Disclaimer - I do not own BBC's Robin Hood or any of its characters. I have no rights to the original plots or storylines. I am only responsible for my OCs and any variation in the original plots.

"Eleanor!"

Her father's voice echoed throughout the house. Eleanor had worked in Locksley Manor her whole life, growing up there as a child. Her father being keeper of the manor meant she grew up with Robin, becoming almost a sister when his parents died. It had been 5 years since he and Much had left for the crusades and life had only gone downhill since then. The old good Sheriff Edward had been replaced by the malicious Sheriff Vaisey. Taxes had risen year upon year, the people of Locksley becoming more and more destitute.

The worst was Gisborne. He had become Lord of Locksley in Robin's place while he was on crusade. He was a cruel and evil man and Eleanor was not oblivious to the way he looked at her, looked at most women under his orders, but as the daughter of the keeper of his manor, she was around him far more than she would have liked.

"Eleanor! Eleanor, where are you?"

"Yes, father."

"I have wonderful news, the master has returned." She knew her father could not be talking of Guy, or else he would not be so glad. So if he wasn't talking of Guy who else could he be….Robin. Robin was back.

"He shall be here any moment, quickly prepare his quarters" She could hardly contain her joy at this news. No more Gisborne.

As she finished dusting his rooms, she heard a familiar voice echo through the halls.

"Charles! Thomas!" She watched over the bannisters as her friend came to face her father. He had matured in the years he had been gone, fighting had defined his features and muscles, but yet he looked no older than when he had left. His eyes however looked much older, his and Much's. All smiles aside, she could see the effect war had had on them.

"Thornton." There was silence as the men decided how to continue. Before my father could react Robin engulfed him in a warm embrace. Eleanor smiled as she saw that he had not forgotten the love of her family.

"Welcome back, Sir. A bath for the Master, and fresh clothes immediately. Mary!"

"And me too!" Much piped up.

"Pardon?"

"Thornton, Much is no longer my manservant. In recognition of the services to me in the Holy Land. He's to be made a free man. I'm granting the fields and lodgings at Bondchurch. Until then he's a guest in my house."

"It's about time!" Eleanor spoke as she descended down the staircase and engulfed her friend in a giant hug.

"Good to see you to Eleanor." Robin replied as he returned the hug. "We have much to catch up on."

"Mmmmhmmm" coughed Much.

"Good to see you too Much" as she went over to greet him also.

"We do have a lot to talk about but I'm sure you've had a long journey. I will leave you to rest and we will talk later."

"And I would like a plate of something while I bathe." Eleanor giggled as she saw that Much's attitude to food had remained unchanged.

"Very well, but that is the way to the servants' quarters." My father spoke, also concealing his laughter.

"I knew that."

As Much disappeared after her father up the stairs, Eleanor turned to prepare the bathwater. As she passed Robin she grabbed him in another crushing hug, pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek.

"I am so glad to see you back Robin."

"Eleanor….." Robin said hesitantly.

"It's nothing, it's just…. a lot has changed in your absence."

"Yes, I've seen and I intend to…"

At that moment Gisborne walked in. Instantly Eleanor separated from Robin, bowing her head and stepping back. Robin sent her a look of confusion before turning to face Guy.

"Welcome back, Locksley." Eleanor glanced up to see Guy looking not at Robin but at her. Feeling uncomfortable she turned around to pretend to clear the table. She felt Robin step between them.

"Now. I have kept your lands for you, I have managed your estates to the best of my ability, under the guidance of the Sheriff. And I would appreciate more respect in front of the populace."

"How many years have you been here?" Robin asked.

"Three years, four winters."

"And yet you still do not have the respect of the populace." Eleanor smiled to herself. He was still good at calling people out.

Ignoring Robin's dig, Guy continued, "My men and I will leave directly for Nottingham"

Robin didn't miss a beat "My servants will help you pack"

"How was the Holy Land?" Eleanor froze. She wasn't sure if Robin wanted her present to hear this. She made to leave when he grabbed her wrist. She would stay, Robin needed her to.

"I understand the King is winning, thanks be to God."

"He's killing more people."

"How is that not winning?"

"Show me an argument, ever settled with bloodshed and then I'll call it winning."

"Do not pretend that you do not love war. I've seen you fight."

"When?"

"I do not recall."

"I have changed." Silence filled the manor as the two men continued to glare at each other.

"A council of nobles meets tomorrow, Nottingham. I have no doubt the Sheriff will call a feast to celebrate your safe return."

