Faelyn fiddled with her embroidered belt nervously. This was her big chance to make nice with some of England's nobles in hopes of finding a proper suitor. Behind her stood her dearest friend and handmaiden Cherry.

Cherry took Fae's hand in her own and squeezed. "It's alright m'lady. Just have fun. I'll be right here the whole time", she whispered.

Faelyn took a deep breath as the large oaken doors to the dining room were pulled open and in filed the guests. A pair of great long tables sat horizontal from each other under the gaze of a smaller table at the end of the hall. Serving maids led each of the guests to their designated spot. Not being very important, Faelyn was seated on the outer side of the left hand table. Cherry stood behind her, in whispering distance.

Servers with silver pitchers poured rich wine into matching silver goblets. A buzz of chatter surrounded the room for several minutes until a large banging silenced all. The attendees were ushered to stand by several guards, and in walked the sheriff of Nottingham. He wore crimson red and stood in stark contrast to the man that followed him.

He was dark and broody, clad in all black leather with equally black hair and dazzling blue eyes.

"Pss, Cherry, who is that man standing next to the sheriff? The scary one?"

"That's Sir Guy of Gisborne m'lady. Better steer clear of him, he's got a renowned temper."

"And that lovely young lady on the sheriff's other side?"

"Lady Marian. Perhaps a kindred spirit."

Before Faelyn could ask more the sheriff cleared his throat. "Thank you all for coming to my little get-together. In three days hence I shall be...well let's say a little older, eh?"

Fae groaned inwardly. Speeches. She hated speeches. And she was hungry. Such a wonderful smell wafted up from the kitchens. Her stomach grumbled. She glanced around to see if anyone had heard. No one seemed to care, and she nearly sighed in relief until she looked up and caught the frightening man in black glaring at her with his sharp gaze. She shivered and looked away. What a terrifying person.

The sheriff's speech lasted quite a bit longer. By the time Fae's feet were starting to ache and her tummy rumblings drawing curious glances, the sheriff finally sat down. Food was brought out on great platters: plump grapes, toasted bread, dripping pork, and buttery potatoes. Fae had to use all of her control not to shovel in her food. As it was Cherry cleared her throat to get her attention as to her manners several times.

All around her the other guests gossiped and caught up on news. Fae really couldn't care less. She had days to get to know the others. She finally emerged from her plate to motion for more wine and got caught once again in his gaze.

He was staring at her over his goblet with an amused half smile. But those eyes...Those cold, dark blue eyes. Fae swallowed and turned back to her plate. She made care not to look around her after that, even when performers were summoned.

Long into the night the dinner went. The moon rose and glittered in through the windows. Fae could feel her eyes growing heavy in the candle light. Too much wine had worked its way through her veins and she began dozing.

She was startled awake by Cherry whispering urgently. "M'lady stand up!"

Faelyn stood groggily with the rest of the diners as the sheriff walked out followed by Sir Guy and Lady Marian.

Her shoulders sagged wearily. "Ugh, what a day. You think he'd let us rest first. Help me to my room Cherry...I need to lie down."

Cherry took her by the arm and led her back through the castle. "Urp, wait...I need air." Faelyn scrambled to a balcony exposed to the night air. She rested her head against the cold stone and breathed deeply. "Will you go light the fire please Cherry? I'll be there in a moment." Cherry nodded and hurried off.

Faelyn closed her eyes and felt the cold air envelop her. Ugh, what a day, she thought again. A long, bumpy, dusty carriage ride followed by an even longer, more boring dinner. But at least the food was good. And the wine. Ugh, the wine. Fae groaned.

"Are you alright?"

Fae's eyes shot open. The voice was deep and silky, and she knew immediately to whom it belonged. She lifted her head slowly and turned.

Sir Guy of Gisborne leaned against the wall, arms crossed, a snide smile on his face. He seemed darker in the night.

Faelyn cleared her throat. "I'm fine, thank you. Just a little too much to drink."

"And to eat."

"Ehrm, well, yes. It was a rather long ride here you see."

He chuckled a deep rumbling chuckle. "Shall I have you escorted back to your room?"

Faelyn straightened and smoothed her dress. "Thank you, no. I can manage. Good evening." Guy's rumbling chuckle followed her down the hall.