Penelope struggled to keep her stoic expression as it was decided that Layth would be the one to interrogate Crow. It was easy for her to guess that her brother wouldn't hold back very much in his attempt to get information out of the thief. However, unable to do anything more at the time, she fell silent and merely watched as the scene played out. As they began to lead Crow away, her gaze shifted over to him, catching the smile he gave her. A hint of concern broke into her expression before she managed to hide it again. She was guessing that Crow seemed to try and reassure her. She just hoped that meant that the thief had a plan.
As the crowd dispersed, she stepped away from the other knights and into the shade of a nearby tent as she tried to weigh out what to do next. If Crow had a plan to escape, maybe it was just wise to stay out of it. Unless he was just doing that to ease my own worry... Damn it he probably doesn't even have a plan yet. She ran a hand through her hair at the thought. Distracted with her worry, she didn't notice Gavin storming up to her.
"Penelope, what the hell?" He hissed, catching the knight off guard. She jumped slightly and whirled her head to look over at him. Gavin looked at her with a harsh gaze that soon melted into a look of disappointment as he frowned at her. He surveyed their surroundings for a moment, making sure they were alone before his gaze rested back on her. "I thought you agreed to not get involved anymore."
Penelope lowered her gaze. She supposed that she had made her intentions rather obvious to him when she had tried to volunteer to interrogate Crow. It would be difficult, if not impossible to convince Gavin that she wasn't going to do anything more. Plus he'd probably be much more watchful of her actions now that she had broken the promise. While part of her felt bad about having to betray his trust, she couldn't help but find herself unable to back down from helping Crow. "Come on." She mumbled grabbing his wrist and leading him to her tent. With what they were about to discuss, she didn't want to talk out in the open. Gavin reluctantly followed her into the tent and looked at her expectantly as he awaited her reply.
"I'm sorry I lied to you." Penelope finally sighed. "I was hoping to keep you out of this.. I know you don't agree with some of my choices and I didn't want to drag you into them."
"So you're still going to help him?" Gavin asked with a hint of hurt seeping into his voice.
Penelope gave a small nod.
"He's got comrades doesn't he? They'll probably save him. Penelope just stay out of it. Don't you understand what you're risking by getting involved like that?" There was a desperate edge in Gavin's voice that made her flinch.
"Look, I don't know what I'm going to do yet." Penelope muttered, meeting his gaze with a look of determination. "Maybe his comrades will come to help him.. But I'm not sure. They might not know where he is or what happened to him. They might even just think he's dead. Regardless, I'm not going to rely on them. Even if they try to save him, they might fail and all get themselves killed in the process. There's too much to chance here, Gavin. I'm sure I can figure out a way to get him out of here."
"I'm sure you can too but that's not the point. Penelope if you get caught you'll lose everything. You'll be deemed a traitor, I'm sure of it!" Gavin reached out to take her hand. "Everything you worked for will be gone.. Please, just leave that whole situation alone."
Penelope frowned as she looked up at him. Gavin was right in assuming how much she was risking. However, his words made her wonder if she was also risking losing him. The female knight paused for a moment, considering leaving Crow on his own. While she thought about it, an ache in her heart made her realize she couldn't do it. Concern for the thief's well being swirled inside her and she was beginning to realize that her care for him ran deeper than her care for Gavin. Though she was fond of her suitor, she couldn't bring herself to put him,or even their future together, above the safety of Crow.
"I'll try to make sure it doesn't come to that. But Gavin, I'm helping him." Penelope stated with certainty. "You can either help me, stay out of it or turn me in, but my decision won't be changing."
Gavin flinched at her words and gave a betrayed look that sent a stab of guilt through her. He was silent for a moment, making Penelope worried that he was considering turning her in. The male knight averted his gaze before muttering in a tone of heavy defeat, "Do what you wish. It's clear I can't change your mind...I'm not going to turn on you, Penelope." He turned and headed out of the tent, leaving her alone.
She frowned as she stood alone in the silence, wondering what this would mean for her relationship with Gavin. I'm sorry Gavin... I didn't mean to hurt you. While it was bad and she felt guilty for having hurt him, she couldn't focus on it. She still had to figure out a way to get Crow out of the camp.
---
Penelope waited for night to fall before finally going to visit Crow. She spent most of the day alone and away from where they had been keeping Crow, mainly trying to prevent from any suspicion towards her from building if she was seen visiting the prisoner too much. She was also still grappling with the fact of just how much she cared for Crow. Her feelings were beginning to become less confusing as she was starting to accept the reality of the situation. It seemed she still loved him. However, the knight poured her focus into devising a plan rather than letting herself think too much on her emotions so she had yet to fully accept it.
Now with most of the camp asleep, aside from a few knights that remained awake for guard duty, Penelope made her way over to where Crow was located. She wore a cloak over her armor, hiding away the water canteen and small bit of food she had snuck with her out of view. As he came into view, the knight faltered slightly, frowning as she began to see the aftermath of the 'interrogation' her brother had down. However, before she reached him, Millicent popped into view.
"Oh, hey Penelope." She greeted with a smile.
"Hey." Penelope said, quickly recovering from her momentary slip up at the sight of the thief. "I'm here to relieve you."
"What?" Millicent blinked. "My guard shift isn't over for a while still.. Plus I thought Alan was taking me off?"
"I know.. But I can't sleep and I wanted something to do." Penelope lied with a shrug. "Besides you look tired. You went on the patrol with Tomas earlier today didn't you?"
"Yeah.. It was a pretty long day." Millicent sighed in agreement. She paused and looked over at Penelope. "Are you sure you want to take the rest of my shift?"
Penelope nodded and smiled at the female knight reassuringly. "Go get some sleep." She murmured patting her on the back before moving to take her position as guard.
"Thanks Penelope." Millicent said appreciatively before turning to head off. Penelope watched the knight go, waiting until she was out of view before turning and making her way over to Crow. "Gods looks like they really didn't hold back huh?" She whispered, her brow furrowing concernedly as she eyed him over. She swept her gaze over the area, making sure they were alone before crouching down besides him. "I brought you some food and water.." She added reaching to pull out the canteen and bread she had brought with her. "Have you figured a way out of here yet?"
