Sorries for the late chapter, it's been a bit busy. Let me know you are reading, and thanks for all the comments so far!

Chapter Four: A Quiet Pretence

He hadn't slept well that night; Robin's words rang through his mind, his own infuriation growing as he thought them over. How was the man any more right than he? Yet nothing he said seemed to make any difference. Robin considered himself above the rest of the group…but maybe that was too harsh to say.

In the morning Will had left the camp, gathering wood for a fire as the others slowly woke to the bright light filtering through the trees. Though there was more than enough wood collected, he needed some time for himself. He was angry; the talk of the upcoming dance only fueled that emotion and Will knew he could not stay for much longer before his patience ran out.

Idly he moved about the trees, collecting bits and pieces he seemed worthy enough to sustain a good fire, tucking his finds under an arm. What would he say to Robin?

Over the course of the night Will had come to a decision; he did not want to go. He felt, instead, that he could be of use. While Robin and the others went to Nottingham, he could stay behind, and make the rounds. That way neither of them would lose out. The hungry would be fed, Robin would gain his prize, and everything would be settled.

The only problem was his lack of courage. Robin wasn't an easy man to stand up to, especially when it came to questioning his judgment. Much seemed to do it well enough, but then again he had known the man longer. Robin trusted him, and would continue to do so whether or not he listened to Much's suggestion. For Will though…it was not the same.

The trust Robin had given him back in the dungeons at the castle was now replaced with a cold distance. Whenever Will broached the subject, Robin would change the direction of the conversation, or pretend he didn't hear. It was frustrating. There were many questions that still plagued his mind, and that night he had listened to Robin endure the pain alone still clouded his conscience.

Maybe he needed the counsel for his own release rather than for Robin's. It was the first time Will had seen Robin is such a desperate state, and it had hit home for him. He knew, of course, that Robin was just a vulnerable as any of them there in the forest. But to actually see it, to know that it could physically happen…he was afraid.

And Robin's own direction had changed as well. He had chosen to first stay with Robin simply because the man believed in helping those who could not help themselves. It was an intoxicating sensation for Will, who had always despised the Sheriff, and his treacherous ways. Before though, he could not stand up against it, for simple fear of his life, and his family's safety. But with his father and brother gone now, they were no longer in harm's way, and backed up by the group, Will felt more confident.

Now that was gone; he had seen the suffering in the villages throughout the hard winter; the people of Knighton Hall still recovering from that dark night, and of course the others who were hurting just as well. Robin was turning a blind eye towards them. Though Robin was right about providing for the future, Will also knew there could not be any future if the present was not taken care of first.

The real question remained was why Robin didn't see it as well? Surely it was obvious to him…or was it because Robin did not wish to see it. Guy of Gisborne had been a shadow in the man's life; the reason for Robin's return from war, he had been behind Will's actions back in Locksley that ended him up in the gallows, prompting the reason for Robin's exile. He was the reason for Marian's departure…and now, he had been the source of torment for Robin. The once cunning noble was just a shadow of his former self, trying his best to remain strong, but forgetting what was important, his mind set on instead with getting even with his enemies.

For that, Will could not blame him. The man's world had been changed drastically in such a short time, he had lost most of what he had held dear. Will would be seeking revenge if the same had happened for him. Yet Robin would deny it; still holding to his belief of withholding bloodshed if possible. Instead of ridding his enemies in the easiest of fashions, Robin would instead creep about, taunting them in public, humiliating them where he could. And words only went so far.

"Djaq's got your outfit ready, she wants you to, uh, come try it on."

Will turned at the sound of his voice, meeting Allan's gaze briefly before turning back round. "You can wear it, I'm not going."

"Not funny," Allan let out a laugh. "but, I uh, would have to agree with you."

"You?" Will asked skeptically. "Why?"

"We're giving all our food away, wasting our time going to dances and stuff, and then we are going to give more stuff away. Whatever happened to stealing from the rich, giving to the poor, and keeping for ourselves?"

