Fortunately, he was able to find her fast thanks to the ruckus they caused as they ran and tumbled without care. Unfortunately, she wasn't too happy that they were able to meet that fast.
As Lisette and Doctor Sue made their way back through from the narrow streets, a familiar voice called out to them, "Well, if it isn't the siblings!"
They turned to see Rosalind approaching,with a basket filled with fresh vegetables cradled in her arms. She paused, her eyebrows lifting in surprise as she took in their dusty appearances, a scowl still lingering in Lisette's eyes, who was still pale from all the excercise she did under the effects of adrenaline.
"Rosalind!" They greeted with a smile, trying to maintain some semblance of dignity despite their state. "Good to see you again."
"Good to see you too! But my, what happened to you both?" Rosalind asked, a mixture of concern and amusement in her tone. "You look like you rolled right out of a dust storm!"
Lisette couldn't help but scowl again in her head but her demeanor immediately replaced under Rosslinds' concerned eyes. She smiled wryly :"Yeah, well, we just had a little chase with a thief ."
Trying to sound casual on the matter.
"Chase?" Rosalind echoed, her eyes horrified in worry, she looked at two from head to toe. " That's too exciting!"
She commented squatting to Lisettes'eye level, looking at her dishevelled state, she tried to chide but she was a stranger in the end.
"And, here I thought you two were just enjoying a peaceful afternoon."
"Peaceful? Hardly," Doctor Sue retorted, chuckling awkwardly, he combed through his hair crossing his arms. "I was ready to catch that guy, but instead, he left us in a mess. I can't believe I let him get away!"
"Ah, first chases can be quite the adventure," Rosalind said, her tone sympathetic.
"You two are too brave to keep up with the thief."
She smiled lightheartedly, seeing the siblings still hale and hearty after giving a hard chase.
"Brave? Maybe. Embarrassed? Definitely!" Lisette muttered, rolling her eyes. A bit cute for her size even with her rolling doe eyes. Clearly indignant:
"I've never been so humiliated." Her voice snarky and her arms crossed, lips pouting in annoyance and regret.
Rosalind just smiled, truly finding her temper bouts cute and adorable.
Doctor Sue chuckled softly, stepping in to diffuse the situation. "Well, it was an unexpected turn of events, to say the least. But we'll be more prepared next time."
Rosalind tilted her head, her expression turning more serious. "My husband is the chief of guards, and even he comes home looking like this sometimes—after chasing down troublemakers. You've got spirit, you two. Don't let one mishap get you down."
She said trying to liven things up.
"Spirit, huh?" they muttered, shoulders easing as they accepted the encouragement or just shrugged in acceptance to not be disheartened by what happened. Guess I'll have to find a way to show that thief what I'm made of next time, Liz thought.
Doctor Sue, on the other hand, was still stuck on a realization." Excuse me, Mrs.Rosalind, could you help us in catching the thief?"
"Absolutely!" Rosalind agreed, her eyes sparkling with warmth, guilt and sympathy.
"Don't worry, I'll ask my husband to help you, and catch that unscrupulous thief!"
Her tone beaming with vigor and arms raised in propaganda. She reached into her basket and handed them a small apple. "Here's something for your bravery. A little fuel for the that daring adventure."
"Thanks," They gratefully said, her smile returning as she accepted the apple, feeling all their tension washaway as they took their first bite.
With a knowing nod, Rosalind continued, "Just remember, every adventure has its bumps. You'll only get better from here on out." Waving her index finger like a wand.
"Let's hope so," Doctor Sue replied with a hint of amusement, glancing down the street where the thief had disappeared. Next time, we'll make sure we're not the ones covered in dirt.
....
They thanked Rosalind for her company before they moved somewhere more secluded and continued their conversation.
"It's the least I can do," Rosalind said, her kindness shining through, but with an underlying seriousness. "It's not every day that travelers face such misfortune, especially in our town. My husband may be the chief of guards, but even he can't catch every thief."
Doctor Sue nodded, appreciating her honesty. "We understand. We were just caught off guard, I suppose."
Rosalind leaned in slightly, her voice lowered as if sharing a secret. "If you ever need a place to rest, you're more than welcome at our home. It's important to look out for each other, especially in times like this."
