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In that one story they simply won't forget, at least they never knew my name This article is about a subject whose real name is unknown, and is known only by a title, nickname, alias or description |
| The title of this article is conjectural Although this article is based on canonical information, the actual name of this subject is conjecture based on the original source it's adapted from. |
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| “ | Back to being all "coal black hair and rosy cheeks." Everyone will start thinking we're sisters again. | „ |
| ~ The milkmaid to Mary, Fairest #31 — "Super-Lamb, the Just Us League of Animals, and Other Unexpected Tails: Chapter Five of The Clamour for Glamour" |
The milkmaid is a Fable who works at the Farm, and first appears in Fables #24 — "The Letter: Chapter Five of March of the Wooden Soldiers." She is in a relationship with Mary, and dyed her black hair blond so that people wouldn't think they were sisters.
History
The milkmaid
The milkmaid and Luna sound asleep in the barn
The milkmaid and Luna are observed sleeping peacefully in the barn at daybreak, seemingly having dozed off in the middle of the milking session. Meanwhile, the Dish and the Spoon are sound asleep in the hay alongside them.[1]
A decade later, the maid is buzy milking Luna as Bonny Lamb comes into the barn. The milkmaid instructs Luna to stop fidgeting, but Luna explains that her restlessness is a result of the hyperactive lamb constantly running around her. Bonny Lamb stumbles upon a box and asks what's in it; the maid doesn't know, explaining that it's Pinocchio's stuff. The lamb is ecstatic to find the box filled with comic books. The milkmaid cautions her not to touch others' belongings, but Luna interrupts and tells her it's a waste of time; Bonny Lamb always lives in her own fantasy world. Nevertheless, Bonny Lamb eagerly flips through the pages of the comics, and admits that she wishes that Pinocchio had picked her for his Super Team. Bonny Lamb is reminded by the milkmaid to appreciate the fact that they never had to confront Mister Dark, with Luna emphasizing that this would have resulted in the demise of all.[2]
The pretty maid
The maid is now in a relationship with fellow Farm resident Mary. When a security guard asks Mary, "How does your garden grow?," she replies, "With silver bells and cockle shells and pretty maids all in a row, of course!" Mary goes back to her cabin to be with her lover. She realizes her pruning gloves are missing and asks the milkmaid if she knows where they are. The milkmaid gives them to her. Mary points out that the milkmaid's hair is getting long, and the milkmaid agrees, commenting on how quickly it seems to be growing. Mary expresses her joy in the milkmaid's decision to return to her natural dark hair color and questions why she ever chose to dye it blond. The milkmaid makes a reference to her "coal black hair and rosy cheeks." She confesses that she colored her hair to avoid people mistaking them for sisters. The two remember how that mischievous Reynard the Fox used to tease them and call them the kissing cousins. Mary notes that Reynard's assumption was partially correct, and they lean in for a kiss. However, their intimate moment is interrupted by loud commotion outside. As they peer through the front door, they see a group of Fables busily constructing a training course for animal "superheroes." The maid asks them to go play somewhere else, but Bonny Lamb counters that this is important hero business, not play.[2]
The glamour Lottery
During the animals' training session the next day, an unexpected incident occurs where the little dog and Bonny Lamb are unintentionally launched through the air in a barrel, resulting in the destruction of Mary's garden. As soon as they hear the loud noise, both Mary and the milkmaid rush to the door to investigate. The maid is taken aback by what she sees, exclaiming, "Oh my..." while Mary is devastated when she sees her once beautiful garden destroyed and picks up Bonny Lamb by her superhero cape. The milkmaid warns Mary to be careful with the lamb, believing it was an unintentional mistake. However, Mary believes the lamb must face consequences and decides to seek out Sergeant Wilfred. She carries the lamb away, still gripping it by the cape. The dog quickly expresses remorse and explains that it was all in good fun, not intentional. The maid says she understands, and notes that she better go after Mary before she throttles the poor animal.[2]
Sergeant Wilfred sentences Bonny Lamb to two months of service as Mary's new little lamb. Mary adorns the lamb in a frilly pink outfit and parades it around on a leash, while she and the milkmaid stroll together with their arms linked towards the grand Lottery drawing.[2]
At the Lottery, all three of them are in attendance when Bonny Lamb wins a glamour. But due to a mishap by Mister Sunflower, not only is Bonny Lamb glamoured as a human, but Mary is completely transformed into a lamb. Seeking retaliation for her earlier embarrassment, Bonny Lamb chases after Mary, declaring that for her first taste of human food, she has a craving for lamb chops. The milkmaid chases after them, scolding Bonny Lamb for harassing Mary, but the lamb persists in its pursuit. Thankfully, Morgan le Fay is able to fix the problem and change Mary back to her original form. The milkmaid wraps a soft blanket around Mary's shoulders, noting that she now looks human once more, albeit a bit sheepish. As Reynard enters the Farm with his new mundy girlfriend Meghan, Mary nearly gets hit by their car. However, the milkmaid manages to save her just in time by pulling her out of harm's way.[3]
Appearances
Fables
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Fairest |
Original source
- She is based on the milkmaid from the English folksong "Rolling in the Dew," and one of the maids from the nursery rhyme "Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary."
- The folksong "Rolling in the Dew" is known under several alternate titles, such as "Dabbling in the Dew" (which has a slighly different melody and more "proper" lyrics), "Where Are You Going To, My Pretty Maid?," "Kind Hearted Nancy" and "The Milkmaid's Song."[4]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Fables #24 — "The Letter: Chapter Five of March of the Wooden Soldiers"
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Fairest #31 — "Super-Lamb, the Just Us League of Animals, and Other Unexpected Tails: Chapter Five of The Clamour for Glamour"
- ↑ Fairest #32 — "Glamour Day: Chapter Six of The Clamour for Glamour"
- ↑ Rolling in the Dew, The Contemplator's Folk Music Site. "There is another version, with slight melody variations and with more "proper" lyrics - Dabbling in the Dew. (...) Variants and alternate titles include Where are you going to, my pretty maid?, Kind Hearted Nancy, Roving in the Dew and The Milkmaid's Song."