Here is the next part as promised :D
ABLAZE - Part II
In the morning, there was a meeting with Robin and his friends - along with those residing in the camp - if they should stay for now or go back to their homes. When Gisbourne arrived near noon time, Robin and his friends told him that the people would stay until they deemed it to be safe for everyone to go back home. Guy gave them his own news, having received a letter early this morning from Prince John that a new sheriff had been stationed and would arrive before lunch.
"That was quick," commented Robin.
"There's more," continued Guy as he watched the others. "They expect to be greeted formally."
"Formally?" asked Robin. "Do they expect a crown to go with that?"
"I think we should do it and not anger this new sheriff, else they will get quite angry and the same things will start happening, just like they were before," said Much, without stopping in between for air.
"Then let's give them a formal greeting," announced Robin dramatically. As he and Much went to find some clothes, Guy made a bee line to Marian.
When he got near her, he put a hand on her back gently so that she would turn to him. As she did so, Guy brought up his gloved hand to her at eye level. There, between his fingers, was a ring crafted in beautiful colors that were not too bright or dark that was shaped into floral designs. She stared at it, at the simplicity of it and yet, it was still beautiful.
"If you will let me?" Guy asked in a whisper, pleased of her reaction that he gave her a small grin.
"Guy, you would have to announce it before you can put it on my finger."
"Is my betrothed worried about what others will say?"
"It's tradition." But she did want to put it on her finger.
"Let's make our own then."
Marian finally cracked a smile while letting out a little laugh. He was so persistent, but most of all, he loved her and wanted to show it. As he said, she did not care what others would say. She brought up her left hand to him so that he would slip it on.
Rather than quickly, Guy slipped it on her ring finger gently while holding her gaze. He watched how her lips twitched before quirking up some more. When the ring was finally at the base of her finger, he moved his hand under hers to bring it to his mouth and kissed it first on her knuckles, and then on the ring. It was a very affectionate, especially out in the open, and Marian actually found her cheeks growing hot and look away once more.
"Until then," he said near her ear, causing her to feel a small shiver of excitement down her spine. He walked away to go back to mount onto his horse and rode off, but not after giving her a nod. Marian watched him until he disappeared out of sight before looking down at her ring. She realized that the band was pure black, but it felt smooth. It reminded her of how smooth Guy's leather was and the rich scent that wafted into her nose.
For once, Marian wanted to speed up time to get married.
Soon came the time to give the "formal" greeting of the new sheriff. It was a man who actually laughed at the entertainment provided and not lounge back in his chair all bored. Marian was sitting by Guy's side while Robin and his friends provided the entertainment with cloaks. It was a comedic routine involving some fire and the more they did it, the more the new sheriff guffawed.
"Splendid, splendid show!" He had said while clapping his shows. It was actual clapping, unlike the way the sheriff before him clapped. Still, Robin and the others were cautious, waiting each moment to see if he would reveal his true colors. As the entertainment came to a close, the sheriff clapped some more before standing up from his chair.
"Thank you for the performance," he announced. "I have heard of the old sheriff's ways that was stationed here before me. I am sure you all are worried about what I will do in the future. While Prince John orders for taxes to be paid, the penalty will not be death. Instead, it will be a month in the dungeon, and during that time, you will make up for it by doing work to pay for the taxes you owe. I have sworn myself to this station, but I have also sworn myself to God."
"A priest?" whispered Marian to Guy in question.
"A retired priest. Ironic, is it not?" he replied softly with a grin.
"Are you sure?" Marian shifted her gaze to the new sheriff. "He could be pretending to gain the favor of everyone."
"Marian, I have made sure by asking the churches he worked at. They did not quiver or react at all in fear while telling me that he is a caring, yet strict, man."
She stared at Guy, hoping he was right, and believing him too, before turning her attention back to the supposed retired priest. He seemed like a good man, which was so...different from the horrible man before that was stationed here in Nottingham. She looked back at Guy before looking ahead. Marian could feel him grasp her hand to offer her comfort. It was such a display of affection that she felt herself grow nervous. It was silly really how she reacted to him still.
