The beginning of a plan

"I'm just saying, things would be far easier if we simply stole from the middle class, and left the nobility out of this!"

"But this is far more enjoyable!" Sparrow quipped, thoroughly annoyed with her sister's 'practicality'
"Besides," she continued "nobody ever became a great thief by taking only the simple tasks. And, how often does one as common as I get the chance to dress up as a noble?"

"I suppose..." Gale sighed.

The piratical sisters have taken a temporary home in the city of Tai'Shunn, where they originally planned to rest in comfortable beds. But when Sparrow learned of the vast richness of the areas nobility, she simply hadn't been able to resist another of her schemes.
This time, however, she would have to stay completely sober. Which would be difficult, to say the least.

"I'm going clothes-shopping. Would you care to join me, sister dear?" Sparrow asked, wishing to make amends.

"No! You go and get yourself arrested, I'll have no part of this. I have a date with John tomorrow anyways. I need to get myself ready." Gale 'harrumphed', and left Sparrow alone.

Sparrow sighed, slumping her shoulders, then sneezed as her long brown hair tickled her nose. Without her sister, this would be even more difficult. But, there wasn't a challenge Sparrow couldn't overcome! She would just buy a dress, so Gale could join her later, if she wished.
But, first thing's first: Sparrow needed gold. And no purse would be safe from her sneaky fingers.


It took longer than expected, but soon Sparrow had two hundred gold pieces assembled, and another dilemma.
If she bought herself a dress like a noblewoman, it would surely be several hundred gold pieces. However, if she bought men's clothes, she would have to carefully bind her chest tightly, perhaps even buy a corset! Then there was the problem of her long hair, which was surely un-gentlemanly, but not long enough as befitting a noble woman.
Sparrow twirled a lock of hair between her fingers as she considered what to do. Then, she saw a barber's shop. An idea sparked, and she entered, seeking an old friend.

After her visit to the barber's shop, and missing several inches from her length, Sparrow looked for a suitable men's tailor. After finding such an establishment, she entered, and prepared to deepen her voice.

"Can I help you, Sir?" The gentleman behind the counter asked.
"Indeed, good sir." Sparrow replied "I have been summoned to appear in court the week after next, and I find myself without suitable clothes. Seeing this fine shop, I had hoped a tailor of your repute would be able to work a miracle." Sparrow gave a slight bow as she finished, hoping she had fooled the man.

"Hmmm…" The tailor circled Sparrow, his eyes searching her height, as well as guessing at her measurements. Sparrow had to keep from blushing, as his gaze went over her newly wrapped chest, but he seemed not to notice anything amiss.

"Very well, sir. I do believe I have something that should fit you. Please follow me."

Sparrow nearly punched the air in her triumph, She did it! But she was a long way from the grand courtrooms of the Duchess Contessa's home. And she had two weeks to learn to be a gentleman!
But for now, this was a grand challenge.