Disclaimer: For those who do not know me, you must be out of your mind to think I own Robin Hood at all.

I don't even live in the UK so it would be odd if I did claim to own it.

I only own my version of the plot and characters.

Enough Said.

I brushed the curtain of burgundy hair from my face, kneeling beside the brook. With a few splashed of water on my face I was feeling refreshed and ready for travel. I dipped my handkerchief into the water wringing out the excess and dabbed my neck and wrists. The day was not even as it had been at the height of summer where the view of the sun was enough to keep people inside. After traveling from Nottingham with my delivery basket I was longing for a cool drink and a few minutes of rest.

I stood up pulling the thin leather cord from my wrist and tied my hair back, the last thing I needed was for my view to be obscured in the forest. As I pulled the knot in the cord I couldn't help but smile thinking of what Will always said.

"You mustn't hide that face. With the days being as bleak and dark as they are, I need your eyes to remind me what the true sky looks like."

But even my eyes, a crystal blue from my mother, had been taking on a darker light.

There was something else bothering me. I frowned picking up my basket thoughts turning to Will's actions of late. His actions and words were truly starting to worry me. Ever since losing his mother he has lost some humor, but as of late he was becoming harsh. His hatred toward Sir Guy of Gisborne was growing into an obsession. Not that I was not with him, on the contrary. There was not one person in the village, save perhaps my Lady, that did not loathe him for taking charge of Locksley. Of course that was Marian. Always finding the good in people, no matter who they were.

I gave a groan hopping over a log. My basket was lighter than when I headed out but still an awkward carry. I would have to find a better basket to transport clothing. One of the others in the village pleaded with me to lend him my horse so as to ride to the next village to see his dying father. I could not refuse, it would have been selfish to. It was hard enough to get things done as is if we did not support one another. Still, it was tiresome. Sadly I had the feeling that wonderful horse would have to be sold. Even with my wages as High Seamstress and tending to Marian, if I knew the Sheriff he would be raising taxes soon. I could always live with Marian, but I still had my pride and would do all I could to keep my little cottage.

I heard a group of branches break and froze. A mutter could be heard from somewhere to my left.

"Who is there? Show yourself, it is not wise to attack a lady all by herself."

More branches snapping. I knew the direction but did not turn. I would scare them off. My fingers reached into the sleeve of their opposite slowly drawing out the twin knives that were hidden in leather sheaths.

"I give you a last warning as to state whether you are friend or foe."

No more words, but a movement from the corner of my eye. So be it. In a flash I threw one knife into the center of the tree a few inches from the head of where one of the hidden now stood. His face was hidden by a dark hood, arrow and quiver drawing my attention first. A sword also hung low on his waist, but it would be the arrows that would reach me before the sword if it came to a fight.

Another of the hidden moved forward, but his face was hidden by a branch laden with leaves. "You shall not harm my master, young woman. He is an Earl and Lord and you should be bowing before him asking for forgiveness, not throwing knives at us. What are you doing wandering alone in a forest?"

I was taken aback by his words. What kind of lie was this? "I may ask you also what you are doing following me."

There was a laugh from the firs of the hidden who threw back his hood. "I cannot speak for Much, but I was innocently heading this way, not following you. Although I believe our paths will cross."

I felt my eyes widen as I threw myself to the ground kneeling, sliding the other knife back into its sheath. "My Lord, I did not know you had returned. My humblest apologies."

The hurrying of footsteps approached and Robin clasped his hands beneath my elbows pulling me to my feet and embracing me. "Siobhan, why kneel? There is no one here who cares. Just greet me like the friends we are. And if you again refer to me as 'My Lord' I will shoot that throwing hand of yours. That I would see as a great tragedy."

I hugged him back fiercely. "Why had no one sent word before now? Oh Robin, if you knew what has been going on." I pulled away. "What news have you brought us? Surely we would have heard if the Crusade has ended."

Robin smiled sadly. "No such hope. I am sorry to say." He looked over his shoulder. "Much, bring Siobhan her little knife, would you?"

