Chapter Eight
Waking the next morning, I found that the sun was inching its way across my face, blinding me slightly. As I laid on the mattress for several minutes, I tried to get my eyes to adjust to the light until the red spots disappeared.
"Was just a dream?" I hoped.
I slowly rose up to get out of what I thought was my bed, only to find that it wasn't. Everything was the same as when I had fallen asleep. The straw beneath me was where it had been when I had fallen asleep. There was something new though. I remembered that when I had fallen asleep, I had no blanket on. Now, gathered on my lap was a bunch of off white material. Picking it up in my hands, I found that it was some kind of shirt, a man's shirt, rather than blanket. I turned my gaze to the area Will had fallen asleep and all that was left there was the material or blanket he had laid out. Though I wondered where Will had gone, the first thing to do was to get up and stretch.
Stretching out my sore muscles felt really good. Every kink in my neck, arms and my legs disappeared. Even my back felt at ease with the slight stretch. Once that was done with, I ran my hands down my shirt. It was wrinkled and felt stiff against my chest.
"Man do I hate sleeping in day old clothes."
Problem was, I had no other clothes. I'd have to wait till I could ask Will. Until then, the shirt that had been acting as a blanket would have to do. I quickly changed out of my ripped shirt and into the other shirt. The only problem was that the shirt hung down to mid-thigh and was very loose.
"Ok... I can solve this."
Picking up my trench coat, I pulled my belt tie from its loops and tied it around my waist. The tension around the material pulled the shirt up at least an inch so I pulled the material from above the belt and that helped the shirt to shorten up in looks. To untangle my hair, I ran my fingers through the mess a few times until I felt it was satisfactory and didn't look like a rat's nest. With my looks settled, I went out onto the landing and looked out. Everything was peaceful except for a small stream of smoke.
"Wonder who that could be?"
Rather than letting the curiosity drive me insane, I moved to the ladder and descended onto the leafed ground. My boots made a small thud as they connected with the dirt and I made my way silently towards the fire. As I got closer to the fire, I noticed that there was a solitary figure sitting at the fire with his back to me. I didn't recognize him as someone I had met the night before. The hair was down to the nape of his neck, but from what I had seen from the day before, a lot of men had their hair like that.
"Uh, excuse me?"
"Good morning Dodger."
I was surprised. How could this person know it was I? I made my way forward and took a seat down beside the person to find that it was Will.
"Mornin. How did you know it was me?"
"Normally I'm the first one up and no one else is for another 15mins so I figured it had to be you."
I looked into the fire. Normally I was the last person to be up in any house. How could I be one of the first ones was beyond me. Will sat beside me and taking a look from the corner of my eye, I could see that he wasn't looking at the fire, but at me.
"You look different in the morning sun." I turned my gaze fully to Will.
"Yeah, uh, ok then."
"Do you want a drink of tea?"
I looked at him for a few minutes before nodding that I would. Normally I only drank coffee, but I wasn't one to ask for it if they didn't offer in the first place. Will poured the tea in a matching cup and handed it over to me. I gave a small smile and took the cup bringing it to my lips and blowing softly before taking a sip. That small sip felt like the wake up jolt I needed after the tiring day before. I looked up from the cup to see Will's full attention on me, well, more the shirt I was wearing than anything else.
"What?"
"No, I just noticed that you're wearing the shirt I wore yesterday."
I looked down to see that the off white material was the same shirt Will had worn. I got a small chill from the thought he had worn it. But then I remembered that it would have been wet.
"Wait... didn't this one get wet when I pulled you in the river?"
I was unsure why this one was drier than it should have been.
"My first one did. The one you're wearing was what I wore during the question period and fight between you and Marian. I heard your teeth chattering last night and since I was using my blanket to lie on, I gave you my shirt as a blanket."
This guy is like a gentleman from my time, or rather my Dad's idea of what one should be like. I turned my gaze back the other way and went back to my cup.
"Well... thanks. (Sip my tea) Why are you up so early?"
"Are you up to another question/answer game?"
In truth I wasn't but the curiosity of why he was up so early in the morning was getting to me. I never knew guys to get up this soon.
"Yeah, I guess so."
"Well, in answer to your question I'm normally up before dawn. I like to watch the sun rise. Plus it's quieter now. Wait until Bull and Much are up. They are pretty loud in the morning. Okay, now it's my turn."
