Literate? Waz 'at?

Skif had thought he had the worst clothing. He was proven wrong. Raf himself was in worse shape. There was no escaping such an introduction, the smooth and slick pick pocket from his childhood was almost unrecognizable beneath all the grime and dirt that was Raf's face. His hair had grown out; it wasn't real long, simply longer than Raf probably liked. His face was still smooth, Raf wasn't that far into his teenage years.

His clothes were actually worse than Skif's. What was probably a set of badly patched clothing (Raf had never really paid attention to Bazie) had been covered in an anonymous brown substance, unfortunately the clothes were most likely supposed to be grey.

Even his posture screamed messy, Raf was slouched over in the corner staring at the wall. He was either extremely bored or he was avoiding his cell mates. The latter was most probable, as stated before the inmates could be rather cruel.

Deciding that he was very glad he came Skif called out to Raf, and incidentally, with no thought for the consequences. "Raf?" Cum 'ere." Not only did Raf jump up and run for the bars, so did everyone else in his cell. This meant Skif had about something like seven people yelling at him and reaching out for him. He had never gotten so much praise in his life.

There was nothing for it, everyone else within hearing distance started yelling and begging him to let them out too. "Eh! Back off, I'll let ye out. Jus' be quiet."

Hurriedly Skif rammed key after key into the lock for the right one. His hands were shaking before he found it and rammed it into the keyhole. He didn't get the chance to open the door because as soon as the door was unlocked the prisoners nearly charged it and stampeded past him. Some prisoners cast a "thanks" at him but most were in too great a hurry for freedom. The only remaining one from that cell was Raf.

"Who are ye?" Was the first thing out of Raf's mouth. Honestly, no manners.

"No time." Rick cut in before Skif could reply. He had intended on properly telling Raf off but that would have to wait. The guard hurried running could be heard nearing them, and at a fast rate. At least fast considering his weight and that the guy was out of shape. None the less, they had to run.

And run they did. Straight past the remaining prisoners whom they chucked the keys at and out the back door. Exactly as planned. Minus the escapees. They ran until they were far enough away from the guard house and hidden in an alley. Skif suspected Raf was only with them to satisfy his curiosity.

Skif held himself up against the wall alongside Raf while Rick lost all pretenses of his noble status and slumped on the floor. They were simply breathing for the moment, busy getting air into their lungs. The guard house was far behind them now.

The seriousness of the situation seemed to escape the ex prisoner as Raf started laughing, lightly at first then real hardy. He must have been feeling extremely happy or sumthin'. This was an observation proven accurate as the teenager got up and started dancing around the alley and yelling things like "yahoo!" and "free, free, free!" It was slightly embarrassing; Skif was tempted to pretend that he didn't know him.

Finally done with celebrating the successful escape Raf turned to Skif and Rick and asked suspiciously "do's I know you guys?"

It was upsetting, Raf still didn't recognize him. Skif then remembered that he was in disguise, Raf had only seen him in poor clothing and what he had now was a step up from that. He took of the hat and looked at Raf. If Raf couldn't get it, Skif would dump him in the river too right he would.

Fortunately for Raf he figured it out and eyes wide said "Skif, 'dat you?". At his positive response Raf pulled him from the wall into a bear hug and squashed him. Tha's two times now, 'oon I'll be naught but a ameobuh.

"I can't 'lieve i's really you Skif. Taught I'd be there ferever. Nivir 'uve figured you'd be bail'n me kiddo." Raf finally stopped spinning him around and set him down but he fell over from dizziness anyway. "This is amazin'. Les go back to Bazie's I 'aven't seen him in sooo long. I s'pose da rest 'ave left by now eh?"

Naturally Raf would want to see Bazie. At least he didn't have high hopes for the rest of the gang, but Bazie… That wouldn't work. Well no point in spoiling Raf's elation. Tell him later, good plan.

Rick interrupted the reunion. "Chat later my boys, we have got ourselves an appointment to keep." Rude. Adults honestly, no manners.

Raf didn't take this very well. "We 'ave an appointment? I don' tink so. Me 'n Skif'll be on our way." Raf took his hand and made to move past Rick but Rick kept blocking the alley. Raf was turning around to exit the other end when Rick opened his mouth, probably to explain a few things.

"Us three have business Raf. Yur boy agreed to help me with an extensive lay. We got you because he says he needs you for something. Consider your services to our project your fee for bail."

