Miss.SunFlower
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so.... more then?
The Short Stories of Miss.SunFlower
- Thread starter Miss.SunFlower
- Start date
I'm getting off now, but I would be more than perfectly happy to find an update when I get on tomorrow
and I'm sure the rest of your readers would be happy too
Miss.SunFlower
New member
“I’ll go.” Caroline stated, as the crowd had dispersed.
Ryan rolled his blue eyes, “You’ll do no such thing – I’m going.”
Such midnight raids were a one-person thing, too dangerous for a whole group to risk getting caught. It was no surprise which person normally went.
“You think I’m not angry about today either?”
“You think I’m letting you go in inexperienced?”
Now she rolled her eyes, “I’d be more experienced if I got, say, experience?”
“You’ll get caught, they have a night watch every night – probably stricter when they hear about that idiot’s thievery today.” He explained, trying to talk her out of it.
“I will not get caught. You so easily have gotten past the strictest of night watches. Why can I not do the same?”
“You’ll get caught.” He repeated, exasperated, as though no other argument was needed. For him, it probably was. Ryan had never, in how long she’d known him, been the kind to second-guess himself, or ever think his view was wrong.
She wasn’t about to get into the useless argument that this was leading up to. She sighed, “If I get caught, I’d have my wiles to get me out of it.”
He raised an eyebrow, “Wiles?”
A wicked grin came over her, “Feminine wiles, of course.” True, she really knew nothing of how to act in such a manner, but was well aware that even the name gypsy was universally paired with seduction.
Ryan laughed now, “The men of that village have warned girls of the charms of a gypsy, you know.” The equally evil grin that followed made Caroline pretty sure there was good reasoning behind.
Laugh along she coyly replied, “Well I’ll just see if they practice what they preach then, shall I?”
He laughed harder and she continued slightly more serious, “But really, Ryan, I will not have to resort to such, because I will not get caught.”
Ryan let her go. The sun had long since set, providing Caroline with her favorite atmosphere of midnight. It was beautiful, it was secretive, it was peaceful. It was brilliant time for a raid, she thought, as at last the tiny village was in her reach.
Unfortunately, despite how very late it was, there were still people conversing at a small campfire in the center of the colony. Two girls sat side-by-side on a hay-bale-bench, their bright red hair glowing in the firelight. They were smiling at a girl who’s back faced Caroline, though she could see the waves of dark hair coming to her mid-back over a fancier looking white dress – contrasting to the plain village-girl garb the redheads wore.
“So,” One fire-haired girl was casually saying when she tuned in, “your visits always bring news, Deirdre. What have you brought us with now?”
The woman with the dark hair chuckled, “I suppose I do have interesting news to share. The trade carriage that left this morning barely got half way before being raided!”
“Raided!?” The village girls exclaimed.
“Was it gypsies?” One asked, eyes bright in the glowing fire.
The shake of her head, “No, no. The highwayman.”
“The Highwayman!?”
“This close!?”
Caroline’s eyes widened. Whoever this mystery man was – he was not unknown to even the girls of this backwater village.
The girls continued to babble in surprise of this recent development, “Oh Father won’t like to hear of that…”
“Why not?” One sister asked the other asked, “They paid us for the goods before leaving. We’ve lost nothing.”
“Yes, but if it’s been raided they may not wish to trade anymore!” The first sighed, then suddenly sat up straighter, “The princess was on that carriage!”
“Indeed she was.” The woman called Deirdre said dryly.
Both girls exchanged glances, “Oh, the poor princess… what a scare.”
Now she laughed, “Poor? Dear, have neither of you heard any story about the Highwayman?”
They shook their heads, “He’s a thief.” The elder of the two said at last.
“Ah, but a charming one.”
A pause, “Father has warned us about charm…” The younger said with a laugh.
“Oh this isn’t the wicked charm of a gypsy – not at all.” Caroline rolled her eyes in silence, but listened, “He’s dashing rather than seductive. I’ve only heard stories but he’s got such a playful charm about him almost every woman he’s stolen from is half in love with him by the time he’s left. I don’t think the princess may feel so misfortunate about encountering him.”
The girls’ eyes had widened through that little speech, “Who is he...?” The younger asked in wonder.
Deirdre’s laughter was heard again, “That’s one story that hasn’t reached me yet. There’s any number of theories though. The most popular, I believe, is that he’s some noble’s son, angered by how the lower class were treated so he dressed as a bandit, raiding the rich to help out others. Without anyone knowing who he truly was.”
The sisters beamed at the story and Caroline sat back staring at them. All impatience for them to leave replaced with interest for this tale. She shook those thoughts away, reminding herself she was here for a raid and not to listen to stories of a dashing blonde thief that she’d encountered earlier that day.
“Ruth, Joyce?” A frighteningly familiar voice came from a small village hut behind the fire. The redheads turned to look at the speaker, and Caroline did the same, trying not to shake with surprise.
And it was. It was the blonde highwayman of whom they had all been speaking. He was dressed in more similar village clothing, the mask was off, and his shoulder length blonde hair flowed freely.
For that the girls didn’t seem surprised at all, “Yes, Keith?”
“You’re out later than normal, and your father called for the first watch. You probably ought to head in. You too, Deirdre.” He said in the same pleasant tone used as he spoke to the guards and princess earlier that day.
Caroline could not find words to express her shock. This had been the last thing she’d have expected. The young man who had taken their raid was who she would be stealing from that night. The mysterious highwayman the girls had all but swooned over was a villager the same as them. How strange a revelation this was.
“Right, of course.” All the women answered at once. “Good night Keith.” They each said in turn, moving to their own tiny homes.
There was a silence and the man, Keith, moved to sit on the hay facing the woods where Caroline was now standing, still utterly stiff with shock. This raid had felt so easy before… but now, she didn’t know what it was about the man but she felt almost intimidated by him.
The silence only lasted a few seconds longer before Keith looked to meet her eyes again, no surprise in them, like he’d known she was there forever. “Well, hello again.”
Ryan rolled his blue eyes, “You’ll do no such thing – I’m going.”
Such midnight raids were a one-person thing, too dangerous for a whole group to risk getting caught. It was no surprise which person normally went.
“You think I’m not angry about today either?”
“You think I’m letting you go in inexperienced?”
Now she rolled her eyes, “I’d be more experienced if I got, say, experience?”
“You’ll get caught, they have a night watch every night – probably stricter when they hear about that idiot’s thievery today.” He explained, trying to talk her out of it.
“I will not get caught. You so easily have gotten past the strictest of night watches. Why can I not do the same?”
“You’ll get caught.” He repeated, exasperated, as though no other argument was needed. For him, it probably was. Ryan had never, in how long she’d known him, been the kind to second-guess himself, or ever think his view was wrong.
She wasn’t about to get into the useless argument that this was leading up to. She sighed, “If I get caught, I’d have my wiles to get me out of it.”
He raised an eyebrow, “Wiles?”
A wicked grin came over her, “Feminine wiles, of course.” True, she really knew nothing of how to act in such a manner, but was well aware that even the name gypsy was universally paired with seduction.
Ryan laughed now, “The men of that village have warned girls of the charms of a gypsy, you know.” The equally evil grin that followed made Caroline pretty sure there was good reasoning behind.
Laugh along she coyly replied, “Well I’ll just see if they practice what they preach then, shall I?”
He laughed harder and she continued slightly more serious, “But really, Ryan, I will not have to resort to such, because I will not get caught.”
Ryan let her go. The sun had long since set, providing Caroline with her favorite atmosphere of midnight. It was beautiful, it was secretive, it was peaceful. It was brilliant time for a raid, she thought, as at last the tiny village was in her reach.
