My fabulous and WONDEROUS and GLORIOUS and MOST MERCIFUL READERS:
I know I'm being slow with my chapters for other fanfics. Again, I'm stonewalled from the lack of reviews especially on "Fallen on Deaf Ears." Either the Reviews are too short, or I did not get my requested number. Either way, I dont know which way to take the story without your guidence. I'm not saying, 'no bad critisism' I'm not a narcassist, I'm all for any kind of critisism, but no critisism is kind of a worry for a writer . Catch my drift?
ANYWHO!
I got this inspiration for a cross between a Robin Hood/Cinderella kind of themed story. I remember watching the disney version of Robin Hood on VHS and I still love it today! *Cough Cough* Prince John the Worst *cough cough*
READ READ READ READ READ!
THE TEXT WITH THE "ITALICS" IS BELLA SIGNING. BELLA IS A MUTE. ALICE IS BELLAS INTERPRETER FOR THE MERRY BAND.
There are some things in here that make Bella appear, 'non-mute' but I assure you she is. She cant speak. At all. But she can communicate through signlanguage and bird calls. Will be explained further in the story.
I DO NOT OWN:
Twilight or its characters. Full rights go to Stephanie Meyer and her awesomeness in creating the Twilight World WHOO!
'Phony King of England' That belongs to Disneys Robin Hood.
Celtic Womens: You Raise Me Up (though it's one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard! If you havent heard them, GO ON YOUTUBE!)
Plot: Isabella Swan is our valient herion in our story. With the cruel rule of King James, who taxes the poor people of Nottingham, England, Isabella becomes the famous Swan Hood and takes up arms to protect the people fromt he injustice of the evil ruler! Though... she has her work cut out for her, being a Noble and an Outlaw in secret... and Edward Cullen is not helping her case at all.
Ch: 1 The Swan and the Violin.
I looked around outside the house, keeping my hood up and my head low. With any luck, I won't be spotted.
"Lady Swan!" a voice hissed to me, a pale hand waving to me from the woods just a few feet away. I darted swiftly into them, my feet barely making a sound. I wore no boots, finding them very inconveniencing at times like these. Besides, I love going bare footed! My feet showed the many years of bare walking, being rough and calloused like my hands.
Alice, my most trusted best friend, put a finger to her lips and darted to a pair of horses, both russet in coloring. Alice mounted the one with a blond mane and I mounted the one with the black. I nodded to Alice and I kicked swiftly, and my steed charged into the woods, Alice close behind. The woods were silent, sleepy in the evening light.
We rode for a half an hour and stopped at a creek, far enough from the house so not to be heard. I pulled a horn from one of the many folds in my cloak and blew hard; a single and true call rang over and through the trees. I felt the air stir in response, a familiar feeling to me.
Men and women stepped out of the trees and cheered my name, Swan Hood. I did not speak, but my actions were clear. And these people followed me faithfully. My name is Isabella Swan of the Swan Household... or what's left of it. My father had died in the line of duty and my mother shortly behind him after a fever. I lived now with my Robin of Locksley and Aunt Mary-Anne.
They were a gentle couple, but Uncle Robin was the finest ever with a bow and arrow! When my parents died, he taught me how to shoot... and claimed I was almost as good as him. What Aunt Mary-Ann didn't tell her beloved husband was that I matched him. And personally, that's as far as I'll get. But ever since his fair King Carlisle died, his nephew James took the throne and the kingdom went to Hell in a hand basket. You see, when Carlisle died, Esme also followed him to his grave, leaving their son baby Prince Edward too young to take the throne. And at this rate, it didn't look like he was going to get it. I had taken it upon myself to make changes.
I did this in secret though… the less my aunt and uncle knew, the better off they'd be if I were caught. Uncle Robin is James's only brother, but when he married Aunt Mary-Ann, a peasant at the time, he gave up all rights to their father Prince Aro's funds. King Carlisle, being as kind a man as he had been at any other time, dubbed Uncle Robin a new Duke and therefore making Aunt Mary-Ann a Duchess by title.
I smiled, Uncle Robin married for love… however rare it was to find that kind of love. Though, Prince Aro was very pleased to hear that one of his sons had taken the throne. What parent wouldn't? But I can bet all my fortunes that he's rolling over in his grave with how badly James's rule is playing out.
I was whisked out of my thoughts as my band mates settled down with food and a few men making a fire and I sat down to listen as Alice informed me of the days events.