I winced slightly as I caught sight of a somewhat mischievous look on his face. 'Please no the name question again.' I said to myself.
"How exactly did you get the name Dodger? It's rare for girls or women to have a nickname." Whew, easy question.
"Where I lived, I hung out a lot of the time with guys. I know it may seem odd to you, but they were the only people I felt most comfortable around. Anyways, there was this one place that I had always wanted to go to and when I finally got the gumption to go, there was this giant jerk who wouldn't let me in."
I watched as confusion played over Will's face at my choice of words.
"Jerk? Gumption? What does those words mean?"
"Oh, well, jerk is someone who is always bothering you or acting like he's better than you are. Gumption is when you get up the nerve to do something you usually wouldn't do."
I could tell that Will was still a little unnerved but rather than wanting to try and explain things further, I decided to just continue. I took a sip of the tea, finding that it was slowly going cold.
"Well anyways, I tried to get in and the jerk was leader of a pack of guys. They all laughed, saying a girl like me wasn't allowed in. I kept pressing to go in and got the leader really ticked off. Well he decided that since insults didn't work, he'd use his fists. He swung out at me and I ducked down, landing a blow to his stomach with my own fist. He kept the shots comin at me and I kept dodging them side-to-side or ducking them. When he figured that I wasn't gonna be an easy case to pummel, he saved the last piece of dignity he had and left."
"He just left you?? Didn't try to take you with him?"
I bit back my lower lip, trying hard not to laugh seeing as people wouldn't try to take me with them. I would have just dodged their grasp.
"Uh no. There were too many people around for him to do anything. After he left, two of the guys that were standing back a ways came forward and introduced themselves. We got off great and after that hung out every day. They named me Dodger seeing as in that fight, I came away with not a single bruise or scrape. I had dodged them all."
Will gave me a look that told me right off he didn't believe a word that I didn't get hurt, but I was used to those. Not many people thought that what I said about the origin of the name was true until Spike and Gus vouched for me. Since they weren't there with me, it'd be entirely up to Will to believe me or not. Will pushed his hand through his brown hair and stood up, stretching as he stepped forward slightly.
"Nice history. Wish mine were close to that. Scarlet is my mother's name and William, well I was named after one of the kings. Not much history with me."
If he only knew what history there was to be had with Will Scarlet, then he'd whistle another tune. I started to rack my brain for my question, deciding on finding out why he started to live with the Merry Men when a voice piped up behind us.
"Good mornin Will. How are you this fine mornin?"
Turning around, I saw the people I thought were Kid Blink and Mush but names were Bull and Much walk towards us. They looked similar to Specs, I mean Will but Kid or rather Bull didn't have an eye patch over his left eye. As they got closer, Will leaned down towards me.
"Just to warn you, with wearing my shirt, those two may think we've done something."
I caught sight of a red hue comin to Will's face and I rolled my eyes, thinking that guys never change no matter what the year is. I finished off the tea in my cup and looked Will in the eye.
"Don't worry. If they decide and start something they'll regret it."
I left the words at that, leaving an air of surprise. Kid, I mean Bull and Much finally got where Will and I were. Once they had gotten their own tea from the pot, the three of them sat down with Bull and Much across from Will and I. Bull caught sight of the shirt I was wearing and leaned over to Much. They sat there whispering for a few minutes and took turns staring my way. This went on for several minutes before Bull straightened and looked at me full on.
"Isn't that Will's shirt?"
There was a sly look to Bull's face as though he was itching to tell a secret. I sipped my cup, which had been refilled with tea.
"Yeah, so?"
At that moment both Bull and Much smiled widely and stared at Will with hunger and lust in their eyes.
"How was it Will? Is she as fierce in bed as she is when she fights?"
Bull asked with a smile on his face. Even though Will had warned me I dropped the mug and moved at him, tackling him down to the ground. I was able to get a few punches to his face before Will and Much were able to pull me up off and away from Bull. Will wrapped his arms around my waist as I kept trying to pull away while Much went and helped Bull up to his feet. There was a red mark around his cheek and I knew there would be a bruise coming in later.
"For your information, she slept on the mattress and I on the floor. I noticed she was cold last night and since my blanket was used as the ground cover for me, I gave her my shirt. Nothing else happened."
Much and Bull looked from us to one another, still unsure if what Will had just said was true. I spoke up.
