Travelling Again (Open)

[Thomas Scarlett]

It had been a little while since Tom had returned to the area around Sherwood Forest so it was important to him that he should return to look at it again, on some boring day, with no one to keep him company. Today was such a day where he had no one to really have a converstion or joke aorund with. As a result, in about the mid afternoon, a strong breeze blowing , he had set off into the forest.

The ground was especially muddy today, he noticed, after a long storm the previous night. Sherwood had always been unpleasant to walk through, Tom recalled, but it was even worse at the moment. Tom hated the mud, and he hated walking to be honest, so this was far from an ideal day out. It was weird how he had gotten so bored as to have to resort to this to entertain himself.

There was a slight unsettling noise in the forest. Probably birds or something. Oh and there was another annoying thing, Tom thought. Animals. There was little point in them really. Well, horses were useful as were the ones you could eat, but he never did get the need that some people had for pets. All that happened was you had to feed them, pay them attention and walk them from time to time. Tom supposed that they could be company for some sad, lonely, ugly person though. The type that couldn't make girlfriends easily or something. But, anyway, how could they be company? It's not like you could talk to them about your day. In the end, he came to the conclusion that there would be some things that he would never understand as he was the wrong type of person to do so. For example, he wouldn't ever understand what it felt like to be responsible. He would make sure of that.

Getting a bit fed up, Tom sat down on a nearby log and looked around the surrounding forest. Unsuprisingly, all he could see around him were trees with the occasional clearing. Tom let out a deep sigh. He would have to make his way back soon but to what? More boredom. Oh well, he thought to himself, sitting here for another hour won't hurt.

[jamesbutcher]

Ah, animals. James had never had much use for them either. Well, much use for live ones anyway; they were much more valuable when dead and in pieces. The only living beast in his possession, a chestnut mare, was looking particularly worn out and shabby that day in particular as her long-untrimmed hooves sank into the muck.

The going was slow and James, sitting perched on the back of a small cart had seemingly decided this was the horses fault. Occasionally he gave her a resounding smack on the hindquarters with a long jagged stick, causing more than one cut he was quick to ignore. The source of his hurry was that either he got back to the shop soon or the fresh cuts of cattle behind him would go off faster than he could sell it.

The last thing he had expected to find on a day like today was the dim figure of someone sitting alone by the road. Raising an eyebrow curiously, he flicked the reins once and clicked his tongue at the muddy excuse for a horse loyally labouring in front of him, and the mare, fearing another blow, stuck her ears back and tried to speed up her walk. Whoever he was was undoubtedly either irredeemably stupid, or perhaps surprisingly clever. If Sherwood was known for one thing, it was outlaws and wandering around alone without a mount was as good as sticking a target on your back. But when, what self respecting outlaw would pick a day like today for a hit?

It was sheer boredom and a vague curiosity that made him even decide to hail the stranger at all once he got in earshot. Besides, James never pretended to be able to divine the future, so he may be useful for something (or alternatively be an excuse for a new fruit-tree). "Strange day for a walk don’t you think?"

[Thomas Scarlett]

Tom turned his head to look down at the forest path next to him as he heard a horse and carriage cpming down it. Sure enough, there was a small cart coming slowly down the muddy path. The horse looked to be pretty tired by the look of things. It's legs were covered in filthy mud and looked like they needed a hair cut. Still, Tom wouldn't have minded an animal right about now. The walk home would be pretty tiring and the last thing he really wanted to do was get dirty on the way back.

As the cart got closer, he could just about make out a man on the cart. He was by himself and didn't appear to be an outlaw so Tom felt pretty much unthreaed by him. Although, he wasn't expecting anyone to be in the forest besides him and maybe an outlaw who would hopefully be far away enough not to bother him. So, Tom was pretty interested in what this man was doing here.

Tom was even more suprised that this man had taken an interest in him, enough to talk to him anyway. Answering his question politely, Tom replied '' A little strange perhaps. But when you are bored enough to do pretty much anything, it seems less weird in a way''.Tom was more interest in this man though and exactly what he was doing in the forest. '' I am rather interested in what you are doing here though. If you don't mind my curiosity, that is''.

Being as he was talking to someone quite a distanceup from him, Tom stood to his full height once he had finished his question. He had gotten a little dirty after his walk, much to Tom's annoyance. There was some mud on his boots and the bottom of his trousers which was making random blades of grass stick to his boots whoch were newly polised before he had left. Still, at least it wasn't as bad as it could have been.

