A/N sorry for the long update… I've been away and haven#t had much time to write :/ please read and review, I appreciate it. Thank-you to all of those people who have followed/favourite this story and have reviewed, your awesome :D and a speciel thanks to: AllanADaleLover for their help, your even awesomer :D

Tom had been buried on the outskirts of Nottingham a week ago, with no grave or memorial. Just a hole in the ground with him in it.

We had watched through the trees as guards dug up a grave and chucked him and his companions inside. It took all of Robin's strength to keep me back from throwing a punch or two at the guards as they practically dumped (without any respect for the dead) into the hole. Though as I looked over at Robin I could tell he was seething too.

When the guards finally disappeared we slowly made our way to the grave. My footsteps echoing around me. One thing was for sure; I would never be able to forgive Tom.

After we had our own service for him and his friends that had died that day. Allan stayed quite as Robin asked him if he wanted to say some words. I understood why.

What were you supposed to say about your dead brother who had never really been much of a brother in the first place?

Robin went off for a bit with John and returned shortly later with rocks overfilling in their arms. They settled them down on the grave, making it look more like a spot of resting rather than a mound in the ground.

"He'll be missed" Robin said passing me a daffodil he'd just picked. I excepted it gratefully and placed it on the grave where a small wooden cross Will had made was placed.

A week later the gang and I were on our way to Lockley manor where Gisborne was holding a celebration in the kings name. Today was the king's birthday.

"Why are we gate crashing a party?" Allan asked tiredly rubbing his eyes having been forced to wake up when Robin had suggested we ambush the celebration "I mean, I'm not being funny but we can always have a party at camp if you really wanted"

"I don't want a party!" Robin exclaimed throwing his hands into the air dramatically "I simply want Gisborne to know that I was insulted I did not receive and invitation" He added chuckling.

I shook my head knowing the real reason.

"He only want to go so you can check up on Marian" I noted mumbling into Allan's ear not-so-quietly

She had been forced into a marriage with Gisborne, only minutes after Tom's death. Much to the anger of Robin who now had to sit back as Marian was taken by another man. To say the least he hadn't been dealing with it well.

Robin scoffed and sent a look over his shoulder at me to which I raised an eyebrow in response which read 'you know I'm right'.

We approached the manor where a selection of horses were just waiting to be nicked stood outside.

"Anyway, just imagine how much gold and jewels we can take for the picking with so many nobles gathered in one place" Robin continued with a sneaky smile. Repressing a laugh I shook my head at his words looking back at the manor before us.

Me, Allan and Will climbed up onto the storey right above two of Gisbornes men who were caught unaware as we jumped down on them.

The guards saw us and went straight for their swords, panick flashing across their face. However, it was too late for them as Allan smashed his fist into one, instantly pushing him to the floor whilst I used the hilt of my sword which I crashed into the other guards back, kneeing him in the groin in the process. I looked up at Allan and winked as he sent me a grin.

Will went straight to look-out as I looked through the open window waiting for Robin's signal to come in.

We didn't have to wait long.

I watched from the outside as Gisborne's practically flouted his and Marian's betrothal in front of everyone forcing Marian to put the engagement ring on. I cringed at the scene. Thankfully, as Gisbornes raised his goblet an arrow came out of nowhere knocking the goblet out of his hands. I smirked as Robin appeared and Allan kicked the front door his sword raised. I followed in after, at Allan's side. A dagger firmly in my hands.

I noticed Gisborne look fearfully at Allan's sword when his eyes landed on mine and a small glint of a smirk appeared on his face. Allan growled next to me pocking his sword in Gisborne's back who jumped forward.

"Hood! I don't remember inviting you" Gisborne hissed, all around the gang appeared, their weapons at the ready, surrounding the crowd.

"Since when has a man needed an invitation to his own house?" Robin bit back leaning on his bow at the top of the staircase.

I walked over to the crowded guest as Much darted for the table of food table.

"Oh, I don't know" Gisborne glared "Perhaps since he lost all rights to that house by becoming an outlaw?"

Robin chuckled at Gisborne's words "I would have declined anyway. My men and I are here on business"

I looked over at Much as he was stuffing his mouth in what looked like a plate full of chicken.

"Please, everyone, if you could assist us by removing all your jewellery and valuables and handing

them to that man and woman over there. Much?" Much looked up as though he had been caught being up to no good and wiped his mouth on his sleeve. I moved over to the door as people began passing me their valuables "And then proceed to that room where you will all wait quietly until we've gone"

"Do as he says" Gisborne said still cautiously looking around at the gang who's weapons were at the ready.

