It had started like every other morning for one Charlotte Harland of New Hampshire. The air was crisp in her room, as it usually was when the winter season rolled in, but instead of being met with her fluffy comforter she felt the rough, though equally warm, texture of wool. When she opened her eyes she was met with the sight of wood paneling and beams, and not the white cottage-cheese-like ceiling she had grown accustomed to.

She groaned and rolled over to her side, closing her eyes again deciding that she must still be dreaming. Then she heard the distinct sound of a horse's whinny, as well as a faint bleat from a goat. Her brow furrowed and she opened her eyes again, tiredly. Where her bedside table would be was empty space. In fact, that side of the room seemed very sparse.

Charlotte sat up quickly, looking more thoroughly around the room. It seemed familiar, though she couldn't pin why. Thin green fabric hung from the ceiling creating a canopy for the bed, giving the room some decor. The wall opposite the bed had a small fireplace; Charlotte could see some embers still burning. To her left were two windows, shuttered, with a small dresser pushed up against the wall under the windows.

Now even more confused as to where she was, Charlotte fell back into bed and looked up at the green fabric that gracefully canopied over her. The sight seemed so familiar… She tilted her head, just a bit, and was suddenly overcome with recognition.

But… I couldn't possibly be-

A sudden rapping at a door below her made her jump and yelp. She covered her mouth, irrationally thinking it would stop whoever it was from knowing she was here.

"M'lady," a young voice called out. "I have yer eggs!"

Charlotte's eyes widened and she jumped out of bed, hand still covering her mouth as she cracked open the shutters of the window.

Oh no. No, no, no, she thought, as she took in the scenery.

From her room she could see the stables that connected to the house, and what she imagined to be the servants housing across the yard, though it looked empty. Both buildings, and she imagined the house she was in, had straw roofing which was definitely not the norm in her neighborhood.

Well, at least I have more confirmation that I'm not at home, Charlotte thought sarcastically.

"Ma'am?"

Charlotte jumped again, having forgotten about the boy who stood below. He was looking up at her now, brows raised, clearly wondering what her problem was.

She closed the shutters and quickly assessed her clothing, not knowing whether to be pleased or terrified that she was still wearing the pajamas she had picked out before bed the evening prior.

Okay, if I actually am in, dare I even say it, Charlotte thought reluctantly. If I'm in Locksley, I doubt answering the door with brightly dyed pajamas from the 21st century is going to make this any easier.

She moved over to the dresser and ruffled through the drawers, finally finding a robe. She clumsily put it on while walking down the stairs, looking around cautiously for another person. After all, if her memory served, this was supposed to be Marian's house, but she found no one. Though her thoughts were confirmed when she glanced around the main floor of the house; not a soul, and it was indeed the house she remembered from watching the Robin Hood series. Finally, she made her way to the front door, and opened it to find a young boy holding a basket of eggs.

"About time! I still need to hand out more to of the folks in Locksley before the Sheriff shows up." The boy held out two eggs for Charlotte to take. He had to be about eleven or so; his face was dirty from early morning work and he wore a worn hat that Charlotte imagined was his father's.

Locksley! Charlotte thought excitedly. So this is… But how…

"Thank you," she said quickly, taking the eggs. She tried to smile in a natural way, but she could tell the boy knew something was off. However, he just tipped his small hat and ran off, seemingly not interested enough to ask questions.

"I'm at Marian's house?" She asked aloud, her tone incredulous. She brought her free hand up to rub her forehead, looking at the all too familiar stable and walkway with a frustrated grimace.

Now, Charlotte knew that Locksley was, in fact, a real place. "Real" here meaning that there were sets built for the show that centered around Robin Hood that she had ardently watched. She had dreamed of visiting the set once upon a time, and now here she was! Except for that boy who seemed immersed in his role…

Charlotte looked upwards for any signs of cameras on cranes but saw nothing. She hadn't even heard "Action!" before the boy arrived, so perhaps this wasn't the set.

Perhaps, Charlotte huffed inwardly. It sure as hell isn't a set since I woke up here!

That was if she was awake. She sure felt awake.

Sighing, she leaned against the door and rubbed her temples.

What kind of joke is this? Maybe I'm in a coma and this is my brain's way of entertaining me. - Oh god, I hope my parents are all right. She thought worriedly.

The faint sound of horses galloping tore Charlotte's attention away from her own thoughts. She retreated back into the house and closed the door up tight, locking it.

