My Fair Lady

[ella]

"Flattery will get you no where... I though we went over this." She commented. He was still throwing comments at her, and still he'd get nothing from her... unless she choice to give him something. Which he did not. Well... that was unexpected really. She was not usually complemented on her strong personality or her general disregard for gender norms. She could appreciated that. "Thank you." She said a little more genuine then she first expected. "Like really... Thank you." She said with a bit of a smile. That was different. She knew he was still trying to get her to lay with him, but it was nice to hear. Not many men would compliant her on who she was not how she looked. She could not control her beauty. She was born with it, he should compliant her parents for making her if anything. But to compliant her on who she was... that's something she could take credit for at least.

She tilted her head not sure if she should take it or not. She could take it and try, but if she did not hit the very spot, she would make a mockery of herself. She would not allow herself to be weak. She would be the best or she would not do it. But to hit that target. She knew she could never.... If it were her bow, she would have no problem...but this toy was different enough to make her no better then a child.

Her eyes narrowed for a few moments...debating on weather to let him or not. But in the end she figured she might as well. If anything she would learn a new skill... That was the least that would come out of it. So why the hell not? He was so eager to get close to her, she might as well offer him that privilege...at least for now. "Pass?" She question. Oh she was pretty good at tests... but to give her one... no no. If she wished for her very own sling shot then she would get one. "So if I do not pass then I will not get my very own? That's a shame" She joked. It would not break her heart ether way. If anything at all, she'd steal one... or rather she'd ask Robert and he'd get one for her. She knew what he did, stealing from the rich and giving to the poor... it was noble really.

She moved to stand but an inch in front of him, taking the slingshot and holding it with her one hand waiting for her other hand to be placed. She had her head turned slightly so she could see him better. But she was standing so close that if she turned her head much more, her head to collide with his. Waiting for him to teach her. Thoughts of seeing her brother was out of her mind at the moment... she was much to distracted by the toy.

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[Allan A'Dayle]

Allan A'Dayle

------Allan recalled her words all too clearly, but once again, he was not discouraged by them. If he was, he would have left a while ago; probably shortly after the first time she had said it. "I have no ulterior motives," he told her, sounding as sincere as he could. Of course, the ideal would be to spend more time with her, since he doubted she was the kind of woman who would just bed a man the day she met him. "I flatter you only because you deserve it. And because it would be such a great lie not to." Because flattering a woman was like breathing, yet with her, it was so much more than that. Because he was actually trying; because she was worth trying for. Her next words came as a surprise, for they were spoken with sincerity. And with, dare he say, kindness. A tone he had not yet heard her speak with, which meant... was she finally warming up to him?!

------Even Even if it was a little, it was a start. And Allan would hold on to that hope, knowing that her harsh impression of him was slowly diminishing and that she was become more inclined to appreciate his words rather than continuously reject them. "You do not have to thank me for words that are nothing less than the truth." And all he was doing was vocalizing. "But it is a great privilege to hear that your appreciation for them. So you are very welcome." So she was most certainly less of a shallow woman. One not obsessed with riches and jewels. Excellent! Because Allan could afford neither. Allan gave a bit of a chuckle when she questioned whether she would get one or not, should she fail. "I think I may be inclined to make one for you whether you pass or not. Though I don't doubt you will exceed," he told her with confidence in her. He was just all too glad that she accepted his offer, and tried to tone down the eagerness he felt in suddenly shifting closer to her.

------He moved right next to her, gently putting his hand which held the sling shot, prepared to fire it. He then took her other hand to position the stone on to it. "It is all about placement," he said, putting it right in the middle of the band that he now helped her draw back. He raised her hands, his head extremely close to hers, somehow miraculously resisting the urge to allow their cheeks to touch. "Focus on your target, rather than the stone, and never lay your eyes off of it." Allan was having trouble concentrating. He was far too distracted by her, seeing her this close and finding her all the more beautiful. Even her scent was so very alluring... right! Focus man focus! "Ready?" He asked, making sure she was fully eying her target because he sure as hell was having a hard time concentrating.

[ella]

Ari?nna just shook his head. Compliments were nice and all, but he should not spoil her with them, or that's all she will come to expect from him. If that is all she get's then the one day he does not shower her with such words will not be a very good day for the two of them. Ari?nna is picky, and very much spoiled, so she'll take what she is given and ask for more. Give her less then what you first give and she wont be so happy. But for now, she will take what she's given for she does not know him well enough to make judgments.