"Goodbye Sir Guy"

"Goodbye"

"One thing, I should celebrate my safe return too. By pardoning any wrong doers from my estates waiting trial and punishment." Eleanor smiled. He was still always thinking of his people.

"Only the Sheriff can pardon, you know that."

"It is custom for the Sheriff to accede his nobles requests on such matters."

"Well then I suggest you take it up with the Sheriff."

With one final look to her, Gisborne finally left the manor. Last time in a long time she hoped. She felt Robin's grip on her wrist loosen.

"How has so much changed."

Eleanor sighed to herself "Not long after you left, Prince John appointed Sheriff Vaisey as the new Sheriff of Nottingham. He has changed everything. The taxes, the punishments. I am sorry to say that the country you left is a very different one to the one you have returned to."

Solemnly she looked down only to feel Robin lift her chin.

"Things may have been bleak with me gone, but not that I have returned I swear I will see change."

With one final smile, Robin went upstairs. Eleanor smiled to herself. She hoped everything he said would be true.

It was not long after that he and Much set out to see Lord Edward but not before ordering that the entire village be fed. She smiled, glad to see that Robin's good heart had not been damaged by the hate of war.

As Robin had ordered, the people of Locksley all came to the manor to eat. It had been a long time since she had seen the people in such good spirits and it gave Eleanor hope that Robin was indeed going to change things. As she looked around the manor she couldn't help but notice that the Scarlett family were not present. She had grown close to Will in the time Robin and Much were away, and she knew Dan well enough to know he would not miss an opportunity to feed his family, especially after Jane's passing.

"Father, am I needed here or may I go see the Scarletts. I think it may be possible that they did not hear of the feast."

"Of course my dear, go and fetch them, after all Robin said we were not to eat until everyone else had." He sent her off with a kind smile.

She had not long left the manor before she saw Dan Scarlett crying by the outer fence. Something awful had happened.

"Dan, Dan. What's the matter? What's happened?"

"My boys, they stole the flour. They've been taken to Nottingham."

Eleanor gasped. No. The Sheriff would not take their punishment lightly. In fact he may use it as an opportunity to test Robin. Not Will, not little Luke.

"Dan?! What's wrong?" Eleanor turned to see Robin approaching.

"Young Benedict got frightened. He told Gisborne's lot who took the flour."

Robin looked solemnly down as Eleanor continued to rub Dan's back in comfort

"Your boys? "

"They've taken them to Nottingham. Robin"

"I will resolve this. I will talk to the Sheriff, I promise"

"Robin" Eleanor called after him as he headed off. "Eleanor I want you stay with Dan, look after him while I am in Nottingham."

"Of course, but Robin, be careful. This Sheriff isn't like the other nobles. His mind is not so easily changed."

Robin placed his hands on her shoulders comfortingly.

"Don't worry. Have you ever met a person I could not convince?"

"Robin…"

"I'll be careful, and I'll bring those boys home."

"Ok"

With that, he turned and joined Much at the horses before riding off for Camelot, just as my father came rushing out the manor.

"Master! Oh where is he heading now?"

"To Nottingham father, hopefully to talk some sense into that malevolent Sheriff."

"Child, have I not warned you not to speak so openly about your opinions. They will see you in trouble if you are not careful."

"It is better to say something than pretend nothing is happening. You swipe everything under the rug, standing blindly while innocents are punished"

"And what would you have me do child? Confront the Sheriff? I am not foolish enough to think that I could change anything just with my tongue. I would lose it before anything would change"

"Someone has to do something, the people cannot live like this any longer."

"That is not our responsibility Eleanor. That task is up to the master. We must put our trust in him."

She watched her father walk back into the manor before looking in the direction of Robin. She did trust him, but she did doubt how much he'd be able to do.

Word was soon sent that the Scarlett boys were to hang the next day. Dan was inconsolable. Eleanor briefly took herself aside to weep for her lost friends but she knew she had to be strong for Dan. With no other family, she had taken it upon herself to accompany Dan to Nottingham to see the hanging. He shouldn't have to go through it alone.

The next morning they made their way to Nottingham. A large crowd surrounded the scaffold. She and Dan watched as Robin approached them, the people insulting and spitting at him as he walked.

"Murderer! Murderer!"

When they approached the guilt on Robin's face could not be concealed.

"Robin. It's not your fault!"

At that moment the gates to the castle opened and the Sheriff strode out, accompanied by Gisborne and many guards. Robin sombrely went to join them.

"Lords, ladies. People of Nottingham. We are gathered here today to witness the carrying out of justice in the name of God and King Richard. Bring out the prisoners."

