Aidyla

Twisted Tales

Alex shrugged, his lips curling up into a sly smile.

Robin shook his head, Alex always denied the crime. Even before he was going to do it. "Well, you might as well take the rest of this season's pears." Robin mentioned in casually, his hand swishing the lemonade in a circle. "I don't have enough to sell them to a grocer anymore. Besides, it looks like the black market appreciates them more anyways." He raised the drink to his lips, chugging the last half of it. "It was nice seeing you. Thanks for the cash." Robin set the glass on the stand besides him. "I think I'm going to take a walk." He stood up.

Sometimes when Robin wanted Alex to take a specific something, it just worked out like this. He would mention it, and then leave allowing Alex the time to snitch it. Alex was funny that way. Wouldn't take gifts, he'd only steal things. He had been walking a couple minutes when he heard two people arguing. "You can't just leave me here!" A girl's voice shouted.

Robin adjusted his path to that he was headed towards the voices. Just in case this somebody did leave her.

Twisted Tales

(Meet Robin Piro. Strong magic supporter and avid gardener. From the story: "How the Beggar Boy turned into Count Piro")

Robin wiped the back of his hand across his forehead, merely smearing the sweat and dirt. It was morning still, but already it had grown so hot.
"Any chance you would have a glass of lemonade for an old friend?"
Robin looked over his shoulder to see his best friend walking up the long dirt road. "Would that friend happen to know what happened to a large crate of pears that had been by the front door as the friend left two weeks ago?"
"Even better." Alex replied pulling a bundle of money from his raggedy coat pocket. "He has his share of the earnings."
"Figures." Robin stood up, wiping the grass from his breeches. "Let me go get some lemonade."
Minutes later, both men were sitting in rickety chairs on the porch, overlooking Robin's little farm. It wasn't much, but it was beautiful. At least, that's what Robin thought, Alex was probably racking up the price values of each blade of grass.
"You know I did you a favor." Alex said, breaking the calm silence, and handing Robin a wad of cash. "You make a lot more selling your magical fruits on the black market these days. What with everyone going on magic free diets."
"Next time, just ask first okay?"
"Deal." Alex's eyes shifted nervously.
Robin took a sip of his lemonade, ignoring Alex's twitchiness, just for right now. One of the mint leaves was floating at the top. He picked it out with his fingers, smelling its sharp fragrance. With a quick flick, he tossed it back into the yard. "So... what are you planning on stealing from me this time?"