Disclaimer: I do not own Robin Hood, nor am I affiliated with BBC in anyway. I just own my own characters and my own slight twist on the plot.

I do not know how much time passed that Robin and I sat in the cave with Marian’s body. All I knew was that Robin pulled me up with a strange look in his eyes. In my hands, he placed my knives and dagger. All were clean, not a spot of blood left on them. He must have washed them while my mind was elsewhere. “Siobhan. For Marian.”

I blinked coming back to life, squeezing my blades. “For Marian.”

There was a moment of understanding between us. We both lost the things that had kept us careful, on our toes. The things that held us back and prevented us from breaking all the rules. If we had to go out, let it be the right way.

I threw my arms around Robin’s neck in a tight hug. “She always loved you Robin. We all knew it, she knew it especially.”

He smiled sadly patting my cheek. “I loved you all. Tried to protect you all but-”

“You succeeded in that. Never think you didn’t.” I squeezed his hand tightly, making him truly listen. “We’re still alive thanks to you. If you hadn’t been here half of Locksley, hell, half of everyone around Nottingham would be dead.”

He looked toward Marian, a fired behind his eyes. “May I ask a last favor?”

“Fighting beside you is not a favor, but a choice Robin.”

“That is not what I mean. Switch clothes with Marian. If Gisborne and the Sheriff find her, I do not want Gisborne to know she was the Night Watchman. It will only bring problems to her father.”

I nodded moving toward my friend lying still on the bed. Djaq and I had been forced to remove her pants and cloak so to better work on her. Thankfully, we were around the same size. I slipped off my skirt taking off the straps that held smaller knives to my legs. Two were set outside my ankles and two on my inner legs just below my knees. Walking into her pants I arranged the straps so the knives could keep their place now outside of my clothing. The cloak and mask quickly followed. I would not remove Marian’s top. That I just could not do. I moved my skirt up and over her legs, a heavy feeling in my heart. It was an odd feeling to watch her lying there. As if any moment she would simply open her eyes and scold all of us for letting her sleep.

Djaq appeared in out sight knife to Pitts throat. “Robin, what do we do with him?”

Robin had retaken his position next to Marian, looking blankly down.

I put a hand on his shoulder. “Robin it’s time.” We could all hear the Sheriff outside the cave we had to move.

Without a word Robin stood grabbing his arrows and pushing forward.

Djaq and I exchanged looked running forward, Pitts still at the mercy of Djaq’s blade. I looked around and spotted one of Allan’s bows and quiver. He preferred sword, but all of them had a backup weapon. The ground was littered with bows, but only one full quiver. I only had so many knives, arrows were quicker if I wanted to kill from a distance.

Arrows flew about my head as I went after Robin.

Good arrows fell about my feet. “Hello then.” I picked them up adding to the amount I already possessed and began to shoot. I aimed for the archers, they were the current threat. None of the others would advance too quickly. Not while Robin was firing.

I moved to the top of the rock and I could hear Gisborne screaming. Funny, he thought he killed the Night Watchman. It was foolish but I aimed and arrow ripping the sleeve of his jacket. Waste of an arrow, but I felt better.

Below me Robin was out of arrows, I was about to pass him the remainder of mine, but he pulled out his sword. Djaq moved from the cave beneath me running after the convoy heading toward the Sheriff and Gisborne.

The last of my arrows knocked down a guard running toward Robin. I jumped from the rock, and arrow shooting by my ear. Yet, the arrow had come from behind. I spun around to see Allan and Will running from the forest down to the fight.

Allan took stance near me and drew back his arrow. “Nice to see you joining us Marian.”

I smacked him in the head pulling down my mask. “Where the hell have you been?”

“Siobhan?” Allan ducked from an arrow pulling back one of his own. “What are you-”

I held up a hand pulling out a knife. “You know what? You can explain later.” I slipped the mask back up smashing a guard in the face with my foot as I ran down to join the fighting. I was taught not to harm, as most children were taught. It was a major part of religion. But this was not me fighting an inner evil of revenge. That would be wrong. This was my part in defending the good left in England. If I could take some of the evil down with me, then I would.