Unfortunately, I was born a mute. Alice, God bless her, had taken time to help teach me sign language, her little sister Audry having been born deaf as was her mother before her. Alice spoke and I signed my responses, communicating with my merry band.
Soon, Alice's husband, a humble farmer named Jasper, struck up on his guitar and shouted, "Dance! Dance!" Men and women got up and began dancing around the fire. Emmet, next to him, burst out into song.
"My Lady," a young man named Mike offered his hands. I accepted it gracefully and began leaping and dancing, joy filling my heart. There was nothing that soothed me more than a song!
"Oh the world will sing, of an English King,
A thousand years from now!
And it won't be because he passed some laws,
Or had a lofty brow.
When bonny good King Carlisle lead
Us all, now he's done died many days
We'll all have to slave away
For that good for nothing James!"
"Incredible as he is inept
Whenever the history books are kept,
They'll call him the phony king of England!
A pox on the phony king of England!"
"A pox on the phony king of England!" Rosalie's chiming voice declared, dancing around the fire, her golden locks glittering with polished stones while her silks gleamed clean, the true daughter of a Duke and her husband Emmet, the son of a Count. Both of which stayed at the Castle Cullen.
"He sits alone on a giant throne,
Pretending he is the king,
A little tyke who's rather like
A puppet on a string!
And he throws an angry tantrum
If he cannot have his way.
And then he calls for his mum while he's suckin' on his thumb.
"You see, he doesn't want to play
Too late to be known as James the First
He's sure to be known as James the Worst
A pox on the phony king of England!"
"A pox on the phony king of England!" Alice chimed, linking arms with Rosalie and me. We danced together in an Irish jig.
"While he taxes us to pieces,
And he robs us of our bread.
King Richard's grown keeps slippin' down
Around that pointed head!
Ah! But while there is a merry man,
In Swans wily pack
We'll find a way to make him pay
And steal our money back!
The minute before he knows we're there,
Ol' Swan will snatch his underwear!"
The entire camp erupted in laughter. I stuck out my tongue childishly and lifted my hand, taking a bow. I took the center of the circle and continued dancing, solo this time.
"The breezy and uneasy king of England,
The snivellin' grovelin!
Measly weasely
Blabberin' Jabberin
Glibber jabberin
Blunderin plunderin
Wheelin' dealin'
Prince James, that phony king of England!"
I spun and took a bow, grinning. The entire group laughed and cheered out our jibing song. A lucky song, we called it. Especially after a great haul that we had last night. I laughed, though it sounded much different to a fully speaking person. A little… cotton clothed.
I jumped high and stood on the top branch, Alice following me closely. She began speaking for me as I signed.
"My merry friends! Today we celebrate, for tomorrow there is a caravan carrying a thousand gold pieces and twenty thousand jewels. All of which belong to the people of Nottingham. Emmet, I need your assistance with placing the traps. Jasper, take a group and scout the south. That's the direction they're heading. Rosalie, is your cousin's tavern all filled and set?"
"Would you need to ask?" the blond beauty smiled.
"Thankyou."
"Swan Hood, my group reports of the Sheriff accompanying the shipment!"
I smirked, "All the more to take this one from King James!" My band cheered, throwing their hats into the air. I jumped down and sat down at a make-shift table. I sat at the head, and broke bread first, taking a small piece for myself and turned, passing the bread to Alice. I turned again and cut a small piece of meat, courtesy of Friar Sam.
I smiled brightly as I passed down a pitcher of wine as well the chatter of excitement making my heart lighter than it has been in a long time.
I got up and slipped away from the table with a silent word of thanks, moving through the glade and taking up my horse and headed way for a secret glen where a small pond lay. I walked this time, instead of riding. My ears were humming with each sound of the forest. I jumped as a spider shifted on its web on a bush, but I kept going little more aware this time.
I stopped, tilting my head from side to side as a gentle, flowing sound began ringing through the trees. It was a violin if I wasn't mistaken. But who was playing a violin out in the middle of the woods? I continued on and found myself at my glen… and a man with coppery bronze hair with his back to me.
I blinked and tilted my head again, listening. The music was indeed beautiful… but at the same time lonely. Suddenly, the player whipped around and I stumbled back as I came face to face with Prince Edward of England.