"If anything had happened, I most likely would have turned red...not try to punch out your lights."
Bull nodded, touching his face lightly.
"No hard feelings?"
"No...you just thought something most people would since I'm wearing his shirt. Plus I think you're likely to pay with that shiner coming in already."
It was true. The red mark already has slight traces of blue in it. I could see the colouring due to the sun getting higher in the sky and the others in the camp were starting to come out from their own huts. From the farthest hut, I could see Robin and Ice, I mean Marian come out. Man, I just can't seem to get the name right. Robin noticed the four of us standing by the fire and headed over with his arm around his wife's waist. They parted ways before they arrived at the fire having Robin join us while she went towards the long table where women were starting to set food out on it.
"Will, Bull, Much. Good morning Dodger."
Once he said good morning, Robin did a slight bow before looking back towards Will.
"So Will, did you get anything out of our guest?"
"Yes, but I'll tell you in confidence. How about we go eat some breakfast? I'm so hungry that I would even eat Bull's slop he calls stew."
The men laughed as they left the fire for the table. Picking up my cup from where I had dropped it, I followed after them. Everyone from young to old was gathering around the table that the women and Pie Eater, oops, I mean Friar Tuck set. Tuck looked from his place beside one of the woman and smiled seeing us arrive.
"Come eat and be merry. Robin, Marian and the other women are getting the rest of the dishes. Why don't all of you take a seat and we'll say grace."
Robin sat down at the head of the table. To his right sat Will and soon to the left sat Marian......Hey, I actually remembered it this time. Go figure. I stood off to the side, a little unsure of where I should sit, trying to find a free spot.
"Little John, is it alright if Dodger sits up beside me in your spot?"
I turned my gaze to see Little John just about to sit when he and Will looked my way and he nodded. He got up from his spot as Will waved me over. I watched as Little John moved down a few seats beside Fanny and Wulf. I moved over and sat down beside Will. Everything he was doing lately seemed as if he liked me but I pushed that thought aside and focused on the people around me. My stomach was softly grumbling and I wasn't about to let anyone get in my way when food was involved. Looking around the table, I saw that everyone was taking each other's hands and I followed suit. From the opposite end of the table, Friar Tuck started to speak in the soft English accent.
"Lord, may all be blessed who sit at this table both old," he looked at Robin "and new." He looked towards me. I know I should have looked down during this time, but I like to watch new people after I meet them. Our eyes connected briefly before he continued. "Thank you for this breakfast and have mercy on the sinner's souls. Amen."
All of us mumbled the final word and numerous hands reached out to the food. Everything looked delicious, almost like the food Aunt Medda cooked. Fresh biscuits, steaming bowls of porridge and numerous bowls of fruit lined the centre of the tables. For a while, I just sat in my place looking at everyone who reminded me of my time. I guess Azeem noticed that from his place next to me.
"Fighter one, why do you not eat?"
I turned my head and smiled a little.
"Just taking a look at my surroundings."
The man smiled, taking a bite into one of the fresh buns.
"Ah, an observer. I knew many men that were like you in the Crusades."
The smile stayed on my face. I was compared to someone from the Holy Crusades?? Cool. I guess Will had noticed too that I hadn't started eating because the plate in front of me was soon picked up.
"Dodger, what would you like to eat?"
Turning my attention back to the table, I looked at the food, trying to decide what my starving stomach wanted. I told him that just some fruit and biscuits would be fine. He piled some on my plate, looking more like 2 helpings than just one. Joyful voices came from every which way, both young and old. It seemed as though ever one was different but could get along. 'Why can't my school be liked that?' Robin asking me something soon disturbed my thoughts.
"Dodger?"
"Yes?"
"Before Marian, Sarah and the others leave, can I have a word with you and Will?"
"Yeah sure."
The breakfast mean continued. I kept mainly to myself, answering most questions that were asked of me. Both Azeem and Robin asked me why I was wearing one of Will's shirts. Will ended up explaining to Robin while I explained to Azeem the reason why. The meal finally ended with the children running off to play, leaving the adults to clear the plates and remaining food. Normally my job was to clean up at Aunt Medda's but here I didn't' know what to do.
"Dodger, if you'll follow me."