Will and Allan were fighting on either side of me. It must have been an unsettling sight for the guards. A man with axe and hatchet in hands, a cloaked figure retrieving knives from the center of their comrade’s chest, and another man on the end sword flashing crimson.

The Sheriff, Gisborne and the remaining guards rode off back toward safety. Once they were out of sight, I ripped the mask off punching Will in the chest. “And where the hell were you two when we needed you?”

Allan took in a deep breath. “I can explain. It’s a woman, a mother, she was giving birth to this newborn babe, right?”

I pointed a knife at Allan. “I swear if you continue with that Allan…”

Will shook his head. “We were going to take the haul. Gisborne’s money. We were going to take it to Scarborough.” Scarborough, that’s where Dan and Luke were.

Allan shrugged catching his breath. “Yeah. What can I say?”

“Sorry. Really.”

“Well we’re here now. Saved your bacon actually.”

I shook my head turning my back on both of them and sliding Marian’s cloak off, sitting on a fallen log. “Tell that to Marian.”

“What?”

Much stood up. “Marian. Gisborne stabbed her last night.”

“She dead.” Robin looked up, sword planted into the ground. “Marian’s dead.”

I ran my fingers through my hair leading the way into the cave. I tossed the cloak and mask beside the bed and huddled myself against a small corner in the wall. From my place I watched everyone come into the cave all looking at Marian’s body in different states of disbelief. The one thing that was the same was everyone’s cautious looks when Robin walked in.

Djaq looked to Robin. “We need to bury her.”

“John. I’ll need you to carry-” Robin crossed his arms, shaking his head and trying to regain his composure. “We must take her to Knighton Hall. To her father. Will I…I need you to make a coffin.”

Little John patted Robin’s shoulder. “Sh. In good time. First…we say goodbye.”

I crawled forward getting to my feet so I was standing on the other side of John in the flickering light of the torch.

“She was a good woman.” A small tear appeared on Will’s cheek. “Kind and considerate.”

Much moved forward. “Good? Oh she was…she was…”

“She was all right.” Allan smiled nodding his head.

I crossed my arms, a few tears silently falling. “She was my best friend. One of the most stubborn people I’ve ever known and excellent with a bow.”

Little John pointed at Marian’s body. “Her we liked.”

Robin shook his head. “Her we loved. Her I loved. I loved her and I never told her.” He had to clear his throat a bit. I knew Robin and I knew his pride. He wasn’t going to cry if he could hold it in.

I moved around Little John putting my hand on Robin’s shoulder and squeezing tightly. I hated seeing him like this. “We all knew. She knew Robin. She knew. She’d never admit it, but she knew. I promise.”

Allan moved forward looking at Marian carefully. “I’m not being funny, right. She’s breathing.” He looked around at us waiting for someone to check.

Djaq looked to me and I passed her one of my clean blades. She held it under Marian’s nose and nearly fell backwards. “On the blade. She is breathing.”

“I told you.”

I grabbed the sides of Allan’s face and kissed him. “You are brilliant.” I turned to kneel beside Djaq. “Was it-”

“The physician’s draft? I believe so.” She nodded. “I’ve heard of this before. He must have had more hemlock then needed. That plus ours…It hardly ever happens, I’ve only heard of this once or twice before. Too much hemlock makes the body freeze. It appears as if the patient is dead. The breathing stops, but if one is young and strong the body fights back. It comes back from the dead! She’s back from the dead!”

Will placed his hands on my shoulders watching this all carefully. I stood turning slowly. I drew a finger across his cheek wiping away a lone tear.

Will held me tighter. “She’s okay. She’s going to be okay.”

I pushed back looking at him, shaking. “You left.”

“I came back.”

I shook my head, crossing my arms protectively across my chest. “Will, you left. Not a word, no explanation you just left.”

“Siobhan, I-”

I turned. “You know what? I do not want to hear it right now. I want to watch Marian. I want to count my blessings today, because I am too tired to fight.” I moved to sit beside Djaq and Robin, never letting Will say anything else.

Marian blinked awake, everyone sighing with relief. “Where have I been?”

