Are you watching closely? (Guy)

[quinn]

Overlooking the courtyard was one open corridor. It had always had a cooling breeze, and in the rain the chances were you were going to get damp walking through this particular corridor. It was why the person leaning on the wall and looking out on the courtyard loved this particular place the most. It was easy to imagine children running down this corridor during a storm trying to avoid getting wet, or in the sumer having women standing looking out on the comings and goings in the courtyard.

At that very moment though, it was just Quinn, staring out at the gallows. No one was being hung, and it was empty, just the threatening frame, looming over all the people who passed by. It served as a constant reminder of the heavy hand that ruled these lands, keeping law and order as top priority. Too many townsfolk were becoming unruly and far too many outlaws were getting to big for their boots. It needed a stern hand and a solid example. That would save for another time, the town was quiet and nothing was going on.

It was days like this when Quinn became most restless. In his hand was a silver coin, sub consciously he was passing it between his fingers. It was a child's trick, one that made them believe magic was possible as the coin would disappear, and upon reaching behind their ears it would reappear. Children were a soft spot for the Scot, they always reminded him of his baby sister, and she loved simple tricks and illusions he performed for her.

That was a lifetime ago, or so it seemed. Right now he was working, but not working, the disadvantage to a slow day. Even the castle seemed to be quiet. Or perhaps he was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Maybe there was something brewing on the other side of town. Even if there was someone could fetch him if need be, he was enjoying watching the world go by in the sun. And as he had no standing orders, he intended to stay there until otherwise instructed or interrupted.

[gissy]

Guy stalked along the corridor in a foul temper. He’d let another of Sebastian Mannering´s quips get to him – not one he’d actually heard from the man himself this time, just castle gossip, and therefore he hadn’t been able to relieve his anger in an exchange of insults or blows. It was probably slightly safer that it had happened this way if you were Guy of Gisborne or Sebastian Mannering, but if you were anyone else you were probably wishing they’d finished each other off and were avoiding the former in case he decided to finish you off instead.

Thankfully for most, Guy had chosen a route not widely populated that took him into the corridors overlooking the gallows. It was there that he saw the figure leaning out, a figure he didn’t recognise but he realised who it was instantly. The Sheriff had informed him earlier that Prince John was sending a man to ´keep an eye on things´, and there was no doubt that this was him. He wasn’t dressed over-ostentatiously, but he was clearly more that one of the castle guards – little more than farmboys stuffed in uniforms and given pikes instead of pitchforks. And there was the way the man held himself, a little more sure of himself, a little more commanding than Guy felt comfortable wit. Still, he’d have to be polite, just in case it was him that was being kept an eye on.

A little unsure of how to proceed, Guy started again from the place he’d stopped to collect his thoughts at a much more leisurely pace than before. He didn’t quite know how to address the newcomer – was he titled? What form of greeting would be most appropriate? Normally Guy wouldn’t worry about such things, but the last time one of Prince John’s men got involved in Notting ham, it was nearly razed to the ground. Eventually he decided just to laugh into conversation, skip the whole introductions thing. And if he said the right thing, it might show the Prince’s man just who ran the show around these parts.

“I can assure you,” He said, leaning on the same balustrade as the stranger and looking out into the courtyard “The gallows are much more interesting when they are doing what they were built for.”

[quinn]

"I'm sure it is. But doesn't look like anyone's committed any crimes. How often are they used?" For a while the Scot stared at the wooden structure in the foreground. From what he heard there were a lot of hangings and most of them were for petty squabbles. Still some were justified. "Doesn't seem to be helping your outlaw problem though." With that he turned to reveal a smile. Quinn was one to tease or wind people up, but he didn't want to put the other fellow's hackles up just yet. Not until he knew him. "The name is Quinn McCulloch. And I am talking to?" The accent cut through every word and he tried to be approachable as possible.

From his assumptions this was probably one of the Sheriff's men. And in fairness he didn't seem to be in the best of moods. But then again with Robin Hood back from the Holy Lands, there was a lot to be anxious about. Still, life had to go on and invariably it did without too many glitches.

[gissy]

Guy bristled at the insinuation that he arrested people with out cause. So perhaps it was him that was being kept an eye on, then. “As often as needed” He replied evenly, keeping his temper in check. It wasn’t as if he arrested people who didn’t deserve it. Granted, punishments were stronger than they had been in the past, but desperate times called for desperate measures, and how else was he supposed to get his peasants to respect him? He wasn’t here to have his people love and praise him like Saint Hood, here was there to get a job done, the best way he knew how.

