Disclaimer: I do not own Robin Hood, as it is the property of the BBC

Author's Note: This is a oneshot, amongst others I've written. All you need to know it that Robin has a sister, 4 years younger.

Worth It

A 22 year old Lady Madeline of Locksley shut the door of Locksley Manor as she left the house. The briefly looked out at the little village as she did so.

Locksley was a cosy village which had been in the hands of Madeline's family for many years. It was currently left in her are whilst her elder brother was serving in the Crusades - although Guy of Gisbourne had been appointed to look after the estate.

Madeline - more commonly known as Maddie - had been living in the village for the whole of her life, and so knew the villagers and the staff inside out.

Which was why as she entered the stables, the stablehand nodded his head,' Good afternoon, my lady. '

' Hello Matthew,' she smiled warmly,' I think I'll take Dapple out for a ride for a while,' she informed him.

The young man, who was the same age as Maddie was, untacked her horse from the stable and began to lead it towards the door.

' Looks like it might rain this afternoon,' he told her, looking up at the skies,' it's a bit grey. '

Maddie shrugged, taking the reins from him,' Thornton warned me so, but I had planned to go riding, so I'm going riding. '

' You'll catch a cold, my lady, if you're not careful,' he warned.

' I won't stay out too long. My maid will be furious if I come back with a head cold,' Maddie told him as he linked his hands together, forming a step for her to boost herself onto the horse.

However, she didn't get to actually climb onto the horse, because a voice from behind them interrupted,' Maddie! Maddie! '

Maddie turned around to see Will Scarlett, a friend, and the son of the local carpenter. His cheeks were slightly pink, and he had a gleam in his eyes.

' Will? '

' Maddie,' he told her, grin as wide as could possibly be,' you won't believe this one.'

' Yes? ' she asked dully,' oh, please don't tell me that Luke nailed his thumb again? '

Will rolled his eyes,' No. Just - well, just come on. '

Maddie looked back at Matthew and told him she'd be back shortly to go riding. Then she followed Will away from the stable and to the front of the manor.

' What am I supposed to be looking at? ' she asked, looking out across the village.

Will pointed to his house,' Over there - see? '

Maddie focused her gaze on the Scarlett's cottage in the middle of the neat row of homes across the village. She saw Dan leaning against his garden fence, talking to two men.

Straining her eyes, she noticed something.

Those two men with Dan were familiar. Very familiar.

Hardly daring to believe what her eyes were telling her, she slowly moved took a few steps forward.

It . . . it couldn't be? Could it? No, she thought. There was little chance of them being here after all this time - she was just hoping so much for their safe return, that she'd started thinking anyone with the same colouring and general height was them.

Maddie stopped several metres away from the cottage, focusing on the men.

By now, they'd seen her.

' Maddie? ' the rightful Lord of Locksley asked, voice strained as it carried across to her. His eyes took in every feature of her. Her dark hair, which had hung halfway down her back, was cut shorter - now just skimming her shoulders. She looked paler and a little thinner than he remembered - maybe a bit taller too.

' Maddie, it's me, Robin. '

Maddie's mouth was agape as she stared at him,' R-robin? ' she breathed, barely allowing herself to believe he was really there.

' Yes,' he nodded, grinning.

Within the next moment, the young woman had flown across the gap that separated them and thrown her arms tightly around him. He hugged her back with equal force as she clung to him.

' It's you,' she mumbled a few moments later, when they broke apart. She swept her gaze over him - he looked different; older, wiser, something more to his eyes, more experienced. But he was still Robin,' I can't believe you're back. '

' Of course I'm back,' he smiled, wiping away a tear that fell down her cheek,' I said I would be. '

' But you've been so long,' she sniffed,' and everything's horrible now. '

' Shhh,' he said soothingly,' everything's going to be alright now. '

' It's really you,' she whispered as if only realising it for the first time.

' It's really us,' he confirmed.

' We are home unscathed,' Much announced, drawing Maddie's attentions to him for the first time,' well . . . scathed. Very scathed. But happy . . . and hungry. OK, mostly hungry. '

Much's words made her smile through the tears that fell silently,' Much! You haven't changed a bit! '

And with no reservations, she hugged Much too, resting her head against his shoulder as she did so. They'd always been good friends.

