Penelope looked at William as the knight assigned her to get the supplies that hadn’t been able to retrieve. She gave a curt nod of agreement before Hartley intervened with his knowledge on how women weren’t allowed without an escort. The knight raised an eyebrow at Hartley as he sauntered up to her side, eager to volunteer to accompany her. For a brief moment, she was hopefully that Crow would be allowed to go with her instead, however, William quickly shut that down. 

She didn’t protest and merely shrugged her shoulders. “Alright.” She said with a small nod to William before reluctantly turning to Hartley. “Let’s get going.”

The knight turned to head off with the younger thief following closely besides her. She side glanced over at the thief. “Have you been in this town before?” She asked as she looked around for a store. 

“I passed through it once.. I think.” Hartley said and turned to grin at her. He was clearly giddy at the chance to be alone with Penelope. “But don’t worry! I think I’ve already spotted a shop up ahead. So what’s on the list?”

“Medicine. Food. Basic supply stuff.” Penelope replied. She looked ahead to where Hartley had pointed out the store and set off in that direction.

“You’re sure in a hurry today!” Hartley chuckled as he followed. “Let’s slow down. Take our time away from everyone else.”

“I doubt William would like that very much.” Penelope said rolling her eyes. “He’s already in a mood because of what happened yesterday.”

“True enough.” Hartley laughed. “You should have seen it! Those two were really entertaining. Of course, neither of them were as amazing as you fighting the other day.”

“Thanks.” Penelope mumbled. She looked over at the annoying young thief and tilted her head slightly. “What I can’t understand is why you’re still pursuing me after yesterday. You know I’m a knight now and I even agreed with William yet you haven’t given up in the least.”

Hartley blushed a bit at her and put on a charming smile. “Well I don’t give up easily.” He said softly, taking the moment to lean in closer to her. “Just because you feel one way now doesn’t mean I can’t change your mind.” He added with a wink. “And I’m very determined to do just that.”

Penelope blinked, freezing slightly. Though she held no feelings for him, she had to admit that was one of his better tries at flirting with her. She let a sigh and shook her head. “You’re a stubborn one kid.” She mused as she walked ahead to enter the shop. “Let’s just try to be friends first, alright?”

Hartley seemed to pout slightly. “I guess.. But that doesn’t mean I’m giving up!” He declared as he followed. 

“Of course not.” Penelope said rolling her eyes. Boy this kid was a stubborn one. 

The two went on to shop without much trouble this time. Though, Penelope did have to stop Hartley from stealing some small trinket that had caught his eye. Luckily for them, no one else, including the shop owner seemed to notice. Once they had finished their shopping, Penelope and Hartley headed out to join back up with the others.