Not going as Planned

[Roe]

Roe wondered whether she had enough patience to see any plan through. He had his doubts, but he was willing to give it a try. Despite his relatively calm appearance he loved to take risks, and the more daring the risk the better. "I don't know if its more imagination or not. I never have been one to be accused of as being overly creative. I may just be more experienced, with an idea of what works and what doesn't."

"I was just going to take your keys, but this idea has much more .... personality. And I love it."

Roe smiled had her enthusiasm. She would definitely be an interesting one to get to know he thought to himself. Her eyes were both shining and twinkling at the prospect of some adventure later. "Well .... I never said you would stay there forever, just until things had cooled off some. The Priory is the best we can do on short notice I would say. Yes ..... midnight .... have patience .... Thea. Your uncle .... no I haven't seen him. One would think he wouldn't be pleased by your situation, but when it comes to satisfying Prince John, your uncle is capable of just about anything."

"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."

"An outlaw? Why would I know anything about an outlaw?"

Roe did not know if the expression on his face betrayed on him in any way. He made it as devoid of emotion as he could make it. H e wasn't about to let all of his secrets out just yet.

[Thea Linnet]

"Oh," Thea said, dropping her eyes. "Of course, why would a guard know about Robin Hood." She muttered about her stupidity, but smiled nonetheless.
"Thank you," she said earnestly. "Really, I won't say I don't get into situations like this, 'cause I have. But thanks for helping." She stopped and suddenly smirked. "Even if I do have to wait 'til midnight. I would have thought someone with your experience would have thought of a faster was of freeing this jailbird." Thea looked at him and sighed, feigning disappointment. "I guess I was wrong," she tutted and shook her head, but flashed him a cheeky grin.

[Roe]

Roe wondered how long he would be able to play dumb and her not figure things out. He thought, despite er obvious cheeky nature, that she was quite able to figure things out. "So, it was Robin Hood you wanted to know about. Why did you think that I might know him well enough to pass on some message to," he smiled slyly. "I'm disappointed that you just think I'm a simple guard," he feigned disappointment with a frown.

"There is no reason to thank me, it was and is my pleasure to be of service," he winked. "Oh, and you thought it was tonight at midnight," and he began to chuckle. "Sorry .... just joking. Well .... that the plan works is more important than the speed that it happens. Hopefully, one lesson I will be able to teach you is patience. Sometimes its a lesson that takes some time to learn. It even took Robin some time to learn .... long ago," he winked at her once again with slight smile.

[Thea Linnet]

Thea pounced on his last words. "Ha! So you do know him?! Or, at least did." She grinned at him, giggling at his face. "Oh, never mind. I guess I though you might know him because you care about the people. Seems like a Robin Hood-type thing to do." She shrugged. "Perhaps outlaws aren't the only people with hearts around here." Smiling, she stood in silence, looking at Rober'. She waited, fidgeting until she couldn't take it anymore.
"You've got me all excited now!" She ran to the bars. "How did you know Robin?" She pleaded.

[Roe]

Roe laughed, although he did try and keep the noise down. "I didn't say that I didn't know him. I just asked why I would know an outlaw like him. I had not seen him in many years until quite recently. We grew up in the same house we did .... but he was meant for better things than me .... him coming from better stock and all. Gave him a few lessons with the bow, and acted a bit as an older brother, but in truth, several of us took on that role for him at different times. He did turn out pretty well though. At least the ladies think so, obviously. However, men like your uncle have a different opinion, eh. My you get excitable!"

[Thea Linnet]

Thea bit her lip as he shushed her, but couldn't help but laugh at her foolishness.
"Well, I have to be excitable, what else am I supposed to do with myself here? I guess I could count the stones in the wall, or plan my own less than subtle escape. Of course I could regale you with my own stories. Not that you'd like or appreciate them. They aren't exactly filled with adventure or daring stunts." She rolled her eyes.
"You know what? I can't believe I haven't done anything interesting in my life. By the time my father was nineteen, he was already in Persia trading! And my mother-" Thea stopped abruptly, the wound still too fresh. "Well, the point is, I need to do more." Thea took a deep breath, thinking that she would have a new life in Nottingham. Then she looked at Rober' and laughed.
"Listen to me, going on about sweet nothings to a person I think scarcely cares about my boring life." She offered her hand through the bar.
"Forgive me?" she asked, knowing that she was being just silly now.

[Roe]

She was full of life, that was for sure, he thought to himself. It would be a shame if she were consigned to an arranged marrriage to a man that would go about breaking her spirit. Outside of her good looks that was a great positive trait, if she kept it under some control. Unless she was guided a lttle bit it could get her into great trouble, he considered.

