Crow watched the interaction between Hartley and his father with interest. The boy mentioned something about losing an apprenticeship. He wondered if that was what he had been talking about the day before when he had mentioned he had a reputation as a screw up. The thief felt an unexpected pang of empathy for the kid. While he had learned from a young age not to care about the opinions of others, it was still tough to live in a world where nobody approved of his lifestyle. He was sure there had been many people in his own life who had believed he was a ‘screw up’ too. For Hartley to have heard such a thing from his own father must have been world shattering.

As Hartley turned to walk away from his father, Crow followed after him without hesitation. If he had been in that situation, he would have done the same thing. He hung back slightly while Penelope attempted to cheer the boy up without much success. In the end, she suggested that they take a break to eat the food Lorelle had given them.

“Good idea,” Crow nodded in agreement. He trotted up beside Hartley as they made their way over to the tree Penelope had indicated, taking his shot at trying to liven the boy’s spirits. “Hey, kid,” he slung an arm around his neck. “Remember what I told you yesterday?”

“I’m not in the mood to reminisce,” Hartley grumbled, trying to wriggle his way out of the older thief’s grip.

Crow clicked his tongue, “That’s too bad, because if you want your freedom back, you’re going to have to refresh my memory.”

Hartley struggled against him for a moment longer before he finally gave up. “You said not to care about what other people think,” he muttered. “But this is different! He’s my—”

“No ‘buts,’” Crow interrupted, forcing the boy into a tighter headlock. “Sure, he’s your father, but that just gives you all the more reason to prove him wrong.” He stopped walking, taking on a more serious tone. “You’re not the only one who’s been condemned by his own family, kid… My father disowned me before I was even born.” At his words, Hartley stopped struggling and grew quiet. “Look, I know it’s rough, having to shoulder the weight of knowing your own flesh and blood is looking down on you, but you can’t let him rule your life like that.” He released the boy, giving him a shove to make him stand up straight. “So, next time you cross paths, I want you to square your shoulders and look him in the eye. Tell him off if you have to, but do it proudly. You told me yourself: You’re a successful thief. You have nothing to be ashamed of.”

Hartly stared at him, taken aback by Crow’s speech. “Thanks,” he said after a moment. “I… I needed to hear that.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Crow rolled his eyes. “Don’t start getting sentimental on me now. Come on, let’s go eat.” He headed for the tree again without waiting for the others.