I'll just pretend that I'm not home. Whomever it is will have to go away. Charlotte reasoned.

She walked back into a room she had never had the chance to see while watching the series, the kitchen. It was about as underwhelming as she predicted, and had no means of keeping food cold.

Shouldn't be too hard. I'll just eat when I have to. No overstocking.

She placed the eggs on the counter, then went to explore the other rooms she hadn't seen. The bathroom was next door to the kitchen; It was small, had one wooden tub that sat in the center, a chamber pot in one corner, and a good sized mirror hung on the wall next to a table with cloth towels next to the chamber pot.

Charlotte took the chance to see how she looked. Her long auburn hair was a tangled mess, though she didn't quite understand how. She felt as though she slept like a rock.

No one ever said universe-traveling was kind to the hair, she jested as she raised an eyebrow to her own reflection.

Her appearance didn't look as out of place as she thought she would; the robe she had on made her look as though she belonged in the time of no refrigerators or lightbulbs. She grinned at her reflection, then turned to walk back into the living area of the house.

She could hear the hoof beats coming closer to the house, so she ran back up the stairs and cracked open her shutters in an attempt to catch a glimpse of whomever was riding by. However, it seemed the horses were slowing down as they neared the entry way, but Charlotte couldn't see who it was until they were further in the small courtyard of the home.

"How you aren't as hungry as I am is outstanding," one voice, Charlotte recognized as Much, complained.

"We'll get food after we're done here," another voice replied. Charlotte also recognized this voice; It belonged to the one, the only: Robin Hood.

She felt her face burn up as she thought about meeting these two face to face. She closed the shutters a little more so they could not see her just as they rode into the courtyard.

Well, this is happening, she thought with mild alarm.

"Edward?" Robin called out as he and Much dismounted. They headed towards the front door.

Charlotte sunk underneath the window in a fruitless attempt to hide.

Edward? Who's - Oh no. Marian's father. Who clearly isn't here. And neither is Marian. Perhaps if I stay silent they'll leave, she thought, knowing how foolish it sounded.

"Seems like they're not here," Much began. "Let's go back to the Manor and eat," he suggested.

"The horses are here," Robin observed.

Charlotte cringed, having not thought of the many clues that alluded to someone being at home. She carefully, though not as stealthily as she would have liked, moved away from the windows looking for anything that could help her out of this situation.

Marian's dad is supposed to run them off, right? And Marian for that matter. Do I do the same?

"Edward Knighton!" Robin called, now knocking on the door.

Plucking up enough courage, Charlotte finally ran down the stairs and pulled open the door unceremoniously. At the sight of the two men, she definitely regretted not thinking of a proper plan for after she opened the door.

"Marian," Robin said surprised, brows raised. He looked exactly as Charlotte remembered; though having him be just a few feet away made butterflies swarm in her stomach. Much stood behind Robin, clearly wishing to be someplace else, but spared her a smile. She didn't mind, after all she knew how hungry he had to be.

Thinking quickly, she decided to play it as if she were Marian; No letting Robin charm her. She had to be a bit standoffish.

"What do you want?" She asked, perhaps a bit too harshly, but she was never much of an actress. Laying it on thick would have to do for now.

Robin smirked, clearly amused at her behavior. "We wish to speak with your father," he said politely, clasping his hands behind his back.

"He's… gone," Charlotte said slowly, crossing her arms in discomfort. She was never a good liar, but technically her lie wasn't a lie. He wasn't here after all.

¬Both Much and Robin's faces fell at the news. Charlotte also frowned, not realizing her words could be taken the most terrible of ways.

"What happened?" Robin asked remorsefully as he stepped closer to her.

She stepped backwards involuntarily, feeling shy suddenly.

Having a fictional crush invade your personal space can do that to a person, she noted.

She grabbed the door handle to steady herself and attempted to explain. "He became ill. I'd rather not talk about it," she said quickly, darting her eyes away from Robin.

"I'm sorry," he looked back to Much who held a look of sadness. "We didn't know," Robin apologized.

"Now you do," Charlotte replied finally looking at the two mean again, tilting her chin up as she attempted to look both saddened and strong.

How did Marian speak to him? I can hardly form proper sentences. I suppose that was whole reason she could - because every other girl fawned over him. Supposedly.

"If there's anything you need," Robin began, reaching for her hand.

Oh, now he's just laying it on thick, Charlotte thought, nearly laughing aloud.