Thankfully, Robin and his friends were out of sight so that tables could be set up for the feast. Those who wanted to see the sheriff would be allowed to dine with him, no matter their rank. Still, everyone had their suspicions and yet, the man was kind to them. To all of them. His expression and the way he reacted was noted carefully and even then, not once did his so called "act" break.
Marian had overheard some conversations while she had to look at the people's expressions. So far, they seemed shocked and near the end of their conversations, they responded in glee. Some had even cried while gripping the sheriff's hands tight in gratefulness.
After the feast was done, the sheriff still stayed with the people before announcing that the market will be put back to business. He stated that a small amount of the money made from the shops would help go toward the taxes and not all of it. People cheered and gave him an applause.
"Now I must get to work else I will lose my job. Please do take care and remember, the Lord is watching you. Bless you all and take care."
Guy, who was near Marian, gave her a kiss on her hand before leaving her side to escort the new sheriff to his study. Marian watched him leave, noticing for the first time how the leather was on his figure. Broad and tall. Completely masculine. She would not admit either that she had watched how the leather moved on his thighs. Tearing her gaze away from her fiance, she looked for her father who had come with her. She had seen him talking to the new sheriff earlier and found him speaking to Robin.
As she went over to them, she noticed that they were having a heated conversation. "Father, I will wait in the carriage," Marian said without realizing that said carriage belonged to Guy. It was too late since Robin walked up to her. "Marian, please tell me you have not believed a word said from that man."
Marian calmed herself, thinking that he was going to speak to her about Guy, before turning to him. "I was suspicious of him at first but as I watched him during lunch, his words are true. His punishment for those who cannot pay taxes are just."
"All of us do not know that for sure," pointed out Robin. "Not until the time comes."
"Perhaps so. There is nothing we can do besides wait."
Robin sighed, defeated. "Yes, you are right. Which is why some of my friends and I are going to stay here for the night." He looked at her sadly before looking around to pull her out of sight in a small place between buildings. "If the man is true to his word, I will be able to get back Locksley Manor. And when that time comes Marian, I wish to marry you when King Richard returns."
Marian blinked before filling a chill. It wasn't a literal chill, it was a chill in her soul. "Robin..."
"I know I have made you wait so long."
"Robin - "
"I had to wait until everything would be turned calm with King Richard back on the thrown."
"Robin, please let me speak."
"When have I ever stopped you?" teased Robin.
Marian shook her head with a small smile before looking at him seriously. "I have changed since then, from when we were young."
"I know, and you have grown beautifully," he said with a smile as he went closer to her. Marian quickly pushed him away but the smile didn't disappear from his face.
"I mean that my feelings for you have changed."
"I have missed you so much as well - " Marian pushed him back again since he had gotten way too close to her that she could smell his sweat and the scents of the forest.
"Let me be blunt, then, Robin. My feelings to you are like a family member. A brother." His smile faded, his mouth opening in surprise. Marian continued on. "I believed that I wanted to marry you, you who had seemed like a hero. In truth, you are still a boy yet to grow up. Your recklessness is tiring, your wish to be loved by all shows that you like to be in glory, and you do not accept me entirely."
"Of course I accept you!"
"You do not. You find me as a woman who must stay as society views as: A lady. To stay home and do nothing."
"Did Gisbourne tell you all this? To get you to be against me so that you would marry him instead?"
"How dare you! I have always been loyal to you, Robin, and for you to say - to even suggest that Guy would say such a thing and for me to easily believe - you do not know me at all."
"So, you are going to marry him?"
"Yes I am," replied Marian while raising her chin, giving him a cold stare.
"You do not even love him. You love me!"
"Look at you. You are acting so childish, further proving that you cannot think before speaking. You throw a tantrum, just like you did when a neighbor boy came to play with us."
"At least I am not the one pointing out one's flaws," replied Robin in a harsh tone.