Four men exited the castle being escorted towards the gallows. A young, handsome man led the procession, his clear blue eyes wide in fear. He could be no older than Robin. Following him was Will, Luke and Benedict. Eleanor felt herself choke up as they were lead onto the scaffold.

"Robin Locksley, Earl of Huntington having recently returned from the Holy War with a personal commendation from the King himself, will read proclamation. Enjoy."

The unknown man made to make a run for it only to be grabbed by the nearest guard. In the escape attempt she caught his gaze. He gave a brief, sad smile before being dragged away. Eleanor suddenly felt quite afraid herself. In their close proximity the fear radiating from his eyes had affected her greatly.

"Let it be heard and known, about the lands and realms of Richard, his majesty, King of England, that on this, the 26th day of April, in the year of our Lord 1192, the following men, having been tried on the law and found guilty, Benedict Giddens of Locksley, Will Scarlett of Locksley, Luke Scarlett of Locksley, Alan A Dale of Locksley, these same men have been sentenced to hang by a rope until they are dead."

The drumming began, leading up to the drop. The ominous feeling created such a wave of sadness over the crowd. The tears Eleanor had been trying so hard to keep at bay began to fall down her face. Dan wept as he cried out for his boys.

"Will! Luke!"

As the pace of the drumming increased, the priest made his final pray "May the soul…"

"Wait!"

All heads turned to the man who had called out, he was cloaked but his face was known to her. Jeffery. Eleanor concealed a glimmer of hope that he may have a plan. The Sheriff however was not so pleased.

"Please, don't kill my brother, my little baby, my inbred cousin!"

"On behalf of Anthony, our bishop, I claim benefit of clergy for these men. They cannot hang."

The Sheriff was not convinced. "These are not holy men, these people cannot plead the cloth. Get on with it."

"I came last night to administer their last rites."

"So?"

"And each one came to God through me, repenting their sins and asking to take the cloth. I felt duty-bound to consult the bishop and he, in turn, conferred status of novice onto each man."

Eleanor was impressed at Jeffery's last minute plan but knew herself that it would not be enough to appease the Sheriff.

"Shut up."

Jeffery revealed a piece of parchment, off of which he began to read.

"I, Anthony, very Reverend vicar apostolic, hereby confer…"

"Shut up!" the Sheriff shouted before turning to the priest. "Is this possible?"

"They could not have become novices overnight."

No, they could not. Jeffery's plan had been foiled, despite her hopes. Jeffery however tried to continue his charade.

"They are to become postulants! Novice novices, if you like. And so are under protection of the Church."

"Novice novices? How novel. Well, hang them and arrest him."

Jeffery attempted to run but was easily caught by the number of guards present at the hanging. It was clear that the Sheriff didn't trust Robin either.

"Mister Drum"

The drummer started once more, the audience weeping as their last hope of rescue was taken away from them. Eleanor didn't want to look, didn't want to see their deaths, but she owed it to them to watch their final moments. Her tears freely fell as she watched the executioner prepare himself for the drop.

"May the souls of these men find the innocence in heaven."

With that, the stools were removed from under the feet of the men. Eleanor cried as she saw the men struggle in an attempt to free themselves. Dan wept as he spoke to his boys for the last time.

"I love you, boys! I love you Will! Love you Luke!"

Out of nowhere, Eleanor saw Robin punch a guard. With the full attention on him, the audience watched as he easily took out three guards before taking one of their bows. Eleanor watched, eyes wide, as her master made to rescue her friends.

"People of Nottingham!"

The arrow fired cut straight through the rope around Alan A Dale's neck. She watched as the crowd surrounded the scaffold, helping the man down. Seeing Robin's plan, she herself ran towards the scaffolding, Dan not far behind her.

"These men have committed no crime worth more than a spell in the stocks."

The second arrow set Will free. Eleanor helped him down, releasing his bounds before engulfing him in a large hug.

"Will you tolerate this injustice? I, for one, will not."

The audience watched in awe as Robin fired two arrows at once, releasing both Benedict and Luke. It was at this point that the guards seemed to clock onto what was happening. Two attacked Robin while others came for the boys. The crowd however refused to let them through, creating a barricade to protect them, as she and Dan lead all four away. One guard made it through however, and grabbed onto her arm.

"Those boys aren't going anywhere."

"Hey, let her go!"

Eleanor turned to see Alan A Dale taking a defensive stance to protect her. In the guards distraction however she turned and punched the guard across the face, knocking him to the ground. She turned to face a bemused Allan.