I guess that answered my question. I put my glass upside down on my plate so it wouldn't be too awkward for whomever was clearing the table and followed Robin whom had Marian at his side and Will who was behind him a few steps. Our destination seemed to be the campfire I had woken up to find Will at this morning. Once we stopped, the way we were set up almost looked like a Dodge ball match.
"So Dodger, are you will to tell us a little more about yourself seeing as there wasn't much we could go on last night?"
I looked to Will before I gave my answer. He was giving me the puppy eyes once again. Man, I am a sucker for that.
"Alright, I'll tell you what I told Will last night. I'm 18 turning 19 in a few days, got the nickname Dodger by beating up a guy several years older than me and not getting any bruises. I'm an only child with parents who are very overprotective of me."
"That's all?"
Robin looked to Will for confirmation and Will nodded.
"Well since we've gotten a bit more out of you than what I thought possible I have an idea. I've mentioned before that my wife; her cousins and lady in waiting are heading to Locksley castle today. I'll be staying her for several days. Would you care to join Marian to our home? I'd actually feel much better knowing that someone with your fighting abilities will be there with them."
I stood there; slightly shocked considering just yesterday I was ready to hurt his wife. Now he's offering me to go somewhere without him or Will around?
"I don't know..." Will spoke up.
"I need things for my hut from town so why don't I accompany them as well?"
"That would be a grand idea. We haven't spent time together in a while Will."
Marian exclaimed with a smile across her face. I looked at the three people before me, not sure of what to do or say.
"I'll go along, as long as Marian wants me to."
Saying her name was hard. Just looking at her made me thing of Ice but for once I didn't feel like dealing with a problem using an argument.
"I would gladly have you come with us. I know we started off on the wrong foot, but I believe we can mend things."
Hearing her say that and having Will come along guess wouldn't be that bad.
"Fine I'll come."
The three of them smiled and Will said that if everyone got their things ready then we'd be able to leave in 30mins or so. Marian and Robin headed off to their hut while Will and I went back to his. Going up the ladder first, I went straight to the mattress I slept on. Taking my trench, I put it on and stuffed my shirt into one of the pockets.
"Well I'm ready."
"I'll be with you in a few minutes."
Will took a bag and put several things of clothing in it. He also put the blanket he had been laying on in closing the bag up.
"All we need now is food. I'll head to Friar Tuck and you can go to the horse stable. The others should be there by now."
Horses? Not good. My parents had tried to have me ride English style when I was younger. I found most of the girls and boys who rode were pricks. I did make one friend I while I did the riding, Amy. She was doing the riding because she loved it and not because she was forced to by her parents. Her dream wasn't to marry someone well off, but to become a rider. She made her dream actually. She's a professional rider at the age of 17 in the adult's competition. Looking to Will I saw that he was already heading down the ladder. I followed and once on the ground I asked,
"Do you think maybe I can walk?"
Will gave me a surprised look.
"Why would you want to walk? Horse is a lot faster."
"I'd...rather walk. Take in my surroundings."
Will looked at me oddly then finally agreed.
"Okay, but I'll ride beside you for company."
Nodding Will and I walked to the hut where I guess Tuck did the cooking with the women. Once we had enough food for everyone we went over to the stable. Marian, Jade, Leighanne and Sarah already had their horses out. It took Will a few minutes to get his but soon he was ready. When Marian saw that I wasn't riding, she gave me the same look Will had.
"Aren't you taking a horse? I'm sure Little John wouldn't mind if you rode his."
"I'll be fine. I'm used to walking."
She shrugged and headed to say good-bye to Robin where he gave all the ladies but Marian a kiss on the cheek. The two of them kissed for a few seconds longer. He and Will shook arms in farewell and Robin came to me.
"I see you are determined to walk so Godspeed."
Rather than grabbing the hand he offered, I grabbed his forearm just as he and Will had done. We shook and once we released, Will nudged his horse and we started on our way.
A/N: Holy cow... it has been a long time since I did any updating to my stories. I'm sorry to all who have been waiting but I took a writer's class this past semester and that took up all my time. Someone said to me in a review that Dodger was judging by stereotypes as well and yes that is true. Whenever she sees people, they automatically remind her of her parents and that's what gives off the bad impression. Things will be fixed in her mind though... I have planned on that. Thank you for all of those who have reviewed and hopefully I can update all my stories that need to be all soon. Work can also be a drag. Thanks to those who give confident words. I'll write the next chapter soon. Until later, adios.
