Robin crept through the trees. Light filtering between the branches. She froze as a twig cracked off to the left of her. Scanning for a moment she quietly changed course towards the noise. She slowed her breath scanning the trees again. A slight movement drew her focus. Grey brown hair moved hesitantly through the bushes. The deer came to her chest in height. A roe deer possibly. Nocking her arrow she aimed carefully before letting it fly. The deer reared before trying to run off. Robin sprinted after it. It wouldn't get far, but there was nothing worse than spending an hour looking through all the underbrush. After cleaning the deer she quickly caught a handful of rabbits and a few birds. With light quickly disappearing she blew her whistle. Not long after two large men lumbered through the trees to help take her catches to the camp.
With the majority of her work complete her mind shifted to the next day. Anxiety ate at her stomach. Every job was risky, but she usually didn't have to try and blend in with the upper class. Her father had taught her basic edicate, but that was years ago. He had been a knight of some calibur, but she doubted his edicate lessons could compete with those of the nobles she was about to interact with. Her best hope was on the disguise Tuck had gotten for her and the excitement of the celebration would help her go unnoticed.
Walking into the camp she was quickly met with drunken cheers. Fresh meat was always a delicacy, more so during a trip such as this. Litle walked over smiling. She handed Robin a piece of bread.
"They are putting the meat you caught in the stew now. The stew should be ready soon." Robin took it while stifling a yawn. "If you want you can go get ready for bed. I can bring it to you later."
"That would be great. Thanks" Robin yawned again before ripping a piece of the bread. "My tent is just over there." She gestured to a small tent on the outskirts of the camp. "If I'm asleep just let me be. I have a night watch tonight so I can grab something later." Yawning again she bid everyone good night.
The crickets chirped outside her tent. Already she was wishing to be back in Papplewick. The old church wasn't much, but it was the home they had made.
"Papplewick?" Robin asked grimacing. "There isn't anything there. It's a dead town a fair way off of one of the main roads."
"Which is why it's perfect." Tuck grinned at her leaning back in his chair. "It's time to put our dreams into action. Or do you want to live on the road forever?" Robin grimace turned into a scowl. Tuck knew how much she hated sleeping on the ground.
"But why there of all places? Somewhere closer to Nottingham would give us more access to what we need."
"Too easy to get caught or noticed. Papplewick is perfect. It's far enough off the main road that most people won't travel there on purpose, but close enough it's not too difficult."
"We need information. If no one goes there how do we get any?"
"We just need to make sure the right people know about Papplewick. Information is my specialty." Tuck smiled again leaning forward on the table. "We will make Papplewick a welcoming stop for travelers going longer distances. A little bit of good food and lots of ale will make anyone start gossiping. Merchants are the worst of them. We can take advantage of that." He pointed at the map outlining their route. "We can be there in a few days at most. Then you can decide."
"Alright, alright. After all, who would ever suspect a friar." Robin grinned. Tuck frowned, running his hand through his hair.
"I was thinking of not doing that part of the plan. I'm sure we can come up with something else."
"Oh? Are we going to open an inn? You know no one stays at those anymore. With Prince John taking over the inns are rampant with thieves or thugs. It's a pity indeed, but the hair must go. It'll grow back…eventually." She patted his head in mock sympathy. "Now let's get some shut eye. The sooner we leave the sooner I can see this marvelous Papplewick you're so excited about."
Robin stretched, wanting nothing more than a nap. Thomas had rode them all hard since daybreak. She had the sneaking suspicion he'd received an invite to the celebration, or maybe wanted to try to capitalize on the people as they came and left the event. If money was to be made Thomas made sure he was there. Grabbing her pack and bow she nodded to one of the men on patrol before heading off into the woods. The excuse of hunting would come in handy today. This amount of nobles would make prey scarce, so coming back empty handed wouldn't be found unusual. Still she felt an urgency to hurry. She was panting when she finally caught sight of the manor. For a moment she stood in awe. Robin had seen many manors in her life, but this one was elegant and simple while others had been gaudy and overdone. Tearing her eyes away she quickly changed into the outfit Tuck had provided. The headdress would hide her short unruly hair well. The fabric felt of high quality. If she got outed today it wouldn't be because of her dress. Taking a breath she pushed her nerves down and quietly slipped out of the edge of the forest and into the garden.