A/N: I know, I know, this doesn't have much to do with The Thief Lord, but I'll honestly say I was inspired to write this story because of it, don't hate me yet, just read it. I promise it'll get better as you keep reading.
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Childhood, a beautiful phase. It has adventure that comes from exploring a huge fascinating world contained within a tiny, dusty neighbourhood; it has humour derived from something as simple as the sight of an incredibly fat man bending to pick up a coin off the road which a scheming young kid stuck to it and which you know won't come off, no matter how much the fat guy grunts and tugs; and most of all, innocence. The innocence that defines childhood. The innocence which trickles through every act of kindness, goodwill and friendship made by those 3-foot beings that adults scarcely notice. You must be wondering why I talk like a philosophical old fool with nothing better to do than eye that curvy neighbour of mine who bakes me cakes every now and then. Well, I suggest that you all settle down comfortably in your seats while I narrate to you the wonderful, amusing and adventurous stories of three very special children: Milana, Mosca and Manni. (Yes, I'm aware of the alliteration, unintentional I assure you.)
Once upon a time, there was a small, shady town named Aria, not that it isn't there anymore but I like being dramatic. There is a dusty little neighbourhood there filled with small houses which look like they were all shoved together untidily by a giant hand rather than built by an enterprising young man who was more skilled in spitting contests than in building houses. Diablo his name was and last I heard of him, he was smuggling rose-coloured pacifiers across the country. But I digress.
Now, in a biggish hulk of a building named 'Three Cheers Orphanage' lived three absolutely delightful little children, one, a girl and two boys. Even though she was a girl, Milana hated behaving like one. I believe she said it took too much effort in trying to be graceful and dignified, especially while attempting to lock up that pain-in-the-neck snitch, Roy in a broom closet. In fact, she was such an effective tomboy, you'd never know from looking at her that she was in fact a bonnie lass! Brown as a berry that one, with short black hair that made her look like a mushroom…and lovely almond shaped eyes…with always too much mischief in them. What a bundle of energy she was! Manni, on the other hand was the quiet one. He always had an air of wisdom and maturity about him, unusual for an eight year old. This quality, combined with his golden complexion, shiny black hair and brilliantly violet eyes made him an instant hit with the ladies. Not that he ever noticed. And last of all, Mosca. With ebony skin and a shiny bald head, he had a brilliant street smart mind and a solid comforting presence. One could always rely on Mosca. If there was ever a problem, never fear for Mosca would be there! The Formidable Three they called themselves. And indeed they were. A tiny little gang of eight year olds respected and feared even by the older children at the orphanage. With this introduction, we shall now plunge headlong into the fascinating story of this incredible trio and marvel at their mysterious and exhilarating adventures.
