Marjorie
*The day had once again started as the merchant city of Kadho had started another early morning hustle and bustle among its merchants. Whether it was getting new stock for their stores, preparing themselves for the next customer or very simply just doing a quick tidy of their work quarters, those who proven themselves as a merchant within the bustling space of the city moved around like clockwork.*

*For Bella, she was no exception. Whilst adventuring was still something she had wished to do, goals still clear in her head, work in the family apothecary was far from nothing that she was opposed to. After all, it was the most reliable way to put food into her stomach and then some. With duty cemented with her role as a merchant, she opened the door to the Gladstone Apothecary, admiring the glistening array of herbs, potions and vials on clear display, some concoctions safely tucked behind glass cases and some protected with cork stoppers.*

*It felt good to be back in her store, even if it was only to take a short break from her adventures.*
Donald
*The merchant city. A place of opportunity for many; but not just in the way that many people thought. While most would think of becoming a merchant and selling their wares, others thought of stealing from them. They were rich enough, weren't they? Just a little bit here and there wouldn't cause them to starve. On the other hand, a few coins was enough to buy a day's worth. Another day of life, more sand in the hourglass.*

*A small, cloaked figure stalked the busy streets. Unlike many other thieves, who would use their cloak and dagger to plunder mercilessly, Auburn only took enough for herself and a couple of others. And never harm anyone. No killing, unless absolutely necessary.*

*The Gladstone Apothecary was her next target. With shining windows of glass and colorful potions all around, it was likely that there was a stash of money lying around. The smaller girl let a couple customers enter first, making sure to take note of any transactions so she could find where the money was, and carefully entered, making sure her hood was off.*
Marjorie
"Ah, yes! Greetings, and welcome to the Gladstone Apothecary! How may I help you?" *As soon as the first few customers walked in, like a machine did Bella spring into total action, her kindhearted nature glistening through a sweet smile and a gentle voice as she introduced herself to her customers and listened to their various needs.* "If you're looking to travel out, may I recommend a few Healing Potions or a Coldsumer? Any adventure worth their salt says not to leave home without them!"

*Within no time at all, the talented merchant managed to score herself a few successful deals. She didn't argue, she didn't dare speak back. She merely gave recommendations, good advice and did it all with a smile as she glided across her store... Which was when she suddenly bumped into Auburn, the two knocked shoulders together gently.*

"Oh, pardon me." *Bella said, before she bowed her head at Auburn and moved towards her back office...*
Donald
*Coldsumer. 25 SP. Healing potions. 100 SP. These were so commonplace that Auburn had memorized their prices. Something that many couldn't afford. A single potion's worth could feed an entire family for weeks if rationed properly. The merchant appeared to be a young girl, with sweet voice and gentle smile. No wonder she was able to get good deals. She doubted an older, uglier person would be able to as effectively sell her products. The charm of a young girl wasn't just something the merchant had uniquely though; Auburn had used it a couple of times herself to get away.*

*As said merchant bumped into her, Auburn quickly took a step back to regain her balance as Bella apologized and moved into a back office. Saying nothing, Auburn's sharp eyes recognize the entrance. Quietly, almost matching Bella's pace, the rabbit would sneak behind her. Surely this would lead to the stash of money she sought. Her boots were soft, hiding the sound of footsteps on the floors. Bowing down slightly, she stayed out of sight, hiding behind shelves and objects alike.*
Marjorie
*Comparatively, Bella's own choice of footwear was louder amongst the floor, her heels clacking quietly with every stop as soon she approached the lockbox that Auburn had solely desired - for purposes that Bella was none the wiser about. Even in the midst of her work, the merchant had a cheerful spring in her step, humming a simple tune to herself as she pulled a key out of her person in order to open the lockbox, storing her valuable and hard-earned money there. It opened easily, and as soon as Bella had placed the many coins she gathered, she immediately locked it before she walked back into the store floor, where yet again she would return to the routine of her work.*