As Much rubbed her back and rested his chin on the top of her head, Maddie heard Luke - Will's younger brother - say from behind her,' Look, Robin, this is my bow - it's not as good as yours, though. '

Maddie gently broke away from Much and turned to watch as Luke raised his bow and took a shot, to prove himself to Robin. As Luke took the shot, she looked between Much and Robin, admiring the way they both seemed to have become men in the last 5 years.

She was roused from her reverie when she registered Robin telling Dan,' He's a credit to both you and Jane.'

Dan bit his lip and looked at the floor, as Will and Luke also became more somber. Maddie bowed her head.

' Oh no,' Robin sighed,' your good strong wife - surely not she? '

Dan shrugged,' Two years ago. Told us she was eating - don't think she was. Couldn't see her boys starve. '

' I'm so sorry,' Robin muttered.

' The whole village was suffered,' Dan informed Robin,' it's been tough on everyone. '

Robin turned his attention to his sister,' What happened, Maddie? I thought you'd be able to run things. '

She scoffed,' I would be able to, if they let me. I assume you know Sir Edward got forced to step down as Sheriff - well the new one is truly awful. Very shortly after you'd left, the Prince sent Guy of Gisbourne to manage the estates of yours - apparently as a woman, I'm not capable of doing anything other than needlework. '

Robin shook his head,' I never thought that - '

' I know,' she sighed,' none of us did. My opinion has counted for little over the past few years, but you're back now. That's all that matters. '

Robin nodded, laying his hand on her arm, but before anyone could say anything more, heavy hoofprints were heard, and the group saw black stallions gallop into the village.

The guards astride them leapt down and began grabbing the villagers, forcing them to get into a crowd before Guy of Gisbourne

Guards pushed Dan, Luke and Will forwards, but Maddie yanked her arm free of the guard who had taken hold of her, ' Unhand me at once,' she hissed,' I'm the lady of these lands! '

' I know who you are, poppet,' the guard said,' and I don't really care. '

Will laid a hand on Maddie's arm to silence her - he had, besides Marian, been one of her closest friends for a while. He looked out for her as a brother would. His hand had a calming effect, and she fell silent, only glaring at the guard as he walked away.

Much nudged her,' You always did have a mouth on you.'

' Shut up,' she mumbled, trying not to smile.

There was little to smile about as Gisbourne revealed the reason he was there.

' 8 sacks of flour have gone missing,' he declared, dark hair falling over his eyes, a dangerous look spreading across his features,' they will be found. They will be accounted for. '

It was at that point that two guards dragged a boy from one of the houses, whilst another guard threw the missing sacks of flour of the floor. Maddie immediately recognised the boy as Benedict - he was around her age and had lived in Locksley his entire life.

' Who helped this . . . runt? ' demanded Gisbourne.

No answer.

Gisbourne continued,' You will be found and punished - do not think you are getting away with this. Bring the boy,' he added - a sharp command to his guards.

' Wait! ' Robin called out, taking a step forwards from where he had been in the background, taking things in. ' Guy of Gisbourne? '

' Sir Guy of Gisbourne,' corrected a guard,' now bow before your master. '

Luke spoke up,' Hey! Lady Madeline's in charge around here! Not you! '

' Shhhh,' muttered Maddie, elbowing him.

Robin on the other hand, showed no defiance as he gave a broak smirk, and bowed low, looking up at Gisbourne,' My name is Robin of Locksley, lord of this manor and Earl of Huntingdon. Your services here are no longer required. '

The populace immediately turned to stare at Robin, shocked, astounded. It was he? After all these years? There was an almost collective gasp. Eyes swiveled between the rightful lord of Locksley, and his younger sisiter, who stood at his side, her mouth now upturned into a clear grin.

And as everyone stood in silence, neither speaking nor moving, it was Madeline who made the first move - she dropped to one knee beside him and bowed her head low.

The rest of the village followed, bowing to their rightful master, glad he was at last home - he had always been a good man. Things had to be better from now on.

The look on Gisbourne's face was one of utter disgust.

It wasn't long before Robin and Much entered the house they'd been away from for so long, and yearned for so greatly.