"Who's there!" he demanded. I automatically held up my hands, showing I wasn't a threat and stood up again. Prince Edward quickly moved towards me, and blinked twice almost as if he couldn't believe what he was seeing. He offered his hand and I took it with a nod of thanks.
"You startled me, my Lady. Are you alright?" I nodded again.
He frowned, "Don't be afraid, I don't bite. Speak up."
I grimaced. He glared, raising his hand, "I said speak up!" And swung at me. I caught his hand and made to make a motion to show I couldn't speak.
Suddenly, I found myself on my stomach against the tree, my wrist caught. I glared. So, his highness likes to fight, hmm? I swept his ankle out and jumped back, standing in a ready stance. Prince Edward swung around, tossing his cloak aside.
I turned my foot, standing with my hands up. He lunged to grab me and I easily side stepped him, kicking him in his rear and sending him sprawling close to the pond shore. He turned and lunged again and I ducked away, coughing loudly as he snagged my cloak and turned, wrapping me up in the soft fabric and into his arms.
Wonderfully… strong… arms… No Bella!
I turned swiftly and met him in his emerald green eyes and froze. We stared at each other for a moment before I head butted him in his chin, immediately getting him to let go.
"You little! What kind of woman are you?"
I bared my teeth in rage, turning and grasping my steed's reigns and turned to go away. If Prince Edward was going to be too impatient for me to respond, he wasn't worth the company!
He suddenly grasped my shoulder and I swung around and slapped him, glaring furiously. He glared back at me. "Just for that, I will take your horse!"
"Wait!" a voice shouted from the trees and Alice jumped out of the shadows. "Wait your highness, please!"
"You know this girl, Alice?"
I blinked, Alice knew Prince Edward?
"I do, Edward." I blinked twice, Edward? Since when does Prince Edward allow anyone to address him so informally!
"Well? Who is she? She won't tell me on her own!"
"It's because she can't. She's mute, Edward."
I blushed furiously, glancing at Alice. He blinked, than his cheeks colored abit and ohed softly.
Yes 'oh' you dumbass!
I began signing to Alice, telling her it was strictly a message for her. "I was going to tell him that I couldn't speak but this asshole jumped me and started a fight, thinking I was being insolent!"
Alice raised her hands and clasped mine. "Bells, calm down please? I know it's upsetting but calm down. I know! I know."
"What? What's she saying?"
"Bella is expressing some… very heated opinions."
Heated opinions!
"Shame I don't sign, or else I'd tell her what I think of her pathetic fighting moves."
Pathetic fighting!
"Listen here you ass! I'm not deaf for starters, so you don't need to sign. Second, if I could speak half the words you use so fleetingly, I'd tell you exactly what was on my mind. Who do you think you are? You do not know who I am and right now I care not to know you! If you are what this kingdom has to look forward to, I weep with the people!"
Alice stared at me in shock as I signed so angrily, panting hard. Edward looked like he wanted to laugh.
"What did she say?" Alice looked scared and glanced at me.
"Go on! Tell him! It's not like he can cut out my tongue for it, it's useless anyway."
"Ah… er… what she's basically saying is that if you're what our kingdom has to look forward to, than she weeps with the people."
Prince Edward looked shocked. "You weep… what are you, a peasant? Surely you're dressed like one!" I sneered angrily, flipping the bird at him. Suddenly, I realized who I was talking to and my cheeks colored more. But as of right now, I could care less. The pompous ass needs to be taught who will oppose him if he turns out to be like his uncle. Oh dear God in Heaven, why did you have to take good King Carlisle so early?
"I believe you know what that means…" Alice pointed out with a giggle. "Bella is very… well, opinionated."
"Such opinions would get her killed. It's a good thing she was born mute. A gift from God if you ask me."
I stepped back as if he had slapped me. It was no secret to Alice, the thing I craved most in my entire life was the ability to speak.
"Edward!" Alice snapped, taking my hand. But it was too late; my angry fire was put out.
"What?" he asked clearly startled at her reprimand. I glared at him and took my hand away, tears beginning to fall.
"If that's what you think, than a pox on you and your crown!"
"Bella!" Alice gasped.
"What? What did she say?"
"Edward… there is nothing more in this world than Bella wishes than to have a voice. You saying that is very hurtful. But Bella, what you just said right now isn't kind either."
I looked away from Alice's piercing blue eyes. I motioned slowly an apology.
"I accept. I believe you both owe each other an apology."