"Thank you for shopping at Gladstone Apothecary! Enjoy the rest of your day!"
Donald
*A lock. Classic. A tool many merchants used to protect their money against the like of thieves like herself. But Auburn had found a way around them.*

*Hiding to make sure she wasn't seen, Auburn procured a set of lockpicks, beginning to work as soon as Bella left the room. Find the teeth, lift them up one by one, quickly, before she returned.*

*Before long, Auburn had unlocked the lockbox, and carefully scooped some coins into a small bag. She didn't take everything, though a large portion of what Bella had made today would have disappeared. About half. Afterwards, the rabbit stands up and places her hood over her head, slowly walking out of the back room.*
Marjorie
*During this time of which Apricot made an attempt to lockpick and pilfer Bella's valuable goods, the unaware merchant was very much busy with her own work, as expected. As the clanking of metal quietly sounded within the lockbox, talking was heard, however it seemed to be nothing special. The run of the mill conversation between a merchant and her customer had occurred yet again, a soft voice echoing through both parties as they made business happen.*

*But then disaster seemed to strike in an unexpected way.*

"You're looking for that? Ah, don't you worry. We don't keep those on store shelves, but we most certainly have them on stock. I'll be heading to the back office to grab it for you, so please. While you wait, feel free to continue browsing for anything else that grabs your fancy." *Bella said with a sweet smile as she turned off and walked right back into her office... Noticing the hood-wearing rabbit girl on the other side of the open doorframe, as she was leaving.*

"Oh... Good morning." *Bella could only say, immediately looking a little confused.*
Donald
*Was she supposed to be back this early?*

*Auburn looked at the store owner straight in the eye, panic almost running through her. She had been caught, and it was time to get out of here.*

"H-hi there."

*And like a flash of lightning, Auburn runs past the merchant girl and out the door, out onto the cobbles and almost losing her balance, before regaining her composure before attempting to lose the owner in the streets.*
Marjorie
"Agh! A thief!" *Bella quite expectedly exclaimed, as she had witnessed Auburn running out, right past her. She no idea what she was doing inside of the back office, let alone what she had done back there, but she needed answers. Thankfully, there was enough time for Bella to close and lock the door to the back office before she took off into the streets herself, hands on her long skirt as she darted forward in search for the thief.*

*Also gratefully for the merchant, she had already witnessed who the culprit was prior - once by accident and once on the reveal. The brown hair, and the rabbit ears... It was something to keep in mind as Bella raced through the familiar streets, pushing her body in order to chase after Auburn.* "Wait! P-Please! Stop!"
Donald
*Breathing hard, Auburn darts in between people. There was no way that Gladstone would be able to follow her.*

*Except that she was keeping up the exact same pace as she was. Looking back, she saw the merchant girl follow her while holding up her long skirt. Was she that weak that just some ordinary store owner could keep up with her?*

*Regardless, Auburn continues to run, looking back occasionally and apologizing to people she almost crashed in to. What had seemed different though was that Bella was pleading her to stop, instead of cursing her out. Maybe she wasn't like the others. Regardless, she had to escape in order to use this money to help others.*

*Then a wrong turn was taken, and Auburn ended up in an alleyway with nowhere to go.*

"Shit-"
Marjorie
*Even Bella couldn't even figure out how she was managing to race after Auburn, who at this point clearly seemed to resist given how fast she was also running. She just knew that she had to catch up to Auburn, and her feet - while more suited to moving around a store slowly than anything intense like running - listened to her. Soon, she would encounter Auburn dead in the alley way - however, it felt like she was in the wrong position. Bella expected that she would be cornered in a dark alleyway one day, but as it turned out, the shoe was on the other end of the foot.*

*Thankfully though, her intentions were not malicious.*

"Uhm, excuse me..." *Bella said, her voice having far from any hostile intentions... She still had no clue what Auburn was capable of, and she didn't want to make things worse with a dagger plunged through her chest.* "I must ask, what were you doing in my family apothecary?"
Donald
*Turning around to face her pursuer, Auburn quickly moves a hand to her hip, ready to draw a dagger if necessary. It wouldn't take much to deter her; just a small trip at the foot and she could escape it.*

*But she didn't seem to be bad. In fact, she was... Asking questions? Nicely? If Auburn had been a more predatory criminal, she definitely would have stabbed her by now. Why give her this chance?*

"I... Was taking money?"