Again flattery... too much more and her head would grow very large. He was just feeding the fire really. As shallow as she tended to be, he would only make it worse. Her head would get bigger and bigger, Robert would have to deflate it while would not be a good thing. Ari?nna tended to scream when she got mad. She could be quite hot headed, quite literally her face will glow a bright red the madder she gets. All she would need is steam to come from her ears. It is quite funny. She is very child like when she's mad, stomping her feet crossing her arms and yelling.. oh the yelling. He better be prepaid for such things if he does not stop spoiling her.

She laughed a little, a true laugh, genuine one not faked or pushed but a laugh. So she'd get one no matter what. That was wonderful she did enjoy gifts very much. She could not help but be spoiled, though she did not care the gift. A simple flower or a letter would satisfy her. If she were showered in gold and jewels she'd shun away, wanting nothing to do with the responsibility of them. So a simple slingshot would make her day for sure. Pulse it was much more of an appropriate thing for her to carry around then her bow and arrow. She cant just whip that bad boy out and start practicing with it. A slingshot would do little harm, depending on what was being shot.

She was like a puppet, letting him move her hands where they needed to be. She nodded her head, she understood. Placement. She repeated to herself taking a mental note of where the stone sat on it's band. Concentrate.... well he was making it hard by the hot breath on her ear. But she managed to block it out. She was pretty good at letting go of distractions. So ignoring her physical self she let her eye look to the dent in the tree. She looked it and only that little spot, all she could see was the tree, everything was blurred, unreal, not there. Just the spot. She let her head drop an inch in a nod, yet never letting her eyes leave the target. She'd let go as soon as he gave the word.

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[Allan A'Dayle]

Allan A'Dayle

------Her laughter was a wonderful thing to hear. This time, it was not only because she was a beautiful woman. It was because he just enjoyed making people laugh; spreading joy. He was never one to take life too seriously and having this sort of mindset, made him make a great deal many jests. He knew that sometimes, the other men and especially Robin would remain unappreciative of his jokes during tense situations. Other times, a good joke or humorous comment would be exactly what was needed to uplift their spirits. Either way, he enjoyed making others laugh, whether it be intentionally or even unintentionally.

------Though he had been distracted, it took only only a second to readjust his focus onto the intended target. Having mastered the skill, it was not difficult to get right back into concentration. "And, now." With those words he helped her release the pebble, sending it flying over to the tree and marking the exact spot that they had previously hit twice. He smiled when she hit it, and took a step away from her. Though once enjoying the close proximity, he would not push it. "Seems I owe you a slingshot now," he told her, still smiling. Of course he was all too happy to make one for it, especially now since he had to hold up his end of the small bargain and incentive he had given her for 'passing the test'. However small and simple a test that was.

[ella]

And now was herd in her inner ear. She did not pay attention to the words but when they were spoken she let out a soft breath, as she did so she let the pebble fly through the air. By the time her breath was fully out, the pebble has reached its target striking the hole in the tree deeper. It was quite the impressive shot, one she knew she could never make on her own. "Well..." She said the smile on her face un hidden. She was pretty excited though she hid most of it. "That was easy." She said with a small chuckle. So she would not have done it on her own... but she might as well tease him. Make her head a little bigger if anything.

"And I expect one made just as well as this one." She breath handing over the sling shot. "Now it's only fair I teach you my craft." She said pulling her bow from around her back so it hung by her side. The Arrows too were shifted so they sat on her hip. "Do you know how to shoot?" She asked holding out her perfectly crafted bow, the arrows still in their holster at her side. She figured he taught her how to shot with the small slingshot, it was only fair she left him with a little skill of her own. She did not think he'd wish to learn how to sew, so the only other skill she could offer was with her prized bow and arrow. One of such craft the detail still amazed even her. It was quite the weapon. It was more beauty then weapon in her mind. The arrows were no different. They were beautifully crafted, on the end of each and every one, she placed a small piece of fabric to balance the arrow. The fabric she stitched her initials into. Any arrow she shot would hold this signature, no other arrow would hold it.

It may have lead people right to her, if people knew she was skilled with this craft, but not even her mother knew how good she was. Robert her brother was the only real person who knew how accurate her shot could be. Normally when dealing with outside people she downsized her skills, to keep herself out of the spot light. She did not like being very popular among people. She was not that social, so to be great at a man's sport would bring her much unwanted attention. But here, she was among friends. So she had no problem showing off her skill, all the skill she had at that.

