Summery: Elaine Walker hasn't trusted easily since the betrayal of Tom A-dale, what happens when she finds herself tied to a tree, robbed of her possessions and in the company of Allan A-dale. This could only mean trouble.

Season 1: Sheriff got your tongue – 1x02: How to tame an outlaw

My legs ached as I trampled through the forest, my pockets loaded with the money I had stolen at today's hanging in Nottingham from peasants who stared excitedly up at the entertainment of the day. Hangings. It made me sick, I would and will never agree to hanging, especially for a crime that didn't fit the punishment

I also knew it was wrong to steal from peasants, believe me, I know, but when you're living on the rough side, no money, no home, no family to go back to when you've had a bad day it's the only way I know how to survive.

Sherwood forest was my quick route towards Clun where, for the night, I would sleep at a good friends house before moving back to Nottingham where I would perform my usual tricks. This was how I lived and I quite liked it that way

"You're making a mistake" A voice called as I walked into a clearing minding my own business, where I noticed three men were tied against trees, I suddenly stopped in my tracks debating whether to help the poor men or continue on with my journey (quietly… without their captors taking notice, obviously)

I almost turned around and walked in the other direction. Almost.

"What? You gonna to send an army to hunt us down, tear us limb from limb?" One of their captors announced "You think we frightened of the sheriff? We frightened?"

"No" a tall scruffy man sharply stated lifting his staff.

I sneaked behind one of the tree pulling my sword in the process, I couldn't just leave them. I may be a mere pickpocketer but I won't just leave someone when there in trouble. I didn't work like that.

"No, we are also against the sheriff" The man again spoke, I was starting to get the feeling that he spoke too much, he would be in a better position if he just shut up for a second.

"What you want a medal?" The captor said coming forward as I poked my head behind the tree to get a clear look at what was going on "Oi! Who are you?" He suddenly said as I realized he was looking straight at me.

Rolling my eyes at my clumsiness I dived realizing I was out numbered four to one as I scrambled up the slope I had just came from in an attempt to get away. I had at least tried to help the men tied defensiveness to the trees; but there was no point in an attempt rescue if I was going to get caught in the process. It was in vain, however, as hands grabbed me from behind forcing me down in defeat.

I was always a slow runner.

"And who do you think you are?" the captor had a mace held to my through pinning me down as I cursed under my breath

Minutes later I was strung up behind a tree with one of the other victims.

"Oi! Just let her go" The outlaw I was tied to stated out of nowhere as it was the first time I had heard him speak.

"She could have a purse"

I was searched and found of the money that I had done a lot of work for taken from me; I let out a sigh realizing I had stolen the money for nothing.

"Yep, here quite a lot too. Where did you get this from?"

I ignored me as I knew he didn't really care, he only cared that it was in his possession rather than mine.

"Take off your clothes" He ordered, surprising me.

"Excuse me" did he really just say what I thought he said?

"Oh come on" The man I was tied to said again "I'm sure you can leave her that, what are you going to do with woman clothes?"

From now on I should just let people be rather than trying to play the hero; it would have saved me losing my money and dignity. Though I knew we were in no real danger, the captors didn't look like killers, only greedy outlaws out for themselves.

I began taking off my dress leaving me only in my underdressing, instantly I felt embarrassed as my cheeks flushed red.

Thought thank-fully no one commented on my lack of clothing.

"We should be on the same side. We should! Master, tell him!" The talkative one yelled out again as I resisted the urge to tell him to shut it "That rabbit is not…I think you'll find that rabbit is not yet cooked"

I had no idea what was going on all I could see was the forest ahead of me and it was then I noticed a person sitting up in the trees with an axe in his hand. Thank the lord!

I stared up at him, blocking out the conversation as he looked around trying to find an escape route for us. He caught my eye and nodded at me.

"Raw? Is that wise? I mean, that is dangerous"

"Will you just shut up?"

"You're a noble?" The one with the mace turned on the silent one who seemed perfectly calm in a situation where a knife was pointed at his neck. I had to say I admired him as I tried furiously to get myself out of the rope.

"Yes. And No."

