I don't own Robin Hood (if only!) and the BBC owns the characters, places etc (all except mine!)

My first proper story (my first being a oneshot) this is set after the events of series 2. It's basically a love story between a nobleman's daughter and Sir Guy.

As always reviews are appreciated no matter how critical. I am constantly being told to sort out my sentence structure (I do try to sort it!). 

Thanks…….hopefully enjoy!

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"Ah, seems Sir William wants his daughter to stay at the castle whilst he is away on business." The Sheriff's voice rang out in the darkening room of Nottingham Castle. The Sheriff and Guy were sitting across from each other at one of their many meetings, during which they caught up on different matters and today the Sheriff had received a letter from one of his nobles.

Vasey glanced up at his unresponsive henchman.

"Gisborne!! Move on for heaven's sake!! That woman was a leper as are the rest of them!!"

Guy mumbled a quick apology and picked up the letter from Sir William that had been thrown on the desk. Vasey leaned casually back in his chair, his keen eyes showing the workings of his deceptive mind.

"Do you know what Gisborne? I might just accept. You see, Sir William used to be a follower of King Richard and it has taken me many months to convince him to join the Black Knights. So by letting his daughter sponge off my servants I might keep him on my good side. Yes………"

Vasey trailed off, turning the situation to benefit himself-as usual. Guy studied the letter and both men remained in silence, each lost in their own private thoughts.

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Three weeks later a young woman galloped through Sherwood Forest on a magnificent grey hunter called Swallow. Swallow was laden with a few large saddlebags-the girl had refused to have a coach and servants escort her- and his great stamina showed for he was only a little tired. The young woman herself wore a sea green dress that highlighted her eyes. Her blonde hair reflected the shafts of sunlight that filtered through the great trees. She wore a determined look on her face and her eyes spoke of intelligence.

Without warning a group of men dived out from the trees causing Swallow to skid to a frightened halt, he reared but the woman was an experienced rider and quickly calmed him. A man with blonde hair, stubble and blue eyes spoke first.

"What's this then a rich noble out for a ride? C'mon out cough up for the poor."

"What? I have no money with me. Look I must be getting on! I'm riding for the castle. Please, believe me I do care about the poor. I aid the people in my father's village whenever I can."

"Oh please we've heard that one before!"

The woman opened her mouth to protest when a second voice interrupted them.

"My, my you have grown up Eve."

Eve turned in shock, as the man strode confidently up behind the group, her eyes widened when she recognised who it was.

"Robin!" She spluttered.

A man carrying a shield and wearing a bandanna-like object on his head shook his head in disbelief, whilst the remaining two men (the blonde haired man and a huge man carrying a staff) simply gawped.

"Indeed it is Eve. The very man himself! It's been a while since I've seen you. How are things down your end? Is your father fine?" Robin turned to his men and smiled casually at their faces.

"It's fine. She is with me."

Eve surveyed the men warily. These must be the outlaws I've heard rumours of. Robin looks like the leader and I can trust him so perhaps I should give his men the benefit of the doubt. After a quick discussion with Robin, telling him her destination and he in turn introducing his men, she dismounted and walked through the forest. The men walked almost sullenly and quietly behind Robin and herself. Eve then answered his questions.

"The village is fine or rather we tick along as best we can. The increase in taxes is pummelling the villagers however so I try to help when I can."

The man called Allan snorted. Eve turned at the sudden noise bringing the whole procession to a stop.

"Look," she thrust Swallow's reins on Robin and rounded on the unfortunate Allan.

"I do my best since you lot can't be bothered to shift your own backsides, even if we are half a days walk away. I get a monthly allowance from my father on top of new dresses, jewellery and trinkets and do you think I quite happily accept it and flaunt it around the village in front of those who are starving? No! I buy extra food and I leave it at their doors I try to show kindness when my father shows no mercy. In fact, he caught me at it once, giving some bread, water and meat to some of the homeless children. He completely derailed!! Of course he punished me…."

Her face was distant for a moment, a brief flicker of a forgotten memory haunted it but then she laughed heartily.

"No new dresses for two months, he said, well I hardly saw that as much punishment. It just created mere joy for me. He's a vain, self centred bastard"

Allan laughed and even John and Much seemed to look at the young woman in a different light. Robin, however, looked troubled.

"Your father…he's not how I remember. He does not seem like the type of man to punish his daughter for handing out spare food."

Eve's face darkened.

"He has changed. Ever since Vasey became sheriff he has become distant and volatile. He no longer cares for his people, no longer stands up for them at council. I believe he may have recently become a Black Knight."

"You know of what the Black Knights intend to do?"

"Of course I know! Now he's away on business, probably spreading the good word of Vasey, I have to stay at the castle for possibly months!" She snapped and quickly apologised. She was feeling on edge, she'd have to stay in an unwelcoming, cold castle with people she had never met. She was not looking forward to it.

The group reached the edge of the forest overlooking Nottingham.

"Well……..I'm sure you'll have fun. They're a cheerful bunch in there!" Allan joked.

"Just think of the lovely food that will be unlimited to you, enough to feed an army in there!" Much's eyes lit up at the prospect and the men smiled between themselves. John nodded his head and Robin laid his hand on her shoulder.

"Just watch yourself." His eyes knowingly searched her own. She realised with a sickening feeling what he was getting at. Eve's eyes watered.

"I know," she whispered. "I know what Sir Guy did. M father he found out. He gloated about it. Marian…she….she was special. Unique…"

The words passed between them. Thousands unspoken. A million thought. Robin's grip tightened and he turned away from everyone. They let him be.