Chapter 7 – I Love You Too

The next morning Marian was a lot happier and seemed more comfortable with everything. Robin woke her with a gentle kiss on the forehead, she smiled and gave him a kiss back. She still had the letters clutched tightly in her hand, so she decided to put it in the jewellery box, which was in turn hidden safely in the cupboard, much like it had previously been.

She headed over to the window, it felt strange waking up with Robin in their home, but she was delighted to finally be starting a life with him. The sun was quite high in the sky, she realised she must have slept in quite late.

"Robin! Why didn't you wake me earlier? You know we need to sort things out at the castle."

"I'm sorry…" he gave her a look that she couldn't be angry at. "You looked so peaceful sleeping, and I thought you needed the rest, after… you know."

"Well in future wake me when you get up, it's only fair!"

"Sure, but I did only just get up myself."

"Couldn't bear to leave me, could you?!" she joked, smirking at him.

"You got me there!... I think you need to get ready though." A hard stare came his way. "Okay! I'm leaving." He gave her another kiss and smiled at her before heading downstairs. She smiled back, though unseen to him, before selecting a blue dress from the assortment in the wardrobe.

When she was ready, Marian headed downstairs to meet Robin, however she couldn't see him inside. Wondering where he could have gone, she decided to check if his horse was missing. Stepping outside, she was pleasantly surprised to be greeted by Robin, who was in the process of saddling up his horse.

"Marian! You look amazing!" He grinned at her, and gave her a hug.

"You're not looking so bad yourself!" she replied with an appreciative smile. "So are we ready to go then?"

"Not quite, I've had some Breakfast, well Lunch made for us." The hunger which she had clearly forgotten returned at the mention of food.

The two went back inside, and seated themselves either side of the table. A small meal was laid out on a collection of silver platters.

"Robin! This is your best silverware!" Marian felt it unnecessary for him to lavish such luxuries on her.

"Of course! Only the best for you, my love."

"You do not need to treat me like an important visitor Robin! I am not a guest, I'm a resident here now… remember?"

"How could I forget?!" he flashed a smile, he loved to hear such things said out loud. It reminded him that everything they had been through wasn't for nothing.

Once they had finished eating, they grabbed their capes, which had previously been a form of disguise, and headed off on their single horse.

Remembering the agreement Robin had made, they stopped by Will and Djaq's house, but finding the building vacant, figured they must have already left. They found the other houses the same way.

"Looks like they couldn't wait, must never have heard of a lie in!" Robin was amazed to see that for once the gang had managed to make their own decisions, and had done something without him.

So they continued on to the castle, for once they were allowed through the front entrance without trouble, and once inside could tell that the residents had been pre-warned of their arrival.

"Locksley" a simple greeting from Guy, the reply just as simple and hostile.

"Gisbourne" Guy then turned his attention to Marian, seemingly still believing he stood a chance with her.

"Lady Marian." He took a firm grip on her hand and made as if to kiss it as a greeting, but she was keen not to let him touch her and quickly pulled it out of his grasp.

"Sir Guy", he was quite obviously annoyed at her reaction, but chose to ignore it and began to question the jewellery Marian was wearing, he had never seen them before.

"What's that on your finger?" She could have guessed he would want to question everything about the past few weeks.

"A ring."

"An engagement ring!" Robin grinned at Guy as he interrupted, he was showing off again, and decided to play of the anger that was so evidently contained within Guy. "I bought it for her a few days ago to confirm our engagement." She gave him a firm punch to warn him not to be so arrogant, but not hard enough to hurt him.

"And what about these?" Guy reached out an arm as if to take hold of her necklaces, but Robin quickly hit his arm out of the way.

"Hands off Guy!"

Guy let out a frustrated sigh. "Well? What are they?"

"Necklaces of course." A cheeky smile crept over Marian's face, she knew how much it was annoying him.

"I know that! But what are they for?" he was determined to find out where she had got them from.

"Well, this one's symbolic." She held each one up in turn, the wooden tag first, "and this was a gift from a special childhood friend." She glanced at Robin, to see him smiling back at her, confirming Guy's theory that it was Robin who had given them to her.

"We'll be off then, that is if you haven't got any more unnecessary questions."

"Bye." He needed to get Robin out of his sight before he did something he would regret.

"Oh, and Marian needs a horse, but I'm sure you have a spare one, perhaps the one she used to have!"

As they walked away from Guy, Robin put an arm around her, hoping that Guy was watching, and she gave him a light kiss on the cheek.

"Do you think he will ever give up? He really can't take a hint!" Robin was as arrogant as ever, laughing as he spoke.