Much mutter something and tugged my knife out of the tree before joining us. "I must ask why you would just throw a knife at us. What if you hadn't missed?"

I raised an eyebrow tucking the knife away. "Who said I missed?"

Much stood frozen for a second then shook his head giving me a quick embrace.

Robin gave me an odd look. "I will agree with Much's question before. Why exactly are you out here by yourself? I know you are far from defenseless, but why are you not accompanied?"

I brushed the dirt off of my skirt and sighed. "I am not that high up Robin. I do not attain ladies in waiting and the lifestyle you are-or should I say were-used to. I lent my horse to another and I have just been from Nottingham. It has been," I paused thinking. "It has been a long five years, Robin. Things have changed quite a bit"

Robin looked around. "About how far from home are we?"

I looked toward the setting sun. "About three more miles, but perhaps it would be better if you walked in during morning hours. We've all become wary of anyone entering the village later at night. There are times arrows are shot without a warning sounded first. I would hate for you to be killed before walking into your own manor." I looked around moving the basket. "It is safe to stay around here for the night. Please, tell be about the Crusades. All you have learned and saw. I have heard tell that no where in all the lands is there more beautiful fabric and patterns that the eastern lands."

Robin smiled pulling something from his sack. "I was going to present it to you once there was a welcoming feast but now seems like a good time."

From a small coarse bag Robin pulled out a material that looked as if water had been captured inside its thread. It was a green as rich as a king's jewels with black thread running through it in exotic patterns. It was a long piece of fabric one would save for a sash or the boarder of a bridal veil. "Oh, Robin, thank you so. It is beautiful."

He smiled at my thanks sitting on the log beside me while Much started a fire. "If I tell you about what I have seen you must tell me what has transpired in my absence."

My eyes fell from his face, fingers stroking the fabric. "I will tell you, but it must wait until morning. It is wrong to speak of bad happenings this late in the evening. I will stand guard while you sleep. Heaven knows, you need it more than I. Please do not argue. I will follow all you say, but on these two things you must agree."

The seriousness of the situation must have shown on my face for he did not argue. Well into the night he spoke of the colors of the silk, the many things he learned, and, with a smile, of the beautiful women he did see.

Robin would not speak of battle. Like I, he did not wish to bring bad energy toward us.

We stood on the hill overlooking the village. Robin ran a hand along the branch of a cherry blossom tree. "You never told me if you have been married to your dear love. It has only occurred to me you are indeed of age."

I bowed my head in an attempt to conceal my small smile, but I believe Robin saw it anyway. "I am betrothed, but not yet married." The smile faded from my lips. "It is a very long process to be married right now. Because of all the deaths and the problems with giving money to the widows many do not want to send those men who have left behind families. Where as other places are sending everyone, the Sheriff does not want to pay any kind of compensation for families left behind in case there is tragedy. That added to the fact the Sheriff wants money just for his blessing to marry."

A shadow crossed his face, but quickly cleared. "So, how is young Will Scarlett?" Robin lifted my chin making me blush at the teasing way he said Will's name.

"He is fine. Well, I do not know. He changes day to day on his feelings. It has been hard on us all since you left. When you left Will and I were just children, playing with the others, disgusted at finding we were to be married one day. Now I have grown so fond of him. I may even…" I bowed my head. "I do believe I love him. I worry about him more than anything because he is still the strong willed, hard headed Will you last saw."

Much frowned. "No weddings? No wedding feasts? Well surely that will change now that my Master is back."

Robin nodded to Much and smiled at me. "When you have your dress prepared I will be more than happy to host your wedding. I will perform the wedding myself if I must."

I gave a laugh trudging down the slope. "I do not know if it is allowed to do so, but I thank you all the same Robin."

Robin cast an eye toward the end of the village. "I have heard tell there is a new Sheriff. Surely our old one cannot have died."

I pressed my lips together trying not to smile. "You care not about him. You merely want to know what have become of your true love."