The prospect of having a conversation with a random stranger was pretty good to Tom. He had had little contact with anyone since he had left to return home, The only person who he had really talked to was Luke but he did want to have some conversations with some people a bit older now, even if he did quite enjoy talking to his nephew again.

[Robert Williams]

Roe had finished doing most of the significant structural repairs to the Scarletts old hut and shop, and it had slowly become more functional and at least somewhat presentable as a home and place of business. Since Mira had left he had had only one visitor, a young man who had not appeared to have been too pleased with his presence there. Probably someone who had been acquainted with Dan and Jane, or even more likely, one or both of the boys. He was not really in need of companionship, but he was in need of some work so that he could afford to go out and buy materials, and especially supplies.

At any rate, he had gotten enough of the major work done so that he could go out in the forest and look for some small pieces of wood that he could use to replaced some of the rotten or damaged joint-pieces in the frame of the old hut, as well as samples that he could use to improve the look of the exterior. If he was opening a new carpentry shop it had to look presentable now, didn't it? He had selected an area between Locksley and Knighton just off the beaten track to conduct his search for the materials he needed.

He bad almost finished with his wood-cutting, when he heard the faint sound of 2 male voices. It seemed that each was sort of inquiring of why the other was there. He was curious as well. Outside of outlaws he expected, this part of Sherwood was not traversed by most he expected. He came to the edge of the forested area and peered out. The one's back was the only part of their anatomy that was visible, while he had view of the person who was standing by the side of the road, an there was something vaguely familiar about the voice, but he was unable to place them. "Apparently this is quite the popular meeting place, gentleman. As a woodsman and carpenter I think I can easily justify why I'm here. Are you here to just admire the scenery?" he asked as he leaned on the handle of his hatchet.

[jamesbutcher]

A conversation could hardly be held with a moving cart, and James slowed the horse down with a slightly unnecessary force before releasing his previously iron grip on the reins. As the mare felt the bit go slack she immediately started throwing her head up and down in relief to try and work the stiffness out of her neck from so long of being made to hold her head up unnaturally high.

James wasn’t particularly enthralled about having to justify his goings on to anybody, even if, for once, he wasn’t doing anything warranting concern. Still, despite preferring to leave the other man in the dark it would look suspicious if he refused to explain why he was out there. He had to give the stranger points though, for turning the focus around off himself without actually revealing anything.

He was about to reply when, quite unexpectedly, a third person suddenly emerged out of the trees. Now if anyone was an outlaw, it was probably that guy. He had a distinct weather-beaten look and a muscular frame which, true, often resulted from carpentry, but far be it for James to ever assume anyone was ever up to anything benign.

”Now aren’t you two a suspicious lot?” he said with a mild mock surprise, looking between the two of them. He was having a slight sensation of being cornered, which he didn’t appreciate. ”If you have to know, I’m here on business. When your shop’s out of stock and you rely on it for your income, you can’t let bad weather get in the way. You can look in the cart if you don't believe me,” he explained reluctantly, gesturing at the meat individually wrapped in cloth right behind where he was sitting.

Quickly deciding he might as well give himself a plug, he added ”Go towards Nottingham from here, then it’s the first left after you hit the marketplace. You won’t miss it; I’m the only butcher whose meat isn’t poisoned.” Hell, his only competitor’s meat might as well be poisoned; the shop was filthy enough. James hated dirt much like a vampire hated the sun.

”Though I’m sure you two aren’t up to anything,” he said flippantly, but the way he said it was clearly requesting both of them to explain themselves. If one of them couldn’t, well, they might warrant investigation. ”Especially you, Sir Woodcutter who listens to peoples conversations while hiding behind trees.”

[Robert Williams]

Roe was not particularly used to or comfortable with being challenged by others, particularly folks that he did not know. In his Crusader days he would have answered such a challenged quite quickly and quite directly. He reminded himself, however, that he was now in a different time and place. There were different expectations of him here and he must be, or at least appear to be, more tolerant than he really felt.

"Well actually sir, normally this area of the forest is usually quite deserted. I come here to harvest new wood, fo the repairs to my shop, as well as projects that I'm working on. I am newly returned to Locksley, and I assure you that I know neither of you gentleman. If I appeared to be eavesdropping you have my more sincere apology. It was just that when I had finished cutting I heard the voices of you two gentleman, and I thought it might be wise to do a bit of investigating."

"Oh thank you for the information about you and your trade. If I need any items of that sort I will certainly keep you in mind. As I said, I do not have much knowledge of the local area, since I've been gone more than 10 years. I've reopened a carpentry shop in Locksley, a place where I apprenticed many long years ago. I had been hoping for it to be a more peaceful life than I got to see in the Crusades. However, if by your words of challenge you want to come to blows, I am still able to answer such a challenge, even though I would prefer not to. I just question in my mind why you would accuse me of some offense without caring to find out the truth first," he asked with a quizzical look on his face.

