by GoldenStateOfMind » Thu Apr 05, 2012 1:36 pm
(( Whew. Thanks. Okay, let's get things started. I'll try to think of another dramatic twist for tomorrow. ))
Chris edged himself around the turret of the Hood's small castle, keeping an eye out for any members. He was bathed in shadow and the cool stone of the wall pressed into the skin of his back. Suppressing a shudder at the sight of the eerily empty courtyard, he ducked down into the ferns that licked around the castle's wall and crawled under a window. He couldn't be seen. For all the Hood knew (aside from Arrowin of course) he could be dead. Sudden curiosity overtook him and he let out a long, low whistle, to show someone was near. If Rebecca or the Prince was around, they would come looking for him soon enough. He needed to speak with someone one-on-one, to explain himself and hopefully come back to the Hood. He slid into a sitting position and waited, two freshly killed rabbits in hand as a peace offering.
Prince Stephan had ridden off into town as soon as Arrowin had led the rest of the Hood to raid the King. He couldn't force himself to go back, even as a spy, because telling Kyle about his past had brought back too many memories of his old life. He couldn't fight with half of his heart on the other side, and the royal family still believed he was missing or perhaps had been killed. Now here he was, just arriving at the bustling market, with gold coins jingling in his pocket. He tied up Sinner with a loving stroke and set out for the barber's first. He had been promised a few rare daggers, which were usually used for shaving, and he made a deal with the shopkeeper to get them cheaply. He planned to distribute them to the Hood members to keep for emergencies in their riding bags. When he reached into his satchel to pay, he realized he didn't have much money left. A worried frown tugged at his features and he produced enough for the daggers. Nodding in thanks and quickly exiting the store, he counted out the money. There was not much left, only enough for a few weeks more of supplies. In his head he began to cut back on the Hood's spendings. They could hunt for food, and grow a few simple crops, but they would have to do without necessities such as bread, butter, wine, brandy, oils, cheese, some fresh fruits and nuts, and milk. That is, until they could get their hands on a cow, which would take a fair amount of time and dedication in the first place. Not to mention the horse's tack and upkeep needs. Or new weapons and armor. He hoped that the Hood would come back from the raid successful. Just in case, Stephan trudged over to the carpenter's, and got himself a position as woodsmen. Twice a week, he would head into the forest and chop wood to replenish the craftman and carpenter's supply. Once he had gathered a few remaining necessities (among them a crackling loaf of still-warm bread, a pint of olive oil, a quarter pound of butter, some rosemary herbs, and three bottles of the finest wine he could find; he decided they would need to stock up on food, despite his dwindling funds. It was food-and wine-that kept most of the Hood working properly), he returned to Sinner and rode back to the castle where he let his steed graze. On his way to the kitchen to deliver the food, he picked a small bouquet of goldenrod flowers for Rebecca. He had planned to buy her a fancy bunch but knew that flowers weren't as important to the hood as weaponry and such. He headed into the small castle's main entrance, wondering if the girl he adored was waiting inside. Caught up in daydreams, he didn't even notice the figure crouched far off in the bushes.
Sam collapsed onto the tree's roots, to exhausted to go any further. This trip was taking it's toll on him, and he wasn't nearly as burly as he used to be. He was starving, and stars spun in his vision, but he fell blissfully asleep with the motivation of revenge lingering in his mind.
Who are you to claim you're misunderstood?
~Keep a Golden State of mind~