"Me? What for?" Edward cried out incredulously. I narrowed my eyes but I made the proper motions.
"I'm sorry Prince Edward of England."
"She's apologized, Edward. Now you."
"For what?"
"For hurting her feelings! Seriously, that crown may give you many abilities to get around the laws but it does not give you the right to be cold to anyone's feelings!"
Prince Edward still looked quite lost. Alice jumped up and fwaped him on the forehead. "It goes 'I'm' still with me? 'Sorry.' Now put it together, 'I'm sorry.' Again, since you seem a little slow on the uptake, 'I'm sorry.'"
"I'm not a child, Alice!" Prince Edward snapped.
"Than stop acting like one!" Alice snapped back.
Prince Edward looked thoroughly embarrassed, his spark was gone too. He dipped his head and touched his chin to his chest like a child caught with a sweet.
"I'm sorry, Bella of the Peasants."
"She's—"
I raised my hand, shaking my head to Alice.
"It's his choice. Let him go… I'm through." I took the reigns to my horse and mounted easily. He looked up at me. I nodded once and kicked my horse and away I went into the woods. I needed a good ride to clear my head. I kicked my horse into a gallop, the moon as my only guide.
My thoughts drifted back to what Prince Edward said though…
(Flashback)
"Such opinions would get her killed. It's a good thing she was born mute. A gift from God if you ask me."
(End flashback)
Tears began falling down my cheeks. My mother, Renee, was a very gifted singer. My father, a talented pianist. They made a good pair together. So why was I skipped for my mothers voice? It wasn't fair!
My heart wrenched in my chest and more tears fell down my cheeks, remembering my mother singing Ave Maria at the Christmas dinner. I remembered Alice talking to me while I signed, around a group, interpreting for me. Or my parents in case Alice wasn't there. More memories flooded over me and I had to pull my horse to a stop, slipping down and crying in soft sobs.
(Flashback)
"Such opinions would get her killed. It's a good thing she was born mute. A gift from God if you ask me."
(End Flashback)
Damn him for cursing my wish! I even coveted the warm tenor of his voice.
I beat the ground with my hands and I opened my mouth, trying to form words… more specifically my name. "B—bb- beaaaw—"
Nothing. No, that's not right. Not even close!
I sat back and buried my head in my hands, sobbing. I can't even say my name! I sat back and gazed at the stars.
Dear God, why did you make me such a soundless creature? Am I truly doomed to walk the earth a soundless soul?
I gasped a shooting star!
I quickly got on my knees and clasped my hands, chanting in my mind.
"Falling star, symbol of wishes… please carry my wish to God. I wish to have a voice."
"Wishing on stars will get you nowhere." I snapped my eyes open and turned to see none other than Prince Edward. He stared at me in a bored air, but his eyes were alight with intrigue. Ugh… dear God what did he wants now?
I got up and bowed formally.
"So now you bow? I don't get it, why didn't you before?"
I rolled my eyes, not falling for this and flipped him the bird again and turned to mount my horse.
"I'm not letting you run away again," he grabbed my cloak and spun me around. "I know you can't speak and that you don't like me. And frankly, I don't like you either. But I am not about to let you run off again with Swan Hood still at large."
I 'tched' and waved my hand saying, 'I don't care.'
"You should care!"
I jolted, turning to look at him.
"Why are you so flippant? You should care about what little coins you possess."
I looked at him and touched his medallions around his neck, several of his wrings and the gold cuff links. Like he should talk such a careless brat.
He smirked, lifting his arm and showing a jewel encrusted dagger. "Like Swan Hood had a chance against me!"
I rolled my eyes.
"In the entire castle, I am the best with a blade!" I arched a brow. Is that supposed to impress me? "What? What is it you're thinking?"
Good question. Nothing you would care to know. I pushed away and reached to mount my horse. I heard a grunt behind me and suddenly, I was lifted into the saddle. "You should sit more lady like. You are a woman, after all. No matter how poor."
Aaand moment's over! I turned and glared at him. I grasped the reigns and kicked my horse without a signal, without a care and galloped off into the tree. Goodbye Prince Edward.
Following Morning...
I awoke the next morning in my own bed and a quick knock at my door. I tapped my bell a few times to let my visitor know I was awake. Uncle Robin walked in with a tray of food. "Morning Bella Bell! Did you sleep okay after your ride last night."
