Felicity rode her cream mare across the lush green fields, her hair whipping around her face. The mist felt cool against her skin, and ominously disguised the towering Nottingham Castle behind her and the expanse of forest that lay ahead. Although she had arrived not long ago, she had already heard much about the mysterious Sherwood Forest. Many had spoken of the outlaw archer and his band of compatriots that resided there, preying on noblemen that passed through their jurisdiction. Though she knew he was a criminal, there was something intriguing about the archer. It took strength to stand up to powerful nobles, and one had to be cunning to pull off such daring escapades.
Felicity pulled her mare to a stop as she reached the crest of one of the rolling hills. Not too far off, the forest stood silently. The mist wove between the tall tree trunks, shrouding its inhabitants in mystery.
"No wonder people are terrified to pass through its realm", Felicity thought.
"It's like the whole forest has joined forces with the outlaw."
Suddenly her mare snorted and began pacing back and forth.
"What's wrong girl?" Felicity asked, tightening her reins to try and steady the horse.
Something had obviously spooked the mare. Felicity scanned the surrounding area for the source, when she saw him.
Standing at the edge of the forest, mist rolling around his frame, stood the archer. He was an imposing figure, the green hood of his outfit hiding his face from view.
Felicity gasped, shocked. She gathered the horse's reins in her hands, ready to bolt if necessary. But the archer didn't move. They stood there, two strangers, observing one another silently. There was a weight to the silent exchange. Words seemed to pass between the two without anything being spoken. It was as if their souls were communicating with each other across the field between them.
Felicity took a sharp intake of breath, almost entranced by the exchange that was occurring, when her mare snorted anxiously and began turning in circles. Felicity reached down to pat the horse soothingly, but when she looked back up, the archer was gone. Felicity stood there for a moment longer, scanning the forest edge curiously, before turning the mare once more towards Nottingham.
Later that night, Felicity stood on her balcony and surveyed the sprawling landscape outside the castle. The image of the archer, standing silently in the mist, still occupied her mind. There was something about him that captivated her. Something that had passed between the two of them in the silence. She felt almost drawn to him, connected by something within her soul. She knew it was crazy. Perhaps she was just tired from her travels.
Felicity was startled out of her thoughts by the sound of her chamber door opening.
"Lady Smoak?" Felicity's lady-in-waiting, Rose, asked as she carefully stepped into the room.
"Is everything alright?"
"Yes, yes of course." Felicity said, shaking her head as if to dispel her daydreams.
"Well, if you're feeling rested after your journey, Sir Guy of Gisborne has requested your presence at dinner." Rose said with a curtsy, as she turned to leave the room again.
"Rose?" Felicity asked suddenly, her eyes once again drawn to the view outside.
"Yes?" She replied, stopping and turning to look back at Felicity.
"What do you know of Sherwood Forest?"
Rose was silent for a moment, before stepping towards Felicity to give her reply.
"It's a dangerous place, ma'am. One not many people willingly go into."
"Because of the archer? Have you seen him?" Felicity asked, turning to look Rose seriously in the eye.
Rose pursed her lips before answering.
"He's an outlaw. One you would rather not run into with a heavy purse. And he's incredibly dangerous. You would do best to stay away from Sherwood Forest, if possible." Rose answered firmly. She was clearly done talking about the subject.
"Now let's get you ready for dinner. You wouldn't want to disappoint our gracious guest."
"No…I suppose not." Felicity said, turning to look out the window one last time. The mist had since risen up to shroud the forest from view, leaving her with only mysteries and the image of the archer clothed in green to ponder for the rest of the night.
