A drink.

[Carrieanne DeWittaker]

Carrieanne sat at the bar, a goblet of wine in her hand.

Turning to see the other drinkers, she let her eyes wander the room, shifting from one person to the next..

[Carter]

Carter entered the Inn and flopped down onto an empty stool. He let out a large sigh of relief, as he settled down into his seat. It had been a long and tiring day. Almost immediately, a glass of ale appeared in front of him, and the barmaid slammed it onto the bar, spilling the substance everywhere. Carter raised an eyebrow, and then took a hearty sip. He smiled.

The last time he had entered this pub had had disastrous consequences. He had made quite a mess of things, and even resulted in breaking part of the door. He hoped none of the staff would recognise him and throw him out. He really just wanted to relax and be left alone. He sighed and took another sip of the ale.

[Will Scarlett]

Will pushed the heavy door of the inn open, and stood to one side whilst still holding it to allow Djaq to enter first. Once they were inside, Will made his way over towards the bar and scanned it with his eyes, searching for the barmaid. He needed to ask her for some water for Shafiq, as he had not had any since they arrived late last night at Peter's house.

As nice a man as Peter was, he was most definitely not a good host and Will and Djaq had now both learnt never to ask to stay in his home again as who knows what would happen! When Will awoke that morning, there were just four people in Peter's house - Peter, Djaq, Shafiq and himself. He had then been knocked out with a shovel and gained consciousness to find Gary tripping over himself, Peter waving a shovel around whilst lying in the doorway screaming, a strange lady declaring her love for him, another lady that was somehow involved and a lot of peasants standing outside of the house observing the unfolding drama. Will and Djaq had promptly left and had no intention of returning anytime soon.

As he approached the bar his eyes fell upon a familiar face...

[Carter]

Carter sighed loudly. Nothing very interesting seemed to be happening. He supposed it was for the best, rather than everything that happened in his life being interesting. It was good to have a quiet moment to yourself once in a while. He was just settling down to the idea, until he noticed that there were two women sitting next to him. One to his left, and another to his right. He let out a small laugh and shook his head. Not only were women drinking alchohol in bars a rarity, but there were two rarities sitting next to him. He grinned smugly to himself.

After a few more minutes of silent contemplation, Carter noticed two other figures enter the bar. He didn't bother looking around, and just simply continued to drink his ale. He fiddled with the handle of the glass, and his mind wondered.

[Isabella]

Isabella rushed into the tavern, breathing heavily. Her dress was torn and her hair was falling about her face ruggedly. As everyone fell silent around her, she drew herself up to her full height and asked:
"Where is Djaq? I have to speak with her. Now."
Her eyes searched around the candlelit room, searching for Djaq's face.

[Djaq]

Djaq turned around abruptly. Before her she saw a woman - a woman she did not recognise, and she was asking for her. Djaq frowned. The woman looked of a high social status. Possible one of the many Lady's that were staying in Nottingham Castle these days. Djaq was still holding Shafiq, and she hoisted him up slightly. She turned to look at Will, her face still fixed into a confused frown. Slowly, she stepped forewards. "Why must you speak to Djaq?" she asked slowly, tipping her head to one side in curiosity.

[Isabella]

"It is a matter of great urgency," Isabella continued, "Regarding one of Djaq's relatives. I need her help... immediately."
She looked intently at the woman who had spoken to her. Her dark eyes reflected the light from the candles.
"But I must speak with her alone. What I have seen and heard will shock her."

[Lady Rosetta Court]

As Rosetta entered the inn she noticed Isabella. "Oh no." she muttered. She looked across in a differant direction. What was Isabella going to think of her when she found out that Guy and her were aqantances. She sat at a table. "Well hello." said a drunk. he got up and began to mess with her hair. She spun around and drew her sword pointing it at the mans throat. "Mess with me again and I will make sure its the last breath you take." she growled. Rosetta was skilled in hand to hand combat, sword combat and archery. "Ok ok I'm sorry." the man whimpered. Rosetta put her sword away. "Go." she ordered. The man scurried away. she noticed everyone was looking at her. "You going to stare at me all day?" she spat.

[Allan A'Dale]

Allan poked his head through the door of the tavern and snorted to himself. Here he was feeling guilty about sloping off for a few drinks and half of Nottingham was in here tonight. Djaq had even brought the baby in, although to be honest the idea of Djaq going anywhere without Shafiq by choice seemed unlikely. Will was with her too, and they looked quite the cosy family together. They were chatting to a strange woman, so he decided to give them a little space and headed over to the bar.

