Welcome

[Adam Thatcher]

Nottingham and the surrounding area certainly had its downsides when you were an outlaw living in the forest and attempting to rob the rich, feed the poor and not get hung for doing either, but Adam often felt the greatest harm that the Sheriff had done to the area was the total eradication of the ease and friendliness that was so often found in villages across England. Only the children were as carefree as elsewhere, though even childhood seemed to end earlier here and from every hooded doorway some young teenager would glare at him with such suspicion Adam almost felt as guilty as the guards who had caused it. To be a stranger in this area was not a good experience, and dam had received more dark looks and cold stares than he had in York as the oft-pointed-out half Jew half Gentile child of an unholy union, something he had never expected to feel again.

Fortunately there was an upside to the whole upsetting situation, and that was that when common trust is eroded and destroyed, all of the trust that would have been placed in strangers and casual friends was focussed instead on ideals and figurehead and fortunately enough for Adam, one of these focus points of hope and trust was Robin Hood and his men. Word was beginning to go around that Adam had joined these famed heroes, thanks in part to his ability to be as unsubtle as possible and introduce himself to everyone in sight, and while Adam had feared jealousy, even dislike of an outsider muscling in on the home turf, he had met only pleasantness and gratitude from those who recognised him. The fact that his being known as an outlaw put him in more danger than he had been before, despite his common face and talent for invisibility, hardly phased him now that Adam could feel far more a part of the community. Now he could dispel the looks with a certain whistle, or simply by saying his name, and that was joyful.

Watching the tension ebb away from this situation, Adam attributed it solely to the power that a little knowledge of his allegiance had, being pleasingly naive of the fact that his smile and manner were the kind that engaged others. The young man, having been used to the effect his demeanour had since he was a small child, merely thought it was normal that a smile should be returned and that people should believe him when he was being honest. Now that Eva was no longer looking at him like the beast from the black lagoon Adam found himself appreciating her bravery which, though it seemed to be a common thread amongst the women of Nottingham, was still extraordinary and worth praise whenever he saw it. The idea that young women felt strongly enough to walk in the forest and consort with bandits and the ‘very worst sorts of people’ as the nobility might put it was astonishing and enlightening, and Adam felt almost obliged to help her just to honour that courage, if not because it was his duty and his aim in coming to Nottinghamshire to help everyone who asked for it.

Noticing again the soot on his hands, Adam attempted again to clean them on his tunic, being perhaps the cleanliest of the outlaws (though that was hardly saying much), unfortunately to no avail. When Eva made her request he couldn’t help becoming slightly nervous. His tenure as a blacksmith’s apprentice had been cut short by the York fire and the tragedy that event meant to Adam, and he had never removed a man from manacles – not that the establishment he had worked in had ever offered that service. Adam understood in that vague way one understands things one has never really learnt that the proper way was to pick the lock, and if that didn’t work, hammer the lock out with a chisel and hope that the person’s hand didn’t come off as well. It was an unnerving prospect, but then an idea struck him.

((( WARNING. THE FOLLOWING IS NOT BASED ON ANY KIND OF SCIENCE. IT DOESN’T REALL WORK. CALL IT CREATIVITY.)))

It had been hard not to notice that the Sheriff used inferior ion when having his near army of guards kitted out with the metal suits that made them oh so inconspicuous. Adam guessed from the way it cracked when struck hard and the way it buckled and bent that it was less iron and more whatever crap the armourer could melt down – rather bitterly Adam imagined it was people’s confiscated cooking pots and bolts from their doors. Whatever contributed to the melting pot, what came out was poor quality for anything, let alone making a strong manacle, and exposing it to any kind of stress and weakening should break it without Adam having to get dangerously close to amputating the captive’s hands.

His own voice full of the enthusiasm his companion’s seemed to be losing, Adam spoke quickly. “I have an idea – If you go find your friend – brother? – and bring him to my fire – it’s near the stony outcrop, about half a mile from here, big plume of black smoke, you can’t miss it – then I should be able to get him out.” Adam was already moving towards the camp to retrieve his tongs, a clear spring in his step coming just from the thought of proving himself useful. “Chin up, Evangeline! You’ve already done the hard part, getting him out of the sheriff’s clutches.” He dashed inside the camp, gathered his tools and came out again, pleasantly curious and surprisingly relaxed for a man about to break a stranger out of deadly bonds. “How exactly did you do that, by the way? Not that we have a monopoly on sensational rescues, but the story would interest me.” Tucking his tools into his belt, Adam offered the young lady his arm with natural gentility that was not without a self-mocking air.