In all honesty, I didn't. But I lifted my shoulders in a shrug. Uncle Robin set down my breakfast, sitting on the bed.
"Alright, angel, I know that look. What's wrong?"
"Nothing. Just not a good night sleep."
"Are you sure that's all? You can always talk to me, you know. I know I'm not your birth parents, but I do care about you."
"I saw a falling star last night."
"You made a wish than?" I nodded. He smiled. "Than have faith that your wish will come true. Shooting stars are racing angels; your wish will be heard by the good lord above. Be patient."
If only…
I sighed softly and uncovered my plate, finding some orange slices, eggs and bacon. I could feel my uncle's eyes on me and I turned to look at him with a curious expression.
"Bells, I'm worried… did something happen last night?"
I couldn't hide it.
"I ran into Prince Edward last night."
"What's wrong with that? I thought beautiful girls would be completely in love with handsome guys like Prince Edward."
"I was in my riding attire. I looked more like a peasant than a Duke's daughter. I couldn't answer who I was right away and he lashed out at me."
"He—get your shoes on and get dressed! We are going to sort this out immediately!"
I grabbed my uncle's hand frantically signing. "Its okay, Alice was there to help me. Though, I wasn't very kind with my words either. I was very angry with his… very closed minded opinions." Uncle Robin sat down.
"Alice was with you? That's good than. I know Prince Edward is abit… as you say 'close minded' but with your light I'm sure he'll open up!"
I wasn't so sure.
"I know how to cheer you up!" he said with a snap of his fingers. He got up and pulled out my violin from its case on the table. "Why don't you play? Play something happy?"
I tilted my head. Something happy… what song made me happy? I took the violin, stroking the mahogany wood affectionately. My mothers face came to mind and I placed the instrument under my chin. Slowly, I began playing the Ave Maria.
I closed my eyes and pictured my mother; I could hear her warm voice singing the lyrics… perfectly, fully, and whole-heartedly. Mom… are you watching me from Heaven right now?
When I pulled the bow for the final bar, I took a breath and let all my negative energy flow out. "That's my girl," Uncle Robin said, smiling brightly at me. I smiles back. His rusty red Irish hair caught the dawning sunlight and I thought of my mother again. I threw myself into his arms and hugged him tightly.
"Thank you Uncle Robin."
"You know, Bella, perhaps God answered your prayer a long time ago, hmm?"
I blinked, what joke was he trying to pull?
"Your violin is your voice. Everybody speaks in the same way. Our mouths. But with your violin, you speak from your heart, and your words are the purest in the world. The purest and most honest any man will ever find. Your voice is in the music you play."
I blinked twice and looked at my violin. Was this my voice? Was music truly my voice? My mother taught me many instruments before she died… she told me that music was the purest magic in the world. It connected both Heaven and Earth, which is why we had Psalms. And music connected every heart around the world.
Uncle Robin was right. How foolish I've been!
(Flashback)
"Such opinions would get her killed. It's a good thing she was born mute. A gift from God if you ask me."
(End Flashback)
Perhaps… my non existent voice wasn't so nonexistent after all.
"What are you thinking Bells?"
"I was just thinking that I maybe the most blessed person out of the entire world. I've been told I'm very opinionated."
"Yes… but I'm not following."
"Never mind. How about an archery tournament today? Just you and me!"
"Aaah, I wish I could little sparrow. But I cannot. I'm taking your aunt out for a picnic today."
I pouted.
He lifted his chin proudly.
Our eyes clashed and we stared at each other, willing one another to give in. I blinked first. He laughed, his smile making tiny crinkles in the corners of his eyes. Robin of Locksley is a very merry creature. He's had a very good life and married a beautiful woman. I looked out to the rosy morning. Maybe one day, God will grant me a future like his too.
((Following Evening))
I rode out with Alice, a black mask added to my attire today. Tonight we strike! Stopping, I tied my horse to a tree and climbed easily up into the branches, jumping from one to the other. I found many of my band already waiting, but others were taking positions.
Alice stood next to me in my tree. "This should be a piece of cake. Sheriff won't know what hit him!" I smiled, my confidence boosted enormously. I took a deep breath to steady my excitement and watched as leaves were shaken down to cover the traps as naturally as possible.
Alice suddenly sat up, her looking around. Than I felt it too. I sat up as well; there was something wrong here…
I looked around and whistled an owl's call and all was silent. Than I heard it.
