-3rd Person-

Robin and his newly formed band of outlaws, sought every chance they had to do some good for the villagers of Nottingham. Whether that be giving them money or food, or saving them eviction from the tax man. They worked together to quell the harshness of being under the thumb of the current sheriff. The group of them watch as another family was about to be saved from another harsh sentence when a arrow flew out from the tree line and struck down the tax man. Because of the coincidence that had been Robin's appearance and promise to settle the matter, people assumed it was him.

However hiding from the tree line Robin noticed another presence running after the fate arrow head hit. he and the other took of running to catch this deadly archer dressed in red. Robin tackled then to the ground and groaned rolling off but the archer was fast and kicked Robin in the stomach, making his groan in pain and took off running. With the archer gone the men returned to their make shift camp in the woods.

"What you can't believe someone's better that ya? He kicked you right good." Roy chuckled still not completely settled with the former lord as one of them.

"Who is he?"

"Judging from the get up, that was the Scarlett Archer." Will answered using his knife to carve something onto a small piece of wood.

"I've never heard of him." Robin grumbled moving to the other side of the camp.

"The Scarlett Archer? They and the night-watchmen have been around for years. Maybe you were off on a crusade." Will countered as Robin went to eat "They're good men. They're talked about in all the villages. He's been seen in all the villages. Even at the castle. The night watchman always at night but the Scarlett Archer comes no matter the time of day. Always when someone is in need of help. Sometimes the two work in tandem with one another."

"Leaves medicine and stuff. Food." Roy added

"I heard the Scarlett Archer brought back a physician from the next town over to help sick children, when the Sheriff refused to help." Little John continued

"Sheriffs men are ordered to shoot them on sight, but they never hurt a fly"

"Why did he kill Joderic then?" Robin was confused. If there were two heroes of Nottingham why had one gone rouge and shot a friend that had ended up coming to help them. "We need to find him. Both of them if possible." Robin declared.

-Ophelia-

I stood in the hall beside my father during one of the Lords meetings, something that father had said in passing had peeked my interest into attending. Normally women weren't allowed to attend but Marion and I had been given special permission. Both of us to support our fathers. Father stood a few feet away from the sheriff arms crossed in a domineering look over the ageing men of the council.

"The villagers of Nettlestone report he killed a innocent bailiff today." The Sheriff announced "This is marvellous isn't it? What drama? Because even his beloved villagers will lose patience when their heroes start picking them off. What else are they saying." Vaisey barely glanced at my father asking him.

"Hood was fulfilling a promise to prevent and eviction." Father added

"Humm. War has addled his brain. What do you propose we do?" I glared up at my father in apprehension. Fearing what he would concoct against the innocent villagers.

"Immediate reprisals against villagers." I look away in disappointment.

"Joderic would not want that." Marion voiced "Why should more innocent people suffer because of his death? The same people who witnessed and reported the crime. And did this strategy of reprisals work before? No." that was a dangerous move speaking up for herself, though I admired it, I know that the two of us knew to make real change was to speak through our fathers. In all honesty she had a much easier time of it than I.

"She's right." The Sheriff agreed. We will no be going to that road again. De Courtney, alternatives.

"Sheriff." I interjected finding the same courage "If I may?"

"Well all the women are speaking today so why the hell not." he leant back in his chair "Lady Ophelia."

"A gesture of good faith, perhaps. The villagers of Nettlestone have shown you they are willing to turn in Hood, when they have the information to do so. Reward them for it and it can set a foundation for next time he is to show his face. After all it only takes one in a crowd to come here while he is...distracted by others?" I offer glancing at Marion who gave a slight nod.

"There is a political advantage to be had here." De Courtney voiced

"Robin Hood has given us the high ground. We should keep it. My thoughts exactly." The Sheriff agreed

"We could have the town criers announce what's taken place. Make sure everybody knows that an innocent was killed." De Courtney added

"Good. We're going to win hearts and minds." The Sheriff rose to his feet going to leave

"My Lord. I still believe actions rather than words. If I had the resources, I could deal with him, I could hunt him down." I shook my head in dismay slightly at my fathers need for vengeance into something i had no idea what for.

"Very well. We'll do both father against daughter and may the best man or woman win." Father turned to me and I scowled, the men of the council began to leave as I stepped over to him.

"I don't know why you have such a personal vendetta with him, and i may never know. But I hope you realise the more you let this anger eat you up inside, the more those around you will become a casualty of it." His postured softened "You have very few people you actually care about, tell me Papa are you willing to let that over rule those like Marion or say...me."

