[Kate] You're in Danger!

[Much]

Much stumbled clumsily through the streets of Nottingham and frantically looked around. Kate had to be here somewhere. "KATE!" he screamed urgently, spinning around in a circle trying to find her whereabouts. "KATE!!" His screaming had aroused quite a lot of attention from passer bys, so he decided to turn his shouting down a notch. He sprinted forewards and saw a blur of blond hair passing by the window of one of the peasant houses. Much's heart fluttered.

He burst into the door and almost tripped over the door ledge. "Kate!" he said, walking over to her. "The Sheriffs men are after you. They know you helped us and they've found out where you live!" Much panted and wiped the sweat from his forehead. "We need to leave, now!"

[Kate]

Kate had been trusted with the last of there family’s money to collect fabric from one of the many merchants in the market. It was an overcast day but not particularly warm and Kate had ventured in to Nottingham town with only a grey dress with a think leather belt which sat just above her hips. There where many peasants out shopping and sealing even though the clouds threatened rain at any second and though Kate was a little cold she was enjoying herself.

"Kate you look freezing come in for some hot water and some cheese," Kate’s mousy haired aunt called from a ground floor window. Kate smiled gratefully and nudged her way past the bustling shoppers. Eventually she managed to battler her way through the sea of body’s and in to the front door and was welcomed by a tight hug from her Aunt. Only seconds after she had entered the house Much came bursting in causing Kate to jump in her skin.

“Much what are...” Her sentence was cut short.

"The Sheriffs men are after you. They know you helped us and they've found out where you live!"

“After me? Much what are you talking about I cant leave now, leave and go where?” she said irritably.

[Much]

Much wondered how he would be able to speak his thoughts without embarassing himself. "Look, there's not enough time." he said frantically, "You're going to have to stay with us in the forest. You'll be safe there. I'll look after you..." Much suddenly realised that he had said to much, and turned away from her blushing. "You...you need to get you're stuff together, we need to leave now! They'll be coming any second."

He looked out the window and winced. He could already see the Sheriffs soldiers riding towards them. But it would still take a minute or so for them to arrive. They still had enough time to escape. But they had to do it fast. He span back around to face Kate, desperation in his eyes. "They'll want to arrest and question you about us." he said as softly as he could. "Come on."

[Kate]

Kate studied his face looking for some sign that this was all just some cruel joke. Apparently it wasn’t and the sound of horses trotting on cobles grew louder. Kate shot a worried look at her Aunt who was stood by an empty fireplace looking utterly bemused.

“Wait what have I done?” Kate said rationally trying to make sense of the situation in the little time she had but didn’t come up with anything useful. She shook her head vigorously at Much refusing to believe what was happening,” I cant live in the forest I have to help my family. What will my mother do with out me? I need to stay and help”.

The horses where getting louder and time for an escape was quickly running out, Kate took a hesitant step towards the window and peered out at the approaching guards.

“But I cant leave my family” Kate pleaded glancing from her Aunt to Much.

[Much]

Much was impatient. "What haven't you done." he said frowning in thought "You tried to avenge you're brother's death, you've insulted the Sheriff, and you've helped us on....on countless occasions." he gave the woman still watching them a sympathetic smile. "I'm sorry, there's no other way. I'm sure you're family will be fine."

The sounds of hooves was dangerously loud. "Kate!" Much was almost begging now. Just the thought of Kate being dragged away by the Sheriffs men made his blood boil. "We don't have any time any more. Please..."

[Kate]

“Much!” Kate said looking slightly offended.

It was true Kate didn’t really have any restrictions when it came to what she would do to protect her family. With a deep breath she nodded darting to say a hasty good by over to her aunt, who’s face was still the picture of puzzlement then returned at Much’s side. Was she really going to do this, leave her whole life behind her and take to the forest with a group of men that stank and never washed? It didn’t look like she had much choice, if she stayed at him she would be putting her family in danger which was what she was trying to prevent.

“Ok,” she said shakily placing a hand on the fall for support “Ok I’m ready…”

[Much]

Much breathed a huge sigh of relief. "Alright." he said with a greatful smile. He reached for her hand, but then snatched it away last minute. What the hell did you do that for? he thought, as he cursed himself. He stood around for a few awkward moments. "Oh yes! We have to...leave...now...ok...come on!" He sprinted out the back door, and looked behind him, making sure Kate was following.

"I mean we're not that bad!" he said, as he ran, trying to make conversation, "we do wash...once in a while...we all know what personal hygiene is! Haha! And I'm a great cook, I'll make you anything you want! You just name it! You'll like my food, one of the perks of being and outlaw..."

[Kate]

Kate noticed a hand reach for hers, what was he playing at? Kate was perfectly about to take care of her self, or so she liked to think, and did not need any one babying her but there was no time to argue about it when she had to flee for her life. Several guards had already dismounted and drawing there swords and coming ever closer to Kate and Much, Kate couldn’t help but show her fear on her face.

“Go, Now!” she shrieked pushing Much in front of her and running down the cobbled streets. Her dress whipped around her legs as she ran if she was going to have to live in the forest she was going to have to change her wardrobe, dresses where definitely not appropriate.

“Is this really a good time” Kate panted as tried to keep up “And yes you do smell have you ever heard of mint? The only perk of being an outlaw is the fact your still alive, you live in a forest Much."

Kate did feel slightly comforted by his words but as she was running for her life she didn’t really have time to be polite.

[Much]

Kate's words hurt Much, but he'd let it show later. He hadn't heard of mint, but he kept that to himself, to avoid any further embarrassment. They made hasty progress towards the Forest, and after a while they had outrun the Sheriff's men and were alone. They slowed down to a jog, and Much remained silent. It seemed him speaking to her only seemed to make things worse, and make her dislike him even more. But he'd keep trying. He was determined to make her like him one day.

A little while later they had reached the Camp, and Much led her inside without even attempting to hide its whereabouts. They were in.

-END-