Waking the next morning, I found that the sun was inching its way across my face, blinding me slightly. As I laid on the mattress for several minutes, I tried to get my eyes to adjust to the light until the red spots disappeared.
"Was just a dream?" I hoped.
I slowly rose up to get out of what I thought was my bed, only to find that it wasn't. Everything was the same as when I had fallen asleep. The straw beneath me was where it had been when I had fallen asleep. There was something new though. I remembered that when I had fallen asleep, I had no blanket on. Now, gathered on my lap was a bunch of off white material. Picking it up in my hands, I found that it was some kind of shirt, a man's shirt, rather than blanket. I turned my gaze to the area Will had fallen asleep and all that was left there was the material or blanket he had laid out. Though I wondered where Will had gone, the first thing to do was to get up and stretch.
Stretching out my sore muscles felt really good. Every kink in my neck, arms and my legs disappeared. Even my back felt at ease with the slight stretch. Once that was done with, I ran my hands down my shirt. It was wrinkled and felt stiff against my chest.
"Man do I hate sleeping in day old clothes."
Problem was, I had no other clothes. I'd have to wait till I could ask Will. Until then, the shirt that had been acting as a blanket would have to do. I quickly changed out of my ripped shirt and into the other shirt. The only problem was that the shirt hung down to mid-thigh and was very loose.
"Ok... I can solve this."
Picking up my trench coat, I pulled my belt tie from its loops and tied it around my waist. The tension around the material pulled the shirt up at least an inch so I pulled the material from above the belt and that helped the shirt to shorten up in looks. To untangle my hair, I ran my fingers through the mess a few times until I felt it was satisfactory and didn't look like a rat's nest. With my looks settled, I went out onto the landing and looked out. Everything was peaceful except for a small stream of smoke.
"Wonder who that could be?"
Rather than letting the curiosity drive me insane, I moved to the ladder and descended onto the leafed ground. My boots made a small thud as they connected with the dirt and I made my way silently towards the fire. As I got closer to the fire, I noticed that there was a solitary figure sitting at the fire with his back to me. I didn't recognize him as someone I had met the night before. The hair was down to the nape of his neck, but from what I had seen from the day before, a lot of men had their hair like that.
"Uh, excuse me?"
"Good morning Dodger."
I was surprised. How could this person know it was I? I made my way forward and took a seat down beside the person to find that it was Will.
"Mornin. How did you know it was me?"
"Normally I'm the first one up and no one else is for another 15mins so I figured it had to be you."
I looked into the fire. Normally I was the last person to be up in any house. How could I be one of the first ones was beyond me. Will sat beside me and taking a look from the corner of my eye, I could see that he wasn't looking at the fire, but at me.
"You look different in the morning sun." I turned my gaze fully to Will.
"Yeah, uh, ok then."
"Do you want a drink of tea?"
I looked at him for a few minutes before nodding that I would. Normally I only drank coffee, but I wasn't one to ask for it if they didn't offer in the first place. Will poured the tea in a matching cup and handed it over to me. I gave a small smile and took the cup bringing it to my lips and blowing softly before taking a sip. That small sip felt like the wake up jolt I needed after the tiring day before. I looked up from the cup to see Will's full attention on me, well, more the shirt I was wearing than anything else.
"What?"
"No, I just noticed that you're wearing the shirt I wore yesterday."
I looked down to see that the off white material was the same shirt Will had worn. I got a small chill from the thought he had worn it. But then I remembered that it would have been wet.
"Wait... didn't this one get wet when I pulled you in the river?"
I was unsure why this one was drier than it should have been.
"My first one did. The one you're wearing was what I wore during the question period and fight between you and Marian. I heard your teeth chattering last night and since I was using my blanket to lie on, I gave you my shirt as a blanket."
This guy is like a gentleman from my time, or rather my Dad's idea of what one should be like. I turned my gaze back the other way and went back to my cup.
"Well... thanks. (Sip my tea) Why are you up so early?"
"Are you up to another question/answer game?"
In truth I wasn't but the curiosity of why he was up so early in the morning was getting to me. I never knew guys to get up this soon.
"Yeah, I guess so."
"Well, in answer to your question I'm normally up before dawn. I like to watch the sun rise. Plus it's quieter now. Wait until Bull and Much are up. They are pretty loud in the morning. Okay, now it's my turn."
