Not going as Planned

[Thea Linnet]

Thea glared at the guard as he slammed the cell shut and smirked at her.
"Filth," she muttered. Taking a deep breath, she looked at the cuffs on her wrist wondered if they were really necessary. Either way, she grabbed two of the bars so the chain on the cuffs was taut. She pulled back and smashed her heel onto it. The bang echoed through the dungeons, but no one came. Thea sighed and tried again and again. Finally, out of breath and with a bruised foot, she gave up, falling into a heap on the dirty floor. she was usually so much better than this, but she didn't know the area well enough. And, to be honest, it was her first time in a dungeon.
Thea thought about the woman who put her in the dungeons. She was a witch. Literally. Who was marrying the Prince, but hated the Sheriff and, as much as Thea could guess, the prince by association. You can't hate the Sheriff and not hate is boss, she thought. The woman was a walking, talking contradiction in Thea's mind.
The sun lowered in the sky, casting a gloomy shadow over Thea's cell. She couldn't help but ask the one thing she'd never asked for in her life.
"Help,"

((Ooc: This is a calling to anyone who would like to help, like perhaps outlaws or a nice guard. ))

[Roe]

This was definitely an interesting prisoner Roe thought to himself. He knew from some of his conversations with the guards that this pretty one was the niece of the Sheriff. She definitely did not have the expectation or the experience of being treated in such a manner. She had gone from defiance, to loudly seeking attention, to making a plaintive plea for help. Even in her present state, though, she was a striking looking woman.

Finally, at least partly to let her know that she was not completely alone, Roe, known in the castle as Sir Rober', stepped forward. He was well over 6 foot and about 16 stones in weight, and in his light blue Crusader's garb, he cast a fairly imposing presence. This was especially the case since he almost always carried his two longswords, whose hilts protruded out the top of his cloak, behind his neck.

"My, this is a predicament that one would not expect a relative of the High Sheriff of Nottingham to be in is it. You should be careful to find out who you are insulting before you deliver it. Maybe next time they won't be the betrothed to the Prince or King, eh?" That is, if the prisoner was looking openly for someone different to insult. "What do you suggest you do now, exactly?," he said with slightest of smiles.

[Thea Linnet]

Thea grinned at the formidable figure in front of her. "I would start with getting you to hand me the keys to these chains, then persuading you to let me go." She stood and walked to the bars. "You wouldn't leave a lady like me in this situation, would you?" She pouted ever so slightly. "And, for your information, I wasn't looking to insult her. It just slipped out. I made the mistake of thinking she supported the Sheriff." Thea stopped and clenched her fist, swearing again. "I didn't just dig myself another hole, did I? You don't support him, do you?" She muttered more words her father wouldn't enjoy before stopping and looking and the man. "Me and my big mouth, eh?"

[Roe]

Roe had to remind himself that the beautiful creature on the other side of the iron bars was the niece of the High Sheriff and not any ordinary prisoner. Even considering who she was, her ability to smile at the situation she was in was remarkable. "And just how would you go about persuading me to do either or both of those things given that you are currently disarmed, I wonder," he smiled slyly.

"Ah milady, you should not waste such gifts of stagecraft and acting on me. First of all, its you who is responsible for getting you in this situation, and you should be capable of getting yourself out. Second, I have negotiated with many people in my time, even with the great Saladin, so the contrived affronts to your womanhood are unlikely to have much effect on me, I assure you."

However, having this young lady in helpless in chains before him did not create an unpleasant effect for him. "You should watch out what slips out in the future, if I were you, and you have one," he laughed. "Yes, but it such a pretty mouth, and I would say that fact may have allowed you to escape difficulties in the past as well," he said as he chuckled once again."

[Thea Linnet]

"Are you quite sure that my womanly charms won't work on you?" Thea asked, pouting her 'pretty mouth' at the man. She lowered her gaze to her feet, looking up at him through her lashes.
"Perhaps, I would reach through the bars and do something like this," keeping his gaze, she slipped her hand through the thick cage and touched his arm, then quickly and quietly reached around and deftly removed one of his daggers. She giggled and brought it to her chest.
"I would say my 'affronts to my womanhood' work, wouldn't you?" She toyed with a strand of her fire-red hair, smirking. "So, big man-" which wasn't a lie, since she was only about five-foot-three inches-"are you going to help this damsel?" She presented her bound wrists to him.
Thea liked this man. He was willing to help her, though it was taking him a while to actually get to the helping part. But he seemed kind enough, and, well, if the swords at his back were anything to go by, dangerous. And danger was something she hadn't had for a while. And, no, a stupid fight with a certain witch did not count.
"So, what do you say, big man?" She grinned at her new ally.

[Roe]

He had to admit, except not to her, that he supposed that her 'charms' could have an effect, he was just unsure how great. This was especially the case, he knew, when she made the face she was making with her lips and mouth. He was also sure that, given her age, that she knew what devastating effect those eyes could have as the shown through those long 'lashes that she possessed.