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[Allan A'Dayle]

Allan A'Dayle

------Allan smiled in return when she said that it was easy. He knew that it was not; that it was something that took immense practice. But he also knew the comment was made to trivialize the effort it took, more in a jesting way than anything else. "I am glad you think so," he said in more of an encouraging way. He chuckled when she commented on having one as good as this. "I make nothing less than the best," he informed her as took hold of his toy once more. The quality was good yes, but the actual slingshot was only as good as the person who was using it. It helped when the band was stronger and the stick about to handle the pressure from it.

------It was a skill that Allan had spent his lifetime perfecting... so he knew it would not be easy for just anyone to pick it up and be well versed in it. Allan watched as she spoke of teaching him, and then holding out the bow to him. Truth be told, Allan was absolute rubbish with a bow and arrow. Robin had tried to teach him, but it was certainly not a weapon of choice for Allan. He much preferred his little slingshot... hell, he'd even take a sword above a bow. "I can shoot," he began to say, still not taking the bow. "Just not well," he added with a cheeky smile. "I have never had any need for such a weapon. I am a humble and simple minstrel. Not one who engages in combat." Which for the most part, had been true. Yes, he got himself into ridiculous situations, but it was never with the intent to fight.

------All he needed was his fast legs to run away and he had survived by doing this thus far. Having joined Robin's cause however, he found a sword more frequently in his hand. Even if he tended to be the idea man more so than an integral part of the actual plan itself. "How long have you been practicing the use of a bow and arrow?" He asked, genuinely curious as to what circumstances had caused a bow and arrow to land in her hand. She was not the first woman to practice archery, but judging from the look of her customized arrows, seems like she took this craft far more seriously than some of the other women he had encountered. Which was of course not a bad thing. Unless of course, the woman was firing the arrow at him.

[ella]

"Well good." she spoke quickly after. She would not accept anything less then the best of the best. Again if she was going to hold anything, she was going to make sure it was well made. She may not hold a high status in the community anymore, but she was still going to carry the best materials she could. She would settle for nothing less. She could not help but be a little spoiled, that's how she was raised after all... The only girl with a protective older brother... you would milk it for all it's worth also.

She let a small laugh escape her lips, when he said he cannot shoot well. She did not doubt that... but then again it was the same kind of concept as a sling shot.. only much much bigger. But she'd make him have a go at it anyway. Worst that can happen is someone get's shot in the foot with one. Not such a big deal, she could get medical help. And if he were truly who he said he was, he too could get medical help. So no big deal really. She let her brow pull together for a moment. He may not need it, but it was a good skill to have anyway. "Nor I." She said agreeing with his statement. She never needed to use it, but again a good skill to have.

"My whole life Sir." She said with a big of a shrug, trying to play it off, to downsize her alleged skill level. "My brother and I would practice in the yard when I was young. I can't help but keep up the practice." She said with a shrug. "I never know when he might be home to challenge me." She added. Yeah it was always a good time when Robert and her got out their arrows and bows and had a nice little competition. Ari?nna liked to think she was much much better then her brother, you know letting him win and what not... But then again he may be doing the same for her. No one will really know.

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[Allan A'Dayle]

Allan A'Dayle

------It was clear that she took this craft seriously, even if as she claimed she had no use for it other than to protect herself should danger befall her. Regardless, Allan knew that it was practically impossible to be fully impressed by another's skill with a bow and arrow... for he had witnessed Robin shoot. The man's skill was incredible! His aim impeccable! Allan had truly never witnessed anyone as impressive as he, nor would he ever. There was a reason that Robin had gained quite a reputation, and how he managed to evade the Sheriff for so long when he was only a reach away. It was not all brains and cunning that saved Robin... it was a tremendous amount of skill. Yet, that was not to say that Allan would not be impressed by seeing another talented archer. He had seen the best, privileged to be at his side fighting for his cause. So from there, most others were incomparable.

------Allan smiled when spoke of her brother. A sibling was something he had never had in his life. He was unsure if that made him deprived or lucky. Either way, he often felt curious to hear of other siblings and whether they be a curse or blessing. He supposed that it tended to be a little of both. "It is a good skill to have, and to keep with," he told her. At least she was able to continue to perfect this talent of archery. For when one stopped practicing, it was easy to become a bit rusty. "You are close to yer brother then?" He asked, hoping it was not too nosy of him. Most times, Allan did not think before speaking and inquired into the personal lives of others when they seemed to be rather reserved about it. But if anything, he enjoyed a friendly chat and that was where his conversations with her had been entailed of. Sort of.