"Wow, nice right hook."

She smiled at him before making to run after the boys when she heard a familiar voice call out.

"Master, help!"

She looked up to the battlements to see two guards holding Much over the edge.

"You, Locksley, will say farewell to your little Mulch"

She went towards to help but was held back by a strong arm.

"Hey!" She turned to see Alan firmly holding her in place.

"Look, there's nothing you can do to help."

"You don't know that!"

Will approached her and turned her to look at him.

"He's right Eleanor, besides…."

Eleanor followed his gaze as Will looked up towards the castle steps.

"Robin can handle this."

She watched as Robin threw his sword, which simultaneously knocked out both of the soldiers holding Much. Left without a weapon, Robin was vulnerable to attack from a guard standing behind him.

"Master look out!"

Yet, as the archer went to shoot, something struck him in his arm, something that caused him to drop his bow and miss. This momentary distraction allowed Much and Robin to join them and escape with them through the portcullis.

Once in the lower town Eleanor embraced Robin.

"I thought I told you to be careful."

"And I thought I told you that I would see changes around here."

"Look, I'm not being funny but can we do this later, the castle guards are still after us."

"Alan's right" said Robin. "It's not going to be safe for any of you to go home now, you must leave."

Dan stepped forward "I know a man who owns a shop not far from here. He will gladly hide us until the search has passed."

"He cannot hide us all. Alan, Much and I will ride for Sherwood. We can hide there until we decide what our next move is."

"I'll come with you." Will said, stepping away from his father. "You saved my life, at least let me help to save yours." Robin looked to Dan who nodded. Embracing his son once more, he and the young boys went off to hide.

Robin turned to find horses whilst Alan saw Eleanor start to make her way back to the castle.

"Oi, where are you going? Aren't you going to hide with them?"

"If I hide with them, I can never return home."

This caught Robin's attention, as she knew it would.

"No, Eleanor, it is too dangerous!"

"I will not leave my family. Besides, only one guard barely saw my face and I doubt I will see him again, it is unlikely that I will be linked to this event. If I return now, it will be like I was never part of this."

Robin went to argue.

"No Robin, I have made my decision, and you don't have time to argue. The guards are coming here as we speak. Go!"

Robin gave me one last nod before climbing on his horse. Alan stayed a moment longer.

"At least allow me to know the name of my saviour." He said with a fake bow.

Eleanor giggled "I hardly did the saving but my name is Eleanor."

"That sounds like too much of a mouthful."

"Well we don't have time to discuss it, you must go now!"

"True" he said, climbing behind Will on the horse. "I hope to finish this conversation soon Ellie."

Before she could respond he climbed onto his horse and she watched as they rode for the entrance. She stayed long enough to watch them ride past the archers, before sneaking back into the castle grounds unnoticed.

Or at least she had hoped.

She had not long returned before she felt a gloved hand grab her arm. Turning in anger she saw Guy of Gisborne leering down at her. Instantly she bowed her head into a deep curtsey, keeping her sight firmly on the ground.

"What were you doing here Eleanor?" His threatening tone worried her.

"Simply watching the execution my lord. They were all men from Locksley. I was intrigued."

"Just as you simply helped them escape…?"

Eleanor's eyes widened in fear. Terrified she kept looking at the stone floor.

"My lord, I don't know what…"

"DON'T LIE TO ME!" He shouted, gripping her shoulders in a firm vice and bringing her up to look at him. "Why did you help them escape?"

The fear and shock were clearly etched on her face. She shook, terrified of what he had planned for her.

"Don't look so surprised. It's not difficult to spot a beauty like yours in a crowd." He said, removing a hair from her face.

"My lord…" she whispered, scared to speak any louder.

"Why. Did. You. Help. Them?"

"Robin is my master, it was my duty to follow as he saw fit. I was just following him my lord."

Smirking he released her roughly, increasing the distance between them, giving her room to breathe.

"He is no longer your master. He broke the law and has therefore forfeited his lands. I am the lord of Locksley now, and your new and permanent master."

Eleanor shivered at the thought.

"We will ride to Locksley immediately and you will accompany us. Upon arrival you will go straight to the manor where you will wait for my arrival, is that clear?"

"Yes my lord."

As he made to walk past he brushed past her whispering into her ear.

"If you were willing to break the law for your old master, you must think of new ways to show your renewed loyalty to me"

Frozen in fear at his implied meaning, it was not until he had turned the corner when she felt she could let out her breath. Life working for him before had been awful. Now as the permanent lord, she could only imagine what awaited her back in Locksley.