Robin shook his head holding her tightly and smiling. “I don’t know, but I am glad you’re back.”

I led the way with Djaq, weapons at the ready. We had made a stretcher for Marian and the men were taking turns in their position. They said there was too much of a height difference for Djaq and I to help carrying her. They had a point, but I think it was also because they wanted to save face. Stupid chivalry.

I knocked on the back door at Knighton Hall. Edward opened looked shocked. I held up a hand indicating I would explain in a moment. Little John moved past me up the stairs carrying Marian in his arms.

The others turned their backs as I found fresh clothing to put over Marian. It was one I had made last year when she had grown quite sick. Her arms were weak so I had made a nightgown that tied on the sides. Djaq gave me a hand to keep Marian balanced while Edward and Robin discussed what had happened.

Little John shrugged off his cloak. I tsked at the state of it while Djaq went to check his wound.

“What about Marian?” Robin rolled his head about gripping the foot of Marian’s bed looking at Edward. “She cannot be left to meet Gisborne at the alter.”

Edward gestured down at me. “Siobhan will watch her. Perhaps-”

Will ran up the stairs. “Gisborne!”

Edward headed to the door. “Go! I’ll get rid of him.”

I closed the door ushering everyone into places to hide. I was left standing face to face with Allan as there were footsteps on the stairs. “Allan.”

He looked over his shoulder and slid out the window gripping the sill. I stood in front of where he hid, making sure he had a sturdy grip on the bars. I didn’t want to have to clean someone else up today. One friend terribly wounded was enough.

I grabbed a cloth from the wash bin and wrung it out, pretending to wring it out as Gisborne entered.

He nearly slammed the door open. “Siobhan what are-”

“Sh!” I waved my hand at him slowly moving to Marian’s side. “Do not wake her. Guy, some manners. Most people knock before entering a room.”

Gisborne’s face paled. For once not in anger at my words, but at the sight of Marian. “She looks pale. Marian?”

I dabbed Marian’s forehead trying to ignore the feeling of Robin watching me. I slid my eyes to look at him briefly, but he merely shook his head. I looked back at Gisborne. “She is unwell Sir Guy. I did not mean to be so sharp, but I am trying to help her recover and she needs all the rest she can get. I am her caretaker am I not?”

“Shall I send for a physician?”

I shook my head. “It is nothing I cannot handle. She just needs some rest. No visitors, not a lot of noise. That was why I had asked Sir Edward to please stay downstairs for the time being.”

Sir Edward pulled Gisborne aside, speaking that perhaps it was the excitement of the wedding that had overwhelmed her. I continued to sit by Marian, slowly shaking my head as her eyes looked toward Robin, holding his place in the ceiling above her bed.

Edward showed Gisborne the door and I waited until I heard his footsteps disappear before sighing.

I threw the cloth back into the basin as everyone came from their hiding spaces. Little John crawled out from under the bed, while Much came out from behind the door. Robin dropped from the ceiling and Will dropped his legs from his spot in the chimney. He and Little John opened the truck where Djaq was hiding and I lent Allan a hand crawling back into the window.

Allan grinned at me. “Stronger than you look.”

I rolled my eyes. “You’d do well to remember that.”

Everyone stood around Marian’s bed while I sat at her side.

Robin looked at Marian determined. “Marian, I will find another way out of this.”

“Robin I need to speak to you.” Edward ushered Robin out of the room.

I squeezed Marian’s hand with a smile.

Much appeared over my shoulder smiling at Marian. “You gave us quite a scare back there. Playing dead is just for animals, not humans.”

She smiled, her voice very quite. “I heard you telling a story Much. I’m glad you didn’t lie.” She let her eyes close, going back to sleep.

Will looked over at Much curiously. “What story did you tell?”

Much smiled. “The day Robin found out he and Marian were betrothed.”

Will smirked. “Oh I remember that day. Unless I’m mistaken, Siobhan started the fight.” He looked at me, eyes almost pleading me to smile.

I gave a little smile. “I can’t help it just because I’m smart.”

Will came next to me taking my hand. “You always were the smarter one.”