------After all, questioning the relationship with her brother may be easier than questioning his whereabouts. For Allan was assuming that the reason her brother was not home, was because he was at war and had not yet returned. And he did not wish to bring the conversation down to such a distressing subject. Though unavoidably, the mention of her brother may have already done so. "I don't mean to pry," he quickly added, maintaining a friendly tone so that she knew he meant no offense. "I don't have any siblings. So I'm just curious to hear from others what its like." At least that much was the truth. His questions were asked in all innocence, and he was rather genuine about that. Besides, he was not the manipulative time...unless of course he was impersonating someone.

[ella]

"It is no bother.... I rather enjoy talking about my dear older brother." She said with an equally happy tone. She was going to ask like this was an every day thing... and it was. She'd curse her bothers name many times a day, and it was funny to her. "I despise him very much. He is lesser then the dirt under my feet." She spoke, shaking her head. "He had me going when we were children, but he is a vile ugly man, who deserves every bit of what he got." She said cursing his name the best she could... and she's been getting better at it. Though she wished to laugh at time, she knew how to cover it well. "My wish is he will come home and ask for a competition. I would shoot him dead on the spot." She said with a smile on her face. She was only kidding, but he 'd never know that. She'd hug on him all day if she could. But it was better if he thought she hated her brother. Not that she'd ever speak his name. Even know he now went by Robin, Robert was not fair from the name, she did not wish him to connect the dots. So she'd hate him to everyone...accept to his face, and her mothers. She held a fiery like passion in her eyes to convince the man that she would kill him if she see him. Only the passion was not to kill her brother but the Sheriff... but he'd never know that.

But life went on. As long as she hated him in public she could stay where she was, she could be 'happy'. Her brother could be safe for Ariánna would spy on her 'father' the sheriff. God she hated that man, but that was all part of it. Get as close as she could to him, so she can help her brother kill him. Of course she wished to do it herself, seeing as no one would expect a women to do such a thing, but she had to think of her mother. One her mother passed, Ariánna would have only her brother to live for, and well he was already outlawed. So why the hell not? She would enjoy living in the outdoors. She never liked the stuffy inside. She would much rather be outside getting dirty then inside sewing something.

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[Allan A'Dayle]

Allan A'Dayle

------Huh. Well... this was awkward. When she said that she enjoyed talking about her brother, he'd been expecting something jolly about him. Some fun tale about him and the teasings typical of a brother. But instead, she seemed to have such a deep seated hatred for him, that Allan just felt a bit awkward hearing these emotions against him run so deep. He wasn't quite sure what to say. He was not at a loss for words, as Allan A'Dayle never was rendered speechless, but he also was unsure of what kind of reaction she hoped to elicit from him when speaking so angrily towards her sibling. "Ah, well. Least from the sounds of it you don't have to put up with him too much." She did say after all that he was not home much.

------Well now Allan had to think of how to turn this conversation around to happier things. He was never one to overly whine and complain, nor engage in such angry talk. He was more of a happy fellow, so preferred the air of conversation to be uplifting. Of course, being with Robin and the others often made it difficult at times... but that was what Allan was there for! To offer words to boost morale! "Were you headed somewhere specific? I should love to walk with you if you do consent or so wish." He figured she would not like the word 'escort' as she would have no need for it, so made it sound like something more casual and informal. Which, it was really. He had after all just met her.

[ella]

"Oh heavens no." She said with a small chuckle. "He's been outlawed long ago." She said reaching for an arrow and twirling it between her fingers for a few moments. It was kind of a nervous habit, but she was aware of it, and tried twirling it at times when she was not nervous just to throw people off. It seemed to work pretty well. This particular time she moved them between her fingers because she was out right lying about her brother. Yes he was outlawed, but for all the wrong reasons. "I walk these woods to make sure he comes no where near the town. " she said the arrow still moving quickly through her skilled fingers. "He would be dumb enough to try." She said with a small chuckle, and a wink. Why she tossed that in there, she had no idea. But she did. It made her feel better at least. If only her brother could see her now. She wondered what he may think of her.

She spoke with a smile on her face, and was most content about talking about it.... she try to make it look like she was fine with talking about such things, though she was searching for a new topic. She did not want to keep cursing her beloved brothers name.... poor guy. "That is very kind of you." She said with a soft smile, welcoming the change of topic. "But I am just walking....." She said looking the opposite direction from where she was truly going. She was not going to lead him anywhere close to Robert. "you may come if you wish...." she said with a shrug. Could she really turn him down? Sure but what good would that do? He would follow her, and she would not lead him to her brother. So no matter what she said she would not be seeing Robert today. So she might as well talk to this man for a time. He would be her companion at the very least.

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