[Thomas Scarlett]

When Tom had first set out into the forest, he didn't expect to see one person at all, let alone two. All he had expected was a nice walk into the forest, not a conversation with two complete strangers. It did not really bother me too much though. Tom liked meeting new people very much.

''Thank you for your explanations gentlemen'' Tom stated after listening carefully to exactly why the two men had decided to come into the forest. They were both perfectly valid which worried Tom a little. Compared to their explanations, his would be rather suspicious. Not many people would just decide to come out into the forest, especially not in this type of mud.

'' I suppose I should tell you why I am here now'' Tom said, trying to hide his reluctance to do so. '' I just came here for a little walk really. I'm from around these parts, so I am used to this forest very well. I used to live at Dan Scarlett's house''.

Tom wanted to move on pretty quickly from his reason as to why he was here, so he hastily added '' It would be nice now if you could tell me your names. Mine is Thomas Scarlett''. He quickly added an encouraging grin, in the hope that this would show him to be a friendly person.

[jamesbutcher]

Wow, Mr Woodcutter seemed rather defensive. For all the unsaid accusations James couldn’t think of anything he’d said that suggested he actually wanted to fight with the man, but then, the guilty always tried hardest to hide their misdeeds. Pity though, he would have liked to have called him up on his offer for a fight, but it would look a bit strange if the local butcher and the local carpenter suddenly tried to kill each other. At least his claim to having a carpentry business could be checked out if nothing else weighed up.

As for Thomas, if that was his real name, there was something about his desire to avoid the subject of what he was up to that James didn’t like. Though considering his repeated attempts to change the subject it would look unduly suspicious of him to try and stay on the topic.

When the fellow said his surname though, he had to do a double take. ”Wait, Scarlett as in related to Robin Hood’s little friend Scarlett, or is that just a more common name than I realised?” Wandering around in the forest when most people were avoiding it and a possible relation to an outlaw: well, things weren’t stacking up well for him.

[Robert Williams]

Thomas Scarlett .... Thomas Scarlett ..... Roe had thought that he had a familiarity about him. This was just too much of a stretch of reality to be believed. How much did Roe think that he could tell him. He decided that he couldn't lie or hide too much .... it would be bound to come out at some point. However, he was going to have to make sure that he protected himself to some extent. He was not too sure of the good intentions of the 'butcher' they had both just met.

Mr. Tom .... you were a bit younger when I last saw you. I don't know if any memory of me would cause my face to stick out in your mind. I was the son of a local noble, who after my parents demise, was brought as a ward in the household of a local Earl. It was decided, since I had no lands or title, that I would learn a trade. So I was apprenticed off to Dan Scarlett, your older brother, almost 20 years ago now. I left the apprenticeship when I was 17 to go off and fight for 15 years in the Crusades. I think you must have been about 14 when I left, and as I remember it, often falling into words with your older brother. "

"When I came back, hoping to see Dan and Jane, I ran into an outlaw in these very woods who told me the sad news of their deaths and the fact that the older of the 2 boys were now with Robin Hood. You have my condolences over your brother ... he was the best of men. Thinking that Locksley now needed a craftsman with some carpentry skills, I moved into the old house and shop and have been rebuilding and renovating it."

"I haven't seen either of the boys yet, although I did run into a young man, who would be the right age to be Luke, and he was none too happy to see me in his father's house. They, or you, will always be welcome there, since I'll always look at it as the Scarlett's. I know, though, that the boys have no memory of me, Will would have been only 5 when I left. Have you seen either of them? If you see either of them give them greetings from me, and of course I am Robert Williams, but my friends just call me Roe," and he gave Thomas a friendly nod of the head.

[Thomas Scarlett]

Tom, realizing the stupidity of giving his surname, turned a bright shade of red at the butcher's inquiries into his lineage. It was hard to make Tom seem embarrassed as he had had his fair share of stupidity over the years, particularly when he was drunk. However, this act was different. He had completely forgotten about Will's rather strange choice of career which was a bit of an insult to his oldest nephew. It was true that he had not spoken to him for years, but he still should have remembered him.

'' I do know Will Scarlett. I am not ashamed to admit that I did once know him very well. I'm his uncle but I have had little contact with him since he has become an outlaw. Well, actually none at all. If he were to come here now, he would probably not recognize me from anyone else.''