[Evangeline Maitland]

Eva watched with growing amusement Adam’s failed attempts to clean the soot from his hands. It was no use; nothing but water and good block of soap would rid the hands and now the unhappy tunic from the stain. The situation so like her daily exchanges with Kathy as the younger girl tried her hardest to hide the remnants of the day’s fun that Eva had a difficult time suppressing the laughter rising in her throat. Of course, there was no half grin telling her without a word that trouble had been afoot and it was better not to ask but that helped. She appreciated Adam’s efforts at cleanliness, however odd given the locale, but there would be little point in mentioning soap now, there was still work ahead. What precisely did one do to remove chains?

If Adam was nervous it didn’t show. Had she known half what the man was thinking at that moment she would have been worried enough for the three of them. Eva knew she’d grown into a worrier, protective to an extent that surprised her, causing her to break the man she loved free from the sheriff’s dungeons, but it had come at a cost. With a real crisis in her life again, however, she was beginning to gain some perspective again. At some point she was going to have to sit down and think about the reasons for what she was doing. Was she helping others for the sake of saving herself pain, saving others from theirs, or simply out of a need for revenge? Life was never simple and neither were motives but even she realized that risking her life and, moreover, Marian’s meant something more than smuggling food to starving children.

“Oh no, he’s not my brother,” Eva said a little too rapidly. Honestly, she wasn’t sure what she and Gary were, though she would be hard pressed to call them anything near siblings. Eva had always fancied Gary, albeit reluctantly, but they had been good friends for so long that he was a staple of the camp, like family but not. Obviously, she’d proved once again, falling for yet another man who hurt her, that her judgment was hopelessly flawed. An old man once told her girls likes to be tossed in love every now and again, gave them something to talk about. Eva was sure he wasn’t imagining this. Certainly they all would have been better off without the castle, the guard, the sheriff. No, she would cling to Adam’s enthusiasm as she had clung to Marian’s plan and it was going to carry her through as long as it could.

Eva plotted in her mind the most direct route from where she’d left Gary to the outcrop. It had seemed foolish to leave Gary so far away and yet she was afraid he’d follow and she would never willingly betray Robin’s men for love or money. “There was nothing sensational or romantic about it, I’m sorry to say. You easily have the corner on marvelous rescues. My story should wait until we can have it in full. I’m afraid the culprit has some explaining of his own to do.” Only Gary knew everything that occurred before meeting up with her and she would demand an explanation one way or the other. Even if it were for the purportedly ridiculous reasons she suspected, she needed to know she and Marian had risked their lives for something. Gary was worth saving but had his actions been worth imprisonment and all that happened after?

Instead of taking Adam’s offered arm, she touched it and pointed in the direction of the outcrop. “Half a mile that way,” she asked for verification. Since Robin set camp here years ago she tried to stay clear of the outlying area unless on business for the gang. It wouldn’t do to have her mother asking where she had been and then being forced to lie. It didn’t take much to know when Eva was lying, it surprised her that the guard had taken her at her word, and it would have been the end of everything for her. “I’ll be back in an hour. Do you need anything?” Eva thought a moment. It wasn’t as if certain plants or spirits were needed to calm Gary before something serious occurred. How bad could this possibly be? “Never mind. An hour. Thank you. Truly, thank you.” Without another word, she was gone, dashing off in the direction she had left Gary, a renewed energy despite everything that had happened today.

By the time she reached Gary, Eva was exhausted. She couldn't remember a time when her legs ached this badly at this hour of the day. "We have a meeting point," Eva said as she paused to catch her breath before making the trek back. Again she was reminded about how badly she'd planned the distance. "Are you ready?"

[Gareth Jenkins]

The entire way to the forest's edge, Gary's heart had been hammering away in his chest. Had they gotten away? Truely? Surely there was a guard following them, waiting for them to stop and arrest them on suspiscion. His day had already gone bad enough. The burning desire to look over his shoulder never ceased, not even when they'd stopped, but he knew better than to give in. Then they would look suspiscious. Even if there were guards around here, they my catch onto the feeling if he was acting far too twitchy. Still, Gareth may have resisted the urge to look over his shoulder but he was far from calm. His palms sweated, the cuffs chaffed his wrists which made them itch and his ears burned from the feeling of being watched and talked about. His nerves were fried.

But none of that compared how he felt. How could he betray Eva's trust like that? Would she be able to look him in the eye again? Would she be able to look at him at all? His future had looked so bright - every time he closed his eyes at night he saw him and Eva growing old together, sitting surrounded by their family telling the young'uns of tales when they were in the forest. It had felt so real. But would there be young'uns to tell this tale to? Would they want to hear this tale? The feeling which held him after his family died was creeping back in. The future was black and white, shades of depressing grey. All he could see now was the inevitable future of him wandering around Sherwood, alone until he died. Whether heart-break or starvation killed him first was anyone's guess. How could he do this to himself? How could he do this to those who depended on him? How could he do this to Eva...?