*Auburn wasn't sure what else to answer. It's not like she could think of any other reason why she was running; it was obvious she was stealing __something__.*

"Why aren't you contacting authorities right now, or trying to take me down?"
Marjorie
"Well... It feels a little too rude to ruin the livelihood of another by throwing them into the law... You probably had a good reason to do so, but I want to know what you did and why." *Bella responded with a frown. Given her kind stance and her appearance which made her visibly seem like little of a threat, it was still a surprise that she managed to catch up to Auburn in the first place. Heck, even Bella had a bit of shock as to how she managed to keep up.* 

"I just want to hear an explanation. Normally when one wants to steal from a merchant here, it's a bigger business, or one that has less security."
Donald
"....I want to help others."

*Auburn seems to relax, her hand moving to pull back her hood. Now that she was standing still, the rabbit's clothing could be seen much more easily. Somewhat clean, but worn and obviously reused. Small patches existed where the clothing had holes. Even her soft boots looked incredibly degraded, barely hanging on.*

"It's not much, right? It'd suck to lose a bit, but for others, this will last them for weeks. And to be honest, your lock wasn't very secure."
Marjorie
*Bella could only frown. Less at the fact that her in-store security wasn't as secure as first thought - then again, a simple lockbox filled with the earnings protected by nothing but a simple lock was probably the explanation as to why. But more towards the truth of things. It was right that Bella did help to run and sustain a business, and that it did cost money, but what she earned was a little more than enough to keep her afloat. She gave a sigh, before she looked over to Auburn.*

"I will be honest... I don't oppose that statement. You're correct that I'd lose a bit, and giving them such will help them significantly more but... Stealing isn't the way to go around it, as much as they'll be grateful. Doing a bad deed to perform a good one doesn't cancel each other out, or clear your conscience."
Donald
"If stealing isn't the way to go about it, then what is? I'm willing to take that burden. I'm fine with being the bad guy if it means others survive. It's not like the rich are just going to *Give* Their money away. Instead, they'll just take more and more and more until there's nothing left!"

*Auburn's voice raises in anger as she pushes forward her ideals. She hated the fact that she had to steal in order to survive and give to others at the same time.*

"I can't work! I'm too small, too weak, and too unskilled to do anything. If I wanted a true job, I'd be penniless as I was before. This is the *Only* Way I can help them."
Marjorie
*Bella remained firm as she suddenly took a step forward towards Auburn, not looking pleased at all by how stubborn the woman with the rabbit ears was acting. Suddenly placing a hand into the pocket of one of her own satchels, the merchant procured a small handful of money that she had on her person. Nothing massive, obviously. But handy if one ever had wanted to go out and do a bit of shopping out in Kadho, to keep the rich economy of the republic flowing like wine through a river.*

"At times, all you need to do is to ask and state a reason as to why you need the money. You do not need to jump through hoops taking everything people own because you can. Charity is by far not the most effective method, but there are people out there that are more than willing to help when needed."

*Suddenly Bella would take another step forward, clutching onto the coins before she opened her palm for Auburn to willingly take from her.*

"Don't think that you are forced to become lonesome just because you have this goal to provide things that are desperately important for others. At times, you merely need to ask others for help, whether it's monetary, or it's to learn something new. Even if it's just a simple question, it may go a long way."
Donald
*As Bella takes a step forward, Auburn instinctively took a step back. Then, as Bella brought out the money, the rabbit blinked in surprise.*

*She had just taken something from this woman, and now she was giving her __more__??!!*

*Hesitantly, the thief reached her hand out, like a timid bunny moving closer to nibble on a carrot. Visibly nervous, Auburn slowly closes her hand on the pile of coins, then pours it into the bag she had.*

"But... Why? I wronged you, why do this for me?"

