again. Only here, it is a nice shady spooky alley. Wonderful.

"Lost darlin'?" A voice drawled from the shadows. Oh, crap. Probably some stupid street thug.

"No, sir. In fact, I'll just be leaving-oof." Alanna tripped and almost fell over some nearby crates when the man caught her. My belt-pouch just got robbed; I know it. That was the easiest time to do so, and I just gave the fucking moment to him. "Um, thank you for catching me sir, but I'd really like my things back. Including all of the money and um-" cough-thieving-tools-cough "-items there." He stepped into the light, allowing Alanna to get a better look at him. He was somewhat tall, with brown hair and laughing hazel eyes. If his nose weren't so strong, he might be considered handsome. For someone else, I mean. I would never fall in love. Never.

"Quick, aren't ye? But whyever would a young lass such as yourself be carrying 'round tools such as these? Very high quality for someone runnin' around in this part of town."

That look in his eyes…he's mocking me! Alanna scowled and said, "My personal items are of no concern of yours, sir. Please return my things, and I'll be on my way. Besides, those picks are worth more than the few coppers that make my purse, so give them back."

"Fine. Here you go, lass. But be careful in this part of the city, hmm?" He handed back all of her things.

"Right…" was all that Alanna could say as she sped off, trying to get to the inn while replaying the scene in her head. How did he steal my things? I was just guessing when I asked for my things. I thought that I was imagining my things leaving my belt-pouch. Why, I didn't even see his hands move. He sure is good…are all thieves here like him? She met up with Robyn as Robyn gave instructions to the rooms. She had even taken Alanna's suggestion and combined Luke's room with her own. Meanwhile, Luke had gone to the palace and gotten the writing sample. Tonight he would forge the two needed letters and Alanna and Robyn would get ready for tomorrow's tomorrow night's mask ball and the night of thievery.

"Remember, Robyn. You two can't stay up too late, we have things to do tomorrow. But, have fun." She had to dodge a spoon and fork on her way to her room. "Now, now. I was serious." With that, Luke threw his empty soup bowl at her. She didn't completely dodge in time, and got hit hard in the head. "Ow. You guys are mean."

"Good luck shopping you two. My little ladies are all grown up," Luke said with a sniffle. "Oh, and don't get caught stealing."

"Yes Mother. Robyn, quit staring at Luke and get over here! We need to shop for gowns."

"Alanna, you better watch out. I might just put a spider in your bed," Luke said as Alanna paled at the mention of "spiders."

"Luke you know that spiders are under no condition a laughing matter. Now, if you'll excuse us, we must scat." Alanna grabbed Robyn's hand and sped off towards the richer part of the market place.