Okay, so for those who don't like people waffling on, please skip these next two paragraphs. Others- feel free to read on.
For some strange reason, I am nearly always drawn to the 'bad guy' in a story. I once had a dream about this particular one. Being drawn to them doesn't mean that I find them attractive or whatever, it just means that I want to know more abut them, or I find them intriguing. The Sheriff of Nottingham from the BBC series Robin Hood is a fascinating bad guy, who you hate, but kind of like at the same time. Like I said before, I had this idea from a dream. (I hope I spelt his name correctly! I think it's Vaizey, but I'm not sure).
In modern times, the Sheriff of Nottingham would be a millionaire with several mansions and his own private jet. He would enjoy caviar and expensive wine, as well as being addicted to some form of drug. He would own a Bugatti Veyron and/or a Rolls Royce Phantom and an Italian super car. His main aspiration? To take over the world.
This fanfic is set in the first series of the BBC's Robin Hood, after the second-last episode (the one before Marian 'dies'). I hope you enjoy it!
England, 1192
Chapter One
Sir Guy of Gisborne sat astride his coal black stallion- who was trotting at a leisurely pace- daydreaming about Lady Marian. He was so deep in his thoughts that he did not notice a stranger approach beside him.
"Hello!" she called in her musical voice. Sir Guy did not respond, so she called again, but to no avail. Exasperated, she raised her voice. "Free ale at the inn!"
"What?" Guy cried, turning to face her. "Sorry, milady," he said when he realised that he had ignored her. "Please forgive me."
"Oh, no need," she replied, smiling. "That usually wakes people up." Sir Guy looked at her, confused. She was obviously a lady and not a common peasant, as her sky blue dress was quite elaborate and her bay mare was well looked after. That didn't explain why she was on her way to Nottingham, though.
"Pardon me for asking, but to where are you headed?" he asked.
"To Nottingham, Sir. I believe Sir Guy of Gisborne and the Sheriff are expecting me," she replied cheerfully. "Do you know them?"
"Yes," he said, "I am Sir Guy."
"Oh. Forgive me, my lord, I was not aware." There was an awkward pause, broken by the woman. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Sir Guy."
"It is a pleasure to meet you too, Lady…"
"Charlotte. Didn't the Sheriff tell you that I was coming?"
"No," Guy said, his face impassive.
"Ah, well. I'm here now!" Charlotte said enthusiastically. Everything about her seemed to shine; her honey blonde hair, her pale gold skin and her deep, chocolate brown eyes. It could have been the warm morning light, but Sir Guy suspected that she was always this vibrant.
They rode the rest of the way in respectful silence. Guy began to daydream again while Charlotte drank in the new sights and sounds around her, finding pleasure in even the smallest of things. She mentally noted how lush the grass was, how sweet the little birds sounded as they twittered away and the bright blue of a new sky.
Note: no, Charlotte is nothing like a Disney princess. Keep reading, don't worry!
The castle looked like a great, iron grey lump in the midst of thriving natural countryside to Charlotte. Sir Guy barely even noticed that they had reached there. The guards waved them through and Charlotte happily waved back, much to Sir Guy's embarrassment.
"So, where to now?" she asked as they made their way slowly through Nottingham town.
"The courtyard," Gisborne grunted, displeased that he had to stop daydreaming. He ran his fingers through his jet black hair, trying to remember if the Sheriff had wanted anything in particular. It was Saturday- why did he have to work?
Eventually they reached the courtyard, where the Sheriff was waiting impatiently. Gisborne dismounted and muttered a 'good morning' before heading up the steps.
"Ahem, Gisborne!" the Sheriff coughed, halting him. "The polite thing to do would be to introduce me to our guest." Gisborne rolled his eyes and made his way back down.
"My lord, this is Lady Charlotte. Lady Charlotte, this is Vaizey, Sheriff of Nottingham. You refer to him as my lord."
"A pleasure to meet you, my lord," she said, dismounting.
"Mmm," he replied. "If you say so."
"My brother sends his regards," she said, undeterred.
"That's nice."
"As does my pet rat," she muttered under her breath. The Sheriff frowned.
"I beg your pardon?"
"Or I could say something far less embarrassing. I'll get back to you on that," she said more loudly, smiling nervously. This time the Sheriff laughed.
"You certainly could." He studied her face and smiled, appearing to be pleased with what he saw. "I think I've done a pretty good deal, Gisborne. Look at her cheekbones and her fairly decent teeth… and those eyes are fascinating, too."
"She's alright," Gisborne replied, as if she wasn't there. Charlotte ignored the two, handing her horse's reigns to a nearby guard.
"Can you put her in the stables, please," she asked, giving him a smile. He smiled back, looking dazed. She then turned back to face Gisborne and the Sheriff. "If it's not too much trouble, could you please direct me to my room?"
"No trouble at all," the Sheriff replied, smirking. "This way."