Bad Habits

The little creature could get lost in crowds rather easily. And, unsurprisingly, she rather enjoyed the game. She weaved through the people, using them as cover. She was safe in the crowd.

She could hide in the crowd.

She passed an open food stall, where mushrooms were being fried on a low flame, the scents and spices filling her senses. The world wanted to partake. On the other side, she could see the long pathways, the merchants' road. Down the path signs blocked the view, big and small, hanging from supports above their polished crystal windows and the occasional outdoor booths. She'd lost him somewhere in there.

She turned her attention away from where she'd come, and instead focused on keeping herself out from underneath peoples' feet. She couldn't see above their bodies, however, and each movement blocked the light and changed the narrow spaces she was trying to squeeze through. Despite herself, she huffed, and decided on a change of pace. She lowered herself to the ground, all her limbs in acrion as she skittered. Across the matketplace, through the people-

Then up a leg and onto a wall, where she hid behind a jutting pillar. The stranger she'd used as a climbing pole looked around blankly in confusion for a moment, before turning back to his business.

She skittered to the top, looking down over the market. Smells reached her better from up there. But what in Elcana was she hungry for? - -

"What- HEY! YOU THINK YOU CAN STEAL FROM ME?!"

Kane turned to face the voice, her face innocent for a moment. In her hands, she held three sticks of fried shrooms. One was in her mouth, sticking out goofily. She blinked.

The angry merchant groaned when he saw her face, putting out one hand.

"Come on. Give those back, now. I work hard making those."

Kane blinked again, feigning innocence. She finished the mushrooms on one stick, and held the empty stick up curiously before tossing it aside. She looked down at the rest of the ones she had in her hand.

"What? These?"

The merchant didn't seem pleased with her game. His gaze narrowed.

"I'm losing my patience, child."

Kane gasped a little, and held out the mushroom sticks.

"Theeeese? You want theeese?"

She taunted, her eyes still wide with innocence.

Then, in an instant, she changed. Her eyes turned to slits and her mouth curved into a grin, her blunt teeth gleaming. She opened her mouth and put all three of the mushroom sticks inside, pulling the shrooms off and tossing the sticks away. Her mouth full, she stuck out her tongue and bounced on her feet, making fun.

The merchant wasn't a fan. He pulled the cover down over his booth in one sharp, angry motion and strode towards her. She didn't notice at first, but blinked her eyes open to see him approaching, and took a step back.

She raised her head and puffed out her little chest, imitating the pride and dignity she'd seen Andromeda show when he needed to use his influence. The merchant stopped in front of her, grabbing her arm. She didn't let up the facade, and swallowed.

"Hands off."

The merchant got up in her face, so close she could smell the sweat.

"You little cocky brat-"

Kane regarded him defiantly, flicking her forked tongue.

"Excuse me. I'm the Wunemastew's appwentice. I think I deserve to be given tribute in the form of fwee mushwooms. In weturn for my sewvices to the people."

The merchant glowered.

"Runemaster's Apprentice. Yeah, you defenitely fuckin' are. Somebody like you. What the hell was Master Andromeda thinking, huh? You're going to ruin us. First stealing, and then Overseer knows what."

He twisted her arm a little bit. Immediately, Kane's facade broke at the twist. She gasped, and smacked at him with her other arms.

"Let me go- LET GO-"

The merchant squinted.

"Bother you, huh? Wowee. I sure hope it-"

Kane kicked him roughly with her leg, to no avail.

"I SAID LET ME GO- LET ME-"

Her voice was getting louder and louder. Already, heads had turned to look, which made Kane even more frantic. As she struggled, she didn't notice the tall, dark-furred individual approach.

"What in Elcana is the meaning of this?"

He spoke in a thin voice, but people stopped to listen. The merchant glanced up immediately, shocked. Kane continued to struggle fruitlessly, and Andromeda squinted.

"For heaven's sake, release my Apprentice this instant."

Kane paused in her struggling upon hearing those words, looking over at the merchant, who, not a moment after, softened his grip enough for Kane to pull away. She scurried behind An, hiding under his cloak, glaring at the merchant.

"Am I to believe-" Andromeda started speaking, staring down the merchant. "That you are willing to grab and frighten a child?"

The merchant looked shocked, but then got a hold of himself, clearing his throat.

"Master... Andromeda, your apprentice was stealing. And taunting. Behavior like that shouldn't be accep-"

Andromeda opened his eyes wide and peered down at Kane, hiding in his cloak. "Stealing?"

The merchant paused in surprise. Kane grumbled.

"I wasn't stealing. I paid."

Immediately; the merchant reacted.

"Absolutely not-"

The Runemaster raised his head, and allowed his voice to project.

"Quiet. I haven't the time for your childrens' quarrel. Whatever the offense-" He softened his voice. "I humbly emplore you forgive the little one for her behavior." She still has much to learn, though I believe her years of greatest potential are soon to come. Nonetheless- We must now depart. I expect to not have to experience such a scene ever again. Good afternoon."

And with that, he turned, ushering Kane along in front of him. The merchant, frustrated and stunned, only stood there silently. Once they were far enough away, Andromeda spoke, his voice far softer.

"You did not pay for those like you'd claimed."

Kane, previously quiet, grinned.

"Nope."

Andromeda sighed.

"Oh, Kane, dear... What on this earth am I to do with such a child..."