"You are obviously a girl, a young women of great feeling. How old are you Thea? What are you to do with yourself? Wellit depends on the direction that you want your life to take. Do you want to have rewards yourself, or do you care as much for the common Englishman and Englishwoman as you do yourself? Hmmm .... I would be quite pleased by any stories that you would care to tell. However, I would think it would be interesting to hear how you want your life to play out. Are you looking for Robin to swoop in here and save you and take you aware from this life, or perhaps some other brave protector do the same."

"Thea, you weren't put on this planet to live your father's life, or even your mother's, but your own. It will be unique to you. Don't cheapen it by insisting that it can be exciting enough for you." She reached through the bars and said, "Listen to me, going on about sweet nothings to a person I think scarcely cares about my boring life .... Forgive me?"

"I would forgive you if there was anything to forgive, and there is not. You have done me great honor by regaling me as much as you have, and I thank you," he said, winking.

[Thea Linnet]

Thea was stunned for a moment by Rober's response. He actually wanted to know things and wasn't bored of her loud outbursts.
"Well, I'm the less than tender age of nineteen and I'm supposed to be finding myself a nice wealthy man to live with, but in my current condition," she motioned to the damp cell, "that adventure has taken to the bottom of my list. I suppose I should get on that though," she sneered at the thought. "Like I said, men are predictable and I have no intention of ever becoming a simple, silent lady." Thea shook her head.
"Honestly, I don't know where I want my life to go. It would be nice for the common people to not live in poverty, but how is one locked up noble supposed to help the whole of England? If I could ever find Hood, I would help him in any way I could. Does the thought of sneaking around and great risks and running from guards not excite you? Well, of course not... you're a guard." She winked at him.
"I would quite enjoy having Robin Hood swoop in and take me away, though the prospect of another, brave protector does have its appeal..." she looked at Rober', a coy smile tugging at her lips.
"And I would say that there's a lot to forgive. Don't you have a headache from listening to me go on? Most people can't stand a few moments of my ramblings." She reached through the bars and gently put a hand on either side of his face. "There must be something wrong with you," she laughed.

[Roe]

Roe had thought that she was either in her late teens or early 20s ... he would have guessed more her early 20s. In some ways, she seemed more mature than 19, while in others especially in speech, she seemed to be on the younger side. "So ... once you get out of this 'condition' will you start looking for that wealthy husband again?," he smiled.

"I see .... and do you find me to be the 'predictable' sort as well, like the rest of the male population that you are familiar with. And what exactly would be the requirements of becoming a 'simple, honest lady', perchance?"

Roe thought about her next statements for a moment before he thoughtfully responded. "Well, tonight will be a night of action, at least in terms of breaking you out of here. Normally I'm not one for a lot of philosophy, but this is how I see it. At least you are being honest with how you see your life before you .... you see a lot of unknowns. Robin was one locked-up noble at one point. Remember, every great revolution has begun with one man, and sometimes even a woman with a vision. Its not numbers at the beginning that matter, its the numbers at the end." Roe laughed, "and you think those things should excite me? Its good to see that you are excited by them. Act on them then. If you are meant to assist Robin, at some point, you will get your opportunity."

He laughed, "Yes I am just a guard, and perhaps he will swoop in to rescue you before I return at midnight .... who knows? And who might this other great protector be?," he asked with only the slightest tinge of red in his cheeks. "No, milady, there is nothing to forgive, and yes, I expect that there is a great deal wrong with me.!"

[Thea Linnet]

"Well, how could I go about finding a husband if I'm gallivanting about with outlaws and running from guards, hm?" she asked cheekily. She grinning at the idea. Father doesn't have to know, she thought to herself.
"And no, I don't find that you are predictable. Well, not entirely predictable. Ever person is predictable about something, I just don't know what yours is yet. I supposed we'll have to spend more time together then, won't we?" Thea offered to him, silently hoping he was as pleased with the idea as she was.
"Ugh," Thea scoffed. "Honesty I have no problem with. It's the simple part I hate. Once you get married to some man, all you're expected to do is sit at home, cook, clean and bear his children." Thea's cheeks turned a soft shade of pink at the last outburst. She straightened her dress out and muttered incoherently. "Well, it's not to my taste to say the least. Cooking, cleaning and waiting are all things I do not excel at." She blushed ever-so-slightly again.
"This other protector? Well, he's a strong man, very strong. At tall, makes me look like a mouse in comparison. He looks quite formidable from afar, but he's quite nice. Nice enough to talk to the likes of me. I quite fancy this other protector," She added as an afterthought. And as she looked at Rober', she could feel the heat once again rise up her neck and turn her cheeks the color of roses.