I turned, drawing an arrow and fired and an arrow met mine. I drew another and fired again, jumping down as a yell of pain ripped the silence to shreds. I glared through my mask, aiming another arrow just in case. "Who's there?" Alice demanded, jumping down as well.
The stranger was hidden in the shadows, and I could smell blood from where my arrow hit him. I found the shaft pinning the stranger by the skin of his finger. I wasn't a killer, but if this was a threat, we would have to alter our plans immensely.
"A pox on the phony king of England!" the stranger gasped. "I come in peace Swan Hood!"
I immediately knew that voice and pulled my arrow from his hand and quickly started signing, dropping my bow.
"Leah! What are you doing here! I thought you were at the inn with Rosalie."
"Swan Hood, I overheard some of the guests talking today. They said that this shipment is a trap for you!"
A trap? Fools… I whistled a jay's song and my band quickly gathered round. "Listen, all of you. Leah reports that this is a trap for the band. If you want to go, fine. I won't hold you to our original plan. But this new attempt will take stealth and skill. Who's in?"
"Aye!" the band answered me in unison.
"Very well than. Mike, Friar Sam, Alice, Jasper and Emmet come with me. We're going to make Sherwood Forest haunted tonight! We'll scare them shitless and rob them blind! Leah, tell Rosalie to have the inn ready for some… very scared patrons."
Leah smiled, her dark skin making her pearly white teeth gleam in the moonlight. "Perfect Swan Hood. I'm sorry about the arrow… it was the only way to get your attention without making a sound."
I clasped hands with her and licked the blood away. Leah was a tough girl, but I see her heart is true in her words. She rushed away, pulling her cloak over her head. No one knew these woods like Leah. I took a breath and released it.
"Plan B Alice… get everything ready."
"Yes Swan Hood. Let's go guys!"
I took up positions and several of my band gathered with small groups, planning how to make their entrances, pulling down ropes from their packs way up in the trees. A few men even brought a few sacks of flour! Perfect! I looked around and found berries, specifically holly berries.
Crushing them, I smeared their red juice on my face and tore at my cloak. I tilted my head as the distant clip clopping of hooves met my ears. I blinked and hooted an owl call and the entire band scattered, silent once more.
"It sure is spooky out here at night," a distant voice. "I wish the Sheriff had given us the night off instead of making us work. I could use a bodacious wench and the best cup of ale!"
"Shut up you bloke!"
"I mean it though. I haven't gotten any good—"
"I said shut up!"
"And I'm telling you both to shut up and keep your eyes on the road! You're the one with the torches!" a voice barked out from the dark.
I cupped my hands to my mouth and began making owl hoots.
"AAAH!" An arrow shot out into a random tree.
"Jason you knit! It's just an owl!"
Alice took the moment and began her eerie banshee cry.
"AAAAAAAAH!" the entire caravan erupted in screams. I could see shadows of my band mates jumping from tree to tree, making the leaves shake and rattle. The wind picked up and two of them jumped down, covered in flour, and moaned as they limped toward them.
"GHOOOOOOOOOOSTS!"
I hooted again, and the horses reared and neighed in fright. I swept out suddenly and drew a knife, cutting the gold sacks from their belts and tossing them to Jasper. Emmet limped out, groaning.
"Moooannna… Moooannna…" he reached out blindly and grasped one of the guards. "You took my Moooannna!"
The guard screamed like a girl and turned and ran. I turned and cut several more pouches and stopped, seeing Sheriff Caius. His eyes were wide but his demeanor was calm. I knarled my hands and owl hooted again. He stepped back, shaking so hard his coin pouch was rattling. I hissed and pointed a finger at him.
My band stopped and began advancing on Caius. "Evil… evil…" they chanted, reaching out. I have never seen Caius's eyes widen so far. He screamed, "R-rre-RETREAT!" With that, the entire team was gone. The entire band began laughing, placing their hands on their hips and belting out in hysterics.
I smiled, clapping my hands at their performance. "Swan Hood! Look!" They dragged out four large bags, untying them. Inside gold and gems glittered merrily and I grinned. Taking some, I tossed them in my hand and let them drop in the bag.
Signaling Alice, the entire group went silent as I began to sign. "Good work everybody! You've made me very proud. Take some coins and go buy many rounds of ale for yourselves. You've earned it."
The band cheered and quickly took a handful each, knowing that greedy man here is not a welcome man. I turned to Alice specifically, "Alice, take what's left to our hide out."