Robin bowed his head giving me a mischievous look. "I do care about the old man. He was like a father to me. And you must have expected I have wanted to know about Marian. Whom is it she had married? You must dull the pain now, so it will not hurt when I see her with her flock of children."

I smiled walking ahead of both men. "I suppose you shall just have to see, my Lord. You shall just have to see."

"Siobhan, that is not fair in the least bit."

There was no point in spoiling the fun and letting Robin know Marian had not married. She still carried a torch for Robin as we all knew she would. Even the attention of Sir Guy could not dissuade her. I for one was quite thankful for that.

Robin's greeting was not exactly what I had hoped. Many ran but thankfully Dan Scarlett welcomed him.

"Have your told Robin nothing of what has been happening here?" My would-be father-in-law gave me an exasperated look. "Honestly girl. That is like leading a lamb into a den of wolves."

"I am sorry." I lowered my voice slightly. "We were in the woods. I did not want to risk guards passing and hearing me. I believed it would be better for you to tell him. You know that you can explain better than I."

He sighed but smiled. "Go inside and grab something to drink, you look parched. Will shall be more than happy to carry your basket home for you. He was worried when you did not come back last night. I had to keep him from leaving to find you."

I could not help but smile at this. "My hero, he is. Thank you, I shall only take a moment and will return him as soon as I can."

I nodded to Much and Robin and headed inside. Luke jumped up from the table giving me a quick hug. "You are safe-I knew you would be-I tried telling Will that but he never listens-Father and he got into an argument about going after you-I told them you were fine-I'll just get you a drink shall I?"

I laughed as he drew in a breath, went about getting a cup and headed to the back to pump some water.

Will stood quickly and crossed the room in two strides, clasping my hands. "I was worried."

I removed a hand placing it on his cheek. "You should know better than to worry. I am always fine." I smiled putting on a teasing voice. "Since when have you ever cared if I was hurt? I remember all the times you nearly sliced me in half practicing with your ax and hatchet."

His lips parted as if he wanted to say something but Luke scurried back in pushing water into my hands. I drank it gratefully, handing Luke back the cup. "Thank you. Now if you do not mind I am going to steal your brother to help me get this bloody basket home."

Luke nodded and leading us outside. Luke was a smaller version of his brother. Dark hair, light skin and dark eyes. Still too young to be seen as fully handsome, but I knew he would grow up well. It was impossible for him not too. Both his parents had been good looking, and Luke reminded me a bit of Will at his age. Of course I would never admit that to either of them.

Will lifted my basket with ease, giving me a small smile. Even a glance like that made my heart catch. That was how I knew I loved Will Scarlett. It was not just his looks it was how he treated me. He saw me as an equal and I valued that above all. He never disreguared me because of my sex, on the contrary, it usually made him more cautious.

Of course, it was not to say I only valued his charm. I will admit as he became a man it was his looks that intrigued me. He had short dark hair and eyes that absorbed the light around them. They were lost in a color between a grey and blue absorbing emotion either way. His lips were usually set in a solid line, but lifted in a small smile when with me. They used to break out in a wide smile, but in the last five years those smiles just became so rare. His lips were soft, reminding me of the silk Robin had given me. Even with the few chaste kisses we had shared I knew Will would take care of me. I did not know if it was out of love or loyalty. It did not matter to me as of now. Someday it would, but either way I knew he cared.

With a shrug he hoisted the basket onto his shoulder, free hand brushing my own. He had the hands of a carpenter. Long and delicate, but at the same time rough and precise. He touch occasionally made me blush which earned laughs from those few who were close to us. Marian had said on occasion she found it highly amusing that Will Scarlett could make his love blush his name.

We watched in silence as Robin explained his bow to Luke and I bowed my head as Robin learned Jane Scarlett had passed away. I had not gotten a chance to fully update Robin on the village. All I had told him was that Sir Guy was watching over Locksley and that there was a new Sheriff. I could not bring myself to tell him the death toll other than that of my parents. My father had passed away shortly after Robin had left and my mother the same week as her best friend, Jane Scarlett.