*Confusion. Anxiety. Happiness. A swirl of emotions mixed in Auburn's mind like spices being added to a soup. But one flavor shone out far more than the others.*

*Hope. Hope that there truly were good people in the world. The rabbit got on her knees, holding her hands up, tears streaming down her face.*

"Thank you! I have to repay you, someday! How can I help?"
Marjorie
"It's not me that you need to repay."

*Bella had said, once again making the attempt to remain as firm and as strong as a woman as she could, even though with her kindred appearance as a merchant that wasn't the most simple thing that she was actually capable of. Nevertheless, she looked over at the emotional wreck that Auburn had become in response to her kind act, moving backwards to give the rabbit woman a bit of space before she rested her hands on her lap.*

"Just because you've wronged me doesn't mean that you're undeserving of aid. I'm afraid that it's true, there are people out there who probably need the money more than I do, especially considering how the family business is faring even during my absence..."

*Bella gave a sudden sigh, before she continued.*

"Normally I would be fine with you repaying me, with something along the lines of a fair business transaction where both parties get a good deal - but this is not a business transaction... It's charity. I don't expect you to repay me, I just want you to become better as a result of this."
Donald
*The rabbit looked up, confused. Then, she realized what had just happened. Bella was truly a force of good. Much more than she could ever be. Normally, she didn't look up to anyone. No one truly understood the lower levels of society; and those that did were fighting viciously for their own survival. Ms. Gladstone truly was an exception.*

"This money... I'll use it well."

*Auburn stands up, with a fresh determined look on her face along with a smile.*

"Thank you. For just... Being a good person. And understanding. But now that it's come to this, I feel the need to buy something from your shop. I need a couple of potions anyway."
Marjorie
*A prideful smile wafted over Bella's face as she looked at the gracious Auburn who had seemed to be apologetic. Admittedly, she had not intended to manipulate the poor rabbit woman into providing for her own business - but truth was, she had already given out a decent amount of money to her, and if she were to spend said money - it would most likely come at a bit of a loss for the merchant lady who stood before her. But it was no matter. The business was still steady and in the end, sometimes money needs to be spent in order to make more.*

*But at this point, she pushed her business to the wayside. She had her own goals, but she was more than happy to take some time off just to help another in need.*

*As her eyes gently glistened, she would suddenly extend her hand over to Auburn.* "Then please, let us commence business. This time as merchant and customer, not as victim and thief. What is it that you're looking to do within your travels anyways?"
Donald
*Auburn took the merchant's hand, firmly grasping it for someone who wasn't that strong to begin with. The rabbit's eyes sparked like shining amber as she receives Gladstone's graciousness. To her, she might as well have been a goddess.*

"I'm just hoping to help people who need it. I experienced great poverty when I was young, and still do. I just try and get them things they need, even if it's only for a day. My hope is that I'll be able to make an impact, even just a small one."

"As for the potions, I'm looking at maybe Coldsumer and some health potions for when I get injured. The... Guardsmen tend to not like it when I take things."

*Auburn's ears flattened slightly at the mention of the guards, and she begins to rub her fingers together.*
Marjorie
"I can appreciate that." *Bella said in a respectful tone of voice as she kept a slower and steadier pace, a little surprised by Auburn's tight grip but welcoming it nonetheless.*

"It's why my family opened the apothecary business here, to provide something to the world. These days however, it feels like one's actions can become more and more insignificant in the grand scheme of things..."

*As she continued to talk mid-walk, Bella's gentle face seemed to look a little more... Worried.* "Perhaps that is why my sister acts the way she does. She's a talented chemist and mercenary, with plenty of ambition in her eyes. She wishes to make a difference within the world, but perhaps the family business was holding her back... Perhaps I was."

*That was when Bella's heels clacked to a halt, as she took a step back and bowed towards Auburn with a frown.*

"My sudden apologies. It's a little unbecoming of me to suddenly mention such personal ordeals when they mean absolutely nothing for you."
Donald
"Just another pebble on the riverbank. But enough of them can make an impact, and one hurled in a sling can make enough of an impact."