I winced slightly as I caught sight of a somewhat mischievous look on his face. 'Please no the name question again.' I said to myself.
"How exactly did you get the name Dodger? It's rare for girls or women to have a nickname." Whew, easy question.
"Where I lived, I hung out a lot of the time with guys. I know it may seem odd to you, but they were the only people I felt most comfortable around. Anyways, there was this one place that I had always wanted to go to and when I finally got the gumption to go, there was this giant jerk who wouldn't let me in."
I watched as confusion played over Will's face at my choice of words.
"Jerk? Gumption? What does those words mean?"
"Oh, well, jerk is someone who is always bothering you or acting like he's better than you are. Gumption is when you get up the nerve to do something you usually wouldn't do."
I could tell that Will was still a little unnerved but rather than wanting to try and explain things further, I decided to just continue. I took a sip of the tea, finding that it was slowly going cold.
"Well anyways, I tried to get in and the jerk was leader of a pack of guys. They all laughed, saying a girl like me wasn't allowed in. I kept pressing to go in and got the leader really ticked off. Well he decided that since insults didn't work, he'd use his fists. He swung out at me and I ducked down, landing a blow to his stomach with my own fist. He kept the shots comin at me and I kept dodging them side-to-side or ducking them. When he figured that I wasn't gonna be an easy case to pummel, he saved the last piece of dignity he had and left."
"He just left you?? Didn't try to take you with him?"
I bit back my lower lip, trying hard not to laugh seeing as people wouldn't try to take me with them. I would have just dodged their grasp.
"Uh no. There were too many people around for him to do anything. After he left, two of the guys that were standing back a ways came forward and introduced themselves. We got off great and after that hung out every day. They named me Dodger seeing as in that fight, I came away with not a single bruise or scrape. I had dodged them all."
Will gave me a look that told me right off he didn't believe a word that I didn't get hurt, but I was used to those. Not many people thought that what I said about the origin of the name was true until Spike and Gus vouched for me. Since they weren't there with me, it'd be entirely up to Will to believe me or not. Will pushed his hand through his brown hair and stood up, stretching as he stepped forward slightly.
"Nice history. Wish mine were close to that. Scarlet is my mother's name and William, well I was named after one of the kings. Not much history with me."
If he only knew what history there was to be had with Will Scarlet, then he'd whistle another tune. I started to rack my brain for my question, deciding on finding out why he started to live with the Merry Men when a voice piped up behind us.
"Good mornin Will. How are you this fine mornin?"
Turning around, I saw the people I thought were Kid Blink and Mush but names were Bull and Much walk towards us. They looked similar to Specs, I mean Will but Kid or rather Bull didn't have an eye patch over his left eye. As they got closer, Will leaned down towards me.
"Just to warn you, with wearing my shirt, those two may think we've done something."
I caught sight of a red hue comin to Will's face and I rolled my eyes, thinking that guys never change no matter what the year is. I finished off the tea in my cup and looked Will in the eye.
"Don't worry. If they decide and start something they'll regret it."
I left the words at that, leaving an air of surprise. Kid, I mean Bull and Much finally got where Will and I were. Once they had gotten their own tea from the pot, the three of them sat down with Bull and Much across from Will and I. Bull caught sight of the shirt I was wearing and leaned over to Much. They sat there whispering for a few minutes and took turns staring my way. This went on for several minutes before Bull straightened and looked at me full on.
"Isn't that Will's shirt?"
There was a sly look to Bull's face as though he was itching to tell a secret. I sipped my cup, which had been refilled with tea.
"Yeah, so?"
At that moment both Bull and Much smiled widely and stared at Will with hunger and lust in their eyes.
"How was it Will? Is she as fierce in bed as she is when she fights?"
Bull asked with a smile on his face. Even though Will had warned me I dropped the mug and moved at him, tackling him down to the ground. I was able to get a few punches to his face before Will and Much were able to pull me up off and away from Bull. Will wrapped his arms around my waist as I kept trying to pull away while Much went and helped Bull up to his feet. There was a red mark around his cheek and I knew there would be a bruise coming in later.
"For your information, she slept on the mattress and I on the floor. I noticed she was cold last night and since my blanket was used as the ground cover for me, I gave her my shirt. Nothing else happened."
Much and Bull looked from us to one another, still unsure if what Will had just said was true. I spoke up.
