Robin Hood, his Merry Men, Maid Marion , her Merry Maids et all. a rooftop event

[prometheus 2]

Narrator

Our story opens mid morning on a misdsummers day, early in the twelfth century A.D. at the Bears Breath tavern a half days travel from Nottingham, It is relatively quiet as most of its guests have continued their journey to or from the city having spent the night enjoying the hospitality and security of this fine establishment.

It's a fine day to be sure, the sun is shinning brightly and there is no sign of trouble or tribulation in the air... but then, one cannot be sure as in between the inn and Nottingham ,Sherwood forest stands and if trouble were to start it would be here in this place and in these times .

 

[Subo97]

Alan A Dale

Alan A Dale strirred as the mid morning sun shone on his face. Stirring in the straw beside the hearth, he began to rub his face, trying to awaken his ale fogged brain. He had apparently come to rest by the hearth after a long night of drinking, wenching and story telling. A rattling from behind the bar jarred his nerves and he looked over to see the beefy barman stacking tankards beside a keg of ale.My good man, he called out,have you seen my lute?

Aye, Alan, I saw it go into my pocket for ale, that which didn't go down Maisy's bodice

Alan groaned,Not my loot, man, my lute The barman simply gaped with incomprehension. Odds bodkins, man, are you as thick as your mistress's stew? My instrument, it's the only thing I'd not trade for ale or a peek under Maisy's skirts The barman nodded and reached under the bar to pull out Alan's lute. Alan took it and digging in his pocket for his last copper, asked the man for an ale. A hair of the dog to ease his throbbing skull.

Sitting at a table by the window, Alan stretched his feet upon a stool and waited to see what the new day would bring, strumming a few simple chords. Perhaps a merchant or a rich churchman on their way to Nottingham would pass by. Robin would be happy to hear that. Fat purses rarely made it all the way through Nottingham forest these days. Alan lifted his own empty purse. Apparently his own hadn't made it through the night, but the ale was good and the wenches had been willing. It was enough to make any man merry.

 

[Steiner]

Loud booted feet rang on the wooden boards that made the doorstep of the Bears Breath. A harsh voice called out "Way! Way there for his excellency the Sherrif!"

Two hard eyed Normans in Chainmail and conical helmets entered. Their swords weren't drawn, but their body language gave no doubt that such an eventuality was not far fetched.

The muted chatter of the Inn died away as the man in question entered the inn. The Sherrif, Lord Robert de Rainault, was a man of many contradictions. He walked with all the swaggering assurance of any Norman knight on his own land, yet he was clad in reinforced chainmail, as if for war. He spoke with a blunt crudeness, yet his eyes were constantly alive as they checked every dark corner for danger.

Walking into the centre of the common room he waited until he had everyone's attention before speaking.

"This is a proclamation. Since you Saxon halfwits probably don't have a single man who can read amongst you, I'll summarise it for you. By order of his Royal Highness, Prince John the Regent of all England, a special tax of one part in twenty has been established. This tax is levied by King Richard to support the wars in the holyland. The tax will be collected in the usual time in addition to existing levies by local authorities."

The Sherrif grinned evily. Although the tax was being levied in King Richards name, it would be used by Prince John and his cronies to cement their already considerable control of England.

"Tell all your friends. A copy of the proclamation will be left in all meeting places throughout the shire of Nottingham. If any of you are so stupid as to have forgotten anything, ask THAT popinjay to read it to you again." The Sherrif pointed at Alan a Dale, conspicuous with the lute in his hands.

"I'll leave you to your pleasures, Peasants"

With that the Sherrif strode out, followed by his men.