Unfortunately, despite how very late it was, there were still people conversing at a small campfire in the center of the colony. Two girls sat side-by-side on a hay-bale-bench, their bright red hair glowing in the firelight. They were smiling at a girl who’s back faced Caroline, though she could see the waves of dark hair coming to her mid-back over a fancier looking white dress – contrasting to the plain village-girl garb the redheads wore.
“So,” One fire-haired girl was casually saying when she tuned in, “your visits always bring news, Deirdre. What have you brought us with now?”
The woman with the dark hair chuckled, “I suppose I do have interesting news to share. The trade carriage that left this morning barely got half way before being raided!”
“Raided!?” The village girls exclaimed.
“Was it gypsies?” One asked, eyes bright in the glowing fire.
The shake of her head, “No, no. The highwayman.”
“The Highwayman!?”
“This close!?”
Caroline’s eyes widened. Whoever this mystery man was – he was not unknown to even the girls of this backwater village.
The girls continued to babble in surprise of this recent development, “Oh Father won’t like to hear of that…”
“Why not?” One sister asked the other asked, “They paid us for the goods before leaving. We’ve lost nothing.”
“Yes, but if it’s been raided they may not wish to trade anymore!” The first sighed, then suddenly sat up straighter, “The princess was on that carriage!”
“Indeed she was.” The woman called Deirdre said dryly.
Both girls exchanged glances, “Oh, the poor princess… what a scare.”
Now she laughed, “Poor? Dear, have neither of you heard any story about the Highwayman?”
They shook their heads, “He’s a thief.” The elder of the two said at last.
“Ah, but a charming one.”
A pause, “Father has warned us about charm…” The younger said with a laugh.
“Oh this isn’t the wicked charm of a gypsy – not at all.” Caroline rolled her eyes in silence, but listened, “He’s dashing rather than seductive. I’ve only heard stories but he’s got such a playful charm about him almost every woman he’s stolen from is half in love with him by the time he’s left. I don’t think the princess may feel so misfortunate about encountering him.”
The girls’ eyes had widened through that little speech, “Who is he...?” The younger asked in wonder.
Deirdre’s laughter was heard again, “That’s one story that hasn’t reached me yet. There’s any number of theories though. The most popular, I believe, is that he’s some noble’s son, angered by how the lower class were treated so he dressed as a bandit, raiding the rich to help out others. Without anyone knowing who he truly was.”
The sisters beamed at the story and Caroline sat back staring at them. All impatience for them to leave replaced with interest for this tale. She shook those thoughts away, reminding herself she was here for a raid and not to listen to stories of a dashing blonde thief that she’d encountered earlier that day.
“Ruth, Joyce?” A frighteningly familiar voice came from a small village hut behind the fire. The redheads turned to look at the speaker, and Caroline did the same, trying not to shake with surprise.
And it was. It was the blonde highwayman of whom they had all been speaking. He was dressed in more similar village clothing, the mask was off, and his shoulder length blonde hair flowed freely.
For that the girls didn’t seem surprised at all, “Yes, Keith?”
“You’re out later than normal, and your father called for the first watch. You probably ought to head in. You too, Deirdre.” He said in the same pleasant tone used as he spoke to the guards and princess earlier that day.
Caroline could not find words to express her shock. This had been the last thing she’d have expected. The young man who had taken their raid was who she would be stealing from that night. The mysterious highwayman the girls had all but swooned over was a villager the same as them. How strange a revelation this was.
“Right, of course.” All the women answered at once. “Good night Keith.” They each said in turn, moving to their own tiny homes.
There was a silence and the man, Keith, moved to sit on the hay facing the woods where Caroline was now standing, still utterly stiff with shock. This raid had felt so easy before… but now, she didn’t know what it was about the man but she felt almost intimidated by him.
The silence only lasted a few seconds longer before Keith looked to meet her eyes again, no surprise in them, like he’d known she was there forever. “Well, hello again.”
ahhh more! More! You remind me why Keith is my favorite
Miss.SunFlower
New member
It occurred in the back of Caroline’s mind that she had just been caught. But too much shock surrounded her for her to know what to do next. This man, he had not only noticed her, but spoke to her. Pleasantly. Not at all the reaction a gypsy normally would expect when their presence became known.
For once, no thought or plan was in her mind and she did the last thing she probably should have done, she spoke,
“You see me…” She whispered, in a tone that matched her confusion and amazement.
He chuckled, standing up and actually taking a step towards the forest in which she hid. She took an involuntary step back, cursing her own stupidity. “You recognized me…” He replied smoothly.
Of course she had, his voice, his build, his mannerisms were near identical to his bandit alter ego. How could she NOT recognize him?
He appeared to read her thoughts, “You’d be surprised what people easily miss when not paying attention. No one, other than you, has recognized me yet, I had thought no one ever would. The men, those guards earlier, I’d had a few drinks with them just last night. And you saw none even blinked twice.”
She nodded, as she was indeed surprised by such a thing, “That would be very dangerous.” She replied quietly, not sure where the words had come from, much less the thoughts. Caroline, her mind reprimanded here, now you are caught and cannot think of a way out of this… and are actually conversing with your captor. If Ryan saw her now…
He took another step forward, grinning and oblivious to his affect on her mind, “I suppose it’s not much more dangerous than your raiding here tonight?”
“I’m not raiding it…” She hissed, now angry. He had gotten in the way of their plans twice now.
“That’s not why you are here then?” He laughed.
She glared, “No, I mean, I obviously will not be successful, will I? You have already caught me.” Ryan would be even more infuriated.
“What makes you certain that I’m not letting ya away with it?” With that he tossed something towards her. With a gasp she caught it and then examined what had been thrown. A diamond studded ring. One he had taken from the princess earlier. She looked up only to realize he had stepped closer to her.
He was, not surprisingly, very attractive. His blonde hair shone both in the fire and moonlight, giving him an almost split look – like two people in one. Both beautiful both mysterious. Caroline could understand how the dark haired Deirdre could say most women fell in love with him. She stiffened at her own thoughts. This was the last person on the entire earth she should be thinking such things about. She brought her uncharacteristically wandering mind back to reality.
“I don’t need your help nor your pity.” She hissed again.
He was unperturbed, “You’re mad I took the carriage today. You want to get something out of it.”
She said nothing, he was clearly trying to mollify her and she wouldn’t let it work. Feeling bolder with anger she took a step toward him, glaring, “Why have you not stopped me? You are the watch aren’t you? You are supposed to keep us away, not converse with us.”
More laughter, both wicked and charming simultaneously, “You’re fascinating, ya know. You seem genuinely angry with me, and I couldn’t blame ya at all. But at the same time, I don’t think you are…”
“You’re changing the subject.” Caroline said slowly, not willing to lose her cool anymore. There had to be someway she could get the upper hand in this conversation. She took another step forward, and actually attempted her own smooth smile up at him. Ryan was not a very tall man, she knew, but even he was taller than her. Keith nearly towered over her. “Why have you not stopped me?”
He grinned at her, and Caroline thought he may have looked charmed himself. Without a word he turned back to a chest beside the fire, opening it he pulled out one of the ‘feed sacks’ from the carriage – nearly over flowing. This he also tossed to her, and despite her words against his help, she caught it.
Still grinning he replied, “I fell asleep on my watch. Reckless of me.” He winked in the moonlight, then his smile disappeared for a minute, “Now go. I may be lettin’ ya away, but plenty of others would not.”
Still slightly shocked by the gift, it took Caroline a second to place the warning. Now she nodded, uncharacteristically trusting of him all of a sudden. She took a few steps back into the forest cover before turning quickly to face him. He was still staring after her, as if waiting for such a turn.
“Why?” She asked, as the question had been bubbling inside her this entire time, “Why are you helping?”
The playful charming gorgeous smile lit up his face, “I told ya, you fascinate me. Just can’t find it in me to get ya killed. I hope to see you again, Miss. Gypsy.”