"Will you ever stop?!"

"Stop what?"

"Look Robin… I chose you, I love you, so there is no need to continue this rivalry with Guy."

"And I love you… I'm sorry, he just gets on my nerves, he thinks he's so much better than us."

"Control yourself! Don't let him get the reaction he is after. He will do his best to outlaw you again, and I think it's better for everyone if we stay where we are!"

"You're right… I'll stop."

"Good! Now come on, we have things to sort out!"

By now they were approaching the corridor heading to Marian's old room. Robin remembered how unchanged it had been, and thought it best to tell her.

"Come this way." He said, leading her towards the room.

"What do you want in there? I doubt there is anything left."

"Oh! You'd be surprised! Where do you think I found that?" He gently nudged the blue pendant she was wearing. "I thought there might be some more things you want, clothes, that sort of thing."

"I already have everything I need, but I'll have a look, perhaps we can take some for the poor, or sell them and give the money to them."

"I'm sure they would be glad of that, but you are allowed to be selfish once in a while!" Robin raised an eyebrow at her and smiled, he loved the way she cared so much about the villagers, and supported him and his beliefs.

He opened the door, revealing the darkened room, and pulled back the set of drapes, letting the sunlight warm up the room.

"It's a bit of a mess in here!" Marian laughed at the sight of the room.

"Yeah, that was me the other day, had to get out in a bit of a rush!"

"You don't go far without making a mess do you?!" She laughed playfully. "See anything worth keeping?"

"The candles will be useful I suppose… don't you want any of the clothes?"

"Might as well take them, go to waste otherwise."

"Good point, and what about the items on this cabinet?..." By now Robin was stood close to the bed. "What about this? I think it's a broach."

"That's where it was! I wondered what happened to that." Marian smiled as she took it off him. "It was my father's." She pinned it to her cape so she wouldn't lose it again.

Soon they had sorted through the possessions, a few to be kept, and a large amount to be donated. Robin sent a guard off to collect some bags to pack them into, and then to prepare a horse to load them onto.

Soon after the guard had departed for a second time, a friendly face appeared in the doorway.

"Here you are, I was wondering where you two had got to!"

"Sorry about that Much, we slept in late." Robin stepped closer to Much, he thought he might as well explain, he would be questioned all day otherwise.

"Bit of an emotional evening." He continued with a hushed tone of voice, and glanced at Marian. He didn't need to go into any more detail.

"Hmm… what are you up to anyway?" Much felt he should have guessed that it would have involved Marian and her possessions.

"Packing a few things, most are to be donated later though."

Always thinking ahead, thought Much, you would have thought he would have been used to it by now.

"Well we have sorted things out with the Sheriff, no thanks to you may I add!"

"I said sorry! Besides I'm not the only noble in the group, you can sort some things out too."

"Yeah… I know", Much sounded hesitant, and quickly disappeared back through the door. He returned just a few minutes later, with the rest of the gang close behind.

"Hey Robin! You two coming to lunch then? Guy has had a meal set out for us all!"

"Sure, why not? Just let us finish up quickly here."

"Okay, don't take too long though. The food won't last too long with Much around!" Allan laughed at the look he got from Much. "See you in the hall!"

The gang left as quickly as they had arrived, seemingly hungry and looking forward to a large meal. It only took Robin and Marian a few more minutes to pack the last few items. The guard then reappeared, he had prepared a horse, and wasn't too pleased when Robin then sent him off to load the bags onto it.

"Would you give me the pleasure of your company and escort me to dinner, my lady?" Robin asked, half joking as he bowed to Marian. He held one arm out for her, which she took, amused by his act.

"You know I gladly would, but I'd rather return home, I am feeling rather tired, and besides I don't want to have to face the Sheriff and Guy!" She knew how paranoid Robin could get, so she gave him a smile and a kiss to reassure him that he had done nothing wrong.

"Sure, I'll come with you." With Robin it was any excuse to be alone with her.

"No it's fine, you stay here and have fun with the others."

"I can do that anytime, I'll gladly stay with you!" He wasn't going to be pushed away so easily.

"Robin! I am more than capable of going by myself! I do not need protecting like a baby!"

"Sorry…" he gave her a puppy dog look, hoping for some sympathy, but it did not alter her expression. "Fine…" He gave her a kiss. "I won't be long, I promise. I love you."

"I love you too." She kissed him back, giving him an affectionate hug, before heading down to the stalls to find the horse ready to go. He watched from the passageway the whole time, until she disappeared out of sight.