Raf looked very confused at the news. So naturally he asked a question, directing his atteniton to Skif. "Why ye heppin' dis sodder eh? Taught you'd be raiding dem houses by now."

'Oh aye." Skif answered. "I got that down, I'm jus' getting' a little bit fer the side. Ye know, change of scennerery."

Raf didn't appear convinced but didn't get the chance to call him on it as Rick butted in again.

"Alrighty, let's be off then. Save your inquiries fer later. First thing first, we gotta get you cleaned up." Rick said the last part with two fingers plugging his nose. "You smell worse than shorty." Rick added nodding to Skif. Well frig, les put 'im gaol 'n see what 'e smells like.

Finally they exited the alley. Rick was leading them to a bathhouse, said they'd have to risk the suspicion. Raf, being Raf, had other plans. They were passing a grand house on the way and Raf stared at it as they passed and soon after stopped. "I be righ' back." Raf called and marched around to the side of the house where he no doubt allowed himself in.

A while later Raf emerged again but with a few changes. For one thing he looked like the Raf that Skif easily remembered from the old days, he was himself again if a bit skinnier and a tad older. His hair remained the only major difference to his character but Raf would likely take a knife to it sometime. As it was he had used some string to make a horse tail just above his neck. He was clean so Skif knew he had used a damp towel, or three.

He had different clothes, hopefully the old ones were in the garbage. The most important thing about them (besides that they were clean) was that they were of status. They weren't rags, worn probably by someone pretty well off. If they had an appointment they had to be presentable and Raf had taken care of that.

With Raf repaired they changed course and headed for the collegium. By the time they were halfway there Skif was entirely fed up with walking, and said so. In result the infinitely lazy Raf picked him up on his back and piggybacked him the rest of the way! Now Skif was nearly in shock, the Raf he remembered would have been hard done by to walk so far just to visit someone, but now he was carrying him! And pigs would fly. Or rather, horses would talk.

Rick had stolen a loaf of bread to share, raising Skif's opinion of him. Skif wasn't really sure if Rick was capable of anything but at least he could nick some food.

It was well after diner when they arrived at the front gates. Note that the gates couldn't have been a white picket fence, oh no. It was over six feet high (although Skif would have described it simply as really tall) and made of some metal. The top was spiky, t'wouldn't be any fun trying to jump over. Rick had told them they were nearly there before the last corner so Raf dropped Skif's butt on the ground. Raf was just kidding around but that hurt, Raf had grown a bit taller.

The guards permitted them into the grounds without a fuss after a brief explanation as to their visit, although a more responsible one felt obliged to escort them to the Dean's office. This made Skif nervous; if they even walked wrong they would be caught. They had to play wealthy, it was all about appearances now. This was mostly up to Rick who had to pretend to have some relevance in the world. Rick played his part well in that he refused any attempts at conversation by the guard and walked primly. Snotty bastid eh. 'E mighten be getting' too good at dat, if ye know wat I mean. An example of a conversation attempt from the guard consisted of a one sided conversation discussing some kidnapping of street kids. This topic caught Skif's attention when the guard mentioned an arson maker named Jass. Off guard at the sudden lead Skif almost ran into an open door. Anyway, the guard finished the conversation by stating that the collegium was trying to solve it and had reached a dead end. Rick completely ignored the man. That's one way to lower a guys self esteem.

The collegium was a sight to see. Just, big and clean, even shiny in some places. Skif was needless to say, impressed. It is hard to say how Rick fared, mind Rick had already came by to make the plans with the Dean. Raf was simply overwhelmed, too much in one day. Broke out of prison, got cleaned up and saw his fellow thief, now this great building. His eyes were probably sore with the strain of trying to memorize everything he saw. And being a thief, that is exactly what the two youngsters were doing.

Soon they approached the office. Skif personally had been expecting something grander and was disappointed when the doorway was devoid of big flashing arrows directed at the door. Or even ones that didn't flash. As it was the trio stood before a wooden door of significant size. Either the Dean was very tall and fat or he expected guests that were.

Said guard opened the door for them and once inside, closed it behind them. When the door had opened it got the attention of the Dean who looked up from his papers. He was slightly chubby, trademark of those with extra money for the extra food. He had a receding hairline and the whites did nothing to help his complexion. All things considered he was a wealthy and overweight stern type of person. The lines on his forehead indicated that he was a serious man, not just older.

