Ranger Hood

Sorry I took so long o update people, school really messes with my Fanfic-ing. Awww, thanks for the overwhelming responses peoples! I was so happy reading all your wonderful comments. Constructive criticism is always welcome! =) Well, here's the 2nd chapter, hope it's good!

P.S- I dislike Helen and JoMo, so they will likely get pretty roughed up during the story.

Disclaimer- I don't own Steph, Ranger (though I wish I could) or any other characters you recognise.

I also do not own Robin Hood, the man, the myth, the legend (or the Disney movie)

Enjoy!

Chapter 1- Good Morning Sunshine

Stephanie awoke to the sounds of chatter.

She wearily opened one eye, and then winced at the sunlight streaming in through the window.

"We know you are awake, Lady Stephanie. It is time to get up." Spoke Connie, one of her chambermaids.

Steph didn't reply. She was too tired from staying up half the night, writing.

Her "mother" thought that her writing was silly and childish, but it was her outlet. Without her writing she felt she was nothing.

"Yo white girl, get Yo ass out of bed!" shouted Lula rashly. Lula spoke as if she was still working the streets. Steph had found her one day, battered and bloodied after an unfortunate encounter with a man, and they had bonded instantly. Steph helped her quit and gave her a place to live and a job, as her second chambermaid.

Steph sat up in her bed, rubbing sleep from her eyes. If Lula was in her room, she wouldn't be getting anymore sleep. That woman had a hell of a voice.

As she sat up, her writing book, which had lain open on her chest, slid down, revealing her silver banded sapphire ring, that hung on a silver chain around her neck.

It was the one thing in the world that reminded her that she wasn't a mistake.

"Your mother wishes to speak to you before your departure to Trentonshire." said Connie drawing Steph out of her daydream. She flitted through Steph's wardrobe, trying to find something decent for her to travel in.

Steph winced at the mention of her "mother." As far Steph was concerned, her mother died 10 years ago, and the woman married to her loving adoptive father was a poor replacement.

"Oh, must I? Isn't it bad enough that she is marrying me off to the first 'suitable' suitor when I am only 16 years of age whilst father is away, but no? It has to be an old wretched man who treats women poorly, and his only wish for this marriage is for him to become king. It is appalling."

"Now now Lady Stephanie, you know that your mother is just trying to do what's best for you." replied Connie. The routine was getting old. Steph knew that Connie was being forced to say it.

Steph sighed.

"Well," she said as she slipped off the bed and behind the changing curtain "let's get this over with."

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"Well, look who finally decided to get up." said Steph's "mother" in her sickly sweet tone.

Steph glided, not-so-gracefully, down the stairs to the hall where her "mother," Queen Helen, awaited.

She stumbled on the last step, causing the Queen to let out a noise of distaste.

"Honestly Stephanie. You are to wed the most influential and powerful man of Trentonshire and you stumble on stairs like a toddler. What would he say if he could see you now?" she said, sweet venom dripping from her words

"If you believe I am such a child, Mother, then why do you wish to marry me off at 16?" Steph replied "Father clearly stated before he left that I, under no circumstances, was to marry until I was of at least 18 years of age, especially not to a man as old as he is. I do not wish to marry him, Mother. Don't you understand that?" she pleaded

"You shall do as you're told, Stephanie. What would Sheriff Morelli think if he saw his future wife disobeying instructions?" Steph sighed

With that, Stephanie stormed out of the hall towards the courtyard, where her carriage awaited.

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Steph approached the chestnut thoroughbreds, standing regally as they waited to be fastened to the carriage. She placed a hand out for one to sniff and giggled as at licked her. She ran a hand through its silky mane, receiving a whinny in reply.

A cough from behind her drew her from her musings. A short and slightly weasel-y man with dark hair slicked back greeted her.

"Hello Vincent," said Stephanie mechanically, "Are you to be escorting me to Trentonshire today?" she asked, trying to keep her temper in check. She really disliked him.

"Yes" was his only reply before he began saddling the horses and fastening them to the carriage.

"Get in." he said, before adding "Lady Stephanie"

Steph got in, somewhat reluctantly. That snake of a man was very much getting on her nerves. She knew he was up to something, she just didn't know what.

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They travelled along the winding roads of Chambersburg before reaching the forest of Trentonshire. Steph put down her writing book, and began to observe the forests natural beauty. That was, until she heard the sound of thundering hoofs, and a hoarse shout of "Stand and deliver."

Great, Steph thought, could this day get any better?

So, how'd I go on this chapter? Sorry for the cliffy, but all the better to keep you all in suspense!

Review please, and constructive criticism welcome!