*Bella had a sister? It seemed that the apothecary looked up to her... And doubted herself. She saw the mountain her sister had climbed in becoming a mercenary, and couldn't think of climbing it herself.*

"Your business is making a change, I'm sure of it. These potions can save lives."

*Auburn blinks in surprise as Bella clacks her heels together and apologizes unnecessarily. Was there something wrong with mentioning personal details?*

"It's fine, there's nothing to be sorry for. I have 17 siblings... Or at least, I had. I don't know if they're still alive or not."
David
"I haven't seen my own sister since the day of which she had left the Apothecary, in fact..." *Auburn was right. Bella's sister Jasmine was but a large mountain for the otherwise plain merchant to try to conquer in her own right. But with what Bella had faced in the past, and what little she thought that she was capable of on her own, she just didn't have any faith that she could do any of it.*

"I doubt that she is gone from this world, far from it. She's tougher than she seems. But you can understand me when we have others that we look up towards, correct? She left partially because of the job, but also because of myself... We love each other dearly, but... I only hold her back. It's why she wants me to make more of myself."

"Whether or not you're the inspiration or you've found an inspiration, it's tough to understand that you can't surmount what standards that your hero has set for you. She's a mercenary, a trained chemist and a worthy adversary for any trained warrior... I'm just a run-of-the-mill lady here in Kadho. Our blood is the same but our lives are so vastly different..."
Donald
"Family... Is hard to deal with. Especially if they don't share the same views as you do. But you're comfortable with her, and I'm sure you'll be able to reach a level she's at, even if it's not the same thing. I hope my siblings become better than I am. Maybe one will study hard and become a doctor, or learn a useful trade, like you. I'm just a girl who runs with a couple of knives."

*The rabbit gave a sigh, seeing the obvious depressive cloud over the two's heads. It's just how the world worked; some people were just cut out to be better at things than others. Bella's sister seemed to be capable of great things, strength and intelligence mixing to create a chemist __and__ mercenary. Auburn could only dream of even Bella's skillset.*

"I don't think you're just run of the mill. Not everyone's smart enough to make potions; I haven't the slightest clue on how they work. It seems that you're faster than you seem. You kept the pace easily with me, and running's one of my 'strong' suits."
David
*At first, Bella seemed surprised at the notion that she was being **Complimented** For her talents of all things. Being a merchant in Kadho was otherwise run of the mill, and she definitely wasn't the best one to begin with. Her being seen as fast though? That was the kicker. Bella rushing into action never really was her thing - but as reality set in and she remembered that she caught Auburn, it only remained even more of a shock.*

*At Auburn's eyes, she looked a little nervous... Doubtful, maybe. But without a question asked, she was not in a comfortable place in spite of her skills. She was just trying to figure out any more possible excuses she could have made to downplay what she was able to do but the proof very simply was in the pudding. All that she really could say as she fretted about was a mere* "I just know my way around the city, and any other apothecary could probably make potions better than I..." *From her mouth. She was modest, to say the least.*

"And least you have with you the initiative to do something good for those of whom you care about."
Donald
"You took the exact same path I did. No shortcuts. I saw."

*Though she wasn't exactly the best at getting a hold of other people's thoughts, Auburn could sense the many excuses that Bella was using. She herself had used many like them in the past, when she had been seen walking away with baked goods to feed her family.*

"And don't downplay yourself with being the worst. Once, there was a boxing match I happened to pass by. One guy was getting beaten within an inch of his life. After the fight, I went up to him, to see if he was ok. The look in his eyes showed that he could probably kill me right then and there if he wanted to, even if he just got beaten by someone else."

