Disclaimer: Do not own BBC Robin Hood, however do lay claim to my original character Sofia.

AN: Sort of a filler & a bit of fun before later chapters ~Zyii

SIX

It had been several days since anyone had seen Lady Sofia. Robin was beside himself, believing her disappearance to be his fault – which it partly was. The Sheriff was also anxious for her return, eager to remain in her good books, he was horrified to discover what Gisbourne had done. He knew the slightest thing could cause havoc and he didn't want his position as Sheriff of Nottingham taken from him.

Sofia was in a position of power and not a position that could be given to anyone. They needed her back pronto. The Sheriff had sent Gisbourne and a handful of riders out. More of Sofia's private guard had arrived and were conducting their own search while Robin and his men were trolling every nearby village for her. Nottingham and the surrounding villages were in panic mode. Only her return would quench the rising panic.

AN UNKNOWN LOCATION

Sofia awoke to a cold dark room, the walls were slick with moss and water making the room smell pungent with a vile aroma. Thanks to the small barred window Sofia could just make out a door before her and random clumps of hay that lay across the floor. This was not how she'd imagined her day, she hadn't escaped one prison cell just to be thrown in another. Hearing footsteps approach the door, she shuffled back wanting her kidnapper to see her as a defenceless, weak woman – as it would be better for her later.

'Ah you are awake' said the man, his face covered by a hood, so she could not identify him.

'I've searched long and hard for you darlin' you did well at hiding yourself. Shame no one is here to save you now' he said.

'Who are you?' she asked.

'Sweetheart I'm hurt, you don't remember me? You should, you're responsible for this' he bellowed ripping off his hood.

She gasped, she remembered him now, and how could she forget the grotesque face that she'd brutally burnt several years ago. His hair was now matted on one side, his face resembled old leather – and that was the side not disfigured by burns – but his cold grey eyes still carried evil within them. When Prince John was alive he'd been his right hand man. He was an assassin, a diplomat, a guard, a torturer and so many other things.

His real name wasn't widely known but most people called him the Destroyer because destruction followed where he led.

'Surprised to see me?' he asked.

'No' she replied as calmly as she could, 'I always knew a rat like you could never die' she added.

'I'm glad you think so highly of me' he mocked, 'it will be easier when I kill you'.

'Why kill me now when you have nothing to gain?' she asked.

'Nothing to gain' he gaggled, 'your death will always be a gain Princess'.

She gulped.

'A world without you will be better for all. You're too much like your brother the King. If you had been more like Prince John you might have survived longer. England is not meant for your tender rule, it needs a forceful hand to lead it to victory'.

'And I suppose you're the one for the job?' she asked sarcastically.

'Better me than you' he replied.

'You're vile, no one would ever follow you' she spat.

He laughed horribly, 'goodnight sweetheart' he said leaving her to a room of darkness.

She growled in frustration refusing to believe this would be her end, she devised a plan for the next time he visited.

MEANWHILE

The Sheriff was going spare with worry. He had sent Gisbourne out twice with no such luck. If Lady Sofia didn't return soon he would soon be without a head. The Sheriff knew however sweet and innocent Sofia appeared she would not have been chosen as Prince John's succession if she wasn't as fierce and ruthless as the Prince himself.

It had now been over a week since her disappearance and if the Sheriff was worried it was nothing close to what Robin was feeling, he was distraught.

'Tell her' said Quentin.

'Tell her what?' replied Robin.

'When she returns, tell her' was he only response he got.

SOFIA

The days were merging into one. Night became day and day became night. He visited her several times a day, never physically hurting her but always cutting her down with words. It was unnerving, his lack of violence in a man notoriously known for his violence. She'd all but given up hope of escaping till one night he came to her drunk and she knew it was her chance. While he sliced venomous words of hate onto her, she slowly sliced away at her bonds. When he lunged at her ready to take advantage of her she used her concealed weapon and stabbed him in the stomach. He gasped in shock waving his arms around in defence. She gained several cuts and scratches before she managed to stab him again. He stopped moving and she fled.

It took her several days to reach Nottingham, by which time she was very tired, some of her cuts were infected and she was covered in dirt. The guards who first spotted her were in chaos, all rushing around to get the appropriate maids and tell the appropriate people. All Sofia wanted however was a nice warm bath and to fall asleep in her own bed.

The Sheriff's reaction to Sofia's return:

He had been plotting another tax rise when a guard burst into his quarters announcing the return of Lady Sofia. The Sheriff felt his whole body relax, perhaps he would get to keep his life after all. Then the guard uttered these words;

'She arrived with infected wounds, she has a fever'.

Perhaps he would lose his life after all.

Gisbourne's reaction to Sofia's return:

He had returned after another night of searching. He was grumpy and mucky when a guard approached him telling him that Lady Sofia had returned. He was all for rushing to see her till he remembered his appearance. Then the guard told him that she was receiving no visitors as she had a fever.

Gisbourne didn't care, all he thought about was that his 'beloved' was back – not that she knew it – she was the one for him. She was cold and calculating like he was, she didn't love the people like Marion had and he wouldn't have to compete with Hood because he knew she hated outlaws. Oh how little he knew her.

Robin's reaction to Sofia's return:

'She's back, she's back!' cried Much running towards Robin.

'Nottingham is rejoicing but I hear she is in a bad way' added Tuck.

Robin stood up.

'Where are you going?' cried Kate.

'Nottingham' he replied.

'She doesn't deserve you' said Kate but Robin didn't hear.

He dropped skilfully into Sofia's room – knowing the castle's maids really helped in these situations. She looked so angelic yet pale lying asleep in bed. He gently swept her hair away from her brow, his fingers trailing down her cheek. Her eyes fluttered open.

'Robin' she croaked.

'My sweet Sofia' he replied softly, 'I am sorry'.

'You are forgiven Robin' she replied.

He leant forwards to press a tender kiss on her forehead. When he broke away from her his eyes were filled with such passion and tender longing that she almost broke out into tears.

'I'll see you soon my Sofia' he whispered as she returned to the land of dreams.