Arrival ~open~ VIII

[Anni]

Djaq listened as they started planning. She was feeling better as she heard the ideas. There was rarely a time they didn't escape, though they had come close to being caught. She was nervous about Marian's idea on distracting Guy, but Marian could handle herself. She had fought against Guy before, though masked, and Robin would need most of them for freeing Will.

When Allan mentioned carting Will out, she realized that he may not be in any condition to fight, or walk if it was worse. "I am sure they must cart out the dead, but by that point won't our cover be broke?" They would probably have to fight their way out. Someone would have to assist Will while the rest fought. "Maybe Luke can take care that Will gets out safely," she said, turning to the younger Scarlett. She guessed he would want to fight, because if he had anything like his brother, it would be anger.

[Kate Miller]

(OOC - I've got workth soon, so I gathered I would post now and then you guys can all post then I shall return hopefully by 11-11:30!)

Kate sat back and watched them go. If this was what an average day was like for them, she didn't envy it. In fact, she'd rather be the poor peasant of a girl that she was than have the risk of her life on the line continually every day. Looking between Allan and the rest of the gang, she turned to Luke on that suggestion.

"It's gunna take more than Luke to carry Will out of the Castle. I know he's not exactly the biggest of blokes, but I doubt many of you guys could carry him. Not that I mean to be negative, but d'you really think he'll be up for walking?" she mentioned, she knew they were used to this sort of thing, rescue missions. But this was one of their men, Gisborne would know that, he wouldn't go lightly.

She knew Will was a strong man, she knew he'd put up a fight. But it still worried her that one of her best friends was in danger of losing his life. Again. She hoped beyond hope that they would make it in time to get him out. Alive.

"I mean, yeah, Luke's perfectly capable, but I doubt he's ever been in the castle, apart from the day he left for Scarborough. Can you honestly tell me Luke that you'd know where you were going?" She deterred from saying 'The day he was to hung' due to earlier in the day and the upset it had cause. She didn't want to mention either why he had last left back for Scarborough as well.

"And another thing," she was going to scar or annoying or make Luke upset and annoy the gang most likely, they were all being far to positive for her liking, "What if you are too late?"

[robin]

Hearing Marian's plan both sounded like a good idea but it would also put her in danger at the same time. "Get what you need and get out as soon as you can" Robin said looking at her as if saying with his eyes "just be careful". "Allan's right, it will take more then Marian making noise to bring him out" scratching at the back of his head he tried to think. Smiling a thought came to his head "Djaq, how fast can you make some black powder?" he said with a raised brow while looking at the Saracen woman. With what Robin had planned they would only need a little. Not enough to cause any real harm to anyone just enough to cause the attention that they needed.

"What if you are too late?""We can't think like that, Will's strong he'll hold on till we get him out" Robin said shifting his glance over to the younger Scarlett boy. They had already lost their parents because of the Sheriff. Robin wasn't going to sit back and let Luke become not only a orphan but a only child.

[Luke Scarlett]

Somehow Luke had managed to get caught up on the plan so far without drawing attention to the fact that he'd left the room for part of it. Steal guard uniforms, go in the back way, bribe the guard, make a diversion and get Will. Well it was a start anyway. Luke was pleased by the fact that nobody seemed to be suggesting he had to stay behind with Allan and Kate, nothing could have kept him away at this point.

Marian suggested she could be the distraction while she was getting something from her old room and Luke frowned. The whole gang seemed to suffer from some reckless desire to run off on their own and get killed for the sake of everyone else. First Will, now Marian. Thankfully Allan pointed out that it would be practically impossible for her to draw Guy all the way up from the dungeons and Robin agreed telling her to get what she needed as quickly and quietly as possible.

”What's black powder?” Luke asked, interrupting for the first time because he was curious. He'd never heard of it and if whatever it was was strong enough to cause a distraction to Guy, well then he wanted to know all about it. He was distracted from his question as a cold knot formed in his stomach. Carry Will out in a body bag? He glowered at Allan even as the man hastily explained that Will wouldn't be dead, only pretending. Luke much preferred Djaq's idea of him helping his brother while the rest of them fought. He was sure he could stay out of trouble long enough to do that while they escaped.

His face paled as Kate implied that Will might not be able to walk. Would Gisborne really do that much damage? His fingers trembled slightly as he began to imagine what kind of torture the noble could be putting his brother through. It made him fidget in his seat. What were they doing sitting around planning when somebody was hurting Will? He did have to admit, though, that he didn't know his way around the castle. The one and only time he'd been inside the great stone walls was when the Sheriff had been about to hang him. Needless to say the old tyrant hadn't given him a grand tour.