Watching Eva, Gary felt very helpless - a feeling he disliked a lot. Eva was in charge and he was the naughty child. How did it come to this? "And you definitely don't want that..." His voice took on a weak tone, and he didn't use the word "we". He doubted he'd be around long enough for him to be able to use "we". Gary hated himself - he really did. He could feel the tears welling up and burning his eyes, just from thinking about this possibly being the last time he would ever see Eva. She may have been trying to hide it - or not, how well did he really know her? - but he could pick up on the disappointment in her voice and eyes. "I've caused enough trouble with my wandering. I'm not going anywhere. I'll be right here." He gave her a small timid smile before watching her disappear into the greenery. His vision blurred as the tears began to fall. Why was he so stupid?

Being left alone allowed Gary to wallow in his own, self-inflicted misery. How had this all gone so wrong? Just a few weeks ago he's promised Eva that he'd never do a thing to bring pain to her or her family. So what does he do? Mess it up - of course. Hadn't he made the same promises to his sisters? Late at night, when they'd disturb him asking him if monsters existed - every time he said that even if monsters did exist he'd keep them safe. But when the monsters came he was nowhere to be seen. This time, he was the monster. Gary was cursed. Everyone and everything he loved and cared for would be tainted by his existance. It was payback for all those times he'd weedled someone with his silver tongue. Now his boon in life was destroying his life. Why was he such a pillock?!

And what had he been trying to prove with that prank? That he could annoy guards? That was easily done with a bucket of water dumped on their heads. At least it was easy to hide away from doing that - easy to run. Engage in a conversation and the option of running became very hard. Even if he had been able to run, they'd seen his face, he was identifiable. Pass on the word of what he looked like and they had a culprit to chase rather than shadows. He was such a fool. And it was definitely beyond the time when he should hang up his prankster ways. Had he ever been any good at this? It was hard to know. Life before the clearing had become somewhat of a blur - it hurt too much to think of his family - and panks post joining the clearing had all been with Kathy. It suddenly dawned on him, if he left the clearing this part of his life would also become a blur. Even Eva - it would kill him to remember her. A fresh bought of tears streamed down his face at the very thought,

He didn't want to forget Eva. How could he forget the light of his life? His very reason for being? The love of life? How had he messed things up so badly? Shrugging the sheet from his shoulders, Gary hung his head in his hands - fighting the sobs that wanted to wrack through his body. He had to keep it together. He had yet to explain to Eva what he'd been doing there - therefore risking her life and the Nightwatchman's - and then tell her that he'd leave, for her benefit if no one else's. "Failure" didn't begin to cover what Gary was. There was one certainty in his life: He was never going to smile again. Not without Eva.

By the time he heard footsteps approaching, the tears had tried up - no doubt leaving tracks down his dirt ridden face - but the self-pity had not ceased. He tried to blend himself into the surroundings, just in case it was a less than savoury character finding - who knew what secrets these woods kept? Half the men claimed as dead wound up between these trees. He lazed back on the rock, hands behind his head to hide his shackled and held himself in a sleepy manner - like he was a villager shirking from his duties to have a nap at the edge of the forest. Prising one eye open, he saw the one figure that made his heart both soar and sink in the same instance. Eva.

She looked out of breath but determined. He knew the look. It was the one that said she'd get what she needed, one way or another. Like she was working through a plan. It was the same face that she'd been wearing in the castle and on the journey. He hoped this meant good news. "That good news?" He asked her, when she told him about the meeting point. He didn't doubt that he was no longer trusted with the destination. He scrambled up, replacing the relaxed guise with the natural, guilty posture. Getting up had been a little taxing - what with the shackles restricting his movement - but he did it without leaning on Eva. Something else he'd have to get used to. Not being able to know that Eva was there when he needed her.

"Ready when you are." He motioned for her to lead the way. But, seeing as how she was still catching her breath an idea hit Gary. If he did stay at the clearing, he was going to have to spend the rest of his days apologising - if only for his peace of mind. The words came tumbling out of his mouth before he gave Eva a chance to reply to him. "Look, Eva. I want you to know how sorry I am for this. Sorry's not even good enough - but I have to start somewhere. I just want you to know, I would never have done this if I'd have known how much this was going to hurt you. It was stupid and far too much of a risk; and if it wasn't for you, I'd still be there rotting in that cell. So I want to thank you too, even though you deserve so much more." He hung his head in shame. "I love you, Eva. I never wanted to do this to you." Braving a gaze up, he looked at her with apologetic eyes. "I'm sorry, but I had to say that." Once again, he motioned his hands. "Lead the way." He took a deep sigh as he began to walk.