As if thinking of the outlaw called him into the conversation, the newcomers next comment was about ‘outlaws’, but there was no mistaking which one he meant. Guy forced himself not to snap, he couldn’t afford to get on this man’s bad side “We are taking care of the matter” He said through gritted teeth. That taunting smile would start getting to him pretty soon, it was far to reminiscent of someone else.

Guy felt a little bit more in control, however, when the stranger introduced himself. No title. That put him on slightly firmer ground. So this man was just an oily rag. A well dressed oily rag, but he wouldn’t expect anything less from an emissary of Prince John’s. Still, the man was clearly aware of the power he held, even if it was just because of who his boss was “Guy of Gisborne” He responded, with a curt nod “Sir Guy of Gisborne”

[quinn]

"I'm not doubting those being hung were innocent. You keep this place running from what I hear and the people in check. It's a fine job." Whether it was true or not, Quinn neither knew nor cared. What he was doing was testing the water, seeing what Guy was like, whether he could be trusted to get any job done properly and also at how big his ego was. Sometimes hot heads with huge egos couldn't always be trusted, unless they knew how to keep themselves in check.

"I don't doubt you will." Robin was cocky and sure to slip up once. It was evident Guy would love that day when it came. " The Scot knew he hit a nerve, which was good, the man had weaknesses, clearly he'd been shown up a couple of times. That'd be useful to bring up if Guy needed bringing down a peg or two.

Quinn noticed the title, and how it was dropped in. But titles were fickle things, they came and went on how good a job was. Which was the power this Scot had here. "Well Sir Guy of Gisbourne. How have things in the shire been?" And he wanted as much information as possible. If it came down to it, these two may have to work together and it was no good having too much hostility.

[gissy]

Guy raised his eyebrow at Quinn’s comment. The idea of the man having heard about him already unnerved him, though he tried his best not to show it. He’d have to make sure in future that he kept important things closely guarded, it wouldn’t do for Quinn to “hear” about too much else. “I do what needs to be done.” He said, trying to remain impassive. He didn’t want to give too much away, about himself or anything else, before he knew what was really going on.

Guy had to keep his face a mask at what Quinn said next, as well - that was the second time the Prince’s man had mentioned doubt, and there were too many double negatives in the mans sentences than Guy was comfortable with. We was going to have to watch what he said carefully - he was sure that at any moment Quinn might try and use words to trip him up, if he hadn’t already. “Oh, I will” Guy said, failing to keep a little snarl out of his voice. Thoughts of the outlaw always wound him up, but he’d have to bite back his temper if he wanted to survive with this newcomer around.

However, after that, Quinn seemed amiable enough. Asking about Nottingham was a perfectly innocent thing to do, although that in itself set Guy on edge. He’d have to be careful what he revealed, and not let his guard down, but he needed to give the illusion of being cooperative. “Things are much the same as always. We like to keep everything in order.” He gave a curt smile at that. Perhaps it hadn’t been the right thing to say, but Guy was getting wound up and he didn’t like the insinuations this man was making. He tightened one leather gloved hand on the balustrade he was holding, and tried to keep his anger in check. He was going to have to try a lot harder to be civil from now on.

[quinn]

Quinn watched as Guy became more guarded and how he spoke less. It was amusing. Winding people up and watching them squirm was always a thrill and fun. "I'm sure you do and will continue to." Yes, Guy was definitely a quiet man, probably trying to work out where he stood with the stranger. And the more awkward Quinn could make it the better. It was helpful to see how people worked under pressure and stress, whether they cracked or could hold the pace.

"Well so far he's eluded you, but I am aware you're not getting much support." It was a sneaky way to go about it, find a nerve and press until something was screamed out. Well that was the theory at least. Maybe Guy could be an alliance, or a liability, it made no matter either way. It was good to have information whether from a co-operating source or not. Just made it easy if they trusted or at least knew each other.

"Much the same as always? I'm not from down here, you'll have to make it more clear." Same as always was far too vague and he needed more information than just that. The Scot wasn't really sure if he was getting to Guy, it'd become apparent sooner or later. nd on the bright side he certainly wasn't that weevil called Sebastian Mannering, that guy was more annoying, small and squirmy than Quinn, and didn't do nearly enough work.

[gissy]

Guy thought carefully about how he planned to act around Quinn, and what to say. A moment ago the man had been all doubts, now he seemed to be full of assurances. Guy was sure that he was up to something, some clever mind trick to have him saying exactly what he didn’t want to say, and he wasn’t going to fall for it. He decided to let the apparently complement slide - he didn’t know what Quinn was looking for, and as long as he didn’t say anything, he couldn’t incriminate himself.