Lisette, feeling a spark of hope, responded, "Really? That would be amazing!"
"Absolutely! Just let me know when you'd like to come by," Rosalind said, her demeanor both welcoming and reassuring. "I enjoy having guests, especially those with adventurous spirits." She winked at her last words with a bit of mischief to Liz who grinned wildly not denying the claim.
As they exchanged grateful smiles, Doctor Sue felt a sense better than before or maybe a sense of camaraderie with this kind stranger. "Thank you, Rosalind. We'll definitely take you up on that."
Seeing that they didn't seem to hate the idea, Rosalind gestured for them to follow her, her tone shifting to a lighter note. "Come on, let's get you both something to eat and rest. I know the place!", she winked at them.
With renewed hope, Lisette and Doctor Sue followed Rosalind, feeling lighter despite their earlier misfortune, reassured by her kindness and understanding.
As Rosalind continued on her way, behind her back, the "siblings" talked.
Lisette felt a newfound excitement bubbling within her. "Did you see that? She really likes us!" Her voice was bright, but her posture remained regal, chin slightly raised, and hands clasped delicately in front of her.
"Yes, she does," Doctor Sue replied, a self-satisfied smirk spreading across his face. "And who wouldn't? I mean, look at me—charming, brilliant, and utterly disarming."
Lisette rolled her eyes, a smirk tugging at her lips, though her expression remained poised. "Right, because getting caught by the owner of the clothesline is a real testament to your charm. What a grand display of charisma, Doctor 'I-Almost-Let -Thief-Get -Away.'" She leaned closer, her tone dripping with sarcasm as she whispered, "Maybe charm should come with a warning label—'handle with care, results may vary.'"
"Hey, that was just bad luck!" he protested, brushing off her jab with an air of gentlemanly composure, despite their ragged appearance. "It's like the universe has it out for me today. I'm a magnet for misfortune." Actually, ever since I was born, but Doctor Sue looked away denying any possibility of his jinxed fate.
Lisette let out a laugh that rang out like silver bells, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh yes, my apologies for claiming your thunder and being the brave young lady in pursuit of justice while you were busy charming the lady whose clothes you were enamored with." She leaned in closer, lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "Honestly, with luck like yours, I'd be afraid to get too close. Who knows what kind of trouble you'll drag me into next?"
Doctor Sue feigned offense, his posture straightening as he maintained a gentlemanly air. " luck and enamored with who?" He denied.
"My dear Lisette, I could have swept that thief off his feet even without luck. It's not my fault the universe seems determined to thwart my every move!" His eyes straight, posture correct and looked serious but it only made Lizette gape as she tried to repress the spilling laughter at this absurdity.
"Luck or not, we still lost all our money," Lisette pointed out, her tone sharper as her brow furrowed slightly.
"But hey, at least we found a place to stay." Doctor Sue gestured toward their Rosalind, his fingers shooting through the air pointedly looking at the warm house, betraying his underlying anxiety.
"True," she conceded, his smugness giving way to a more serious note. "A place to rest is a relief after that chase. Just wish we weren't so broke."
"Ah, the joys of adventuring on a budget," Lisette sighed, her eyes narrowing with playful cunning hidden by her fake tearful look. "Perhaps next time, we should bring hide a coin or two instead of just your dazzling looks." She whispered, "At this rate, we'll be living off scraps unless you figure out how to be less of a walking disaster."
"Touché," he admitted, laughing, but a flicker of genuine admiration shone in his eyes. "But for now, we should savor this little victory and not dwell on our empty pockets."
"Agreed. Let's relish the moment before our misfortunes catch up to us again," Lisette said, her graceful demeanor returning as they walked side by side, head held high. "And remember, if you trip into more trouble, I may have to reconsider my admiration for your 'charms!'" Her voice dropped to a whisper as she added, "It's hard to admire someone who seems to attract bad luck like flies to dung."
"Fair point," he replied, not denying the accusations with mirth dancing in his eyes as they strolled onward, their laughter mingling with the sounds of the street.
Rosalind tried to repress her laughter fleeting through the wind to her ears but she didn't mind it. She didn't mind this.
Though their clothes were dirtied and their hair disheveled from the chase, they walked with the poise of those from noble households, limping forward. It was a funny sight as they bantered and acted like that the whole time.