Marian gazed at the town and the bustling people scurrying around and bartering in the market square. She gripped her bag, filled with her most precious belongings, tighter and stuck her chin up, willing the fear away. Her father, Sir Edward, had recently been appointed to the Sheriff of Nottingham. He had been the Sheriff of her last home as well, but because of her mother's death, he had eagerly accepted this position and they had moved. Her long ringlets bounced beside her face as she followed her father into their home.
"Come along Charlotte," she called to her closest maid.
All the servants hurriedly followed after the little lady Marian.
Marian was 11 years old. Her father was the dearest person to her since her mother's death. She didn't even have any friends because she was just moving, although she was close to her maid Charlotte. Sir Edward cared deeply for his young daughter, since she was all he had left. This was probably why he granted her every wish. Marian was a tomboy and so most of these wishes involved sword fighting, archery, and the like. But, even with her money and her power she did not act like a spoiled child. In fact, in her old town she would often take her allowance and give it to the poor. She cared deeply for the less fortunate.
The next day Marian was wandering her home.
"Marian," Sir Edward called.
"Yes father," she answered, her sweet voice echoing through the stone hall as she walked over to him.
"We are holding a banquet at the castle tonight for all the lords. I would like you to come, you're old enough now. Charlotte will prepare you," he told her softly.
Marian groaned softly. She was happy that she was old enough to be able to go to important events, but she could've cared less about dresses and banquets.
"Father, I was thinking about looking at our new lands," she explained.
Images of running through pastures and swimming in creeks raced through her mind. Unfortunately, her father was firm.
"Marian, you are a young lady now whether you like it or not. You're too old to ignore banquets. You must come tonight," he said sternly.
"Yes father," she quickly replied, seeing that she wouldn't win this argument.
"But," Sir Edward continued. "You may have an hour or so, to explore the grounds now," he added kindly.
Marian squealed with delight and hugged her father. Then, after changing into an old pair of her father's pants, she headed out.
Marian had discovered a vast forest and she wandered around it, not worrying where she was. Suddenly a voice came from behind her.
"Hello. Who are you?" the voice asked.
Marian quickly turned to see who was speaking. It was a boy leaning casually against a tree with his arms crossed with a sly smirk on his face. He appeared to be a little older than her. He had auburn hair and mischievous green eyes.
"My name is Marian. Who are you?" she questioned, eyeing the boy cautiously.
"The name's Robin," he said with a grin. "I've lived here all my life, but I've never seen you before," he said stepping closer to her.
"I just moved here yesterday," she explained. He nodded to himself.
"How old are you?" she asked.
"13. And you?" he asked back.
"I'm 11," she replied.
There was an awkward silence as Robin gazed at her and she nervously looked around the forest, not knowing what to say.
"So what is this forest called?" she asked Robin.
"This is Sherwood Forest, my lady. Only the most beautiful thing you'll ever see in your life," he said proudly.
Then he paused for a moment.
"Why are you wearing pants?" he asked curiously.
He had never seen a girl wear pants in public (if walking around in the forest could be called public) and he was puzzled.
"It's so much easier to run in pants," she said with a smile.
"But you're a girl!" he exclaimed, clearly in shock that she would run.
"Yes, I am," she replied. Then a grin spread across her face.
"But I bet I could beat you to that big tree!" she told him, pointing to a large tree that was quite far.
Then without another word she started running.
Robin watched this strange girl scurry past him. Then, gathering his wits, he hurried to beat her. Of course he was older and a boy, so he did beat her to the tree. But he was still amazed at how fast she was. They both leaned against the tree panting for breath. After that they were instant friends. They explored and laughed as if they had known each other for years, for the next hour.