"Wise decision, Gisborne"

My hands were full in seconds. It amazed me just how much gold and jewels people could carry around with them and in all honesty it made me a little bit jealous.

"Come on everyone!" I declared as they were reluctant to take of their possessions "We have the poor to feed"

"This way, please, my friends. Thank you. Don't be shy" Allan said "look at all this stuff" He added directed at me "This is a fortune"

"For the poor" I reminded him cocking an eyebrow. Although I understood wanting to keep this sort of stuff for ourselves. We gave everything we had to the poor but what did we get?

"Way to spoil the fun" Allan fake-mocked.

"You'll sleep well tonight, knowing your donations will be feeding the poor of Nottinghamshire by this time tomorrow" Robin said nodding his head in our general direction as we filled three bags worth of treasure ready for the poor.

A little knock on the door made all our heads shoot up with anxiety. The signal. Will must have spotted the sheriff coming.

"Signal" John announced to Robin who was leaning casually against a post staring at Marian.

"Nearly done"

I groan inwardly. Did he always have to show off in front of Marian or was it just a day for him to do stupid things. The Sheriff was coming and we had all agreed we wouldn't deal with the drama and would leave immediately. But of course Robin wouldn't hold to that.

"So..." Robin began moving forward closer to Marian who had a knowing glint in her eye. I saw Gisborne begin to draw his sword but I was there quicker with a dagger to his back.

"Don't even think about it mate" He put his arms down instantly going ridged to the dagger at his back.

"So, Marian—" Robin started again eyeing Gisborne carefully.

"Back off, Locksley. Marian does not carry money about her person" Gisborne announced shrugging me off of him and I was forced to move away from him, releasing my grip on my dagger at his back.

"How do you know?" Robin questioned true curiosity reaching his voice. I shook my head reminding myself of a certain signal.

"He is right. I do not carry money"

"My compliments. You are very wise to take precautions when there are so many unsavoury characters around"

I looked over at Allan who tilted his head at the back door, signalling me to leave with him. I shook my head, it was best to wait for Robin, in case he needed help and by the looks of it, it didn't seem like Robin had any plans to leave anytime soon.

Allan left through the back door.

"Robin… come on" I pleaded, shoving my dagger back in my pocket, ready to leave.

"But this ring..." Robin completely ignored me as he took hold of Marian's hands taking a certain interest in Marian's ring that she had just been given by Gisborne.

"You've taken everything else. You can leave that" Gisborne ordered.

Robin once again ignored him and lent down to kiss Marian's hand, pulling the ring off in the process. She didn't look too bothered that she was about to be stolen from. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at Robin's games.

"Please..." I heard Much groan as he left through the back door holding onto Robin's bow, John followed with me and Djaq closely behind.

"We should do this again. It was entertaining" Robin grinned pocketing the ring.

I turned to shake my head at Robin's words but instead ended up shouting as Gisborne had pulled out his sword ready to attack Robin at any minute "Robin!" I screamed, jumping forward and pushing him out of the way and collapsing to the floor, the blade missing me by inches.

As I fell my dagger was pulled out of its scabbard, looking around I found Gisborne had it in his hands preparing for a second attempt on attack on Robin. Robin had his sword pulled out instantly blocking his second, third and fourth attack and on the fifth attempt Gisborne was pinned against the wall with my dagger.

I felt completely defenceless without my dagger, as stupid as that sounded, I still had my sword but it was something of a security blanket. I was hauled up by Djaq who had noticed our distress. The rest of the gang was already gone. Probably riding away on their horses already.

Gisborne was pinned down unable to move.

"Robin lets go now!" I yelled out still feeling a little dizzy from my fall "the sheriff's coming!"

Robin looked triumphant with his sword pointed at Gisborne's throat as he reached to pull the dagger out.

As he did he ripped his jacket revealing a tattoo that for some unknown reason had an effect on Robin as his eyes widened as his grin fell "Robin come on!" I called out again this time with Djaq nodding beside me.

"Surprise" Gisborne smirked, moving his arm freely again.

"It was you!"

"Robin! The sheriff" I shouted but Robin clearly wasn't listening as he stood too shocked to move. I ran forward pulling him with me and out into the back door and out of sight "Go!" I went to follow, however, it was too late as I felt a sharp pain shoot through my back as I collapsed to the floor.

"Elaine!" I heard Djaq yell. I heard a thump beside me and Djaq fell at my side groaning in pain. I had no idea what was going on but a second later something hard was hit over my head and I blacked out.

*~How to tame an outlaw~*

As soon as they stopped in the forest clearing and he dismounted his horse, Allan knew something was wrong. Looking around at the gang confused, wondering why there was a deep pit in his stomach telling him everything wasn't as it seemed.