"Won't you be joining us, Swan?" Mike asked, looking deflated. I shook my head and took to the trees.
"Such a lonely person, Swan Hood is… silent yet brave. May God smile on her," Jasper voiced.
"If she's lonely, than I'll go keep her company!" Mike jumped up, but I heard someone catch him.
"It's best to leave Swan alone. Looks like she's got a lot on her mind," Emmet told him. I silently thanked him and continued on. I needed to wash up before I went back to the Locksley House.
I walked by myself, going and taking my horse from where it was tied. Would one hum right now while walking? I looked up at the sky and saw the full moon. The light gave me a sense of peace. I walked silently, tilting my head from side to side as I sang a song in my mind, the music giving me strength. A moment later, I found myself at my glen. I quickly tied my horse to another tree and undressed, jumping into the water.
I shivered at the cold water and quickly began washing my face and arms. The sooner I got all this berry stuff off of me, the sooner I could go home. I swam over and pulled out my soap and began rubbing it over my arms, chest and neck. I jumped when Iheard a twig snap and turned to look. There was no one there, perhaps my horse simply moved.
I dove underwater and rose again, soap-free and swam to climb out. I blinked, a glimmer of gold catching my eye. I turned and had to blink twice, not believing what I saw. A violin lying abandoned at a tree.
I blinked, going and picking it up. The instrument was very well made. Whom ever left it here must've been a mistral or a bard. I turned it over and I nearly dropped it. On the back were the initials E.C. in an elegant script of gold paint.
I knew only one person with those initials. And it made my belly burn with anger. Edward Cullen… who would've guessed he would play such an emotional instrument! That would be, if he had any feelings at all.
"Poor little violin… you must play so wonderfully for such a cold master." I thought. I smoothed my fingers over the strings. I sat down on the grass and pulled my cloak over my lap, placing the instrument there. I plucked absently at the strings, finding it obviously in tune. It was still warm from the sunlight today. Good thing it didn't rain or else it would've been ruined!
I pulled the bow from the tree and placed the violin under my chin. "Sweet violin… help me portray the song in my heart. Carry it across the universe to Heaven so God may hear me and smile on my work."
I pulled the bow over the strings and began playing a soft song… a song my father and mother often dueted on. You Raise Me Up.
When I am down, and oh my soul so weary…
When troubles come, and my heart burdened be!
And then I'm still and waiting, in the silence…
Until you come, and sit a while with me.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains!
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas…
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders.
You raise me up, to be all I can be…
I opened my eyes and I smiled to myself.
There is no life, no life without it's hunger,
Each restless heart, beats so imperfectly!
And then you come and I am filled with wonder.
Sometimes I think… I glimpse eternity.
You raise me up, so I can stand on Mountains!
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas…
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders…
You raise me up, to be all I can be.
Granted, the song was old… but it held so much feeling in it when my parents sang it. I wished for that someone to appear soon. Being mute and silent… it was disheartening. I set the violin down in my lap and I leaned against the tree, praying, hoping… for anything. I felt oddly, wanting. The feeling wasn't entirely foreign, but it was odd for this moment in time. Shouldn't I feel peaceful right now? I mean, it's a beautiful evening!
I tilted my head slightly in thought and jolted when a twig snapped just behind me. I turned to look, but I was greeted only with my horse. I sighed in relief. I didn't have my weapons close to me… granted I fight well without any restricting clothing, but I wasn't without my dignity! If it were a man, he'd be ogling my body. Ugh… pigs.
I sighed, seeing the moon passing it's highest point. I have to get back. I quickly dressed and glanced back at Edward Cullens violin. Do I take it with me? Or leave it here for him to find…
I kept staring at the elegant instrument. I couldn't leave it. I sucked up my resolve and picked up the instrument, taking it with me.
Alright everybody! You know the drill from here! If you Like or dont like something, REVIEW IT! DONT BE AFRAID TO BE OPINIONATED LIKE BELLA! Critisism is welcome!
Bella: *is playing the violin*
Alice: *is listening*
Edward Cullen: Where's my violin? When do I get it back?
Moonlight: *Fwaps Edward with a newspaper* Dont be so careless next time! Shut up you! I'm trying to listen to the performance!
Edward Cullen: I want my violin!
Moonlight: *fwaps him again* Shush!
:3 Edward wants his violin back... will he get it back?
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