Explanation

Author: Seth

"They say a picture is worth a thousand words. I say an experience is worth a thousand explanations."

Much to his simultaneous delight and chagrin, there was much Enya found new and amazing, and he often ended up gazing like a bedazzled tourist at anything and everything when his unit patrolled the city.

“Enya, could you keep your mind in there here and now, please?” Kuroga asked patiently.

The half-elf shook his head and looked at his Unit leader with a sheepish grin. “Sorry, it’s just all so… different from what I’m used to.” He admitted, rubbing the back of his head.

“Better get used to it fast or you’ll be returning to base short half your gear after each patrol.” Masatora chuckled, keeping his eyes peeled, yet remaining relaxed as they strolled the streets of Argenfluo.

“What do you mean by that?” Enya asked curiously.

“I mean,” Tora grinned, “that you should probably keep a closer eye on your stuff, especially while we’re in the city. Doesn’t your hip feel a little light at the moment?”

Enya’s brows furrowed. “I’m sorry, I’m afraid I don’t follow-“

“He’s saying someone stole your purse.” Kuro took a left turn towards the bazaar.

Enya’s hand shot to his right hip, and sure enough the small pouch of coins was gone, two neatly severed strings the only testament that it had ever been there in the first place.

“How-? When-? Why didn’t you tell me?” Enya gabbled, mortified that he’d been so oblivious.

“I did. Just now.” Masatora grinned before taking pity on his friend and addressing the green haired boy’s intended query. “The same reason mothers might let their children burn themselves on hot stoves; you learn better from experiencing it first hand.”

Despite the friendly ‘lesson’, Enya still burned with embarrassment and pointedly fixed his gaze on the surrounding crowds, intent on fulfilling his duty to the fullest. It wasn’t long until his sharp eyes picked out two children, a boy and a girl, neither of whom could have been older than six, sneaking a loaf of bread from a cart when the baker was unawares.

Thankful to have something to do, Enya strode forward, intent on stopping the two thieves. He hadn’t gotten more than two paces before a hand closed around his wrist.

“Why are you stopping me? We’re here to arrest criminals, aren’t we?” The red eyed boy asked Kuroga.

“Is it the two kids by the cart?” Enya nodded. “That baker’s got a soft spot for orphans. He’ll turn a blind eye to a missing loaf of bread or a pair of loitering kids every now and again.” The raven haired boy let go of his friend’s wrist.

“But why doesn’t he simply give them some bread?” Enya asked, gazing curiously at the baker whose smile grew just a bit warmer as the two children ran off with their loot.

“Because he’ll draw every beggar within a five mile radius if he does.” Tora replied quietly, watching the kids run off. “He’s a kind old man, but he isn’t a saint.”

“Is this… common?” Enya asked. “This… veiled generosity? For example, is that another act of kindness?” The half-elf pointed out a fruit stand from which three boys were purloining apples.

“No,” Kuroga shook his head, his pace quickening, “no that’s an actual theft.”

Enya shook his head as he sped up to keep pace with his comrades. This city was a completely different world compared to his life at the Guild. Bustling crowds, constant (low-level) paranoia, and disguised intentions surrounded this place and he was having a hard time telling what was what.