I took my basket from Will and stiffened as I heard the sound of horses approaching. Will grabbed Luke's bow and hid it in a pile of wood, the piece of straw between his lips unmoving.

Soldiers went into houses pulling people out, taking away anything they held out of their hands. A soldier tore my basket from my hands and I opened my mouth to protest. Will pulled me to his side with a slight shake of his head. We walked toward the others, and I carefully slide my fingers between his. I had to learn to improve my patience. Usually Will and I were on the same level, but I did not wish to have to rewash those clothes again. I had already mended two cloaks before arriving back home. If the stitches had torn I was going to be very upset. It was the little sleep that was getting to me. The Sheriffs orders for outlandish designs grew, and children around here were growing so fast that the hems I had just made had to be let out. As soon as I got home I was going to turn Will away and sleep until morning.

Robin moved forward making himself known to those around us. I was first to kneel, but I shook and Will took my hand, balancing me while he bowed.

Once we stood I stumbled slightly and Will looked me over with worry. "Are you feeling ill?"

I shook my head, finding it was a bad idea. Faced with his chest I had an overwhelming urge just to rest my head on him, but thought it inappropriate. Instead I swallowed. "Too much sun I suppose. Nothing too much, I should have stayed closer to the shade yesterday."

Will gave me a look and hoisted the basket back onto his shoulder keeping his fingertips at my back all the way to the small cottage I lived in.

As we entered the cottage I waved my hand for Will to just put the basket down anywhere. I opened my mouth to say something and next I knew I was sliding to the floor, Will rushing over to keep me up. In a moment he lifted me in his arms and laid me down on my bed looking worried and angry. "You've been skipping meals again haven't you?"

I turned my head but he grabbed me chin making me face him as he lowered his face closer to mine. "Siobhan. You cannot keep doing this. I know you've been giving away your food, but you must eat something if you wish to help at all."

I carefully sat up glaring at him. I did not know when or why it started, but lately he had been treating me so delicately. It was starting to bother me and I was not sure why. "Why are you so worried all of a sudden? I don't owe you coin, I haven't been bothering you, so I cannot understand why you are acting so strangely."

"I don't want you to end up like my mother."

Looking into his eyes a wave of guilt flowed over me. "Will, I am sorry. I did not mean to make you think…"

He shook his head cupping the side of my face. "I know it wasn't your intention but I cannot help but worry." He smiled brushing a broad thumb across my lips. "As it is, who else would I find that would mend all my clothes and tend to my wounds without complaint?"

I smiled covering his hand with my own. "Aye, that is true." I pushed my sleeve up reaching inside the hidden pocket and pulled out the pouch with the fabric Robin had given me. "I want to show you this." I spread the fabric across us, making him feel it.

Will traced the patterns carefully. "It is beautiful. What are you going to use it for?"

I bowed my head blushing. "Robin hinted a few times that it should be used to boarder a wedding veil or dress."

Will's hands froze inches from mine and I could feel him looking at me. Since learning about the wait on weddings we had not spoken about it. Of course we still wanted to believe we were young enough not to care. We were mourning the loss of our mothers and just being friends. Yet, now at eighteen we should have given a care, especially with Robin back. Robin who told me he would see me married.

Will moved closer to me looking serious. "We haven't spoken about this in a while."

"I know. But it's not something you discuss. It is just something you do."

Will looked at me curiously. "So you would just go along with it even though you do not love me?"

I was taken aback. "Why do you presume I do not love you?"

He blinked a few times taking in what I had said. "I know everyone jokes about us. Just as they would joke about Robin and Marian, but I do not think I thought clearly about it until now. I did not truly take it seriously."

I lowered my eyes. "You do not have to marry me. I know there are many girls that speak of you. I've heard some girls whispering about you. When you go to Nottingham to drop off orders. The girls wondering why you were not married. Many would long to be a carpenter's wife."