Content with that answer, and with her received goods, she turned and fled wordlessly. Her heart pounding against her all the while.
She definitely knew how women fell in love with that man – she was just about doing so herself.
Ryan was ecstatic at first. He must have been convinced that the worst had happened to her when she had been gone even seconds longer than he would have been.
“What kept you?” He asked, a bit more seriously, looking up from riches she had brought back.
Caroline played with the ring that had been tossed to her earlier that night, trying to think back for something to say. “There were people, out talking… 3 women… I had to wait a little longer for them.”
He nodded, then paused, “Was there a watch?”
“Of course.” She said, “A kind of inept one, though. He fell asleep quickly and gave me no trouble with this.”
“You got off easy that time.” He smirked at her, “If only all raids were that simple…”
“Yes, yes, I know.” She had gotten off VERY luckily with that heist; she didn’t have to do anything. An image of Keith’s charming smile as he simply handed her this prize flashed across her mind. Trying to shake that away she assumed a more serious expression.
Ryan blinked, “What? Why are you frowning?” A laugh, “I see nothing worth frowning about here.”
She shrugged, then thought of something, “I remembered what I’d heard those village girls talking about…”
“And that was?”
“The Highwayman.”
A pause, “Oh you’re joking… that idiot is actually famous for this!?”
Yes, Ryan was upset. She’d expected him to be, “Indeed. Famous, and popular. Apparently he’s dashing and daring and has every girl even in that tiny village half in love with him.” Not to mention her.
But he wasn’t thinking about her, she knew, he was thinking about that golden little princess. Before he could get to angered she continued, “Supposedly he’s some noble’s son, like you thought, ‘cept he seems to steal from the rich to help the poor of some villages.” Most of that seemed true to her, except the noble’s son part.
“Poor? Hah! Even the lowest of those villagers has twice what we do! And yet they have this fool running around trying to help them while we have no one nothing to look after us!” He ranted on and Caroline returned to playing with the ring. His words were true, she knew, but she could not find it in her to be upset with the handsome rebel. And this is why he was dangerous, she thought to herself.
Ryan had stopped his rant and cocked his head to the side, looking at her, “You ARE acting funny tonight. We’ve won tonight – but you nearly look nervous.” He sighed, mildly exasperated, then, “What is that your fooling with…?”
She blinked, but he had taken her hand already to examine it. She stammered her reply, “I found it with the other goods, thought it was nice…”
He shook that away, “It looks like… what that fool took from the princess.”
Caroline’s heart pounded. He’d noticed that? She acted the innocent, “Is it really? I- I don’t know why that would be…”
But he did, “Care, did you get a look at your sleeping watchman?”
Heart banging against her it was hard to keep up a good act, “No, I was trying to stay as far from him as possible… what?”
“The bags…” He continued moving back to the one she’d gotten from Keith. “They’re the same too.”
“You sure?”
“Positive. It’s a good thing you didn’t get caught… wait, maybe it would have been better. I’d love an excuse to be rid of him.”
Those were thoughts Caroline didn’t like. Ryan, her partner, brother, and Keith, who was growing dangerously close to her heart. Thoughts of them at odds with each other – fighting. Not good.
She shook it away, “We aren’t sure it’s him. He is told to bring goods to smaller villages, this may have been one village on the receiving end.”
“True.”
“And,” She quickly cut in, trying to get him back to his earlier victorious mood, “Do you realize the value of this now – if what you think is right? We’ve taken back what is rightfully ours!”
He grinned at her mood, and it grew into laughter, “Now that is more like you, Care.” He said contently, then eyed the slowing brightening sky “Now get some rest, alright? Tomorrow night we celebrate your successful raid.”
For once, no thought or plan was in her mind and she did the last thing she probably should have done, she spoke,
“You see me…” She whispered, in a tone that matched her confusion and amazement.
He chuckled, standing up and actually taking a step towards the forest in which she hid. She took an involuntary step back, cursing her own stupidity. “You recognized me…” He replied smoothly.
Of course she had, his voice, his build, his mannerisms were near identical to his bandit alter ego. How could she NOT recognize him?
He appeared to read her thoughts, “You’d be surprised what people easily miss when not paying attention. No one, other than you, has recognized me yet, I had thought no one ever would. The men, those guards earlier, I’d had a few drinks with them just last night. And you saw none even blinked twice.”
She nodded, as she was indeed surprised by such a thing, “That would be very dangerous.” She replied quietly, not sure where the words had come from, much less the thoughts. Caroline, her mind reprimanded here, now you are caught and cannot think of a way out of this… and are actually conversing with your captor. If Ryan saw her now…
He took another step forward, grinning and oblivious to his affect on her mind, “I suppose it’s not much more dangerous than your raiding here tonight?”
“I’m not raiding it…” She hissed, now angry. He had gotten in the way of their plans twice now.
“That’s not why you are here then?” He laughed.
She glared, “No, I mean, I obviously will not be successful, will I? You have already caught me.” Ryan would be even more infuriated.
“What makes you certain that I’m not letting ya away with it?” With that he tossed something towards her. With a gasp she caught it and then examined what had been thrown. A diamond studded ring. One he had taken from the princess earlier. She looked up only to realize he had stepped closer to her.
He was, not surprisingly, very attractive. His blonde hair shone both in the fire and moonlight, giving him an almost split look – like two people in one. Both beautiful both mysterious. Caroline could understand how the dark haired Deirdre could say most women fell in love with him. She stiffened at her own thoughts. This was the last person on the entire earth she should be thinking such things about. She brought her uncharacteristically wandering mind back to reality.
“I don’t need your help nor your pity.” She hissed again.
He was unperturbed, “You’re mad I took the carriage today. You want to get something out of it.”
She said nothing, he was clearly trying to mollify her and she wouldn’t let it work. Feeling bolder with anger she took a step toward him, glaring, “Why have you not stopped me? You are the watch aren’t you? You are supposed to keep us away, not converse with us.”
More laughter, both wicked and charming simultaneously, “You’re fascinating, ya know. You seem genuinely angry with me, and I couldn’t blame ya at all. But at the same time, I don’t think you are…”
“You’re changing the subject.” Caroline said slowly, not willing to lose her cool anymore. There had to be someway she could get the upper hand in this conversation. She took another step forward, and actually attempted her own smooth smile up at him. Ryan was not a very tall man, she knew, but even he was taller than her. Keith nearly towered over her. “Why have you not stopped me?”
He grinned at her, and Caroline thought he may have looked charmed himself. Without a word he turned back to a chest beside the fire, opening it he pulled out one of the ‘feed sacks’ from the carriage – nearly over flowing. This he also tossed to her, and despite her words against his help, she caught it.
Still grinning he replied, “I fell asleep on my watch. Reckless of me.” He winked in the moonlight, then his smile disappeared for a minute, “Now go. I may be lettin’ ya away, but plenty of others would not.”
Still slightly shocked by the gift, it took Caroline a second to place the warning. Now she nodded, uncharacteristically trusting of him all of a sudden. She took a few steps back into the forest cover before turning quickly to face him. He was still staring after her, as if waiting for such a turn.
“Why?” She asked, as the question had been bubbling inside her this entire time, “Why are you helping?”
The playful charming gorgeous smile lit up his face, “I told ya, you fascinate me. Just can’t find it in me to get ya killed. I hope to see you again, Miss. Gypsy.”
Content with that answer, and with her received goods, she turned and fled wordlessly. Her heart pounding against her all the while.
She definitely knew how women fell in love with that man – she was just about doing so herself.
Ryan was ecstatic at first. He must have been convinced that the worst had happened to her when she had been gone even seconds longer than he would have been.
“What kept you?” He asked, a bit more seriously, looking up from riches she had brought back.