Robin headed to the banquet hall, he assumed that was where the meal would be, he hadn't really been told. When he arrived in the hall he was pleasantly greeted by the majority.

"Robin!" but the welcome from a certain someone was a little less cheery, and of course he was swift to notice the absence of Marian.

"Locksley… and where is Lady Marian?"

"Gone home, she couldn't bear to be in the same room as you!"

"Are you sure she isn't trying to get away from you?"

"Oh, I'm sure." Robin replied casually as he sat down next to Much.

"Really?"

"Yes, after all it is my house she has gone to!" Robin appeared to be unfazed at how he had undermined Guy so easily. However he was trying to guess the real reason Marian had left, it was unlike her to get tired so easily.

"So who's the new Girlfriend?" Allan gestured at Hannah who was sat next to Guy, staring at him in adoration.

"She is not my Girlfriend!" Guy seemed to be offended by the suggestion.

"Well then who is she?"

"I don't know, she just turned up a couple of days ago, and has barely left my side since."

"Well why don't you get rid of her then!" Allan, ever the womaniser, figured that if Guy kicked her out, he could have her for himself.

"It's not that simple, the Sheriff invited her to stay in the castle!"

"If you can't force her out, then make her want to leave." He had a suggestive tone of voice, and despite the fact that Hannah was sat so close to them she was clearly unaware that the conversation revolved around her.

"Hannah…" So that's her name Allan thought as Guy addressed the blonde. "Would you do something for me?"

"Sure, anything Sir Guy!"

"Go away and leave me alone!" The gang were almost shocked at how harshly she was treated, but then they remembered it was Guy, who only seemed to feel extremes of emotions. But the reply was even more surprising.

"No! I want to stay here with you! I will never leave you! I love you!" Foiled again! Guy was clearly disappointed at the reaction. That was almost romantic! Djaq was clearly surprised at how consistently nice Hannah was to Guy.

"Go away! I hate you!" Guy was now even more frustrated.

"I love you too!" She gave Guy a tight hug, and Guy was suddenly looking very confused and almost scared at her reaction. What world is she living in! The gang all thought, almost simultaneously.

Soon they had all finished eating and got up to leave, well almost all of them. Guy was still being held strongly by Hannah, who didn't appear to be letting go anytime soon.


The gang all returned to their houses, Will and Djaq were sat in the armchair by the fire. Although reluctant at first, Djaq was sat on Will's lap, with his arms held lovingly around her. Both were hugely cheerful, though the reason was unknown to the rest of the gang, not that any of them could see how cheerful the two were.

"We have wasted so much time, I can't believe it took me so long to admit it. I love you so much!" Will kissed her affectionately, wanting to show how much he cared for her.

"You are the sweetest man I know… I love you too." Djaq was truly touched by this man, he was always so caring. She gave him a kiss in return, almost as if to reward him for being so loving.


Meanwhile, Robin arrived home, and was eager to have Marian back in his arms.

"Marian!" he called as he entered the house, but no reply came.

"Marian?" he repeated, calling upstairs as he could see she was not downstairs. Perhaps she is sleeping, after all she did say she was tired. Robin thought, he was trying not to jump to irrational assumption, he then headed upstairs.

"Marian?..." he called softly. "Please don't ignore me, I'm sorry, I never meant to hurt you." Still no reply, he was now confused, he was sure he hadn't done anything to annoy her. Robin slowly opened the door, so as not to disturb her, he didn't want her more annoyed with him.

However much to Robin's dismay the bed was empty, and was still made up as it had been when they left that morning. But her horse was in the stalls! That was when he realised her bow and quiver were missing, the penny dropped. He was unnerved, she hadn't had she? He checked in the wardrobe, it was how he had feared, the Nightwatchman costume was no where to be seen.

"She could have just said!" Robin exclaimed, and then realised he was alone. He was concerned, Marian had gone out alone, could be in danger and he had no idea where she had gone! Robin headed straight for the door, grabbing his sword on the way, which had been left at the entrance. He had to find her, he needed to be sure she was safe, he would never forgive himself if she was in danger and unprotected.

She can't have gone far, her horse is still here. Robin reasoned with himself, he didn't want to get too worked up, and he was hoping she was close by, he would be of no use if he was exhausted before he arrived. Robin figured she must be on route to another town or village, so he started along one of the roads leading towards the other nearby settlements.

After a short distance, the road slightly entered into the forest, and Robin could just about make out the Sheriff's figure along with three others through the trees. He could guess who one of the figures was.

