Forbidden Love

Another Day, Another Steal

Jumping over the latest excretion to be thrown out onto the streets, Adrien chanced a quick glance behind him as he ran in search of freedom. He was faster and more agile than most of the Lord's knights — his lack of armour definitely a positive in this situation — but that didn't mean they were any easier to escape.

"Get back here, you Skamelar!"

Another quick glance had Adrien almost crashing into a market stall as he continued pushing forward at an increasing speed. This was the longest they'd ever chased him. Maybe the Lord had decided to make a show of him.

'The Bearded Baron' — town highwayman and wanted outlaw; not that he had a horse or any other means of transport. It was just him, his skilled hands and exceptionally fast feet. The last thing he'd want, or need, is to get caught.

No one knew his name or identity and his main aim was to keep it that way.

"Come on!" he pushed himself. "Keep moving, Agreste, keep... moving!"

Jumping over the next object that got in the way, a flat bed on wheels; he took a sharp turn to the right down the closest alleyway, before switching to the left and continuing on. He was in the narrow streets of the City now, verging on the city limits, they couldn't keep chasing him much longer. Could they?

Another bucket of fluid came flying out the window, causing Adrien to press his back hard against the timber frame of the house and avoid being covered in waste that would take him at least a week to clean off — especially if it landed in his beard or long, curly hair.

Adrien knew this place like the back of his hand. Every crook, cranny and hidden alleyway was his domain. He could even put the rats to shame, which right at the moment would be his saviour.

Quickly turning down the joining alleyway, Adrien came face to face with a dead end... the wall he swiftly needed to climb if he wanted to escape the knight and keep his life. A soft meow above his head made him smile. There, on top of the wall, was Plagg — a pesky black cat who Adrien adored. The cat meowed again; a call for Adrien to climb. No one would go near this cat, his black fur a sign of witchcraft and bad luck, all the better to protect Adrien from unwanted trespassers.

Turning to face the mountain of brick, he tucked the two stolen goods into his waistband and jumped. His height was a key advantage to helping him grip half way up the wall. His feet struggled to gain friction as he pulled himself towards the top, a low guttural grunt leaving his lips in excursion.

"Stop! By order of the Lord."

"Forget that," Adrien hissed to himself, finally finding footing and scurrying to the top of the wall. Once stable, he turned to face the Lord's knight's and smirked down at them. Success!

"Get down this instance!" The lead knight said, his team coming to a halt behind him. "Any further, boy, and it'll be more than the stocks for you! Now come down here and take your punishment!"

Adrien had to give it to them. Being able to chase him whilst wearing all that clobber was quite the feat to be proud of, and the head knight... whatever he was receiving in exchange for his service needed doubling. The blue haired guy didn't give up easily, Adrien thinking his personal aim in life was to catch this cheese stealing nightmare.

Adrien stroked his scraggly beard and raised an eyebrow. "I've considered your very generous offer and unfortunately, I have to decline."

With a quick salute, Adrien jumped backwards off the wall and landed in the pile of straw below. Shaking his head and re-coordinating himself, could hear the disgruntled groans of the knights on the other side, a small chuckle leaving his lips as he listened in.