13 Days Later

Guy Gisborne paced back and forth in the sheriff's office, muttering to himself. "Care to sit down, Gisborne?" The sheriff finally says, irritated. Guy stops his pacing to look down at the seat, shakes his head and resumes to pace. The sheriff rolls his eyes then jumps as Guy slams his fist onto the table.

"It's been almost a fortnight with still no word!" Guy exclaims. "Why haven't we heard anything?" He straightens and starts pacing the room once more, giving the sheriff time to rearrange the pile of papers he messed up. Guy suddenly stops and looks at him. "Do you think something could have happened?" He asks.

"To a young, female deadly assassin?" The sheriff scoffs, earning a grimace from Guy. He waves it off and leans back in his chair. "Give it another day, Gisborne. Besides, you still have to do you rounds today anyways. If you don't find a symbol anywhere, I'll send some guards to look for her. Okay?"

"Fine." Guy growls walking over to window to look out. "One more day."

I sit over near one of the large trees and carving some stick I found with my knife. Looking up from my carving, I smile as I see Isaac talking to Much while helping him cut up some potatoes.

"They seem to be getting along famously."

I look up at Robin as he leans against my tree. I nod. "They are." I agree. "Much seems happy to have an assistant."

"That he does." Robin chuckles. Moving around the tree he taps my boot with his foot. "Come on. Much is running low on meat; We need to hunt."

My brow furrows as he starts to walk away. Alan or Will usually hunt with him. I wonder why he wants me to go….

I toss my stick off to the side and stand up, grabbing my bow and quiver before following Robin. "We'll be back, Much." He calls over his shoulder. We get no answer and I hear him let out a laugh. "Maybe letting your brother join wasn't the best idea." He jests, smiling at me.

"Oh? Would you rather hear Much complain about being the only cook in the group?" I smirk.

"He considers this before smiling at me. "You've got a point there."

"I'm surprised you took me hunting with you." I say jokingly. "Is it because I was the only person around besides Much and Isaac?"

He looks over at me, probably to see my expression to figure out if I was kidding. "No. You're a trained archer and I figured you would have more fun hunting than just sitting around."

I frown. "Oh..."

Nudging my arm he smiles. "Also I wanted a chance to talk to you one on one. Since you joined, I haven't been able to really talk to you. I figured this would also be a way to get to know you better."

"There's not much to know really." I shrug. "Isaac and I lost our family a while back and have been on our own ever since."

"So where did you learn to shoot so well?" He asks. "You shoot almost as well as I do. Did Isaac or one of your family members teach you?"

"Isaac?" I scoff. "I had to teach him how to shoot. I shake my head. "No, my husband taught me to shoot, among other things." I say honestly. He slows down slightly and glances at me.

"So you're married?"

I look down and kick some dirt with my boot. "I used to be."

Seeing me look down, his tone softens. "What happened?"

I look down at my bow for a moment, rolling it in my fingers. "He died."

"Oh... I'm so sorry to hear that." He replies, frowning. "I know how it feels to lose the one you love."

Looking up at him, I'm reminded of the Marion story Isaac told me. Now I can find out what if the stories are true. "You do?" I ask.

He nods. "I do. I, too, was married once. Her name was Marion..."

"I see..." I say, "What happened to her?"

"She was killed almost four years ago." He pauses, "It's strange..."

"What is?"

"This is the first time I've really spoken of her since her passing." He looks up. "What was your husband's name?"

"William." I say. After so many years, like Robin, this is the first time I've really spoken of Will's passing. Part of me wanted to break down in tears but I remain calm. "His name was William."

Robin gives me a small sympathetic smile. "I don't mean to pry but, how did it happen?"

"Like your wife, my husband was killed about three years ago..." I clench my fists as I think of Delvin. "We were betrayed by somebody we thought was a friend."

Stopping for a moment, he turns to me and, he puts a hand on my shoulder and gives it a light squeeze. "I'm so sorry Eva." He says, softly. "I hope the man that betrayed your husband gets what's coming to him."

