Sierra and Henry

“Everybody's a sucker my dear.”

Sierra listened to her father's words well. For they always imparted precious wisdom.

“Really Papa?” Sierra piped up, her ears twitching in anticipation of the coming explanation.

“Certainly! All they need is the right push is all.”

Sierra tilted her head to one side in confusion. “Push?”

Henry could see his daughter's confusion on the matter. “Sierra my girl, you have to understand that that humans are a curious lot. They may run things but their minds are easily swayed by good words.”

Slowly Sierra began to understand. Her father being the smartest kobold she had ever met (and the only one besides her mother for that matter), so her trust in him was impeccable.

“For example, strolling up whilst they're not looking is all well and good, but that takes years of practice. Sometimes a word is the key to their wallet's heart.” Henry turned his attention to an invisible partner. “Excuse me good sir, might I say that is a fine hat you are wearing.” He spoke. “Now that in of itself is a good opener, but the reaction will vary depending on the person. Sometimes the individual will great you politely while others will coldly rebuke you. This is more likely in humans than other races. Regardless, this leave a perfect opening to reach into their pockets.”

Sierra's eyes widened with amazement.

“Now Sierra, I want you to try and steal my wallet.” Henry instructed his daughter placing said wallet in his coat pocket.

Turning around, the elder kobold kept his eye away from his daughter. Sierra waited for a moment, expecting some new twist, but nothing happened. Henry stood there, not caring about his surroundings and periodically looking at an invisible pocket watch. Slyly grinning, the young pup tiptoed very slowly towards her parent. Not making a sound, taking extra care not to breath so heavy, just like she was taught. Her furry claws reached inside the coat, slowly and carefully concentrating until she felt the leather of the wallet. In a sudden spurt her concentration fell when a firm grip pulled her arm. For a brief moment Sierra was frightened, but nonetheless knew she was in no real danger.

“Not quite my dear.” Henry stated.

Sierra looked up with a pout. “But I did everything you told me!” She whined.

“Yes you were careful, but you weren’t fast enough.” Henry lectured.

Sierra looked downward with a disappointed whimper. It seemed that her father's lessons were not getting through to her.

“Sierra.”

She looked up and her father knelt down till he was at her eye level. Compassion filled his eyes and a little smile beamed at his daughter.

“Sierra, a Valgez never gives up. Just keep trying and you'll get it.”

Immediately, Sierra rushed her father with a hug, momentarily surprising the kobold.

“Love you Papa.” Sierra said.

Henry wrapped his arms around his daughter. “Love you too my sweet.”

As the hug broke away, Henry noticed a new change in his daughter. He had expected a smile and indeed Sierra was smiling, but there was a certain mischievous glint to it. Then he saw it, right there waving in his daughter's grip.

“Like you said Papa, everyone's a sucker.” Sierra boasted holding the wallet up.

Chuckling with pride, Henry couldn't help but say. “That's my girl! A scoundrel like her old man ha ha!”

Likewise, Sierra snickered.