 

[cuervorose]

Charlotte Lamoureux

Charlotte awoke to sunshine streaming warmly through the window. She squinted her green eyes against the bright light, all to aware of the wine she had consumed the night before. She climbed from her bed and walked naked to the small dressing table in her room which adjoined that of Marion's. She washed her face in the cool water that remained in the basin, and pinned her hair back, high over her neck. She donned her underthings and lashed a harness holding a wicked looking dagger onto her right thigh. She slipped into a lightweight riding habit and slid the silverbound throwing dirk into the bodice. When she had finished dressing, she entered her mistress's bedchamber to prepare her clothing and bath. It looked as if Ronele had already taken care of things, so Charlotte made her way to the kitchens for breakfast. She stood talking to the cook, engaging in the local gossip as she ate. When she had finished, she went back upstairs to make sure Marion and Ronele were ready to ride. The Sheriff had already been busy this morning, according the the kitchen staff. The ladies needed to get to the inn to take care of the next order of business.

 

[captainb]

Friar Tuck

“Hello Merope, hello Deneb, there you go Rigel… easy girl!” The large mottled dogs leapt for the freshly-cut hunks of meat that Friar Tuck tossed toward them. He laughed as they bolted down their meals and looked expectantly up at him. “Ha! Maybe you should be off fending for your own meals, eh? Oh, very well, I can’t resist a pretty face.” He threw down three more large chunks of rabbit, then looked around and whistled. An answering bark sounded the arrival of the largest dog, trotting happily toward the small group in the woody clearing. “Hmm, see there?” Tuck said, pointing to her reddened snout. “You should learn from Fomalhaut! She’s already found her meal, while you were begging for my scraps!” The big dog nosed at the basket he held, and he shrugged. “Alright, here’s some for you too. Tsk tsk.”

He stretched his arms wide from his enormous bulk, his smile beaming up into the clear blue sky. “Ah, Father, I know I said it earlier, but what a beautiful day you’ve created! I and my friends here thank you for it.” He swung the basket over his shoulder and picked up his walking stick, then started to follow the banks of the little river. He smiled again as the memory of meeting Robin came back to him. “Right about here, I think,” he mused. “Getting so a body can’t meditate for a bit without some ruffian demanding passage.” He chuckled and continued a mile farther, crossing over a crude but solid bridge and entering the shadows of Sherwood Forest. The dogs bounded ahead of him, following some invisible trail of their own.

He hadn’t seen Robin and his men for a week now. The life of a hermit was by definition a solitary one, but being with the Merry Men these past few years had modified his outlook. Maybe the monastery wasn’t the right place for a man like Tuck, but he did prefer good company. And a bit of adventure too, if it should happen to stumble across his path.

 

[ozme52]

Hume Fletcher

It has been a long march from Newark. Prince John has bade me bring additional troops to Nottinghamshire to reinforce the garrisons.

Ahead is the Bear Breath, an inn that lies on our path to Nottingham castle. Most of these soldiers, I laugh to think of them as such, they are poorly trained and poorly outfitted, they are at the end of their limits.

Though it will yet be morn when we arrive at the inn, the men are done in. They would never make it to Nottingham castle before nightfall and I shall not risk making an encampment in the middle of Sherwood forest. Not with these ill trained troops.

So I have sent a runner ahead to make arrangements for accomodations. A room for myself, I have the means, and bedding in the stable for the men. I shall not be responsible for their comforts nor will I socialize with them, most are louts or bullies and that is the best I can say for most of them. Besides, that is all his highness provided for.

But they are the King's men, more Prince John's in fact, so I shall diligently ensure they are delivered intact to Lord Rainault, the Sheriff, for bandits abound everywhere and reportedly, moreso in Sherwood than elsewhere.

The Bear Breath is a typical inn, though larger than many. The tavern is kept by a woman. It is unusual and I am surprised by her good fortune that it hasn't been taken from her by the Sheriff or the local clergy.

I ensured the men received ample straw for their bedding for the night and then entered the tavern. In addition to the headmistress, a few serving wenches and a sizeable barman, there were but a few customers.

Dressed in green, a fellow with a lute, and a pilgrim. The pilgrim is back in the shadows of the room. My practiced eye sees he is wearing armor beneath his cloak. Tis no business of mine so long as he presents no threat to my troops. I look him in the eye, raise an eyebrow, just to let him know I have him in my awares.

