The Thief and The Monkey (RP Illustration)

Tris smiled, then wordlessly got up and climbed further up the roof to where Darshil sat. She settled at the base of his perch, pulling her hair over one shoulder. Her hands moved automatically to start twining it into a braid.

“I worry that it’s going to be a very long winter…” she confessed after a pause. “The Commission is doing good work so far, but the Estate is so hectic and you know how people are about sudden change.”

Her posture sagged slightly. “Maybe time will tell, but I just… I want to feel secure again. Since last year it seems like every time I think things might have stabilized, something else happens and sweeps my leg out from under me.”

Not to mention tripping over my own damn self…


He shifted a little as she climbed up to him, talons clicking against the stone, and listened quietly as she spoke.

“Mmh… well it’s certainly been an unusual year. I don’t think anyone would fault you for feeling a little overwhelmed, Tris. You have a lot on your plate, after all.” He replied, his tone gentle, but shifting a bit more pensive as he continued, “And yes, it’s true, things have been a little different lately, but… you don’t feel like that’s your fault, do you? Because I don’t think that’s fair to you.”


She answered with an uncertain hum, almost a groan. “I’m a steward of the city. Whether or not I’m responsible for its troubles… I am responsible for how I choose to respond. How I keep my head on straight— or pretend to, at least.”

Even in the presence of such an old friend and counselor, Tris felt her antennae flit back in chagrin at the admission.


“Hmm, that’s all well and fair. You are Minister after all, and if ­you’re­ not looking after your district, then who is?” He said, but then he looked back down at her with a more questioning stare, “But are you looking after yourself as well?”


Tris tipped her head back to meet his gaze, antennae still pinned flat and eyes uncertain.

Then a little smile broke the pause. She looked past him, at the stars. “I guess that’s why I’m here,” she sighed. “Everything else is just… distant for a little bit.”

She made another exasperated noise, leaned back, and grabbed at the edge of Darshil’s wing just behind her. Then she flipped it up and over her head.

“Would you mind terribly if I just pitched a tent in the trees here for the day?”