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

[conormccarthy]

While the dark-skinned woman browsed his wares, Conor blanched as he saw the giant man was ambling over. Absently tucking his money pouch under his dangling shirt tail, he petted Lillie's head to distract himself. Hopefully the man would go on past. With horses, the larger the nicer, but with people you could never tell.

A shadow loomed over him, and Conor grudgingly looked p to see the man looming over him. Conor was not a tall man at 5'8", and this giant of a man made him feel smaller in comparison. The man talked to him in a deep voice, though he didn't seem to be threatening nor cruel. He enquired after Mira who must be the dark woman, and Conor breathed a slight sigh of relief. The man introduced himself as Robert, and Conor was mildly interested at his profession. He worked with many a carpenter, though new business partnerships were always welcome. Conor bobbed his head in greeting, "Conor." he replied to the question quietly, his brogue evident on the Irish name.

With a polite wave of his hand, he motioned he would be available to talk in just a moment. He'd spotted Hazel walking past, and after checking to see that the Saracen woman wasn't in need of his attention (or in case she had lifted something), he followed her progress across the way. He wondered what the Saracen woman and Robert had wanted with her. Even with his limited social skills, he could see she was not particularly happy about something. Hoping she'd come over so he could mumble a goodbye before he left, the leather-worker turned back to Robert.

[Robert Williams]

Roe noted that the young man seemed to be somewhat preoccupied with something or someone across the way. The only person that he saw over there at present was Hazel, and he made the ready assumption that Conor was waiting for an opportunity see her or speak with. While Conor was looking about, Roe took a closer look at the products that the young man was peddling and they appeared to be of good quality. He had a good way with his prospective customers, making sure that they were aware of all he had, but not being forceful about it, and seeming to have the ability to listen, and most importantly, to negotiate. These were all important, if not vital skills of a good peddler and salesman.

Finally, Conor turned back to Roe, so he used the opportunity to talk to Conor for a few moments, hopefully so that he would not be taken to be a threatening individual. “It appears that you may know Mira and Hazel. There are few people from here that I am in the least familiar with, and am mostly friendly with both. It does not appear that they see quite eye-to-eye between them, though, I’m afraid. Mira helped me do some work on the old Scarlett place, and I did a favor, escorting Hazel to Nottingham a few days ago. So ….. do you make most of your wares here … or do you acquire them from other craftsmen?”

[hazel]

Hazel was still behind Roe. Looking at Conor, she gave a weak smile and shrug of the shoulders. Feeling lik it was her in the wrong, for whatever reason. It was hard to conceive that hiding your past could lead you into so much trouble. But nevertheless it was the prive she would have to pay. Seeing Millie tetered up, she made her way across to the mare. There'd be no problem petting her, the horse had such a lovely temperament and it allowed her to be closer to Conor, Mira and Robert. Not that she was eaves dropping. If she overheard conversation, well that was no crime. Plus she was most desperate to make sure she got to say goodbye to Conor when he left and to thank him for his hospitality and everything he'd done for her. Though the feeling of guilt and what happened to the cart still loomed on her.

That and perhaps Mira or Roe would have some parting words for her too. But as the cluster around Conor looked to be in conversation it was unlikely they were going to leave anytime soon. On the bright side, the leather worker had made a good trade today. Hopefully his master would praisehim forhis initiative and not wasting a day. As she threaded her fingers through the Millie's mane, some part of her hoped that when Conor left it wouldn't be the last time they'd see or talk to one another. Conor had been such kind and accomodating company.

[Robert Williams]

Roe did not normally talked too much. He normally stayed to himself quite a bit. However, when he did talk, it was often with a barrage of questions. This was what was happening with Conor, plus the fact that Roe's stature and size often could make others uncomfortable. "Sorry about all of the questions Conor, sometimes my curiosity gets the better of me, when I should just let people inform me in their own time and way." He saw that Conor was considering how to answer his questions, so he bent over to set his sack of wood on ground. When he looked up he saw Hazel across the way. She seemed to be waiting for something to happen, or perhaps she was wanting to talk to Conor, Mira, or himself.

"That's a fine looking horse, Hazel. For many years, my horse was actually my best friend in the world. I miss mine a great deal, in fact." He took a deep breath, before continuing his side of the conversation. "Hazel, I'm afraid that you may have taken what I said the wrong way, or that I may have misspoke. I was just concerned for your well-being, as I'm sure that Mira was. If I offended you or I over-stepped in what I said, you have my sincere apology. It is my intent to assist, not to hurt. I hope you understand that and will accept that apology," he asked with an unsure look in his eyes, and he nodded his head, and turned back to Conor to see if he had any answers for his too many questions.