Robin had run off, in the moment Allan didn't have time to think about whatever was bothering him. They knew Gisborne had gone chasing after them and Robin could be in trouble. The gang ran off in the direction Robin had disappeared off into.

"I'm going to kill you" Robin's voice called as the gang ran off into a clearing where Robin was holding Gisborne at the throat a sword pointed at him.

"No!" Little John immediately exploded crashing forward in an attempt to stop him from sinning. Robin looked over his shoulder blinding hatred searing through his face "Killing we do not do"

"He's right" Will added "At least that's what you taught us"

"We do not take part in bloodshed... unless absolutely necessary" Much continued on, Allan merely shrugged. He couldn't really care less about what happened to Gisborne. After all it had been him that had tortured Elaine years ago.

Elaine.

Allan turned around confused for a second; where was she?

In his deep thought Allan almost missed Robin punching Gisborne out cold

"That was necessary" He concluded stepping up still recovering from his sudden pull of anger.

Allan swerved around, looking everywhere. He was half expecting her to come running up behind them gasping for air. She was usually the slowest out of all of them.

"Elaine" He noted causing the group to look at him for a moment in confusion "Where is she?" He said trying to keep his voice from going into panic mode.

The rest of the gang looked around at his words realizing for the first time just who was missing.

"Hang on. Where's Djaq?"

Allan wasn't sure what was happening all he was aware of was the silence as no one knew where either Elaine or Djaq had disappeared off to. Part of him had hoped when he had voiced his concern that someone would have seen them. Maybe they had gone off together for hand-outs at the villages or hunting. However when no one said anything he knew what had happened. Besides Robin, those two were the last to leave the manor.

Inwardly groaning Allan knew he should have stayed with Elaine rather than leave the manor for fear of the Sheriff catching him.

*~How to tame an outlaw~*

My vision was coming back. I was clear of two things. My head was killing and I was in a dark room. So really, I knew nothing.

The first thing I was when I opened my eyes was Djaq looking down at me in concern. I blinked a few times to make sure I was seeing straight. Behind her was bars, rock and wall. We were in the dungeons.

I couldn't stop the shiver that escaped me.

"You're going to be fine" Djaq nodded at me as she saw I had arisen.

Slowly and carefully I began to get up.

"Where are we?" I asked finally inspecting my surroundings. I wanted to be sure, that this was my worst nightmare.

"dungeons" Djaq answered simply as though the whole thing wasn't a big deal "it's ok, I have this" She quickly added as I nervously began to take a deep breath. She picked up a small vial of something.

"What's that?" I mumbled sitting up, rubbing my hand over my temple. My head killed.

"It melts solid iron. The jailer was stupid enough to let me keep it" She grinned a small smirk appearing on her face. I tried to smile at her but instead I ended up grunting in pain and clutching my head again "You'll have a headache but you'll be fine" Djaq reassured her hand on my arm. I nodded in thanks.

"Ah" A voice sounded from behind us "If it isn't Robin hood's gang members in my dungeons. How Lucky am I?"

It was the Sheriff.

"Don't think of doing anything reckless. We wouldn't want that now would we?"

I took a deep breath waiting for the worst. We were going to be tortured. I didn't think I could deal with that kind of pain again. I only hoped Gisborne wasn't here. That would just make mine and Djaq's situation a whole lot worse.

He was grinning with his crooked teeth down at us.

"hmmm…" He said "Not talking much. Well we can arrange something about that" He revealed his toothy smile again, I cringed away turning to Djaq hoping beyond anything she had a plan with that 'metal melter' chain around her neck. Whatever that was "It's becoming a habit of mine catching his men, don't you think? How are you dealing with the loss of one of your members from last week" He laughed.

A growl escaped me as he mentioned Tom so randomly and with so much disrespect. I sat up intently staring at the Sheriff with anger I was barley with holding. I felt an arm rest on my shoulder preventing me from moving any closer to the Sheriff.

"Ooo.. touched a sore spot have I?" He said as the Jailer appeared next to him smugly "Yes, I like it"

The sheriff flashed us one last distorted smile before swerving away out of the dungeons. I breathed out a sigh of relief. We weren't going to be tortured… yet (that is if Djaq didn't hurry up with whatever she was planning or either the gang didn't hurry up and rescue us)

"Wha's that aroun' your neck" The Jailer said, startling me, I had forgotten he was there "Looks like heathen magic"

Djaq didn't respond and with a frown the Jailer turned around and left (thankfully).

"Let's get out of here" Djaq determinedly (I was glad one of us was confident about this whole ordeal) spoke leaving her position at my side and made her way to the bars. With pain I arose from my sitting position on the cold stone floor and made my way to Djaq.