Caroline played with the ring that had been tossed to her earlier that night, trying to think back for something to say. “There were people, out talking… 3 women… I had to wait a little longer for them.”
He nodded, then paused, “Was there a watch?”
“Of course.” She said, “A kind of inept one, though. He fell asleep quickly and gave me no trouble with this.”
“You got off easy that time.” He smirked at her, “If only all raids were that simple…”
“Yes, yes, I know.” She had gotten off VERY luckily with that heist; she didn’t have to do anything. An image of Keith’s charming smile as he simply handed her this prize flashed across her mind. Trying to shake that away she assumed a more serious expression.
Ryan blinked, “What? Why are you frowning?” A laugh, “I see nothing worth frowning about here.”
She shrugged, then thought of something, “I remembered what I’d heard those village girls talking about…”
“And that was?”
“The Highwayman.”
A pause, “Oh you’re joking… that idiot is actually famous for this!?”
Yes, Ryan was upset. She’d expected him to be, “Indeed. Famous, and popular. Apparently he’s dashing and daring and has every girl even in that tiny village half in love with him.” Not to mention her.
But he wasn’t thinking about her, she knew, he was thinking about that golden little princess. Before he could get to angered she continued, “Supposedly he’s some noble’s son, like you thought, ‘cept he seems to steal from the rich to help the poor of some villages.” Most of that seemed true to her, except the noble’s son part.
“Poor? Hah! Even the lowest of those villagers has twice what we do! And yet they have this fool running around trying to help them while we have no one nothing to look after us!” He ranted on and Caroline returned to playing with the ring. His words were true, she knew, but she could not find it in her to be upset with the handsome rebel. And this is why he was dangerous, she thought to herself.
Ryan had stopped his rant and cocked his head to the side, looking at her, “You ARE acting funny tonight. We’ve won tonight – but you nearly look nervous.” He sighed, mildly exasperated, then, “What is that your fooling with…?”
She blinked, but he had taken her hand already to examine it. She stammered her reply, “I found it with the other goods, thought it was nice…”
He shook that away, “It looks like… what that fool took from the princess.”
Caroline’s heart pounded. He’d noticed that? She acted the innocent, “Is it really? I- I don’t know why that would be…”
But he did, “Care, did you get a look at your sleeping watchman?”
Heart banging against her it was hard to keep up a good act, “No, I was trying to stay as far from him as possible… what?”
“The bags…” He continued moving back to the one she’d gotten from Keith. “They’re the same too.”
“You sure?”
“Positive. It’s a good thing you didn’t get caught… wait, maybe it would have been better. I’d love an excuse to be rid of him.”
Those were thoughts Caroline didn’t like. Ryan, her partner, brother, and Keith, who was growing dangerously close to her heart. Thoughts of them at odds with each other – fighting. Not good.
She shook it away, “We aren’t sure it’s him. He is told to bring goods to smaller villages, this may have been one village on the receiving end.”
“True.”
“And,” She quickly cut in, trying to get him back to his earlier victorious mood, “Do you realize the value of this now – if what you think is right? We’ve taken back what is rightfully ours!”
He grinned at her mood, and it grew into laughter, “Now that is more like you, Care.” He said contently, then eyed the slowing brightening sky “Now get some rest, alright? Tomorrow night we celebrate your successful raid.”
Seriously, how can she resist either of them
Miss.SunFlower
New member
She can't. Which may be a problem
She can't. Which may be a problem
Oh it probably will
I'm thinking of including you in my story as well Maggie, you'll probably be a lot like some of your characters
Miss.SunFlower
New member
YAY I love being a character!!
YAY I love being a character!!
Depending on how fast what I'm planning goes you might show up soon
(but I have to think up a character name for you first...)
Miss.SunFlower
New member
Tell me when I show up... and name ideas... hm... Shaylee, Keri, Alanna, Cassy
I like that first one, and I"ll point it out to you when I post an update with you
Miss.SunFlower
New member
'kay and since you're my one and only reader - you get more.
Celebrations like this were usually the one time Caroline truly loved being a gypsy. Celebrations like this were also very rare, though.
But oh! They were wonderful. A bonfire was built and every gypsy of the camp came. Their numbers always surprised Caroline when everyone was together as did everyone’s ages. This was not a small band but a large community.
And everyone had talents that shown in this sort of festivity – because such talents were always brought to such. By early on she knew who was an artist, a musician, a dancer.
That was her favorite part, dancing. It had always been her favorite activity and the reason she was always a bit impatient for the next chance to be able to. The tribal music of drums and guitar played around her always got her mood set for dancing, but truthfully, even in dead silence of night she could find her own music to move with. She loved it.
It was far from silent now though, and she didn’t mind that either. In the back of her mind she thought of Keith, but at the minute her mind was on the music, the dancing, the fair. She spun around the flames with anyone willing to dance, which was basically the whole camp.
Ryan was happy again, as far as she could tell. Most of the night was spent with him sitting on the sidelines of dancers, watching Caroline with a grin on his face. Such pride and attention made her almost blush, and at last she pulled him up with her.
“You are being very subdued for looking so happy.” She teased.
He laughed, twirling her under his arm, “I am perfectly happy on the sidelines.” He simply replied.
She shook her head, a smile stuck to her face, “You would not be on the sidelines if such a party was for your success.”
“It so often is, it’s lost it’s excitement for me.” He chuckled, “Besides, this is your night.”
“I want you to be a part of it.” She laughed.
“And I am.”
He spun her again and both laughed. This music, this dancing, there was no precise learnt steps. Everyone just moved with it, and a dance was formed. That was what she loved.
As the music pulled them closer for a brief moment in dancing she asked in a lower voice, “When shall we raid again?”
Another laugh, “We don’t need anything for a few days yet, Care. You can relax. Besides the port needs to cool from your recent work.” They spun apart again.
That was true, thought Caroline, with a twinge of disappointment. Keith’s last words of wishing to see her again came spinning to the front of her mind, as did the fact that, whether she could admit it or not, she wished to see him again too.
“And you think I am acting unusual.” Ryan shook his head.
“What?”
“You are delighted one moment and frowning the next. I’m trying to figure out which is really your mood.”
“Maybe they both are?” She said with a laugh.
Again the music brought them inches from one another, his blue eyes bright as ever with his curiosity, “What has got you upset, I wonder?”
Before she could reply, or think of a reply at that, the music changed and what had turned into a partner’s dance now switched partners. She shot her friend a sheepish smile as they pulled away again.
She brushed by him in the next dance and quickly poked in, “It’s nothing worth worry.”
He shook his head with laughter, but made no mention of it for the rest of the wonderful night.
Finally tired from the upbeat music and dancing she moved to sit down and watch. Ryan was beside her in minutes.
She shot him a false glare, “You are doting on me like an old grandfather. What is up?”
He chuckled, “Nothing at all.” She raised her eyebrows and he suddenly grew a bit more serious, “What time is it?”
Caroline glanced at the open sky, searching for the moon. It was directly above them, “Oh it must be after midnight.” She said, confused.
The confusion grew as it appeared Ryan was more than a little startled by that fact.
“Somewhere you have to be?” She asked, skeptically.
He looked at her, looking… torn, then stood, “Actually yes.” He looked at her oh so lost expression, and smiled in a way that said she was getting no explanation other than that. And why should she, he was the band’s leader; he probably knew plenty they did not. “Enjoy your night. Camp will probably move tomorrow.”
With no other word of goodbye or acknowledgement of the other gypsies, he disappeared.
Caroline watched where he had left her, and then turned to the dancing around the cheerful fire. None of them would notice her absence any more than they were noticing Ryan’s. And her own curiosity for her friend’s own unusual moods would be in the way of any more fun this evening.
Without a word or a thought, she moved to follow Ryan.
