Wherefore is the Peasant Girl . . ((Hazel))

[mira]

Mira had made it back safely from the markets of Nottingham with the images of the young servant girl still in her mind. Why that particular one she did not know. Maybe it had been the way she had defiantly spoken back as if she was more than the mere peasant girl she was representing. Which was highly possible for so many these days disguised themselves under the rule of this Sheriff. She herself had much to hide so she did not blame the young girl . . more she was merely curious . .

She had made some inquiries before leaving Nottingham, but had found nothing. No one knew of her or if they had, no one was talking. She was sure she had not seen her before in Nottingham Town itself so it highly likely she was from one of the villages in the shire. Not Loxley for Mira knew everyone in Robins old town, but she would start looking in the other villages. Why she felt the urge to even look was strange but it gave Mira a chance to take Bart out for a ride, something she did not get a lot of these days. But first things first and Mira had spent the last few days distributing the money and trade she had received for the goods she had taken in. Not a cent did she ever take, merely doing the villagers a service so that may get a better price for their trade.

It was the least she could do , that and occasionally use her own money to but them tools, or like young Matthew whom she given her bow too. She was thinking of asking Robert if he would take on an apprentice, he talked of giving back to the village and what better way. She had presented him with a nifty new tool set, in payment of the bow she had broken. Things were picking up in Loxley and Mira could not have been happier. All they had to do was keep it from the Sheriff. And as much as she liked Robin Hood and what he tried to so, she still knew the villagers preferred to work for their supper than just be handed it.

So it was way a few days after the meeting in Nottingham Town, Mira saddled up her horse and made her way through the woods first to the village of Knighton, where she inquired after a young servant girl with the dark brown hair and green eyes. She was in no hurry, if she was not there, Mira would move onto the next village . She was not worried about the outlaws anymore, Robin left her alone knowing what good she did in his village and the one group she had always wanted to find was the one group she never saw. It was as if they knew what she would do to them if she caught them.

But it was not to be Knighton, no one had heard of the young girl, so Mira moved onto Merton, a tiny little village, but Mira had about as much luck there as she had done in Knighton. Still she was not swayed, she had time for one more village before heading home and if she did not find her here she would try again the morning.

Of course there was always the chance that The Spanish Lord had taken a fancy to her and taken her as his mistress, which meant she would still be in Nottingham. Wouldn’t be the first time and certainly not be the last. What these girls thought they would get with such a relationship, she did not know, but more times than not they would be tossed the minute the Lords found someone younger and more beautiful. Sometimes Mira was very grateful she had been born into money, yet at other times it was her worst nightmare.

Bart relished this chance to be out for these days Mira usually just used him to pull the cart, but today she had elected to take the great beast and give him a run like he had not had in a while.. She only had the one horse that she paid a local boy to look after, to make sure he was always fed and brushed down and that he had clean straw to sleep on. Again it was just her way to give back to the community by giving people lawful employ. Like the lady who cleaned her house, just a job where she go home to her family everyday. Her father had never had live in servants and she had stayed and lived by that. Gainful Employ, she never felt the need to make anyone a servant.

They had stopped at the top of hill and Mira looked down on the village of Nettlestone. This would have the last village for the day for it was a long ride home. “Let’s do this Bart” she said with a smile as she gave the great beast a pat on his shanks, then spurred him on to start down the hill.

[hazel]

Hazel was arriving back in her town with Conor. Behind them was the broken wagoon, but at leats that was all they left abadoned. And they both got back to Nettlestone safe and sound without incident. Her house was just off from the main square, however, the children were out playing and dashed over when they saw her. "The family I stay with, they're the children." Hazel felt quite attached to the children of the household, none were bullies and they all had a lovely personality and were so happy just to play outside with each other. Jumping off the horse, they enveloped her in a hug, which she returned. "Want a job?" She said to the two eldest. Going over to Conor, she relieved him of the saddle, with a smile, and handed it to the two children before going over to the tot and lifting him up. "It's not really much but it's currently home." Until something better came along at least.