((ooc - Sorry for the delay and such. I've been a bit out of it - both with Rping anf the country! XD Hope this is ok ))

[Evangeline Maitland]

What had she expected to hear when she reached Gary? The greater part of her had hoped nothing. Adam had provided a rare taste of hope that there was a way out of the disastrous events of the day and she knew the moment she dwelt on any of it for more than a few unchecked moments she’d break. Eva could endure many things, starving, cold nights in the forest, isolation, but the one thing she could not was harm coming to those she loved. Marian had sensed as much when she’d explained Gary’s perceived plight in the castle dungeons and she had not let Eva’s thoughts completely debilitate her by keeping her busy. It would have been easier to keep her thoughts now on coming up with an excuse for her absence from camp today or finding a time when she could meet Marian back at her camp to thank her and discover out how she faired. There was no room for emotions to jump in and take over, she’d learned that much with experience. But human nature had another hand to play and, as much as she wished it had not been played, it was only a matter of time.

What did you say to someone who betrayed your trust, broke a promise, and asked forgiveness? They were still living the consequences of Gary’s actions and it was hard to grant that forgiveness without time to let things settle, the dust was still in the air and choking her. With time might come forgiveness but that moment was not now. “It wasn’t just me you hurt, Gary,” she said, looking him in the eye for the first time today with the fiery intensity of someone gravely wronged. “You hurt Kathy, you hurt my mother, you hurt the Nightwatchman, you hurt whoever will remove those shackles from your hands…you could have hurt yourself.” As she spoke of Gary bringing harm to himself the fire in her speech was muted and the tone of her words barely above a whisper. “Everyone who cares for you and everyone who has helped you today has been hurt by your actions. If we had been caught we would have been hung without a second thought and if that man,” she said in reference to the guard they had left with a story and grave headache, “makes the connection that you are not from town what will he think and what will he tell the sheriff?” For the first time it occurred to her that Marian’s involvement might make Gary’s escapades that much more important in the sheriff’s eyes. Either the legendary figure had ears all over Nottingham, including in the castle itself, or this was a larger plot.

Eva couldn’t look at Gary anymore without breaking down into tears and dwelling on thoughts of what could have been and might be and, instead, began to walk. If there was one thing to concentrate a wandering mind it was exercise and she was worn out enough by this point that the pain in her legs and feet played the part of distracter well. Eva was silent for a good half hour before speaking again. “We can never enter town again…either of us.” What shouldn’t have been a painful admission had become one. Eva’s part as the Green Lady was now at an end. No longer could she visit villages to leave foodstuffs and messages from the gangs to the people, no longer could she attend the festivals she so loved without risk of being discovered and hung for treason. Gary could never realize what this had done to her. Her form of nonviolent defiance and revenge for the death of her sister was no longer there and only the future would tell what this would do to her. Eva paused short of reaching their intended destination and, looking at the ground, spoke again. “I want you to explain what happened not just to me but to the person who is going to help us.” Brown eyes traveled to meet Gary’s blue. “You may not have meant to hurt anyone but we both deserve an explanation for risking our lives.” Turning away, Eva continued on until she reached the outcrop Adam had indicated.

“Hello,” she called to announce their expected presence. From the strong smell of smoke growing as they drew nearer, Eva knew Adam was already preparing for their arrival. Despite herself, Eva felt a renewed sense of anxiety about removing the shackles. Adam had assured her it would be fine though and she had to trust him. If you could not place your trust in friends and allies who could you place it with? She trusted Robin with her life and she would extend that same trust to those he trusted with his own.

((ooc: Wonderful post, Bobbet! Honestly couldn't tell you'd been away from rping for a while.))

[Adam Thatcher]

The fire was heating up nicely, a thick column of smoke rising up like another dark tree trunk in the seemingly endless forest. Adam walked around it proudly, admiring what he could call entirely his own work as he watched the rods grow white hot in the heart of the forge. Soon those rods could become arrow tips, spear heads or even swords to help fight the sheriff, though Adam was hardly a master sword smith, being more of a dabbler in that art than anything else. Before that, however, he had his first real personal challenge as an outlaw to get through, as one of Robin Hood’s men. He couldn’t help but anticipate it, even if he was meant to deplore the circumstances that had led to it. Everything he’d done as one of Robin Hood’s men had been with the gang as a group, or some of the members, and then he had hardly played a major role, generally being left with the horses or guarding the door as the gang’s newest and least conspicuous member. Adam had realised that it was important no one recognised him, that he played a low key role for as long as he could to help the gang get away with stuff, but it was a trifle disappointing joining a legend to become a non speaking role. Now at least two people would know his name, would know he helped at least in some way.

Adam was jerked from his thoughts by Eva’s call. Though he should have expected it, it was easy for him as a storyteller to get lost in his own imagined stories, picturing the words he would use to tell them, and the call startled him a little. Dropping his tongs with a clang on the stolen anvil and wincing at the loud clang they made, Adam clambered through the brambles and stones to get down to the pathway. As he did so, Adam made a mental note to create a proper, if hidden, path up to the forge – not all his visitors would be as used to rough terrain and steep inclines as he was. While the top of the outcrop was as flat as the anvil he was using, the bank up to it was steep and littered with sharp stones, ivy, nettles and brambles. Hardly the type of walk for a distressed young woman and a shackled man to take, for it was these two Adam spotted as he slithered down the last few feet of the bank. He was glad he didn’t lose his balance and embarrass himself, but he had met rougher terrain in the wet hills of Wales and Northumberland in turn, and besides Eva and Gary were hardly two well picked to judge Adam on his balance, when they came to him almost in tears and definitely in shackles.