”If Will's hurt I probably will need some help.” He said, voice shakey. He looked to Djaq, hoping she would volunteer. She knew the most about medicine and healing. The next thing Kate said was like a punch to the gut. ”Too late...” He echoed barely audible as Robin intervened angrily. Luke's hand went to clutch at the axe hanging at his side, as though if he could hold on to it he could somehow get some reassurance.

”Will's not-! He can't be!” Luke stood, voice high pitched as a kind of hysterical panic seemed to settle over him. He couldn't bring himself to even say that his brother might be dead. The tears, that had been building up since Will's capture, welled up in his eyes and spilled down his cheeks. ”I should never have come back.” He sobbed, raising an arm to wipe at his damp cheeks. ”This is all my fault!” It was like he was cursed. First his mother had died trying to make sure they got enough food. Then his father had been murdered by the Sheriff. And now Will was going to die too, because of Luke.

[Anni]

"I can help Luke with Will," she said, looking over at Luke. Her eyes were glistening a bit as she held back tears at the thought of being too late. Guy wouldn't kill Will, would he? He did almost kill Marian, but that was personal. She then stood up, as she had been kneeling by Allan to attend his foot earlier. She then turned her attention to Robin, who had asked her a question.

"I should have it ready by the time we need it." Djaq quickly went through a list in her mind to make sure she had the ingredients and time. But she could make black powder in her sleep now. Robin had needed it so often that it was almost her specialty, next to medicine. She then noticed Luke getting hysterical and Djaq went over to him and put her arm around his shoulders.

"Shh, Will will be alright,' she said in a calm voice. "We will make sure he is. I promise," she added. If Will was to be killed, wouldn't the Sheriff do it through a public hanging to humiliate and hurt Robin Hood? That is what he had done in the past and the Sheriff didn't seem to change his policies much. Djaq then looked at Robin, her eyes telling him that they had to save Will, no matter what. Luke's sanity was probably on the line now as well.

[Allan A Dale]

"Well I was kind of thinking maybe, being in uniform, they might just think you're going about your business," Allan explained. It had happened before.

Allan shrugged. He wasn't going to explain black powder - as far as he was concerned, it was too much like witchcraft to make him comfortable. But then he wouldn't be using it, so it didn't really matter. Though his interest was caught; hadn't the book with the recipe for black powder been burnt? How did they know how to make it, then? He'd have to ask at some point, later.

Allan scowled a little as Luke started crying. How old was the lad? He wasn't acting his age, that's for sure. He had to deal with the reality - he could lose his brother. He could be too late. They probably wouldn't be, and he damn well hoped the others would get to him before anything too bad could happen, but it was a fact of life - sometimes people screwed up.

He told that practical part of himself to shut up, and then wondered if perhaps he didn't tell himself to shut up too much. Surely it was a sign of insanity...?

Nevertheless, although Allan had said that Will was protecting Luke, that wasn't quite what he'd meant.

"It's not your fault," he muttered, still wanting to punch him, or at least slap him. That's how his family had resolved most things, anyway. "It's Will's bloody fault for being such an idiot. He had to go save the day, and now Robin's gotta go do the same thing." He grinned. It was a perpetual cycle. "Besides, I think he's more than happy to have you back, mate. Just a bit miffed under the circumstances."

(OOC: I kinda lost the gist of what I was saying, XD. Sorry! Also, yes, my family is that odd. It's never a hard punch, more play fighting like Will and Allan did earlier, but that's how we resolve things~ It usually works too!)

[Kate Miller]

Kate felt immensely guilty. Luke was crying and by the looks of it not many of the Outlaws were impressed. Well sod the lot of them. His brother was in serious danger and he could lose him! How would they feel if that was the case? She knew that her Lady and Robin had both lost their parents. As had Luke. But they had each other. If Luke lost Will he would have nobody. He'd have his Auntie Annie, but nobody else. The thought of it brought tears to her eyes, she'd just gotten her best friend back and now she might lose him for good. If there was no Will why else would he want to be there? Certainly wouldn't stay for her.

She sat up properly and reached out her hand and took his in her own. Running her thumb gently over the back of his hand. She knew there were no real words to express what it was he must have been feeling right in that moment, and no real words that she could say to comfort him. But she wanted him to know that she was there for him no matter what. She loved him as a brother, as she did Will. Losing either of them would kill her.