[conormccarthy]

Conor wondered what it was that had given Hazel that somewhat listless look. Not a good judge of complex expressions, Conor could only tell that not all was well with the older brunette peasant woman. He offered her one of his meagre half-smiles, flashing a dimple before his attention wandered back to Robert's question, yet he seemed impatient to carry on the conversation he had started earlier with Hazel.

While the other man addressed Hazel, Conor became aware that it was perhaps something Robert had said to her before that had put her in a sullen mood. Conor found to his surprise that it made him bristle a little. Hazel was a good woman, she didn't deserve any 'miss-spoken' words or anything less than the utmost politeness. While she was only a peasant and the larger man seemed to be an artisan like himself, Conor didn't think it gave him any real status over her though he did pity him a little for the loss of his horse. Even though just one horse was a luxury for most peasants, the loss of one could put a great dent in income.

He was glad that Hazel had gone to fuss Millie, it pleased him to see that she enjoyed the grey mare's company. He found that the gentle beasts could comfort him when he felt less than ideal also. Conor was sure that the draft enjoyed the attention too.

Robert seemed to be done apologising to Hazel, and Conor remembered the man had asked him a question about his wares somewhere in the tumult of conversation. Did her make or buy his wares? Aside from buying unprocessed skins from other peddlers to make his wares from, Conor made all of his wares. He'd started by learning from Arnold's last leather-worker, and had expanded on that to make items of quite decent quality. Whether it was just scraping pelts to make usable leather skins or furs, or cutting the pieces to make a wide variety of leather products. Patting Lille's broad neck, he answered the carpenter, "I make 'em." He replied neutrally, wondering if any had taken his fancy. He hoped to get off soon, he still had the cart to attend to.

[Robert Williams]

Robert knew that he had overstepped in his earlier comments to Hazel. Perhaps he felt more protective of Mira than he did of Hazel. He wasn't sure of the reason. In any case, he felt that it was important to bow out as gracefully as possible. "You do excellent work then. At least by appearance, they seem to be of high quality, and I have seen many different examples in my distant travels. Your horses seem to be in fine condition and wee taken-care-of. That is a testament to your skill as well."

"I, however, like many, am a man of very modest means. All I could offer is something in trade, and I believe it would take me some time to accumulate enough of my own handiwork to make it worth your while." He considered his next words, carefully, as he picked up the sack off the ground, for he did not want to be misunderstood. "I need to be getting back to Locksley so that I can continue my repairs. I have delayed you with unnecessary questions, which is diverting you from your work and your friend."

"Therefore, I will take my leave of you. Since, I do not have a horse I do not expect to come this way often, especially since it has many unhappy memories for me. I do not know what your opinion of me is, but if you are ever in the vicinity of Locksley you are more than welcome to stop by to inquire about any use you might have for my carpentry skills, either for trade or payment. Of course, you will be welcome if you just want to talk as welll. However, for this day and this place, I think you have heard enough from me ..... a good and profitable day to you," and with a quick, but respectful nod he turned and was on his way.

[hazel]

Hazel nodded she understood, and in a way forgave him. Then watched Robert go. In time the feeling she had would pass. It was hatred, but not directed at the carpenter or Mira. It was at herself. Everyday she woke up and the first thought on her mind was how she despised her life and herself. Everything. The only relief she got was from helping others. Or receiving small acts of kindness. Like how Conor had helped her.

Once Robert had moved away she approached Conor once more. Petting Millie farewell. "Hello again." Hazel smiled as she came back across. "You did a fine trade." Keeping the subject firmly on him and not on what had happened between herself and Mira. In fact Hazel even doubted if Conor cared or would ask about it. And what answer would seh give? Hazel hated her past and tried not to remember but was it time to admit what she's shunned and turned away from? And then wouldn't all the peasants hate her! Face it she had money, wealth everything they didn't and she threw it away. More fool her.

[conormccarthy]

Watching after Robert, Conor too wandered what his opinion of the man was. He seemed fairly honest, but the fact that he had something to apologise to Hazel about made him wary. What could the carpenter have done? If Conor was a more curious person, and a more confident one, he might have asked Hazel about it. As it was it was probably rude to enquire and he would leave it be unless Hazel mentioned it herself.

As the man-mountain moved away, Hazel came over and greeted him again. Conor found himself smiling slightly, the rare dimple denting his cheek briefly before it faded away and his face assumed its normal stoic expression. She didn't seem to be worried about what Robert had said, though if Conor knew any better, he might notice the slight tension about her while she hoped he wouldn't bring it up.

"Hello Hazel." He said, his gaze firmly planted on her left shoulder, resolutely not meeting her eyes. She was right about his successful trade, and Conor hoped it would be enough to placate Arnold. "Haven't been to Nettlestone in a while, makes trading better." He turned away, giving her his profile as he began to pack away the pieces he hadn't been able to sell. It wasn't a dismissive gesture, and he was hoping Hazel would talk to him some more before he had to leave for Knighton. He was quite beginning to like the brunette woman.