The men begin wandering in, no doubt they'll all be in their cups before night fall. I shall have to remain vigilent lest they get themselves into trouble.

"Barman, an ale if thou pleaseth, and a wedge of kidney pie. I am tired of rations."

 

[airborne92]

The Pilgrim

I walk into the Bears Breath tavern, dressed in a traveller's cloak tgihtly drawn about me. I have been travelling many months to return home from my pilgramage to the Holy Land. I have seen many wonderous and terrible things. Acts of cruelty, kindness, valor, and cowardice I have witnessed on my journey.

I can see that there is some activity as I enter. Not wishing to be involved with any problems I move to a seat by the wall. The tavern girl comes over and I ask for an ale in a low voice. She returns quickly with my drink, and I hand her a schilling for the drink. I sit back and watch those around me as I drink my ale.

 

[LadyMurasaki]

Marion

She had not slept a wink that night, she and Ronele had stayed up plotting their new adventures. Life at Nottingham Castle under the steely watch of the Sherrif juxtapotioning itself so sharply against the hours stolen with Robin and his band deep in the forest had merely stirred her unrest and whetted her appetite for danger.

Ronele had jokingly said that they should form a band of 'hench-wenches' and perform some acts of robbery themselves. The idea had so appealled to Marion that it was not long before her band of Merry Maids had honed their fighting skills and taken to the forest. Ronele and Charlotte had rallied some local lasses to join their force of arms and they had been able to gain entry to places even Robin would fear to tread.


Just the night before, in the great hall, she had overheard the Sherrif, Lord Robert de Rainault boasting how he and Prince John would levy an extra one part in twenty tax on the good people of Nottingham. Ronele and Marion had spent their night plotting the strategy to lift the monies from Richard's men when it was transported from village to Hall. She was sure that Robin would be scheming along the same lines, and it excited her that she was to compete with him for this rich prize. No matter who stole the day, the taxes would be returned to the harried folk of Nottingham. But the edge of double danger caused her heart to pound and her mouth to dry out in the most delightful way.

As Ronele helped her dress, Marion pondered her plight, she was not sure who she hated more, Robert or John. They both vexed her in the strangest of ways, by bating her at every opportunity and trying to push her resolve to appear chaste and humble while in their company. She was in truth the ward of King Richard, but in his absence Prince John had whisked her off to Nottingham and was contriving to marry her off for his own political gain.

She opened the chest at the foot of her bed and removed the light silver mail that Friar Tuck had had fashioned for her. Unlike other mail, it was to be worn against her skin so as not to mar her courtly and chaste look. The silver was cold against her skin and made her gasp, part pain, part pleasure. Then she donned her chemise and underrobe, and over that a kirtle of Lincoln Green. She added the bodice and Ronele laced her tightly down the back, helping her conceal the dirk she hid at her waist. She coiled her braids up on her head and covered them with a net. Lastly she looped the barbette under her chin and fastened it with a filleted band of fabric around the crown of her head.

That done she slipped on her shoes, took her mantle from its hook and they walked down to the Great Hall. On the winding stone stairs they encountered Charlotte and wordlessly the three of them made their way through the kitchens to the stable where they mounted and headed through the forest towards The Bear's Breath.

 

[Mystic_Visions]

Prince John

I sit at a desk within the walls of Newark Castle, glancing over the dispatches from my scouts in and around Nottinghamshire. Pleased that the good Sheriff was following our plan to the letter, I cannot help but smile. It was de Rainault's idea to personally read the proclamation himself in the various inns, and the young messenger who had just arrived from the Bear's Breath reported that it had indeed raised the local's ire.