"Then what would you have me do Ophelia? Nothing? You have been in danger more in the time since his return. That in all the years you've walked this land." he retorted

"I would have you do only as instructed. Not go looking for trouble. Not seek out vengeance on a shade of the past. Live in the present you might find it more fruitful."

----------

Papa and I stood together on the steps at the funeral of Joderic, out of all the men to be tax collectors he was more fair than the sheriff liked. But had kept his job because he fulfilled his purpose. But with all the grand gesture of this send of screamed that there was a plot afoot.

"Joderic was unique. He was kind compassionate, learned. The murder of the bailiff..." I zoned out because all he was going to do is use this moment to drag Hood through the mud.

"Must I stay for all of this...pretence? You agreed that I could go to the church of St Cecilia for this time of year." This being the time of year of my mothers passing, maybe that why he showed more cruelty, because he was masking the pain of losing mother. I knew not but I'd rather not stick around when I'm old enough to leave and wait it out.

"I will have a..."

"I will escort myself, thank you." I lift up my skirt and slinked down the steps and through the crowd before he could protest loudly. The town had gathered and the streets were empty, calm and quiet. That was until a hand took mine and another covered my mouth dragging me into a alley my muffled scream vibrated against the hand muzzling me.

"Hey, hey it's just me. It's just me." I was let go and turned to face Robin.

"Are you insane!" I whisper yell shoving him "Don't you ever alley drag me again. Go bother, someone else." I went to leave but he stopped me

"Five minutes, I promise. Just give me five minutes."

"And what do I get for sparing the outlaw my father hates for five minutes of my time?" I hummed folding my arms "Or for not just in general screaming?"

"So much for not being like your father."

"Contrary to popular belief my father does have a heart, he just uses most of it to loathing you. The rest he spends coddling me or pining after a raven haired Maid." I smirked "Five minutes. Then you can escort me to the convent of St Cecelia making sure none of your merry little outlaws try and rob me."

"Fine." he looked out of the alley to make sure there was no one about. "This...this is all in my honour, isn't it."

"Marian was right, you really do think everything is about you." my head tilted "You know she was the only one willing to part information on you, says a lot no one dares to speak your name unless you've done something naughty."

"Only when it is about me."

"You have given him a nice long stick to beat you with. You killed a innocent clerk and now both him and my father are using it to officially tie you a noose with justified cause." I counter back

"I did not do it." I rolled my eyes

"Of course you didn't" my words dripped with sarcasm.

"It was the so called non violent Scarlett Archer." I raised an eyebrow and shook my head

"Scarlett Archer, is a peaceful non violent thorn in the sheriffs side. You're delusional and I'm leaving." I went to go only to be pulled back I huff out a breath

"I saw him."

"It was not the Scarlett Archer."

"How do you know?"

"I just do. Both Scarlett Archer and The Nightwatchman only seek to help, who do you thinks been taking the care of the villagers in your so called absence? You are not anything special when it comes to helping them out."

"Then why did he run?"

"Why did you run from Joderic?" I questioned back and he stepped away in a huff "Why are you trying to convince me of your innocence? I'm the enemy's daughter remember? Why not go to someone like Marion. I've seen the way she talks about you. You and her had something before you left. Don't deny it." I look back out onto the street.

"I should go. my father will be sending guards to watch me." I look back as he returns

"You must help me."

"Must I?" I laugh a little "I already have, escaping the castle and by telling you that it was not the Scarlett Archer, nor was it the Night-watchmen."

"Whoever it is, I will find him. I can look everywhere apart from one place. I need you to look into the castle."

"I need you not to tell me what to do." I retort

"Please! I must clear my name." He insisted "Ophelia, I know you are nothing like your father. You care about the people, about the innocent lives that your father and the sheriff rob. Besides I did some asking around about you. Your mother was from Nettlestone before she passed. Your grandmother still resides there."

"That woman is a a real witch." I grumbled "Also what about catching the real killer, isn't that more important?"

"If people do not trust me then what good can I do?"

"I'll try, but I can't promise anything. Oh and next time you want help try Marion, instead of snatching me off the street." I lifted my hood up and walked off.

"I thought you wanted a escort." Robin chimed capturing my attention again as i took a horse from the stable. "The convent of St Cecelia."

"I was teasing, my father will have guards follow after me, which is why I must make haste before someones suspicions are aroused." I mounted and clicked my tongue riding away.