"Smells like one. Smell's lovely. Flowers. Lavender"

"Rose petals" I rolled my eyes, resting my head against the tree trunk. This was just getting us nowhere and I had no intention of staying tied to this tree

"What, you…lavender bath? Eh, you smell too"

"No, I had a bath, he washed in rose petals"

"And they reckon they're same side as us? Think about it, you know any outlaws who take lavender baths?"

"Why does it matter?" I suddenly spoke up as the captor with the mace came around the corner swinging his mace in his hands threateningly "You've got what you want, just be on your way"

"Got a hay penny, John" They had apparently searched the man I was tied to

"Big money" I hissed sarcastically at them, groaning as I glared nastily at them "I'm sure you can spare leaving him his hay penny, you even have their horses!"

They had apparently ignored me

"How come you got no purse?" They said to one of the boys

"Because I was not planning on coming to the woods Is this what you do?"

"Is what what we do?"

"Stealing willy-nilly"

I smirked at the man's comment.

"stealing willy-nilly. I can't understand what he's saying. Can you understand what he's saying?"

"Do you care who you steal from? My friend here has but a hay penny. What you take from him might be all he has"

"That is all I have"

"Heartbreaking. Do we care?"

I growled at them as they said that as I instantly remembered the dagger that was under my sleeve. If they didn't hurry up soon I was getting myself out of here.

"We don't care"

I began hacking at the rope as the man who I was tied to realized what I was doing held a hand on the rope to prevent it from falling.

They left minutes later and the man with the axe in the trees came rushing down to release us as the last bit of the rope I was hacking at came undone and I was free

"Well, those were horrible men. They would have left us here to die for all they care. If they had not taken our weapons, I would say we should go after them and give them a hiding" The one who-never-shut-up continued rambling, I blocked it out coming around the front to get a view of all the men I had just spent the last ten minutes with. The man who seemed to be incharge of them released himself simply pulling the rope over his head "Hiding to remem… but…you! You let me think…if you had freed yourself, why did you not fight?"

"Er…I thought it best to wait"

I took the time to look at everyone individually; I instantly took notice of the one I had been tied to. He was attractive, a little scruffy, but in a good way. He was also the only one who had their shirt taken, something which I deeply thanked the captors for.

"Why?"

"Because, Much, you were right, we should teach them a lesson. Gentlemen and woman!"

He threw us a stick each.

"I assume you can fight?" The leader asked me, I nodded immediately "Well good. I am Robin of Locksley"

"Of Locksley? So you are a noble?" I asked raising an eyebrow at him.

"Perhaps not. It's a long story" He replied

We walked forward following the tracks of the other men.

"I'm Allan by the way" the man I was tied to came up beside me suddenly I became very aware of the lack of clothes I had on. Finally I could put a name to his face- "Allan A-dale"

I stopped in my tracks staring cautiously at Allan who looked at me curiously wondering why on earth I had suddenly stopped.

Did he say A-dale? Surely I had heard wrong

"Allan A-dale?"

Allan nodded smiling slightly

"You aren't by any chance related to Tom A-dale? Are you?"

His face fell abruptly "unfortunately, yes, he's my brother. Why do you know him?"

"It's a long story" I cut him off shortly, I was in no mood to talk about Tom "I'm Elaine" I added politely walking forward to catch up to the rest of the group who had gone ahead.

"We caught up to them in no sooner than half an hour. They had set up camp next to a small rocky cliff that we sat up on.

This is our forest, too, I think you'll find!" Much yelled down at them

"Take your clothes off!" I added hissing furiously at them and waving my weapon in the air threateningly.

As we tied them up the taller man had somehow managed to escape our grasp and ran straight at robin

"Robin!" I shouted and dived in an attempt to catch him, failing as the man simply shrugged me off.

Robin smirked and caught the man behind the back as he went to attack him before pinning him down as he gave out a defeated cry.

I was getting the feeling that Robin was a show-off with all the stunts he's pulled so far today.

Much continued to talk, blocking him out I continued to try and find my dress pulling it over me instantly as I did.

Now I just needed to find my money and I could be on my way, as lovely as this has been.

"Dance" Robin commanded pointing a bow and arrow at the means feet who were now tied together.