"I'm more worried about the poor Allan," he told him sternly, setting the pile of branches on the forest floor.

"So am I," the man was quick to defend him, "but I'm worried about myself too."

"Is that all you think about? Yourself?"

"Yes. We are the poor too you know."

Will let out a sigh, resisting the urge to roll his eyes. "You already told me this once. I'm not falling for it again."

"Alright," Allan nodded towards him. "Stealing Gisborne's money for ourselves was a bad idea. But come on, how many other bad ideas have I had?"

This time Will meet his gaze, a little perplexed. Allan let out a sigh, shaking his head. "Alright, forget that I asked that one. What I'm talking about now…I agree with you. We should help the poor. Once they're taking care of, we can start collecting for ourselves if you know what I mean."

"I know what you mean," Will shook his head. "And no I don't agree with you."

"So you agree with Robin then?"

No, the truth was he didn't. But he couldn't bring himself to say it. "It is Robin's choice. Not ours."

"Well, not being funny, but maybe it should be."

Will didn't respond, gathering the wood instead and heading back towards the camp. He didn't have the courage to stand up to Robin, despite the fact he disagreed. So far it had done no good, and part of Will believed that bringing it up again would only anger the man further.

There was a contention between his men; one that was quiet enough to escape the knowledge of an ordinary man. But Robin was no ordinary man. For years he had fought in war, and the ability to sense when something wasn't right was a trait that had developed over time. By now it was keen enough to pick up even the slightest of signals that were passed between the group.

He had been the last to wake, something that was quite unusual but not unheard of. Robin had adjusted to sleeping in short light bursts during the nights, falling victim to a heavier sleep in the mid to late afternoon if time permitted it. Another old war habit he believed he would never be rid off.

When he did wake, he found near half of the group missing. Much had already started breakfast, informing Robin that Djaq and Allan had gone off to collect materials for the coming mission. John himself was resting easily, enjoying the quiet morning, and Will could be seen off in the near distance collecting wood.

Though the feeling could not be explained, it was definitely there, and it wasn't hard to tell why. The night before had not ended on the best of terms, and Robin knew they still disagreed with him. In war, Robin had learned that when so many opposed your judgment, that listening was the wisest of things to do. Sometimes it was your followers that were able to see what you could not.

Even as sound as the advice was, Robin chose to ignore it. The opportunity at hand was far too good to pass up. In any other situation it wouldn't even have been a discussion. Robin had a hard time believing that would all change simply due to one circumstance. With a final sigh, he pushed the thoughts to the back of his mind for later, and began planning for the coming night.

Not too long after Djaq returned with Allan, arms full, and Robin provided her with half of his attention as she sorted through the outfits they had managed to acquire. It was good, he had to admit, and he nodded in approval. They wouldn't be all going in though, but he didn't have the heart to tell her that just quite yet.

Slowly but surely their last member of the group joined them, coming to stop as he neared the camp. Will's eyes were fixated on Djaq, his mouth hanging open slightly. Robin raised an eyebrow even as Djaq laughed.

"What?"

"I…just never seen you in a dress before," Will stammered, his cheeks flushing red as he turned away.

Robin smiled, laughing to himself as he turned back to Djaq. He had hardly noticed that she was. It was a gentle shade of blue, long in sleeves and falling down to around her ankles. Though he should probably be more taken aback than he currently was, the change of appearance hardly fazed him. Cleary there was a difference for Will.

"You think I look pretty?" Djaq asked, taunting him.

"No," Will said quickly, stammering, "Yes…I mean, you look…"

"You had better find some words," Robin told him. "You two are going in as a couple."

"What?"

The question was asked in unison by the pair, and Robin laughed, moving to his feet. "We need someone on the inside. It would be too suspicious for us to enter as a group, or to go in alone."

"What is everyone else going to do?" Will asked skeptically.