Still, the boy had pushed his mount too hard, riding her until the mare was near dead from exhaustion. The poor fool, probably a farmer's son hired for this task by the Sheriff, was not educated in the ways of stealth, for he rode towards the gate shouting like a fool that he had information for me. Perhaps de Rainault had forgotten to mention that my presence here was to be kept secret from the common rabble? Regardless of where the error occured, it was one that would cost this poor child his life. I did the deed myself. Signaling the boy close to me, as if to commend him personally, I plunged my dagger deep into his heart. I have to admit, the look of shock and terror on his face was amusing, and I found myself laughing as he collapsed in a heap on the floor, the cries of pain like music to my ears.

As the guards came foward to remove the trash, I sent for a messenger. Quickly I scribe a message for de Rainault,

Lord de Rainault,
I have sent you a detachment from my garrison at Derbyshire, under the command of Hume Fletcher. He is a good fighting man, and I do believe he shall be a valuable asset to our plans.

They should be arriving just after the midday tomorrow, coming in from the Eastern Road. I trust you shall put the men to good use, but treat Fletcher with all courtesies.

As for the boy you sent today, he has met a rather unfortunate accident. Send some men to the boy's parents to collect the burial tax tomorrow, would you?

I fold the letter, placing my wax seal upon it, and hand it to the man chosen for the day's ride. After instructing the messenger to ride hard, and all night if necessary to get the message to the Sheriff before Fletcher arrived. I reminded him how I view failure, pointing at the body being dragged from the room, and sent him on his way.

Looking out over the River Trent, I feel that the coming weeks shall be productive, to say the least. Feeling the need to unwind from the morning's business, I send for the new chambermaid. I heard it was the girl's nineteenth birthday. I shall give her the gift of being able to make me happy. Perhaps if she is skillful, I will allow her to see tomorrow's sunrise...perhaps.

 

[Subo97]

Alan Dale

While the Sherrif droned on with his new tax announcement, Alan continued to strum his lute softly, but made sure he played off key till the Sherrif was done, punctuating his boorish speech with a "Ploink." After the Sherriff and his detachments of dolts tromped away, Alan returned to key singing softly,

The Sherrif came
The Sherrif came today
Oh no, cried the young maid
For my purse is open
With nothing to fill it
Oh where is my sweet Popinjay

A song better left unsung the next time he had a chance to play at Nottingham castle. Prince John and Lord Robert had no sense of humor. Good King Richard, now there was a man who like a lusty laugh.

In time the Inn began to fill with townfolk taking a mid morning break from their labors. A suspicious Pilgrim took a seat by the wall. Pilgrims very rarely wear mail, Alan mused, but then , monks rarely do, too, and Tuck was an all right soul.

A troop of reenforcements from Newark dropped by and alan noticed that not one Saxon took the time to tell their leader he had just missed the Sherrif. If there was loyalty here to any Norman, it would be Richard. That kind of loalty needed to be repaid. Whatever taxes Lord Robert collected here , Robin would see to it they were returned here. In the meantime, Alan would play, as well as listen and watch.

 

[prometheus 2]

Will Scarlet, recapping yesterdays events

After a very fruitfull evening in Nottingham, Will under the cover of darkness had made his way out of the village to a secluded copse of trees where his horse waited patiently for him. He had rode quietly in the darkness along the road past Sherwood forest. A couple of hours later he approached the abandoned millpond cottage and slept for a few hours before continuing on his way to the Bears Breath Inn.The sun had risen and he had bathed in the mill pond and remounting finished the last leg of his journey. A smile was on his face and a twinkle in his eye as he recalled the events of yesterday.

Strange how fate so easily slips the treasures of the world into ones pockets he mussed.It had been late in the afternoon when he had noticed a rather fat buxomy woman gazing wistfully at a group of agile jugglers in the couryard. In her hand she held a rather large sausage that she seemed to be sucking on rather than eating. As there was quite a crowd gathered he had to wormed his way to her side and gently nudging a fellow ahead of him he made an opening ahead of them . Toward this opening he motioned to the woman and smiling removed his hat and bowed to her.

“ M’Lady,.perhaps the is a better view over yonder”

She had looked at him dressed festudiously in red, his bright blue eyes twinkling. his auburn hair in ringlets about his shoulders, and she blushed , perhaps it was his waxed mustache the ends curling up provacatively that caught her off guard.

