((A/N: I appoligize for the long wait. I had a lot going on after I started writing this. I got promoted in my job and it was a huge adjustment to balance work and home life along with adding in writing. Then when I finally got things balanced out my computer broke- but luckily Christmas I got a new one. So here I am. Back to updating and I've been at least handwriting until I had time and a computer.))

Episode 3: A Sheriff and a Thief

"Regina, are you sure these shoes are good for traveling?" Emma frowned, holding a pair of grayish-beige boots that went halfway up to her knees.

Chuckling, "Yes Emma, trust me you'll thank me later for it."

"But they are so plain and…bulky." Emma fussed, never was she used to such a fashion sense.

"They are to keep your feet comfortable, safe, and not getting dirty." Regina happily pointed out paying the merchant. "Now, put them on and stop complaining."

Scrunching up her face, Emma took a seat on a crate. Sliding the first boot on tying the lace up in a criss-cross pattern. Then once done she did the same with the other. Standing up she needed to balance, wearing boots like this was not common for her. They felt tight, rough, and heavy as she tried to walk in them. Stretching them out she began bouncing on her heels for a moment in silence.

"So?" Regina raised a brow turning to face her, pursing her lips together, "What do you think? How do they feel?"

Turning around, lifting her skirt slightly just to see the boots, "Fine, you're right they feel far more comfortable than the shoes I had… well they will once I break them in a bit more."

Clapping her hands together smiling, "See? I don't know why you'd consider questioning me. Now, to the weapons merchant to equip you with a bow and some arrows."

Emma's jaw dropped and her heart raced. Finally, finally, she had someone by her side to support her in appropriately protecting herself. Not just shooting arrows for sport anymore. "Really?" Emma quickly skipped to Regina's side, "You're going to let me have a weapon? Does it have to be a bow? Can it be a sword instead maybe?" She pursed her lips together wearing a smile so wide on her face.

Chuckling, pushing the curtains out of her as they exited, "Yes, I feel it's only right you have something to defend yourself with if by chance we get into trouble. No, no, a bow because that's what you know and honestly I feel a sword is too much for you."

"Too much? Too much? How can a sword be too much?" Her jaw dropped in disbelief. Those fluttering feelings quickly evaporated in rage, "Not if you teach me, Regina! I swear I could be good with it."

"They are dangerous Emma, I won't teach you. Be grateful you get this much." Regina recoiled.

"But a bow is only good for the range, what about something more up close and personal? Even a dagger…" Emma's voice trailed off, watching as some men in suits walked into the village. A smug grin on the lead man's face, hidden under his scruffy beard. The villagers moved to the side to clear the way. Making Emma curious about who they were. Fear on people's faces gave her a shiver down her spine. Clearly, they weren't good people.

Scowling, her lips pursed together, "Nottingham…" Regina grumbled, "What the hell is he doing here?"

Her gaze never lifted as she continued watching, "Who is he?" Emma asked, "He's a bad guy right? One of the reasons I need a weapon?" She added with a small smirk.

"An imbecile, he isn't the smartest, but no, he isn't a nice guy. Stay clear of him," she raised a brow, "Yes, for your bow. He's also a bit of a pig, Emma." Regina warned her sternly. Her body shifted upright and stiff almost.

Puffing up her cheeks she let out a sigh mumbling under her breath, "Fine…" she looked over at Regina from over her shoulder, "Is he really that bad?"

"More of a nuisance and I don't want to deal with that miscreant." She shook her head releasing her hands and began looking around inside the shop. "Now pick out a nice bow."

Chuckling lightly Emma walked around slowly. Her fingers gently glided over each different weapon. Her eyes traced the tables for a while before she walked over to the wall on her left where the bows hung. Her fingers danced the curve of a bow or two. Then one stuck out above the rest.

Made of yew, a long bow with markings etched into it that had been painted red with a flemish string that had great strength. Vines tightly wrapped around it as a camouflage effect but didn't damper the capabilities of the bow. Lifting it from the wall Emma holding it as if she was about to attack. Its weight was perfect the drawback felt easy and natural. Smiling Emma turned to look for Regina.

"If it isn't Regina, the fearsome Black Knight." A tall man, tan with dark hair and a scruffy beard waltzed over towards Regina. Playing with the black leather gloves on his hands. Smirking proudly, "Or are the rumors true and you are now trying to be all… val–iant?" he laughed.

Rolling her eyes Regina crossed her arms, pivoting her hips to the left. "Why isn't it Rottingham," she said coldly with a hint of annoyance lingering at the tip of her tongue. "Like a foul rat that just came out of the sewer if I might add." She grimaced.

