Hey ya'll. I know I haven't updated any of my other stories in about forever and a day but here's a little something-something to make up for it. School's been riding my butt so I really haven't had any time for the others. But do not fear. I've been slowly working and editing the newer chapters for the other stories. As for this short, I just wanted to give Robin Hood a shot. Watching the entire series in one shot managed to burn my writers flame long enough to crank this out plus a few other scratches. I plan on eventually adding more to this but for now a test run would be nice. Like the other fanfictions I surprising was able to produce, I own nothing but a few names and plots that I happened to grab after bouncing off the idea that is Robin Hood. Enjoy. -Ippiki Ookami.
Robin Hood.
Gathering of Wolves.
"Robin! Rider on the North Road!" Called out Little John. Immediately he and the rest of his men and women grabbed their weapons and raced out of their camp towards their latest rich soul. As they got closer to the road they quieted their steps and carefully hid behind trees. Making sure to keep out of sight they edged their way closer to the lone rider.
"This is the land I call my home, from far and wide, and mountains high. The sky that's blue, the forest green and rivers flow like crystal." As the rider sang their song multiple pairs of eyes watched hidden just behind the tree line. The rider continued on unaware of the eyes watching them.
"What a pretty song, you think they have a pretty purse as well?" Allan A Dale asked in a whisper.
"I think the better question is if they're armed, you can't very much tell from the heavy cape they're wearing. Can't even tell if its a man or woman." Much, Robin Hood's right hand man answered back. "It's too hot to be wearing something like that anyway."
"It has to be a man, no woman would ride alone." Allan reasoned. Much opened his mouth to retort before Kate interrupted the oncoming argument.
"Would you two shut up." Kate broke in between the two men. She shook her head and looked towards Robin as their leader readied his bow. "What now Robin?"
"Only one way to find out." Robin grinned and fired an arrow. It flew straight and true into the ground just in front of the rider and their horse.
As the horse reared back Robin and his men sprang from the trees and surrounded the stranger.
"I am Robin Hood, and this is an ambush." He spoke with clarity and an arrow ready to be fired should the rider resist.
As Robin opened his mouth to continue the rider chuckled an amused laugh.
"I wouldn't laugh if I were you. This is serious. Why are you laughing? Why is he laughing?" Much shifted from right to left foot and looked to his comrades for some kind of answer.
"Forgive me, but I believe this is the first time I've been caught unaware." The rider lowered their hood to reveal a young woman with long black hair and smooth pale skin. Under her left eye was a black tattoo shaped like an upside down check. "By a band of thieves no less."
"Oi we're not just any kind of thieves. We're Robin Hood's men." Much argued.
"We steal from the rich, and give to the poor." Allan chimed in.
Robin grinned and lowered his bow. He stepped forward with his hands on his hips. "With that introduction my lady, anything worth of value, coins, jewels or food you have that can add to our cause would be much appreciated."
"I wish I could help Robin Hood, but I bring nothing with me but the clothes on my person and a sword to defend myself. Surely you wouldn't leave a woman unarmed while traveling?" She asked.
Hood and his men looked to one another. None really had an answer so Hood spoke up. "I suppose we wouldn't but if you wouldn't mind dismounting..." He held out a hand to help her. "Just to be certain Miss..."
"Rin." She provided and handed over her reins to show good faith. She dismounted as asked and removed her cloak in one fluid motion. The cloth draped neatly over her horse's saddle as she dropped to the ground. To the surprise of everyone there she stood at a much smaller height then they had expected while she was on her horse. It was more of lack of clothing she wore rather they her lack of height that caused the men to stare a bit longer than necessary.
On her feet she adorned a solid pair of leather boots that climbed to the bottom of her knees. Under her heavy cloak she had worn a considerably short skirt of black leather adorned with metal caps and a matching leather and fur bodice that left little to the imagination to the Englishmen though it covered a great deal of her upper body including a portion of her neck. The entirety of her left hand, arm and shoulder was covered by an arrangement of leather, fur, and metal armor while the majority of her right arm was left exposed save for a leather wrist guard.
Now they could plainly see that the rider was indeed carrying nothing of value on her and the only visible weapon on her was a sword.
"Interesting sword. I've never seen one like that." Robin commented. It was smaller and thinner than his scimitar. It was unlike any sword made in England or in the Holy Lands. It looked like a sharpened strip of metal attached to a wooden hilt without a hand guard.
She smiled touched her sword proudly. "You must not have traveled far enough East. Yours looks to be from the Holy Lands as well as your bow."
"You been there before?" Much asked. It was rare but not uncommon for their group to come across someone that had come from the east.
"Yes. I was there, but just passing through. I try not to get involved in wars." Rin turned back towards Robin. "I hope your curiosity is sated. May I continue my journey?"
"Of course, but after you answer a few more questions." At the nod of approval Robin began his questioning. "Where are you headed and why are you traveling? More so alone."
She considered lying to the outlaws but thought better of it. "I'm on my way to Nottingham for business reasons." She said truthfully.
Robin's look turned from mild amusement to a serious one. Anyone on their way to Nottingham for business was either a fool or knew what they were getting into. "And pray tell what those business reasons are." It was more of a demand then a question. Rin raised a brow in thought before shrugging her shoulders. Like it or not she was still surrounded. Dressed like she was it was more than obvious she was a fighter.
"I've been honest so far and it's not like I have much of a choice." Rin reached for small scroll of paper from a belt around her waist and held it out for Robin to take. "A request was sent out for warriors a few months ago. Fight for money to put it simply."
The others looked at one another once more. They had been back in England from the Holy Lands for a few months now but the recruitment had been going on for much longer. They knew that already. "Why are you freely telling us this information? Granted it is something we already know about, but someone in your position..."
She nodded slightly and accepted the letter as it was handed back to her. "And what position would that be? Your Sheriff isn't the only one looking for fighters." She smiled wickedly and turned away from them towards her horse.
"You don't mean you're-" It was Friar Tuck that figured it out but she shushed him before he could finish and jumped back onto her horse. The horse reared causing the gang to jump back to avoid being trampled on.
"'Till the next time we meet Robin of Locksley. You are King Richard. " With that she took off at full speed towards Nottingham leaving part of the group scratching their heads in confusion and the other splitting they're faces with smiles.