"Welcome" he said. "I am the Dean Elcarth. Now, would you care to work out the finer details of the enrollment sir? I trust one of these is the intended boy?" The Dean recognized Rick from a former meeting, but had not previously met Skif or Raf. "Finer details" hmm? Looks like Rickie 'ere 'as already laid down a deal. Dats fine wit me, got a good ways back to walk ter home. 'E duzzne know bout Raf though, the plan was only fer meself. Dis comsplicaters tings, an' I don tink I be likin dis Elcarth snob. Right glad I robbed him flat broke. At the last thought Skif grinned, earning him an odd look from Dean Elcarth.

Earlier Rick had specifically asked that they let him do all the talking as he was the adult. That is a behavior that would be expected. This was a lot of pressure for Rick whom, in Skif's opinion, was a little unreliable. Skif was only there to put a name to a face.

Rick nodded and clamping a hand on Skif's shoulder said "This is Alex, I spoke with you about enrolling him as an Artificer trainee. He just loves mathematics, it's always been his dream to design bridges, isn't that right my boy?" Skif had to invoke a lot of self restraint; it was very tempting to strangle the stupid man to death. Artificer's were like architects and engineers, they built stuff, like bridges. Matimatics, dat like sums at all? Wait, it's da same ting! Put it back, I don wannit Naturally he didn't say this, instead he nodded his head in agreement. He would have to work fast and simply avoid lessons in math.

Rick picked up again "he excels at it, he's a genius for a twelve year old. We've already spoke of him though; I had hoped we might be able to arrange something for my other boy. You see he is terribly sad that his dear brother is going to this great place and not even living at home, he's scared that he might not see him enough." Perhaps they should have practiced the conversation before hand. Even Skif thought his acting was bad, he could walk but the second he opened his mouth, argh. He was completely off. It was like he was begging, rich people don't beg. And he was overdoing it! "Dear brother", even his uncle who was a vegetable would know they were up to something!

The Dean looked skeptical, Skif couldn't blame him. The Dean Elcarth said "Truly you jest, brothers fight, they don't go around loving each other. These two don't even look alike! I don't suppose you've thought up a name for the dishrags?"Wait a minne, dishrag? Is 'e callin' me a dishrag? That fucking cunt, give me one good swipe and aye, then we'll see who's getting mopped up.

Before Rick could apologize, I swears 'e was gunna, Raf chose to save the day. The words that came out of his mouth amazed Skif, talk about putting on an accent! He said thus "My good sir, my father is simply anxious. He is worried that you will refuse me and I will amount to nothing. You see, I haven't got the smarts of a scholar or Artificer like Alex here, nor the trading skills of a merchant. He says this is a good opportunity for me." Boy could Raf talk his way out of trouble. It's a wonder he didn't convince the guard he was a long lost cousin and walk out scott free months ago! Talking proper and everything.

The Dean looked like he believed Raf, after all Raf was nearly in tears! Dean Elcarth's words contradicted his facial expression however. Turning to Rick he said "It's unfortunate to be sure, but without proof to you name Mr. Edwards or a payment I cannot permit these two-"

He was cut off by Raf who interjected "We are of course prepared to pay for Alex's tutelage, personally to yourself if that is acceptable eh." Dean Elcarth looked like he had had enough and was about to kick them out. Before the man could do so Skif found his voice and added "We would like ter offer our help in catching the kidnapperers, at least that's what my father said after complaining about the mess dey made with da police down the street." Well that got the attention. Raf looked at him, clearly he didn't like being left out of the loop. Or maybe he felt ripped off he didn't get to make up the rescue story. Either way you kinda had to wish the camera had been invented, that look was priceless.

The Dean Elcarth's eyes grew wide and he said, his decision reevaluated "Well now, such interesting words from such a small boy. Come now Mr. Edwards, is he light on brains or do you know of the stable boy, the messenger, or maybe Jass?" Light on brains! Now dat sounds a tad rude!

"He is, uhhhh" Rick attempted. Skif, being the one in the know filled in the rest.

"He died not long ago in the lower class district. The bea-, guards men were about fer days. Couldn't sell naught to no one with so much interruption. I personally know more about Jass than he does, I used to go to school down there. One time not s'long ago I heard Jass 'n 'is boss talking about setting 'nuther fire up. Have te tell ya I ran home pretty fast that day."