“I‘m always happy to oblige a lady in distress”.

Not waiting for an answer he had led her to a little hillock of sorts and taking her elbow guided her onto it .Quickly he placed his foot in front of hers as she stepped up causing her to trip and loose her balance. Reaching around her waist, Will had skillfully brought her back upright just as his other hand came up against her dress at the apex of her fleshhy thighs and centered on her puffy quim. She had looked at him in surprise but instead of screaming, sighed feeling the pleasant pressure of Wills hand between her legs.”

“Oh my, she squeeked again, I think I lost my balance.”

“But your quite allright now are you not.” He looked at her with mock concern.

“Yes she whispered, quite all right, just a little dizzy.” “

“Then I will fetch you something to drink”, was Wills quick reply as unbeknownst to her had removed a large gold broach from her neck that he had been eyeing up since he first spotted her in the crowd. He had deftly pocketed it along with a gold ring he had slipped from her greasy fat finger.

“Now if you will just wait here I will return shortly M’lady”.

He was twenty paces away before she realized her jewelry was gone and as he disappeared into the crowd he heard her high pitched wails of distress, not toward him but in another direction, oblivious of the fact that this good looking gentleman who had kept her from falling could have been the culpert.

Will had moved towards the blacksmith shop grinning, she had been such an easy mark. The smith had taken the jewelry in return for a dozen firehardened broadhead blades to be attached to arrow shafts that Will had fashioned the day before. Indeed there were several shilling and a pound note to boot which Will pocketed.

Now at the back door to the Bears Breath inn he dismounted and slipped quietly inside.

 

[Angelofsex]

Elizabeth Knoll

As she past the Bear Breath Inn, it got her attention. Hearing talking coming from it, she enter the place. Looking for a table to sit, where no one will see her. Thes men that comes in, sure do look like real men, not like my husband.

I know I need a job, but who do I speak to. Just sitting there watching what was going on. Getting up, I walk up to the man at the bar, "Excuse me sir, who do I speak to for a job." His eyes look me up and down. "Let me see if she is in. Go sit at that table," he told me.

 

[ariosto]

Little John plays chess and waits


John leans the Cock of the Matterhorn gently against the yew tree and sits down crosslegged by the side of the road.
From this vantage he can easily see the thatched roof of the little tavern in the vale down below.
Smoke curls from the chimney and he can smell the tantalizing aroma of cooking joints of venison and wild peccary.
His stomach growls in protest but the big man knows better than to yield.
The hunger will wait.
Sheriff's men are about. He's no fool. Their time and his will come
soon enough.

He sketches out a square in the dusty margin of the road and taking from his leather jerkin a small velvet bag, he shakes out thirty two pieces of ivory and ebony, finely carved by Byzantine craftsmen into the likenesses of knights and queens, castles and bishops.
He begins to set them up.
Echeque.
He'd learned it from beautiful Irene between the sweet violence of their lovemakings long ago and would have given anything to find another player. But here in England?, in Sherwood...!
He sighed and settled himself in to practice a few moves.
To wait while the murderous rage built within him once again.

 

[gaigirl]

Ronele

...Marion slipped on her shoes, took her mantle from its hook and with Ronele, walked down to the Great Hall. On the winding stone stairs they encountered Charlotte and wordlessly the three of them made their way through the kitchens to the stable where they mounted and headed through the forest towards The Bear Breath.

Ronele and Marion had spent the night plotting the strategy to lift the monies from Richard's men when it was transported from village to Hall. It hadn't been Ronele's intention to stay with Marion, but by the time a plan had formed, it had been too dark and dangerous for her to return alone to the Inn. Now, heading back towards the Bear Breath, with Marion and Charlotte at her side, Ronele was eager to get back and check to see that things were in order.