Looking around the village everyone was busy doing their own thing to worry about her return. Nothing had changed, not that it would in the short space of time she had gone. but for some reason Hazel always hoped something unexpected would happen, just to lived her life up.

[conormccarthy]

Conor sat astride the slightly darker of the two mares - Millie - as they arrived in Nettlestone holding a large saddle. Both horses were dressed in full harnesses, but they pulled no wagon. The wheel had broken on the way, and Conor had left it back on the road between here and Knighton. Attached to the collar of Millie's harness was a large canvas bag that sagged over her withers. It contained a multitude of small wares that Conor had made that he intended to sell some of while he was here in Nettlestone after escorting Hazel back to deliver the newly repaired saddle.

The village was teeming with life, and Conor instantly became nervous. He was not fond of crowds, especially noisy ones. But he had no choice but to enter the fray, and he was glad the two draft horses that carried him and Hazel were not nearly as spooked as their owner.

Hazel pointed out a group of children, and so he pulled up the horses and dismounted. Hazel took the saddle from him after greeting the children, and gave it to the eldest to presumably take it back to their home. Conor busied himself by unfastening the bag from the horse. A few of the villagers came over to investigate his wares and after glancing over his shoulder to see Hazel holding a toddler, he turned his attention to peddling his mundane but essential supplies.

OOC: Thats it from Conor until either Mira or Hazel interact with him!

[mira]

Nettlestone was much like any other village in the Nottingham Shire, smaller perhaps then Knighton or Loxley but still bristling with the peasants going about their trade. Mira was overly dressed today, just a pair of cream trousers and a simple white shirt. She had forgone the sword, instead favouring (as she did most days now) the two daggers she had got a Smithy in Nottingham Town to make her. She much preferred blades to the bow and if truth be know she really was not that great with a bow.

She rode down the main street as slow pace, her eyes darting left, then right, looking for the young peasant girl. She still did not know why she had been so taken with the young girl, or why she now wasting a day looking for her when she could have been helping Robert in his workshop which was nothing much more than helping him clean up at the moment.

Seems this might be just another waste as she trotted through the town square. A young man selling his wares . . perhaps if she found nothing here she might stop on the way back and see what he had, for sometimes one could pick up the most interesting things from such pedlars. She gave him a nod of her head as she trotted past, if nothing else he was extremely good looking . . that’s if you like boys that was. Mira preferred them a little older and rougher, this one looked as if he hadn’t done a hard day’s work in his life.

She urged the great beast on, thinking she probably should have stopped and ask, but she had gone no more than 5 more paces when she spotted the young girl she was looking for, playing with a toddler of surely no more than 3. Mira smiled and stopped the horse “We meet again” she said in her husky voice, dismounting and tying Bart loosely to a nearby post. She would need to get a drink for him before the ride home but she had noticed a pond on the way in.

Mira smiled and held out her hand, taking in the dirty young lad that she was holding. She wondered what the girl’s reaction would be and if she would be as defiant as she had been in Nottingham Town. “Mira Morgan at your service and who might this young tyke be” she asked reaching out a hand to tickle him under his chin.

[hazel]

Hazel watched as Conor went off to the villagers to see what he could sell. She hoped he got a good profit and rid of some of his products, it would make it easier to travel without the weight of all the goods in the bag. Might cheer Arnold up after being told the wagon was broken in the road. Which she hoped wasn't further damaged by rogues or other outlaws. It wouldn't really be a surprise if they salvaged what they could and then burnt the thing. Which would be bad luck and she'd hate to see what would happen to Conor then. But the toddler was commanding her attention away from her thoughts.

Holding him in both hands she tickled his sides and kissed his cheeks. When she looked up there was a face she recognised. Immediately she cradled the boy in one arm, protecting him. "It seems we have met again. What can I do for you?" Hazel was still not sure about this noble woman, or whoever she was. And her sudden appearance was quite disconcerting, her first instinct was to protect the child, her second was to think of a way to get out of this in case the woman was here about being shown up earlier.