"Perhaps, I would reach through the bars and do something like this." He was entirely expecting a move like that, but her agility was still somewhat of a surprise. He noticed that she seemed to be quite proud of herself. She must get that from her uncle, he thought to himself. As she brought the dagger to her chest and looked up at him with that smile, he reacted almost instinctively as well, reaching in and deftly grabbing the wrist that held said dagger with his right hand. Almost at the same time, his body surged forward as he pulled hers by the wrist towards him, and his left hand circled her head and neck, trapping them between the steel of his blade and the iron of the bars. He was unsure what kind of effect it would have, bit now their bodies, faces, and breaths were now just inches from each other.

"Some would say that it was a mistake to present your bound wrists to me in such a manner. .... Oh ... I would say in the proper circumstance they could work well. And yes .... I guess I might be considered a big man. The question is ... are you sure you would want a part of me .... and why exactly should I help the niece of the High Sheriff, eh?"

[Thea Linnet]

Thea's breath caught in her throat as her faces was pulled to the bars. The man's face was just inches from hers as he threw a torrent of questions and answers at her. When he finished, she let her breath blow across his face in a sigh.
"I'll the the first question for later," she replied. "But as to why you should help me, I have a question to ask in return: why not?" Thea rose an eyebrow at him, challengingly. "I haven't done anything to hurt you, have I? I don't think I've a offended you, and, to be quite honest, I think you want to help me." Thea pulled back slightly, but his grip wouldn't give. "And, by the way, I don't enjoy being called the Sheriff's niece. I happen to have my own name. It's Thea Linnet, and nothing but." She set her lips into a hard line, waiting for the man to make some remark.

[Roe]

Roe found the breath fro her sigh to be quite sweet. While he enjoyed having her helpless in this position, he could tell that this was one lady, despite her young age, who generally expected to be in control of the situations that she was in. And she definitely was not in control here .... at least not yet.

"Well then, we'll give a reprieve on that first one then. Are you not going to grant me an answer to that second question, other than answering it with a question of your own. I'll tell you this much .... I was a crusader for 15 years after being norn and raised here in the shire. I never fought for richard or the English, only the French ... the Franks. I killed until it was second-nature and now I have returned home, but I hold no great loyalty to either King Richard nor Prince John, or through him, your uncle."

"My loyalty, as it ever has, lies with the common folk and the Huntingdons. Don't ask me more .... for I can give you no more. Very well, Thea," and he he released his grip upon her. "No, you have done nothing in particular, but your haughty attitude and speech would be enough to turn many against you, even though you be quite fair to look upon."

[Thea Linnet]

"You think your past will impress me?" she said, though her face told him differently. He's seen so much war, she thought. The thought of war made her think of her father. A shadow fell across her face, but she shook it away, thinking once again about the man.
"Though I am impressed with where your loyalty stands. It takes a strong man to say such things without fear of punishment." She smiled at him, but it changed as something came to her mind.
"You think I'm haughty?" she hissed incredulously. "I'm loud, no doubt about it, and I do get myself in trouble, but haughty?! Really?" She sat down on the floor at looked up.
"Well, you, nameless man, are too mysterious and interesting for your own good." She smirked at him knowingly.

[Roe]

"One should never be impresses by anyone whose past or present is built on death. Its nothing to be proud of," he said with his arms folded across his chest. "I only told you that so that you know where I'm coming from, and what changed me from the lad I was to the man and knight I am today. I was known on the Continent and the Holy Land as Sir Rober', and that should do for now."

He saw that, although she might not wish it, that her thoughts and emotions were reflected by the expressions on her face and in her eyes. He almost thought that she was remembering someone ... obviously someone who had been important to her, he thought. "I doubt I would say such things to or would be in fear of punishment of someone who is behind bars," he smiled. "My loyalty is complete and sure for those few who I grant it. What else would you call the tone you used with Lady Rosetta,?" he laughed. "You must learn to control that aspect of your personality before many will trust you, I think you'll find. You find me mysterious and interesting, eh? How do you propose to reconcile those two characteristics that you use to describe me, and do you propose that I should change?," he smiled slyly.

[Thea Linnet]

"Why, Sir Rober', you mistake my meaning." Thea stood and again faced the man. "I didn't mean I wanted you to change. In fact I quite like this shroud of mystery you seem to have. However," she smirked, "that being said, I think you certainly must work on your demeanor." She reached through the bars and touched one the hilts protruding from his back. "These make you seem unapproachable, though, having met you, I know you are quite the opposite." She let her hand rest on his shoulder and truly looked at him.
She could see the war in Rober's eyes. There was a darkness about them that could only come with war. Thea could only hold his gaze for a moment before dropping her eyes. She couldn't help but wonder if her father would come back darker, like this man. The thought shook her. She shivered, but forced a smile. She grabbed the back of his head like he had done to her and with their faces inches apart whispered,
"What do you say you finally help me get out of here?"