"I'll tend to it myself," she finished for him. She moved the hand he was reaching for behind her, and began to retreat back into the house. "If there's nothing else, I suggest you take your leave," she suggested looking from Robin to Much.

Neither party said anything, and Robin was eyeing her with a fair amount of amusement. She looked around awkwardly before retreating fully into the house and shutting the door. She exhaled, leaning against the closed door.

That wasn't so bad.

She could hear Robin and Much walking back to their horses, as well as the small conversation they were having.

"Interesting," Robin said.

"Interesting? That was unbelievable," Much said, his tone melancholy.

Charlotte slid over to the window that was a few feet away and cracked the shutters to watch them leave.

"She is still unmarried," Robin commented, looking thoughtful as he hopped back onto his horse.

Charlotte snorted a laugh. They cannot seriously be having the same conversation as they did in the show.

"Oh!" Much huffed, "And I thought you came to see the old sheriff!" He, too, hopped back onto his horse.

"I did!" Robin replied defensively, lightly kicking his horse so it began to trot away.

Charlotte grinned as she watched Much's look of outrage.

"Oh please," Much scoffed, directing his horse to follow.

Charlotte stepped away from the window, listening to the hoofbeats fade off into the distance. She walked slowly around the room, allowing herself to a moment to think. She crossed, and uncrossed her arms as she paced.

Well, this can't be a dream. Usually don't have boring bits. What did Marian even do when she wasn't on screen? - Oh right, sit in her trailer because it was a television series.

She stopped walking, spinning on her heel as she came to halt and sighed frustratedly.

Well, perhaps I should get dressed lest anyone else comes to the house. Charlotte finally decided, heading back upstairs to her- Marian's room.

She browsed through Marian's colorful wardrobe, smiling with pleasure as she ran her hands over the various fabrics. She found many outfits that she had seen Marian wear, among a few she did not recognize and chose one of the later to wear. It was a simple forest green linen dress, clearly made for everyday work around the estate. It felt worn, which made it comfortable for Charlotte, even if it was a little short for her 5'9" body.

At least the bottom won't drag on the floor, she thought optimistically.

As she glanced at her bare feet, she realized she didn't bring any footwear- Thank you time-universe-travel - and looked around Marian's room for a pair. Lucky for Charlotte, Marian kept a pair of knee-high boots under her bed. She pushed her feet in the boots with ease, and tied up the laces feeling more like a pirate than Marian of Knighton.

She then headed downstairs to the bathroom to use the mirror to take in her new appearance.

Not too shabby.

A heavy rap on the door made Charlotte jump.

Again? Really? She shook her head in disbelief at her easy scare.

When she opened the door, she found herself face to face with Guy of Gisborne.

"There you are." He stated, appraising her.

Charlotte blushed, allowing herself a moment to commit this moment to memory. While she never was too fond of Guy when she watched the series, she couldn't deny that he was one fine example of man. Dark wavy hair, broad shoulders… She was beginning to understand Marian's reluctance to cut him loose.

Remember, he will stop at nothing to get rid of Robin. More than once he threatened Marian… But he and Robin were almost brothers once, perhaps there's someway to fix this before Guy completely goes off the deep end and kills…me...

"Here I am," she replied, crossing her arms. Her discomfort from her own thoughts showing through her body language

Guy stared at her, his gaze contemplative. He seemed to be waiting for her to do or say something. "Well, come on," he finally ordered, turning away from her and walking to the black horse that stood in the courtyard.

"Er, where is it we're going?" She asked, following him outside.

"To court," he answered dully as he grabbed the reigns of the steed.

To court? Why would I need to go there? Charlotte's brain raced for answer, but couldn't quite remember what took place after Marian drove Robin away.

Guy turned to look at her expectantly, then motioned his head towards the horse, gesturing her to get on.

"Oh, no, I can't-" Charlotte began nervously. She had never been a big fan of horses, and in turn she had never ridden one.

Guy sighed impatiently, and offered his hand to her along with a forced smile.

Well isn't he sunshine and rainbows. What is that saying? You've got to jump on the horse? Jump back on?

She stepped forward reluctantly, placing her hand into Guy's as she stepped next to him. In a swift motion, he released her hand and lifted her up onto the saddle causing Charlotte to expel an surprised and undignified snort. He jumped up onto the saddle behind her and lead the horse onto the main road, the town of Nottingham on the horizon.

