Sherwood Plot-Second Team

[will_scarlett]

On the other side of the door, Tuck sees them and nods,

"Glad ye're 'ere, tis much to do."

Comments

[will_scarlett]

He does and pats her arm,

"Now na to worry, we're in the midst of the four folks an should just listen for any 'orns. Will mean things 'ave gotten bad."

[visible_sariel]

"Understood, sir." Old habits apparently die hard. Tuck does, however, get about half a smile; it's all Sariel can manage just now. Pre-mission nerves, you know.

Well. that, and history. Her own.

[will_scarlett]

"Na a sir just Tuck though you can call me Brother if it would make ye feel better."

[visible_sariel]

Some things don't change from one year to another. Like Sariel's slight embarrassment at being caught in her own formality. "Excuse me... Tuck, then. and I'm Sariel."

[will_scarlett]

"There are a few more folks visitin' us this year but 'opefully they'll be safe. 'ow are ye doin', child?"

[visible_sariel]

"Hopefully they will, yes." Sariel's eyes flick skyward for a second, and maybe she's remembering

Tristran almost wasn't safe

something. When her gaze returns to Tuck, she's still looking sober. "I'm well." Pause. "Are you?"

[will_scarlett]

"Times 'ave been 'ard but 'opefully this Winter will be easier than others. I just 'ate this plan, sendin' 'em off all o'er the forest."

[visible_sariel]

Sariel grimaces, saying nothing immediately. Her expression might be proof enough that she and Tuck are in agreement.

"the isolation worries me. Everyone.. scattered like this." Then again, maybe a look couldn't say it all.

[will_scarlett]

"We'll 'ear the 'orns."

He pulls a flask from his belt,

"Will warm ye."

[visible_sariel]

That's something, at least.

that flask is quite another. "I shouldn't, I'm..." Sariel stops herself just shy of finishing with 'on duty'. A long moment's contemplation later, and she does accept it. when in Rome... or sherwood... "thank you."

Sip. Small sip, at that.

[will_scarlett]

Its lovely mead that warms you all the way down to your toes,

"Will warm ye."

[visible_sariel]

this's a girl used to synthehol; she manages not to cough after swallowing that first sip, though she can't quite keep the surprised look off her face. A second, equally small sip follos, and then the flask is handed back with a nod of thanks.

Any more of that and she'll be of no use at all! Best to quit while she's ahead. And not giggly. Ahem.

[will_scarlett]

His eyes have a twinkle to them as he listens to the far too quiet forest.

[visible_sariel]

The narration grins. Sariel doesn't.

Forests at home usually have more in the way of... life in them. and from what Will's said about Sherwood--

Tuck gets a wary glance; she's noticed it too.

[will_scarlett]

"Things will be startin' soon."

[visible_sariel]

Sariel doesn't say anything in reply, but that quarterstaff is shifted to the opposite hand. Her eyes are on the surrounding trees, and there's mingled wariness and nervousness in her face.

Still, she's not going anywhere.

[will_scarlett]

In the distance, there's the sound of a fight and wood doing things it probably wasn't supposed to.

[visible_sariel]

Sariel doesn't flinch. Much. She does turn sharply in the direction of the sounds of fighting, though.

"Do you know who was sent in that direction, sir?" The form of address is automatic. So is the continued careful scanning of the area; keep your eyes on your viewscreen or you'll crash into something.

[will_scarlett]

"Will, Doc an Mia, 'rhaps its some o''er magic."

He squeezes her hand for reassurance.

[visible_sariel]

Sariel squeezes back, just a little, then lets go. "I hadn't thought of that."

If she only knew...

[will_scarlett]

"Aye, they can 'andle themselves."

[visible_sariel]

Sariel nods, eyes on the nearby trees. "I know." and something in her tone suggests that she means it.

[will_scarlett]

Some panicked screaming is added to the mix and then hoof beats from one of the roads,

"We must 'ide a bit more."

[visible_sariel]

In a word: Uh-oh. In a few more: that does *not* sound good. "Mia's magic again, do you think?"

Sariel sounds somewhat less than certain there, likely understandably so. She falls obediently in behind tuck; she'll follow him. He knows where deeper cover is.

[will_scarlett]

They move deeper into the trees as a heavily armored man on horseback rides down the horse and Tuck curses.