"Flaws? They are traits. Traits that I find in one's sibling, not a husband. Now, if you excuse me, I am heading home." She left immediately, ignoring him as she made her way to the carriage. Her father was all ready inside and wisely stayed out of their...conversation.
"That did not go well at all, nor how I wanted it to be," breathed out Marian sadly as she sat beside her father.
"He needed to be told, Marian, and the way he reacted... It does remind me of his youth. While it could have gone better, he is the one to blame for his behavior, even when the truth can hurt." He patted her hand gently. "You did well."
Marian smiled at her father before taking in a calming breath and looked out the window of the carriage. She watched the scenery go by as the carriage that belonged to Guy transported them back to Knighton Hall.
"Now let me see if I have this correct, Master. Lady Marian is going to marry Gisbourne because she found you childish, reckless, and said that you did not approve her being The Night Watchman?"
"Yes," replied Robin with frustration.
"Pardon for me saying, Master, but you were...very...how should I say, very...um, provoking."
"Provoking?"
"And the time you also kissed that woman while traveling back!"
"Much, you are not helping."
"I am only speaking the truth, Master. I for one get sick of such behavior of you. You say you love her and yet you - "
"Enough!" shouted Robin. "I did not come here to listen to more reasons why she should not marry me! I know she loves me, there is no way she's marrying him for love! I'm going to stop that wedding and make her see, make her realize that she is making a bad mistake!"
"Maybe she's not making a bad mistake as you think," pointed out Will.
"Agh, not you too!" cried out Robin.
"Look, Robin," said John as he pushed him off the ground. "You need to realize that she has moved on. From what I've seen, it's clear Gisbourne loves her."
"From what you've seen?" Robin asked with a lifted brow. "He's been showering her with gifts to earn her favor. Love cannot be bought by that."
"He's been courting her," pointed out John. "He is showing her that he can provide for her."
"Only because of the sheriff."
"Whom he allowed to be killed," John said in a louder voice. "Is it so bad to shed some light on him despite what he has done?"
"You defended him before John," said Robin in annoyance.
"My God, you are a boy." John shook his head before sitting down again.
"I am not a boy," countered Robin.
Much wisely kept his mouth shut while the others stared at Robin.
"Your future bride watched me the entire time," spoke the ex-priest as he signed his name on the parchment in front of him without looking up. "A very observant lady she is."
"Yes, she is," agreed Guy with a proud small smile.
"I would be worried if I were in her shoes as well. It pained me to see all of those faces - some have even cried." He shook his head in disbelief, but it was all laid out before him. "I will bring Nottingham and its people back to the way it was before Prince John hired that devil." He looked over at Guy slowly. "I have to ask though...why did you not quit?"
Guy gave him a measured stare. He many reasons that he did not quit. Until he met Marian, he had been hired by the sheriff since he wanted revenge. The day he had seen Marian, conversed with her as well, Guy had realized how much people were suffering because of the sheriff. She had managed to take off the wool from his eyes. He stayed to protect her and the others. He could not protect all of them, however, but he had done his best.
Averting his gaze, he looked at the wall opposite of the direction he was standing before looking back at the sheriff. But, he didn't even need to say it since the man could see it in his eyes.
He watched the sheriff continue with the work that needed to be done. While Guy was hardly asked for an opinion by the old sheriff, who asked simply for dark amusement, the new one surprised Guy when he questioned him about one of the subjects in a parchment.
"The one before this mine was blown up," answered Guy, leaving out the part of Robin Hood.
"Hmm... The profit made from these, and the payment to the miners, are clearly not balanced. In fact, it would make a scale highly unnecessary to use in that regard."
"People have died down there as well," supplied Guy.
"What a shame. Very well, we'll have a physician hired for the workers."
"The only one nearby is two days away."
"Then I best get a message to him at once. In the meantime, we will have the ill kept at home while guardsmen will be assigned with breaks supplying water and food."
Guy did not argue since he remembered that day well when he had killed that boy's father. All because of the sheriff. He did not want to, but he had to since he would have been ordered to be locked up and soon hung for "betraying the King". He wouldn't be able to continue to protect Marian either.