I nod. "Me too..."

We return to the camp close to suppertime with two fat rabbits that we found caught is some traps Little John set out a few days ago. Robin hands them off to Will who gets straight to skinning them. After he checks on Much to see how everything is going, Robin strides over to where I'm talking to Isaac and hands me a small sack. "Here. I need you to take this the Hamon family over near the fruit vender. Give this to them and have them tell Mrs. Toly there will be another drop off once it gets dark."

"Alright." I nod.

"Mind if I go?" Isaac asks Robin. "Much wanted me to go buy some spices for the stew tonight."

Robin shrugs. "Sure." He looks between us. "Now this is the ultimate test to determine your trial period. I'm trusting you two with this task. Do it discretely and don't draw too much attention to yourselves. Guy of Gisborne will be lurking around and I don't want him to catch you both. Understand?"

We nod and he sends us off. We both put on our cloaks and start the walk towards the town. As soon as we're out of earshot of the camp, I look at Isaac. "Now is our chance to let Gisborne and the sheriff know that we've located Robin and his gang and managed to join them."

"Yes." He nods. "But how will we meet with him at night to tell him?"

"Only one of us will get to go. Hopefully Robin sends one of us out for the night drop off. If he doesn't. We'll have to sneak out after everyone is alseep."

Isaac frowns. "Hopefully it doesn't come to that."

"Hopefully." The marketplace is buzzing with activity when we finally make it into town. Near the entrance I tell Isaac I'll meet him towards the road back to camp after he's finished getting Much's spices.

After I leave him, I casually walk down towards the fruit vendor, glances here and there at shops and asking about random items. I try to blend in as much as possible until I finally get to my destination. Thomas Hamon, the eldest son, is casually talking to one of the merchants when I show up. With my hood and shroud up, only my eyes are showing as I stand next to him. He glances at me with an unsure look and quickly starts to walk away. Cursing under my breath, I wait a few moments, taking note of which way he went before I start to follow him. Seeing as I'm new to the group and this being my first solo dropoff, a lot of the people Robin helps don't know me yet.

Using my shadows training, I'm able quickly make it so that I'm walking along side of him. "Where's your mother?" I ask casually.

He gives me an alarmed look since I basically appeared out of nowhere. He looks around. "What's it to you?"

Pulling down my shroud I look at him and smile. "I'm with Robin. I have something to give her and need to know where she is."

He gives me a skeptical look. "You're with Robin? I've never seen you before."

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. "I know. I'm new and this is my first solo drop off."

"What are you? His girlfriend?"

My face reddens and he smiles. "No." I say firmly. "I'm just a member of his gang."

He chuckles and I take a deep breath to calm the urge to kick his ass. "I apologize. I'm just teasing you. You must be Eva. Robin told me about you."

"He has?" I ask. I can tell I'm blushing but try to quickly change the subject. "Where's your mother?"

He motions a little ahead of us at a small poorly-built house. "Inside most likely spinning or feeding the little ones." I thank him and make my way to the little dwelling and knock on the door. It's answered by a young woman close to my age with her hair braided off to the side. "Yes?"

"Hi." I smile. "Is your mother busy?"

She starts to ask who I am, when I hear a woman's voice from inside tell her to let me in. The young woman steps off to the side to let me in and I see an older woman carding wool over in the corner. She looks over at me and frowns. "Who are you?"

"My name is Eva. Robin sent me here with a drop off." I hold out the little bundle and she stands up from her seat and walks over to me to grab it. "Oh thank you!" She smiles. "Thank Robin for his kindness. "

"I will." I smile. "Also he told me have you tell Mrs. Toly that there will be another drop off when it gets dark."

She nods. "I will. Thank you again for this."

