Thinthil never much believed in fate. The idea that everything was predetermined? Preposterous. Chance, however, is something he very much believed in. In his eyes, life itself was a game of chance. And as he was fond of saying where games of chance were concerned, he rolled sixes.
Thinthil walked down the street on his way to the South Gate. His plan for the day was to check back with the hunting lodge, then go grave looting in the Barrow-Downs with his errands as a cover of legitimacy. He had spent the night at The Prancing Pony, and was walking down the main road rather absorbed in his thoughts when it happened. A young lad, nigh on eighteen, careened into him and fell. He attempted to grab Thinthil’s hand as if to catch himself, but failed.
"O-Oh, uh, evening, my uh, good man!" He stumbled over his words as Thinthil helped him up, as a man caught in such a position as he was might do.
“And to you as well.” Thinthil paused, looking annoyed for a moment. He, being a burglar himself, had been quick to notice the brash (yet half-successful, for the kid had managed to get it off his hand) attempt to steal his sapphire ring. However, the gall of the attempt impressed him. Quickly coming up with a plan, Thinthil smoothed his face and continued. "You look like a discerning and ambitious individual, so I have a proposition for you. Would you like to hear more?'
“O-oh? I mean, uh, sure!” He still seemed nervous, as to be expected from a thief who fears that he has been caught in the act.
“Perhaps we should have this conversation out of the main avenue, so we don't get trampled by traffic. Follow me!” Thinthil waved the young thief on, proceeding to lead the young thief to a quiet back alley. the young thief followed quickly, though a tad skittish.
“There, much better. Now, let us have each other's names. I am Thinthil of Esgaroth, Professional Acquisition Agent, Specialty Merchant, and Problem Solver. Who might you be?”
"Ah, an agent of 'Acquisition!’" the young thief brushed off his shoulders, hoping to conceal his nerves. After the exclamation, he hushes some. "Uh, my name is-- Uh, professionally, you can just call me... 'The... Mask.'" He was not masked, obviously, though he did seem keen to keep his name vague.
Thinthil, amused by his attempts to stay calm and seem professional, chuckled softly. “Now, allow me to give you some advice. Calm your nerves, speak calmly, and act as natural as possible. That being said, give me back my ring.”
The young thief blinked, glancing around the alleyway and wringing his hands. "Uh-- P-Pardon, sire? I do not follow..."
“Don't play dumb, kid. You can't fool a burglar when it comes to burglary, although it was a good attempt.”
The young thief stared at Thinthil for a moment, then sighed, tossing the ring back to him. "How'd you notice?"
Thinthil caught the ring, checking it for damage or trickery. “You grabbed my hand to catch yourself but didn't provide any other distraction. Next time, try kicking their legs a bit when you pretend to fall. The pain should distract them.
The young thief seemed interested in Thinthil’s advice. "That really should have worked. A... kick to the leg, you say?"
“Aye, that should do the trick. If you only contact in one place, they focus on that area, and they're more likely to notice missing items. Had you tried that on anyone else, you'd probably be headed to jail right now. As it so happens, that was probably the luckiest mistake of your life, kid.” He paused to put on his ring, satisfied that it was genuine and intact. “Now as I said, I have a proposition for you, and should it work out, you could have a solid job for a long time kid. BUT... I'm gonna need your real name first, and where you're from.”
The young thief’s nerves seemed to return, and he started fidgeting again. "... This'll be a task of the utmost secrecy? I don't have to worry about my name traveling, do I?"
“This job isn't of a sensitive nature, but future jobs may be. And trust me, if your name travels, it'll be in the right circles… for our profession, anyway. And one more thing... codenames aren't really a thing.”
"Really? But... Oh, fine..." The young thief approached, whispering his name into Thinthil’s ear. "Fenglen. I hail from Dale."
Thinthil offered his hand. "Fenglen? Well, welcome aboard."
Fenglen extended his own, though hesitates for a moment before grasping, wary of possible trickery.
Thinthil laughs. "Don't put much trust in 'Honor among thieves,' eh? Don't worry, it's more than just an expression." Thinthil released Fenglen’s hand, then led him out of the alley towards the hunting lodge. “I foresee a long and profitable partnership, Fenglen. Just you wait…
