**"Here Comes The Bride!"** (Open//Invite)

[Isabella]

Isabella managed, somehow, to keep her laughter to herself. In fact, she had to cover it up with the most serious expression she could muster. Still, it was the best she could do. If she hadn't known Allan was posing as the bride, she would never have guessed that this vision in white was any other than Lady Rosetta herself. As Robin had said earlier, the veil was very thick - which was essential, seeing as Allan had a beard and probably not the will or the means to remove it. Isabella managed to keep statue-still in her seat - she had to do it at church every Sunday, anyway. If the priest noticed someone fidgeting he normally gave them a look that summoned all of Hell to come crashing down upon them at that second, so she was used to restraining herself by now. Even though she did have an itch on her nose. She had to ignore it, and ignore the ridiculousness of Allan in a dress, and ignore the outlaws who were in the church with them, and stare straight ahead of her at the wall, whilst still trying to look interested in the wedding. She was, like all women, a multitasker.

[Robin Hood]

Prince John played with the lace at his shirt cuffs as he half listened to the Bishop droning on about the sanctity of marriage. He started to yawn with boredom then thought better of it. Instead, the Prince looked at his bride. Damn her for wearing such a thick veil. He could hardly see her face. Prince John felt a surge of anger, the colour flowing to his face. Just wait until he got that little cow alone. And he smiled, a fantasy playing through his mind about what he would do to the woman who dared go ahead with this charade of a marriage when they both knew that she had a bye-blow in her belly. PJ's eyes narrowed at the thought of the exquisite torture he would exact on her when she was his wife!

Robin whetted his lips as he anxiously watched the proceedings. It was getting close to the moment where he'd have to stand up. This was their most ambitious escapade to date, and if they managed to pull it off, well it would be more than worthwhile! Then, finally, the Bishop started with the immortal lines......

"Into this holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined. If any man can show just cause, why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter for ever hold his peace."

On cue, Robin stood up and raised his bow so that the feathery flight tickled his cheek. "I object!" the outlaw called out, his voice echoing around the Church. "This wedding cannot continue!"

[Allan A'Dale]

Although he'd been expecting it, he hadn't really been ready. Robin's voice sent a shock up his spine and he stiffened, waiting for John's reaction. He couldn't really blow his cover until he had a decent weapon in his possession, and he couldn't see Much anywhere.

He waited, heart pounding, for the other shoe to drop. He wanted to be ready, for whatever he needed to do.

[Tuck]

Almost exactly on cue Tuck heard Robin's rather cheeky answer to the Bishop's question. From his vantage point Tuck had been able to see Prince John attempting to peer through the veil, obviously to no avail. Tuck watched as various members seated just had their mouths hanging open in shock, while many others stood and turned around to see who had uttered the challenge to prince John's wedding.

Tuck was sure that Allan had heard Robin's challenge, so he would at least know where one of his rescuers would be coming from. Thankfully, several of the people around Tuck were getting agitated .... enough to shield him from the Bishop's view, as well as Prince John's. "I second that objection as well!"

[Robin Hood]

Robin's head moved from side to side, as he kept an eye on the Prince's Guards who were edging towards him. "Stay where you are, or Prince John becomes a pin cushion!" The outlaw warned them. Prince John immediately signalled for his men to stand stock still, and they did, resembling statues. Robin edged forwards to the wedding party by the altar.

"The wedding's off, Prince John," Robin added, wondering where Much was. "The Bride's got cold feet." Prince John threw back his head and laughed out loud, a huge belly laugh that echoed around the church. Several of the congregation tittered nervously. Prince John's head snapped upright as he looked Robin Hood in the eyes. "It doesn't look like she's got cold feet. After all, she's standing right here. Now, if you don't mind, the little woman and I would like to get on with the ceremony." John scowled at the veiled bride. "Isn't that right, my Dear?" he added, raising his voice so she could hear him through that damned thick veil.

Robin smiled his dangerous smile. "I think you might just find that your plans got changed, your Grace." Glancing around the church, he nodded to his outlaw friends. "You see, that isn't Lady Rosetta. And you're just about to make the biggest mistake of your life!"

[Allan A'Dale]

Allan was torn. Still no weapon, save for his secret dagger, and that was barely long enough to even cause more than a scratch. Still, the cat was out of the bag now, and he was willing to bet that John's next move would be to call the guards down upon him, so he ducked his head low and dodged behind the altar. It wasn't going to be a good place to defend himself in for long, but surely one of the lads would come to his aid sooner rather than later.

There weren't that many soldiers near the front of the church, and luckily for now Robin was the centre of their attention. For all they knew, he was just some peasant girl under this dress. Where the hell was his sword? Maybe, if he was crafty, he'd be able to disable the first guard that came for him; nick a blade that way.

[Much]

Much tensed as the words finally came, and Robin stood up. A droplet of sweat trickled down Much's brow, and he started to breath heavily. These guard outfits were boiling, he had no idea how they coped.