"Give this to the messenger," ordered the sheriff softly as he rolled up the parchment. "And send a carriage after the messenger as well for the physician to have a safe journey."
"Of course, sir," replied Guy as he took the parchment and headed out of the castle to the stable area. One of the messengers stood up immediately and after swift instructions, they rode off while Guy ordered the others to ready his horse since he needed to get back home to send a carriage.
Marian was outside tending to her small garden when she heard someone riding up. Turning, she smiled at the sight of Guy on one of his well bred horses. "Sir Guy," she greeted as she handed one of the servants that was helping her two carrots that she had harvested before going up to Guy.
As he dismounted, she could not help but watch him as he swung down and landed gently before turning to her. She stayed where she was so that he would come to her, and he did so - just like the other times. "Marian," he greeted with a smile, his voice rough as usual, but unlike the other times, she felt herself respond. The way he had said it so gently despite how rough his voice was - it made her wonder how he could do that.
"Please, do come in," she finally said as she took his hand and pulled him inside her home. "My father is in bed since he was feeling tired." Marian fold herself being guided back and found herself against Guy. Once, she would have hated it but now she loved the warmth of his body and the soft grip he had on her elbows.
"I have managed to arrange the day we will wed, Marian," he told her softly as he moved his arms around her. "It was not easy, but two days from now, we will finally be together."
Marian really felt so foolish for pushing away this man who held her. She had been so aloof to him, rejecting his gifts, but he had been persistent and had managed to surprise her with his kindness. She did not doubt the love he had for her at all. And, she was realizing, that she was falling for him as well.
She smiled as she leaned on her toes and gave him a kiss. The stubble grazed her as she did so, reminding her she was kissing a man. A man that loved her despite how much she had pushed him away. Despite the truth that she had told. What she had done was terrible, but he loved her too much to let her hang. He gave her a second chance.
"Guy...," she whispered as she felt him hold onto her tightly. "I'm not going anywhere," she added with a smile.
"Life has its surprises."
Marian silenced him with another kiss with her arms reaching up to wrap them around his neck. The stubble scratched her more than before while she felt his hot breath upon her mouth as the kiss became heated. She found her hands clutching at his leather jacket while he nuzzled and kissed her right cheek before kissing her throat hotly with his hands on her hips.
It would be an utter lie to say that she did not react to his touch, especially his kisses. She held back a gasp so not to disturb her father upstairs. And as much as she was enjoying his attentions, she needed to stop him even if she did not wish to.
"Guy, you must...wait," she breathed out, finding it hard to speak, as she put a hand on his shoulder and squeezed it. Marian was glad that he stopped but when she felt his ragged, heated breath on her when he pulled away, she wondered how much control this man had.
"Of course," he finally answered in a husky voice that was raspier than usual as he gazed down at her. She made the mistake of looking straight into his eyes and found herself leaning on him. Marian heard him react with a harsh intake a breath before feeling his hands on her elbows to pull her tighter against him. "It is not wise to tempt me, Marian." His voice was gruff, clear that he was close to his breaking point.
But she didn't fear that he was. Just as he, Marian wanted him. The broad body that was layered with leather made her own body react. Marian had no idea just how strong desire could be, until now. She regained herself with a small breath and pulled away from him so that the two of them would not submit to the carnal lust they had both felt.
"I wish for you to come with me, for I have a gift for you back at my stables." He knew full well that she was enthusiastic about well bred horses as he.
Marian let out a small laugh. "You do not need to give me more gifts, Sir Guy. I know that you can provide for me."
"It is not just to show that I can provide for you. I want to see you happy."
Guy always had a way to make her look away shyly, which was unheard of because - because, well, she did not usually act this way! His sincere words and the way he looked at her, and said them,... Do not become like a lovestruck fool. She blinked, pausing, at what she had just said to herself. Lovestruck?