I felt him lift my chin with a finger, bringing us closer than before. "Yet, how many carpenters can claim to be the husband of a beautiful seamstress. Feelings of longing can go either way."

We sat there in complete silence neither of us moving. We had never spoken like this before. Those few kisses we had had were out of a kind of habit. Will showed me a sort of affection now and then but it was almost like family. Until now he had never truly acted as if he cared we were betrothed at all. The only passion I had ever heard in his voice was aimed at overthrowing the Sheriff and Sir Guy.

My eyes searched his face. "What will happen now?"

Will moved his hand from my chin, taking my hands in his. "I suppose we see what Robin does. I know he cannot change the whole of England, but he can change Locksley, and that is something."

I nodded moving my body so to stand, taking Will's hand as a precaution. "I am sorry I worried you."

Will smiled placing a kiss on the top of my head. "It is understandable. I know you worry about me more and more each day. Even though I tell you I can take care of myself, I know it is just your place to worry."

I nodded sadly. "Now that Robin is back you can stop stealing food. I do not want them to catch you. Please, promise me Will."

He lifted my hands to his lips kissing them. "I promise you, if it will please you."

I walked him to the front door and paused. "Take care of yourself. I can feel problems approaching."

Will gave me a smile reserved only for me and went into a mock bow. "Anything for you my Lady."

I smiled and watched him go up the road before decided I needed to bathe myself. I honestly needed to straighten my life out. Who knew it could become so complicated within a day?

After changing into fresh clothes I heard a loud thumping on my door and opened to see Robin and Much standing there. So much for my sleep.

Robin looked me over a look of mock sternness on his face. "You did not tell me Marian had not married."

I could not help but laugh. "You never asked my friend."

Much frowned. "Why is it she pulled a bow out on us?"

I stopped laughing. "You just showed up there without sending word? Oh dear, I thought Dan would have told you." I looked over their shoulders and ushered them inside. "Sir Guy has soldiers everywhere loyal to only himself and the Sheriff. Marian and her father were only trying cover up. I am sure they will want to see you. I will make sure she gets word. I still take care of her you know. I am surprised Dan did not warn you."

Much and Robin exchanged a look and my heart fell.

"What has happened?"

Robin grasped my shoulder. "They have taken Luke…and Will. Someone told the guards they stole the grain."

My hand flew up to my mouth. "No. I will not accept this. I am going up to the castle."

Robin shook his head. "No you should stay here."

"And do what? Just wait? Plus if I am there I can get a message from Marian to you without suspicion. I am of your manor but I am her servant. It will not look odd if I talk to you both during my time there. I will not stay behind Robin." I wrapped my arms around myself. "I cannot just stay here while I know Will is locked up for trying to feed his family."

He looked to Much and nodded. "You may come with us. If you do not have your steed back you may ride with Much."

I nodded and grabbed my cloak. "I will tell you all I know about the Sheriff as we approach. Oh and Robin. For future warning Sir Guy has been trying to woo Marian, so please know this ahead as to not lose your temper."

Marian gave me a nasty look. "You did not tell me he was back."

I gave her a sweet smile. There were only a few years between us. She was in her twenty-second year, two Robin's junior, but she acted as if she had lived forever.

"My lady, I did not tell you because I had only just arrived back. I needed to deposit of the Sheriff's clothes and those of his house that need to be mended."

Marian waved a hand. "Do not pull that 'My Lady' line on me, Siobhan. You know better."

I could not help but grin. "To this day I still find it amusing that even when you try not to be you and Robin are so very similar. No ',y Lady' no 'my Lord', what is a simple classed girl like me to say? Besides, we all know you still care for him."

I had ridden back with Marian, nodding a goodbye to Robin and Much, until later.

She dismounted and gave me another scathing look. "He drives me mad."

My smile grew as I slid off the mount and taking the reigns. "And yet in your eyes I can still see how you love him."

"You are daft."

"And you are in love.'