He was shaking slightly with his tears, and fear tit seemed to her, but she kept a tight hold of his cold hand. Her mind raced so violently it hurt. Her heart pumping quickly in her chest. This was all a little too surreal for her liking. That morning she had been a simple peasant girl-seamstress from Knighton. Now she was Kate: Outlaw Collaborator. If only her father knew. She was sure the man was deaf. Surely he would have heard the commotion, but alas the man had not. Stupid idiot.

Her small hand grew colder in that of Luke Scarlett. But she would not move it. He needed her more than he would ever say, she knew that. Silent as ever the boy. The boy she had known since she was four years old. Now the young man she admired for so much. He'd been to hell and back countless times, and now he was experiencing it again.

They had to get Will back. Alive. Soon.

[marian]

So this was what it felt like. What it really meant to be in Robin's gang. She had to admit that even though she was still furious with him, she admired his will and courage to help others. She knew, by the way he always acts when Marian could be in danger, that letting her go off and be such a massive part in the plan, and to be facing Guy, who at the swish of a sword, could have her lying in a pool of her own blood, was also what made him so courageous. Perhaps he was finally understanding that they were in this together, just as they had always maintained. She knew for a fact he wasn't happy about it, but there was little arguement coming from him and this she was grateful for.

"I wouldn't be that long." She said finally humbly looking at Robin in the first time in what seemed like an hour, and she hoped she looked reassuring. "Would I be able to have some of that powder? I may need it if Guy gets..." She struggled to find the words without her voice quivering at the thought "...out of hand."

The cold silence was broken by Lukes tears as they flowed down his cheeks, she wanted to comfort to comfort him, the womanly maternal instinct kicking in, but Kate was there, squeezing his hand.
Something about those two... she noticed, reminded her of herself and Robin when they were children. Not that Robin would ever have been caught cryng, exposing his emotions was never something he would do freely. But just the way their eyes met, and parted- the care in those eyes...
Marian realised she was getting lost in nostalgia, and this wasn't the time.

"We'd better get going then!" she said, trying to get everyone into action. "The sooner we're in, the sooner we'll be out!"

[robin]

"Black Powder is something that will give us the noise that we need" Robin said with a cheeky smile forming but it slowly went away once Luke had his out burst. "Luke cal--" he cut himself off watching as Kate walked over to him. Seeing that Luke seemed to calm down slightly because of Kate he couldn't help but smile. His eyes drifted towards Marian remember something when they were both younger.

She would be the only voice of reason he would listen to if he was ever angry or upset. After his father died he took it rather hard even Much couldn't really talk to him after his father passed away. But Marian always could break through his barriers and make his mood shift ever so lightly. It was something he would always remember about his childhood. Having Marian around was like having his conscience telling him what was wrong from right, good from bad.

"Allan's right Luke, Will is happy that you came back to Nottingham. Since you left Will has been pretty quiet" though Robin knew that it was more then Luke being gone. Allan had betrayed the gang and joined Guy. Even though Will never said much about it after Allan was banished. Robin knew that Allan and Will were more then good friends they were boyfriends best friends. So Robin just assumed Will was quiet because he felt his trust was broken with Allan.

[Kate Miller]

(OOC - *snork Ash I love you!*

[Luke Scarlett]

Luke felt Djaq slip an arm round his shoulder and he sniffed loudly, trying to get his tears under control. If he carried on crying like this Robin would be sure to change his mind about bringing him along on the rescue mission. How could the outlaw rely on someone who couldn't even control their own emotions? He drew in a great hiccuping breath and shot a watery smile of thanks at Djaq for her comforting words. Everyone was being so nice to him, putting up with his outbursts.

Except Allan. The man looked a bit annoyed with Luke and when he muttered reassurances they weren't particularly convincing. Besides he wasn't quite ready to hear that it was all Will's fault. As far as he was concerned his brother could do no wrong. He was still too upset to be angry with Allan though, and besides Kate was holding his hand, her warm fingers closing around his cold ones.

Luke looked down at her, his face wet with tears and every breath coming in shuddering gasps as he desperately attempted to stop crying. Kate was there for him, she understood what he was going through. She'd known Will for almost as long as Luke had lived, he was as much a brother to her as he was to Luke. ”Kate...” He said, his voice small and miserable. He tugged on her arm, pulling her up from her seat and into a tight hug.

”Kate, I'm sorry.” He mumbled, knowing he was getting tears on her dress. ”I just can't lose anyone else.” Luke knew he sounded pathetic, but he couldn't pretend to be strong like Will. He would always be the little brother, second best to the strength and finesse of the elder Scarlett boy.