Dean Elcarth just about jumped out of his seat. Dignity intact the man leaned forward and said "you sure boy, Alex Edwards?" At his nod the Dean sat back in his chair and was silent for a moment. "Artificer you say?" Rick said yes. The Dean thought again, and seemingly tired looked at Raf and asked "what's your name and age?"

Good question. Raf, being the slick guy that he is quickly came up with one. "Tori sir. Tori Edwards. I've seen 15 winters."

"Tori, do you know anything about this?"

Raf being truthful for once said "Nothing sir, Alex never mentioned it to me."

Turning to Rick, the man continued. "Alright Mr. Edwards, I am not supposed to do this so this'll stay just between us. I will allow these boys into my collegium, on a few conditions. The younger boy, must be tested for mathematics, if he can't cut it I may be able to fix up another position. The other I am sure we can squeeze in somewhere, I shall have to consider it.

"I do not care about their lineage, it's clear that if they are your boys their mother is not common between. What I care about is my children, I need money to support them." Dean Elcarth called the guard in. "Go fetch Herald Teren, have him show these boys around." The guard exited. "You and I will talk further on this matter. Alex there, must agree to help with the kidnapping case; I do not know what this will entail. Is this acceptable?"

The whole explanation was directed at Rick who nodded. Silence reigned until there was a knock on the door. It was Herald Teren, come to show them around. Skif and Raf got up and left, closing the door behind. All was going well so far, now all they had to do was find a way to gain trust, maybe check out the palace. And get really good at sums.

Herald Teren liked to talk. Or hear the sound of his own voice. While he showed them around he also explained what life was like there. He took them over to see the companions briefly and Skif thought he recognized one. The companions were a bit of a mystery to Skif, Herald Teren said they could talk and think like humans, so Skif reasoned that their tour guide was a little short on air to the brain. This resulted in his hallucinations.

Their tour indicated at least one thing, they would be sticking around. Whether Skif made Artificer had yet to be seen. Sums, dear god, Skif was going to have a headache. Raf's placement was the real question. Dean Elcarth hadn't even suggested anything.

They arrived back at the office and Herald Teren knocked and a hollow eery sound reverbrated back. At the command "enter" the Herald slowly creaked the door open, maybe not on purpose but the effect was scary. A horrific sight greeted poor innocent Skif. There was a table, with parchment and he strongly suspected that the piece off to the side with numerals all over it was a math test. Armageddon had arrived.

Rick turned around in his seat and said cheerily (apparently things were going well) "Hello boys, Dean Elcarth and I have just finished the agreement. Alex, you get to write out your impressive knowledge of mathematics. They have to know in what class to place you see. T, Tori? Yes, with you there was a bit of a problem. We may have fallen across a bit of an issue, we'll have a quick chat outside shall we?" Rick said all this in one breath, what a feat. The man got up and taking Raf's shoulders steered him out. Problem... not good.

Weapons 'prentice? Your fucking kiddin!" Raf howled. That sounded like real work and dedication, and disiple and a lot of D words, some quite inapropriate.

"Listen brat, you don't have a choice" Rick scowled. "I caught yur friend trying to steal a companion and instead of turning him in I decided to help him. Now you'll do your part. I am going to get rich and do what I have to with people on the inside. Apprenticed to the weapons master is about as inside as you can get. You can go anywhere, do anything and noone will suspect a thing." Rick was having a hard time keeping his voice down, they didn't want anyone to hear but he was agitated.

Raf was himself having a hard time believing that Rick had just admitted that. Technically he had suspected Rick to be holding all the cards but he did not expect the man to admit to his devious planning. Really, now Raf knew the guy was going to try and backstab his little buddy Skif. Him too. How stupid. HE couldn't tell Skif, the kid was too far into this thing, he didn't want Skif to panic. It was up to Raf, at just the right moment he would have to trap Rick. Afterall, only Raf got to boss the squirt around.

It was late when they arrived back at Rick's hotel room. Rick had at first refused to let them stay with him, on account that they could find their own place to crash. Rick relented after he got tired of being followed by them. Skif and Raf immediately picked their own couch and relaxed. Rick pulled out the drink and poured Raf and himself a glass, notice that he didn't give Skif any because he was "too young".