The tot reached out a chubby arm and hand to the woman now tickling his chin, Hazel wanted to pull him away, but didn't really want to seem openly hostile and make the situation worse for herself.

[mira]

Mira laughed and took the little fellows hand. She always loved the children for unlike adults they always seemed to know who was friend and who was foe. Adults usually just treated strangers as foe. She turned back to the horse and extracted something from the bags that hung over the back. It was a small rattle which she now handed to the child’s outstretched hand. “Please permit me” she said still smiling at the girl “A friend of mine makes them and there is nothing better in this world than making a child smile, I usually take them to the market but today I think this little tyke will appreciate it more.” Of course she would not William (the maker) go without, she herself would pay the money she would have otherwise got at market.

“So do you have a name” she asked for the girl had not given it last time and it was twice now Mira had given hers. “I was just riding by and saw you and just wanted to make sure you was OK after your time in Nottingham”. Not quite true for Mira had been looking for her. Her attitude and manner at the time had intrigued her and she wanted to learn more of this peasant girl.

Or was she . . . Mira had her suspicions and it was those suspicions that had led her to this place today.

“I sound like a pompous old fart don’t I” she laughed for it really was not in her nature to talk down or even look down on the peasants. “what say we start over. My apologies for the other day, I was merely only trying to help. I mean at the time I was quite unaware that you might have been anything other than a peasant girl."

Mira had lowered her voice so the other villagers did not hear. “What I mean is, I suspect that while you look peasant, you certainly don’t act it, and it might blind the males for they can’t see pass their own needs but . . “ and she paused for a moment “ it won’t fool me, your tone and manner suggest you was at least born higher even if you are not now”. She had not intended to be that blunt, but it had somehow just all come out.

[hazel]

Hazel nodded curtly and let the tot have the rattle. It was innocent enough and would hopefully keep him quiet. Putting her hand into her pocket she produced money. "I accept charity from no one though." The brunette was of the opinion she took something and then returned the favour or gave something in return. Forcefully she gave Mira the money, not taking it back, not even hearing of it being given back to her. But the reality was Hazel was running out of money she took with her when she ran from home. It still didn't deter her from giving what little she had left.

“I do have a name. But I see no reason to divulge it to you yet. I can't say you have earned my trust nor do I know what you'll do with my name, ma'am." Though why a noble woman would stride into town on a cart horse to seek her out, just to find out how she was, that seemed silly and an entire waste of time.

Hazel thought for a moment, this woman was quickly becoming a threat to her, she could feel it, the inevitable feeling in her stomach that was welling up. "I wouldn't call you an old fart." The runaway said in a pleasant enough voice, then added. "I'd call you a intrusive idiot." And when Hazel was prepared to accept them to start over, after mulling that idea in her head, it couldn't really hurt to get to know this woman, the inevitable feeling blew up.

"Unlike some rich pompous prats that parade around in this place. Others, the lower class as we're called work for a living. Working for an upper class family, I picked up traits and habits, tried to make myself presentable and well spoken, learning off what I saw and heard." It was a plausible excuse, Mira didn't know her past, and it was unnerving she knew that Hazel wasn't a peasant. How was beyond her, and if this woman knew, then how many others out there knew of her noble blood? No it was best to keep the cover and not make any daft statements asking how this dark woman knew of her heritage. Hazel could play it dumb if needed.

[mira]

Mira was quite astonished at the woman’s hostility, which made her think she was on the right track with her thoughts. She took the coins without comment then simply took hold of the little boys hand and placed them in. “It was not given in charity, it was given as a gift, perhaps it would do to learn the difference. It gives me great pleasure to see the little ones happy and since it was not given to you I accept no payment and since you clearly don’t want the money make sure it goes to his mother” Mira replied calmly.

Why she done nothing so far then to try and protect her and be nice but if this was the thanks she was going to get then she wondered if it really was worth while. Yet the girls lies intrigued her. “I would tame thy temper my girl, there is no need to be so rude” she said although a smile was still playing in her eyes. So the girl did not trust, it only made Mira wonder if it had anything to do with her fall from society so to speak.

