I don't own Robin Hood etc...

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The morning sun pushed its way gently into the bedroom. Eve sleepily opened her eyes, she turned over and caught herself looking straight back into Guy's own eyes. They both smiled.

"Morning Eve," He said.

Eve kissed his lips in reply then turned to get out of bed. Guy watched her slim back walk away from him and pull on some clothes. He looked at the criss cross of marks on her skin and swallowed his anger back down. He would get his revenge all too soon. He groaned then, thinking of the time when Eve would have to return to her own village and forced it from his thoughts.

"God! Vasey!" Guy leapt out of bed as if it was on fire and yelling a quick goodbye at Eve, he charged down the stairs.

Guy follows that man around as if he's got nothing else in his life and Vasey knows it. Eve thought to herself as she eagerly skipped down the stairs, desperate to get out into the village.

Eve enjoyed being outside in the village. She heard the sounds of children playing, the clang of metal from the blacksmith and the bleating of goats. It reminded her of her own dear village at home. She bought an apple from a woman selling fruit and vegetables and tucked into it, letting her feet wander throughout the village wherever they fancied.

A horseman riding from the Nottingham road caught her eye. She admired the beautiful animal he rode. The bay coat shined in the sunlight and he seemed to float off the floor when he cantered. The man riding him called at the manor and then turned away and headed into the village. Eve nearly dropped her apple. She recognised him now. She couldn't believe it.

"Marcus!" She called out, attracting one or two stares from some villagers.

Eve started running to the rider, slowing down as she neared so she wouldn't frighten the horse. The man raised his hand in greeting and dismounted from his steed when he reached her. He threw his arms around Eve.

"Oh God Evie! I've missed you! You look so wonderful and rosy and bright! How are you! I'm so glad to have found you but listen I have to tell you something about father."

Eve squeezed her brother and grabbed his hands so she could stand back and look at him.



"You look so different." He had certainly got a more tanned look to his skin, his muscles had definitely toned up more and he seemed to look more edgy and restless or more tense. She shrugged off the changes though, it was only to be expected, he had been fighting in the Holy Land for a few years.

"I know about father, he is a black knight but how did you find that out?"

" After I had been home and found you gone, the servants told me you were in Nottingham and as I went through Sherwood I met Robin. I had met him in the Holy Land a few times so it was a pleasant surprise and he told me all about the Black Knights and I rushed here after not finding you in Nottingham and I find you are staying with one of them! Why?" He took a breath after his outburst and then looked questioningly at Eve.

"I...I fell ill when I visited Locksley and Guy...Sir Guy thought me too ill to return to Nottingham so I have been staying in the manor." She smiled at him, putting on her best cute little sister face, he still fell for it. She felt guilty about lying to him but it wasn't a complete lie.

"Right. Walk with me. We have so much to catch up on. Wait, I didn't tell you what I needed to about father, I know that he was a Black Knight but you might want to sit down or prepare yourself for this Evie. Father, father's dead."

"Oh dear lord. How? Why? When? Oh goodness, that is why you're back isn't it? You'll have to take care of the village."

"Yes that is why I am here. Listen to me, father was murdered. We don't know who but they are still out there and I have a duty to protect you. You have to come with me."

Eve stopped dead.

"Marcus, I'm sorry but I'm staying. I know you are concerned but I will have Sir Guy's protection in the manor."

Marcus spun round, his green eyes glared into her own.

"Why? Why on earth would you want to stay with that callous man? He is a menace. He's twisted inside, I tell you that now."

"Twisted! Callous! Sir Guy happens to be a polite, caring man who cares for the wellbeing of those in his keep and he is generous and is honest! He has told me no lie; he has shown me no cheat or ill manners! Marcus, I tell you that now." Eve blushed when she realised how quickly and hotly she had come to Guy's defence.

"Oh, I see. Does Evie have a little fancy for Sir Guy? Is your head in the clouds because of his generous ways? Are you swept of your feet by his irresistible charm? Grow up Eve."

Eve looked away, feeling humiliated and upset from her brother's teasing. Marcus pulled his sister's face towards him.

"Look Eve, I'm sorry. It's hard to forget that you are no longer the young girl I left behind but now a young woman. I should start treating you like one."



Eve hugged her brother.

"And I should start respecting you as my older brother more. You were only trying to help me."

They both smiled at each other. Marcus led his sister back into the village, insisting they should go for a ride later that afternoon.

Eve agreed and wished the day would fly.