Kingmaker

Outsiders #1

A cold mist hung above the ground, a dark night emphasied by its presence. In the darkness, two figures hudled beside an old tree. Watching a nearby camp of York Knights. The two figures, a teenage girl, and a man in his mid twenties. Both in favour of the House of Lancaster after fleeing from families under the House of York. Ava, the girl of 18 years, had fled under the Woodville family. A family with ties to Sir Henry Stafford. One of the very Knights they now spied upon. David, a man of 26 years, had fled under the Johnson family.
The pair had known each other through their families, and had both seen the corruption that lay within the house they were under. Secretly, they both sought the House of Lancaster. Ava saw Sir Richard Neville as a true leader and sought to be within the House of Lancaster so that she may work along side him. Whilst David simply wanted to be free of the corruption that lay within the House of York.
"It is late, yet their fire still glows. Are they not sleeping?" muttered Ava under her breath to David at her side. The girl never really did have much patience. But then again, at this time of night, she was always awake and always expected others to be sleeping. Which didn't appear to be the case today. "They must know we are nearby" replied David, trying to peer through the darkness to spot any signs of movement. "If they know we are nearby, then why do we hide in the darkness?" questioned Ava, glancing at David out the corner of her eye. "We hide for one reason Ava. If they see us, they will capture us. And if they capture us, we will be dragged back to the House of York as traitors. Do you know how they treat traitors? Sir Henry Stafford would not approve. And I know how he had eyes for you, Ava. He would be most displeased"
The girl rolled her eyes, not appreciating that Stafford had been mentioned. She knew the man had eyes for her. And knew he had lusted after her. But she hadn't lusted after him. "I do not wish to speak further of Sir Henry Stafford, David. Let us focus on what we are here to do" She looked ahead of them once more, watching the camp. "Which is what, exactly?" asked David, looking to Ava. He knew not to question too much. Though Ava knew they had to be quiet at this moment, if he pushed her too far or annoyed her too much. She could snap easily, and make more noise that necessary when she snapped. "To see if they are out looking for us. Why else would the House of York send out the Knights? You know they have been sent out for us before" She was right. The Knights had been sent out for them before. Maybe word of them going over to the House of Lancaster had reached the head of the House. If that was the case, then being captured by the Knights was definitely a most undesireable thing.
"Then let us not be captured by them. I do not think you would want to ride back with Sir Henry Stafford either. On his horse, I mean. You do not want to be that close to him, correct?" he tilted his head to her, already knowing the answer. "You know that, David. Still, it would be a challenge to even get me onto that horse with him. But I may have an idea. We have quite the journey ahead of us before we reach the House of Lancaster's territory. Maybe we could. 'Borrow' the horses of Sir Henry Stafford and Sir John Howard?" It wasn't often that Ava suggested theft. This time she had a point. But at the same time. Stealing a Knights horse wasn't wise. A Knight wouldn't hesitate to slay the one who takes their horse without permission. And under the circumstance of theft, the Knights wouldn't treat the theif all too kindly. Maybe the situation would be different due to who was doing the stealing. Either way, it wasn't wise.
David watched Ava for a moment before glancing over at the camp and the horses. "Not wise, nor do I condone it. I will not partake in such an action, Ava. Especially not against men of such... High profile" Ava scowled at the response from David, looking back ahead of her. Silencing instantly. Sir Henry Stafford and Sir John Howard had moved outside of their tents. Sitting by the crackling fire. For a moment, Ava thought that Sir Henry Stafford had looked directly at her. She remained silent and still. Not making a single sound. For the longest time, it felt like they stared at one another. Maybe they did.
After an intense few minutes. Ava let out a long breath. She'd held her breath. "I thought Stafford had seen me for a moment there. It felt like he was staring straight at me" she whispered quickly, shifting back slightly. "This is quite uncomfortable. They may see us if we remain here any longer, Ava" David had to try and get Ava to move away with him to a safer location, or at least a safer distance. "We need to hear what they are saying, David. I will remain, you can move if you wish"
With a long look at her, David lay back down on his stomach beside her.

Listening to the Knights.