"No. There is no way I am following your cracked-up plan," Will spat out, brandishing his axe at the naked thief in front of him.

"Come on, Will! The story won't make sense otherwise. What sort of robbers would steal everything else and leave us with our clothes?" Allan cajoled.

"Decent ones."

"Yeah, mate, decent thieves don't exist and you know it. Besides, we're currently dressed like the other villagers. They won't believe we're nobles. At least get down to your skivvies…for your family."

"My mom didn't raise me to get naked in front of strangers."

"The human body is the most natural thing in the world. I'm sure your body isn't that bad, now off with those breeches and shirt. It'll only be a few moments of semi-nakedness for enough food to last your family the winter."

"You certainly sound like you've talked enough innocent people out of their clothes before," Will muttered, gingerly unfastening his cloak.

Allan grinned broadly in response, shrugging a nonchalant shoulder. "When you were born to please the ladies, you can't help the charm. One day you'll learn."

"Especially if I get a better role model," Will shot back.

"Now, now lad; you won't find a better role model than me. Why do you think I'm completely starkers? The ladies won't be able to resist."

Will Scarlett's snort showed Allan what he thought of that statement, and a few moments of cajoling later found the young dark-haired man down to his under-garments, a scowl in place.

"That's better, mate. I have to say though, you certainly need the meat this job will bring," Allan said inspecting Will's body. Will scowled deeper, fighting the urge to cover himself with his large hands. "But for now, let's stow our gear and weapons here, and head into town."

"The sooner this is over, the happier I'll be," Will muttered.

"Aw, won't you miss me?" Allan asked, slapping a friendly hand on Will's pale back.

"No," the younger man answered succinctly. He took a few steps forwards before stopping and turning back towards the thief. "Although you are right about me needing the meat. Allan will make a fine pig's name. This way, I'll think of you as it turns on the spit."

Allan could only chuckle as the two headed closer towards Nettlestone, walking quickly in the frigid air. In less time than it normally took Allan to finish a pint of ale, a concerned crowd of villagers had gathered around the "brothers", listening in rapt attention as Allan wove his story of forest brigands and helpless sons of nobility.

"What is going on here?" an authoritative tone asked as a ginger-haired man pushed through the crowd. The man, who Will unobtrusively revealed to Allan as the steward to Lord Fenwick, made his way to the front, stopping in shock at the sight he beheld.

"How dare you two stand here as naked as the day your unfortunate mothers birthed you! Guards, take them to the stocks; someone find some sacks to cover them."

The steward visibly bristled when no one ran forward to do his bidding. One brave elderly lady went as far as to step between the pompous steward and Allan. With a wink to Will, Allan put a hand on the woman's shoulder and stepped around her to look the steward in the eyes.

"Allow me to introduce myself and my brother. I'm Allan and this is William; we're the sons of Lord Daniel of Bristol. I'm afraid we've run into a spot of trouble in these woods of yours. We were on our way to meet with Prince John to discuss funding of the Crusades for our father when we were robbed by some brigands in the forest. Those…those dirty bandits took everything we own and now we're going to be late for our meeting with the Prince!" Allan iterated, convincingly playing the part of nobility. "Who is in charge of this town?"

"Lord Fenwick, sirs," the steward replied, obviously taken in by Allan's story as he bowed his head in their direction. Will couldn't believe it; somehow this thief had outmatched the steward in authority and pomposity. Somehow, the eyes of all the villagers were on them, pity and understanding radiating through. Somehow, they all believed his story, hell that old lady had even tried to defend him; how did he do it?

"We need to see Lord Fenwick, immediately," Allan told the redhead.

The man hesitated, "He's is unable to take visitors at this moment, but I will take the message to him."

A buxom middle-aged woman strode forward to address the steward. "The brothers can come with me; I have a room open at the Inn. And I'm sure Logan's old clothes will fit these two, if that is okay with the lordlings here," she said with a saucy wink to Allan.

"A bed sounds good at the moment, milady" Allan replied with his own brand of sauciness.

"Well, no one's ever called me milady before," she responded with a laugh. "My name is Adela, and my place is not far."

Allan offered his hand, and with more dignity than a naked man should have in Will's opinion, the two walked off chatting as Will trailed behind, his mind hard at work to comprehend how his life had turned into this. Soon they arrived at The Goat's Horn, a modest two-story inn that was well-cared for.

"It's just me now," Adela said. "My son is off fighting the war and my husband died a year ago after an accident. My two daughters are busy with their new families, and a woman can get a mite lonely," she said, looking Allan right in the eyes. "Your room is up the stairs and to the left. I'll bring you up some clothes. It's not often we get men of your high status in town, I hope my husband's and son's clothes will be enough."

"We appreciate the hospitality ma'am," Will said sincerely.

"He speaks!" Adela said with a smile. "Make yourselves at home; I'll also have some food sent up. If you need me, my room is behind the bar," she said with one last glance at Allan before leaving the room.

"We're so going to die," Will muttered, going to the small window to look out upon the town.

"Relax," Allan said. "This is just a small delay. When the Lord Fenwick becomes less indisposed, we shall make off with his money and clothes, and then we don't even hurt the villagers. I would have thought that would make you happy!"

"Nothing about this makes me happy; but that idea of robbing Fenwick is infinitely better than robbing these villagers. They've been so nice to us," Will said. "It wouldn't feel right to steal from them."

"Rest your young, passionate heart, kid," Allan said. "They're only being nice because they think us rich and able to help them. Every human being is ruled by selfishness, that's just the way life is."

Will opened his mouth to respond but was interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Enter," Allan called out. A blushing serving-maid entered with her hands laden with various clothing, a bowl of fruit, and a bottle of wine.

"Adela sent me up with these," she said looking at the floor. "I also come with a message from Lord Fenwick. He would be honored to have you two join him for dinner tonight. He will send someone by to escort you to his home around sunset."

"Thank you for delivering the message," Will said kindly. The girl blushed harder and fled the room as soon as she placed the clothes on the bed.

"I told you the plan was working. Now all we have to do is work our magic on this Fenwick and we'll be as rich as actual nobles," Allan said smugly as he picked through the shirts on the bed. "And seeing as there's some time before dinner, I might go thank Adela; show her our appreciation for her kindness."

"I don't need to know any of this," Will muttered, hiding his faint blush as he put on some breeches.

Allan opened the door, but before leaving turned back to his disgruntled partner in crime. "Don't discount it; after all, you never know when death is coming to claim you. You might as well have some fun; I'm sure that little serving-girl who was just in here wouldn't be against it. She seems to fancy you, 'little brother'," Allan winked.

Will threw an apple at the now laughing thief who escaped through the door. "Idiot," Will muttered, his face fully aflame. And tonight I'll see Lord Fenwick again. Will turned back towards the window, and looked heavenwards. Excluding this farce, I've been a good lad. Just let me see my family again, and please don't let anyone be hurt in his scam…including that idiot.