Quinn’s apparent awareness of the uncooperativeness of the local peasants did little to put Guy’s mind at rest. Evidently the man had been snooping around even more than he’d thought - he really was going to have to watch where he stepped. “Hood is branded as a hero by people here, who have little idea of how the country works and so are unable to see the bigger picture. It is inevitable that the ignorant will flock to those who offer them plenty without having to consider the consequences” his gloved hand was still tight on the balustrade but he kept his voice measured, it wouldn’t do to show how much Robin got to him, not if he wanted to stay ahead in this game.

What most surmised him though, was Quinn’s response to his news report from Nottingham. Of course, he’d been vague, and the man had picked up on that, but the Prince’s man hadn’t been to the Shire before. That was useful to know, and in a small way gave Guy the upper hand. If there were things Quinn was unfamiliar with, Guy cloud use that to his advantage. But for the moment, he kept his face as straight as he could and replied simply with “I’m sorry, from what you said I presumed you’d been here before” There was slight gleeful contempt in his voice, but he tried to play it down. It wouldn’t do to have this newcomer know that Guy was already beginning to dislike him.

[quinn]

Quinn was smug, inwardly in delight. It was all down to his contradictory nature, and how he acted around others. Most people just called him a thug, especially a certain small person by the name of Sebastian. But Quinn was smart, there was intelligence there and if he needed to confuse soemone or make them feel uneasy without violence, he could manage it. That wasn't to say the same trick wouldn't work on him. The Scot was by no means very smart, those of a learned background easily irritated him and got him very confused and frustrated. Still at this moment, he felt he had the upper ground and hoped he could maintain that. For now at least, he had to gain some information to relate to Prince John.

"Yes." He nodded, keeping a straight face though he did want to smile and laugh. "All I'll say is, everyone loves a hero and heroes never die. Even when they're dead and buried." Quinn half wondered if it ever occured to those fools, in Nottingham, trying to rid themselves of Hood, to make a new hero, better than Robin, more reliable than the outlaw. But obviously not. What Quinn did have to find out was the plot the Prince had told him about, the one to take Hood down. So far he hadn't heard a whisper, and all the Scot had to do was watch and listen to what was said. There was no way he was going to get involved. If it went wrong and got messy, well Quinn didn't want that slur on his name.

Quinn turned to look at Guy more face forward, leaning against the smaller wall of the corridor, no longer interested by the crowd. "This is my first time here. Just getting used to the place." Quinn's situational awareness was easily graded. Nil. He had none. Unless he was beating someone, he generally was oblivious to everything. And his sense of direction, also pretty much non-existant. So even if he had wanted to come here before, the Scot either would've got lost trying to locate Nottingham, or have ridden straight through not realising he'd arrived. "I've yet to have a guided tour." The Scottish accent took on a rather sarcastic tone. As yet Quinn hadn't decided whether he liked or disliked Guy, it never seemed crucial to make friends. Everyone came under the mutual category of 'tit.' Unless of course that person was Prince John, then he went under the category of 'Royal tit' even though the Scot was unquestionably loyal to him.

[gissy]

Guy stiffed a little at Quinn’s apparent advice. Everyone loves a hero? Was that some sort of slight? Guy wasn’t exactly most peoples idea of a hero, especially not the general public of Nottingham, and he doubted they’d try and keep his name alive after his death. Still, Quinn had no right to start making such insinuation. Guy’s eyes narrowed, trying to read the man. He wanted to lash out, or at least come back with a cutting reply, but he couldn’t, not with what was at stake. It was entirely possible the Prince’s man was just testing him, trying to provoke a reaction, but it was essential he stayed as calm as he could.

Tearing his eyes from the other man so as not to give anything away, Guy turned his head to look out over the gallows again. In his minds eye he saw Hood standing there, about to be hung, and am small, involuntary smile tugged at the corner of his lips. Even if Quinn did seem to have his doubts about Guy’s ability to catch the outlaw, after what had happened in the Holy Land, he wouldn’t rest until his mental picture became a reality. And then, maybe he and Marian-

Guy’s reverie was cut short when Quinn started talking to him, and Guy added that to the list of reasons he could dislike the man for - and now Quinn had turned his attention away from the courtyard and was looking at him, so he had no choice but to do the same, if he wanted to stay safe. “I hope you find your stay in Nottingham to be a worthwhile one” Guy said diplomatically, ignoring the Scott’s sarcasm and keeping his face a mask. He was aware he was contributing less and less to the conversation, but he didn’t trust himself to speak much more without letting something slip.