Can't we have one day without someone getting into trouble! It was almost annoying that there wasn't a single day he could spend revelling in Marian's skill, without having to fulfil his promise and rush in to protect her.

The two guards in pursuit of the Nightwatchman were clearly not the best fighters, Marian had no trouble meeting their attacks, but with only her bow to protect her it was a harder task to even knock them out.

The two enemies were concentrating so much on the combat that they did not appear to notice Robin's appearance, although Marian did, until the observing Sheriff came out with his usual smarmy comment.

"Oh look! If it isn't the hero, come to save his damsel in distress!"

"Watch your step Vaysey! You don't want me to turn on you!"

"Oh I don't think that will happen, not when your precious Marian is in danger!" The Sheriff was patronising him, but Robin knew he was right, he wouldn't break his promise to her, or risk Marian's life just to prove the Sheriff wrong.

It nearly surprised the Sheriff at how much force Robin flew at the nearest guard, knocking him straight out with the side of his sword. Now, with only one enemy remaining, it was even easier for Marian to overpower him. Gracefully dodging an attack, the edge of her bow met the side of his head, knocking him straight to the ground, unconscious. Robin was impressed, he had never seen her use such a move in a fight.

The Sheriff continued to yell at the two guards, not seeming to realise that they were unconscious, even as Robin grabbed Marian's hand, leading her to a more remote area of the forest, out of the Sheriff's sight.

"I Wonder who you could have learnt that one from!" He grinned at her with an arrogant smile.

"I don't know, but I'm sure who ever he is, he is a handsome and heroic man!"

"I'm sure he is!" He pulled back the hood of her cape as she removed the mask and scarf, giving her a kiss. Suddenly a more sincere tone comes over Robin's voice.

"Marian, you shouldn't have run off like that!"

"Why not? I was just doing my job! And I thought you were supposed to be supporting me!"

"I do support you!"

"I do not see how! You just hold me back, never let me do anything for myself!"

"I want to help you Marian! You know I do! But I have to know you are safe! I would never forgive myself is something happened to you! I was so scared when I realised I had no idea where you were!"

"I'm sorry, I didn't want to worry you. I needed to show the villagers that the Nightwatchman hadn't abandoned them, and… I went to buy you a gift." The pause to calm herself down, it was no use shouting at him when she was trying to show her love to him.

"Now you know you have no need to buy me gifts Marian!"

"I wanted to repay you for everything you have given me and for giving me a home."

"You are welcome Marian, having you here with me is more than enough payment, and always will be!"

"And so you keep saying! But that doesn't stop me treating you to a gift once in a while! It keeps me happy seeing you happy."

"You don't need to buy things to make me happy, but if it makes you content!"

Glad to have finally won him over, she handed him a small velvet bag. He took it gratefully, opening it carefully to reveal a small pendant strung on a leather cord. Wow! Was the only coherent thought that Robin could process at that moment. It was a simple initial, M, with a single jewel at the base, so simple but so stunning.

"You bought me such amazingly thoughtful gifts, I had to return the favour." She told him, gently turning the pendant over in his hand to reveal a short inscription, it was all that was needed.

For My True Love. M xx

"Wow!" That was the only thing Robin could think of to describe it. "I don't deserve this! You have put so much thought into it!"

"Of course you deserve it! You are my true love!" She took it from him, tying the cord around his neck. He didn't think there was anything else to say, and gave her a long passionate kiss, it said everything for him.

"Hmm… I thought as much!" Marian replied with a cheerful smile, "Now let's go home." She took his hand, leading him back through the forest to the road. For the first time she could remember, Robin was speechless.

When they arrived back at Locksley Manor, Marian headed straight up the stairs yelling.

"Wait there!" Robin quickly obliged, seating himself in a chair by the fire, eyes fixed on the flickering flame, waiting for her return.

A few minutes later, Marian reappeared, now wearing an ivy green, patterned dress that hugged her curves.

"How do I look?" She asked, half joking, she knew what the reply would be. She then did a graceful twirl, showing the dress off to him.

"Wow Marian! You never cease to amaze me!"

"Thank you, but you must be pretty amazing yourself if I'm stupid enough to like you!" She joked, wrapping her arms around him and giving him a kiss. "So what shall we do now?"

A/N: The Marian going "missing" idea was from Hannah V (aka Banana). Next chapter may take longer than usual, I have D of E next weekend, then French speaking exam and then the rest of my GCSE exams. Also don't have a main plot for the next chapter... that could be interesting. So anyone got any ideas what they want me to write send me a message. That's all for now! R & R show me how much you love me :D