After I leave their house, I smile to myself. It feels good to help the less fortunate. Now I can see why Robin does it so much. Putting my shroud back on, I slip away deeper into town over to the side that has less activity. I approach a wooden post nearby and look around me before taking my chalk out and drawing a line with an arrow like symbol pointing to the right. Once I make it, I look around once more before putting my chalk back into the pouch on my belt and head back towards the meeting place.

About an hour ticks by before I am finally joined by Isaac. I glance at the pack he brought with him and raise an eyebrow at him. "I doubt that's all spices."

His face reddens. "It's not. Much was talking about cheese and dried fruit he wanted to get so I dipped into the little bit of money I had stashed away."

I frown. "Didn't Much give you money for the spices?"

"Yeah."

"Then what are they going to think if you show up with more than what they gave you money for?" I ask. "We aren't supposed to have much money, remember?"

He shrugged. "I'll tell them I was able to haggle for great prices."

I purse my lips. "Robin won't like you swindling his loyal followers."

"I'm not saying I swindled anybody. People haggle all the time. People who can't afford much, merchants or not can relate and some show some flexibility with their prices." He says defensively, before breaking into a smirk. "Besides, when did you become so concerned with how men feel about what we do?"

My cheeks start to burn. "I don't. I just don't think we should be drawing attention to ourselves." I lower my voice. "This is still our mission and I intend to follow it through."

Shaking his head, he chuckles. "Whatever you say." His tone suddenly turns serious. "So did you learn anything new when you were out hunting with Robin?"

"I did, actually." I start to walk down the road with Isaac alongside me. "The Marion rumors are true."

He frowns. "Robin is married?"

"Was. Like Will, she was killed four years ago."

His brow furrows. "By whom?"

I shrug. "I don't know. He never told me and I never asked."

"Why not? We could use that information to our advantage."

"I know," I nod. "But if I push him for information on personal issues this early, he'll be suspicious as to why I want to know." I look directly ahead of me. "I need him to trust me first."

"He seems pretty fond of you already." Isaac says. I look at him and he smiles. Rolling my eyes, I change the subject.

"I put up our marking to talk in town. Whoever gets to go talk to Guy tonight will tell him just that we have located Robin and his gang and have joined, but are in a trial period for right now."

Isaac nods to show his understanding and tells me about his purchases as we make our way back to camp.

Guy rides on his black horse through the small town of Chesterfield, looking around for any sign of a symbol from Eva. He barks orders to his men to start setting up to collect taxes while he rides ahead. They obey, dismounting, and clearing a spot. Guy rides off ahead and carefully scans his surroundings. As he comes near the less busy part of town, he spots a symbol drawn onto a wooden post and smirks. Feeling relieved, he turns his horse around and trots back towards his men.

We get back in camp and immediately, Isaac is called over by Much. I watch in amusement as Much smiles at him. "Well? Did you get all the spices?"

"I did and much more." Isaac grins. He tosses his pack to Much who opens it. He pulls out some cheese and looks up at him. "How were you able to get all this? I only gave you enough for spices?"

Little John, who is sitting nearby, looks up from the staff he's carving.

"I was able to haggle with some merchants." Isaac grins. "Being part of Robin's gang seems to have it's advantages."

I lean against one of the large trees when I feel somebody brush against me. I look next to me and see Robin, looking over at Much and Isaac, his arms crossed over his chest. He looks at me and smiles. "Welcome back. How did the drop off go?" Did you run into a tall man with black hair and clothes?"

"The drop-off was successful with no sign of Gisborne. I also spoke with Mrs. Hammon and told her to tell Mrs. Toly about the night drop off." I smile. "And she thanks you for the food."

Smiling, he nods and looks ahead of us at Isaac and Much. "You two did well. As a reward, I'll let you relax the rest of the night."

Hearing this, I frown. "Does this mean we won't be doing the night drop off?"

He shakes his head. "You won't be this time." He motions over to Isaac with his chin. "I want to test Isaac by having him go alone tonight." He casts a quick glance at me. "Are you okay with that?"

I shrug. "Why wouldn't I be?"