"you What?" The one with the mace commented looking at robin as though he'd gone mad

"He said dance" I repeated firmly for him wanting to see the men look fools in front of us, goodness knows they made me feel like an idiot.

Robin shot a few arrows at them as they began to protest. I laughed at his boldness.

"Dance!"

The began to jump up and down, not quite dancing but probably as much movement as they could tied against three other men.

"How does it feel? You treat your fellow man like an animal! How does it feel?" Robin began his speech, he was definitely a leader I could tell that "You take from those worse off than yourselves, and then you leave them to die."

Out of nowhere I suddenly remembered Robin being there at the hangings, standing up on the castle steps alongside the Sheriff and Guy. He had been giving a speech as I went around taking out of pockets. I looked across at the boy whose name was Will and remembered him too, he was too hang, so had – Allan.

How had they escaped? If only I had stuck around to watch the finale.

Now it all made sense why they had all taken camp in the forest… why Robin had all of a sudden lost his lands on Locksley. He had obviously rescued them. How I have no idea.

"You are not Englishmen. You are not the England we fought for. Men who think it is a boast to be dead. What do you think you are doing robbing him, when the sheriff over there is robbing us all twenty times over? Skulking in the woods while he steals spirits and livelihoods" Robin continued on

"Why are you skulking in the woods? What are you going to do about it?" One of them bit back, which was a good point, I'll admit.

"I'm going to stop him" Robin admitted confidently to which I rolled my eyes at. There was no way he could get stop the sheriff single handily, though I had to admit I was impressed by his audacity and boldness

" We can't stop a sheriff" Much spoke my thoughts

"Robin, he's been like this for four years there's no way you are going to be able to change his ways on your own" I said allowed.

"When the king returns, he will have his comeuppance. Until then, we will scupper his sadistic punishments! We will stop his insane taxes, and give them back to the poor where they belong!"

"And how are you going to do that exactly?" I smirked, the idea seemed good though outrages as it was, and there was no way he would be able to do it under the sheriffs nose but anyhow… it sounded dangerous, and that was alright with me.

"We will rob him!" Robin jumped out as though it was the most obvious thing in the world. I was really starting to like this Robin of Locksley "And if you dead men had had spines in your backs, that's what you would have been doing for the last five years."

"Rousing, Lavender Boy"

"Good luck"

"Yeah, see ya"

The tied men sarcastically spoke really not giving the slightest interest in what Robin had to say.

All of a sudden I felt uneasy, the men had rapidly became more relaxed and stopped struggling against their ropes.

Robin pulled his bow back again as I realized we were surrounded my 10 or more men "Uh, tha''d be a mistake. 'Thin' you'll find." One of the tied men bit back.

I raised my hand in deafet and beside me Allan and Will did the same, Robin in defeat chucked his bow to the side and did the same as us.

Here we go again was all I thought

We were tied up (again) I was beginning to wonder how much longer this was going to go on for,

The big man who I discovered from over hearing a conversation was called John rubbed his arm looking angrily a Robin "Him, I do not like."

"It is mutual" Robin mocked back

A man beside John whispered something, something which probably wasn't good news for us.

"You Robin of Locksley? Robin, Earl of Huntington?" Robin nodded smiling, I got the vibe that this wasn't going to go well, if I was Robin I'd have lied because the look on Johns face was not something that I liked.

I was right as seconds later Robin was knocked unconscious on the floor with a possible bruise beginning to show on his face.

Just bloody fantastic

I was tied between Allan and Will, my feet were once again aching as we travelled all the way to Locksley.

"Well ain't this just great" Allan moaned his voice dripping in sarcasm "All I wanted to do was be on my way and get on with life, not get mixed up in the middle of this. I cannot wait until this day is over"

"We're handing you all over too" The smaller of our captors said.

"Why?" I asked curiously before a flash of understanding crossed my mind "oh, I get it, you think the Sheriff will pardon you, don't you?"

He nodded like it was the most obvious thing in the world

"Wrong. He won't, I've dealt with the sheriff before he will find away to catch you all and before you know it your being tortured down in his dungeons. He doesn't care if you've helped him in the past, all he cares about is himself" I furiously hissed at them attempting to wriggle my hands free of the graph of the ropes.