Tom was being truthful, for once, about this. He wasn't putting himself in danger by admitting that he was related to Will so it didn't really matter. The woodman's next words did interest Tom very much though.

He didn't really recognize this man at first, but thinking about it, he did see a resemblance in him. This was a very weird day indeed. When Tom had returned, he had expected to see Luke and Will but not another old face.

'' I did not recognize you at first, but I do think I remember you now. When you came, I did not speak to you often though. I was a little distracted back then with my father's death. I am surprised you remembered me actually.'' Tom replied with confidence, quite glad that he had found an old acquittance.

The next thing that this man said annoyed Tom greatly though. The hatred he had of his brother, after all this time of no communication, was still Strong enough to irritate Tom at even the mention of his name, especially when he was given compliments. It was weird actually. When he was a child, Tom would have whole heartedly agreed that Dan was the best of men but now he just saw him as a stupid, rude hypocrite.

With bitterness in his voice, Tom started to state his opinions on his late brother as fact. '' If I was you, I would not consider the news of my brother's death as sad. I would rather consider them a blessing. The only thing that is regrettable about it is that Luke and Will had to lose him whilst they still had their foolish opinion that he was a good father. If they really understood him for what he was, like I did, they would not care either way about his death. He is in no way the best of men. He was a stupid, prejudiced fool and a bad looking one at that''. Tom didn't really know why he always insulted his brother's looks at the end of every rant about him, but in a way it made him feel better.

'' I have spoken with Luke since I ave returned and we got on very well. I always did get on better with him though. He is a good kid. I have yet to speak to Will though but I would hope that I do very soon. I will of course give them your greetings and explain who you are.''

'' Thank you for giving me many details about yourself Roe. You may call me Tom as that is the name I prefer.'' Tom gestured out his hand for Roe to shake. '' If either of you would like to know any more details, then feel free to ask''.

[jamesbutcher]

Well this was an interesting development to put it mildly. James was about to say something else when Mr Woodcutter started launching onto what sounded very much like a life story. Honestly he felt the whole speech was kind of pointless when an I knew your brothers would have done just fine. Far be it from him to say anything about it at this stage, he didn’t want to pick enemies when there was no benefit in doing so.

In any case, Tom seemed more than a little bit bitter about one of his family members. Bah, normal people were so aggressive. They got themselves worked up over pathetic disagreements, lost sight of reason due to emotional attachments and let it all get in the way of their daily lives. Family was useless to fight with in particular; it just got in the way. The human race was undoubtedly strange.

”Well, that’s a funny coincidence, you go for a walk, end up finding a family friend.” he smiled, eyes lingering on Tom for a moment, “Oh well, if you had to have an outlaw in your bloodline somewhere, at least he’s on the side of the people rather than against, hm?” Honestly, James didn’t see it that way at all, but he knew most did. An outlaw that just killed a baker he held on the same calibre as the King’s cook.

[Robert Williams]

Roe was only somewhat taken aback by the bitterness that Tom had, both in the tone of the words and in their actual meaning. "I'm sorry that you feel that way about Dan, Tom, especially since he was your brother. We really only have two ways to judge people, how they treat us, and how we see them treating others. Your view of him is heavily colored by the conflicts you had with him. I saw him by how he treated me as well as the way he treated those who he served in the village."

"I would recommend that you remember how you felt about your own father before you judge your nephews about the way they feel about theirs. Its probably a good idea never to give them the full flavor of your true feelings about him, if those are your true feelings. You should never bring it down to a choice between you and their memories of him. I know its a personal opinion on my part, and this is private family business, and none of my own. However, I have suffered much loss in my life, both here and in the carnage of the Crusades."

"I think that experience has given me some perspective to speak on these matters. However, if you never want to hear me speak on these matters again I will understand and comply. Just understand that opinion of Dan is what it is and won't necessarily change to another's different assessment. And I don't expect the boys to have an opinion one way or another about me ..... they are just as likely to object to me for occupying their old home.

Roe still didn't know what to make of 'Mr. Butcher'. "Sir, I'm sorry if either of us seem suspicious to you. I can only speak for myself. I apologize if by my actions or speech that I have given offense to you. I must admit to being a bit surprised at running across anyone in this part of the forest who would not be affiliated with one of the outlaw groups, which is why I came appropriately armed. If given an opportunity in the future, I would gladly avail myself to purchase your goods in town. I'm sure they must be of high quality and I have no wish to block you from completing your needed errands. I'm sorry if I've inconvenienced you," and with Roe backed away from the forest path.