He shrugs. "Being your brother and all, I figured you'd like a say in it."

"He's a grown man." I grin. "He's more than capable of defending himself."

He smiles at me but says nothing.

After a supper of rabbit stew, bread with melted cheese and ale, the entire gang sat around the small fire and told stories of their past adventures. I sat in between Alan and Will while Little John told the tale of how he joined the gang. I was half listening as Will was explaining how to skin a rabbit while Alan played idly with this little flute he got from a minstrel that passed our road a few days ago. Close to the end of the story, Robin motions for Isaac, who stands and walks over to him and the rest of us look up at them as Robin explains his task.

"Now Isaac, I'm having you go alone this time." Robin says taking two small bundles from Much. "These two bundles are to be placed at the back of Mrs. Toyl's house. There'll be an old trough in the pen. Drop it off there, knock twice on the door and leave. Don't get caught by the city guards patrolling. Understand?"

Isaac nods and he clasps his cloak and grabs the bundles. I excuse myself from Will and walk over to him. "Good luck, Brother." I say playfully, embracing him. I do this just so I can whisper in his ear, "Remember to only say what I told you. Nothing more."

" I know." He chuckles. "Don't screw this up."

I pull away and smile. "You learn quick."

Isaac leaves with the bundles and I watch him as he walks away.

Once Isaac disappears into the darkness, I let out a small sigh. I really hope he remembers to tell Guy only the things I told him. My thoughts are interrupted when I feel a hand on my shoulder. I look over at Robin. "He'll be fine." He says, motioning over to the group huddled around the fire. "Come on. Let's rejoin everyone."

Not long after we sat back down, everyone decided to call it a night and headed to bed. My mind alive with worry, I could barely sleep a wink. Once I could hear Much and Little John Snoring, I feel a small nudge and look around in the darkness. With the little slivers of moonlight, I was able to make out a form kneeling next to me. I instantly tense up but remain calm. "Yes?"

"Eva?" I hear Robin whisper. "Are you awake?"

"Robin?"

"Yeah…did I wake you?" His tone is gentle and apologetic. I smile, knowing he can't really see.

"No. Is something wrong?"

I hear his soft breathing and see his form move a little. "No…." I sit up and look at him. "I want to show you something." He whispers before he holds out his hand. "Come on."

My heartbeat quickens but I pull off my cloak that I was using for cover and grab his hand. He helps me up and holds my hand for a moment. "Follow me." His hand drops from mine and I follow him further into the woods. As soon as we were far enough from camp, he starts to talk normal again. "Just out of curiosity, do you ever sleep?" He asks teasingly.

My eyes narrow at his silhouette. "How do you—"

"Sometimes I see you just sit up or walk around."

I feel the heat rise to my cheeks. Every time I walked around, I thought Robin was sleeping. How, with all my training, did I not know that he wasn't? Feeling angry at myself, I try to deflect his question into a teasing question of my own. "Don't you ever sleep?"

Since we were a few minutes from camp, the sound of water was growing stronger. Coming up to a small clearing he stops and turns to wait for me. "Sometimes I do. I often can't sleep because of the nightmares."

I walk over to his side and look at the small waterfall that looks incredible in the faded moonlight. I turn to look at him to find him staring at me. Our eyes lock for a moment before I turn away to look at the waterfall. "This is amazing Robin!" I start walking towards the shallow end of the water and I sense him behind me. "How did you know about this place?"

"It's where I sometimes come to think." He strolls over and stands next to me. "Often, when I can't sleep, I make sure my men are safe and then come here…."

I look at him as his eyes scan the seen. "What are the nightmares about?" I ask curiously. I suddenly get an idea and duck my head. "I'm sorry…I shouldn't pry…"

From the corner of my eye, I see him lower his head. He hesitates for a moment. "Most of my nightmares are of the Holy Land…."

I glace at him. "The Holy Land? Why there?"

"I was a soldier in King Richard's army. I fought by the King's side." He replies.