Maddie threw open the front door and yelled,' Thornton! Thornton, come quickly! '

The old man sauntered into the room, a maid following behind him, saying,' My Lady, must you - ' he broke off upon seeing who accompanied the Lady.

' Master Robin,' he breathed,' are you really -? '

Robin grinned at the other man and didn't hesistate in hugging him tightly, having been close to the man for a long time.

' Oh, it's good to see you. Good to be here again,' Robin beamed, facing the older man as he broke away from him.

' We're all very glad you're back,' Thornton nodded,' Hannah, draw the master a bath, get him some clean clothes. '

' And me too,' Much added.

' I beg your pardon? ' the ever polite servant asked.

Robin smiled, shaking his head at his friend, ' Much is now a free man. Thanks to his services and loyalty to me in the Holy Land, I have granted him the lands of Bonchurch. In the meantime, he is a guest in my home. '

Much grinned,' Yeah. So I would like I plate of somehthing whilst I bathe, too.'

With that, he walked off in one direction, only for Thornton to call after him,' That is the way to the servants quarters. '

' I knew that,' Much said, swiftly turning on his heel and walking the other way until out of sight.

Maddie turned to Robin and was about to say something, when there was a heavy knock at the door, and Gisbourne was shown into the house.

Thornton and Hannah left the three nobles together.

Gisbourne's eyes were fixed firmly upon Robin,' I have managed your estates,' he said seriously,' and watched over your people - I would appreciate it if you show me a little respect in front of the populace.'

Robin shrugged,' Duly noted. Now how long will it take you to leave my estate and the shire? '

' My men and I should be ready soon,' he replied curtly.

' My servants will help you prepare to leave, if you like,' Robin offered mildly, although he sounded none too pleased about it. Maddie stood besides her brother and couldn't help but look at Gisbourne in great triumph.

' The Council of the Nobles meets tomorrow,' Gisbourne said,' will you be attending? Shall I - '

Robin rolled his eyes,' I know perfectly well what the Council of the Nobles is like. In any case, my sister can keep me informed of anything I might need to know. And I shall be pardoning the young man arresting for the flour.'

' Only the Sheriff can pardon,' was the immediate reply.

' I shall be having words with the Sheriff. It is custom for the Sheriff to agree to his Lords' requests. Goodbye.'

Gisbourne narrowed his eyes darkly - clearly not pleased. His eye roamed from Robin to Maddie. With the eye contact, Maddie felt uneasy and took an automatic step closer to Robin.

' I have also tried to watch out for your headstrong sister,' Gisbourne told Robin,' she gets herself into more sticky situations than is wise.'

Madie scoffed,' I don't need anyone to look out for me, you pompous git,' she snapped, finally feeling courage since he was no longer in charge of her family's lands.

Gisbourne's eyes flashed and he took a step closer to her, only for Robin to grab his arm and hold him there.

' I think it's time that you left, don't you? ' Robin asked Gisbourne, trying to remain polite, although Maddie saw his amusement creeping in.

Gisbourne wrenched his arm away and glared at Robin one more moment before storming away from the manor house.

Robin shut the door after him beofre turning to his sister and lookin down at her with an amused smile.

' I do hope you're not always so rude to noblemen? ' he asked.

Maddie shrugged, flicking her hair away from her eyes,' Not all, no. Just him. '

Robin smirked,' I'm pleased to see that your abilities to stand up for yourself are still in good stead. '

' A girl needs something to hold onto when we're living in a place like this,' was the simple reply.

Robin tilted his head on one side,' When did you become so wise, little sis? '

' It's been 5 years,' she replied simply,' something had to give.'

Robin merely looked at her, as if trying to survey her, and see everything that had happened in the past 5 years. Maddie shook her head after a moment,' Do you mind if I go upstairs for a bit, Robin? '

' Not at all,' he said,' I'm going to bathe anyway. Then I'm having the biggest meal I've had in years, and I'm having all the village round to make them feel more comfortable about how things are now. '

Maddie nodded and went upstairs.

She was on the landing when she decided that she wanted to talk to Much - she'd thought of him more than she cared to admit in the past few years, and decided that a proper conversation was necessary.

' Hannah,' she called, looking over her shoulder, wondering where the maid had gone.

