i_nightwatch (i_nightwatch) wrote in we_coexist, @ 2009-01-10 22:57:00 |
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Entry tags: | lady marian, robin of locksley |
All washed up (Marian arrives, open to anyone on the street)
Things were getting more complicated. Ever since Robin's return and the escalation of hostilities it had been harder and harder to continue with duties as the Nightwatchman. Father had done little to help, even if he had pride in her for her ability and the noble work she did, he still feared overly much for her. She was still just a woman and her life was being tugged this way and that by men. She was sick to death of the control they lorded over her.
Marian had come to a decision on her father was grudgingly accepting and one she knew would not please neither Robin nor Guy. If her life was to be ruled by men then she would separate herself from them. She would join the Holy Order and take vows, her life would be spent in a nunnery where the only male of consequence would be the Lord.
She was loath to tell the Gisburne and Locksely, fearing they would react similarly, and she had not the strength to face a confrontation from them both.She resolved that it was a necessary matter and that she would, in due course, ride into Nottingham to speak with Guy first. After a good hot bath, something in the simple act that cleansed spirit and soothed the mind. She could do well with some soothing of her overly worried thoughts.
Warm water eased her muscles and felt wonderful on the healing wound Guy unwittingly left on her in their encounter under her guise of the 'watchman. She had managed to play off the injury during her attendance at the fair with Sir Guy, and thankfully it felt as though it was healing well. In fact the bath was refreshing enough to let her drift in a daze of peace. She should wash her hair, and with an impulsive motion dunked herself under the water.
Liquid silence swam around her, she closed her eyes and felt the tiny bubbles of air leak from her nose, striving for the surface, for freedom.
...freedom..
A chill ran through the water and Marian shoved herself upward, her hands and feet met no resistance! A moment of panic hit her, eyes opened wide and she twisted her body round. It was as if the confines of the tub were...well....gone. Light..she saw light above her shimmering through the water. She swam for it, hard strong pulls of her arms taking her upward until she broke the surface with a hard loud gasp.
She was in some large pool or more rightly a lake. But..how did she get here? Controlling her panic Marian swam for shore, keeping her eyes on the green lawn ahead of her. She was shivering by the time she reached the shore and was just pulling herself out of the water as a beam of light hit her..it was night? But she had seen light from under the water! That was soon explained by the tall torches that shone down onto the hard perfectly laid stone path beside the lake.
She gaped and covered herself as best she could, a strangely suited man ran toward her, her was holding a lantern with an odd illumination. "Hey..What are you doing down there? No one is allowed to swim in the pond, and no on is supposed to be in the Commons after dark."
She looked blankly at the man in his blue and gray attire, the strong bright beam of his lantern shone in her eyes and forced her to look away.
"Where..am I? I was in my bath and now I'm.."
"Ohh you're new. Come on then, let's get you something warm and dry."
The man sounded so offhanded about it she felt even more disoriented. "New? What is..Where am I?" The strangeness would not cease but the man did give her his coat to allow her some bit of modesty as he lead her to a small but warm building. Inside was a desk, a squawking box, and a blanket which was handed to her.
The man, Harold she was told, began to explain to her the nature of this place she found herself. The City was a place people with others like her, people pulled from their place and time. It was all too much for Marian but she was at least given the safety of the shack until her mind succumbed to the strain of her situation.
She woke the following day in a well appointed room and an exceedingly soft bed. The bedding was warm and soft and it's comfort begged her to remain within. So comfortable in fact that it took her several moments to remember why she had been so mentally exhausted. She did crawl out of the bed and examined her surroundings. Her eyes first caught sight of clothing! A dress which covered her completely and finally made her feel less scandalous.
The dress was in green, a color she favored, and shoes of soft material seemed made for her in the closet. In fact she found more clothing which seemed as though it was tailored for her, the cuts were different and the stitching flawless, but they were in keeping with her style more or less. This place was so strange and how she arrived here was a mystery, but her name was on a card welcoming her to her 'new home.'
Marian saw little choice but to heed the advice of the man who had helped usher her into this new world...she had to seek her place in the City. To see why she had been drawn here and if there was indeed a way home. He had refused to give her more information than that, only the nature of the place not the whims and dictates of it.
With a bracing breath Marian stepped out to the street, frozen in wonder at the site which greeted her eyes.