They celebrated their first step to success. Rick informed them that he had to give the Dean a good amount of money; about half of what Skif stole from him. Raf was begging to be filled in on what was going on, and how Bazie was doing. Who was knew to the gang? Skif might not have another chance to tell him so hiding a yawn Skif indicated that Raf join him on the other side of the hotel room.

There Skif told him about the fire, Jass and how it was related to the kidnapping he mentioned. Skif really didn't know much about any disappearing street kids and so his motivation in all this was the death of their mentor, Bazie and the gang. He told him how he met Rick and that Rick was supposedly this great master thief. He had serious doubts about that one, master thief, sure. He went into detail on their heist and basically told him everything he knew. Raf was naturally upset about it, but was too exhausted to work up a good grieving period. They crawled back and flopped out on a couch which for both of them was the softest thing they had ever slept on.

They were to arrive back at the collegium by noon. Raf would never say it, but he was pretty impressed by Skif. When he first met the squirt he didn't think much of 'im. He was sure Skif would be a good thief, like Deek, but he didn't figure him to be the independent type. Before he would have bet Skif would die naught but a month on his own. But from what he learned last night, well, Skif should never have had to do all that alone. Independent or not. Raf missed out on destroying noblemen's homes too.

Bazie was crippled! You just don't murder crippled people! He'd bet anything Lyle didn't know, or Deek, or the other boys Bazie had taught. Note to self, find Lyle and Deek.

He was still off centre, he could hardly believe he wasn't in gaol anymore. What a miracle! Raf used to dream of being let out early, but he was certain Skif never played a part. Everything had new value, clean clothes were really something to give thanks for.

As for this whole steal jewels from the palace thing, Raf was sure that Rick guy was going to screw them over somehow, the man had blody admitted it!And master thief? Even Skif seemed skeptical. For one thing a master thief wouldn't tell anyone he was such unless he could seriously gain from it. What did Rick gain? Unless he had wanted Skif to be in awe of him and blindly obedient, or the man was low on self esteem and wanted praise for his notorious famedom.. Whatever, he would have to keep an eye out. If it had been him in Skif's position, he would have said no. He had followed adults before and it never ended well for the short guy.

There was a fair at the market that weekend and Raf planned on taking Skif to it. That was still four days away, but he was willing to bet Skif hadn't had any fun in a long time. And after the upcoming classes in math Skif had to look forward to, the kid would probably need the break. From what he remembered Skif really hadn't been too great at it, never mind genius.

"Hey Rabbie! Get your lazy butt off my couch, we're going. We have to get you two new clothes for today at least." Rick's voice pierced through his thoughts. Definitely not the type he wanted to do business with. Raf couldn't stand the guy, if this Rick had been cold and business like he would have been much more at ease. He wasn't sure how to deal with the man.

And the guy had gotten his name wrong. Not hat he really minded, he didn't want Rick to know his name. He didn't know Rick's name, he had only a name. The man hadn't even bothered to give a fake last name, not that Skif noticed. On that note, does Skif know his last name?

They had easily and illegally gotten new clothes and a variety of hats for Raf. He was nervous, he was going to be around government officials all the time. And one especially that could kick his ass. He just wasn't comfortable showing his face, even nondescript as it was. On the way there Raf found a bench and sat down. He handed Skif his miniature blade and asked him to cut his hair. He didn't care if it was clean or not, which it wasn't, he hated it long. It was about then that they discovered Raf had lice. Stupid prison, that would explain the itch that had started a few days ago. It had been getting worse too.

Skif confiscated the hats stating that last time Skif had lice Bazie cleaned everything he touched, especially his loft. Well technically Skif cleaned it.

The three got to the collegium late on account of Skif's poor hair dressing abilities. The guard admitted them past at the gate and at were greeted at the front door. Skif looked up and his heart stopped, he was staring at the sell sword.

"Ahhhh! You!" In a panic he turned and ran for the guards, on the way calling "Beaks! Yes you, arrest dis guy 'es gunna kill me!"

Skif became very confused when the guards didn't move, only looked at him like he belonged in an insane asylum. Skif turned back to ask Raf for help and collided with something. He fell with a "thud" on the stones and once again looked up, this time with dread. Standing above him was the sell sword, he was sooo dead.

The demon dressed in grey leaned down and said quietly so only he could hear "We shall have words, you and I."