Short and sweet.
Celebrations like this were usually the one time Caroline truly loved being a gypsy. Celebrations like this were also very rare, though.
But oh! They were wonderful. A bonfire was built and every gypsy of the camp came. Their numbers always surprised Caroline when everyone was together as did everyone’s ages. This was not a small band but a large community.
And everyone had talents that shown in this sort of festivity – because such talents were always brought to such. By early on she knew who was an artist, a musician, a dancer.
That was her favorite part, dancing. It had always been her favorite activity and the reason she was always a bit impatient for the next chance to be able to. The tribal music of drums and guitar played around her always got her mood set for dancing, but truthfully, even in dead silence of night she could find her own music to move with. She loved it.
It was far from silent now though, and she didn’t mind that either. In the back of her mind she thought of Keith, but at the minute her mind was on the music, the dancing, the fair. She spun around the flames with anyone willing to dance, which was basically the whole camp.
Ryan was happy again, as far as she could tell. Most of the night was spent with him sitting on the sidelines of dancers, watching Caroline with a grin on his face. Such pride and attention made her almost blush, and at last she pulled him up with her.
“You are being very subdued for looking so happy.” She teased.
He laughed, twirling her under his arm, “I am perfectly happy on the sidelines.” He simply replied.
She shook her head, a smile stuck to her face, “You would not be on the sidelines if such a party was for your success.”
“It so often is, it’s lost it’s excitement for me.” He chuckled, “Besides, this is your night.”
“I want you to be a part of it.” She laughed.
“And I am.”
He spun her again and both laughed. This music, this dancing, there was no precise learnt steps. Everyone just moved with it, and a dance was formed. That was what she loved.
As the music pulled them closer for a brief moment in dancing she asked in a lower voice, “When shall we raid again?”
Another laugh, “We don’t need anything for a few days yet, Care. You can relax. Besides the port needs to cool from your recent work.” They spun apart again.
That was true, thought Caroline, with a twinge of disappointment. Keith’s last words of wishing to see her again came spinning to the front of her mind, as did the fact that, whether she could admit it or not, she wished to see him again too.
“And you think I am acting unusual.” Ryan shook his head.
“What?”
“You are delighted one moment and frowning the next. I’m trying to figure out which is really your mood.”
“Maybe they both are?” She said with a laugh.
Again the music brought them inches from one another, his blue eyes bright as ever with his curiosity, “What has got you upset, I wonder?”
Before she could reply, or think of a reply at that, the music changed and what had turned into a partner’s dance now switched partners. She shot her friend a sheepish smile as they pulled away again.
She brushed by him in the next dance and quickly poked in, “It’s nothing worth worry.”
He shook his head with laughter, but made no mention of it for the rest of the wonderful night.
Finally tired from the upbeat music and dancing she moved to sit down and watch. Ryan was beside her in minutes.
She shot him a false glare, “You are doting on me like an old grandfather. What is up?”
He chuckled, “Nothing at all.” She raised her eyebrows and he suddenly grew a bit more serious, “What time is it?”
Caroline glanced at the open sky, searching for the moon. It was directly above them, “Oh it must be after midnight.” She said, confused.
The confusion grew as it appeared Ryan was more than a little startled by that fact.
“Somewhere you have to be?” She asked, skeptically.
He looked at her, looking… torn, then stood, “Actually yes.” He looked at her oh so lost expression, and smiled in a way that said she was getting no explanation other than that. And why should she, he was the band’s leader; he probably knew plenty they did not. “Enjoy your night. Camp will probably move tomorrow.”
With no other word of goodbye or acknowledgement of the other gypsies, he disappeared.
Caroline watched where he had left her, and then turned to the dancing around the cheerful fire. None of them would notice her absence any more than they were noticing Ryan’s. And her own curiosity for her friend’s own unusual moods would be in the way of any more fun this evening.
Without a word or a thought, she moved to follow Ryan.
Short and sweet.
oooooh exciting, I bet I know what she'll find
Miss.SunFlower
New member
Her partner was more observant than even she, so Caroline was rather sure she would be caught pursuing him some point before the night was through. He may even be upset, but she did not care. She wished to know what he had to leave her for. And yet as they continued on, he showed no notice of her.
The sounds of music and laughter grew farther and farther off as she silently followed a few feet behind him, her feet making no sound as she weaved through the trees easily as he did. The curiosity in her only growing stronger as she had NO idea where they were going.
Ryan appeared to though, and that was what mattered. Caroline wondered if he was planning another raid, but she had asked him that and he’d said that they were set, hadn’t he? Maybe he’d lied. Why?
So, she followed him confused curious and growing a little hurt with every step. It wasn’t like Ryan had ever told her a lot… truthfully, he never had. But she’d hoped, secretly, that after she’d shown she could hold her own in a raid he’d trust her with more. Clearly that wasn’t the case.
Surprise replaced any other thoughts as they seemed to reach their destination… the last place she would have possibly expected. A small tavern pub. She suddenly realized in better detail where they were. Along the trade road, a little further north from the port village. But what on earth would be of importance here.
Again, Caroline noticed the reasoning a little late; the carriage. Even hanging back behind the tavern she could see it poking out from the front end. Was this indeed another raid then? Still stunned and silent she watched Ryan slip out of sight towards the front of the building.
There was a pause, and then clearly she heard the squeak of a door opening and a voice, sounding like an owner, saying, “Good evening, sir. What’s brought you here so late?”
Caroline nearly fell backwards in shock. What on EARTH did he think he was DOING!? He was going to get himself killed! He was a gypsy – and the princess and her guards were there.
The princess.
“Oh you must be joking…” She whispered in complete exasperation. Ryan had never been one to act foolish, not ever in his life. She was suddenly incredibly angry and disappointed in her mentor for making such an idiotic mistake because of some Royal’s beauty.
But, then, of course, she had made such foolish mistakes with the port raid. Under the influence of Keith’s alluring grin and musical laughter. But that was different, Keith had done no harm to her, nor would he ever. And while surly the princess herself could do nothing, one or two guards certainly could.
Light poured from a small back window of the pub, hoping it would, in fact, provide some kind of view for her, Caroline inched forward to peer through in silence.
She noticed the princess first, who was failing at trying to look common. Sure, the dress she wore was far less spectacular and purposely did not sport any royal shade, and aside from one pearl necklace her neck and arms were unadorned. Still her blonde hair waved around her like it was made of pure gold, and shown in the firelight that lit the pub. Caroline let out a little huff and fingered her own dark brown hair, tangled in knots with branches and leaves.
The guards sat a few tables away from her, trying to look unaffiliated with her, while at the same time still doing their job of guarding her. They would be ready if anyone so much as glanced twice at the beautiful prize there.
Ryan appeared to be ignoring all of this. Caroline knew him well enough to know his mind was calculating a plan, and not enough to know what kind of plan that would be. He walked towards the back of the pub, casually, and she saw the princess’s head whip around to follow him, her own eyes alight with sudden interest.
At that, Caroline looked more at Ryan. She’d known him for as long as memories went back so she’d never paid much attention to how he may have looked. Now, paying attention, she could see how he had captured the woman’s attention. Coal black hair and flashing pale blue eyes, a soft smirk on his face at nothing in particular. He looked attractive. At the moment he may not have looked like a gypsy, but he did NOT look ordinary.
She was sure if he spoke a single word to the princess he would be arrested or killed without second thought. But there had been no rule about speaking if she was the one initiating the conversation it appeared.
“It is awfully late for someone to be coming out to such a place for anything other than a rest from a journey…” She commented, her voice as gentle as Caroline imagined it would be. Ryan looked over, as if startled she was speaking to him, an act, she could tell. “What has you out here?”
