Working for the Inquisition is sort of a sideline. Well, sideline insofar that it's most like Community Service, because he was stupid enough to get caught going through saddle bags.
But it's fun, when it's not bloody dangerous, and the loot isn't too bad, although they take some back off you for food. The trouble is, Haelan's skillset isn't as much in demand as he'd like. The Mages are always busy, the scholars and the Chantry folk are always bending over books. The soldiers are always being sent out for things, and the diplomats have got their work cut out for them.
Haelan and the other sticky-fingered, knife-wielding, quick-footed types are left to their own devices. Which... wouldn't be a problem, if they were inclined towards quiet hobbies that didn't disturb anyone else. Pranks are not welcome in the Courtyards, or in the rooms filled with bubbly pots of potions, lotions and ointments. Trying to ride the huge horses in the stable yard is also not approved of.
In fact, there's not very much to do, unless one of the important people want something. Oh, he could go on a mission, but... but those sound like a bit more than he can handle. And he doesn't want to fight monsters from the Fade right now.
He'd much rather get in people's way in the Gallows, until something entertaining happens. Unfortunately, he's far more likely to get caught up with something interesting opposed to something entertaining...
II
a: Kirkwall Lowtown
It's busy. That's how Lowtown normally is, especially when the markets open and it feels like all of Thedas has arrived to barter for fine dwarven crafts, direct from Orzammar. It's easy for someone to squeeze in between the stalls and crowds, unnoticed or at least, disregarded. Haelan knows there are a few of his brethren working the crowd already- they glimpse each other through the press of bodies, making sure they give each other space to work. No one likes competition. And no one likes having to flee to Darktown because someone else was stupid enough to get caught and you have to get out before the Guards arrive.
Normally, Haelan is the one getting caught, but this morning he's done rather well. There was a coin purse from some tubby Orlesian, a few coins left unattended by a stallholder, a few trinkets here and there.
He should quit while he's ahead. He should know better by now, but there's a woman just ahead of him in the crowd, and her satchel looks heavy- maybe with gold, maybe with expensive books or Tevinter treasure. Either way, he's like a moth to a flame, weaving through the crowd as he follows her.
b: Kirkwall Darktown
...As it turns out, the woman was a messenger for the Viscount, and trying to lift the contents of her bag had been a very bad idea. Haelan might not always be the best pickpocket, but he's very, very good at running away. And climbing away, when necessary.
Most people climb up, but in Kirkwall, climbing down is also a viable option. If you don't mind Darktown, that is. But when you have to choose between a whole pack of Guards wanting to make your acquaintance or Darktown... actually sometimes the Guards are the better choice.
As it turns out, today is one of those days. As he drops down into the squalor of the subterranean tunnels, there's a shout of recognition. "Haelan! You little prick!"
Haelan / DA OC
Working for the Inquisition is sort of a sideline. Well, sideline insofar that it's most like Community Service, because he was stupid enough to get caught going through saddle bags.
But it's fun, when it's not bloody dangerous, and the loot isn't too bad, although they take some back off you for food. The trouble is, Haelan's skillset isn't as much in demand as he'd like. The Mages are always busy, the scholars and the Chantry folk are always bending over books. The soldiers are always being sent out for things, and the diplomats have got their work cut out for them.
Haelan and the other sticky-fingered, knife-wielding, quick-footed types are left to their own devices. Which... wouldn't be a problem, if they were inclined towards quiet hobbies that didn't disturb anyone else. Pranks are not welcome in the Courtyards, or in the rooms filled with bubbly pots of potions, lotions and ointments. Trying to ride the huge horses in the stable yard is also not approved of.
In fact, there's not very much to do, unless one of the important people want something. Oh, he could go on a mission, but... but those sound like a bit more than he can handle. And he doesn't want to fight monsters from the Fade right now.
He'd much rather get in people's way in the Gallows, until something entertaining happens. Unfortunately, he's far more likely to get caught up with something interesting opposed to something entertaining...
II
a: Kirkwall Lowtown
It's busy. That's how Lowtown normally is, especially when the markets open and it feels like all of Thedas has arrived to barter for fine dwarven crafts, direct from Orzammar. It's easy for someone to squeeze in between the stalls and crowds, unnoticed or at least, disregarded. Haelan knows there are a few of his brethren working the crowd already- they glimpse each other through the press of bodies, making sure they give each other space to work. No one likes competition. And no one likes having to flee to Darktown because someone else was stupid enough to get caught and you have to get out before the Guards arrive.
Normally, Haelan is the one getting caught, but this morning he's done rather well. There was a coin purse from some tubby Orlesian, a few coins left unattended by a stallholder, a few trinkets here and there.
He should quit while he's ahead. He should know better by now, but there's a woman just ahead of him in the crowd, and her satchel looks heavy- maybe with gold, maybe with expensive books or Tevinter treasure. Either way, he's like a moth to a flame, weaving through the crowd as he follows her.
b: Kirkwall Darktown
...As it turns out, the woman was a messenger for the Viscount, and trying to lift the contents of her bag had been a very bad idea. Haelan might not always be the best pickpocket, but he's very, very good at running away. And climbing away, when necessary.
Most people climb up, but in Kirkwall, climbing down is also a viable option. If you don't mind Darktown, that is. But when you have to choose between a whole pack of Guards wanting to make your acquaintance or Darktown... actually sometimes the Guards are the better choice.
As it turns out, today is one of those days. As he drops down into the squalor of the subterranean tunnels, there's a shout of recognition. "Haelan! You little prick!"
Yeah, today is definately one of those days...