If Eva had looked distressed when she had left Adam back at the camp then now she looked distraught, and Adam’s heart ached for her a little. She looked like her life had been ripped from her, like she was bereft and though Adam had only known her a half an hour, he felt somehow beholden to her, like he could or should have protected her from whatever had happened. A small frown appeared between his eyebrows and he took a step towards her, holding out a hand in a comforting welcome. “Eva, don’t worry. I’m here. All will be well now.” Adam winced a little and smiled – that was not meant to sound as arrogant as it had. Adam still felt that it was partially his fault that she was upset and he rocked back on his heels, a little chastened. However, logic prevailed and Adam had a shrewd idea that the responsibility for what had happened and Eva’s unhappiness lay firmly on the shoulders of the shamed-looking man beside her. Pausing for a moment, Adam sized up the man before him. No one could have mistaken the look in Adam’s eyes for cruelty, or even hesitation to help him – Adam had made up his mind the moment he saw Eva’s distress that he was going to help the man, even if it had turned out to be the most unworthy dog-breathed low life in Nottinghamshire – but he wanted to take a moment to make sure the guilt was properly felt.

The shackles were just as he had suspected, poor quality iron and badly made, and reassuringly shaped. The lock and pin were far from the actual wrist bind, so there was far less chance of a small slip in a chisel or hammer slitting a wrist or taking a finger with it. It was encouraging, and Adam shot Eva a smile, though Gary was granted no such forgiveness. “Come on then. Eva, you could stay here. This won’t be pretty, or temperate.” The air inside teh forge was already warm, and Adam’s flushed face showed it.

[Gareth Jenkins]

What hurt the most about all of this? Not the sense of failure. Not the fact he'd let everyone down. Not the shame he'd put himself through. But the shame he'd put Eva through. She was going to have to go back to the clearing and explain to everyone why he was no longer there. Why their supply of game was going to decrease. Why there was one less person to watch the young'uns. Why she was so upset. All because of one badly judged prank. It was definitely time to hang up the jester's hat. Gary hung his head in shame, unable to look at Eva. He didn't want to see the disappointment, and he didn't want her to see him like this. He was pathetic. A mess. A loser.

To be honest, Gary was expecting Eva to uncharacteristically explode at him for his stupidity, betrayal and idiocy. Yes, that was essentially the same as his stupidity, but both still stood. She caught a stray gaze up with her eyes, and Gary couldn't bring himself to look away. Tears burned behind his blue eyes, but now was not the time to dwell in his sadness - he'd gain no sympathy for crying. Just more scornful looks. He looked down once her list was finished, mumbling, "I know, and I cannot say sorry enough. If I could go back I would punch myself to stop me from doing it." He knew it would do little to coushin the blow, and the more he spoke the more he dug his grave - but if there was any way to explain himself he was going to try. How ironic that the silver tongued man couldn't weedle his way out of this one. Though, his silver tongue often fed straight lies out - he couldn't lie to Eva. Or even around Eva.

Thinking back to the guard, Gary doubted he was smart enough to put two and two together, or rather he hoped he wasn't. Guards had bigger fish to fry; people commit crimes all over Nottingham everyday - his would be forgotten as soon as an outlaw made an appearance. Or was that his ever diminishing optimistic side speaking? How long would it be before he spoke no more? Gary wouldn't hold his breath. But another thought occured to him - the Nightwatchman. If it was possible, Gary's mood and head sunk further. How could he have messed up so bad? "I don't expect you to forgive me, Eva..." He muttered, too shamed and horrified at himself to speak any louder. But the onslaught was not finished.

As they walked to where they headed, Eva continued - after an agonising silence. Gary wasn't sure what hurt more - the disappointed silence or the angry words. "I wasn't planning on leaving the forest, ever again." He wasn't going to explain himself, knowing his wereabouts could put her in danger. If she interpretted what he'd hoped for - that he was going to make Sherwood his final resting place - then she'd be safe from the danger he'd caused. He was just sorry that it would hurt her... could hurt her... Who knew if she still loved him after this. She kept herself so secret - Gary didn't even know the full extent of the inconvenience of not being able to go to Nottingham for her. It could be anything. Only now did he realise how little he knew of Eva. Back when the day was brighter, he had the wonderful thought of being able to spend the rest of his life finding out everything that was Eva. But now? That wonderment had been cut short - and it was his own damn fault.