Marion was always beautiful, but today her green kirtle brought out the glow in her eyes, and her barbette was raked at a provocative angle over her braids, drawing attention to her face. Riding alongside Marion and Charlotte, Ronele felt proud of her friends. Charlotte also had outdone herself in her grooming, and Ronele was eager to get into some fresh clothing herself, feeling a little dowdy in comparison.

Approaching the Bear Breath, Ronele had a sense of anticipation and foreboding. Somehow she knew there would be some news reports from her staff upon her arrival. She was fairly sure that the announcement about Prince John's new tax would have trickled down and caused alarm. Ronele pressed her mount to go a little faster, and pulled slightly ahead of Charlotte and Marion to lead the way to the Bear Breath.

 

[Arkontheroof]

Pig-Thick Leofric

Leofric ("Luff" to his face, "Pigthick" behind his back) had been told to watch Marion. Apparently this was Important, but he couldn't remember why.

Anyway, he'd done his best. He'd peered through the crack in the door when she was dressing this morning (though all he could see was a sliver of wall oposite - but at least he'd made the effort), and when she'd headed out to the stairs he'd hidden round the corner and followed her down to the kitchen.

He should have followed her through the kitchen, but he got sidtracked... the pottage smelled lovely.... By the time he headed after her, she'd long gone. It took him ages to strike on the master plan of asking someone *where* she'd gone.

"Down the road. On horse, with two friends." the Seargent at the gate told him.

"Two friends? Was one of them... Ronele...?"

The seargent looked at himn doubtfully. "Forget it, Luff!"

Watching Marion was an Important job, but it also had one big perk. It allowed Luff to sneak a peek at Ronele from time to time. Ronele! The way she... and how her... and the curves where.... When he looked at her he got a feeling that he really wanted to do... something. But he wasn't quite sure what.

He pulled himself together. "Right then, Seargent - I'll need Equipment. My mission is Important, and I must be well armed! Chainmail, a sword..."

"Luff, here's your usual rusty knife and ripped gambason, now get lost."

"Oh yes," Luff nodded, "I remember. This is because of my exceptional tallent and ability, due to which I do not require such ost-en-tatious enquipment as the other guards.... And 'cos I lost three sets of chainmail last year...."

"Get lost!"

So, Luff headed "Down the road". There were numerous turnings and side-paths, but he knew where he was going: the tavern! Not because he had any instinct that Marion would be going there - but rather because he had a fine instinct as one of the Sherrif's guardsmen he could blag a load of free Ale, and sit around dreaming of Ronele....

 

[Steiner]

De Rainault shook his head - he'd had enough of tramping from village to village for one day. The rest of this demesne could recieve word through the usual means - he was sure that he'd attracted the attention of Nottingham's less salubrious elements.

Returning to Nottingham Castle, he composed a message to Newark Castle that would inform Prince John that his scheme had been set into motion. He was sure that the wily Prince had already discovered this through his own sources, but despite the fact that De Rainault knew that the Prince had spies, and that the Prince knew De Rainault knew, De Rainault didn't know whether the Prince KNEW that he knew what he knew. Or was he just being paranoid?

Out of sorts, the Sherrif snapped at his guard, snapped at the stable boy and snapped at the servant bringing him wine. He dealt harshly with a debtor and roasted his chamberlain verbally over the state of the tapestries in the hall.

 

[ozme52]

Hume Fletcher ~ At the Bear Breath

I set my helm on the table, unlashed my aventail and slid my coif from my head.

The kidney pie was more than passable and the ale was surprisingly excellent. As good as any I'd had, even in Newark when I "liberated" a pint from Prince John's dinner table now and again.

I finished eating my pie and was picking at the crumbs. The wench had brought around her pitcher and I accepted a second tankard of the ale.

My men were mostly making asses of themselves, but their money was good and they were loose with it. I kept my eye on them. God help the man who forced me to clout him. I was in no mood.

I watched as a peasent woman entered the tavern. That was my immediate impression, but then I realized I was looking at gentry. Her bearing belied her garb. About 5 and a half feet tall, with long red hair, which was washed and looking as if it had been well brushed.

