Disclaimer: Do not own BBC Robin Hood, only my original character Sofia.
AN: A short chapter - have a migraine after lotr marathon...anyhow enjoy :) ~Zyii
SEVEN
It took Sofia a total of two weeks to recover from her second kidnapping. The Sheriff and Gisbourne were overly keen to know who had captured her but she refused to tell, only ever stating that the deed was done and the man in question wouldn't be hurting anyone again.
Sofia had been having a very trying time. There was a lot riding on her shoulders. She had picked Nottingham for a reasons – it was the worst affected area of England, completely corrupt and without good leadership.
She had spent a good few hard months before her arrival to Nottingham selecting worthy people to hand Lordships to and help rebuild towns and villages as new Sheriff's. A new order was born at it was needed for obviously no one could be trusted anymore. The men residing in the new Lordships were all loyal to Sofia and had undergone severe training and quests to prove their loyalty. The first five to take up their posts were; Lord Robert Whittle Sheriff of Devon, Lord Alexander Smythe Sheriff of Hampshire, Lord Edward Bottle Sheriff of Somerset, Lord Fredrick Chambers Sheriff of Dorset and Lord Augustus Black Sheriff of Kent. She was sure the Sheriff of Nottingham would do something about their presence soon in fact she was counting on it.
She was absolutely livid as she galloped through the forest, four guards in tow. The outlaws had raided the castle – that she was used to – what she wasn't used to is a certain blonde haired cretin who sneaked into her private quarters and stole items of importance. She stood by the cave getting her guard to make the secret call that would alert Robin to her presence. They had grown closer since she returned from her kidnapping and Sofia was grateful for it.
Robin arrived shortly after the call, bringing his men with him, they were obviously happy at their recent success until they caught sight of Sofia's angry face.
'What is wrong Lady Sofia?' asked Tuck.
'Have a nice raid did you?' she replied.
'Are you angry at us?' asked a confused Allan.
'Not all of you but that vile woman with blonde hair that you insist on dragging around with you has some explaining to do' spat Sofia.
'Kate?' questioned Robin bemused.
'I forgot she had a name, while you were busy robbing the castle, she was busy robbing my room ad I'd like the items she took back' growled Sofia.
'You're lying I wasn't anywhere near your room. Robin can't you see how sick and evil she is!' cried Kate.
'Quiet' said Robin.
'Do not get on my bad side Kate, give back the items that you took'.
'It's not like you don't have other jewels. You're just another rich person to steal from' she sneered.
'You actually stole from her?' asked Much in disbelief.
'Oh please like you wouldn't have done the same. I bet she has lots more treasure, I was lucky with what I got' she cried.
'Give Sofia back her things Kate' said Robin.
'What happened to stealing from the rich to give to the poor?' asked Kate bitterly.
'We do not steal from friend's Kate. Give back what you stole, you do not know of their importance'.
Huffing angrily, Kate stormed over to Sofia and rudely thrust objects in her face. Kate had stolen a necklace, a ring and a stack of letters.
'Ok I understand the necklace and the ring but why'd you steal her letters Kate?' asked Tuck.
'You're all crazy mad trusting her, I know she's hiding something. We'll all be worse off when the truth comes out'.
'That's enough Kate' shouted Robin.
'Robin' she cried, 'you can't believe me over her!'
'I can and I will Kate, this behaviour has got to stop!' he roared.
'But she isn't worthy of you' cried Kate.
'It is I who is not worthy of her' replied Robin.
Kate walked away angrily hurt that 'her' Robin had yet again chosen another. Well if she couldn't have him, she sure as hell wasn't going to let Sofia have him.
'I'm sorry about that' said Robin.
'It's ok. Though her manners are non-existent and she has a horrible way with words, she has developed an obsession with you. I'm sure in her mind she fancies herself in love with you and there is nothing a girl won't do for the one she loves'.
Robin blushed uncomfortably so Sofia changed the topic.
'Thanks for getting these back for me' she said softly.
'It was no trouble' replied Robin.
'It was to me' said Sofia.
'Why are they so important to you?' he asked cautiously.
'The letters are from my brother. He used to write me silly notes when we were little but then he went to the Holy Land. He's written me a letter every month since he left and I treasure them all' she said, her voice full of emotion.
'And the jewellery?' he asked.
'The ring was my brother's given to me as a parting gift when he went to war and the necklace was given to me by my Mother in hopes that I would wear it on my wedding day' she said softly.
'I think it would look beautiful on any dress you chose to wear for that day' he said seriously.
She blushed, 'well that day will not be coming soon' she said giggling, and 'I should get back' she added.
'But I do not want you to go' replied Robin with a pout.
'But you know I must go' she replied.
Robin continued to sulk.
'I shall think of you in my thoughts and dreams' she whispered in his ear.
His eyes brightened immediately, planting a lingering kiss to her forehead he replied, 'go on then'.
As she was walking back to her guard she was stopped by Tuck and Little John who requested a moment of her time. She was quite surprised when both got down on bended knee and showed their respect for her.
'How did you know?' she asked.
'The engraving on the letters is King Richard's sign' said Little John.
'That could mean anything' she replied.
'I met you once at a carnival when you were five. I knew I'd never forget your eyes. This letter just proves what I already assumed' he said.
'You will not tell anyone else' she said.
'No but you should tell Robin soon or he'll see it as a betrayal' said Little John.
BACK AT NOTTINGHAM CASTLE
'Lady Sofia I have been looking for you, I trust you've had a good day'.
'Thank you Sheriff my day has been pleasant so far' she replied.
'I have taken it upon myself to invite the five new Lord's and Sheriff's to Nottingham Castle for a celebration. I hope you agree that it is essential to learn what side they are on and act accordingly' he said madly.
'Quite so' said Sofia.
Let the games begin she thought to herself.