She stopped him, unexpectedly - making Gary stumble a few steps forward. He back up to stand slightly behind Eva - showing his submisison. Explaining to Eva, he understood, but to the blacksmith? Wouldn't that just endanger him, unecessarily? Or was he just hiding from the fact that it would mortifying? "Of course." After her justification, Gary could argue no more - even though he'd only been arguing mentally. "You're right." He said. After she'd turned and continued forward, he added to himself. "You always are." She was right about this, right about her sister's actions and right to have been hesitant about letting hersef fall. He would give anything to go back and tell her to not let herself into the pain. And the "anything" he would be giving was her - which he was going to lose anyway. He really wished he could somehow travel back in time, so then he could at least save her from the pain - his was inevitable in every timeline it seemed.

The clearing they entered smelled of smoke and was occupied by a tall, dark haired, young man - filling Gary with a unsettling bout of jealousy. Especially as they seemed so pally. But maybe that was a good thing - Eva would have someone competant to look after her. That thought made Gary very sad - that he wasn't good enough for Eva. But hadn't he known that all along. He was very aware of disdain that the other man was giving him. Why did he feel like he'd been caught eating the winter supply of meat in summer? He'd probably get off lighter if he did that. In fact, he had...

Leaving the shackles to the expert, Gary let the man inspect the bindings on his wrist. The smile he gave Eva didn't go unnoticed, and once again, Gary felt horrifically jealous. If he wasn't in such trouble he would have been tempted to put him in his place. But he wasn't exactly in the position to be defending his attachment to a woman. Sighing, Gary got the feeling that if this guy got the chance to singe him, he wouldn't pass it by. Holding out his wrists, Gary said - purposely to Eva and not to him - "I suppose I should start talking." His tone was defeated - this was the beginning of the end.

((ooc: Ah! Just found Gary's new song - Here Without You, 3 Doors Down. It's making me sadd! XD))

[Evangeline Maitland]

How would Eva have reacted to Adam’s words if today had been any other day? It was wasn’t like her to be so disadvantaged as to ask for help nor was it like her to be so outwardly distressed, prepared to shed a tear at the smallest provocation or straying thought. On any other day she might have grinned widely at the statement and joked that all would be well now that she was there but today was an extraordinary day in many respects and Eva was far from denying she needed some one else to make the world right. Whether Adam would be able to make all well was yet to be seen. Eva instead replied with a weak smile that far from illustrated how grateful she was for the man’s help and, Eva would reflect later, probably spoke to a lack of confidence in the endeavor. For all Adam’s reassurances, her mind was looping about Gary’s words on their journey here. She wasn’t always right; she didn’t always have the answers. Every fiber of her being wanted to be wrong in her analysis of this situation but, if the universe worked the way it always did, repercussions were sure to follow.

The part of her that wasn’t quite ready to forgive Gary wasn’t exactly sorry to see Adam take her side. It was neither fair nor precisely charitable to automatically place the blame on Gary yet he had said nothing in defense of his actions, as Eva believed he would have if he had been doing something for the good of Nottingham. Naively, Eva believed Adam was taking her side out of a sense of that missing pure motive, never taking into account that her distress coupled with Gary’s shackles and guilt spoke volumes. Maybe she should just stay here as the men went on. Take a few minutes to gather her thoughts and collect herself. She was physically and emotionally exhausted and knew she’d drop the moment she got back to camp. Her mother could jump to any conclusion she liked but Eva didn’t have the energy or heart to explain why they had been gone all day. It would be one unpleasant conversation she would have to face eventually but not without time to clear her mind. If she had to spend the rest of her life under her mother’s watchful eye what was one more day?

Gary’s dislike of the man that was now risking his life to aid known criminals, for that was what they certainly were, was completely unexpected. Eva knew Adam’s motives were the same as any man in Robin’s gang: to help a fellow man in need. What would Gary say if he knew the exact nature of her relationship with the gang? There was no way he’d accept it; she’d known it from the start and his reaction to Adam only confirmed it. Righteous indignation burned in her chest at the unfairness of his assumptions. Whatever he thought of Adam, could he not put those feelings aside and accept help, pure and simple? While she didn’t trust herself to say a word the flushing in her cheeks betrayed not so subtle hints at her inner thoughts. The growing heat of the nearby tools of Gary’s liberation couldn’t explain it away.

“Yes,” Eva said, looking Gary directly in the eye, refusing to look at the bound wrists he held out to her. Though Gary’s tone clearly spoke defeat his action made her feel as if the blame or at least the responsibility of those restraints were her own. She might have added that an explanation might also tell Adam whether or not he really wanted to get involved but it would have been said purely out of bitterness toward the situation. No, Gary needed to tell his side of the story so the pieces could be put together.