"But isn't the King named John?"

"He's not the real king!" Robin glares at me. "He killed the king!"

Slightly startled I backup. My body tenses with restraining my automatic urge to fight. I look away and he sighs. He takes a step towards me and grab my hand. I slowly look up into his green eyes. "I apologize." He says softly. "I didn't mean to shout at you. It's just…." He sighs and looks down at my hand in his.

Closing my hand around his, I smile. "It's okay, Robin. Anger can do that to you." I should know better than anybody.

He smiles at me and we just look at each other for a moment before he motions over to a small grassy ledge near the water. "Come on. Let's go sit and talk." He smiles. "Get to know one another better."

"Okay." I grin and he leads me over to the ledge, his hand still in mine.

By the time Isaac got to the meeting place after making the drop off, Gisbourne was already pacing. Seeing Isaac, he stops and walks towards him, glancing behind him. "Well?"

"We've located Robin and his gang and have joined…." Isaac says just as Eva instructed. "We're currently in a trial period."

Guy nods. "Good…." He looks behind Isaac again. "Where's Eva?"

Isaac smirks. "Robin wanted her to stay behind…." Seeing Guy look away, pursing his lips, he continues. "They've been getting pretty close lately. Always together." This was a little exaggerated but it was funny seeing how jealous it was making him.

Guy's jaw tenses up. "I see…" He straightens and takes a deep breath. "It's good to hear that she's doing her job. Hopefully soon Robin Hood will be dead…"

"And Eva will be running into your arms?" Isaac adds with a smile, earning a glare from Gisbourne.

"Let us know when you have more information." Guy growls before turning on his heel and leaving.

After a while, we get tired of sitting up so we lie back against some rocks and look at the stars in the sky. We've been sitting in this comfortable silence for a while after Robin told me about the Saracen man that tried to kill King Richard while they were in the Holy Land and how he had saved him. "While you two were off doing the drop off," Robin starts, looking up at the sky. "I had a talk with the rest of the gang to see if they think you two should join for good."

"And?" I ask, tilting my head to look at him. "What's the decision?"

He smiles. "Much was especially vocal on keeping Isaac."

"Of course." I chuckle. "And what about me?"

He falls silent for a moment. "Honestly, there were a few concerns …"

I nudge him playfully. "And they are…?"

"One was that seeing how things were the last time we had a woman in group…."

I feel a sudden pang of jealousy. "Marion?" I try to say as emotionless as possible.

"Yeah…"

Wanting to change the subject, I quickly ask, "And what were the other concerns?"

"One of the big ones is that, also because you're a woman, you'd be a distraction."

Chuckling, I shift onto my side and rest my head on palm. "Do you think I'm a distraction?"

Grinning, he turns over to face me and his face is an inch away from mine. I suddenly feel really warm and my heart skips a beat as his eyes meet mine. His grin slowly fades as he looks at me and remains silent for a moment. "No…" He whispers.

Like as if a unknown force is pulling at us, we draw closer to one another and our lips meet. What seems like what was supposed to be just a peck turns into a longer, more passionate kiss as his hand gently lays on my side and pulls me closer. My mind is telling me to stop and pull away, to leave him wanting more but deep down I wanted this, no, I needed this. I needed to feel wanted to be desired. Although, I never admitted it, after William died, I was lonely. Sure, I have Isaac but it wasn't the same. Finally I find the power to pull away and Robin just looks at me, most likely feeling as confused and emotionally aroused as I am. I quickly stand up from my spot and dust myself off, not looking at him.

"We should be heading back to camp." I say before holding out my hand. After a moment, he finally accepts it and lets me pull him to his feet.

Mentally scorning myself for ruining the whole 'make him desire' me thing, we walk back to our camp in silence. Right now I should be happy since the whole seducing plan is to make this happen but I couldn't help but also, secretly, enjoy the feeling when I kissed him. This mission is definitely going to be a lot harder than I thought.