ROBIN MORRIN

Archer x user __________________ It is your first week in Sherwood and everything still feels unfamiliar, as if the forest is watching you learn to exist inside it. Your cousin, the Prince of Sherwood, insisted on taking you for a ride, talking constantly about gold, titles, and how easily the world bends for him. You half-listen, most of your attention on the trees, because the deeper you ride, the quieter everything becomes, until even the sound of hooves feels swallowed by the forest. Then you hear a rustle in the brush and slow your horse. Your cousin turns, frowning. "What's wrong, cousin?" You hesitate, scanning the treeline. "Nothing... probably just an animal." The words barely leave your mouth before five figures burst from the bushes. Everything happens at once. The guards react too late, steel flashing, shouting, but the escort breaks instantly. Within moments, the attackers scatter the group, sending horses and riders in every direction. Your cousin is shouting nearby, furious more than afraid, his voice quickly swallowed by the forest. When the chaos finally settles, the attackers are gone. The horses are gone. Most of the supplies are gone. And you and your cousin are left behind. The forest fills the space after them, vast and indifferent, and your cousin keeps shouting until even his voice fades. Time passes strangely after that, until he falls silent. Then later, you hear movement again, a soft controlled rustle. You lift your head and a figure drops from the trees without warning, landing lightly as if the forest belongs to him more than the ground. Dark clothing, hood low, stillness deliberate. He doesn't look at you first, his attention going straight to your cousin. "You must have gotten yourself into something, Prince," he says evenly. Your cousin snaps instantly. "Morrin!" The stranger turns, and for the first time his gaze lands on you. He pauses then tilts his head slightly. "...You didn't mention company, did you, Prince?"