"We at least might get some money off of you"

I shook my head angrily, were they really that naïve.

"Not being funny but you say that like you've been in those dungeons before, tortured and all" Someone whispered in my ear, it was Allan.

"Maybe I have"

It wasn't a lie. I was caught stealing money from the Sheriff's right hand man; Guy of Gisborne. I had, at first, got away and hidden the money. However, in a day later I was found by Gisborne's men, strung up and tortured until I told them where the money was. I still have the scares. Shamefully I broke and told Guy where his money was before being sentenced to death by hanging. Somehow I got away, I still don't really know how.

We had arrived at the outskirts of Locksley minutes later.

"At least have the courtesy to untie him." Much muttered as John poured water on Robins face who swiftly woke up, I rolled my eyes again (it seemed I had been doing that a lot since I was in the company of these men)

"Locksley?" Robin chuckled innocently "You brought us home."

Robin I've grown to like you please don't become as naïve as the rest of them are.

"There's money on your head, Robin" I explained, staring off far into the distance at the Sheriff standing over the peasants "Twenty pounds, can you believe that? Twenty pounds? I say you're at least worth fifty" A shallow attempt at lightening the mood.

"Easy there" Allan said in my ear, I smiled despite everything that was going on.

Our captors once again began arguing… something about deciding who was going to take us to the Sheriff and ultimately our deaths.

But really, I wish they would just get on with it.

"We all go" John finally made a decision pulling us along as we walked down the hill.

We were dragged along one of Locksley's barns as the Sheriff ordered one of his guards to seize one of the peasants and from where we were standing it looked like they were attempting to cut out her tongue. Ouch

"That's gotta hurt" Allan cringed the same as I did.

"No. No!" John begun "That is Alice!"

"Alice?" I asked, perhaps John knew the woman

"My wife"

"You're Alice's John? She thought you were dead"

That escalated quickly

Before I knew it however Robin was jumping over the fence to give himself up. Somehow.

"What on earth is he doing?" I muttered; they were surly going to kill him on the spot. I looked around trying to find.

"I dunno" Allan shrugged.

From where we were standing we couldn't hear a word of what was going on, all that I could see was Robin being tied up again behind a horse (he had been getting a lot of that lately… what's that? Three time in the last twenty-four hours) and being pulled away, to Nottingham no doubt.

"I liked him" Will muttered beside me.

"liked"? He's not dead" Much protested.

"Much we can't do anything for him, he's going to Nottingham, to be killed" I finished laying a reassuring hand on Much's shoulder who ignored me entirely.

"Well look on the brightside at least we weren't handed over to the Sheriff, it was just Robin" Allan stated. Much, Will and I shot him a dirty look "What!"

We arrived back at their camp, our hands untied (finally) however our moods were dampened. I let the other talk it out, I knew any moment a heated discussion was about to start debating whether to go and rescue Robin. I could leave now, get my money and get back to my daily life but something was telling me just to sit put, at least for a day or two.

Should we go rescue robin?

It was the constant battle going on in my head. Robin had been nothing but kind to me and I would hate to see him get killed but, then again, I hardly knew him, I wasn't sure if he was worth me risking my life over.

"We've got to do something!" Much began, of course Much would be the one to start the argument, out of all of them I noticed Much was the most loyal "We've got to go to Nottingham and we've got to…get him out!"

"How?" Will asked, it was a good point, I had no idea how we were ever going to get into the a castle which was heavily guarded.

"No point, anyway" Allan shrugged I turned to glare at him.

"You were going to hang" I pointed out to him.

"That's true. how'd you know that?"

"I was there… pick pocketing"

Allan smirked at me but didn't say another word.

"Look, you can't just let him die!" Much exclaimed looking desperate now. I should probably help "Will? Elaine?"

Will looked as guilty as I did as we ducked our heads staring deeply into the campfire.

"Very well, I shall go alone!" Much sighed in defeat throwing his hands up into the air and walking over to the horses.

"See ya. Hey! Hold it! No horse" 'Roy' called pointing his mace at Much who looked positively outraged.

"Oh come at least give him a horse"

John walked over to Will as Much disappeared through the tree mumbling something under his breath.

"In which house is my wife? I will fetch her"

The woman from Locksley he must be talking about. Alice.

