Disclaimer: I do not own anything from the Robin Hood legend as it is portrayed by the BBC.

A/N: I have edited and made some improvements to the story, adding certain details to make the story more complete. I also acquired an amazing beta, who has helped catch those mistakes that I can't see and has made suggestions for improvement! Thanks so much, whytewytch! You're the best!

Whether you've read this story before or this is your first glance, I hope you enjoy! I always appreciate any reviews or critiques you may have! Thanks!


-Locksley-

More than seven years had passed since Elsie had last set eyes on Locksley. Her brother's decision to fight with King Richard in the Crusades had uprooted her from the only home she had ever known. With their parents having passed on a year earlier, Robin had arranged for Elsie to stay with a friend of the family in the south until he returned the Holy Land. The move was something Elsie had slowly come to terms with as the time wore on, because she knew it would ease her brother's worries while he was abroad. Still, her home in Locksley was never far from her thoughts.

To once again be looking upon the Locksley estates seemed like something of a dream. The sun was just beginning to touch the tops of trees, casting a warm glow on the village below. Rising up behind the smaller homes of the people was Locksley manor, nestled snugly against the edge of the forest. Elsie absorbed the sight of her childhood home with a loving fondness, which she had kept close to her heart during her time away. Its vivid beauty, which she feared had become a fantasy as the years went by, called out to her in a radiant voice, beckoning her home.

Happy memories of her life before her parents' deaths flooded into her thoughts as she descended into the valley below. However, riding slowly through the village, she noted how much had changed over her seven year absence. It was quiet, almost too quiet for Elsie's liking. There were no children laughing and playing their many games outside of their homes; in fact, there was not much activity from any of the villagers. Those people that were outside, tending to their work, turned from their tasks to look at the entourage passing by. Elsie smiled pleasantly at those she passed, receiving a few short, awkward smiles in return; others simply stared with curiosity. It never occurred to her how much she had changed during her time away. She was no longer a bright-eyed, twelve year old girl, skipping through the village in search of a playmate. Elsie had been molded into the figure of a fine, noble lady.

Dismounting her horse at the front of the manor, Elsie drew in a nervous breath as her eyes wandered across the exterior of the familiar building. Her fingertips tingled with excitement; she found herself wanting to shout at the top of her voice, announcing her arrival. She controlled the childish urge, believing that the unexpected surprise would be more rewarding.

Her heart was racing with anticipation as she stepped up to the door. She turned to look back at the two men assigned to accompany her; they were already unpacking the horses. With another deep breath to calm her nerves, Elsie knocked sharply on the door. After a few seconds, the door opened and a familiar face looked out. It took only a second, but his eyes widened with recognition and a small gasp escaped his lips. Before Elsie could utter a single syllable the door snapped shut.

Completely taken aback, Elsie could do no more than stare, and blink with disbelief, at the door. After a few moments, she reached up and knocked more urgently on the door, thinking perhaps he had mistaken her for someone else. Again, the door opened, this time only a crack, and the face peered from the other side.

"You must not stay," the old servant said sharply. "Leave quickly."

"Why?" Elsie cried, confused by the seriousness in his tone. She was not about to leave without some sort of explanation, not after traveling such a long distance. Still, thinking that perhaps the old man had lost some of his mind over the years and that he didn't know who he was speaking to, she added, "Thornton? It is Elsie. I have returned from Wycombe-"

"Just go," he hissed, urging her to be on her way.

"Where is Robin?" Elsie asked, stepping forward, ignoring the warning in Thornton's eyes. She stood on her toes, hoping to get a glimpse inside the manor, perhaps to find something to explain this strange behavior.

"Robin of Locksley no longer resides here," growled a voice from within the depths of house.

Thornton heaved a disgruntled sigh, letting the door swing open to reveal a tall, dark haired man brooding in the shadows. His sharp little eyes surveyed the visitor carefully, trying to decide what to make of her unexpected appearance.

"Who are you?" Elsie demanded at once, stepping around Thornton and into the room.

Though her question indicated that she was not a local, he still did not like the tone in which she asked. The man, clad entirely in black, rolled his eyes with disgust for her ignorance. He smiled menacingly. "Sir Guy of Gisborne, Lord of Locksley."

With furrowed brows, Elsie shot a confused glance toward Thornton. He bowed his head solemnly in confirmation. It suddenly felt like her heart had leaped into her throat; the truth in Gisborne's declaration made Elsie's head spin. Quickly, though, she recomposed herself in order to make further inquiries.

"What has happened to the former lord of this manor, Robin of Locksley," Elsie asked firmly. Inwardly she prepared herself for the worst, knowing that usually it was only the death of the former lord that would result in the appointing of a new lord to the property. "I received word that he had returned from the Crusades nearly two years ago. Now, I wish to know where he is."

Gisborne eyed the girl carefully; the way she spoke and held herself, with a touch of arrogance, reminded him of his hooded enemy. "What concern is it of yours where Robin of Locksley is?"

"I am Lady Elisabeth," she stated proudly with a nod of her head. Thornton tried to keep her from revealing more than her name with a pointed look, but Elsie caught on a moment too late. "Robin is my brother."

"Brother?" Gisborne repeated with surprise. A sinister grin, which made Elsie's skin crawl, crept slowly over his lips at her proclamation.

"Yes! Now, tell me where is he?" she asked, beginning to tire of him eluding her most important question.

Gisborne relished the moment. Not only did he have Robin Hood's sister standing in front of him, which would be the perfect offering to appease the sheriff's foul mood, but he was going to have to give her the news of Robin's fall from nobility. Gisborne sniffed importantly as he enlightened her.

"Well, if you take a walk through Sherwood Forest, I am certain you would cross his path."

"But only thieves and outlaws live in..." Elsie trailed off as she realized what Gisborne was implying. She snorted with disbelief. "Surely you do not mean?"

Gisborne nodded gravely.

"He cannot be outlawed," Elsie said, her voice barely above a whisper. The dream of a joyful homecoming was wilting with every second that passed.

"Good people still love him," Thornton added quietly, attempting to restore Elsie's faith in her brother. His comment earned him a quick slap from Gisborne.

Elsie gasped; it was becoming very clear what kind of man she was dealing with. The danger of the situation started to creep in. She inched slowly toward the door, hoping to slip back out to the horses, but Gisborne had anticipated her actions. He lurched forward and caught her roughly by the elbow.

"I don't think so," he said with a deep chuckle as she struggled against his grip. "You will come with me to Nottingham; the sheriff will want to meet you."

With Gisborne guiding her briskly toward the door, she thought it strange that the sheriff would want to meet her; she already knew him. Edward was an old family friend. However, her absence from the shire had been extensive and she had to take into consideration the possibility of a new sheriff residing in Nottingham. It would definitely explain the reason behind why her brother was outlawed; Edward would never dismiss Robin so easily.

With one final pleading look toward Thornton, Elsie was escorted from the manor.