Carter was there too. Allan still didn't really know him that well but supposed now was as good a time to improve that as any. "You alright?" he asked jovially, by way of greeting.

[Djaq]

Djaq moved closer to the woman, a confused look on her face. Something that was going to shock her? The woman didn't look too happy, and that could only mean bad news. Now Djaq was worried. What had happened? And who even was this woman? That was when she realised. It must have been Isabella, Guys sister. She could see a little bit of Guy in her. She narrowed her eyes. But Robin had said she was on the Outlaws side, so she was just going to have to trust her for now.

Djaq walked over to the quiet corner of the pub, expecting Isabella to follow. Isabella had probably guessed she was Djaq by now. After all, there were not many Arabian women in Nottingham.

[Carter]

Carter noticed another woman enter the bar. She seemed to be causing an event, so he just chose to ignore her and carry on drinking. He made sure that he was consuming his ale in reasonable proportions. There had been very embarassing consequences when he had last got drunk at this very Inn. He sipped his ale politely, not wishing to get himself noticed. He didn't want any trouble.

However, someone else had entered the bar, and seemed to be seeking his attention. Carter turned around and saw Allan A Dale before him. One of the outlaws. Should he really be in an Inn? Carter wondered if Robin knew. Oh well, it was not his business to pry. "Ah! Traitor Allan. he said with a grin. He was well aware that this man had temporarily switched sides, for reasons he did not entirely understand. But at least he was now back on the right side. Or so he thought. Carter gestured to the seat next to him, but then realised it had already been filled by one of the women he had noticed earlier. "Ah. said Carter matter-of-factly.

[Allan A'Dale]

Allan laughed at Carter's sly remark.

"You're a fine one to talk, you've done your fair share when it comes to working for the sheriff, mate! Nice company you're keeping here, I must say."

He pulled a stool up from nearby and sat down. "Heard anything worth telling lately? And who's that woman bending Djaq's ear? I ain't seen her before."

[Isabella]

Isabella took a deep breath before she began.
"I am - I mean, I was - staying at the castle," she said, "When my brother called for me to come downstairs. I was stubborn - I had no wish to see him - so I stood, wasting time talking to the guard he had sent. Stupid, I know, but there it is. I had only been there a few minutes before I heard... a sort of groan from the next room - and of course, I ran over to see what was there. The guard told me not to go in, but I did. The Sheriff was there... and he had just killed a man. I asked him who it was and he said that - that it was Bassam... your friend. Guy had called me downstairs so I wouldn't find out - a distraction. He was in on it, too. I can trust no-one, Djaq, and I suggest you do the same. I am very sorry - more than I can say. I wish I could do something for you, anything to help... I won't let the Sheriff get away with it, Djaq, I swear to you."
Isabella felt like crying - Djaq had loved someone, someone who was snatched away from her. But she herself had never loved anyone.

[Djaq]

Djaq stood still for several minutes, taking in Isabella's news. The world seemed to stand still, as the dark force of realisation took over her. Djaq's head throbbed, and she felt her eyes start to water. But she was not going to cry. Djaq never cried.

She ran out of the Inn, still holding Shafiq in her arms. She burst through the door, and ran as fast as she could down the road, towards Nottingham castle. She started to cry. But soon the emotion of sadness, was taken over by a fiery hatred and anger. Djaq screamed and carried on running.

[Carter]

Carter laughed. He did not know Allan as well as he knew the other outlaws, but he seemed like a funny guy. It was true Carter used to be on the Sheriff's side, but in contrast to Allan, Carter had gone from the bad guy to the good guy. But at least Allan had returned to the rightful side again. He turned around lazily at Allan's mention of Djaq. She was in a corner with another woman. Isabella, Guy's sister. Of course, Carter knew who she was. She was the talk of the town. He also noticed Will was also in the pub. He shrugged and turned his back against them. He hadn't even noticed they were there, but they seemed tied up in their own buisness.

"That woman? Ah, that's Isabella. She's Guy's sister. He said solemnly. Carter felt drained of energy. It was probably tiredness taking over. He perked up slightly in order to be able to carry out decent conversation. "But don't worry, no need to slice her up, apparently she's a good guy....girl."

Then Carter remembered someting. On his voyage to England, he had been accompanied by Djaq's uncle and friend, Basaam. How could he have forgotten? "Excuse me for a sec," apoligized Carter, as he got up from his stool and made his way towards Djaq. But it was too late, she had already ran out of the Inn, with what seemed like tears in her eyes. Carter raised an eyebrow and sat back down again, confused.