His eyes fluttered and his head spinned, but he forced himself awake. He knew it would be time for him to reveal his cover any second. Oh wait, the moment had already passed. With a loud war cry, Much lept forewards, and thrust Allan's sword towards him. He was already cowering behind the alter, and the sword clanged just to the left of him. Much unsheathed his own sword, and chucked off the heavy helmet that was plastered to his head.

He did a crafty roll on the ground, and then stood up so that he was standing next to Robin. He gave him a brisk nodd, and then narrowed his eyes in the Prince before him.

[Allan A'Dale]

A guard came rushing at him and he grabbed his knife, ready to fight dirty if he needed to, when at the last minute the soldier threw a sword to him.

Recovering from his momentary confusion, he realised that it was Much under the helmet and mail. Almost as good a disguise as his own. He grabbed the weapon seconds after it clanged to the floor and stood, keeping his sword pointed outwards towards the congregation, and trying not to feel stupid. At least where he was, at the head of the church, it was going to be hard for people to sneak up on him from behind. He circled the altar a quarter of the way, just in case; trying to keep an eye out for any small doors that the Prince's men could use to get close without them noticing. Churches were full of good places to hide. He knew that better than most.

So what now, he wondered. They had John at sword point, but they only needed to make sure Rosetta didn't kill him. Hopefully Carter and John had her under some modicum of control.

Then again, there were a lot of nobles here, all wearing their Sunday best. Good pickings, definitely. Maybe they shouldn't turn tail straight away.

[Robin Hood]

Prince John rose up to his fullest height. "And just what do you mean by that, you lowlife scum?" the Prince sneered. "Oi! Where're you going?" He added as his "bride" slithered away. John weighed up the options and, coming to the conclusion that things didn't look very good for him, he drew his sword. "So, Robin Hood, what have you done with Rosetta. If you've harmed one hair on her head." The empty threat hung in the air and both the Prince and the Outlaws knew it.

Robin winked at Much then turned back to the Prince. "Oh she's being well cared for, you needn't worry about that. But I'd like to know what you'd be willing to give, Prince John, to get her back?"

John swallowed nervously. It seemed all his careful plans were unravelling and it was all thanks to that cursed outlaw, Robin Hood. The Prince ground his teeth. If he wasn't careful about what he said then he'd lose the favour of the Nobles. And yet it galled him to even think about paying a ransom for that unfaithful wench and the byeblow in her stomach. With a howl, Prince John raised his sword and swung it at Robin.

Robin parried with a sudden deftness, and the swords clashed loudly. Again, the outlaw parried as Prince John continued his onslaught. Then, Robin brought his sword into play and attacked. The force of his onslaught forced the Prince back towards the altar. Prince John fell backwards, sprawling on the steps with his sword held in front of him, his only form of protection against Robin. The Prince reached out with his hand, searching for something he could use to defend himself. When his fingertips touched some sort of cloth, John allowed himself a quick glance at what he was holding. It was the corner of the imposter bride's veil. John gave a malicious smile then yanked at the veil, intending to uncover the imposter.

"No!" Robin shouted, trying to reach PJ in time to stop him.

[Allan A'Dale]

He'd only just recovered his sword and stood when Robin and Prince John began sparring; almost tentatively at first before quickly escalating into an all-out battle. He held back, knowing that their leader could easily fend off the prince's attacks.

Suddenly a furious series of blows from Robin sent John sprawling almost at Allan's feet. A hand shot out and grabbed at his dangling veil as it swept about his knees. He wasn't sure who was responsible for this ridiculously over-the-top ensemble, but he wasn't impressed.

Grabbing for John's wrist with his free arm in an attempt to prevent his unveiling, the little finger of his right hand snagged a loop of lace.

(Ooc - that's right folks, Allan's left-handed. Deal with it. LOL)


He cried out in pain as it twisted painfully and jerked it back. No real damage done to him, but it was too late for his modesty. The heavy white cloth was ripped unceremoniously from his head, revealing his identity to the entire church.

He kept his sword pointing at the prince - he was no fool - but backed away, not particularly wanting his face on a poster offering a juicy reward.

At least he could see now, he thought to himself.

Sidestepping, he maneuvered around the prostrate royal until he stood back to back with Robin. Classic fighting technique; both backs covered. They were going to need every advantage they had to get out of this in one piece.

"Don't make any false moves," he warned the congregation in general; "if everyone stays nice and calm then this'll be over with the minimum amount of heartache for all of us. If the ladies could start removing their jewellery now, it'd save a bit of time an' all"

Out of the corner of his mouth he murmured to Robin:

"Well, I hope that John's got a bad memory for faces, that's all I'm saying."