"If anything had happened, I most likely would have turned red...not try to punch out your lights."
Bull nodded, touching his face lightly.
"No hard feelings?"
"No...you just thought something most people would since I'm wearing his shirt. Plus I think you're likely to pay with that shiner coming in already."
It was true. The red mark already has slight traces of blue in it. I could see the colouring due to the sun getting higher in the sky and the others in the camp were starting to come out from their own huts. From the farthest hut, I could see Robin and Ice, I mean Marian come out. Man, I just can't seem to get the name right. Robin noticed the four of us standing by the fire and headed over with his arm around his wife's waist. They parted ways before they arrived at the fire having Robin join us while she went towards the long table where women were starting to set food out on it.
"Will, Bull, Much. Good morning Dodger."
Once he said good morning, Robin did a slight bow before looking back towards Will.
"So Will, did you get anything out of our guest?"
"Yes, but I'll tell you in confidence. How about we go eat some breakfast? I'm so hungry that I would even eat Bull's slop he calls stew."
The men laughed as they left the fire for the table. Picking up my cup from where I had dropped it, I followed after them. Everyone from young to old was gathering around the table that the women and Pie Eater, oops, I mean Friar Tuck set. Tuck looked from his place beside one of the woman and smiled seeing us arrive.
"Come eat and be merry. Robin, Marian and the other women are getting the rest of the dishes. Why don't all of you take a seat and we'll say grace."
Robin sat down at the head of the table. To his right sat Will and soon to the left sat Marian......Hey, I actually remembered it this time. Go figure. I stood off to the side, a little unsure of where I should sit, trying to find a free spot.
"Little John, is it alright if Dodger sits up beside me in your spot?"
I turned my gaze to see Little John just about to sit when he and Will looked my way and he nodded. He got up from his spot as Will waved me over. I watched as Little John moved down a few seats beside Fanny and Wulf. I moved over and sat down beside Will. Everything he was doing lately seemed as if he liked me but I pushed that thought aside and focused on the people around me. My stomach was softly grumbling and I wasn't about to let anyone get in my way when food was involved. Looking around the table, I saw that everyone was taking each other's hands and I followed suit. From the opposite end of the table, Friar Tuck started to speak in the soft English accent.
"Lord, may all be blessed who sit at this table both old," he looked at Robin "and new." He looked towards me. I know I should have looked down during this time, but I like to watch new people after I meet them. Our eyes connected briefly before he continued. "Thank you for this breakfast and have mercy on the sinner's souls. Amen."
All of us mumbled the final word and numerous hands reached out to the food. Everything looked delicious, almost like the food Aunt Medda cooked. Fresh biscuits, steaming bowls of porridge and numerous bowls of fruit lined the centre of the tables. For a while, I just sat in my place looking at everyone who reminded me of my time. I guess Azeem noticed that from his place next to me.
"Fighter one, why do you not eat?"
I turned my head and smiled a little.
"Just taking a look at my surroundings."
The man smiled, taking a bite into one of the fresh buns.
"Ah, an observer. I knew many men that were like you in the Crusades."
The smile stayed on my face. I was compared to someone from the Holy Crusades?? Cool. I guess Will had noticed too that I hadn't started eating because the plate in front of me was soon picked up.
"Dodger, what would you like to eat?"
Turning my attention back to the table, I looked at the food, trying to decide what my starving stomach wanted. I told him that just some fruit and biscuits would be fine. He piled some on my plate, looking more like 2 helpings than just one. Joyful voices came from every which way, both young and old. It seemed as though ever one was different but could get along. 'Why can't my school be liked that?' Robin asking me something soon disturbed my thoughts.
"Dodger?"
"Yes?"
"Before Marian, Sarah and the others leave, can I have a word with you and Will?"
"Yeah sure."
The breakfast mean continued. I kept mainly to myself, answering most questions that were asked of me. Both Azeem and Robin asked me why I was wearing one of Will's shirts. Will ended up explaining to Robin while I explained to Azeem the reason why. The meal finally ended with the children running off to play, leaving the adults to clear the plates and remaining food. Normally my job was to clean up at Aunt Medda's but here I didn't' know what to do.
"Dodger, if you'll follow me."