"Fetch her where?"

He can't surly mean to live here… in the forest. What about her son?

I of course had met Alice before, only briefly, she had given me food and water when I was almost starving to death. She probably saved my life. I had also met her son, he was only small then… two or three… but I could have never imagined her husband would be an outlaw.

"Here. A woman can live in the forest same as us"

"John-" I begun but was cut of my Will

"Alice can't live in the forest" Will explained looking between me and John confused.

"Why not?"

"John… Alice has a son, he must be six or seven by now" I looked to Will for confirmation as he nodded his head.

"oops" Allan butted in causing me to crack a smile as John sulked off in the opposite direction Much had gone.

I was still trying to get over the fact that this was Allan A-dale, Tom A-dale's brother that was sitting beside me. Allan clearly seemed to not like this brother as he brushed over the conversation when I mentioned him earlier, still I was cautious. I think it would take awhile for me to trust another A-dale again after what Tom put me through.

"Were you close with your brother?" I asked Allan my curiosity getting the better of me. He raised his eyebrows seeming surprised at my interest in his brother.

"Nah, not really. We used to work together, you know- stealing and stuff" He looked far off into the distance as though remembering the good times "But one night he just stole everything from me. Dunno why, haven't seen him since"

"I know the feeling" I nodded glumly

"Why he steal from you too? It wouldn't surprise me"

"Something like that" I answered, all of a sudden feeling the need to throw up.

"Think the whiney one will make it?" I was pulled out of memory lane.

"I think he will" I spoke up defending Much, he was a good person he didn't deserve the way they've all treated him so far. He was only trying to get his friend out of fatal situation, who could blame him?

"You could've given him the horse" Allan said.

"Then we lose a horse, too. Think about it"

"If Robin dies, the people of Locksley will be like you" Will's out burst came all of a sudden as I smiled nodding my head agreeing with him

"What'ch'a mean, "Like us?"

"I think you know exactly what he means, all hope will be lost, if it hasn't already" I spoke up coming to Will's defence as they turned on him

"Well, you go save him, then! See ya!" He was beginning to get on my nerves, I was about to get up and leave anyway. I shouldn't have just let Much go on his own, no one deserves the fate that Robin will be given "We don't do town! We're outlaws! We're on the run!"

"We're all on the run too, but we can't just leave a helpless person to die. It's immoral!" I snapped forcing myself up sharply

"Town is death!" Roy targeted me, apparently completely ignoring what I had just said. Will stood up beside me as I was about to open my mouth to continue Will interrupted me.

"We can't just-"

" Have you seen what happens to a family when there is only one bread winner?! Cause I have!"

"Heartbreaking! Are you deaf?! We don't go to Nottingham!"

"We go to Nottingham!" Johns pounding voice came from behind us as he determinedly stood above us.

It took us nearly all night to travel to Nottingham, our legs aching as we finally found Much asleep on a ladder which made it look like Much had attempted to climb over the wall and failed miserably. A dog was at the bottom of the ladder which Allan went over to stroke. Who knew he was such a softie

"There's a good boy"

I still had no idea how on earth we were planning on getting inside.

"Yeah, I was, uh…I was just, uh…checking…up there, and uh, yes, and, as I thought, the ladder is completely useless" Much began fumbling over his words as John picked up the ladder and hoisted it over his back.

We all stared gaping at him.

" Well, come on, then!" John exclaimed.

Much climbed up first who was then shortly followed by Roy.

"Ladies first" Allan gestured towards the ladder giving me a boost as I blushed furiously.

We all met at the top looking around as though Robin would appear before us. No one seemed to want to make the first move

"Does anyone actually know where the dungeons are?" Roy hissed at us all.

"I do" Me and Allan spoke at the same time giving each other an odd look which we held for a minute or two.

"Some of us should stay in the courtyard as look outs" decided Will who was looking around us in case any guards had spotted five or six outlaws climbing over the castle walls.

I ended up with the group staying behind the in the courtyard after a quick 'See ya'" and a wink from Allan who, of course, made me blush (again). We hid behind the gallows' platform our hearts racing as we watched to see if any guards were appearing. I really didn't want to end up back in those dungeons again. Not after last time.