I turned my head at the sound of a slamming door.

Edward came in alone. “He left.”

I looked to Much. “You know where he went.”

Much nodded. He inclined his head to Edward and went on his way.

I stood giving Edward’s hand a comforting squeeze. “Edward, Marian really is fine. She just needs sleep now. We’re through the danger and now she just needs some time to recover.”

I looked around at those of us left. We all needed time to recover.

Much knocked on the open door to my cottage sinking into one of the chairs. “I am so tired of his…I mean of all the…Rotten…”

I raised a brow. “Oh is it my turn?”

Much waved his hand at me. “By all means. You try now.”

I sighed and made my trek up the kill thinking of all the things I could say to Robin. My strides were long because I knew I needed all the time I could get. Robin needed to think of the horrible things I’m sure he said to Much. Give him some time to think of how he was treating everyone before proceeding to insult him.

Robin scoffed watching me appear before him. “And now you’ve been sent.”

“Not really. I was already planning on coming here. I saw the way you walked out Robin. There’s no need to be so childish.”

“I’m being childish?” He stood towering over me, pointing into his chest. “I’m childish? Marian nearly dies, Gisborne is trying to steal my life, and now everyone is telling me to think of England before Locksley.”

“You’re upset this is the first time they’re listening to you about that.”

Robin gaped. “I…well yes, but this time is different.”

“Because it’s Marian.”

“You would be the same way if it was Will.”

I ignored his statement. I knew better than to fall for that bait. Robin was trying to change the topic so he would win the argument. It was not going to work. “Robin. There may be a way for you to get your way both times. There needs to be a way.”

“Siobhan, I’ve been up here trying to figure that out. I cannot come up with anything. There is no plan. There is just a defeated feeling and I hate it.”

“Yet, you use valuable time to insult and belittle your best friend. The one person who has never left your side, nor ever given up on you.”

Robin sighed sitting back down. He folded his arms over his knees, dropping his head onto his arms. “You and I both know I never meant those things I said to Much.”

I squeezed his shoulder, looking out to the village below us. “I know Robin, but it does not make it any better. I know it is difficult for you to always be the leader. Yet, it is a role you carry so well. I have always known it. Robin from the time we were children you watched out for everyone. Protected us all from the other children of the village and made sure we knew how to defend ourselves. You may not realize it now but you know what to do. Take your time, but do not take it out on the others. That is not fair to them. They trust you with their lives. We all do.” I stood noticing I had his full attention for once. “I will say this also. We trust you with our lives. More importantly, we trust you with our deaths. If we die, we will all die properly.”

Robin gave me a little smile. “You’ve been talking to John lately.”

I smiled. “Robin, I’ve said this for years and yet you never listen. So I will say it once more and hope you pay attention this time. We are put on this earth to treat everyday as a treasure. Never regret a thing you do. When you live every day to the fullest, then you will realize every day is a good day to die.”

I left Robin sitting there watching over Locksley. Coming to the trees I found Will standing there watching me. “You were always good at speeches.”

I shrugged. “Gift of tongues I suppose.”

Will followed me. “Siobhan…”

“Will, every time you apologize I want to scream, so please. Just please, no apologies this time. A simple explanation will do if you feel the need to say something.”

“I don’t know what I was thinking. Allan and I were hiding out, taking time before we headed back to the cave. There were a couple of solider in the woods and we couldn’t move for some time. Then Allan got to talking and I listened.” He shook his head. “He reminds me of you. Both with your silver tongues. You could make anyone believe what you say, go along with anything. He made it sound like it was the best idea. When Robin got his lands back he would help Much out, but we were still outlaws. Robin could only help us so much. With the money we could take care of ourselves. We were going to see my father and brother. Help out everyone out there.”

“So, you never thought twice about just leaving without saying goodbye?”

“I figured leaving you behind was best. You may not like Tobias, but he hasn’t done anything wrong. Well nothing completely terrible. Nothing that you would not forgive someone else for. You’d get position and be happy. More importantly, you would be taken care of. There wasn’t, isn’t, much I could give you. You could be happy and well taken care of and I could be happy with my family.”