--------

I had spent the day at St Cecelia's before retiring under guard to the castle, on our journey home the sound of dogs and men with them filled our ears.

"Ophelia." Father met use on the road "I trust your time in contemplation was...honoured."

"I sent mother your regards." I nod "What is with all the noise, I miss the peace."

"I have hunters and dogs out here searching for Hood. there was another attack at the castle. Join the hunt with the rest, I will escort my daughter back to the castle." Father ordered and I was taken through the night. "You are angry with me." he commented

"I am not." I reply.

"You are not usually one for the silent ride home." I sigh "You are angry with me that I did not attend with you."

"I am not angry, just...disappointed. Every year since we lost her, you have taken me to church, we have spent time together remembering her and others we have lost. For a moment in time we are truly united. Yet this year, your thirst for vengeance is more important. Over a reason you will not part with me. Your favourite and only child."

"It is complicated."

"So is our life. But I have taken it in my stride." I counter "I won't force you to tell me, I just fail to understand why you can't. What is so bad that you can't even confide in me?" I gaze at him but his expression says nothing.

"Very well. Then can we at least hasten things up, I'm tired." I clicked to go fast her rode on to the castle before dismounting and then heading straight up to my room.

---------

The next morning I searched castle aimlessly trying to find something to find something. But it was almost impossible with me being watched. Marion had eased her way in under protection and father had ramped up my escort as well. The two of us walked through the castle together talking when we past one of the maids. We gave her a smile as we went past only for us to hear her scream a couple of second later.

"Guards!" I call running over and dropping beside her. The bells rung out and more guard came rushing over.

"Lady Ophelia, Lady Marian, come away." De Courtney took our arms escorting us away.

"How can this happen? I thought you had the castle locked down." I stress.

"You must go back to your rooms, it is not safe here.": he ushered us away but I spared a glance back, toward the older man.

-------

Father was in a fury that more people had been killed and that in his eyes i was almost one of them. After my fathers reappearance I entered the hall to him arguing with De Courtney in front of the Sheriff.

"Papa." he turned to me as I came off the last step and pulled me into his embrace "Do you know any more? I thought the castle was secure?"

"It is, my sweet. I will make sure of it." he kissed my head

"Was it if you have to make sure?" I question pulling away. "Forgive me, all these killings are attributed to Robin Hood but what proof is there?" I wonder

"How can Hood be in the woods being chase by Papa and here in the castle commenting this heinous crimes. There were no witnesses. How could he have moved about the castle unchallenged by the guards you claim to command? And you yourself must have been there moments before the maid was killed?" I stepped away from my father.

"That I cannot recall."

"From one point of view, the killings have been useful, no? Going you a chance to shine and winding my father up so much he see's red and is away from the castle with even more determination to capture Hood." I hummed then turn to my father once more and hug him.

"I'd watch him more than Hood if I were you." I kiss his cheek and leave them alone.

That evening I wondered about the castle trying to figure things out. The answers were right there and yet they were out of reach.

"My Lady, your father is looking for you." I was stopped by one of the guards my head tilted in recognition.

"It's Lacey right? Joseph Lacey." I say

"Yes, my Lady."

"I remember you from when I was younger. Did you not retire upon...." I stopped mid sentence "Why are you back?"

"The Sheriff has recalled all the guard in light of recent events. My Lady." I hummed in understanding then went to say something but stopped myself.

"Do you ever feel as if the answers are on the tip of your tongue but you can never...comprehend them?"

"my Lady?"

"The answers to all of the killings it's so obvious yet i cannot see it. People and dying and you blame it on the bogey man." I look around "But he wasn't in the castle, Papa has kept him away so how do three more people die by the hand of someone impossible." I mutter to myself then turn back finally noticing that Lacey had Bow and arrows attached to him.

"You're posted here right?"

"Yes, my lady."

"Its a unique view." I comment seeing the sheriffs window, from here and then the man himself walking the corridors "Could you make the shot from here?" I pretend to take aim

"If you...pulled smoothly like you were coming your hair." i glance back

"Yet i wouldn't." i smirk a little "You're teasing me for your amusement aren't you. I like you, not many guards would have the courage to amuse and tease me at the same time." There was something about his demeanour

"Best not keep my father waiting. Goodnight Joseph." I left and headed to find my father, we dined together before I excused myself back to my chambers. I prepared myself for bed and fell asleep for the night.