[Roe]

Roe knew that he should leave the cell area, but was finding it difficult to tear himself away from the conversation, as well as the person in front of him. He hadn’t enjoyed himself so much in some time. He imagined that it was just that her enthusiasm was so contagious. “Well …. Perhaps you would find someone suitable among the outlaws. I doubt if your family would think so, but you might have a different opinion.

Roe thought, perhaps, not being predictable, was actually a compliment, at least from her. “How much analysis will it take for you determine my level of predictability, then, do you think?"

“…. I supposed we'll have to spend more time together then, won't we?"

Roe contemplated on that suggestion for a moment. “Well, there would be no objection from my part. I would think though, that you would easily be able to find more interesting people to be with, I would think. I really do find it difficult to imagine you in that kind of ‘simple’ life, but I suppose you never know what some people are capable of, eh?” Roe had seen what he thought was a slight blush, but he knew he could be mistaken.

“Well its obvious that I’m not this ‘protector’, then,” he laughed, “but its obvious that you are serving of the very best,” he said, nodding in her direction.

[Thea Linnet]

"I've never seen myself as one who was made out for the simple life. If I can't be doing something exciting, why do anything at all?" She nodded her head happily and faced Rober' again.
"As to this, getting to know you, I think now is a good a time as any, since I don't have much else to do. And judging by the fact you haven't moved in some time, I'd say you have just as little to do as I." Thea found a spot on the floor and dropped down gracefully.
"So, tell me about you. Family, friends." She looked away from him, suddenly interested in her skirt. "Loved ones," She didn't look at him as she waited for his reply.

[Roe]

"As I said, I can't see you in that role much either. However, you have to understand, I think, that all of life can't be made exciting. That being said, I'm happy to answer any specific question. However, given my role here, my life isn't exactly an open book. All-in-all, there's not much there. I am definitely your senior in age. You were 1 in age when I left to fight in Europe and eventually in the Holy Land. I left for that life 15 years ago, and have just recently returned. I am somewhat like Sir Guy, in that I was born into a noble family .... it lost its titles .... it lands .... and its wealth. Luckily for me I was made a ward of another nobleman, but it was determined that I be raised and trained as a commoner. I was apprenticed as a Carpenter. So you see I'm not too exciting," he laughed.

[Thea Linnet]

Thea held her breath, waiting for him to say something about his other family, but nothing came. Of course it didn't mean he didn't have a wife or mini-crusaders running around his home, but she hoped for the best. She drew her knees up to her chest and traced little circles on her legs, thinking.
"This priory I'll be at, do you think they'll be upset I've come? I mean I'm just busting in during the middle of the night. Will the sisters be angry?" Her brow creased for a moment as something occurred to her.
"I have no idea where this priory is," she said, astounded that it hadn't occurred to her earlier. She waved her hand dismissively. "I'm sure I'll find it."
Thea looked around and saw the inky sky from the small window.
"My god, night's fallen." She blinked, amazed that the time had passed so quickly. Suddenly a mischievous smile spread across her face, her blue eyes lighting up.
"Do you think it's time for your well-timed distraction?" She asked Rober'. She stood and put a hand on his arm, grinning cheekily.
"And, really Rober', try not to take too long," she winked at him, giggling.

[Roe]

Roe wondered what she was thinking about. It was clear that it was something. He wondered if he had left something out that he should have told her. She obviously wanted to know if he had a more recent family, and children. He didn't think so, but ther was no need for him to say anything just yet.

"Don't worry yourself about the Priory. They and Sister Magdalene have often received strange visitors in the night. Besides, its not something that you will have to find yourself, by yourself. I will escort you through some special paths that I know of and take you there personally."

Roe got up, "I'll see you shortly," and he was gone. Shortly before midnight he told the two guards that were to be the 'midnight relief' that they needed to check out the east gate. He knew they would be delayed by at least 15 minutes getting back to the dungeon. Roe then dressed up as a guard, with the proper papers, and relieved the two guards with their keys, and waited for them to leave.

As soon as they left he turned around, went to Thea's cell, unlocked it, and said, "Wake up Thea .... we only have 15 minutes ..... come we have to hurry. We're heading to the gates that I've already tricked the relieving guards into going to. It will be the least defended spot and the one they will least expect. We'll get there through the service tunnels .... come!"