The Wild Wood [open]

[leofric_smith]

Who: Leofric
What: Investigates a mystery
Where: Sherwood Forest
When: 17 November, morning

Comments

[robin_hood49]

After breakfast, Robin set out on his own. His stated reason had been to check some of the hunting traps they had out, which was true enough; however, he usually needed time to himself (as did they all), and that was especially true now. While he could not be gladder to have Marian in the gang, it was taking some adjustment for all of them. The atmosphere around camp carried an undercurrent of uncertainty as they tried to ascertain how their group would work with the addition of the newest member-- not hostility or anything, but it was a bit of a strain,-- and he needed a break.

The first three traps he checked were empty, and the last one was actually broken and picked clean of its bait. Making a mental note to stop back and repair it later, he was making his way to the fourth, which was on the other side of the road and into the woods a ways. Just as he had crossed the thoroughfare, he heard footsteps approaching. Ducking behind a sturdy tree, he readied his bow and waited to see who was coming.

[leofric_smith]

Once inside the forest, Leofric stuck to the main road that entered Sherwood close to Locksley, staying alert for the smell of smoke or sounds of life that a camp might give off. Or thieves, or demons. He'd forgotten about that bit--stories of hauntings--until he'd heard a twig snap but didn't see anything that could have made it. He'd crossed himself and moved on, saying Pater Nosters at regular intervals since then. And so far, it seemed to be working; he'd seen only a few birds and deer--though strangely, almost no squirrels. It was just as well; he found himself jumping at every sound. And there--was that a rustle of leaves? Leofric stopped, his hand going to the axe in his belt as he looked around. It was nothing. He tried to shake it off and continue on his way. The sooner he got this over with, the better.

[robin_hood49]

An armored, armed man was making his way down the road, apparently on alert. That was wise of him, Robin mused with a half-smile; after all, there could be all sorts of unsavory characters lurking about. Although, the man appeared decently outfitted and was heading away from Locksley, so it was more likely that he was the unsavory one-- after all, who else in such attire would be nearby, but a friend of Gisborne's? Robin's amused smile disappeared at the thought, only to be replaced with a decidedly colder one as he stepped onto the path a few yards behind the man, bow raised.

After all, a well-equipped friend of Gisborne, especially a visibly nervous one, probably carried a purse that would go a long way toward helping the poor prepare for the winter which was rapidly approaching.

"Lovely day for a walk in the woods," Robin called conversationally, although his tone belied his focus on the man. He expected his adversary to turn, so it was just a matter of how quickly, and what part that axe would play as he did.

((OOC: LOL

[leofric_smith]

At the sudden sound of a voice, Leofric nearly jumped out of his skin. He bit back a curse and quickly scanned the forest before him--there was no one in sight, which meant he probably wasn't surrounded. He tightened his grip on the axe, finding hold just below the head in case he needed to draw it out quickly. "I'd rather be back home myself," he said drily as he turned, heart hammering.

The sight of a bow aimed directly at him meant it was a few moments before he realized who was holding it. Deo gratias, it was Robin. Leofric let go the axe and held out his hands enough to show that they were empty. "Lord Robin? I'm, er, Leofric."

((ooc: I couldn't resist!))