I was sleeping soundly till I was rudely awoken with a hand covering my mouth. my eyes shot open.

"Sh, it's Robin I need to hi..." He hid under my covers as the door opened and I shot up seeing the guards.

"What is the meaning of this? Get out, now!"

"Sorry my lady.," they quickly exit, closing the door behind them and Robin gets out.

"So this is what Lady Gisborne is like with her hair down." he chuckles

"You can't be in here." I scowl shoving him away and he shushes me "How did you even get in?"

"Don't be such a spoil sport, Ophelia. I thought we were friends." he makes his way back over to the door and I slip out of be and put my robe on. He smiles hearing nothing on the other side.

"Despite the unflattering intrusion. at least your here to know something." I sigh clutching the robe around me tighter. "I've been trying to think who could have done this. My most likely conclusion is De Courtney, the master at arms."

"Because?"

"He was right there when the maid was killed. I saw him or part of him. He's ambitious and if you think about it a murderer on the loose merely consolidates his position. The situation is in his interests." I explained

"I intend to change the situation."

"You think just because you want to change things, you can?" i wonder and he swings around the bed post to come face to face with me.

"It's hard to change the things you don't want to change." my arms loosened a little and one went to rest on my hip

"And what about getting away while you still can?"

"Why, when we're having so much fun." i scoff and move past him to the other side of the room

"Does anything touch you, Robin."

"And what is that supposed to mean?" he inquired turning so that he could face me once more

"It means you flaunt around here as if nothing and no one could hurt you, your arrogance is stifling and it will not protect your from swords and arrows."

"Oh, i've been hurt." he looked away

"have you, tell me one time?" he didn't answer "As I suspected, you are like him. You think it is strong not to feel. But if you cannot admit you feel how can you begin to understand others. Reason tells me that you want to but prevent yourself from doing so under the guise of being a hero and looking for love."

"i feel when innocent people are shot down. i feel when my men are hunted like animals. I feel when good people turn against me."

"You are and enigma wrapped in a riddle Robin of Locksley." I say walking over to him "I cannot figure you out. One moment your arrogant man winding up my father, the next your a concerned Lord turned outlaw hurt that he has lost the trust of those he grew up with." he stared at me

"Not everyone hates you, you know. They are just believing in the lies that are told and the killings aren't helping." there was a knock at my door

"My lady I must search your rooms." the guard called

"One moment." I reply and turn to the outlaw "Go! out now!" I shoo him away to the second exit.

"Oh by the way, your investigations, good work." he came back and lifted up my hand kissing it. i roll my eyes and take my hand away as he sneaks off "Lets' see if your right tomorrow."

"Ophelia." Father called and I wait till the door was closed before opening up to my father.

"You know I was trying to sleep peacefully and stay out of trouble for once, but if you insist." I step aside and he enters with a couple of guards. "Why are you searching my room anyway?" i sigh rubbing my eyes.

"Robin Hood was spotted about the castle." i lowered my hand slowly pretending to be shocked

"You're telling me that oaf of a master at arms let him slip through?" I snip "You see this is what happens when you're off chasing a phantom, you leave imbeciles back here to guard me flimsily."

"It will not happen again, I assure you, my sweetheart." he came to hold my arms

"You keep saying that and yet its the middle of the night with guards waking me up and searching my room. " he kissed my head

"Leave, there is nothing here." he ordered "Go back to sleep and I will have your favourite breakfast brought up to you in the morning. Good night."

"Goodnight, papa." he left as well and I let out a long breath. How on earth did I end up getting wrapped up in the world of my fathers enemy.

-3rd Person-

Robin and the others brought the last of their food to Nettlestone, in a bid to show them that he was not the enemy. Then they hid out of sight watching as The Sheriff and Gisbourne talked their way through the village speaking with its residents and attempt to lure out the culprit of the first few deaths and attempted assassination of the Sheriff. But they were not the only one watching. The Scarlett Archer was hidden out of sight and watched as another attempt was made on the sheriff, staying to see the face.

When they went to apprehend the culprits Robin and the others wrongly chased after them instead of the real person behind things. Robin grabbed the Scarlett Archer by the ankle and pulled them down. There was a groan in pain.

"What do you think you're doing?!" Robin shouted at the Scarlett Archer "You're killing innocent people. What kind of man are you." the two struggled during which the idenity of the Archer was revealed

"Ophelia?!" Robin backed off leaving the young woman panting there for a moment before she lifted herself up. Much came to the 'aide' of his master and as well saw the Identity of the scarlet Archer.