[Tuck]

Tuck listened and watched the exchange between Robin and Prince John. He quickly moved to his left and drew the bow that had been hanging over his shoulder underneath his cloak. He had an excellent view of Robin, Much, and bride Allan. Still, he moved to a clear place to his left. "My dear Prince, as well as Bishop, I think you will find that this is that rare wedding that is being annulled before it even occurs. How many of your nobles have even seen 'her', let alone approved of her, and I'm really not sure that this will fit under the category of church-sanctioned, my dear Bishop. And, besides, Prince John, if you make one more move toward 'unveiling' before the ceremony is concluded, I will have to plant this arrow through you in defense of the sanctity of marriage, my blessed Prince."

Almost simultaneously, Tuck saw that the veil was ripped unceremoniously away. "Ah well .... too late I see for modesty and the sanctity of marriage, but you still make an excellent target, and if you do not allow yonder gentleman to withdraw at their own leisure, with whatever trinkets they desire I will have to make you more than a target." And Tuck hope that his delaying tactics would allow some additional help to arrive and/or their convenient escape.

[Isabella]

Isabella watched on as events began to unfold around her. She had known that this whole scheme was crazy right from the moment Robin had told her about it, but what was happening now was unpresidented insanity. No-one, not even Robin himself, could have guessed it would come to this. Honestly, you couldn't write this stuff. First came the abrupt end to the wedding ceremony, which shocked the church into a stunned silence. Then there was the outlaws' surprise appearance, backing up Robin's claims. Next came Robin and Prince John's fight, and the anticipation as to who would lose, if blood would be spilled inside a holy place. Finally, the real shocker, the discovery of the "bride's" identity. A ripple of gasps went round the church.
Isabella joined in, so as not to bring herself any unwanted suspicion, though she doubted that there was a single person in the room who was not staring open mouthed at the bearded man wearing a bridal dress, sword in hand. He even had the nerve to demand the nobles' jewellery. As far as she knew, this was not planned to be a heist, but it seemed like Allan was taking the situation as it came. He certainly still had the attention of the audience, and although this was a serious predicament with lives at stake, she could not help but think how completely ridiculous he looked. She doubted that he'd ever live up to this. But he did have a sword, and all around her people were starting to remove their jewellery, so Isabella followed suit. First, the pearl earrings, then the gold-plated necklace, and finally the ring on the fourth finger of her left hand. She did not regret losing that.

[Robin Hood]

Robin leaned towards the Prince as he cowered beside the altar, Allan's veil on the ground beside him. The poor man looked like he was about to suffer an apolexy. "But....but..." Prince John mouthed. "Impossible! Unbelievable! By God, you'll pay for this, you villain!" The Prince glared at Robin, who just smiled and leaned closer. "Not before you do, Prince." The outlaw whispered. "Now I think we can both imagine the fate you had in store for Rosetta so lets say you've both got off lightly. Make no attempt to find her and we'll call it quits shall we?" Robin took a step back although the tip of his sword hovered over Prince John's throat. The Prince whimpered then nodded. Robin gave the Prince a small bow then started to back away slowly.

"Got all you need?" He asked Allan, who was performing his own church collection. Watching as the nobles passed over their jewellery, Robin eyed Isabella but didn't react although his heart did a flip. He could see that she had removed her jewels and was ready to hand them over. Robin bit his lip. Later, he would make sure they were returned to her intact. "My Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen, we thank you for your kind donations to the poor. Rest assured, they will be used well. Now if you will kindly remain in your seats while we take our leave, I would be grateful." Turning back to Prince John and the Bishop, Robin gave a flourishing bow then, sword raised, made his retreat, keeping his guard up. With a jerk of his head, Robin indicated for the outlaws to follow suit.

[Allan A'Dale]

Allan made his way hastily around the church, grabbing as much as he could whilst still trying to stick to the expensive-looking stuff. There was no way he'd be able to carry it all.

When he passed Isabella he tipped her a quick wink, pushing most of the offered stuff back to her. He supposed she wouldn't really her wedding band though, so he took that; just so as not to look suspicious, of course.

Robin was motioning for them to make their exit, so regretfully he left the nobles to their remaining jewellery and hurried to the door.

[Tuck]

Tuck kept his eye on Robin, as well as Prince John, for the entirety of the operation. He understood that as long as his bow was trained on the Prince that there was little chance that anyone would interfere with their work. Finally, Robin uttered his good-byes to the Prince and the Bishop and Robin motioned for them to begin their withdrawal. Tuck noticed how disappointed the look on Allan's face was, having to give up some of the potential haul of treasure that they were missing, and smiled at Allan's frustration. The thing that nagged at Tuck was where Sir Guy and the Sheriff and the rest of the guards during all of this. If they were waiting to spring a trap on the outlaws Tuck hoped that Roe could upset their plans. Slowly and carefully Tuck moved toward the exit, keeping his bow trained in the Prince's direction, and keeping a close watch on the crowd, saying to Allan, "a good haul .... looks to be a healthy dowry, eh?"