Hello, my viewers! This is AU, having two alternate endings within Nottingham and its hero, Robin Hood. My dear friend, retro mania, he has requested for this story, and from there, I had suggested the alternate endings which he has taken with great approval, and so, I give you, 'The Rise of Nottingham'. Enjoy! -Traveler.
It was a era where the stars were more numerous, The Milky Way bright among the planets in the system, and one planet very colorful compared to its neighbors. This is Earth, in the time of the Crusades, around the 12th century, full of anthropomorphic animals. Within Earth, under the copper blue sky, above the crystal blue seas, over the lush green lands, laid a nation, a country called England.
Deep within a dark, lush forest, within a range of underground caves, at the peak of a boulder, with feet over the edge, sat an adult Fox. The wind rustled gently against his dark green clothes, his cream/ginger red fur. This is the infamous outlaw, Robin Hood. He sighed lightly as he closed his light brown eyes in thought. His ears flickered, listening to the chatter of his people underground, the giggles of young kids as they played, the clicking of a stone against another to spark a cooking fire. It was barely a couple of days ago when he came to the castle to free Friar Tuck and the imprisoned villagers.
He faintly caressed his arm, as there was a scar under his sleeve. He had received it while dodging the nearly accurate arrows of Prince John's archers in the moat. Thankfully, one of the young children's mothers, along with Robin's love, Maid Marian had stitched it up. He opened his eyes in anger as his snout wrinkled back to reveal his teeth, grinding them as he remembered Prince John's orders. He had ordered that all of Nottingham to be killed on sight which means not just him, but Little John, Friar Tuck, Maid Marian, Little Skippy, the others.
He sighed heavily as he remembered yesterday. Agatha Rabbit, the kindly yet poor mother of Skippy had been shot while digging for roots. Little John was there, but he felt so guilty that he couldn't save her in time as the fateful arrow pierced Agatha's heart. Robin closed his eyes, growling in frustration. He should've known that the patrols has been busy since the castle fire. Little John gratefully survived, yet he was shot in the leg. He is resting in one of the caves right now.
He opened his eyes again, his ears prickling up as he heard footsteps behind him, and he turned his head to see who's there, and sighed deeply with a weak smile as he recognized his love. Marian blinked her lovely brown eyes as her light red fur ruffled among her purple lavender dress and pink veil, a comforting smile adorned on her white muzzle. "Robin, dear, are you alright?".
She came up to sit besides her love, glancing at him in concern. Robin sighed deeply, "Honestly, no. I couldn't stop thinking about these few days ago.". Marian rested her head on his shoulder softly, "Love, it wasn't your fault yesterday or the day before. I had never realized that John could have suggested to improvise the patrols.".
Robin shrugged, "I suppose so, but it doesn't lessen the pain or loss. I told Skippy about his mother as I was supposedly his hero, he has the right to blame me.". Marian held Robin's hand, "Oh, Robin. I have seen how Skippy has idolized you, love. He won't blame you. He will blame John as he was the one to say the order.".
Robin nodded in agreement, "Yes, you are right as you always are, Marian. That fool doesn't know when to stop. I only can hope that King Richard can return soon as possible, as we are in trouble. The town is deserted, yet we have the people hidden from sight. Sooner or later, John will do the same to the rest of England, and I have to do something!".
Marian kissed his cheek lovingly and gently, "You won't be alone, love. We have friends, family.". Robin smiled at her, chuckled, "Yes. Sherwood Forest shall be our sanctuary until King Richard reclaims the throne once John is dealt with.". They hugged warmly, not caring who is watching them.