“Pompous Prat, is that what you think of me” Mira mused looking down at her old trousers and stained shirt. “How amusing” She knew what the girl was trying to do but Mira would take no part of it. In fact if anything the girl was more likely scared someone had twigged to her. People often lashed out when scared and also when someone was getting dangerously close to the truth.

“My dear you clearly are new to these parts for otherwise you would know who I was” Mira decided if the girl needed trust she give her a few facts “If you really need to know yes I was brought up in money but money does not make us who we truly are. My father taught me many things and one of them was “to thine own self be true”, something I have always tried to live by and if you had any sense girl you would do the same. You judge quickly, not always wise for what you see is not always what you get”

Mira gazed thoughtfully at this dark haired girl . . who was she really . .That was the burning question. . But Mira would not ask, her past was her past and Mira always believed it was the right of anyone to tell it in their own time and not be pressured. But she would stand here and listen to the girl’s lies.

“I do not know your past and truthfully I do not care. If a time comes that you feel safe in telling me then I will listen but until that day I will ask nothing, but do not stand there and lie to me. You are no more peasant than I am and if you wish to continue the lie with others than I will help you but you must at least admit to me”

My oh my she was starting to sound like a pompous prat and Mira smiled at the thought . . if only the girl knew . .

[hazel]

"There is no real difference. Not in this case. You neither know the boy, the boy does not know you and the same can be said for us. So as there is no attachment this is charity." Watching Archie, she quickly took the coins back off him as he seemed to show great delight in sticking them into his mouth. And Hazel had no real desire to watch the tot choke himself on money. "Maybe you should learn that people this day and age are neither trusting nor totally useless. You may have a higher station than me, but it does not mean I have to tolerate your speculations over me." It was a sore point this woman was hitting, more becuase of how close to the truth she was and if there was anything she was hiding.

Setting Archie down on the ground between them, he was still happily entertained by his toy, she looked at the woman. "Some are bought up in money and happily live that life. Others turn from that path to seek out their own life. Once they do that they are no longer noble or of any wealth so parading around like they are is a fatal mistake and reveals a hypocritical nature in which I never partake." Her language was definitely too good to be a peasant, but in time Hazel would alter that. "If as you suspect I have left that path, there is nothing you could want with me as I have nothing of value to you." It was by no means an admission, it was all hypothetical, Hazel was smarter than to reveal who she was, what she was or where she came from.

"So therefor I have the right to admit nothing to you, for you are nothing to me and in no way have you earned my trust. I am a peasant girl, I've learnt from my masters, why should I be of interest to you ma'am?" Hazel was wondering what the dark skinned girl's interest for her was, but only in so far as she thought she'd been found out and was now in some trouble.

[mira]

Mira smiled despite the younger girls hostility. What was she running from , Mira wondered but the question would leave her lips. The question was of course what to say to a young girl who seemed determined to hate her knowing nothing about her. An interesting situation to be sure and Mira knew she needed to tread carefully.

“What makes you think I do not know the boy” she eventually asked the smile still playing on her lips. “You have been here that long and I know many of the folk who live these parts. In fact she didn’t know the boy that well but she did know the boy’s grandmother quite well and family had never had an issue with her helping out every now and then. In fact it wasn’t giving. Mira felt quite justified in giving the boy a toy for his Grandmother was so good in the knowledge of herbs and had helped Mira on many an occasion but it was not for her to mention such things now. If this girl was to like her it would not be because she knew the boy’s Grandmother.

“You really are a most unusual creature” she mused still looking at the boy who seemed perfectly content with his new toy. “Such a simple outlook on life, do you really think it is that simple. Turn your back on a lifestyle and it’s gone. My dear you plainly prove that it will never be. I think you clearly miss the life but something’s happened and you are two ashamed to admit it”

Mira looked back at the girl “Are you truly happy in this lifestyle” she asked in her soft husky voice “ What if I was to say to you I could give you a better life, one you might be more accustomed too but to the world you could be who you want to present. You intrigue me that is all but what I offer is companionship, nothing more, but if this life truly makes you happy then nothing I say would ever sway you, so for now I bid thee farewell and goodbye to you little one” she smiled reaching out to give his hand a shake.

