Agnes was desperately in need of something fun and pleasant to clear her mind and let her go worry-free for a day or two. God in heaven knew that she now actually reasons to worry, instead of the old and probably insignificant guilt and paranoia. Her appearance clearly showed that life had not been kind to her over the past few weeks of aimlessly wandering Adesia. Her curly hair was dirty and matted, her skin was dull, and her clothes were torn and dirty. Worst of all, she was beginning to think that she was also getting thinner and wasting away.

Oh, but none of that was going to ruin her day! A pleasant warmth and brightness came back to her face, and her stomach was full. Admittedly, it was full of stolen food, but that was the best she could do. Today had also brought a valuable lesson: stealing was much easier when you could get lost in a crowd. Agnes no longer felt alone, tired, hungry, or penniless. How could she when there was so much joy around her?

She hardly paid any attention to the actual goings-on of the tournament. It had been rather amusing at first, but she found that it soon got a bit boring. Besides, the crowd was interesting enough by itself. She wove in and out of the endless sea of people, trying to take in as much as she could, playing the quiet observer. Agnes found that it was most interested in listening in on the conversations of those around her. She was deeply engrossed in one pair: a man trying to woo an uninterested woman when it was called to her attention that maybe she was not so skilled at getting lost in a crowd.

"Oy! There she is, the little thief!"

"Christ no!" Agnes whispered before mentally scolding herself for talking like that. She bolted off at once, going as quickly as her tired legs would allow and not caring who she had to push out of her way. This would not end well at all.

After the news of an upcoming Tourney had reached the duchy of Pemberton, everyone in court had been in a flurry to prepare. Helen had stayed back longer than most, lingering to toss some coin to the performers and to see their lasting performances before they packed up for the week. Some would probably travel to the Tourney to perform for the king, while others would wait until the majority of the court people would travel back, since most of the performers' income came from the money given by travelers and Pemberton's own court lords and ladies. Helen had been prepared to stay back in Pemberton, that is, until a week before the Tourey. On the Monday when all performers packed up, a letter had arrived addressed to her, sent from her beloved mother and father, who had invited her on a family trip to Sapphire City for about two weeks, to witness the Tourney and to explore beforehand the Sapphire City itself. With the call of adventure and travel on the wind, Helen could not possibly refuse. Plus, she had not seen her family for quiet a while, and if she had it was never the six of them together. On that short travel, though, they could finally be together.

Two days later her family had arrived at court in their family carriage, ready to travel on to Sapphire City and the awaiting Tourney. Although most would see it boring to be in a carriage not only for house, for days, but Helen saw it as a blissful time and memory. There had been so much to discuss between the six of them; so many stories to tell, that none of them had noticed four weary days of traveling pass away in the blink of light. Nor had they noticed the horse that stank of sweat, or the driver who was unbearably rude.

Although they had stopped for three of the nights to stay in inns along the roads, Helen felt like she hadn't gotten near enough outside time. So she was glad to be out and about, stretching her arms and talking to ladies and lords that she recognized. Only days before had she arrived in Sapphire City, and she was already loving it. She had explored the streets and had even met some of the dukes and duchesses, who had arrived earlier as well. The day had dawned early, and the Tourney was set. Although she herself had a likeness for archery, there was none showcased here today, although fencing was, and that was also a sport she deemed a likeness to. So because of this, Helen had found herself wandering quiet a lot, bored of the matches of that evening.

"Thief! Thief! Helen heard a distant cry, and a running figure through the crowd. She was a kind-hearted person, and she knew that many people had to steal to survive. She couldn't exactly blame a girl who was as thin as a stick and dirty to the bone to steal a loaf of bread or some carrots... god, girls needed their nutrition! Although stealing was not the best solution, it was better than dying of hunger. Helen was thinking this thought when she saw the running figure near her. 'Well, why not?' She asked herself. Helen had decided to help the thief; the woman, and she had nothing better to do, anyway. Perhaps she could spare some coin for the woman to eat so she wouldn't have to steal for a day or two. "Young miss! Come here!" Helen did not yell out too loudly, but made sure her voice reached the running thief. As to not look like someone who was going to bind the thief woman, Helen held up her skirt and curtsied, an invitation to come with her. She looked at the approaching figure and winked, pointing sideways.

Agnes instinctively stopped when she heard the stranger's voice. Was she talking to her or to somebody else? She did not need to waste much time figuring it out, for the young woman's gestures were obviously directed at her. Unfortunately, stopping to think at all seemed to turn into a mistake. Her pursuer was catching up, and he was beginning to figure out her attempted method of escape. He too dashed through the crowd, wove in and out, and pushed aside anyone in his way.