The distance from Knighton Hall to Nottingham wasn't too far, in fact most of the horizon was the walls of Nottingham town. The town was surrounded by the forest, and Charlotte found it a beautiful sight. That was, until they came closer and the desolation of the town became clearer to Charlotte. The soil near the gates was a dark, unhealthy color probably due to poor sewer systems, and no greenery could be found along the stone walls. As they trotted over the mote bridge (a rather poor excuse for one, Charlotte noted) she saw families simply sitting among the damp earth, looking just as unhealthily as the soil. Whether or not Guy was discomforted by the sight of the poor, Charlotte couldn't tell.

Not as grandeur as I was imagining it would be, Charlotte noted.

She also noted that Guy was being very courteous as they rode into town. She hadn't expected him to "cop a feel" or anything so brash, but she had expected subtle flirting.

Perhaps I read his and Marian's relationship wrong…

Guy stopped the horse in front of the Castle entryway, slid off the horse and offered his hand to Charlotte. She took it and, with more grace than she thought she could manage, hopped to the ground.

"I have to speak with the sheriff. Go wait in the council chambers," Guy suggested dryly, and disappeared inside the massive building.

Charlotte exhaled and looked around, wearing an expression of discomfort. Behind her was the main square, if she had to guess. She could see an executioner's stage off to the right, and the poor excuse for a market down the main road of the town. She turned back around and cautiously stepped inside the large doors. She was met with two guards who stood near the doors, and didn't acknowledge her as she stepped forward.

Right. Council chambers… I have no idea where that is.

Charlotte's gaze turned to one of the guards, who held the same befuddled expression she saw on that boy with the eggs. She cleared her throat awkwardly, before walking over to him. "Um, you wouldn't happen to know here the council chambers are? I seem to have forgotten where-"

"Down that hall and to the right," he replied dully, looking past her.

"Right. Thank you," she replied, a bit put off by his cold tone.

She walked past him, slowly making her way down the hall as she took in her surroundings. The inside of the castle was, by no means, welcoming. Charlotte hadn't thought being in a castle would feel so… cold. There were no grand tapestries, or heads of animals killed. Just barren stone walls with the occasional mounted torch.

When she entered the council room she found it filled with a handful of men she didn't recognize, though she wasn't surprised by the fact. She shuffled down the stairs and to the back of the room, where she leaned against the stone wall with her arms crossed.

Lay low. Perhaps no one will speak to you… Why am I even here?

The men sat in chairs that were set in up in a half circle, facing a long table where an empty throne-like chair sat empty. Next to the chair was a perch where a crow sat contently. At first glance Charlotte thought perhaps the crow as stuffed, but as she watched it, it moved its head and crowed.

Who keeps pet crows? Charlotte winkled her nose in disgust.

The men spoke in low tones, so Charlotte was unable to hear the topic of conversation. She assumed it had something to do with the sheriff since he was currently running the town into the ground. She wondered how bad the situation truly was, since the televisions show only showed bits and pieces.

Her thoughts were disrupted by the loud, echoing footsteps coming from above her. The room quieted as the two sets of footsteps walked down the stairs. When the two finally reached the ground floor, she could finally see it was the sheriff and Guy.

The silence should have given that away, she scolded herself.

The sheriff, who was wearing a fur hat and shaw, walked proudly across the room and sat in the throne-like chair. He sat sloppily and Charlotte couldn't help but sneer at his smug demeanor. Guy walked behind the sheriff, ending up at the sheriff's right side.

Hmph. Right hand man, eh?

"It has been a good month," one of the men began. "We've collected nearly 300 pounds." He rose from his seat, walking to the table where the sheriff sat and placed a leather pouch into the sheriff's hand.

Charlotte raised her eyebrows. That's a hell of a lot of money for… What year is this?

The sheriff shushed him, though looked at the pouch with interest. The man backed away slowly, returning to his seat.

"Would you want to be the king in Antioch?" The sheriff asked rather snidely, as he looked about the room. "A clue: no. Trying to feed a starving army on 300 pounds." He landed he gaze back on the man who handed him the pouch, and pointed. "You promised 500 pounds."

"It's more than we have managed before," the man said weakly.

"Oh yipee," the sheriff retorted.

What a snipe, Charlotte thought bitterly.

"So the king is starving in the Holy Land, and you have failed him," the Sheriff shot a look at the same man. "But it's more than we've managed before," he mocked, before throwing the pouch to the floor.