I overheard as she spoke to the barman and my suspicion was confirmed. Her speech gave her away as highborn. But she was asking for employ. How strange.

She was told to wait and sat across from me at the end of the table.

"Milady" I nodded. She nodded back. Yes. Definitely gentry.

Not wishing to give away her secret, for whatever reason she had for the masquerade, I slid down to sit across from her. Hmmmm, green eyes. Possibly she is from the continent.

"Milady, I hight Hume, Hume Fletcher. Art thou in need of assistance?"

 

[Angelofsex]

Elizabeth

I look over at this gentleman talk to me. Would he know my family, looking at him. Do I dare speak to him, I can't be rude.

"Yes sir, I am in need of a job. I was heading this way and saw the place and figure to stop in and ask. Traveling far, to which I hope they will have a place I could have too. So do you come here often?"

Watching him looking at me as I talk. Could he tell I am not from around here. I wish she would come so I know if I should stay or go on. So tried of the travel, I need a bath and some sleep.

Looking in my bag, I see so little money left. I keep looking towards the door thinking she will come in, knowing I was waiting.

Everytime the door open, I think it would be someone I know. All that enters are men, my eyes on them to make sure.

 

[prometheus 2]

Will Scarlet

The smell of venison cooking made Will's stomach growl as he made his way to a table and sat down. Looking around for a serving girl he saw they were all busy as it was time for the noonday meal..Then he overheard a young lady at the other table talking to a soldier. She is expalining that she is here inquiring about work. He got up and went closer to them. Bowing he tipped his hat to the lady and nodded to the gentleman.

“Maybe it’ is none of my business”... he smiled down.. “ but I happen to know the lady who owns this inn and I’m sure she would be happy for the help, and if you began now...when she does come in she would know you are able to handle the job, and would no doubt hire you on the spot..

“ After all....The proof is in the pudding they say is, that not true my friend,” he smiled toward the gentleman.

“The best way to begin is to bring my friend here another drink and one for myself and then head for the kitchen and fetch me a bowl of that venison stew that smells so wonderful.” A shilling appeared in his hand and he dropped it on the table in front of her. “

"Oh and please bring the minstrel in the corner something to wet his thirst also, perhaps he will play a tune to amuse us as we dine .

He looked over at Alan and grined, knowing he was probably broke again and thirsty as hell.

“ My name is Will”, Will Scarlet”. He took her hand and drew her to her feet, bringing it to his lips he kissed it softly. His other hand reached behind her ear and a blood red silk rose appeared between his slender fingers . He placed it in her auburn hair and smiled .

“ Go on now girl make yourself usefull I’m sure that Ronele will find a place for you here.”

As she moved off to the bar, Will nodded to the soldier. “The wheel that squeaks gets the grease now doesn’t it.”

Will is unsure of the soldiers pupose here at the Bears Breath and it is no business of his until he hears from Robin. In the meantime he will enjoy his meal even if it is in the face of adversity.

 

[airborne92]

The Pilgrim

I sit back in my chair, tucked away in the back corner. Slowly I drink my ale and watch the three latest arrivals. There is a soldier, a noblewoman dressed as a peasant, and a troubador. I need to learn of happenings here in the kingdom of my liege, Richard the Lionheart.

 

[ozme52]

Hume Fletcher ~ introduced to Will Scarlet

Before I could reply to the lady, this brash young man interposed and next I knew, she was off fetching him a meal. I took it in me to study this Will Scarlet fellow. Dressed in a tunic of scarlet no less.

"Aye, the squeaky wheel gets the grease, either that or it gets replaced." I responded.

"I hope thou hast not made a fool of the lass. I'll give thee the benefit of the doubt as thou appears to be of a generous nature. I can certainly not fault thee for thine offering up another tankard of this fine ale."

"I hight Fletcher, currently in the service of Prince John, and newly arrived to the shire. Now, shall I call you Scarlett or shall this ale perhaps begin a friendship. If so, Will, then do call me Hume."