[Adam Thatcher]

Awkwardness was hardly anything new to Adam, how could it be after he broke into the outlaws camp and begged them to take him on while showing an almost obsessive knowledge of them all, but the tension in the air was uncomfortable. Had he been the kind of man to be unaffected by other people’s pain he might have made light of it, or been unconcerned, but instead he merely tossed his tings from one hand to another, his smile fading quickly as he wondered exactly what had gone on in Nottingham – not that he was going to ask. He could probably guess – the smallest misdemeanour in Nottingham was treated like a capital offence, as the Sherriff liked large fines, and if failing that, full jails just to annoy the outlaws fighting for justice around the city. Probably Gary had done nothing more than a petty prank or theft, which would have been laughed off by all around in a more prosperous, better England, and indeed Adam felt more grieved at the younger man for hurting Eva, natural chivalry to woman kicking in automatically, than for any crime. After all, Adam was hardly one to talk about crimes – he was an outlaw, and worse than that, a killer. No, he certainly wasn’t going to ask for an explanation.

The situation seemed bad enough without Adam sticking his inquisitive nose in, and the looks he was getting from Gary were hardly helping. It made Adam feel a bit like he was the Devil Incarnate, cackling away in his inferno and twiddling his moustache, rather than a helpful bystander trying to sort the situation. He knew what the look was, he was hardly naive, and Adam would have tried to reassure the man otherwise had he not felt it was entirely unnecessary – Adam considered the idea ridiculous, in the nicest possible way – he was not the kind of man for any woman, in his own eyes, other than Hanna, and Hanna was... well, that part of his life was over, earlier than most, but no less ended. Still, it explained a lot about Eva’s distress, and if Adam’s common knowledge of love stories and their tricks and twists was in anyway true to life, it was pretty certain that whatever Eva felt, the young man felt tenfold, however stupidly he decided to show it. That Adam was no threat to this whatsoever should have been obvious, but Adam could not see how the circumstances conspired against him – yes, a young man in the forest offering to help a lady in distress might be perceived differently by others, particularly those who didn’t know him as one of Robin’s men, but Adam couldn’t see that. However, Eva’s anger was entirely unexpected, and he felt sympathy for Gary as he felt the waves of annoyance rolling away from the woman and watched the younger man cringe visibly. A woman’s anger was something to be feared, to be sure, and the young blacksmith couldn’t help feeling some kin with the other man in the clearing, no matter how deserved it was.

The words went over Adam’s head a little, and he moved around behind Gary and nudged him forward to the rough way up the rocky slope to the hidden forge with the tongs. The metal had cooled quickly, so he was hardly branding the man, and it was meant to be an almost friendly gesture, however it was interpreted. Bearing in mind that the younger man’s balance could be compromised by the shackles and that he might not be able to save himself in a fall, Adam made sure he was behind him, within reach if anything went wrong. It would be calamitous if after breaking Gary out of jail he was to break his neck on the way to his release. “How about I get you out of these before we start story telling? You don’t have to give me a reason to break the sheriff’s iron – the work alone is good enough.” The work and the asking were all Adam needed, and while his natural curiosity made him long for a story, he knew when one would be uncomfortable for teller and listener. He held out his hand to Eva, offering her a support to get her up to the forge, since she had shown no sign of wanting to stay behind and she looked a little like she might break apart. “Come now, Eva. As I said, the hard part is over, and no one is dead.” Adam paused, realising he didn’t actually know that to be true. “I hope. Be thankful for that at least, and your escape.”

[Gareth Jenkins]

Had it been any other situation, Gary probably could have got on quite well with this Adam chap. He didn't appear to be evil, and had the feeling of being an honourable fellow. But still, there was that seed he'd planted in his own mind - Eva would be better off with this man. That made it hard to look him in the eye without a hint of a glare. How could he sit by and let another man take Eva's heart and care for it? Eva was supposed to grow old with him! Not some "honourable" forest man named Adam. Gary's life was incomplete without the wonder that was Eva. And it was his own - stupid - fault that he was doomed to be incomplete forever. How could Eva ever forgive him after he'd explained himself?

She'd never been one for pranks. Always looking down on him and Kathy when they pulled them off. How was she going to react, knowing that all of this commotion was because of a stupid, poorly attempted prank? Gary expected looks that could kill, flying objects aimed in his general direction and the bitter twang of disappointment. And betrayal. How could he forget that? His biggest crime here today was betraying Eva's trust. And he knew he was never getting that back. Not in a million years. Not even if he managed to redeem himself in her eyes. She would always be thinking, 'What if he does it again?' Gary knew Eva too well, she didn't forgive and forget. He only had to look at the Sheriff to be reminded of that.