"Robin of Locksley!" A guard announced from above Charlotte.

"Morning everyone!" Robin greeted cheerfully. He and Much bounded down the steps, Robin throwing his coat haphazardly onto a guard's spear, while Much looked afraid of his friend's cockiness.

"Sheriff," Robin greeted as he made his way to an empty seat. He turned around to toss Much his sword, and caught Charlotte's gaze. He looked at her quizzically, before plopping down in the chair. "Well, carry on," he insisted.

"Locksley, welcome back." The sheriff's tone held no warmth, unsurprisingly. "I trust Sir Guy of Gisborne has managed your estates to your satisfaction."

At his mention, Charlotte looked over at Guy who had an air of smugness about him. It reminded Charlotte of a way brothers would act around each other as a father praised one of them. One smug while the other felt insignificant. However, it was unlikely that Robin would ever feel insignificant in Charlotte's opinion.

"I believe he may have managed them to your satisfaction."

Charlotte couldn't see Robin's face, but no doubt he threw Guy an unimpressed look if Guy's reaction was anything to go by.

These men are fools, Charlotte thought, looking to the ground.

As the conversation went on, Charlotte began to remember where this "episode" was headed. The more Robin talked of kindness towards the people of Nottingham, the more the Sheriff became irked. The more the sheriff became irked, the more trouble Robin was in for. Indirectly, of course. It saddened and frustrated Charlotte to think of things that would come to pass. She began to think she could change such events.

She tuned back into the conversation as Robin ended his small speech about Market Day. He was not leaning on the table where the Sheriff sat, looking at the men who sat in front of him.

"We must help every man, every peasant, every pieman and every pinner provide for his family. Get them trading again!" Robin exclaimed. As Robin headed back to his seat, Charlotte could see that some of the men were contemplating Robin's words, however the sheriff didn't give them long to do so.

He stood, and began pacing behind his table as he choice his words carefully. "A man who can… provide for his family is a comfortable man. A lazy man. Doesn't want to work."

Some of the men muttered agreements as the sheriff spoke. Robin continued to smile, however his annoyance at the sheriff was clear.

"What we need are hungry men." The sheriff leaned on the table for emphasis, looking at everyone in the room. "Our noble friend here tends to forget that hungry men," he pushed off the table and returned to his chair. "Are virtuous." He looked directly at Robin, looking pleased with the outcome of his speech.

"Then what exactly does that make you?" Charlotte asked.

Everyone in the room turned their heads in Charlotte's direction, and she suddenly regretted her outburst.

What happened to "lay low", Charlotte? Well, can't stop now.

"Excuse me?" The sheriff asked in a warning tone.

Charlotte pushed of the wall, uncrossing her arms and looking around the room casually. "Well, as we are all men, excluding yours truly, of full bellies I'd say we're the opposite of virtuous. By your definition, of course." She walked forward a few steps as she spoke, stopping behind the council's chairs.

She looked to Guy first, eager to see his shocked expression and was not disappointed. He looked paralyzed. She then turned her gaze to Robin, who looked like the cat who ate the canary.

The sheriff cleared his throat, looking at Charlotte with a warning gaze. "I think this meeting is over," he said definitely.

The other men in the room stood quickly, wanting to leave the room as quickly as possible. Charlotte followed the rest of the men out, avoiding the sheriff's and Gisborne's gazes.

Well, that went as well as one could hope, she thought hopefully.

While the other nobles made for the castle entrance, Charlotte felt torn at her destination.

Marian is supposed to talk to Robin to come speak with her father, but as her father is now gone and I'm Marian that won't quite work. Besides, this time I slighted the sheriff. Where am supposed to be now?

While she looked around in confused desperation, Robin exited the council chambers.

"There you are."

Charlotte spun around quickly to face him, but was taken by the hand down a hallway well out of earshot of any guards or the sheriff.

Well, this is new.

"Warn a woman next time," Charlotte muttered, taking her hand out of his grasp. They stood close together, and Charlotte felt her face flush once again.

"What was that back there?" Robin asked. He had a small grin on his face, clearly amused at her outburst.

"What? That?" Charlotte waved her hand nonchalantly. "It was nothing, just an observation."

"An observation." Robin repeated, now smirking.

Oh no. I'm not supposed to encourage Robin, am I? Though, that smirk is… Focus Charlotte!

"Mmhmm, just an observation. No need to dwell on it," she said quickly. "In fact, were I you, I'd keep a low profile."