Marian spluttered and headed inside.

I shook my head taking her father's horse and leading them to the back stables.

Life was going to be a bit more interesting now Robin was back.

Robin and Much escorted me home. My cottage was very close to the manor, which placed me on the very outskirts of the village and right in front of Sherwood Forest . All of us were quiet. Robin had told me what Will said which only caused my heart to drop. Of all the times Will chose not to hold his tongue, he had to do it while in jail. Marian's words about letting Luke and Will die hurt more. After she said it she tried to apologize but I could not listen. I would not bring myself to listen. I would do anything Robin asked me. He promised to find a way to keep Luke and Will safe. With all my heart I trusted Robin. I would lend him any help I could, weapons, or my presence as an in into Nottingham.

As I dismounted I took Robin's hand. "Luke is boy. He has only just reached his thirteenth year. He is Dan and Jane's son. Will is…Will is all I have left now Robin. Please. Do all you can to save him. Without Will I may as well live in the woods with the outlaws. There will be nothing else left for me."

Robin closed his eyes and nodded. "I swear to you Siobhan. I will do all I can to save Luke, and your Will. I will do all within my power to save them all. I just need to figure out how."

I stood beside Dan in then center of the square where the nooses were hung. An older woman approached our hands and offering condolences. Many others prayed their rosaries, offering them around. I would not accept. I would not give up useless prayers, after so many had been ignored.

Robin came and stood by us, letting people taunt him and call him names. He stood silent hand on Dan's shoulder all of us looking toward the archway, waiting until he had to go up and announce the fates of his own people As the Sheriff came into view, Robin gave Dan's should a last squeeze and nodded to me. As he approached the stair, I could have sworn I saw him wink.

Suddenly I was not worried as I watched Will walk out, hands bound together, looking defiant.

Before they put the hood over Will's face he looked me in the eyes. No words came out of his mouth but his lips moved telling me he loved me.

That was when I could feel the tears running down my face. Of all the times he chose to actually say it, he had to chose now.

As the drumming began a monk stepped forward proclaiming the lads had been asked forgiveness and become novices while in their cell.

It was when the words "novice novices" came out of his mouth I realized Jeremy had tried to save them.

Robin could not save them. The stools were kicked out from beneath them and Dan and I seemed to float backwards. I could not speak. Dan kept repeating his love for his boys and he shall see them in heaven.

The world around me was swallowing me whole. I turned wordlessly to Robin, hoping, praying he had something up his sleeve. Robin had never disappointed me before and I was hoping he was not about to begin.

Robin lashed out at a guard stealing his bow and a handful of arrows. "People of Nottingham. These people have no committed any crime punishable by more than a short time in the stocks. Will you tolerate this injustice? I for one will not." With each sentence he shot an arrow that tore though a noose, freeing the victims.

My knives were out as I cut though the bonds of each, ending with Will. I gave a sob as he embraced me. He rose up to embrace his father taking the hatchet he was handed. Dan bid farewell to his son and ran off with Luke and Benedict in tow. They were off to anywhere they could find justice. I wished them all the luck in the world.

I stood by Will knives at the ready. There were three others hidden on my person but those were strictly for emergencies.

Will saw me and shook his head. "No. You are to go. Get out of here."

I brought my knife around to touch the blade of his hatchet. "Not without you."

Will grabbed me close to him giving me a kiss that was anything but chaste and slipped a small box into one of the pockets in the seamstresses apron I word. "I need you to go home. If you get mixed up in this lot, you will not be able to aid us any further."

I nodded, painfully aware of how our bodies were pressed together.

Will swallowed, giving me a shorter rough kiss and bade me go.

I moved back, blending into the crowd so as to meet with Marian inside.

I had been right. With Robin back life was to be much more interesting.

A/N:

So I must know. What do you think?

If you think it's absolute rubbish let me know.

If you're wondering what will happen what Djaq comes into the picture and want to know what this will mean, I guess you should simply review and see what happens.

Happy Trails my friends.