She opened the container around her neck, I kept watch to see if the guard was about to return. I heard a sizzle and immediately looked down to find Djaq had poured the liquid on the metal which had begun to melt away.

"Ok… that's amazing" I admitted, Djaq looked up at me smirking. She lent down on her back and began kicking away at the hinges. Instantly I looked up waiting for the Jailer to hear the noise and come rushing back in an instant.

The hatch broke free and there was a small crawling space which was the perfect fit for two small woman to fit through. I opened my mouth to laugh at the miracle in the situation, glad I had Djaq at my side.

She crawled through it to which I followed hurriedly.

"Let's get out of here" I repeated Djaq's words from before confidently running down the steps for freedom.

Our freedom was short lived. I should have known it wouldn't be that easy.

Just as the two of us turned the corner we practically bumped into the Jailer who had clearly been waiting for us to make an attempt escape. He laugh menacingly advancing on us. However, we still had the advantage. There was two of us and one of him.

"I knew it. Heathen magic"

I kicked my leg out, hitting him squarely in the stomach. He instantly lent forward, clenching onto his now painful gut. As he did so, Djaq seized the opportunity and elbowed him in the back making him fall forward, crashing onto the floor.

I high fived Djaq and we made for the dungeon door. We were almost there when something caught hold of my leg pulling me forward and I dived head first for the stone step, only just catching myself preventing a cracked skull. But in the recovery of my fall I had no time to get up and dash away when a dagger was placed at my throat. My dagger. The Jailer had obviously nicked it for his own (something I didn't take very lightly).

Looking up I saw Djaq freeze, her eyes glancing towards the door. Part of me begged her to go, she could get word to the others, but my selfish side wanted her to stay. I didn't want to go through his whole thing alone.

"Give me the magic or she ge's it" The Jailer chuckled into my ear. I struggled to get away but he had a tight grip and there was no way it was possible for an escape from this.

Sombrely Djaq reached for her vile and took it off around her neck handing it out to the Jailer who took it greedily in his own hands releasing me instantly. I went out to kick him in the shin but a voice prevented me.

"Very good…" The Sheriff wicked voice echoed around us, he walked down the steps and took the vile out of the Jailer's hands smelling it. I stood flabbergast for a second. We had been so close "Guards. Put them back in the cells. A cell each I think"

Guards instantly appeared behind the Sheriff and I was dragged away again and thrown into a cell, Djaq being in the opposite one to me.

"Melts solid iron?" The Sheriff asked aimed at Djaq. I stood up, wrapping my hands around the cool steal metal, hating every second. Great, so not only had our escape failed but Djaq had been found to have a liquid on her that melts solid metal. The sheriff would just love this.

"I's the devil' work" The Jailer said, I had to try hard not to roll my eyes.

"Did you make this yourself, my friend?" Without replying Djaq reached forward trying to grab the container from the Sheriff, I cringed away as the Sheriff caught hold of her hands, holding it out. "Oh, come along, do tell"

I was proud of Djaq as she continued to stare not willing to give up her secrets. I didn't know if I could do that.

"Tut, tut"

"DJAQ!" I yelled out but it was too late, my arms reached out towards her but I could hardly reach, she was at least five metres away from my cell. The Sheriff had poured the liquid onto Djaq's arm. It began sizzling and Djaq cried out "Please don't" I begged. The Sheriff didn't even bat an eyelid in my direction, completely ignored my plea.

"Ooh, ouch. Vicious stuff. Nasty, nasty"

Djaq grimaced, I saw her try to pull her arm away from the Sheriff's grip to which he held on tighter.

"Will you make more of this for me?" The Sheriff asked in an almost sickly sweet done. Djaq shook her head instantly and the Sheriff sighed deeply.

"Never" Djaq answered confidently, as confidently as one could after just having their arm burnt.

"Hmm…" he replied deeply thinking "Well we could always use this stuff on your lady friend if you insist on being so stubborn"

"No…" I breathed a barely audible whisper "Please don't"

"Elaine isn't it?" The Sheriff strutted over to me "hmmm… Guy would be happy to see you. He told me about you, you really did annoy him you know?" A faint smile reached his lips as he saw me move away from him "So…" he turned back to Djaq "What's it going to be. Do I fry you friend or will you help me and save the girl some pain"

I wasn't sure what I wanted to happen here. I didn't like being used as a bargaining chip but I also didn't want to be burnt nor did I was Djaq to have to make the Sheriff some of this acid. Imagine what he could do with that!