“If you feel as if you might like to talk you can find me in Loxley, on the outskirts, just ask anyone they’ll point the way” Mira said as she walked off toward her horse. No good talking to girl who was not willing to listen. Maybe her offer would give her something to think about. It made her think too wondering why she had made the offer. It was unlike her to take anyone in, yet there was something about her.

She was about to mount her horse when she spied the young man who was selling his wares. Taking Barts reigns, she led him over and stopped by where he had set up. “Good Morning Young Sir, How are you, I was just wondering what fine things you have for sale today”

[hazel]

"I may be simple." That comment raised her hackles. "But you know nothing about my past. Nor will you ever." Hazel wanted to trust Mira, but the woman came in acting too knowing about her, where she came from, her noble roots. At least that's how it seemed. And the runaway needed time to see how many others knew about. That and how could she pose as a noble lady one minute and the female Robin Hood, riding side stradle. Surely someone must've seen and thrown her into prison. These days you were either poor or rich, you had to pick a side, there was no shades of grey anymore.

"In this lifestyle I am very happy. It's all I've ever known." Because everyone is truely poor until they find love. So being physically poor only matched her state of mind. On now in turmoil thanks to this dark skinned woman dredging up a past that should've been long forgotten and buried. And what right did she have to do that? Only because Mira wanted company? That seemed nonsensical, and foolish considering the brunette had no idea whether the woman before her was noble or not. As she walked off, Hazel looked to the sky, some people had no tact, but the offer did sink in. It was dependant on what the next few days would bring.

Looking over she saw the woman now talking to Conor. Part of her was jealous, the other indifferent. Hazel had a hard time of making heads and tails of her feelings. And this was one of them times. She only knew him for a few hours but felt something when another woman spoke to him. Ignorig it, she made sure Archie was safe and take him back to his family. Seeing the rattle she was in mixed feelings whether to let the boy keep it or throw it away, just to be spiteful. Hazel ignored it and carried the boy back to her family. Then she'd return to see if Conor would get back ok and that he wouldn't get into too much trouble with his master. If Mira was still around, then she'd be around. Still the offer was floating through her head.

[Robert Williams]

OOC -- invited in by Mira to the thread

Roe had been out foraging in the woods far and wide for some small bits of wood to complete some of the project s back at the hut and carpenter’s shop in Locksley. He had just about decided to begin heading for home when he walked out of the forest on the edge of the small village of Nettlestone. He saw, a short distance away, two women that he new in a strident and very vocal conversation. Mira seemed to be concerned about Hazel, but was also accusing her of hiding a noble past. Suddenly, Mira walked off, ending the discussion … at least that part of the discussion.

Roe knelt down and began to whittle on one of the pieces of wood that he had collected that he had taken out of the sack he was carrying. “Its good to see that the boy is apparently better. By the by, there was no need for you to act so defensively with Mira, Hazel. I think she is just concerned about what’s in your best interest. It’s not in your best interest to try and make an enemy out of Mira, or of me ….. think of it as a friendly warning ….. mind your manners with Mira when all she wants to do is to help … not everybody is out to get you …. keep it that way …. I’d really hate to have to intervene,” he said with a quick nod as he walked away beginning his trek back to Locksley. He was already beginning to re-consider whether he had made an error in moving into the Scarlett's old place. It had been like a second or third home to him. What was it that they used to say .... that you could never go home?

[conormccarthy]

Conor had kept a loose track of Hazel, but upon seeing the dark-skinned lady strike up a conversation with the brunette peasant, he turned his back out of courtesy. Nettlestone was by no means a teeming hub of trading activity, but with no leather-worker to speak of, those villagers that were in need of certain items with not the time to travel out of th village to get them were quite pleased to spend a few coins on the quietly-spoken blond's wears.