Ten minutes later Robin, Will, Much and Allan appeared running down the steps with their weapons withdrawn in front of them… this can't be good.

"Thank you for coming" Robin addressed us, I nodded in gratitude.

"We should go quickly" I informed him about to turn around and made a quick exit. I could get away, and not get caught, and save Robin. It was all going well, But only if we went now.

I missed the hesitant look on Robin's face however.

"Hang on. Hold an escape route for me" I groaned inwardly, why? "I need five minutes. There's something I must do before I can go with you"

"What?-"

"Robin please-" I started but was cut of instantly by Robin

"If I am longer than that, then leave without me"

I nodded sombrely, I'm sure I could survive an extra five minutes in this hell hole.

"Thank you"

Just as he was about to run off he was pulled back by Much who looked even more heartbroken than ever.

I looked around instantly to see if there were any guards coming, nothing… yet.

"Master, no. You cannot go back in there. If you go back in and die, then I will die…of grief. So you must come now, if only to save me"

We didn't have time for this, I sighed rolling my eyes at Much's confession.

"See, that is why I love you" Robin placed a hand on Much's shoulder before looking over at Roy "And you…I need help. It is dangerous"

The two, Robin and Roy, ran off together, back into the castle. Where, we had just gotten him out of. I swear… I'm not coming back for another rescue.

" Why him when you love me? Why not me?"

"Jealous Much?" I teased him knocked shoulders with him playfully.

The guards came down the steps towards us as I pulled my sword out and joined Allan ready for battle.

We were outnumbered at least three to one as I fought of three guards single handily however struggling, I tired out quickly.

I blocked a smooth attack at my side before shoving the guard down with the hilt of my sword. I ducked instantly as I saw a sword coming at my head, my heart racing faster than ever.

I had always prided myself on being able to handle a sword. Unfortunately, nevertheless, I wasn't good enough to take on triple the amount of men.

"Look out!" I called out to Allan shoving him down onto the ground as I saw an attack come from behind him, I was met with a nasty cut to my arm as we fell, clambering on top of Allan on the floor.

"Ah!" I yelled out kicking my foot out bringing the guard swiftly down beside us, Knocked out. Thankfully.

"Thanks" Allan noted as I realized I was still on top of him out faces inches apart.

"My pleasure" I smiled pulling myself off of him, once again my cheeks (yes you guessed it) flaming red "Sorry"

"My pleasure" He winked going back into battle again, his sword raised.

We fought back to back, ducking and diving when needed and blocking each others oncoming attacks until the Sheriff interrupted us, we had no idea what was going on but before we knew it we were back to fighting again until we noticed Robin flying through the air (yes, flying) down from one of the battlements.

I knocked out one of the archers about to fire at Robin as he slide down the rope with his bow. Very impressive, I'll give him that, he sure does know how to make a show.

Robin reached the bottom almost pushing down two of the guards as he did so. I couldn't help but smile as we all towards him.

"Go" Robin yelled at us, we didn't need telling twice as we hurried away leaving Robin to fend for himself. After a few seconds of fighting he cut the portcullis and slipped under before it closed under him. Pulling him up, we ran away laughing and cheering.

This was just too good.

The following day we visited each of the gang family presenting gifts to them, food, money and all. Robin came up to me and I knew instantly what he was about to ask.

"Do you have any family Elaine? We can give them some money and food If you want" Robin asked and I shook my head sadly feeling Robins hand on my shoulder.

"I have a sister" I explained, a small smile playing on my face as I remembered the time we spent as children playing but it soon disappeared "But I don't know where she is, if she's even alive"

Robin nodded understanding "Where will you go now?"

"Be on my way I guess" I smiled picking up my purse that held all my money "I never stay in one place for long"

"You could join us" Robin guessed what I was thinking. I had grown to like these lads, even if some of them had tied me to a tree, robbed me and relieved me of my clothes. They all seemed pretty decent men (as much as I hated to admit it in some cases)

I debated. I could stay and be part of whatever this was or leave and fend for myself again, like always.

I gulped back, not sure of my decision "Yeah, why not"

I could always leave if it didn't work out.

I never thought I would say I was working with an A-dale again.