“My business I’m sure would not interest you.” He replied formally, but his voice, she realized was rather seductive, if she hadn’t grown up with it. He continued, “And I believe it is far less unusual for me to be here, than for you, miss. A young woman… alone?”
“I can take care of myself.” More like ‘I have men who can and will kill you before a threat has so much as left your mouth.’
But Ryan chuckled, “I’m sorry for assuming wrong, Miss…” He trailed suggestively waiting for a name. It was a good thing the princess was ‘disguised’ or he would surly not have survived that. For all his usual plans, he didn’t appear to be acting very smart.
The princess paused, “Julianne.” She replied. And that was, surprisingly, her real name. Either she had not been warned about giving away the name, or her mind had been predictably jumbled by Ryan’s unwavering attention.
“Pleasure.” He replied, moving from his ‘originally’ planned seat to one much nearer to her, “So, what has you traveling, Julianne?”
She could see the woman blush at his casual use of her name, but made a face of trying to fight that away before she said something wrong, “Ah… I don’t think private business would interest you either. It’s most boring.”
Ryan was still looking directly at her, now resting his cheek in his hand. His back was to her, but Caroline could easily see the playful smile he would be giving Princess Julianne, “I’m sure nothing about you is boring.”
Caroline literally lost her balance at that. The fool wasn’t even TRYING to be subtle! She knew what he was doing… she’d known this plan was in his mind since the moment he’d seen her in the carriage. Get the princess to fall in love and run away… the kingdom will be chaotic and would give the gypsies anything for her safe return – despite the fact that she’d gone willingly. May break a heart in the process, and would make gypsies even more hated, but in the long run it was a perfect plan.
She knew the plan. But it still annoyed her.
“What was that?” Ryan and one of the guards both asked at the same time. As her stumbling created a good deal of noise.
“There are sometimes Gypsies ‘round these areas, you know.” The voice of the pub owner came again, Caroline was no longer looking in, for fear of meeting Ryan’s eyes. Again, she knew he’d be upset if she was caught following him.
“Gypsies…” A guard said slowly, “We don’t want to have to deal with that…” They clearly hadn’t forgotten Keith’s earlier raid on them.
But Julianne’s voice followed, “Really?” She said, in almost girlish delight, “Gypsies… wow.”
“Oh you must be joking…” She whispered, wide eyed. They already fascinated her? Ryan would have no problem ensnaring her.
Another guard spoke up, louder, “Your- ah, Julianne.” He said her name with difficulty, “This is no time to get your faerie stories mixed with reality. We cannot lose any more cargo. We should go.”
“Trade?” Ryan asked, pretending to be interested, as though he had no idea, “And you are with them?”
“They look after me.” She said in a small voice, sounding like she was trying to hide her excitement still.
“Good thing, too.” His voice had grown seductive again, “You look to be a greater prize than anything your carriage could ever hold.”
“Let’s GO.” The guard’s tone was harder.
A silence, “Y-Yes… I need to go. It was grand to meet you, sir.”
“I hope we meet again.” Caroline nearly gagged.
“NOW.”
“Yes, alright!” She laughed, sounding breathless, “Goodbye.”
Feeling annoyed, exasperated, hurt and ridiculous, Caroline realized Ryan would surely be heading back to the camp. In no mood to face him… in no mood to see him ever, really, Caroline got ready to head back, herself.
The sounds of music and laughter grew farther and farther off as she silently followed a few feet behind him, her feet making no sound as she weaved through the trees easily as he did. The curiosity in her only growing stronger as she had NO idea where they were going.
Ryan appeared to though, and that was what mattered. Caroline wondered if he was planning another raid, but she had asked him that and he’d said that they were set, hadn’t he? Maybe he’d lied. Why?
So, she followed him confused curious and growing a little hurt with every step. It wasn’t like Ryan had ever told her a lot… truthfully, he never had. But she’d hoped, secretly, that after she’d shown she could hold her own in a raid he’d trust her with more. Clearly that wasn’t the case.
Surprise replaced any other thoughts as they seemed to reach their destination… the last place she would have possibly expected. A small tavern pub. She suddenly realized in better detail where they were. Along the trade road, a little further north from the port village. But what on earth would be of importance here.
Again, Caroline noticed the reasoning a little late; the carriage. Even hanging back behind the tavern she could see it poking out from the front end. Was this indeed another raid then? Still stunned and silent she watched Ryan slip out of sight towards the front of the building.
There was a pause, and then clearly she heard the squeak of a door opening and a voice, sounding like an owner, saying, “Good evening, sir. What’s brought you here so late?”
Caroline nearly fell backwards in shock. What on EARTH did he think he was DOING!? He was going to get himself killed! He was a gypsy – and the princess and her guards were there.
The princess.
“Oh you must be joking…” She whispered in complete exasperation. Ryan had never been one to act foolish, not ever in his life. She was suddenly incredibly angry and disappointed in her mentor for making such an idiotic mistake because of some Royal’s beauty.
But, then, of course, she had made such foolish mistakes with the port raid. Under the influence of Keith’s alluring grin and musical laughter. But that was different, Keith had done no harm to her, nor would he ever. And while surly the princess herself could do nothing, one or two guards certainly could.
Light poured from a small back window of the pub, hoping it would, in fact, provide some kind of view for her, Caroline inched forward to peer through in silence.
She noticed the princess first, who was failing at trying to look common. Sure, the dress she wore was far less spectacular and purposely did not sport any royal shade, and aside from one pearl necklace her neck and arms were unadorned. Still her blonde hair waved around her like it was made of pure gold, and shown in the firelight that lit the pub. Caroline let out a little huff and fingered her own dark brown hair, tangled in knots with branches and leaves.
The guards sat a few tables away from her, trying to look unaffiliated with her, while at the same time still doing their job of guarding her. They would be ready if anyone so much as glanced twice at the beautiful prize there.
Ryan appeared to be ignoring all of this. Caroline knew him well enough to know his mind was calculating a plan, and not enough to know what kind of plan that would be. He walked towards the back of the pub, casually, and she saw the princess’s head whip around to follow him, her own eyes alight with sudden interest.
At that, Caroline looked more at Ryan. She’d known him for as long as memories went back so she’d never paid much attention to how he may have looked. Now, paying attention, she could see how he had captured the woman’s attention. Coal black hair and flashing pale blue eyes, a soft smirk on his face at nothing in particular. He looked attractive. At the moment he may not have looked like a gypsy, but he did NOT look ordinary.
She was sure if he spoke a single word to the princess he would be arrested or killed without second thought. But there had been no rule about speaking if she was the one initiating the conversation it appeared.
“It is awfully late for someone to be coming out to such a place for anything other than a rest from a journey…” She commented, her voice as gentle as Caroline imagined it would be. Ryan looked over, as if startled she was speaking to him, an act, she could tell. “What has you out here?”
“My business I’m sure would not interest you.” He replied formally, but his voice, she realized was rather seductive, if she hadn’t grown up with it. He continued, “And I believe it is far less unusual for me to be here, than for you, miss. A young woman… alone?”
“I can take care of myself.” More like ‘I have men who can and will kill you before a threat has so much as left your mouth.’
But Ryan chuckled, “I’m sorry for assuming wrong, Miss…” He trailed suggestively waiting for a name. It was a good thing the princess was ‘disguised’ or he would surly not have survived that. For all his usual plans, he didn’t appear to be acting very smart.
The princess paused, “Julianne.” She replied. And that was, surprisingly, her real name. Either she had not been warned about giving away the name, or her mind had been predictably jumbled by Ryan’s unwavering attention.
“Pleasure.” He replied, moving from his ‘originally’ planned seat to one much nearer to her, “So, what has you traveling, Julianne?”
She could see the woman blush at his casual use of her name, but made a face of trying to fight that away before she said something wrong, “Ah… I don’t think private business would interest you either. It’s most boring.”