She made the mistake of looking into his eyes. Before they were so heated, but they were now soft. Marian looked away shyly, finding it hard to continue looking into them. She wore a nervous smile on her mouth as she tried to think on what to say. He had seemed like such a cruel man when she first met him.
"I - I am happy." Nervous too..., she admitted to herself.
Guy lowered his head closer to hers. "Are you?" he asked softly.
Marian fidgeted with her hands before gazing up at him with a smile. "Yes." Goodness, she almost sounded breathless!
"Will you object to take a ride with me?"
At the mention of horseback riding, Marian found herself becoming giddy. She so did love to ride horses, especially her prized mare with a coat as white as snow. In reality though, it was a very light gray.
She had been so excited that she left to go to the stables to get her mare ready for a ride that she did not notice the way Guy smiled at her. It didn't take long for her to put the tack on her horse but she made sure to not overlook anything so not to risk a fall.
Soon, the two of them were riding to the direction of Gisbourne's stables. She only heard of the place when she eavesdropped on her father talking with Guy on the day he made a visit after meeting her. She had been confused at the time why he wished to converse with her until the subject of horses changed to Guy asking her father to court her.
Needless to say, she did not wish to be courted by him since he had not even bother talking to her. Plus, she was, technically, betrothed to Robin - who had gone to the Holy Lands. His attention and gifts he bestowed upon her were irritating at first. Once she tried to tell her father that she was sick and could not get out of bed only to find herself actually sick two days later. Marian didn't find out till later that Guy had come by and asked for her well being.
It dawned on her that he really cared for her and not just wanted to marry her to get back his lands. She had never really thought about it since she was waiting for Robin to come back.
"How far is your stables, Sir Guy?" she decided to ask to break the silence between them as they cantered down the trail through the forest.
Guy smiled slowly as he looked at her. "Not too far out. You will be back home before it is dark."
Marian gave him a smile return as she turned her head to see ahead. She loved going out for a ride more than anything. Robin had never invited her to ride like this with him. They usually rode on one horse together and went wherever. Having the ability to ride her own horse, like an equal, made her far more happy. Even though she was curious what it would feel like leaning against -
"Look what we have here," interrupted a voice she and Guy knew well. "Gisbourne and Lady Marian, out for an evening ride."
She sent Robin a glare as she and Guy slowed their horses to a stop as Robin's gang showed themselves. Though a bit reluctantly.
Robin smiled. "Hand over any valuables in exchange for the poor."
Marian gripped her reins tight as she felt her anger rise. Her mare responded by her emotions underneath her but Marian kept her under control. "How dare you. I have been helping the poor three years before you decided to do so, Robin."
Robin tilted his head with mock surprise. "So you do not have anything on your person?" His gaze lowered to the ring he could see on her hand. "Marian, it's not very kind of you to be so - !" Robin quickly dodged away from Marian's mare as she galloped towards him. Guy went after her, his steed also going into a full gallop. When he passed Robin, Guy gave him a cold stare to which Robin met with an angry one.
"That was not wise," said Djaq. "You have angered her and for what?"
"She is going to marry him!" blurted out Robin.
"Sorry to say, Master, but even I know it's silly to think that their marriage will stop just because of a ring being taken."
"It was to exchange for money for the poor."
"No," cut in Djaq while shaking her head.
Robin put his hands out in frustration. "Why are all of you getting onto me about this? It was for the poor!"
"Master, I think you need a nice helping of my - "
"I don't want your soup, Much! All I want is for her to be with me!"
John shook his head while Will and the others, besides Much, looked away before going back to camp.
"Master - "
"Just go," ordered Robin while wiping his face. He knew what he had done was wrong. It just...came out. Seeing the two of them riding together and coming near from his hiding spot. Marian had looked so happy that it made jealousy grip him once more. Letting out a frustrated sigh, he headed to the direction of a lake nearby to calm his head.
Meanwhile, Marian and Guy galloped onward until she calmed down. Even so, she didn't wish to slow down, but since she didn't know the way to Guy's stables, she had to.
"I am sorry," she said finally, sensing him near her.