Grumbling he tried to hold his composure, but his posture stiffened while he let out a fake laugh, "N–ottingham." he corrected her.

"I know what I said and I still stand by it because as always you smell like a rotting ham, or let me be more clear— a swine." She smirked, "As for the rumors that's up to you, and what is it you want?"

Rolling his eyes, his tongue sticking out as he played with his gloves, "Oh, well I was hoping to get a little assistance with some dealings I have."

Chewing on her lip her eyes pierced over in Emma's direction who had remained at a distance, "What dealings would those be?"

Raising his hands gestured up, fingers spread as he did a slow twirl, "This, this village is my dealings of course. You see I am struggling in collecting my dues and I feel a little help from you I'll get what I am owed or else I will simply have to burn the whole place down along with everyone in it."

Straightening up her back Regina gave him a smile. Emma walked over tapping her shoulder, "Do you think this would be good for our hunt?" Emma asked exchanging glances with Regina.

"Ahh, you have an apprentice. What is your name?" Nottingham questioned, his eyes looking Emma up and down. His hand moved to reach for her hair, "What is it you're hunting?"

Emma opened up her mouth to speak, "Swan," she mustered out before Regina's voice filled the air. "You wouldn't be interested," she replied. Turning to look at Emma who was still holding her bow out, "It looks like a good bow, sturdy, how does it feel?"

Jaw tightening Emma smiled, "It feels like the perfect fit, not too heavy, sturdy yes,"

Turning to the merchant, "Is it at all possible for her to test it out?"

"Of course, come with me," the merchant waved them hither, taking them outside towards the side of the building. There was a small range set up. "Here you go, give it a shot," he smiled bowing quickly.

Regina could see how nervous the man was. His body shaking, was he afraid of her or Nottingham? Both perhaps? "Go ahead, Swan."

Emma positioned herself taking in a deep breath. Closing her eyes, holding onto the bow, pulling back the string, the arrow just an inch from her ear. Letting out her breath slowly as she opened her eyes releasing the arrow. Watching as it cut through the breeze, hitting its target spot on. Clapping from behind her Emma turned and curtsied. "Thank you," she smiled brightly.

"Now that was an impressive shot, Swan," Nottingham spoke whimsically clapping slowly as he approached closely.

Regina turned to him stopping him in his tracks, "You're still here?" she rolled her eyes crossing her arms over her chest. Irritation in her voice.

Smirking he began walking again towards Emma ignoring Regina's snide comment his sight was purely set on the blonde. "You would be perfect by my side. A better shot than Robin Hood, my greatest nemesis. Perhaps, Swan, you could do me the favor of killing him with that bow."

A scoffing croak escaped Regina's throat, "She absolutely will not." Her footing began to pace moving towards Emma to cut him off but Nottingham reached her first grabbing at her wrist. Regina froze for a moment, "Release her, right now. I will not ask you again."

Emma holding herself together, fingers clenching her bow. "I—" her words choked in the back of her throat. Feeling his hand gripping her wrist, his breath against her neck as he leaned in closer. Gapping her mouth to let out the words but they still wouldn't come out.

Clicking his tongue against the roof of his mouth wagging his finger before her, "I'd think twice about what you're about to say next…princess…" the words rolled off his tongue, slimy, as a small proud laugh escaped him. "So, I will ask you again. Will you join me?"

Emma's eyes flickered toward Regina. She was so careful what had given it away?

"Don't you even dare Nottingham? Why do you think this simple peasant that followed me from a village is some— princess?" She laughed, "I think I would know. Even if I did there's a pretty good reward for Princess White, so I'd never let you take that away from me." Regina spat moving closer towards them Nottingham pulling Emma away.

"Tsk, tsk Regina. You know I know my royals." He shook his head, his grip tightening on Emma. Pulling her closer to him up against his chest. "Yes, she would fetch a good lot of gold but her beauty far exceeds the stories." Nottingham nuzzled his nose into Emma's golden hair sniffing it.

Her face scrunched up in disgust and she allowed he body to pull at his restraint. Struggling, "Release me and I'll show you what a person can really do with this bow and arrow by shooting you in the—"

Laughing, "Be my guest and continue this charade, but you, my dear are coming with me." his eyes beam over at Regina. "And you will not follow or else you'll have my men to face." He whistled as his men came flocking to barricade him to escape.

"Regina!" Emma hollered before leather covered her mouth.

~~To Be Continued~~