"You're the Scarlett Archer."

"Oh well done genius." she snipped "I don't have time for this. I know who's trying to kill the Sheriff. It's Joseph, Joseph Lacey, he's a guard at the castle." she huffed out

"Joe Lacey?"

"Yes, he's already tried once and I'm betting you anything he's going to try again. He'll have gone to higher ground, act surprised later, come on." i grabbed my bow and arrow and took off running. They followed me and we found him in a higher spot.

"Joe!" Robin called then took out a arrow. I did the same "Put it down. Put the bow down Joe." he warned

"You let me do this Robin."

"Why did you kill them, Joe?" I kept my arrow lowered for now as Robin tried to talk him down.

"My Ruth, she worked all her life at the castle. When she lay dying, where was the Sheriff? Did he come and visit, did he send food? No, he sent Joderic because we hadn't payed our taxes. He put us out and she dies like a dog on the street. And now so will he." he went to take aim again.

"You kill that Sheriff and Prince John will send another one. The people of that village will be tortured because the Sheriff died there." Robin tried to reason with him

"It's just me then. Am i the only man in Nottingham who can say what he likes? Do what he likes."

"Matthew the Millers boy!" I stressed

"That was a accident. The Sheriff moved." he replied back to me

"And the sheriff moved the next day when you killed three more? Stable boys and washerwomen." Robin argued back

"The Sheriff's leaving. Please let me do this terrible thing, Robin."

"No" the two of us raised our bow and arrows up to him "Joe, Put it down. Put it down, I will shoot you." he let loose and so did we shooting him. He dropped down and rolled down the embankment. We ran to look over the scene at watched as The Sheriff found him. Then my father came over sword drawn. I gasped and looked away hiding in the shoulder of Robin as Joesph let out a grunt in pain as my father killed him. He shielded the act my father committed. Once it was silent i stepped and looked back down.

"Poor Joe. I understand his grief but why kill so many." I shake my head not understanding.

"He didn't." Robin voiced

"We should go." Much declared and the two of us left with Robin trailing on behind "So, the daughter of the right hand man to the Sheriff is the Scarlett Archer that helps the nightwatchman protect the villagers and aide them in their ills? How does that work?" he inquired

"By being constantly underestimated." I stopped "I have to return to the castle before My father and the Sheriff return. No doubt he will check on me. I would say this has been fun, but I'd be lying." I mounted my horse and rose of taking a shortcut back to the castle and being there, changed and reading on the castle wall as they returned.

"fruitful trip?" I strain out. I knew what my father was like but to see him up close and personal killing someone.

"Indeed. And you, I trust your studies are progressing."

"Not as fast as normal, given the events." It would help if I weren't cooped to one room of the castle. When will it be safe to return home?"

"Now." he answered sitting across from me. The threat has been dealt with and you may feel safe in your own bed once more. I have even had more books brought in from York, to fuel your...thirst for knowledge." he brushed some hair back and i tried not to move

"Is something the matter?"

"Nothing." I gave a tight smile

--------

Robin and I walked on the outskirts of Nettlestone after my return to Locksley had been blessed.

"I have a question? Why do they call you the Scarlett Archer?"

"You mean aside from that I wear red and I'm pretty decent with a bow and arrow." I retort chuckling.

"Yes, aside from that." he laughed

"I don't know. I did not pick the name." i shrug

"ugh anyway. You do not need to do it anymore" he commented making me scoff and roll my eyes

"What because you're here."

"Yes." he smirked and i came to a stop

"Father had me taught to fight because he told me that there were people in the world that would treat me unjustly because of my gender. The thought of me one day being left to the mercy of another man filled him with dread. Yet he knew that one day the tides would turn and i would have to leave him or him, I. He wanted me to have the ability to have a choice and my choice became to help the poor. There is no way in hell you are going to tell me what to do and stop me from doing that."

"But does your father know what you are doing."

"He thinks I spend most of my time learning or riding. He knows I show compassion to the poor and chalks it up to my mothers early influence. The rest is semantics he does not need to know." he chuckles

"Give me a moment, i have a mill to open." I nod slightly and he walks off joining his friends to re-open the closed mill. The people rejoiced and Much came over to me.

"He has to have the glory doesn't he?" I smirk as he joined me

"Glory? No, I think he just wants to be loved." I glance back at him for a moment the back to the scene in front of me.