I nodded grasping what Will was saying. “With your family.”

Will stopped, realizing what he said. “Siobhan, I didn’t-”

“No, you did. You meant it like that. You don’t want me anymore.”

“I don’t mean it like that.”

“Then how do you mean it Will? How do you honestly mean it? Because call me crazy, but I’m not understanding you. Or is it because I’m just a girl. Oh, no better yet it’s because I’m younger. You always tried to use that against me. There’s a year between us Will. Just because you were born earlier and a boy does not mean you are better than me.” I shook my head, tears in my eyes. “Gods, it’s ridiculous after all this time I still cry every time. Every time you hurt me I should know better. I just never learn. You were wrong, Will. I was never the smarter one. I didn’t learn then and I haven’t learned yet.”

“Siobhan, don’t do this. You know that I just want what’s best for you.”

“Maybe you don’t know what’s best for me. Did you ever think of that?”

“I look around and see what’s happening to everyone else. I mean look at Robin and Marian. I’m not happy about Marian getting ready to marry Gisborne any more than you are. Nevertheless, if something happens to Robin, if anything happens to the King as least she will be taken care of. I think a part of Robin knows that. He is not happy about it, but he knows she would be taken care of even if it breaks his heart. He is only human he can only do so much. He’s letting her go to protect her because he loves her.”

“I am only human. I can only be hurt so many times Will Scarlet. A girl can only be hurt so many times before she is beyond repair.”

Will grabbed me pulling me close to him, keeping his face near mine so I had to look into his eyes. “And I am only human. I make mistakes. I love you Siobhan. People do stupid things when they are in love.”

I nodded moving closer to him. “I know, but Will I must say this.”

“Anything.” His voice was pleading. He knew he had started to lose me.

“This is the last time. If you hurt me again Will, I will need to stop this. I can’t keep this us will. I’m not strong enough to keep repairing myself after you hurt me. One more time and I think I may shatter for good.”

Will nodded giving me a slow kiss. “I know. I know Siobhan. I am sorry.”

I stared at Marian in disbelief. “You said what?!”

“He said I was right.” Marian was in her chair staring into space. “He said I was right and we both had to grow up eventually.”

I had arrived at the Hall early in the morning. Marian told me of what happened the night before. Apparently, after I left Will in the forest Robin went to speak to Marian. Things hadn’t gone so well. Marian confronted Robin about what Gisborne said and may have baited him a bit too much. After all this time, she still hadn’t learned where to draw the line. You can only push someone so far before they snap. Lately the fine line for Robin was already fraying.

Now I fell into a chair. “So that means…”

“…that I’ll marry Guy.”

We stared at each other across the table neither of us prepared to speak. What could we say? What could be said that wasn’t already understood? Will and the others had gone to meet with Edward and the other lords last night to prepare a plan on how to protect the king. From what I knew Robin had disappeared. He was probably back on his spot watching Locksley for the last time. He was going to do something rash. I did not know what it was, but I knew it was coming. Robin would not have abandoned the others for another reason. I was with Marian because that was my place. It was one thing if Edward abandoned the wedding. It would look even more suspicious if Marian’s best friend and lady in waiting was not with her. Not just that, but what kind of friend would I be if I left Marian to marry a man she was not in love with? How could I leave her by herself? That was about as humane as leaving a dying child in a damp hole, telling them to fend for themselves. Moreover, I may still find a way to provide a distraction. Gods, please help me find another way out of this for Marian.

I stood up leading Marian to her room in silence. Her wedding gown was already in her closet. Gisborne had had it brought in from somewhere in France, much to my distaste. It was not Marian. It was gold and gaudy. It took away from her delicate features. It made her look unreal and not exactly in a flattering way. I had said it aloud the first time she tried it on and it only made her smile. She had known me long enough to understand it was not an insult against her, but simply a dislike in the way the dress was made. This was the seamstress speaking not the semi-supportive friend.

I finished Marian’s make up with a sigh. “You know it is very lucky you are beautiful.” She looked at me curiously and I laughed. “It is because you are beautiful that I can now pay more attention to your face than this hideous thing you wear.”