There was a split-second decision to be made, and Agnes decided to take her chances with the lady. She ran the short distance to where the stranger stood, desperately hoping that this wasn't some sort of terrible trick. Agnes dashed to where she pointed, but then she stopped abruptly and gave the other woman a confused look. She could not figure out what she was expected to do next or where to go. This longer stop also made it obvious through her short breath and pounding heart that her frail body was not well suited to long bursts of physical activity.

"Thank for that," Agnes said quickly and softly. Her body told her to rest for a bit, but this time she obeyed her mind, which was telling her to keep running like a madwoman. After one final glance at the woman, Agnes took off again, but she did not get far. She had barely gone a few feet before she tripped and took a nasty fall. This had to be some sort of divine punishment.

Helen smiled kindly as the thief approached, but soon saw the danger only lurking so far behind the thief; the person of authority who was running after her. Though the man was a bit plump, he was quick on his feet, and if the thief only made one mistake... well, it was certainly over for her. Helen had decided that she was going to help out the thief, and as a lady she kept most of her promises. It was not a promise said out loud, but a promise that Helen had made to herself as she had seen the thief approaching her, and even though she had no witness to keep the promise to, she was still going to pull her own load. It was now or never. Commoner, servant, lord, duke, or duchess; it did not matter. When one was in need, they were in need. And by the looks of the thief, Helen was sure that a day in the gallows was not going to do her any good.

Helen was about to reach out for the woman, to give her a small nod and show her the way to safety, but it seemed that the thief was intent on running away; fear of getting caught urging her on. And that was her mistake, there, turning around too quickly and running too desperately. And by the sounds of her breathing, for Helen could hear them since she was not too far behind, this woman needed some good rest before going for another speedy escape anytime soon. She quickly formed a plan in her mind, watching out of the corner of her eye for the man of authority. He was quick to approach the thief. Before it was late, still unsure of what she was doing... before she knew it, Helen had stepped in front of the man.

"Ah, I am sorry, my lord," Helen said sweetly, gluing on a fake smile onto her face. She curtsied gracefully, sweeping her skirts up to her knee. "It seems that my maid has gotten herself in trouble once more. She is but a commoner, and you know how they are. I guess she has trouble remembering her manners." Helen spoke the fake words gallantly, glancing back at the thief with fake disgust. The man looked her over, his eyes tracing her figure. She tried to hold back her disgust. He looked unsure, so Helen got out her purse. "How much food did she steal? What was it worth?" As the man told her, Helen reached into her small purse, brought out a few coins, and handed them to the man. Seconds afterwards, he said, "Well, all right, young lady. Just make sure your maid here does not get herself into anymore mischief." Helen nodded solemnly, waiting for him to leave. He finally did.

After the whole scenario was over, Helen approached the thief. "Are you all right?" She asked kindly.

For a moment, Agnes laid still on the ground, nearly frozen with fear. Though, it was not long before she heard the voice of the stranger who tried to help her, and she tried to allow herself to feel a bit of hope. Agnes slowly got back up to her feet and nervously watched the two strangers bargain with each other. She stood still, heart racing, and waited. Time seemed to slow down to a painful crawl.

Agnes felt greatly relieved to hear that the other woman's words had been believed. Her perception of time went back to normal, and she was no longer quite so nervous. However, her body was not so quick to go back to its normal state. Her heart was still pounding rapidly, even though it had no reason to. Agnes quickly tried to brush the dust off of the front of her dress as the woman turned to speak to her. Though it probably made little difference.

"I'm fine, I think," she said softly. "And thank you."

ooc; wait, did you want to end this?

Helen eyed the thief up and down, her eyes taking in the poofy hair, the dirty clothing, and the scraped knees. She did not like the look or feeling that she got from the thief - as if the woman had not been fed in quite a while. Or perhaps it was only a perception of the mind, made in a situation such as this one? Helen looked down at the thief, still laying somewhat sprawled on the floor. Reaching out a hand, she nodded as if to reassure her to no harm would be caused - though Helen was not cause harm to anyone. Especially people who she saved - in a manner, of course.

"Are you sure you're all right?" Helen asked, her hand still outstretched; a friendly expression on her face. "Will that loaf of bread be enough? Or do you wish for something more to eat? It's on me, of course, if you are hungry -" Helen paused, adding, "I'm sorry if making you pose as my maid - even for a second - made you uncomfortable. It was what needed to be done." Her hand still out, she brushed down her skirts with the other, for a thin layer of dust had decided to gather on the edges. Much to Helen's annoyance, of course.

"I am Lady Helen Mochrie." Helen smiled, added, (trying her best not to be too formal), "It is a pleasure to meet you." Looking into the streets, she wondered if the woman was alone - or if she perhaps was with family here, trying to provide for them. Or maybe she was simply a pickpocket - did it really matter, though? Although Helen had a tight purse, she would help whoever was in need without the slightest moment of doubt. And the woman in front of her seemed to be in need of some food - and a new set of clothing. And making friends had never made any harm, had it?