"You are not the one who needs to apologize, Marian." Guy guided his mount closer to hers, watching the horses' head closely as he put a comforting hand on her back.
Marian watched her mare sniff Guy's horse, judging him a threat or not. Thankfully, the two horses didn't react to each other and stood still while jiggling the bit in their mouthes. "Please, let us not dwell on it. I wish to see your stables, Sir Guy."
"Marian, you do not need to add the title." He spoke gently to her, causing her to swallow. How could such a voice that was deep and rough be...gentle? It was so odd and it made her shy away as she calmed herself down.
After regaining herself, she turned her head to him. He hadn't even moved forward nor did he pull away the gentle hand on her back. "Please, we are wasting time."
Rather than get angry, Guy chuckled as he pulled his hand away from her back slowly so that he could urge his stallion onward. Marian did the same with her mare, following after him in a canter as they continued down the path through the forest.
She could see the sword of his hip bounce up and down from the gait he was going. It shined a little from the sun that peaked through the canopy of trees. Marian found herself wondering how many people he had struck down with that sword. How many people died because of that wretched sheriff that was now dead.
Did Guy really change? Marian shook her head to push the thought away. His intentions were clear. But he wishes to marry you two days from now and does not wish to wait. But he waited for her, patient during their...courting, if you could call it that since she did not like his attentions. He wanted his lands. Robin's home. Marian gripped the reins and closed her eyes, growing irritating to herself. The image of those usual cold blue eyes looked at her softly but with heat. They made her shy away from the deep, strong emotion.
He has changed.
It didn't take long for them to finally arrive at Guy's stables. Horses were in the large pastures, grazing underneath the noon sun with their tails flicking behind them at the flies buzzing around. The main stable was largely built with one that was connected to it that seemed medium sized. There were stablehands as well as trainers that kept the place going, and caring for the horses of course.
"Do you see that horse?" Guy said as he slowed down and pointed at a chestnut mare.
"Yes," breathed Marian. She did not need to be told that the horse was fit to run great distances.
"She is yours now," Guy told her as he turned to her. He smiled when he watched her mouth hang open before looking at him. She was utterly speechless. To see her like this, being happy and surprised, was a wish come true. He had longed to see such an expression on her. "You may choose her name as well."
"You... You really did not need to, Guy."
"I wanted to," whispered Guy as he leaned his head closer to hers.
"I have already told you that I will marry you," Marian explained while trying to fight a blush. His words were tender, hopeful, even though he knew of her answer. Yet, he still said them and showed his affection by giving her gifts. "My decision was not because of the gifts I have received from you. It was your words, Guy. Your...actions."
He pulled her up against him gently, showing her that her words were affecting him with a softened expression. This man... "It is torture to wait," he confessed as he slipped off a glove and caressed his bare hand through her hair. "But do not ask me to wait forever, Marian. I would not be able to go through with it."
He was honest. Others would have proclaimed that they would wait forever. It was selfish for any women to want to hear that. To make them wait, giving them hope, and hurting them in the process. Not with lust, but the love they had for them.
She would rather a man be honest with her than speak such cruelty to one's self.
Reaching up, she put her hands on his cheeks. The stubble upon them that had already grown during that day brushed against her skin. Marian stared straight into his eyes as a slow smile graced her lips. "I will not ask that of you, for I too cannot wait."
Relief flowed within him, and showed in his eyes, as he let out a breath he had been holding. With his grip tightening around her, he kissed her like he hadn't seen her in ages. They had finally told each other their feelings in their own way. It was enough for the two of them and did not need to hear anything else in that moment.
Nearby, hiding on the roof of the stables, Robin had seen and heard it all. He wanted to see it for himself, to see if Gisbourne truly loved her since he had not believed it. After hearing their words, seeing how they reacted to each other, he felt envious. He would never be able to replace Gisbourne, nor did he want to now, for he never said the right thing.
With careful steps, he leaped on a nearby tree and left them. Marian and Guy did not even see him leave since they were busy watching the horses that were in a nearby pasture.