Using Lillie's harness to hang the lighter pieces such as belts and sinew laces like bizarre tassels, he'd also draped some skins and furs over the draft's back. Millie had a habit of chewing leather, so she was tethered nearby. Conor held a small bag of metal knick-knacks -- every-day things such as replacement buckles, nails and short chains that Arnold had made -- and a small pouch of coins dangled from his belt on which he kept a very close watch. There was not much more in there than he had earned this day, but a sly pickpocket would be unwise to turn it down.

Conor returned the polite greetings of his product's browsers, occasionally answering the odd question about prices and techniques, and conducted business quietly and quickly. In between patrons, he leaned on the solid shoulder of his grey mare and watched the peasants go about their business.

The next customer to come was the lady who had been talking to Hazel. The young man stood up straight and greeted her with a polite nod of the head. He couldn't help but be wary of her skin-colour, being as the country was in a Holy War with the Saracens and there were not many people with darker-than-tan skin in cold, damp, overcast England. "I uh..." He realised he was staring and looked away, gesturing to the wares arranged neatly on the draft's harness and back. "I have belts and laces, a few skins and one hind fur left." Deer furs were always popular, and tended to sell fast when available. Conor gained them all legally, buying from the noble's meat suppliers. They were costly, but he earned no black marks with the law enforcement. He jingled the pouch of metal pieces, holding the bang open with his hand. "A few bits and pieces, though there's more at the Smith's. I work out of Knighton, I have all my wares there. This is just a sample." He explained, remembering the rehearsed words Arnold had instructed him to say. It was no good selling wares when no one knew their source. "I take commissions, anythin' from clothes to tack... Ma'am." He added, remembering his manners too.

Glancing over to Hazel, he saw a man-mountain talking with her now, and wondered where the child had disappeared to. Though one could hide anything behind that man, even a house. If he were a horse, he'd be one of those gargantuan Shires! Conor looked away, petting Lillie's neck as a thanks for standing patiently.

[Robert Williams]

Roe looked off to his left and saw that Mira had gone over to talk to a young man who was peddling some wares to the local villagers. He also saw him with decent-looking horses as well. He noticed that the young man was looking at him, but trying not to appear to be studying him too intently. Roe thought that his horses were interesting, which presented him with an idea. He also thought that it would be polite to go over and introduce himself .... he might have the opportunity to have some dealings with him in the future.

Roe strode quickly over to where Mira was talking to the young peddler. Roe knew that he could present an intimidating image. He was carrying a large sack which held the several samples of wood that he had collected on his excursion that day. He was wearing his greenish-brown cloak, but outside of his hatchet, well-hidden under his cloak and his Saracen bow and quiver (which he had just finished making that morning); he was more lightly armed than normal. This was so that it would be easier to carry his bundle of wood home at the end of the day.

"Hello Mira ..... does this peddler have some interesting wares? Allow me to introduce myself ..... I am Robert Williams ..... a new carpenter over in the village of Locksley. I've been overseas for several years and have only recently returned to the shire to try and earn an honest living," he smiled. "And you would be .....?"

[hazel]

Hazel watched and listend as Robert appeared. Everything suddenly rushed by, she felt like she'd been threatened by the warrior, but to a certain extent Mira had threatened her. "I do not believe everyone is out to get me. But I also believe that a person's private past should be left to the discretion of whomever's life it is to divulge." And Hazel most certainly didn't want a total stranger to know her past. Not at this stage anyway, not until she knew more about Mira and her contradictory personalities. Once Roe had turned at headed toward Mira and Conor, the brunette skirted around to.

There was nothing specific for her to do but watch the comings and goings of the people and also how Conor would fare under all the attention he was now receiving. Secretly she wanted to go over, to talk to him, to hear what was being said, but she couldn't. It was rude to push in to eaves drop, so she remained slightly out cast until the chance arose for her to enter the conversation, even if it was to say goodbye to Conor and wish him luck with his job. Time would tell what was going to happen and how she would be involved.