"John and Allan are going to wait at the front as guards. They'll be able to get you two out quickly if something comes up. Much and I are going to find a way in through the back, and see if we can find where the Sheriff is storing this donation chest. I need you and Djaq to find a way of smuggling the food out of there if you can. Surely most of it will be in store somewhere."

"And how will we accomplish this?" He asked, indicating towards Djaq. "I mean, she doesn't even have weapons on her; it's not safe."

"I have weapons," she cut him off.

"Where?"

"You do not need to know."

Robin laughed, closing his eyes as he shook his head. Sometimes he learned more about his fellow comrades than he wished to know. Yet it was a small price to pay for the choice of life he lived now. And truth be told, he would not have it any other way.

He had been angry at first, bewildered next, and now was left feeling both eager and nervous at the same time. It wasn't a secret to the group that he had…feelings for Djaq, save for the woman herself. Just never before had he the courage to express it to her.

Returning to the camp his mind had been a whirlwind of confusion, overflowing with feelings of anger and resentment, as well as curiosity to the words Allan had spoken earlier. And in one single instant, they had all melted away when he first came across her. Djaq, by nature, was a beautiful woman in his belief. Her boyish appearance, and tough attitude not dampening her features in the least. The knowledge that she was a girl, fighting as skilled as man, seemed to only provoke those feelings inside of him more.

But she was the only woman in an entire group of men. Surely if she fancied any of them, it would not be him. Allan was a trickster, quick with tongue, and able to swindle and charm. Will knew she cared for him, for he had seen the interactions the two had held in private moments. He had heard the words they had shared, and had witnessed the tender caring moments after Allan's brother was killed.

Not only was there Allan, but Robin as well. Djaq had grown to like his company as time went by. He too knew of the quiet moments they had spent together in the forest; on how Djaq had focused more time and effort when Robin had been hurt, caring for the man and seeing him through to his recovery. Was it possible something had sparked then?

Though Robin's true heart was for Marian, and he would never return love on the same level, it wouldn't stop Djaq from trying if she did fancy him. And Will would not blame her if that was the case. Robin was a war hero, as well as a hero among the peasants. He had spoken of truths and promises that the people of Nottingham could only begin to dream of.

And he…Will himself, was a mere shadow of that. He was a carpenter, strong with his hands, but withdrawn with his words. He could not even speak up for himself, or tell her his true feelings…surely Djaq saw him nothing more than a friend, a comrade.

Perhaps it was mere happenstance that Robin had chosen him to pair up with Djaq, or maybe it was a cruel joke on Robin's part, to taunt him with what he could never have. But no, Will knew that not even Robin could sink that low, despite how angry he may be. Whatever the case, Will would not argue. Now he was waiting anxiously for the evening to arrive, the entire ordeal of feeding the poor gone from his head. If it wasn't for Djaq's reminder, then he may have well forgotten that they were on a mission.

It had taken painstaking measures to prepare in the forest. Will had not only bathed, but shaved as well, cleaning up as best as he possibly could. Living in the woods had taught him to abide with dirt and grime on a daily basis. It was simply too difficult to remain clean for long, and more often than not, their dirtied appearances helped them out, providing a false camouflage to those who passed by. But tonight would be an exception. Dirt and grime would only single them out.

The outfit she had chosen for him was simple, yet elegant. The pants dark in color to hide any unwanted dirt, and the cloth hugged his skin yet allowed it to breathe. He wore with a simple white shirt, the sleeves ending as his wrists, the fabric covered by a long vest the same colors as the pants. It was enough to pass him off as noble, and yet not enough to outdo Djaq's simple dress.

One that she looked marvelous in. Yet he was unable to tell her that one simple thing. Taking Djaq's earlier words he had slipped a dagger and one of his axes inside his the band of his leggings, wanting to be prepared for anything. He was ready just in time.