I offer my hand, but am careful to watch this fellow closely. I have already seen how deft he is with his hands. The quickness of a practiced cutpurse I'd wager, from his little trick with the paper flower. I shall ensure that his future generosities do not stem from the content of mine own purse.

 

[Angelofsex]

Elizabeth

Looking at this Will person, when he was talking to us, wondering if what he said was true. I excuse myself from their table and go into the kitchen.

"I was told to come in here and get some food for the men out there." They were looking at me funny, "What, what is the matter."

The cook said, "Who are you? You don't work here."

Saying to him, " I am here about a job, but she is not here yet. A Will somebody told me it would be ok."

"Do you mean Will Scarlet," he asked.

"Yes that is him." Watching the cook talking to someone,"I send someone out there to check." He does not trust me.

"The men want their food and drink. Let me bring it to them, you could see you need the help." Watching this person come back in and talk to the cook.

"Okay, here serve them, then come back in for more. Woman, you better change, with cloths like that, you wouldn't want to wear them her. With the food and drink you are serving you will mess up your pretty dress." He said it as he laugh.

Looking at my dress now, he is right. Changing has to wait for now. Grabbibg the food I bring it out to the men, then getting their drinks. Never said anything to the men I don't know, just kept my head down. I smile to Will and Hume as I serve them.

Asking Will, "Are you sure it is okay for me to serve without her saying yes?"

 

[Dillon]

Robin had been out of sight and mind. Marion had had him playing the spy. Little John sat in wait and watch at Robin's bequest at the Inn.

Spying on Marion wasn't something to which Robin had been accustomed...until now. He sat frozen as stone against wood and rock watching. It took him almost too long to realize that the training to which he was a witness...well t'was not what he had originally thought, and he took back the smug smile he smiled earlier.

So t'is we have got a new band running around Sherwood. There's yet to see the ambition..and then perhaps we'll begin a lesson...

In the night he would find his way to the Bear's Breath, and Little John. The stealth in his steps remained as he approached though the loudness of the Inn were clear for miles. He began a shrill but very recognizable bird call to Little John, waiting to hear the call returned....

 

[Subo97]

Alan A Dale

The Boar's Breath Inn began to buzz more loudly as the morning wore on, filling with village folk and soldiers, not to mention the ever brash Will Scarlett. In just a few moments Will had engaged the Sherriff's captain and hired a new barmaid. The last was the best idea Will had since he had convinced Alan to sneak into the nunnery in Nottingham. Those two Norman lasses were novices no more. The new girl brought Alan a fresh ale, courtesy of Will, and Alan gave her a nod and a wink in appreciation, especially of the bountiful bosom that revealed itself as she bent over to place the ale on the table. It was a delectable bosom, lush and full. Most of the local wenches had sat on Alan's knee at one time or another while he sang or drank. Perhaps he's have the oppurtunity to kiss those white globes between songs, sometime. It should prove to be an interesting day. Alan began to strum his lute and sing...

The Miller's daughter was left all alone
Her father and brothers to Jerusalem gone
With poor King Richard
In Byzantium lost
Held ransom while Prince John sought to play the ransom cost

In Nottinghamshire the grain is unground
no money is made
but taxes abound
A young lass cries in her empty grist mill
Soothed only at night
By a cutpurse named Will

Taxes collected are lost in the wood
collected from Normans
by the villain, Robin Hood
He robs from the rich
To give to the poor
some say it's bad
And some say it's good

 

[Angelofsex]

Elizabeth

Moving around with drinks and food for these men, was me working up a sweat. Bring a ale to the one playing a song , I could feel it running down my bosom. Smiling I turn to get the others serve.


Going back to Hume Fletcher, I ask "Can I get you anything else Sir?" Waiting for his answer more men came in.. This place is sure busy.

I ask Will the same question. Before either could answer, I was called to another table. Running around feeding or bring drinks to them, I am getting tired. Sure hope she is please with my work when she gets here, that she is not mad I listen to Will.