He stood for a moment in her embrace then pulled away, feeling foolish. Everyone would be getting the wrong idea about him and Kate and he blushed at the thought. Stepping back he wiped at his eyes and nose before he addressed the other outlaws his face shifting into a determined expression. ”I'm sorry everyone. You can count on me to help. I won't cry again.” He mumbled the last words sheepishly, already feeling embarrassed for breaking down so publicly.

(OOC – Also, way to hint Ash! <3 *smirk*)

[Anni]

"Ok, we need to get back to camp of you want that black powder," Djaq said, looking at the gang. "The longer we stay here, the longer we risk Will's injuries and us being found out." Djaq was eager to leave and to save Will, but they had to get back to camp first. They would probably need horses as well for a quick escape.

"Allan, you should stay here, if that is alright with you Kate," she said looking over at the Miller's daughter to make sure it was alright with her. Guessing the way Kate and Allan had been interacting, she wouldn't mind.

[Allan A Dale]

Allan shrugged. He didn't mind either way. He could go back to camp and worry there, or stay here and worry whilst he tried it on with the peasant girl. Hey, it couldn't hurt!

Or maybe it could, he thought to himself as he watched the interaction between Kate and Luke. Why is it whenever I find a girl I could possibly like, a bloody Scarlett comes along and fancies her too? he asked God, Allah, whoever could answer the question. He was becoming slightly more grumpy with the lad as time passed, and by this point just wanted everyone out so he could at least wonder if Will was dead yet or not in peace.

He sighed internally. He wanted to comfort the kid, really he did, but anything he was saying was just upsetting him more, so he decided to keep his mouth shut this time. No point making him cry again; he might need the tears later. Allan didn't want Will to be dead - anything but, they'd only just got their relationship back in some kind of balance - but he'd been through too much in his life to put too much trust in what he wanted.

Hope for the best, plan for the worst. A motto he lived by, and one that had caused him both a lot of grief and also saved him from it.

"Yeah, ok," he eventually shoved out, feeling he should at least make some effort to reply verbally, just to be polite. "Could help out or something?" he offered to Kate, feeling a little guilty that he wouldn't be doing anything except... well, hiding.

He fought the urge to roll his eyes as Luke said he wouldn't have another outburst. Of course he would, he was just a kid, at the end of the day, and these things happened. Allan didn't have much family left, either (at least, no family who would be pleased to see him, or wouldn't try to kill him when he finally did see them again), and realised, too little and too late as usual, that perhaps he was being needlessly harsh on Luke to make up for the times he'd disappointed himself. Perhaps he ought to let up a little...

It didn't really matter anyway, he mused, as they were leaving soon anyway. They did need to get going, and quickly.

"Don't forget to nab some uniforms on your way," he reminded them, amused by Djaq's eagerness, but it also made him more concerned. "You'll need them to get in that door, 'cause if you try just like you are, he'll try and kill you. He'll fail, probably, but the last thing we need is someone stumbling onto the end of a sword."

[Kate Miller]

As Luke pulled her from her seat, she happily obliged. Wrapping her arms around him so tightly. Resting her head against his shoulder. Squeezing her eyes tightly shut to stop the tear from falling. She didn't want to lose him for good. She worried. One final squeeze before he pulled away, and she sniffed, keeping her emotions at bay. "You make sure you come back in one piece, okay?" she ordered, coughing away her tears. Clearing her throat and giving his hand one last squeeze.

Kate nodded at Djaq and Robin, Allan was more than welcome to stay. Making sure her father found out he was an outlaw would be her main problem. But not hard to over come. "I'm sure I can find something for you to do to... amuse yourself," she said with another final sniff at her tears, and walking silently into the changing room Marian had used earlier. She could gather random things and cloth she could get Allan to help her with. It also gave the outlaws one final chance to leave her home, talking of things they didn't really want to discuss with her there.

[marian]

Marian shifted on her feet, they had a plan now couldn't they just go?. She resisted the urge to say this outloud, but she was still compassionate in her bad mood, and it wasn't her style to be insensitive... usually.

She gave Kate and Luke both a sympathetic smile. She wanted to be empathetic, but they needed to get going- the guards would soon be dispersing, and it would be harder to find enough of them to rob their armour, and more importantly (knowing Gisborne), Will would most likey be straped to a post being tortured right this very second, so they needed to hurry up.

The thought made Marian reach out and tug at Robin's sleeve, making her expression urgent, "Let's go." she said, seriously.
And as she turned towards the door to leave she shot an awkward smile at Allan and warned "Stay away from any windows... we don't want to be having to rescue you aswel." She turned again and opened the door as slowly and quietly as she could, she had lost her hood up the embankment after all and wanted to keep her head low as she peered out into the market square, marking every guard she saw.