*The rabbit placed a reassuring hand on the apothecary's shoulder.*

"Just because you're not the best at something, it doesn't mean that people don't see you as trash. It just means there's room to improve."
David
*Bella couldn't help herself but to slowly relax as she felt Auburn's hand upon one of her shoulders, as if it were her elder sister reassuring her after a bad day of work. While the situation was barely comparable; Auburn certainly wasn't a calm but stern Mentian lady - it absolutely did seem to have some sort of affect on the woman who stood before Auburn. She would then take a step back, almost stumbling backwards before she regain her sense of balance, sighing. It was almost unbelievable that this was the same lady who had managed to chase Auburn down with haste, but it really was the case.*

"Sadly I am unlike the pugilist you've mentioned in your life experiences, my friend. The most I could likely do if I were to hit you is to merely slap you across the face and even then, it's a little shameful for me to do it."

*As she explained, Bella couldn't help but to let out a giggle to herself.* "During my childhood, I once struck my sister in that same fashion... But instead of her crying in pain I was apologizing profusely after I had realized what I had done. It's just not in my nature to harm... I appreciate the company and compassion of others too much."

"However... I guess you wish me to give credit where credit is due. It's not often that a merchant manages to catch up to a thief in the bustle of a city, probably less so that things result in a positive outcome for both parties. So... Thank you."
Donald
"To be honest, a slap in the face would probably be enough to stop me. I don't take hits very well."

*The now flustered rabbit knew that she didn't take hits very well; she had once collapsed completely from a sprained ankle. If she took something harder, she might just blank out from the pain.*

"That sounds like something I'd do! The worst I'd done is knock some people over, or toss a couple things as distractions. Though I did clip someone on the face once... I still feel bad for that."

*A laugh comes out from the rabbit as well as the two familiarized themselves with each other, far more alike than they once thought.*

"It was luck, really. I was doing what I always do, and I just happened to run into you. If it were anyone else, things could have been much worse. But... I guess some things have a silver lining after all."
David
*As she had witnessed Auburn's clear laughter towards the shared topic of slapping, Bella recalled a rumor that had been circulating around just through word of the commonfolk... It was not entirely something that she knew about, but it was worth a shot to talk about, after all.*

"You know, I hear that battles through slapping are how some noblewomen actually solve serious disputes or arguments. Two women stand face-to-face and attempt to strike each other until one backs down. Neither cannot move from their position. They may evade and even counterattack with slaps of their own, but if a step is taken away, then it is seen as cowardice. This is all just a rumor I've heard, but it's not entirely something I wish to find out myself, for obvious reasons."

*Placing a hand to her chin in thought, Bella would then shake her head.* "Perhaps it is luck that we did meet then. For both our sakes. For a thief your intentions and wishes are very selfless, and it's clear you're not trying to cause any harm. At a later time, perhaps it would be for the best if I did assist you in your endeavors."
Donald
*Covering her mouth, the rabbit can barely hold her own laughter, buckling over. The thought of two noblewomen, who so often thought themselves as high above the common peasant, fighting face to face like two wild rams butting heads.*

"Ah-I feel bad for their makeup-oh nooooo!"

*The rabbit's expression changed from laughter to pleasant surprise once Bella offered to help her. An apothecary, helping her, a thief, of all things. She couldn't believe her eyes; she had rarely been helped before, and it had mostly been physical, such as when she had sprained her ankle.*

"Helping... Me? With the poor? You would do that?"
David
*Hearing Auburn's laughter on the topic was more enough to cause Bella to quietly giggle herself in response, clearly finding it to be rather silly in spite of the act of violence that was rumored to occur. It was none of her known business anyways, as much as Bella knew that she herself was on the bridge between commoners and those who were in the upper classes.*

"I do not see why I can't assist you, Auburn. I have said before that I'm looking to spice my life with a little adventure, I may as well do it through means that better the lives of others, don't you agree? Besides, it's a step in the right direction, especially if I already seem to know my place around Kadho. I will say this, however - I am not a guardian angel of any sort. As much as I insist to aid, it is still something to keep in mind that me being a merchant and apothecary only makes me able to do so much."
Donald
"At this point, you might as well be. I don't care if you're only an apothecary; your help means everything to me. Before, I used to move around from city to city. But maybe I'll stick around in the area."