They rode in towards the castle on horseback with the others, Robin and Much leaving them off at the gates just before Nottingham. Robin reminded him of a few last words, tossing Weill a small satchel before he took off, disappearing back into the forest. Robin's part would come later, Will knew, for now, he and Djaq had to find a way inside.

He was initially surprised as Djaq locked arms with him, giving him a small smile. "We are a couple," she told him quietly.

"We are," he answered, letting out a breath. With his free hand he worked open the ties, letting out a laugh as he saw inside. "Robin…"

He held up the small ring, bringing another smile to Djaq's face. "Are you proposing, Will Scarlet?"

Will blushed deeply, stammering as the small trinket slipped between his fingers to the ground. "I um…someone may see…"

Djaq had retrieved the ring from the ground, blowing off the bits of dust that clung to metal. "Couples wear rings," she finished for him. "Of course Robin would know this."

"Yeah," Will nodded, his cheeks still red as she pressed it back into his hands.

"You will put it on for me?"

"What?"

She smiled, moving in closer to him. "There are others watching; if we are going to get in, we must play the part Will Scarlet."

Will nodded, his heart racing in his chest. Her voice was so intoxicating…curse it all.

"Of course…we must make them believe…" But the confidence was fading even as he slid it on her finger. It was all an act, nothing more. Of course she would be focused on the mission; none of this meant anything to her. Yet it meant so much to him…Will closed his eyes; he was a fool to believe otherwise.

When he opened his eyes she was watching him closely, confusion in her gaze. She moved to speak, but he was quick to cut her off. "We should go, they are still watching."

He didn't wait for her to respond, taking the lead as he began the slow pace inside. They were not the only couple there; several more Lords and Ladies were arriving, stepping out of horse-drawn carriages, dressed in elegant fashions. The Castle itself was decorated marvelously, far more than what the Sheriff ever did. Yet this was a special event for him, and the vile man would go about to do whatever it was to entice whatever money he could from those who could afford it.

"You're not allowed to go through here," the guard said suddenly, stepping in their path. "Where is your invitation?"

"We are special guests," Will responded confidently, lowering his voice. "What are you doing Allan? You're going to give us away."

"Trust me, alright? Robin said this might be an invite only gathering. John and I took the liberty of figuring it out."

He slipped the paper to Will, who was now forced to let go of Djaq's arm for the first time since arriving. It was old, worn down, but still legible as he opened the creased parchment, reading it over.

"Thomas and Alice Ralston?"

"You're from Cheshire, if anyone asks."

Will looked at him skeptically as Djaq took the parchment from his hands. "These are real people? Wont someone notice that two of us show up?"

"The Ralstons…are busy at the moment," Allan grinned, "Taken care of already."

"No," Will shook his head. "They are innocent people, I will not impose of them while you have them…locked away somewhere."

"Will," Djaq cut him off, "we have to get in."

"Yeah, exactly," Allan agreed. "Don't worry, we'll let them go when all of this is said and done."

It was frustrating, but Will knew they were right. A moment of silence, and then he took the scrolled invitation back, slipping it inside his pocket. Djaq took his arm once more, flashing a quick smile towards Allan, reoccurring the bitter feelings inside Will once more. What was he doing here?

"Right then," Allan nodded towards them, taking on his authoritative demeanor once more. "You can go through."

Will pushed the thoughts from his head with little success as they made their way up the steps. From here the joyous music could already be heard, and the frivolous chatter echoed throughout the stone halls. He could feel a foreboding animosity creep up inside of him. A call or warning, something wasn't right.

True enough, he had slipped by here many times, but always disguised, always in secret. Now they were parading in, impersonating Lords and Ladies, the festivities beckoning them to join. And yet the sweet intoxication that was only inches from his side would have to be ignored, both for the mission, and his own sanity if he was to survive this evening.

As much as he loved the man, he hated Robin with all his passion for the current predicament. His only hope now was that everything would go according to plan.

TBC