A/N: This is set around the beginning of the second series though I know it's going to become very AU very quickly. I hope you enjoy it!
I don't own Robin Hood.
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A quick darting movement of her empty hand then returning it to her cloak, full of apple. She moved quietly on, pretending to survey the produce with an indifferent air. Her hand flashed out again and returned with a couple of carrots.
A commotion sounded behind her and she turned to see a brawl breaking out. It was time to leave; the number of guards would rapidly increase now there was trouble. She turned, picking up a cabbage on her way, and strode straight into a tall solid object dressed in black.
Looking up she was caught in the cold, disdainful gaze of Sir Guy of Gisborne. One glance was all it took to confirm that he had seen her swipe that cabbage and she was kicking herself for being unable to resist the last steal, as always.
Luck was on her side though, for once, Gisborne's gaze flickered above her head and he saw he had lost his quarry, the Lady Marian. His tight grip was slackened and the girl was out of his grasp and away before he could do anything to stop her. He didn't give it too much thought, he had more important things on his mind and he'd had a good look at her face, he'd recognise her again.
Ava Wainwright was already striding away from Nottingham Castle as fast as her legs would take her. She had the fortune of not being hampered by a long skirt as she favoured a masculine style of dress which allowed her to make a quick get away and remain relatively inconspicuous, apart from today apparently. She was annoyed that she'd let herself be caught. She was very lucky that the incident hadn't ended with her in the stocks or worse, hanged. Though she was dressed as a man, with her hair tied back and a muffler covering the lower half of her face, she knew Gisborne had had a good look at her and knew her for a woman. Well, a nineteen year old, lanky slip of a girl but it amounted to the same thing.
Reaching her home she quickly changed into a work dress and allowed her dusky curls to fall around her cheeks. Gisborne would have more important things to occupy his time than a petty thief but she wasn't going to take any chances. The best idea was to hide in plain sight. It was getting on now and the daylight was withdrawing but first thing in the morning she would return to Nottingham in woman's garb and do some proper shopping, with money, and hope to disassociate herself with the thief of today.
For now though, she lent back in the rough wooden chair, with half a sleepy eye on the stolen vegetables simmering on the fire, and let weariness take her.
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A/N: I hope you liked it – please review.