Street Rat Reading Circle
"You what?" Patch asked, incredulous, pausing his work nailing a panel closed to stare over his shoulder at her.
"I want to teach Rin to read," Lapis said, arms folded, chin jutting out.
"He's a rat."
"He deserves a chance to get off the streets. Not many in the Grey and Stone Streets know how to read, so it will put him in a better position to get a decent job when he's old enough. And if I get Rin to join a reading circle, so will the other rats."
Patch set down the hammer, planted his hands on his thighs, and rose. He dusted his palms on his rear before digging into the front of his shirt and pulling out his change purse. "Alright, here. I don't have much, but this should get you a book or four." He tossed the bag to her. She caught it, felt the change inside, and smiled.
"Thank you."
In this document:
Rin
There once was a boy named Rin. Unknown parents, unknown age; he was in his early teens, he knew that. He was smart, funny, a kid other street rats adored, and not just because he could pick a guard clean without the man the wiser. He helped others as best he was able. He had so much potential--potential draining into the gutters of the Grey and Stone Streets because street rats lacked opportunities given to other kids.Lapis
There once was a girl named Lapis. Chasing under the guise of Lady Lanth, she became known in the Lells, an outdoor market where the street rats congregated. She saw them, even gave them bits for info, saw their wasted potential, and felt helpless to make changes. She was fond of one particular rat named Rin, who had yet to successfully pick her--and he desperately tried. He had slipped into her life, and she wanted more for him than the streets offered.An Idea
More meant an education. Not that she had many teacherly instincts, but she would do what she could to pave the way for Rin to learn to read. Few in the Grey and Stone Streets could, and that would give him a boost when looking for work. She bought five introductory books with the funds Patch provided, and carried one to the Lells with her. It had pictures of knights in battle--and simple text. She sat at the back of a stall, opened the book, and pretended to scour the pages. Rin's curiosity stampeded over him, and he joined her. And they read the book together. He picked up reading far quicker than Lapis imagined, and through his efforts, she understood what worked, what didn't, and brought those to the other curious rats who wanted to know where Rin spent his evenings.
The Circle
Tantrums were thrown, frustrations abounded, successes celebrated. Rats came and went, but a few stuck around; Rin, Lykas, Jandra, Heran. Younger rats noted the older ones' interest, and joined them at the reading table. Rin's constant presence drew even the reluctant in to see what was what, and his enthusiasm to learn brushed off on them and kept them returning to the circle. Dachs helped grow the circle by letting more urchins than the reading rats crowd the table during adverse weather. He even discounted food Lapis purchased for them because the hungry did not learn as well as the full. And, much to everyone's surprise, the rats learned to read.
Others of the Grey Streets took note of Lady Lanth, the chaser teaching steet rats to read. They donated books, discounted or donated food, provided supplies like paper and ink. The Grey Streets, as tough as they were for adults, were terrible places for children--and good samaratins did what they could with the little they had.
Another boon that Lapis gave that few others realized, was to protect the reading circle from shanks who meant them harm. Kidnapping street kids for nefarious purposes was common, and Lapis told the rats that, if they became uneasy, to get to the Eaves. She would protect them. The regulars saw an opportunity to help, and often took it upon themseves to convince a shank the rat they targeted was not worth the effort.
Rules
- The reading circle is for reading and learning. Materials will be provided by the Lady
- The Lady will do her best to give interested rats a personal help session each night they attend
- Bad behavior will get one kicked out of the Eaves until said behavior improves
- Share books, slates, chalk, ink and paper. Waste is a quick trip back to the streets for the night
- Don't steal supplies. Rin will steal them back--and who really wants the most curious rat there is to dig through your personal stuff?
- Wash before you read. The Seven Gods' Temple laundry left soap and water out for the kids, and they should take advantage of that
- Motivation is up to each rat. The Lady won't force anyone to do anything, but benefits of the reading circle (like a warm meal) are for those who study
- Jilvaynan first, Lyddisian second. Knowing how to read both is best
- Benefits:
- Warm meal while studying
- Help with clothing and necessities when needed
- Help with doctor's visits when needed
- Lady will vouch for you
Dachs, as long as they did not make his establishment smell like the streets, did not care how many urchins crowded the back corner table. In time, he sectioned off three tables against the wall that divided the back staircase from the rest of the tavern and declared them the Reading Circle.
The regulars got used to the rats, the rats got used to the regulars, and many a night was spent with good-natured back-and-forth between them about passages the rats had read in their books.
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