I guess that answered my question. I put my glass upside down on my plate so it wouldn't be too awkward for whomever was clearing the table and followed Robin whom had Marian at his side and Will who was behind him a few steps. Our destination seemed to be the campfire I had woken up to find Will at this morning. Once we stopped, the way we were set up almost looked like a Dodge ball match.
"So Dodger, are you will to tell us a little more about yourself seeing as there wasn't much we could go on last night?"
I looked to Will before I gave my answer. He was giving me the puppy eyes once again. Man, I am a sucker for that.
"Alright, I'll tell you what I told Will last night. I'm 18 turning 19 in a few days, got the nickname Dodger by beating up a guy several years older than me and not getting any bruises. I'm an only child with parents who are very overprotective of me."
"That's all?"
Robin looked to Will for confirmation and Will nodded.
"Well since we've gotten a bit more out of you than what I thought possible I have an idea. I've mentioned before that my wife; her cousins and lady in waiting are heading to Locksley castle today. I'll be staying her for several days. Would you care to join Marian to our home? I'd actually feel much better knowing that someone with your fighting abilities will be there with them."
I stood there; slightly shocked considering just yesterday I was ready to hurt his wife. Now he's offering me to go somewhere without him or Will around?
"I don't know..." Will spoke up.
"I need things for my hut from town so why don't I accompany them as well?"
"That would be a grand idea. We haven't spent time together in a while Will."
Marian exclaimed with a smile across her face. I looked at the three people before me, not sure of what to do or say.
"I'll go along, as long as Marian wants me to."
Saying her name was hard. Just looking at her made me thing of Ice but for once I didn't feel like dealing with a problem using an argument.
"I would gladly have you come with us. I know we started off on the wrong foot, but I believe we can mend things."
Hearing her say that and having Will come along guess wouldn't be that bad.
"Fine I'll come."
The three of them smiled and Will said that if everyone got their things ready then we'd be able to leave in 30mins or so. Marian and Robin headed off to their hut while Will and I went back to his. Going up the ladder first, I went straight to the mattress I slept on. Taking my trench, I put it on and stuffed my shirt into one of the pockets.
"Well I'm ready."
"I'll be with you in a few minutes."
Will took a bag and put several things of clothing in it. He also put the blanket he had been laying on in closing the bag up.
"All we need now is food. I'll head to Friar Tuck and you can go to the horse stable. The others should be there by now."
Horses? Not good. My parents had tried to have me ride English style when I was younger. I found most of the girls and boys who rode were pricks. I did make one friend I while I did the riding, Amy. She was doing the riding because she loved it and not because she was forced to by her parents. Her dream wasn't to marry someone well off, but to become a rider. She made her dream actually. She's a professional rider at the age of 17 in the adult's competition. Looking to Will I saw that he was already heading down the ladder. I followed and once on the ground I asked,
"Do you think maybe I can walk?"
Will gave me a surprised look.
"Why would you want to walk? Horse is a lot faster."
"I'd...rather walk. Take in my surroundings."
Will looked at me oddly then finally agreed.
"Okay, but I'll ride beside you for company."
Nodding Will and I walked to the hut where I guess Tuck did the cooking with the women. Once we had enough food for everyone we went over to the stable. Marian, Jade, Leighanne and Sarah already had their horses out. It took Will a few minutes to get his but soon he was ready. When Marian saw that I wasn't riding, she gave me the same look Will had.
"Aren't you taking a horse? I'm sure Little John wouldn't mind if you rode his."
"I'll be fine. I'm used to walking."
She shrugged and headed to say good-bye to Robin where he gave all the ladies but Marian a kiss on the cheek. The two of them kissed for a few seconds longer. He and Will shook arms in farewell and Robin came to me.
"I see you are determined to walk so Godspeed."
Rather than grabbing the hand he offered, I grabbed his forearm just as he and Will had done. We shook and once we released, Will nudged his horse and we started on our way.
A/N: Holy cow... it has been a long time since I did any updating to my stories. I'm sorry to all who have been waiting but I took a writer's class this past semester and that took up all my time. Someone said to me in a review that Dodger was judging by stereotypes as well and yes that is true. Whenever she sees people, they automatically remind her of her parents and that's what gives off the bad impression. Things will be fixed in her mind though... I have planned on that. Thank you for all of those who have reviewed and hopefully I can update all my stories that need to be all soon. Work can also be a drag. Thanks to those who give confident words. I'll write the next chapter soon. Until later, adios.