Ryan was still looking directly at her, now resting his cheek in his hand. His back was to her, but Caroline could easily see the playful smile he would be giving Princess Julianne, “I’m sure nothing about you is boring.”
Caroline literally lost her balance at that. The fool wasn’t even TRYING to be subtle! She knew what he was doing… she’d known this plan was in his mind since the moment he’d seen her in the carriage. Get the princess to fall in love and run away… the kingdom will be chaotic and would give the gypsies anything for her safe return – despite the fact that she’d gone willingly. May break a heart in the process, and would make gypsies even more hated, but in the long run it was a perfect plan.
She knew the plan. But it still annoyed her.
“What was that?” Ryan and one of the guards both asked at the same time. As her stumbling created a good deal of noise.
“There are sometimes Gypsies ‘round these areas, you know.” The voice of the pub owner came again, Caroline was no longer looking in, for fear of meeting Ryan’s eyes. Again, she knew he’d be upset if she was caught following him.
“Gypsies…” A guard said slowly, “We don’t want to have to deal with that…” They clearly hadn’t forgotten Keith’s earlier raid on them.
But Julianne’s voice followed, “Really?” She said, in almost girlish delight, “Gypsies… wow.”
“Oh you must be joking…” She whispered, wide eyed. They already fascinated her? Ryan would have no problem ensnaring her.
Another guard spoke up, louder, “Your- ah, Julianne.” He said her name with difficulty, “This is no time to get your faerie stories mixed with reality. We cannot lose any more cargo. We should go.”
“Trade?” Ryan asked, pretending to be interested, as though he had no idea, “And you are with them?”
“They look after me.” She said in a small voice, sounding like she was trying to hide her excitement still.
“Good thing, too.” His voice had grown seductive again, “You look to be a greater prize than anything your carriage could ever hold.”
“Let’s GO.” The guard’s tone was harder.
A silence, “Y-Yes… I need to go. It was grand to meet you, sir.”
“I hope we meet again.” Caroline nearly gagged.
“NOW.”
“Yes, alright!” She laughed, sounding breathless, “Goodbye.”
Feeling annoyed, exasperated, hurt and ridiculous, Caroline realized Ryan would surely be heading back to the camp. In no mood to face him… in no mood to see him ever, really, Caroline got ready to head back, herself.
finally found time to read it, exciting, I bet he'll succeed in that
Miss.SunFlower
New member
Loving your little guesses. We shall see, my friend...
Unsure of her way home, exactly, she stayed lurking behind the tavern until she heard and saw Ryan leave. With a sigh, she moved to follow him again.
“You!” A voice cried out suddenly. Caroline whipped her head to see a man… a guard turn the corner to the back of the tavern, surveying the area. She couldn’t see him much in the lack of light but she could imagine he wasn’t happy to see her.
She turned to sprint away ignoring his cry to stop, but it appeared he was fast as well as strong. He caught her easily and kept her in his grasp.
“So you were the gypsy we heard. You are not getting away so easy.”
“Let me go.” She hissed in fury, “I did nothing. Get your hands off of me.”
“What you didn’t do doesn’t matter next to whatever it was you were plotting to do.” He said roughly.
“I was plotting nothing! Let me go!”
Not only did he not let her go, but he began to practically drag her toward the road and carriage. She was a prisoner then… Ryan would not like that. She struggled against his hold on her, her protests growing louder with desperation. Perhaps Ryan was not too far away…
“I’m not about to let a thief like you away.” He replied stubbornly.
She struggled more, wishing with all her might she wasn’t as petite as she was, “But I haven’t DONE anything!! Let GO of me!!” She wondered if she would be bound, maybe gagged. She thought to scream, and prayed Ryan was near.
“Let her go.”
The voice wasn’t Ryan’s.
Before Caroline could even place it’s origins she was swooped from one man’s grasp to another’s.
It wasn’t until the guard spoke again did she realize who had saved her. “You again! I wouldn’t mind getting rid of you too.”
Keith, yes Keith, laughed his gentle but somehow threatening laugh, “I’m sure you wouldn’t, but your not getting that chance tonight. I’ve got the only prize I came for, so my business is done.” He tightened his grip on her, almost territorially.
“Now wai-“
“Goodbye.” With the hand that wasn’t tightly around Caroline’s waist he saluted, then grabbed another branch like when he’d first left, and effortlessly pulled both himself and her up into it.
The guard called something out in anger, but made no move of pursuing them. The two watched in silence as in an exasperated huff he left, then listened for the sound of the carriage brought into motion, until it was echoing off.
Caroline stared at Keith in wonder, and he simply grinned in reply, “Well, that was lucky.” He said at last.
“I’m not helpless.” She snapped without thinking.
His laughter grew, but he looked a little surprised by her attitude, “Did I do something wrong in rescuing you?”
“I could have handled it.”
“I’m sorry I offended you,” He continued, “But, trust me, where I came in you did not look to be handling it. I can’t be blamed for wanting to help you, needed or not.”
“Thank you.” She said quickly, automatically, and a bit uncomfortably.
“No, don’t say it because you feel obligated to.” He teased.
“I do mean it.” She said, “Really, thank you for helping me.”
“Even if it wasn’t needed?”
A tiny smile cracked her scowling face, “Yes, even if it wasn’t needed. Thank you.”
He beamed, delighted, and her heart pounded, “Well that’s the most words I’ve heard from you yet. Can’t help but feel successful.”
“I don’t understand why you are so interested in me. Are you not taught like everyone else that we are wicked and dangerous?”
A shrug, “As far as I can see you do what you must. And so far I see nothing wicked or dangerous about you.”
That was because whenever she was near him she nearly became a docile kitten. She hated that. “Then I don’t believe you know me well enough…”
“Would that be an invitation?” She gave him a shrewd look, the smile evaporating. He held his hands up, “I’m teasin’ ya. And you certainly look dangerous now, have to say…”
Her heart still pounding hard enough to make her breathless she remembered she needed to be back. Ryan would have returned and would not be happy to know she wasn’t there. Less so to hear she’d been captured. And the very least happy that she’d been rescued by a man he already despised. She’d need to leave that part out.
“I have to get back...” She said quietly, a little upset that she was leaving him and hoping he wasn’t.
He didn’t look upset by that, “I’m surprised you’ve stayed this long. I won’t keep you longer. So long, Miss. Gypsy.”
She nodded and dropped herself from the branch, and got ready to take off towards her home, thinking up excuses to tell her friend. She took no mare than two steps before she wheeled to Keith again. Again he sat staring after her, waiting for this.
“When-“ As it caught up with her, she was unable to finish such a foolish question.
But he knew, “I have watch tomorrow….” He eyed the sky, then glanced down at her, “It’s the second watch. Starts about midnight.”
That was invitation enough. Her heart beat as fast and light as a butterflies wings as she fled home.
“Where were you?” Ryan hissed the second she appeared in camp. His eyes were bright and he looked genuinely worried. It took her a second to remember where he had been earlier that night, and kept her expression distant.
"Out." She replied, "The party had finished after you left and I didn't feel like sleeping. Am I not allowed to wander on my own?"
He blinked at her, still unaware of anything, "It's getting less safe for us every day, Care. You could have been captured."
"I've shown I can get out of things on my own, already, Ryan." She sighed. She hated to lie to him, but before she could feel guilty the image of him playfully flirting with the princess flashed in her mind. She deserved to have a secret or two from her friend. It wouldn't hurt him.
He sighed as well, exasperated. Predictably, he was upset with her so she turned it simply on him, "And where were you, then?"
Another blink, "Patrolling."
"Patrolling?" She asked dryly. "And what exactly needed your patrol." Her hurt grew deeper as she had hoped maybe he WOULD tell his plan when asked. Again, not the case.