Marian stood tears in her eyes. “You cannot make me cry, I will ruin all the work you have done.”

I shook my head giving hear a tight hug and kissing her on the cheek. “As long as you do not smudge your lipstick I will not care.”

Marian gave a hiccup of a laugh and took a deep breath. “I guess here we go.”

I nodded lowering her veil. “Here you go.”

We both turned walking outside. There was brief and unsure applause from outside as Edward helped Marian into the carriage.

I looked down at myself unsmiling. One of the first times in months I had been able to wear something beautiful and it was for an occasion I did not support in the least bit. I had worn one of my mother’s old dresses, re-stitching it of course. It was a deep blue that made my eyes shine bright. The color complimented my skin and was highly flattering to my hair. It hung off the shoulders and the sleeves were long, almost in bell style so I came armed. Whenever I felt uneasy, I went full out with all eight blades. Today I wore seven on my person. The eighth was hidden in my hair, almost how Marian hid her small dagger. However, my hair was now plaited down my back so the dagger’s hilt looked like a silver clasp. I had made Marian check it a few times. She did not chide me about wearing it. She knew that I was not happy about this arrangement, but it meant a lot that I was there for her. If I needed my weapons to breathe easier than so be it.

Edward took my hand after getting Marian in. “Siobhan, you are Marian’s best friend and confident. Watch over her. You are my representative while there.”

I nodded moving toward the carriage but Edward pulled me back. “I’m sorry, I did not realize there was more.”

Edward patted my hand kissing my cheek. “I thank you for being Marian’s friend. You have helped her though many hardships Siobhan. I know you think you are not always appreciated, but know you are. You are like another daughter to me and I wish you happiness as much as I wish happiness for Marian. I just hope you will not have to adapt as much as she will have to.”

I nodding kissing Edward’s cheek. “Thank you.” I knew what he meant and I appreciated it. I moved to sit across from Marian who bowed her head eyes closed. I knew what she was doing. She was praying. She was praying that even though she would not fight this decision, something would come along and intervene on her behalf.

I stood with Marian watching Gisborne’s retreating back. “He’s never been to a wedding. Hmm that really is-”

“Siobhan.”

I sighed. “I’m sorry Marian. I need to learn to be kinder, I know. It’s just very difficult. I’m not even entirely sure why he hates me so much.”

Marian gave me a little smile. “Oh don’t you?”

I held up my hands. “Honest. I do not remember what I could have done.”

Marian shook her head nudging me to enter the church before her. “Siobhan, everyone that was present told me the story. Gisborne was in the market in Nottingham one day when I walked by with my father. It was right before he lost his position as sheriff and after Robin had left.”

I turned to face her with wide eyes. “Oh feck. I had forgotten all about that. He asked everyone who you were and I was the only one brave enough to answer him.”

Marian gave a little laugh. “He can be intimidating, but I think you annoyed him more with your words than your lack of fear.”

“I only told him the truth. I said, ‘That’s Marian daughter of the Sheriff, Sir Edward. She’s going to be a proper lady some day. She’s my best friend and she’s betrothed to Robin of Locksley. He’s fighting in the Crusade right beside King Richard. They’re going to be married someday and she will never love anyone else as much as him.’” Of course I had also gone on to tell him that he should loosen up or else he would become as still as the leather he wore. I should mention I was thirteen at the time. I was also a bit drunk. Will and I had stolen a barrel of ale from a cart that was leaving the city the night before. With three other friends, we finished the whole barrel so I was a bit loose with my words. I found out later Will had apologized to Gisborne saying I had been hit in the head that morning and of course didn’t mean any disrespect. He had to cover his own arse because if our parents ever found out what we had done they would have killed us without a thought. Or at the very least beaten so hard we wouldn’t have been able to sit for a week.

I stood silently watching the priest ramble on in Latin about the joys of marriage and the meaning behind the vows.

The bells began ringing wildly behind us and Much appeared holding the rope shouting at the top of his lungs. “Stop the wedding! It’s not the King! It’s an imposter king! The king is not in Nottingham!”