*Despite Bella selling herself short, Auburn's beaming face was as clear and bright as sunshine. She began to wonder if maybe she could get others to join her in her goal of helping those who needed it. Extreme poverty was an issue she had faced; others did not need to suffer as she had.*

"How's the bakery over here? That's the main place where I source most of my help."
David
"You're not incorrect. Even the smallest of hands can prove the ample difference between life or death if one is capable. But cooperation is certainly powerful if my experiences with my sister have proven themselves already. I wouldn't be where I am if not for her."

*With humility still in her tone of voice, Bella slowly couldn't help herself but to smile back at Auburn's bright beaming grin as they continued to walk.*

"Oh, the bakery? Well, I've been there several times already as a part of my weekly shopping, I didn't know that you were using it as a 'base of operations' of sorts though. It didn't look nearly as shady as you would think whenever I was purchasing a nice roll for lunch..."
Donald
*Hearing Bella talk about her sister so highly, Auburn wondered what her siblings thought of her back home. The food she had brought had allowed them to survive throughout harsh winters and years of starvation. But perhaps they were now suffering because she was gone? Or perhaps her parents had made her an example of a criminal? If they were alive, that is.*

*Auburn's grin becomes meek as the apothecary called it a 'base of operations.*

"Well... I would call it more of an 'unwilling supplier'"

*She was not, in fact, in partnership with any bakery. Instead, she was hated by them for stealing bread, even the cheap ones.*
David
"An unwilling supplier..."

*Bella knew all too well what that meant if Auburn was being considered as 'unwilling' when it came to being a supplier. Thoughts of how the rabbitfolk was likely forced to steal if she wanted to survive the next night. She very likely was caught on an occasion or two, or so Bella had guessed, if there was a poor renown towards her and the likely baker who prepared their goods only for them to be taken away without as much as a fair business transaction or even donation.*

*It was only enough for Bella to release a disappointing sigh. It was but another issue it seemed she had to deal with, even if it was at a later date.*

"That would explain a lot. Judging from what you've asked, you would request for me to purchase some food for your friends and family?"
Donald
*The rabbit nodded. She was not popular among bakers; oftentimes she was caught and had to run, which she nearly almost always did. Sometimes she would be lucky enough to find the throwouts from last night because they were too stale to sell. Other times she went hungry; not because there wasn't food she could steal, but because she would give it away.*

"I... Don't steal for only myself. I distribute it among the people who need it. The homeless and hungry, people who need the food."

*Bella seems to accidentally strike a tender spot with Auburn, as she flinches at the mention of friends and family.*

"I... Don't have friends. Not many, anyway, and I don't have much contact with them. Not that they need it anyway. And for family... I'm not sure if I have one anymore."
David
"... I get your plan then. It's also why you're grateful to have someone else help you out, is it not?" *Bella responded. Auburn's reluctance to steal from the bakery due to a negative reception was more than enough to tell her the whole story. She was caught stealing, and it was more than enough to be seen negatively by those who had owned the bakery. Auburn needed someone else to be in her stead. Someone else that could have been seen as more trustworthy. And for a woman who blended into Kadho's merchant culture almost perfectly, Bella was strangely one of the best women for the job.*

"I apologize though if I did strike a nerve, however. All I can assume is that you wish for me to help you acquire the bread for those in need, correct? I should still have some spare money by my side which I can use. Or if you're so desperate, I will keep a blind eye just this once so I can distract the baker or any other vendor for you to steal. But for just this once, I'll repeat."
Donald
"I am. It's difficult to do what I do, but I know it's right. Even if it's wrong in the eyes of most."

*With Bella by her side, Auburn could conduct her operations properly. Whether legally or not, the apothecary would be of great help to the rabbit. Auburn's only worry would be the association; Bella dealing with a criminal could be detrimental to her. As of now though, she hadn't made enemies with these particular town bakers yet.*

"It's fine, it's a normal question to ask. But I don't want to associate you with me if I'm stealing. I can take the stale rolls and buns; things that the baker can't see. But they probably won't give it away for free."