[Roe]

Roe listened to her advice and wondered how much was real and how much was at least somewhat sarcastic. "Thea, you may have to excuse me, but in life and the battlefield I found most demeanor to be superficial, or at best, tools of the trade used in negotiation with adversaries. It’s relatively rarely, where someone in my line of work or life, worries much about demeanor. What is it that you prefer so much about this shroud of mystery? Is there something you are dying to know the answer too …. other than if and when I’m going to get you out of those chains and free on the other side of those bars, that is.”

“These swords make me unapproachable you say? Why …. they are but the tools of my trade milady. Hmmm …. you might not want to make too many assumptions about my approachability." He could see her move coming quite clearly, but made little attempt to evade it, and listened closely to what she said. “I take it that you are most interested in getting out now as opposed to next week, eh? If you could persuade me, when would you like your freedom, and why should I be inclined to give it?”

[Thea Linnet]

"What do I like about your mystery?" Thea sighed. "You have to know that from the moment I could talk, all I ever saw of people was what they wanted me to see. I'm so used to knowing what people will do and why because it was how I was raised. When it comes to men, anyone looking to court is so- so...predictable! They let you know what they want and when they want it. No questions asked. But you," she pointed at Rober', "you asked questions and want answers. Your life of traveling fascinates me. I've never seen more than Birmingham and the dungeons of this castle. You've seen so much, some which I don't wish to see myself, but you've seen nonetheless. It's no wonder I'm fascinated with your company." Thea sighed, praying he understood. Her brow creased as the mood changed. It wasn't light and happy anymore. In a effort to change that, she giggled, thinking of his last question.
"Well, if I could persuade you," she rolled her eyes, "since you seem so immune to my charms, I would ask for my freedom as soon as possible. I could spend the night, if you wanted, since it is your job on the line, here." Thea once again approached the bars, finding that she liked the proximity to Rober'.
"As to the why, I've given you my life story, you've given me parts of yours, don't you think that makes us more than strangers?" She looked at him and decided that wasn't reason enough. Sighing, she closed her eyes and talked, not thinking about what he might think in return.
"Because fascination doesn't quite cover it. I like your company. You decided to talk to me, you decided to tell me about you. You could have easily walked away and not given me a second thought, but something about me made you stay. Just like there's something about you that stopped me from ignoring your first question. And I don't care if it's true or not, it's what I think." Thea set her chin and walked to the other side of the cell, not looking at Rober'. Truth be old, she was afraid. Afraid that she had scared the man, or offended him, or, god forbid, he had someone else. Get a grip, she told herself. And with a shake of her shoulders, she walked right back up to him and waited for his response.

[Roe]

Roe listened to her advice and wondered how much was real and how much was at least somewhat sarcastic. "Thea, you may have to excuse me, but in life and the battlefield I found most demeanor to be superficial, or at best, tools of the trade used in negotiation with adversaries. Its relatively rarely, where someone in my line of work or life, worries much about demeanor. What is it that you prefer so much about this shroud of mystery .... is there anything you want to know that I haven't told you, or would you rather I remain a mystery?"

He contemplated what she had commented about his swords. "It is true that I know how to use them quite well. I don't mean them to make me unapproachable per se, but if they make me seem formidable enough to make someone think twice about giving me trouble, that's all to the good. Why do you think I'm so approachable?," and suddenly he felt the grip of her warm hand on his shoulder and he felt suddenly that she was trying to be truthful and straightforward with him. He could see many unrecognizable thoughts racing through her eyes, and finally a nervous smile. He struggled to remind himself that this was the Sheriff's daughter, and she had to be bewared, and she was several years younger, but still, he was finding it hard to resist feelings he had not had in many years.

That hand suddenly moved from his shoulder to the back of his head and once more she asked, "What do you say you finally help me get out of here?" "Very well, but its not as simple as that. I must still stay in the castle and do my work, even after I free you, so I can't be suspected. Those two guards who were here knew I was present, so I can't let you out now. I can arrange a disturbance around midnight that will draw off enough guards to one of the gates so that I can come in here stealthily, free you and spirit you out another gate. But where would you go? I could hide you in the Priory for a few days until things calm down .... what say you?"

[Thea Linnet]

Thea listened to his plan and help but laugh. "You seem to have much more imagination than I do." She giggled. "I was just going to take your keys, but idea has much more-" she bit her lip, searching for the right word-"personality. And I love it." She grinned at Rober', her eyes lighting up.
"Where will I stay? Well, the Priory sounds like a good place to start, though I couldn't stay there forever. Do you think this whole fiasco will be forgotten in a few days? I should think it will be. Then I could come back to the castle, so long as I avoid the company of Lady Rosetta." She rolled her eyes at him, but said nothing else. "Till midnight, then," she said, and was about to sit when something occurred to her.
"You haven't, by any chance, seen my uncle have you? I've just realized I haven't heard from him this whole time? Strange," she pouted then faced Rober' again.
"And, you wouldn't know where I could find a certain outlaw, would you? I'd like to thank him for making my uncle's life, well... less than pleasant."