Mortis

The dark streets were dirty. The alleyways grimy. The homes were broken and barely standing. The patrols nonexistent. Bundles of various discarded trashes and items lay all over. Despite these misgivings, business was aparent. Seedy businesses they may be, but business nonetheless. The leftover scums of the city call this area the Slums.

Perfect for what he had in mind.

Today's goal was five silver. Piece o' pie.

None of the others were here because they deemed it too risky in that the darker businesses had no qualms about punishment and too much of a waste of time because everyone here is just as dirt poor. What they didn't know was that there was a small shop at the end of the block that was easy pickings and always had coins. He even told his best friend Jay, but he complained that there was no shop at the block.

Stupid Jay for calling him a liar.

I can practically see it right there!

Alright. Just like he practiced with Lily. He'll walk in. Pretend he's looking to buy something. Ask a few questions. Then when the the keeper isn't looking that's when he'll swipe a treasure or two. Like taking candy from a babe. Easy.

Mortis stalked in the shadows of the dilapidated buildings toward the end of the block. He scurried from each shadow to the next hoping that none will have seen his wiry frame. Even on the edge of the Slums, you can never be too careful.

"Ultor, watch over Lily," whispered Mortis. He puffed up his chest. Straightened his back. Lift his head so it would seem as if he was looking down his nose. The Slums only respected power. Or so his little head thought.

"Hello there little one," greeted the shopkeeper. She called him "little one" but they were of the same stature. Mortis wasn't especially tall. Not when all the others in his group was a head taller and he guessed they were close to the same cycles. She looked old enough to be his grandma if she was still alive. But he wouldn't let her looks fool him. She's caught him every time he came to her shop.

"Greetings keeper," Mortis replied in his pubescent voice.

"What are you "looking" for this time?" she amusely inquired.

He can feel the amusment in her voice. Like she knew exactly what he's thinking and doing. But he's not going to let that stop him though. He always one up her.

Usually.

From his personal track record, the score was at seven over two. Seven in his favor of course. She's caught him all nine times he's been there, but only twice has she actually accosted him successfully.

"I'm looking for a net. One on a handle to catch bugs."

"Hmm...I may have something like that over there," she pointed to her right section. "But do you have coins "this" time?" she mused.

"I always have coins. Why do you think I keep coming back," he quickly admonished the old lady.

She stared at him like she was disapproving of his outburst. She looked at the section she pointed at and then back at him. She sighed.

Her name was Abelia. She told him so on their first meeting when he found the shop. When he first walked in and introduced himself, she was baffled. One would think she's never seen a kid before. She stood ramrod straight and peered into him. Not moving. Not saying a word. It was creepy and almost broke his composure at the time. He had planned to just say hello and after a nice conversation, maybe swipe a few things, and leave.

"I'll be right back then," she moved towards the appointed section.

This is his chance! She usually tells him to go look for whatever knick knack he wanted, but this time she's going herself. Perfect! As casually as he was able he leaned on the counter. He deftly looked through the buckets and swiped a few pocket knives. Most of the buckets on the counter contained outdoor necessities so he quickly rummaged through them looking for what he might need on his next excursion into the woods. A canteen, a tracker, and...holy almighty Ultor.

An ignis stone.

Forget five silver. This can nab him five gold coins!

"Here's the net you wanted," Abelia started around the counter. Mortis quickly stashed all his "belongings" inside his first layer coat. "That'll be five coppers little one."

Her face has changed now. She didn't look older or younger, but more serene and at peace. Like she's accepted Death's door arriving at her side. Well, she should be considering how old she is.

He moved into his pockets to fish out the coppers he was planning on using. These were specially made coppers. He made them himself. Customized to be precise. He had attached a small portion of his life essence into the coins. He's not sure what to call it and had resolved to call it his life essence knowing no other names. Doing this allowed him to feel their every nuance. He can feel where they are and to a small degree, move them if he concentrated hard enough. He's never told anyone of his little trick. Not even Lily.

Mortis' plan was to give her the coins, then as he's leaving the shop, yoink! He'd be five coppers richer again.

"Here's five coppers. I counted 'em myself," Mortis replied.

"Thank you. Have a nice day then," Abelia scooped up the coins and nodded back. She didn't bat a lash. She didn't look at him with the usual scorn or suspicion. If anything she looked...happy. "Tell Lily to handle it with care. I used it myself when I was her age."

As Mortis was reaching for the net he stopped. He stood frozen. Something's wrong. He's never mentioned Lily to Abelia. Everytime he "visited" he always made sure to never diverge personal details. Information was power. Power equals control. He never wanted to be controlled again.

"I'm sorry. I don't know a Lily," Mortis responded as evenly as he could. "I think that's all I wanted. I'll be on my way." Mortis said succinctly and hurried toward the outside.

He expected a call. A shout of reprimand. Or...something. He glanced back.

She was watching him. Not out of malice. Neither was it one of enmity either.

It was a look of pity.

He started running.