"Other areas. For raiding. We can't stay in one place, with one or two sources for goods and expect to survive." It was a clever lie. One she probably would have easily believed. Had she not seen. She sighed, going from euphoric to depressed. It was exhausting.
"Now what is the matter?" He asked, confused. What was the matter? Hah! If only he knew...
"You could have told me..." She said softly.
He gave her a sideways look, and she thought she could see a bit of guilt there too. That was his fault, "I'm sorry Care." A long pause, "We'll raid tomorrow, by the way.” He added in a tone meant to cheer her up, or change the subject, or both.
"Raid? Where?" She asked, suddenly a little interested. More than a little, to be truthful.
"The port village, obviously. Especially if it has goods that are rightfully ours." He grinned.
Yes! She thought, she would not have to find an excuse to visit the village at midnight. Ryan had set her up for it anyways. She grinned back until the words caught up with her, "We?"
Again oblivious to what that meant at all, Ryan laughed, "You and I. You've proved you can hold your own in a raid, and I'd love to see for myself. Tomorrow night then."
BUM BUM BUM
Unsure of her way home, exactly, she stayed lurking behind the tavern until she heard and saw Ryan leave. With a sigh, she moved to follow him again.
“You!” A voice cried out suddenly. Caroline whipped her head to see a man… a guard turn the corner to the back of the tavern, surveying the area. She couldn’t see him much in the lack of light but she could imagine he wasn’t happy to see her.
She turned to sprint away ignoring his cry to stop, but it appeared he was fast as well as strong. He caught her easily and kept her in his grasp.
“So you were the gypsy we heard. You are not getting away so easy.”
“Let me go.” She hissed in fury, “I did nothing. Get your hands off of me.”
“What you didn’t do doesn’t matter next to whatever it was you were plotting to do.” He said roughly.
“I was plotting nothing! Let me go!”
Not only did he not let her go, but he began to practically drag her toward the road and carriage. She was a prisoner then… Ryan would not like that. She struggled against his hold on her, her protests growing louder with desperation. Perhaps Ryan was not too far away…
“I’m not about to let a thief like you away.” He replied stubbornly.
She struggled more, wishing with all her might she wasn’t as petite as she was, “But I haven’t DONE anything!! Let GO of me!!” She wondered if she would be bound, maybe gagged. She thought to scream, and prayed Ryan was near.
“Let her go.”
The voice wasn’t Ryan’s.
Before Caroline could even place it’s origins she was swooped from one man’s grasp to another’s.
It wasn’t until the guard spoke again did she realize who had saved her. “You again! I wouldn’t mind getting rid of you too.”
Keith, yes Keith, laughed his gentle but somehow threatening laugh, “I’m sure you wouldn’t, but your not getting that chance tonight. I’ve got the only prize I came for, so my business is done.” He tightened his grip on her, almost territorially.
“Now wai-“
“Goodbye.” With the hand that wasn’t tightly around Caroline’s waist he saluted, then grabbed another branch like when he’d first left, and effortlessly pulled both himself and her up into it.
The guard called something out in anger, but made no move of pursuing them. The two watched in silence as in an exasperated huff he left, then listened for the sound of the carriage brought into motion, until it was echoing off.
Caroline stared at Keith in wonder, and he simply grinned in reply, “Well, that was lucky.” He said at last.
“I’m not helpless.” She snapped without thinking.
His laughter grew, but he looked a little surprised by her attitude, “Did I do something wrong in rescuing you?”
“I could have handled it.”
“I’m sorry I offended you,” He continued, “But, trust me, where I came in you did not look to be handling it. I can’t be blamed for wanting to help you, needed or not.”
“Thank you.” She said quickly, automatically, and a bit uncomfortably.
“No, don’t say it because you feel obligated to.” He teased.
“I do mean it.” She said, “Really, thank you for helping me.”
“Even if it wasn’t needed?”
A tiny smile cracked her scowling face, “Yes, even if it wasn’t needed. Thank you.”
He beamed, delighted, and her heart pounded, “Well that’s the most words I’ve heard from you yet. Can’t help but feel successful.”
“I don’t understand why you are so interested in me. Are you not taught like everyone else that we are wicked and dangerous?”
A shrug, “As far as I can see you do what you must. And so far I see nothing wicked or dangerous about you.”
That was because whenever she was near him she nearly became a docile kitten. She hated that. “Then I don’t believe you know me well enough…”
“Would that be an invitation?” She gave him a shrewd look, the smile evaporating. He held his hands up, “I’m teasin’ ya. And you certainly look dangerous now, have to say…”
Her heart still pounding hard enough to make her breathless she remembered she needed to be back. Ryan would have returned and would not be happy to know she wasn’t there. Less so to hear she’d been captured. And the very least happy that she’d been rescued by a man he already despised. She’d need to leave that part out.
“I have to get back...” She said quietly, a little upset that she was leaving him and hoping he wasn’t.
He didn’t look upset by that, “I’m surprised you’ve stayed this long. I won’t keep you longer. So long, Miss. Gypsy.”
She nodded and dropped herself from the branch, and got ready to take off towards her home, thinking up excuses to tell her friend. She took no mare than two steps before she wheeled to Keith again. Again he sat staring after her, waiting for this.
“When-“ As it caught up with her, she was unable to finish such a foolish question.
But he knew, “I have watch tomorrow….” He eyed the sky, then glanced down at her, “It’s the second watch. Starts about midnight.”
That was invitation enough. Her heart beat as fast and light as a butterflies wings as she fled home.
“Where were you?” Ryan hissed the second she appeared in camp. His eyes were bright and he looked genuinely worried. It took her a second to remember where he had been earlier that night, and kept her expression distant.
"Out." She replied, "The party had finished after you left and I didn't feel like sleeping. Am I not allowed to wander on my own?"
He blinked at her, still unaware of anything, "It's getting less safe for us every day, Care. You could have been captured."
"I've shown I can get out of things on my own, already, Ryan." She sighed. She hated to lie to him, but before she could feel guilty the image of him playfully flirting with the princess flashed in her mind. She deserved to have a secret or two from her friend. It wouldn't hurt him.
He sighed as well, exasperated. Predictably, he was upset with her so she turned it simply on him, "And where were you, then?"
Another blink, "Patrolling."
"Patrolling?" She asked dryly. "And what exactly needed your patrol." Her hurt grew deeper as she had hoped maybe he WOULD tell his plan when asked. Again, not the case.
"Other areas. For raiding. We can't stay in one place, with one or two sources for goods and expect to survive." It was a clever lie. One she probably would have easily believed. Had she not seen. She sighed, going from euphoric to depressed. It was exhausting.
"Now what is the matter?" He asked, confused. What was the matter? Hah! If only he knew...
"You could have told me..." She said softly.
He gave her a sideways look, and she thought she could see a bit of guilt there too. That was his fault, "I'm sorry Care." A long pause, "We'll raid tomorrow, by the way.” He added in a tone meant to cheer her up, or change the subject, or both.
"Raid? Where?" She asked, suddenly a little interested. More than a little, to be truthful.
"The port village, obviously. Especially if it has goods that are rightfully ours." He grinned.
Yes! She thought, she would not have to find an excuse to visit the village at midnight. Ryan had set her up for it anyways. She grinned back until the words caught up with her, "We?"
Again oblivious to what that meant at all, Ryan laughed, "You and I. You've proved you can hold your own in a raid, and I'd love to see for myself. Tomorrow night then."
BUM BUM BUM
Shadow_Kitty
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Omg this is the best! Maggie, you are amazing. I'm laughing and giggling and dieing all at the same time
Miss.SunFlower
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YAY Kitty be reading... want more?
Shadow_Kitty
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Of course! Since when have I ever NOT wanted more of your stories?