Djaq hissed before nodding slightly "Fine"

They took her away in chains and I was left alone, but before she left I saw her give me a reassuring nod and a small smirk. Something told me she had something up her sleeve.

However, I literally had something up my sleeve. I pulled out a hair pin ready to pick the lock if I had to. I was useless at it. The only time I'd ever been successful at doing it was when Tom had taught me how to do it the once. But it was at least something at least, I wouldn't just be sitting around doing nothing.

*~How to tame an outlaw~*

"Djaq and Elaine are our priority. There one of us" Will said and Allan nodded in agreement not understanding why there weren't rushing to Nottingham immediately and why Robin wasn't being more concerned.

"How long before Gisborne's men come looking for their master? I need to sort this and I need to sort this now" Robin tried to explain desperately. Gisborne was bound and gagged "man is a traitor. He tried to kill the King!" Robin cried pointing accusingly at Gisborne.

"I'm not being funny, but... I didn't see it" Allan said and Will sent him a look that read "This-isn't-helping" "Look, Why are we not going to Nottingham, Elaine and Djaq need us"

I need her

"You were about to kill him. What happened to your famous justice... trials and evidence and-" Will tried to get through to Robin. Allan tried to prevent himself from groaning out. Who cares what he did to Gisborne; They needed to go to Nottingham now, not sit around having chit chat. Goodness knows that was happening up at the castle.

"I'm telling you it was him! He's not even trying to deny it! He tried to kill the King in Acre. He stabbed me and left me for dead... and then he went for the King"

"Then have him tried in public. Then he's seen to be a traitor. You kill him here, he's a victim"

"I thought you said a Saracen stabbed you" Allan said more to think his thoughts allowed. He was confused. Confused over everything happening. All he wanted was Robin to get his senses through so they could go save Elaine and Djaq as a team.

"That was before I realised it was Gisborne!" Robin cried out angrily. This was getting us nowhere. He wanted to get his revenge on Gisborne for ruining everything. Everything wrong with his life was this man's forward. The fact there was no peace in the holy land, his land's being taken from him, Marian.

Of course he cared they had Elaine and Djaq. They were his family. But this was bigger than that. This was England and he couldn't let that go for an attempt rescue.

"Well, get your story straight" Allan shrugged.

"I told you I fought him! I cut his arm... his tattoo. Look!" Robin shouted raising his voice again, he pointed at the cut tattoo on Gisborne's arm.

It made sense, but Allan didn't care. He wanted to go get the others.

"You didn't mention tattoos" Allan said and Robin tried not to scream out in fustration "I don't remember tattoos! Anyway, that is not the point. The point is—

"They've got Djaq"

"And Elaine" Allan added "Look, this is all your fault anyway, Elaine and Djaq stayed in the manor to make sure you got out alright, if you'd have just listened and left when everyone told you two we wouldn't be here. Elaine would be here. And so would Djaq. We've got to go get her!"

Robin frowned, anger surging through him at Allan who was shifting nervously. Will was nodding beside him in agreement.

"We can't leave them" Much said

Robin stared at Much. He had his head bent low; it was like it was the first time Much had ever disagreed with Robin.

"We've got to get Elaine and Djaq, Robin" Allan repeated feeling slightly guilty about pinning the whole blame on Robin. It was his fault too.

"They could be torturing them" Will said and Allan tried not to shiver.

"Do any of you understand what treason is?!" Robin cried out

"I understand what torture is" Allan exclaimed "You know how scared Elaine is of torture and you're just going to let her deal with that!"

"Robin, we go to Nottingham, for Elaine and Djaq" John ordered, stepping forward.

Robin resisted the urge to roll his eyes "This… is for England" Robin turned to punch Gisborne who was sniggering at his lack of support "And this is for England, too" Robin pulled back his fist again, hitting him square in the jaw making Gisborne's lip bleed. Gisborne's laugh had vanished.

"Yeah say that when they do the same trick to Elaine as they did with Tom" Allan yelled out running forward to pull Robin off of Guy

"Robin!" John yelled. With the final straw John pulled back his fist and punched Robin, knocking him unconscious "Sorry!"

"Can we go get the others now!" Allan yelped out picking up his sword and getting ready for action.

*~How to tame an outlaw~*

John, Allan and Will were sneaking through the careful taking careful turns around corridors with silent footsteps. Allan rushed each of his steps, wanting to reach the dungeons as quickly as possible and get Elaine and Djaq out. They had got this far.

"I don't suppose anyone's given any thought as to how to get back out again?" Will questioned, his back up against a wall as he looked around one of the corners.

"Later!" John hushed "We came for Elaine and Djaq"

*~How to tame an outlaw~*

A/N sorry for the late update, please r&r