Debtor To Thieves

Hannah was, of course, rather aghast at the idea of becoming a thief. Muriel had raised her to be honest and responsible, only stealing as a last resort. And only from those who could afford it. To teach them to be more careful, of course. Really, it was more of a public service.

However, her misgivings faded when they set her down at a table and put food in front of her. While no more than a bit of soup and some soft bread to ease her poor stomach into accepting solids again, it was the largest, warmest meal she had seen in weeks even when Muriel was alive.

After that, the guild gave her a cot of her own in the room shared by the other apprentices. Again, compared to her old lice-ridden pile of straw or a cold doorway, it felt like the height of luxury. They even threw in a new dress! Or at least, one without extra holes. And shoes! She had nearly forgotten what those felt like.

Nursing her back to some semblance of health took days, but by the time she could get around on her own again, they had won her eternal gratitude. Thieves or no, they had treated her with more kindness than anyone else in this city had, aside from Muriel. The remaining honourable part of her refused to let that pass without trying to repay them in any way she could.

So, when she could finally join the other apprentices in training, she threw herself into her lessons with utmost alacrity. With surprising diligence for a five year old, she progressed quickly, earning the respect of her teachers and, soon enough, earning her keep.

1. Three years later, eight year old Hannah is quite the accomplished little pickpocket. Targeting a promising looking nobleman, she manages to steal something unexpected.
2. Seven years later, twelve year old Hannah had graduated to burglary, using her small size to sneak through windows and chimneys to enter houses. However, one of these houses is better prepared than most.
3. Ten years later, fifteen year old Hannah is hired to be a scullery maid in a local mansion. Little do they suspect she is really the inside woman in a planned heist.
4. Thirteen years later, eighteen year old Hannah enters a masquerade ball under the guise of a noble and catches the eye of a wealthy gentleman. Let the con begin.
5. Fifteen years later, the thieves guild is hired by the mayor himself to steal something important, and twenty year old Hannah is sent to fulfill the contract.

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