Robin huffed a laugh. "Like your fine example, I suppose."

"I… had a moment of weakness. I don't go looking for trouble, like some I could mention."

"Me?" Robin asked, shocked. "I wasn't the one calling the sheriff weak and corrupt." His speech was torn between being exasperated and entertained.

Charlotte crossed her arms defiantly. "I didn't use those words."

"You might as well have. Shouldn't you be quiet and agreeable since your father is gone?" He asked in a measured tone.

I hadn't thought about that. Not that Marian's father really kept Marian safe, physically anyhow. With him gone does that mean I'm up for grabs for marriage? Well, more so than if "my" father were here? She panicked.

"I…" She began worriedly.

"Hey." Robin stepped forward, and placed his hand on her arm. "I'll watch out for you." He said softly.

Charlotte appreciated his intent, even though he didn't know the reason for her worry.

"Shouldn't you be… going somewhere?" She deflected.

Robin stood up straight, looking around before speaking. "I thought I may visit the Sheriff's prisoners."

"Right," Charlotte nodded knowingly. "The Scarlett brothers."

"You have heard of their crimes then?" Robin asked, surprised.

"Overheard," Charlotte lied. "You wouldn't mind if I tagged along?"

"By all means," he replied with a small grin, and an outreached arm gesturing down the hall.

When she and Robin exited to the main entryway, Much met up with them. He give Charlotte a friendly smile, though she could tell he was feeling impatient and worried. The walk to the dungeons was silent, allowing Charlotte to take in how utterly terrible the halls leading to the dungeons were. The walls were bare of any tapestries and even less torches hung on the walls, making the whole walk ominous. It didn't get any better when the three entered the first level of the dungeon.

Charlotte coughed, unable to stand the stench of, what had to be, piss and feces.

The Dungeon Master (Charlotte assumed that was what he was called) met them at the top of the stairs. Robin expressed his want to see the men from his village who were accused of stealing, and so the four of them ventured further into the halls. Charlotte felt unease at the whole situation and was beginning to rethink her plan of following the men down here, but tried to snap herself out of it.

"Bring the Locksley lot," the Dungeon Master ordered one of the guards when the four finally reached the first handful of cells. Charlotte stopped and looked around with an expression of sorrow and disgust on her face that she couldn't hide. She blamed the stench.

The Dungeon Master then started walking up stairs into, what Charlotte imagined to be, the interrogation chambers. One of the prisoners began to call out, but Robin and Much followed silently and ignored whomever it was. Charlotte recognized the voice as Allan a Dale's, but she couldn't remember why he had been imprisoned.

When Robin realized Charlotte wasn't behind them, he turned around. "Marian?" He looked at her carefully, as if trying to read her thoughts.

"I'm coming." Charlotte reached for her dress, lifting it up so she could jog up the stairs.

They came to a stop in the "interrogation room", and waited for the Scarlett brothers to be brought in. When the brothers arrived, Charlotte could tell they had had one hell of a night.

"Give your names," the Dungeon master ordered.

"Will and Luke Scarlett," Will replied, with barely contained distain.

Charlotte grimaced. Perhaps coming here was a bad idea.

"What is your crime?" Robin asked, somberly.

"Living in the wrong place at the wrong time," Will answered again. "Living under an evil sheriff." His tone was surprisingly snarky for one who was at the mercy of the terrible lot that ran the prison. "Where do our taxes go?" He continued, deadpanned. "They go to Nottingham. To the sheriff. To his bird-" A resounding slap disrupted his speech, and launched him nearly to the floor.

Charlotte loudly gasped, unable to conceal her shock. Robin glanced back at her, clearly worried at her reaction. She gave him, what she hoped, was a reassuring look before he turned back towards the prisoners.

The Dungeon Master called for the other boy's name, Benedict, who admitted to stealing flour.

He looked to be about 16 or 17, but he seemed so much younger to Charlotte. All three of them were dressed in week old clothing, and it was obvious that while they had some food in their bellies, they weren't getting the amount they truly needed.

How can people live like this? Watching other people suffer so obviously?

"What is your punishment?" Robin asked softly.

Benedict shook his head and muttered, "I dunno…"

Much glanced to the Dungeon Master, who made a pulling gesture at his neck with his hand. Charlotte's eyes narrowed.

"A hanging?" Both she and Much shouted.

"No! Surely not!" Much exclaimed.