The priest stiffened looking up. “Whether the king is in Nottingham or not has no bearing on this wedding.”

Marian stared at Gisborne. “Did you know this?”

Gisborne swallowed. “The priest is right. This makes no difference. Our happiness…”

“You lied to me! What else have you lied about.”

I looked toward the heavens mouthing a silent thank you. Marian was coming to her senses once again. Marian could tolerate a lot. Lying, however, was where she drew the line. That was the one thing she could not abide.

Much began aiming his shouts at Gisborne. “He went to the Holy Land! He tried to kill the King!”

Gisborne looked up, but his words were still to Marian. “I have done wrong but you will wash away my sins.”

Marian looked down a bit on comprehension dawning on the face beneath the veil. “If it is not the king…”

“It is a ruse by the Sheriff to flush out his enemies.”

“What will happen to them?”

Gisborne just gave her a silent look. Another reason to dislike Gisborne. He expected everyone to read his mine. Unfortunately, this time it was understood. His silence answered her question quite well.

Marian jumped up. “My father. I must go to Nottingham.”

“Your father will be safe. I have made provision. He will be spared. You see? My influence, it benefits you. As my father-in-law, he is protected. As my father-in-law.”

“That is cruel.”

Two guards were now dragging Much outside. “This is wrong.”

Not the priest huffed, speaking over everyone to Much. “You must have legal grounds to object to this marriage or remain silent.”

“I have moral grounds.”

Gisborne pointed to the guards, now shouting. “Get him out of here!”

“This man is a traitor and a liar! Is that legal? And her heart belongs to another! Let her tell you that. Marian, my lady, tell them.”

Gisborne turned looking at Marian. “Yes Marian. Tell them.” He lowered his voice so only now Marian and I could hear him. “Remember your father.”

Marian’s eyes flooded with tears. “It is not true.” She turned to Much. “I am sorry. I know you mean well but my heart belongs here.”

I had to flex my fingers to stop from grabbing the dagger in my hair. With the way things were going I might as well just kill myself and save myself from the horror that was this wedding.

Gisborne turned to the priest. “Get on with it.”

Oh that was romantic.

The guards tightened their grip on Much pulling his outside. “What! I don’t understand. Surely, there is some mistake! He needs you, Marian! He needs you!” His screams disappeared as the guards dragged him out of range.

Gisborne took the rig sliding it on Marian’s finger. “Wise decision. In time, you will thank me. I promise.”

I watched Marian’s fingers twitch and smiled keeping my hands at my sides. I knew that move. Marian did not like being told what to do. She especially hated when people told her what she should be thankful for.

Marian looked at the ring and switched it to the finger on her other hand.

The pried shook his head with a little smile. “No, no my dear. The ring must stay on the left hand.” He frowned as she ignored him. “The left hand.”

Marian shook her head. “No the right is better.” She threw back her veil and punched Gisborne square in the face. Grabbing my hand we both ran outside. Marian’s face broke into a smile as she dropped my hand running toward Robin.

Robin rode faster smiling at his love. “Do you take this man and this horse as your route out of here?”

“I do!”

Much crawled out of the lake pointing toward the castle. “Master. The king, it is an imposter. He’s at the castle. It’s not the king.”

Robin’s face fell. “A trap I knew it. Who’s there?”

“Everyone. They’re all there. The gang, the lords.”

Marian looked up at her love. “Robin, my father. He leads the rebellion.”

He nodded scooping her up onto the saddle.

Much grabbed a horse riding after them.

Thornton whistle to me quickly handing a horse to me. “Ride swiftly little one.”

I smiled down at him, kicking my heels to catch up with the others.

Marian dismounted and gave Robin a kiss goodbye.

She turning to me grinning and I rolling my eyes pulling her onto my horse with a sigh. “The east gate it is. Gods, please let us all be on time.”

Marian was humming a bit behind me.

I pulled up to the east gate helping her down. “You’re really bloody proud of yourself aren’t you?”

Marian smiled. “Robin loves me.”

I gave a laugh. “I meant punching Gisborne, but that’s always nice too.”

