The noise filling the air from the crowds bustling among the market streets of Naveh was somehow simultaneously a pleasing background noise, and also entirely overwhelming for the many visitors and tourists to the city. The vibrant colours from the market stalls banners flapping in the dry desert breeze accented by the flow of colourful pedestrians and their equally colourful garb created a shimmering river of colour along the streets. Remi and Nee'la, a roaming pair visiting from Mireh, sat in a booth atop a balcony restaurant overlooking the bustling streets below. Nee'la was playing with her mug between her claws as she was already looking for vantage points and hiding spots in the streets; her mate however, he was significantly less keen on this activity.

"Nee'la, my dove, are you absolutely sure this is a good idea? I mean, what if our actions here have dire consequences for the clan that took us in?" His piercing green eyes held worlds of concern that his voice tried to convey.
"You worry too much, dear." Nee'la responded without taking her eyes from the streets, and her potential targets. "Our contact will be here soon. And besides, there will be no issues if we do not get caught. That is why we await the teacher to guide us."

Their contact was a Xunari who went by the name "Hamster", and besides the location of where to meet them, the name was the only information for identifying Hamster either Remi or Nee'la had for the individual. However, despite Hamster's alleged proficiency in the slight of hand, Remi had his doubts weather this meeting was indeed legitimate, or part of some elaborate con or worse, a sting operation by The Department of Inhabited Planets. Releasing a resigned sigh, Remi finally decided to stop questioning his mate. Besides, they had already come all this way for them to meet with the mysterious Hamster, they may as well see it through to the end - he thought to himself.
"You are right, seeking out… professional help was the right course of action." Remi conceded, knowing Nee'la loves being praised.
"Better than going in blind, dear." Nee'la agreed, hiding her happy embarrassment at the compliment from her long-term partner behind a little verbal jab. Remi smiled, knowing he got her.

Despite the pair having plenty of time for beverages at the balcony establishment, it was not long before a hunched over Belemoid, draped in a dirty green cloak, sauntered past their booth.
"I am but one shadow." She muttered softly, not stopping her stride. Remi would have missed it if Nee'la did not flounder out a response.
"A shadow unseen, but foretold."
This earned Nee'la a gruff sound from the Belemoid who sat in the booth behind her. Without turning around to face them, she started to speak freely.
"I am the Shadow you may call Hamster." she began "I will guide you. Meet me in the alley beneath us in one hour." Nee'la went to reply, however Hamster started to cough whilst gently shaking her head. "Leave now."

Taking the instruction, Nee'la spoke pointedly and almost awkwardly at Remi "I think we should go have a look at the market now." as she stood up stiffly. Remi felt bad for Nee'la and her barely contained excited awkwardness, however alarm bells started to yell in his mind about what others would think if they saw her.
"Good idea, dear." He agreed, standing and taking her hand in his and patting it gently. Remi basically led Nee'la through the restaurant, thanking the staff as they left and complimented the drinks appropriately. He could feel Nee'la shaking, but did not acknowledge. Clearly, Remi would need to be the calm and collected one throughout this exercise.

-

The pair stood in a tense silence among the high walls of the alley they awaited in. As the blistering Issiq day went on there were no signs of the bustling market slowing down as a constant stream of patrons walked, laughed and bartered their way to a good deal whilst stall holders and farmers peddled their wares, shouting out their special deals and advertising their wares in the hope to relieve the patrons of their coin. Funnily enough, Nee'la thought, herself and the merchants were not so different for that same hope.
Remi and Nee'la had walked the market streets among the brightly coloured banners and fascinating sights, smells and sounds whilst awaiting the arrival of the Belemoid they had met earlier - Hamster. During this walk they both took note of the lay of the land and the streets, trying to suss out where good hiding spaces would be as well as the all important post-snatch escape route.

As the time drew nearer, Nee'la began to fidget as nervousness started to take over. This moment was one she had been dreaming of for so long, and now it was about to happen all thanks to the mysterious Hamster. Despite her distracted movements, Nee'la felt a strange but subtle tug at one of her satchels which caused her to swiftly unsheathe her hidden blade and hold to against a foreign clawed paw before her head even had the chance to turn to look. As she did, her stern gaze met that of the cloaked Hamster who had a momentary flash of surprise on their features which was quickly suppressed.
"H-hams-" Nee'la started, pulling away in surprise, but was interrupted.
"Well done. It is rare for someone to have such sensitive senses. I accept you as my charge." Hamster praised as they pulled away from Nee'la's side.
"Wait does that mean-"
"Yes. I will teach you."
This confirmation sent Nee'la into a barely contained excitement, which finally tipped off her mate Remi that something was going on.
"Wait, who... what is going on?" Remi finally turned to face the duo - a baked sweet being shoved carelessly into his maw betraying his reasoning for being distracted until now.
"You on the other hand..." Hamster looked Remi up and down pointedly "You will need more work."