[Thomas Scarlett]

The comment that the Butcher said next was very true. It was extremely beneficial to have a nephew outlaw on his side ... or at least it could be. Tom was sure that if Will knew about him and his whereabouts, he would be sure to give him extra food among st other luxuries. '' You are correct. It is good that he is on my side rather than against. Being as both Roe and I have gave many details about ourselves, is there anything you would like to share? It would be nice to know the name of who I am talking to.''

Roe's next words to Tom, were very much appreciated. He had never really had anyone for a long time to speak about Dan and his hate for him. '' I understand what you are saying and I would never say any of this to the boys but I do hate him still. Of course my opinion is probably one of the most biased, but compared to a lot of good men, he was one of the worst. I never used to hate my brother when my father was alive out of respect for him, and an admiration at the time for Dan. However, with my father's death, I did not see what most saw in Dan. In a way, I guess, I saw him more as an impostor to my father being as he did try his best to support me and educate me more being as he was considerably older.'' Saying things like this did make Tom consider sometimes that maybe Dan wasn't as bad as he seemed and perhaps he was unfair. After all, originally, Dan did try to help him. However, Tom eventually came to the conclusion that he was right and Dan was wrong to act like a father and force him to leave.

'' I am sorry to rant at you like this. We haven't seen each other in years, and I am going on about Dan. If there is anything you would like to discuss with me, perhaps the loss you just spoke of, then I will listen to you''. Tom wasn't too interested to be fair and would rather talk about his own troubles some more. It was selfish, and Tom knew that, but in a way, he wanted to talk about himself as much as possible. Still, he was getting older, much to his own dismay, so perhaps it was time to start listening to other people some more.

[Robert Williams]

'' I understand what you are saying and I would never say any of this to the boys but I do hate him still. Of course my opinion is probably one of the most biased, but compared to a lot of good men, he was one of the worst. I never used to hate my brother when my father was alive out of respect for him, and an admiration at the time for Dan. However, with my father's death, I did not see what most saw in Dan. In a way, I guess, I saw him more as an impostor to my father being as he did try his best to support me and educate me more being as he was considerably older.'' [/I]

Roe thought for a moment. Many years had passed by. He understood that memories could be influenced by the passage of time. He might only remember the good times while Tom remember only the bad times. He wondered what had turned him against Dan. Thomas had been more of a wild one, as he remembered, and Dan tried to control him, probably with their father moderating. When it was just the 2 of them he could understand how there might have been problems. "I just remember him as a good man, a good and fair master who taught me all I knew about wood and carpentry. However, our relationship was always more master to apprentice than person-to-person. I could see, looking back, how others might not have had as pleasurable an experience. Everybody has the right to their own opinion. He was your brother after all. I never exactly had that kind of experience, even though I had someone who I acted as a big brother toward," and Roe suddenly got a far-off look in his eyes as if he were traveling back in time and memory.

'' I am sorry to rant at you like this. We haven't seen each other in years, and I am going on about Dan. If there is anything you would like to discuss with me, perhaps the loss you just spoke of, then I will listen to you''.

Roe chuckled to himself. "I would hardly consider that to be a rant ... you were just stating facts as you see them. My loss? I'm willing to talk about anything .... I've been away for a long time .... but I'm just not important enough nor are any of my problems significant enough to worry about, let alone talk about ... just ask our new friend over here. He seems not to have a high opinion of me, which knowing me as I do, is understandable," he laughed.

[jamesbutcher]

James had happily managed to avoid giving his name so far, but when Tom asked for it there wasn’t much chance to avoid it. "James, nice to meet you," he introduced, starting to wonder what on Earth he was doing here.

He had started zoning out when he realised Roe was steering things back in his direction. "Huh? Ah, sorry if I gave that impression," James apologised quickly. "I’ve been suspicious of everyone lately. It’s just someone that I knew-" he cut himself off looking intentionally morose, hesitated theatrically, then waved his hand dismissively, "Can’t be too careful, that’s all. Never know who’s out here." It would be interesting to see how they filled in the blank. Nothing had of course happened to anyone he knew.

Roe’s offer for him to leave was starting to sound good. He rarely wanted to get involved in his own family matters let alone anyone else’s, and he still technically had to get back to the store. Not to mention, hanging around during this would just feel rude. He’d heard enough for his own curiosity anyway.

"Well, I’d better be off before the meat goes bad. If any of you two need to go back to Nottingham though there’s still some room in the back." There should be anyway, he’d commissioned the thing specifically big enough to cart people as well as goods. Though, this would admittedly be the first time anyone in the back of the cart would be moving.