Marian and I slid into the room just as much was running onto the risers pointing out that the king was an imposter. Guards flooded the room and everyone started running.

I turned to get out of the way and was bowled over my Allan. “Ouch.”

“I’m not being funny, but you weren’t there a second ago.” He gave me a hand up pushing me in front of him up the stairs. His monk’s cover flew off and her forced his cloak around me tossing the hood up. “You will be coming with us. I think Marian can manage on her own now.” He turned to Robin grinning. “And here we were thinking we might have been out of a job. Good to have you back.”

Robin laughed nodding. “It’s good to be back.”

The Sheriff entered making Allan and Will push me behind them just so I wasn’t seen. Djaq came beside me grinning. “How was the wedding?”

I gave a little laugh. “Marian decided she’s rather punch the groom than marry him. So I like it very much. Short, sweet, and nonbinding.”

“Spoilt my game Hood, tut-tut.” The Sheriff had a knife to Much’s throat.

Robin’s eyes traveled about the room and he took out his bow. He turned throwing the rope to John who knocked out two guards before he and Allan tied them up. Djaq and I pressed against the wall as two more guards came in. With a nod, we turned knocking their heads together and watching them fall.

I turned to Djaq laughing. “You know that was more fun that I thought it would be. I’ll have to remember that the helmets make a quite amusing sound.”

Robin let loose and arrow and we all watched as it bounced out countless surfaces before going through the Sheriff’s sandal, rope still attached.

Little John gave a little bow to Djaq and I as we took a running start and kicked the tied up guards over the balcony. The Sheriff rose into the air handing upside down screaming countless curses.

Robin walked down a step with a laugh speaking to the people below. “Everyone still if you please. I think we can safely say and audience with the King has been suspended!” He turned to his gang with a smile. “Come on lads. Let’s go home.” He turned to wink at Marian before shooing us all outside.

I was pleased to note that no one was making a move to help the Sheriff.

I moved down the steps untying Allan’s cloak and handing it back to him with a smile. “Thanks, but I think I’m good now.”

Will placed a hand around my waist smiling down at me as we were all walking.

There was a lighthearted feeling in the air, and I could feel the anticipation. As soon as we stepped foot outside the front gates a cheer went up from the group of us, everyone jumping in the air. And there I was being lifted in the air by the hands of the man I loved most.

A/N:

So this is where the first story ends. I hope you’ve all enjoyed it. I think I’ll be doing a sequel to Aim for the Heart. This has just been so much fun to write.

Yet, as you all have noticed in this last chapter there may be serious changes in the sequel, mainly because of everything in the second season. So if you are faint of heart and wish to believe Will and Siobhan are perfect, look at this story and smile. If you are brave, or a secret Djaq/Will shipper, or feel differently about Allan because of this story I think the sequel may be for you.

No real spoilers, but I will admit it’ll be a bit different than this story. I mean look at the contrast between RH season 1 & 2. For my American friends who are great people and had held back from watching Season 2, it’s amazing and infuriating at the same time. I’m sure you can understand as most series go.

Of course nothing is definite. I’m still considering what to do, but there is a compelling idea….hmmm

Anyway. On to my thank yous:

For all my returning viewers (even though you got lazy toward the end and forgot to review haha) a huge thank you for reading my story. Made me feel amazing that I did not fail terribly. This is only my second attempt as writing a fanfic for a television series. It’s time consuming, but always fun to see if what I have previously written still goes along with the rest of the series.

Just remember everyone I still love reviews. Plus I always respond even after I have completed a story.

PetiteDiable: thank you for all your reviews and I hope this wasn’t a disappointment.

Cowgirl: Every story needed at least one chapter that is a cliffhanger. That was mine haha. Druids did have religious ceremonies, that is completely true. But they were historians and teachers before everything else. They mainly followed the Celtic tradition as well. It’s hard to know definites because real records and religious teachings were never written down. The whole movement died off. Anyway, I hope you’ve enjoyed the story.

Rakuen91: Yes, I’m very glad this last chapter was the first thing to come into the New Year. Think of it as a present from me to all of you.