Till Death Do Us Part

- DO NOT READ AHEAD IF YOU DO NOT WANT SPOILERS FOR SERIES 2 -

Summary: Alternate ending for Series 2, because I didn't agree with the finale. I've slipped some scenes into S2 E13, and continued afterwards. Marian-centric, but features the whole gang, as well at the Sheriff, Guy and some OCs. First attempt at fanfiction, and un-beta'd.

Disclaimer: Robin Hood belongs to the BBC and Tiger Aspect, not me. But I do own my OCs, and (as far as I know) this plot.

~ Nia

Chapter 1 – Bereavement

"Marian," whispered Robin, unable to comprehend she was gone.

"Robin..." began Djaq. "I am so sorry, but she's..." She couldn't bring herself to say the word.

The tears that had been welling up in Robin's eyes since he had seen Marian collapse onto the ground, Gisbourne's sword driven into her belly, spilled onto her body in torrents. The others tearfully watched as Robin kissed her on the forehead and whispered, "Rest in peace, Marian."

Will Scarlet watched with tears pouring down his face as he remembered the woman who had been like a sister to him during their childhood. He deeply regretted her demise and understood Djaq's helplessness at not being able to save her.

***

The day dragged into afternoon and still Robin would not leave Marian's body. Her face was drenched in his tears and her dress stained with blood and even though Robin knew she had to be buried, he could not bring himself to move her because in doing so he woul'd have to admit she was actually gone.

"Robin," said Allan gently. "We have to go. The Sheriff and Gisbourne are gonna return at any moment, and you can't fight like this."

"I'll fight them. I'll kill them for what they've done!"

"Robin, Marian's body will not last long in this heat. And the King is wounded and needs seeing to," reasoned Djaq.

"You lot go. I'll follow with Marian," replied Robin, gathering his wife in his arms. Allan and Much went to scout for soldiers and returned a short while later with Carter's body. No one knew what to say – here was a man without whom they would all be dead themselves, lost to the desert. King Richard felt an impending sense of guilt at the two deaths, and carried Carter's body himself back to the English camp.

Robin followed on foot, carrying Marian's body across the dunes, reminiscing upon her life. Images of her swept through his mind: their childhood together; her constant bravery; her indifference towards him when he returned from the Holy Land; him discovering that she was the Nightwatchman; hiding in her bed from castle guards; her frailness after being stabbed as the Nightwatchman; proposing to her; her vulnerability when her father died - everything they had ever done together he remembered, and the knowledge that she was gone wouldn't allow his tears to cease.

***

He laid her down next to the grave that had been dug. Wanting to hang on to her for as long as possible, Carter had been laid to rest first, but now it was her turn.

"She will be missed," said Djaq, wishing she could have done something to save Marian. Much struggled to speak through his sobs.

"I am proud to have known her. She didn't deserve this. I wish we could have buried her at home in the forest."

"She was a great woman – compassionate, brave and amazing." Will paused, fighting sobs.

"She was great indeed," agreed the King before turning to Robin. "Her sacrifice will never be forgotten. I shall ensure her name is remembered throughout England." Robin looked up at the man Marian had died for, without a hint of resentment, but filled with gratitude for the gesture.

"Yeah," breathed Allan. "What a girl."

"Her, I liked." John looked down at the woman who had become like a daughter to him, then averted his eyes, unable to comprehend she wasn't alive. There was silence as everyone waited for Robin to speak, but as he opened his mouth the sound of approaching hooves was heard. Allan spotted the riders first.

"Sheriff and Gisbourne," he noted sourly. "And they've got company."

"Master, what do we do?" Much was unable to keep the panic out of his voice as he asked Robin, but it was the King who replied.

"It's me they want. I'll not have any more deaths for me." Robin smiled grimly and objected.

"Believe me; we have no intention of dying your Majesty." He drew his sword. "But… if we do, it's for England." He glanced at their surroundings, trying to formulate a plan.

They were just outside a secluded town taken recently in a siege by the English crusaders. Having decided that the camp was no longer safe where it was, as the impostors knew about it, Richard had ordered that the camp be moved. This town was serving as a graveyard for fallen crusaders, and as much as Robin hated that Marian should be laid to rest here, he knew it was necessary.

The gang ran to the shelter of the town, Robin carrying Marian. He laid her down in an empty alley, placing the rose he had intended to lay on her grave, beside her. When the Sheriff and his men reached the town they couldn't see the outlaws or the king, who were hidden in between buildings and crouching on roofs. Robin strained his ears to listen to the Sheriff's hushed orders.

"Gisbourne over there with you two." He indicated at two burly Saracens, baffled as to where the gang had gone. "The rest of you with me." Six trained Saracen soldiers, including the two impostors from before, accompanied him and Gisbourne. Robin signalled that he, Much and John would fight Gisbourne's lot and the rest would fight the Sheriff's lot, but when the King protested it was agreed that the King would go with Robin and Much and that John would go with the others. The group split up and advanced on their adversaries, Robin leading Much and the King across the roofs to ambush Gisbourne.

"Robin! Oh Robin!" cried the Sheriff mockingly. "Come out, come out wherever you are!" Robin let out a piercing whistle and on this signal the gang leapt out at the foes and struck.