The three boys looked terrified, and began shouting all at once. Charlotte remembered this, but it still stung watching it play out.

"My dad told me you'd save us!" Luke shouted, as the guards took him, his brother, and Benedict out of the room.

Robin locked eyes with her, looking very much like a sad puppy. She would have found it amusing in another situation, but all she felt now as empathy and fear.

Much was arguing with the Dungeon Master, but Charlotte barely heard a word. She was trying to think of a way to help them. What happened after this? She couldn't remember specifics.

"I'll be speaking to the sheriff." Robin's stern voice broke the argument. "Meanwhile, you will treat these prisoners well, or you will have me to answer to."

Charlotte took note that the Dungeon Master didn't look all that impressed.

"You've got one more," was all he replied.

The guards pushed Alan a Dale into the room, and Charlotte had to suppress a groan. She liked Alan, once he stopped being a ponce, but she knew it would be a long while before he got his head out of his arse. I wonder if I can change that…

Robin and Much were unimpressed with him almost immediately. Charlotte smirked at the sight.

"Your lies today may be your undoing!" Robin exclaimed, clearly exasperated. "I cannot save the others, and now I fear you will share their fate."

"What fate?" Alan asked, suddenly grasping the severity of Robin's words.

Robin shook his head, rose from his chair, and made for the doors behind the guards. Much followed, while Charlotte stared on. Robin doubled back, shaking his head again, as he grabbed she wrist softly and lead her out of the room. Alan stared after her with confusion before turing to the guards and declaring he wasn't actually from Locksley.

The three of them were quiet as they ascended the stairs from the dungeon. Robin's hand still kept it's hold on her wrist, and she'd be lying if Charlotte said she didn't feel a little flustered at the touch.

When the finally came upon the dinning hall, Robin stopped outside the doors and turned to her. "I have to speak with the sheriff, but I would like to speak with you after, if you'd allow it."

Charlotte nodded somberly, and he let go of her to go into the hall. Much nodded politely at her, before following his friend inside.

Charlotte let out a big sigh, looking around at her surroundings. She had no idea where Guy had gone, not that she really wanted to face him after her outburst. However, he had been her ride here, and he nor his horse seemed to have disappeared.

Resigning herself to walking back, she gave another sigh and started towards the gates of the city.

The ride over was only 5 minutes or so, so it shouldn't be too much of a walk. At least Marian's house was on the main road. Can't get lost," Charlotte thought.

And that proved true. The walk took around 15 minutes, and despite having to walk though a road that was sheltered by the forest she hadn't felt afraid. She wasn't sure how this… world worked. If she got injured here, would it really hurt? Would she wake up from some weird dream?

She was still pondering it as she opened the door to Marian's house. The house was quiet; It seemed that Marian's father was still gone. She locked the door this time, though she wasn't sure if it would do much to prevent someone from breaking in. She felt safe here… But the lack of proper glass windows or locks had her feeling exposed. Especially since she was here alone.

Perhaps I'll get myself a dog. A big one.

She walked back to the kitchen and grabbed an apple that sat atop the counter. She wasn't too hungry yet, but she knew that she would have to face making herself meals sooner or later. The apple would have to do for now.

She felt more tired than hungry anyway.

By the time she finished with the apple it was getting dark, so Charlotte trudged up the stairs and to the bedroom.

Now, how do I light these candles? She looked around the room for things that would help, but wasn't successful.

Brilliant. No electricity, and you have no idea how to light a fire. I should have joined Girl Scouts when I was younger, she chided herself. Might as well just sleep. I'll look for ways to light the fire tomorrow morning.

She didn't bother changing out of her dress, as it was comfortable enough. Plus it added an extra layer of warmth, though Charlotte was unsure if she needed it.

I don't even know what season it is, she realized.

She closed her eyes, beginning to feel overwhelmingly frustrated with her situation. There was no one here that was from her life. How was she supposed to take care of herself if she couldn't even find a way to light a fire? Who could she trust? Where was her supposed father? Were all these people real, or were they the actors she knew them to be? How did she even get here?

It wasn't long before these endless questions rocked her to sleep.

A/N: This has been in my folder for at least 2 years now. It's taken me forever to write this first chapter due to the slowness of the first episode, but I like the results and I really want to continue. Initially I was planning on doing an episode per chapter, but I think that may change depending on how Charlotte's actions alter the story. Plus, she can't be everywhere at once, so she'll only see bits and pieces of the plot. I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it!