Hannah was there almost instantly,' Lady Madeline? ' she asked.

Maddie smiled at the woman, who was a few years older than she,' Do you know where Much is? ' she asked.

Hannah nodded bashfully and pointed towards a door at the end of the corridor,' I drew him a bath. He's in there. '

' Oh,' Maddie mumbled, as Hannah walked away.

Pausing only for a moment, she headed down the corridor and knocked on the door of the room lightly.

' Yes? ' was Much's tentative reply from the other side of the room.

' Much, it's me, Maddie,' the 22 year old called,' mind if I come in? '

There was a pause, before a very suprised Much replied - his voice clearly an octave higher - ,' Um - yeah - sure. '

Maddie pushed the door open slowly and as she entered the room. Much was sitting in a small wooden tub and Maddie took care to avoid looking at him as she came into the room.

She sat down on a small table opposite the tub he was sitting in. He sunk lower beneath the water upon her entrance, and for the first time since his return, she looked at him properly.

His blonde hair was longer than it had been before, and his face was adorned by a layer of stubble - stubble he certainly never had before. She also couldn't help but notice that his arm - which was draped over the edge of the tub - looked strong and toned.

Dragging her gaze from his arms and chest, and she looked into his eyes, only to see that he was watching her. From the way his lips were curved into a smile, she knew she'd been caught staring, and looked away blushing.

' Did your mother never tell you it was rude to walk in on people bathing? ' Much teased.

' I'm sorry,' was the instant reply,' I - I wouldn't have, only I had to talk to you.'

He raised his eyebrows,' Oh? '

She cleared her throat,' It's been a long time.'

' It has,' he answered, voice gentle.

' I'm just so glad to see you here again,' she gushed, looking at him,' I was beginning to think you wouldn't be back at all - either of you. I'd almost given hope, and thought that you were dead.'

' You weren't getting rid of us that easily,' was his joking reply.

' We're getting rid of you now,' Maddie grinned,' isn't it true that you're going to move into Bonchurch? '

Much nodded proudly,' The Earl of Bonchurch at your service, Lady Madeline. Though it's only a mile down the lane, and I'll not stop visiting here. '

Maddie laughed,' I bet you and Robin were thick as thieves in the Holy Land.'

He sobered up,' You've got to watch each others backs out there,' he told her.

' What was it like? ' she said in a hushed tone.

He swallowed,' War is . . . for men, Maddie. You don't want to hear the details.'

' But - '

' Not now,' he insisted,' I'm not going to tell you the horrible details. You're far too innocent to hear that.'

She scoffed.

He cleared his throat,' And speaking of innocent, turn around so I can get out of this bath tub.'

Maddie blushed - inwardly cursing herself and asking herself why she was blushing - and did as she was told. Hearing movement behind her told her that Much was changing.

A hand on her shoulder made her jump and turn around sharply to see Much dressed in a pair of dark pants and a thin white shirt. His skin as still wet and so the shirt clung to him. She tried very hard not to look anywhere other than his face.

' I just wanted to tell you that I missed you,' she said.

He smiled softly,' I missed you too. I missed everything about my life - you can't possibly imagine what it's like out there.'

' No,' she mumbled,' I suppose I can't. But when you left, I never thought I'd miss you so much as I have done. It's so good to have you back.'

Much reached out and hugged her to him, and she smiled, hugging him back tightly.

Maddie couldn't help but think of the time when she had last seen Much. 5 years ago they'd been saying their goodbyes in her room, when they shared in a spontaneous kiss, thinking they'd never meet again. Then he'd stroked her cheek, smoothed down her hair and he'd told her she was beautiful.

She knew that neither of them would probably mention it. They'd just carry on as if it never happened - it was the kiss of a girl who'd only been kissed a couple of times, and a man who thought it would be his last ever.

Maddie was blushing again when they broke apart.

She looked over her shoulder towards the door,' I'll just leave you to get yourself sorted - you must be exhausted. You don't need me cluttering up your room. '

He watched as she made to leave the room and just as she opened the door and was in the hallway, he called out,' Maddie? '

She looked over her shoulder.

He winked swiftly,' You're even more beautiful than I remember. '