Stuck In Time With You

O2. Strangest, Strange, Stranger

I tore through the forest, as I carefully watched my own footing. Branches lashing at me like spiteful hands, while behind came the drumming of hooves and the tiresome bellowing of constables. They called after me, ordering me to halt. I could not help, but grin at their outrage. I had not the slightest mind to heed their commands — not when the sport was so delightful! Yet even I must confess, a girl can run only so far in a corset laced too tight. My eyes darted about the shadowed wood, and there — a sharp bend ahead, promising a nook in which I might vanish from their sight.

I sprang over and slipped into a hollow at the root of a great oak, half-hidden by the fallen earth near the turn. There I lay as still as the grave, while the constables drew near, puzzled and panting, for at last they had lost me. The clamour of voices and pounding of hooves vanished, replaced by muttered counsel as the poor fools conferred over my vanishing.

"Cheif, I swear she took this way — we had her in sight but a moment ago!"

"You dullards! You had but a single charge — to bring me that girl! And now you stand gaping like fools? Spread out, search the wood from end to end if you must, but deliver her to me!"

"Y-Yes Cheif! At once!"

    Thus, the gentlemen and their steeds did disperse through the woodland, abandoning the vicinity wherein I resided. I did peer forth from the concealed aperture in which I lay, assuring myself of their departure before emerging from the pit. I briskly brushed the dust from my skirts, a sly grin tugging at the corners of my mouth as I murmured under my breath, "Foolish constables, the lot of them." I sauntered forward, casting a quick glance over my shoulder to ensure the bumbling fools had indeed vanished. Alas, in my triumph, I failed to mind my path and collided—rather unceremoniously—with a young gentleman also attempting to reclaim his dignity from the cobblestones. In a delightful tangle of limbs and indignation, we toppled together, an accidental dance orchestrated by sheer mischief and poor timing.

    "Woah- What the- !!" The young man emitted a cry as his back met the unyielding earth. Our chests were pressed together, for I had fallen atop him. Hastily, I gathered my composure and rose, bolting upright, my instincts momentarily inclining towards aggression. For a fleeting instant, I deemed him to be a constable, yet as I observed his recovery—marked by evident vexation—I relaxed my posture. His attire bore an unusual aspect, and his countenance was unfamiliar to me; nevertheless, I felt assured that he was no officer of the law.

    "Pardon me—Sir.. But, Who might you be?" I inquired of the gentleman, maintaining a vigilant demeanor, for he remained yet an unfamiliar figure. He cast his gaze upon me for but a fleeting moment as he brushed the soil from his garments, his facial expression showing a slight annoyance.

    "Excuse Me—?" He regarded me once more. This occasion, his vexed demeanor entirely vanished, replaced by a confused and shocked facial expression as he beheld me and my attire. For a brief moment, we stared at one another in utter silence.

"Are you quite alright there?" I ventured, breaking the silence as I stepped ever so slightly closer. Before I could utter another word, the distant yet unmistakable sound of horses' hooves and the authoritative calls of constables reached my ears, clear despite the expanse that separated us. "This way! I believe I spy her yonder!" called out one of the Constables from afar. Without a moment's hesitation, I seized the gentleman's arm and hastily took flight, urging him along with determined strides. He appeared bewildered, clearly uncomprehending the situation at hand.

    "Who are you!?" The gentleman inquired as we persisted in our flight. I cast a glance behind me at him, perplexed, whilst also ensuring that the constables were not gaining upon us. They drew nearer, yet still preserved a considerable distance behind us.