Feeling Adam's nudge, Gary sighed and took the hint to move towards the heat. This was going to be uncomfortable. But he'd lost the right to complain the moment he'd spoken to that guard with his false cheeriness. How could he have been so happy just those few hours ago. Would he ever be happy again? A clue: No. Not without Eva. He pushed those thoughts from his mind. He would get to those when it was a reality. Where was the point in depressing himself even more? Right now he had to memorise Eva's features, without her noticing. He didn't care that his last memory of Evangeline Maitland was going to be marred by anger, disappointment and disdain. Eva was still Eva, no matter what emotion was on her face.

Her one word answer cut him more than any blade could. He tried not to show the wince though. If she called upon it, Gary would lie about the heat touching his skin - but who knows how well he'd lie now? Or if he could even lie to the woman he loved so much. It came as a surprise to hear Adam speak behind him. Gary twisted a little, to nod to the other man as a gesture of thanks. It gave him a few more seconds to compile a way of wording his endeavours in the most positive way possible. But whatever way you looked at it, Gary had been a fool. There were just no hiding some things. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy as the other man held his love's hand. Gary hid a scowl - this guy was a real sweetie. He had that caring thing and quirky adorableness going for him. Gary was the Devil's spawn at that moment in time. Maybe he always had been.

Now his hands were free, Gary hung his head and used his hands to hold it. The pain he felt in his wrists was immense - shackles hurt! But he tried not to show it, he was nothing. Nobody. And nobodies didn't have the right to show pain. He took in a deep sigh before looking up. The only way he was going to be able to say this was if he looked at Eva. He owed her as much. Looking down at the floor would just make him out as pathetic as he truely was. This way he, at least, saved what little face he had. "There is no way of making this sound at all honourable, Eva. I'm not going to insult you by trying as much, either." Another deep breath. This was his undoing. Why delay it any longer. "It was just a prank. A stupid, ill-timed prank that blew out of proportion in ways I couldn't comprehend. I was in over my head, stupid and reckless."

((ooc - hope what I said about Eva and pranks was ok. Sorry for the delay! We have internet now, so I have no excuse! I will keep you updated on my deadlines though, so if I vanish it's probably down to that. <3))

[Evangeline Maitland]

It was difficult to be grateful when your head was stuck in a mire of what-ifs. Eva’s mind worked around too such things, making her constantly fretful, older than she was by years. Adam’s words weren’t unique for Eva had heard them more times than she could count but, now that they were out of direct harm, any gratefulness she had at their escape was waning fast. Eva wanted nothing better than to hear from Marian and then put the entire day behind her. “I’m grateful for our escape and your help, even if it doesn’t seem so,” Eva replied, a little defensively, taking the hand Adam offered. Given the circumstances and the short time she’d had to process the situation she doubted anyone could have jumped into the acceptance stage just yet. But Eva was slow in many things; whether it was to fully warm up to a person or to think over a new task, things would come in their own time. She could wrap her head around what she thought Gary had done well enough but emotionally she was raw and would remain so for some time.

When her anger eventually cooled, Eva would be sorry for the way she’d treated Gary. Where she should have been glad to have the man she loved back in one piece, Eva certainly didn’t show it with her coldness toward him. Life was never going to be perfect summer days, feasts, and sun. Along the way it would be filled with regret and heartbreak but that was what made life what it was and not some child’s bedtime story. For now Eva would be upset and perfectly justified in feeling so but eventually amends would need to be made.

Eva felt a twinge of empathy as Gary tenderly held his hands but quickly checked it. Wasn’t that what had gotten her into all this trouble in the first place? Was Gary another case of falling for the man that only led her to trouble? What would he have been doing had he not come to them? It was hard to imagine but Eva couldn’t believe Gary was or ever could be malicious. Only when she felt her heart begin to race a little did Eva realize she was holding her breath waiting for Gary’s explanation. She wasn’t sure what she was expecting at this point but she was beginning to feel familiar apprehensions making their rounds again. Wrapping her arms about her, she tried to calm herself as Gary began.

Why did Gary’s explanation have to sound like the precise words that ran through her own mind when she thought of Evelyn? Over their heads, stupid, certainly reckless. Was this some form of divine punishment? See, Eva? You thought you could get off with a slap on the wrist, didn’t you? It’s all full circle now. Haunted ringing in her mind now verbalized in someone else. She wanted to tell him it would be fine now. That neither of them were perfect but they’d learn from their mistakes. She wanted to take him in her arms and not let him go until she was sure he wouldn’t disappear the moment she blinked. But Eva was too proud and too wounded to say or do anything but what her head was telling her. She know knew that things would eventually be fine between them with time but right now Gary needed to remember what happened today. A war raged between the mind that told her it was reasonable to make him think on things and the heart that told her to forgive him and moved on. Instead she simply stood there and didn’t say a word, looking blankly from Gary to the forge.

((Perfectly fine about Eva and pranks. He wouldn't have known her when she was much more free-spirited. Incredibly sorry about the wait! Truly! Uni has eaten my brain and stole my hours so much more than I thought it would.))