A short moment after John disappeared into the tent, Gavin stepped out. Penelope met his gaze and for a brief period, neither of them said anything to each other as the male knight seemed quite shocked by her father's sudden appearance as well. He finally seemed to break out of his shock and stepped over to her with an urgent look in his gaze. 

"Penelope, what.. what's going on? Your father's here and he said something about a mission from the king? Do you know anything about this?" he asked keeping his voice low and he searched her gaze.

"No of course not. He doesn't tell me anything!" Penelope said, raking a hand nervously through her hair. "He just showed up with the supplies from what I heard... He came into our meeting asking about Crow and I have no idea what the king even wants from him.. Though I'm not sure my father really knows either." 

Gavin pursed his lips together and glanced over his shoulder towards the tent. His gaze lingered there for a moment before shifting to look back at her. "He must want him alive at least... If your father was here to kill him, he would have just told the barons to do it." he told her softly, noticing the panic that was seeping into her voice.

"Maybe." she mumbled with uncertainty. 

"Also," he frowned and shifted his weight awkwardly. "what are you going to tell him about us? We aren't courting anymore and if he hangs around long enough, he's going to realize that eventually.."

Penelope stiffened as he brought up another concern. Though it wasn't as big as her concern for her father's plans with Crow, it was still a problem. She wasn't sure how her father would react to learn that she had chosen to end her courtship with Gavin but she doubted it would be good. He'd likely try to force her back into it and if Gavin didn't allow him to, John might just try to marry her off as soon as he could to the next eligible candidate. There was also a chance he'd remove her from being a knight all together. None of the outcomes would be good and Penelope shuddered at the thought of them. 

"I.. I don't know." she admitted with a frown. "No matter what I do, it won't go over well." 

"I won't let him push you into a courtship with me but.. I don't think I can help much more than that." Gavin sighed shifting his gaze off to the side. He paused and shifted his weight. "...Actually.. there is one other thing I could do. Or rather we can do."

"What?" she asked him. 

"Not many here know that we even stopped courting... We could still act like we're courting until your father leaves." Gavin suggested. 

"I can't ask you to do that, Gavin. Especially after all that's happened." Penelope mumbled lowering her gaze. 

"I'm well aware of where your heart lies Penelope...And I know now that I can't reach it." Gavin muttered. "Just think about it. It might be your best option right now." His gaze flicked back over to the tent as the flap shifted and John stepped out again. The male knight dipped his head to the older man and shifted a bit closer to Penelope. 

"You can go back inside now, Gavin. Thank you." John told him. 

"Actually, I should be taking Gavin off. His shift has already been long enough because of the meeting I was at." Penelope spoke up as she took a step towards the tent. She had been planning to take the day shift anyways but even more so than that, she wanted to speak with Crow to ask him what was happening. John eyed her for a moment and she offered a small smile as she looked to Gavin. "Perhaps you can help get my father settled in first though.. How long are you going to be staying with us anyways?"

"I'm not sure yet." John admitted. 

"We better get you a tent set up. I imagine you're tired from the long journey anyways." Gavin said respectfully. He shot once last glance at Penelope before turning to lead the way. "I'll help you with that, sir."

Penelope watched the two begin to walk off. She worried about what her father would ask Gavin and how the male knight would respond. However, she had no control over that now so she pushed those worries aside and headed into the as her attention focused on Crow. She felt a small hint of relief at seeing him again and wasted no time in hurrying over to his bedside. "Gods I have no idea what's happening right now." she breathed as she looked down at him concernedly. "What in the hell did my father speak to you about?"