As Gwaine and I rode up to Nottingham Town, we had to pass over a small bridge to get into the city walls. I had assumed that I would be looking down at water while we rode over, but I was wrong. Down in the ditch below the bridge there were many people with grim looks and dirt upon their faces. I watched them as we passed over. They looked like they hardly ate and some were shivering. I hoped that these would be the people that Robin was going to help. My attention was pulled forward as Gwaine spoke to me, "My lady, we must continue on." I looked up at him, not even realizing that I had stopped, and nodded. Ava moved forward and we met the two guards who stood poised outside of the gate. After a brief exchange they let us through and Gwaine and I made our way through the streets. "So are you going to tell Arthur about those bandits?"

I turned to face a smirking Gwaine, "I don't think he'll be too interested in that small bit of information."

Gwaine laughed loudly, "Really? Because I distinctly remember Arthur ordering me to tell him every detail of our journey."

I sighed, "That's Arthur for you." Gwaine and I rode through the open gate and looked up at the castle doors as they opened. Two men stepped out and made their way down the stairs. The one in the lead was a shorter, balding man. He had a crooked smirk and I knew right away that this was the Sheriff of Nottingham. The man behind him was much taller with long black hair and an all leather outfit. I leaned closer to Gwaine, "Do you think they'd notice if we just turned and ran?"

Gwaine nodded, "Unfortunately, I think they would."

I groaned, "I really wish Arthur was with me. This man makes me very uneasy."

Gwaine smirked at me, "Ah, so I see that my presence is not comforting. Am I really that horrible to be around?" I shook my head as I pulled Ava to a stop. Gwaine dismounted Henry and then came to my side. He held his hand out and I grasped it as I swung my leg over the side of my horse. I stepped down with Gwaine's hand around my arm to steady me. I gave him a grateful smile before turning to face the repulsive man with which I would be negotiating with.

He stepped over and held his hand out to me, "Your Majesty, I am honored that you have decided to visit our humble Nottingham." I politely let him take hold of my hand.

I tried not to grimace, "The pleasure is mine. Your lands are quite lovely." He nodded his head and opened his mouth to speak, but I cut him off, "But let us not forget that we have business to attend to."

He nodded, "Of course. I'm sure your journey was pleasant."

"For the most part. We did have a run in with a few of your bandits."

I could see the Sheriff's ears turning red, "No doubt it was that no good Robin Hood. I do apologize and I hope they didn't take anything."

I gave a polite smile, "Nothing that can't be replaced."

He nodded, "Good." He eyed Gwaine, who had stood silently behind me giving the Sheriff warning glances with narrowed eyes, "I'm sure your man here did a fine job of protecting you."

"Do forgive me for not introducing him sooner," I turned and motioned to the knight behind me, "This is Sir Gwaine. He's one of Arthur's most trusted knights."

The Sheriff smirked back, "Pleasure." He nodded to the man who stood a few paces behind himself, "That would be Guy of Gisborne. If you need anything during your stay, I'm sure he'd be happy to get it for you." I nodded and took a quick glance around the courtyard. The Sheriff motioned to the castle doors, "We'll have someone show you to your rooms, so that you can relax and then tomorrow, bright and early, we can begin our negotiations."

I forced the smile to stay, "That sounds excellent. Thank you." The Sheriff motioned to a young boy who led Gwaine and me up the stairs and into the castle. Once we were out of sight, I frowned, "I don't know if I'll be able to maintain that smile for the duration of our stay."

Gwaine chuckled, "It'll be over before you know it." I scoffed as we walked up a set of stairs, still following the boy, who had yet to say a word. I stepped ahead of Gwaine and turned a sharp corner, walking straight into someone. I stumbled back into Gwaine and looked up at the woman who had almost landed on the floor if it hadn't of been for the boy steadying her. She gave him a grateful smile and then turned to me.

She curtsied, her eyes on the stone floor, "I am very sorry, your majesty."

"It was my own fault. I should have been watching where I was going." She nodded and looked up to meet my gaze. I gave a light smile, "I'm Evangeline. And you are?"

She curtsied once more, "Marian. My father was the Sherriff right before Vaisey, but he retired. He still serves on the council, so we spend time in the castle."

I nodded, "That's very nice." Gwaine tapped my shoulder and I glanced back at him briefly, "Oh and this is Sir Gwaine. We travel from Camelot for negotiations with your Sherriff."

She nodded, "Yes, Nottingham has been buzzing with the news and then preparing for your visit. I do hope you enjoy your stay here and that all the negotiations go well."

"Thank you. And it was lovely to have met you. Hopefully we'll meet again before Gwaine and I depart." She nodded and then she went on her way. Gwaine and I resumed our following and soon enough we were at our rooms.

The boy left us and Gwaine turned his attention to me, "You're just making all kinds of friends today, aren't you?" I rolled my eyes and opened the door to my temporary chambers. Gwaine followed me in, "Allow me to check your room to insure its safety." I sighed because I knew this was another one of Arthur's orders. Once Gwaine was satisfied he left me to go to his own room. I sat on the large bed. It had been a long time since I had felt lonely and I could feel the familiar feelings creeping up on me. My uneasiness about Nottingham and the Sherriff didn't help my cause. I had only hoped that he would not ask me to dine with him. If he did would it be impolite to decline? I had to be very careful with this man. I had heard horrible stories about him and I needed this trip to run as smoothly as possible. A knock brought me to my feet and I padded over to the door. Gwaine stood waiting when I opened the door, the same boy from earlier behind him. Gwaine smiled, "The Sherriff sends his apologies, but he cannot dine with us this evening. He hopes that we can understand that he has some business to attend to. Dinner will be brought to us to enjoy in our chambers."

I looked past Gwaine, at the boy, "That will be fine. Both of us will dine in mine." The boy nodded and scurried off, presumably to the kitchens. I beckoned Gwaine into my room, "What a relief that we don't have to eat with that repulsive man. I don't think I could have gotten through it. Could you just imagine what kind of dinner talk we would have had?" Gwaine only shook his head and motioned for me to sit at the table. I complied and watched as he followed after me. We sat quietly until there was another knock and Gwaine stood to answer it. Two servants came in, carrying plates and goblets. Gwaine sat again and the servants took that moment to serve us our dinner.