Say what you will about me, but I keep my promises. I said I would be done with this before 2014 was over, and I am! Be proud of me, people!

I don't want to write an exceedingly long author's note because this chapter is so short, but I really, really want to thank each and every one of those who took the time to read and review this story. Never in a million years would I have thought that I would ever get this response to any of my stories, specially after being away from fanfiction for years. Most of you have been so sweet and so kind to me that I've often found myself with tears in my eyes as I read your reviews and messages, so thank you. From the bottom of my heart. Gracias.

I'm not going to make any promises about what I will write next because that hasn't work out in the past. All I can say is that I will try my hardest to remain in the fandom. I have a few ideas, including an outtake from this very story. I will also try to write something for all the Guy fan's out there. Let me be clear, though: I will always ship Marian with Robin, so if you expect any different from me, you're in for a big disappointment. But I agree that Guy didn't get nearly enough attention in this story, so I might write something where he has a bigger role. Might.

I hope you all have a good night tonight and that your 2015 starts has the best of starts. I hope to cross paths with you again soon!

Love you all,

Mariana.

PART X – EPILOGUE

There should be no doubt regarding the events that came next.

Robin and Marian talked with the King, who readily agreed to marry them as soon as they liked. He also pardoned Robin and his whole gang for all their alleged crimes against the King on the spot and promised Lady Marian he would see that Knighton was restored to its former glory as soon as possible.

It was arranged then that the wedding would take place in a week's time. That would give the King enough time to deal with some business back at Nottingham and the rest of them to reacquaintance themselves with life the commodities of a proper home.

They departed to Locksley shortly thereafter.

It seemed as if the whole village was waiting for them, as well as some people from other villages around the shire. Robin quickly explained the events of the past few days to them and announced his imminent wedding to Lady Marian in just a few more days. The news was received with great joy amongst the townspeople, who clapped and cheered for some time. Amongst those most excited was Thorton, the old butler back at Locksley manor, who could barely contain his tears as he hugged each former Outlaw tightly –even Much, who he had never been a fan of.

Kate was allowed to return to her mother's house, much to both women's delight. Little John reclaimed his old house while Luke, Will and Djaq took possession of the Scarlett's old lodgings. Allan refused Robin's invitation to stay with him and asked instead if he would be allowed to stay back at the camp –at least for a few days until he could figure out what to do with his newfound freedom. Much and Allan stayed at the manor as guests, the former until he could come in possession of the lands Robin had promised him and the later until she could start calling the place her own.

The week passed relatively quickly for everyone but Robin.

After that first day back at the castle, Djaq went back to her overly-cautious ways and instructed Robin to remain in bed for most of the day. Had it been just her, he probably would have been able to strike some kind of deal, but as soon as Much heard, he made it his mission to make sure Robin obeyed. Fortunately, though, he had Marian, who would lay with him for hours, sometimes reading to him, others talking to him or sometimes in comfortable silence.

When the day finally arrived for the wedding, Robin was as excited to be marrying the girl of his dreams as he was of finally being able to be out of the house.

The ceremony was beautiful. People came from all over the shire to celebrate the union of two of their favourite heroes. The King performed the service; John walked Marian down the aisle. Much cried –which wasn't surprising at all– and Allan cried –which was only a little bit surprising. The bride and groom exchanged vows and it was more perfect than any of them could have hoped for.

And that was it.

The King left for London the very next day, taking Vaisey with him to be trialled for his crimes.

Everyone settled back into their lives, though they never forgot their mission. Neither Lord nor Lady Locksley allowed their peasants to go hungry again, though they never felt the need to resort to hoods and masks for that.

And thus concludes the tale of the Outlaws as such. That isn't to say there weren't any more adventures waiting for them, for there certainly were. They all lived long and full lives, full of exciting activities and friendship. They eventually returned to Sherwood, too, after King Richard passed away. But that, I'm afraid, is a tale for another time.

THE END

I won't be able to reply to your reviews and messages for two weeks, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't send them to me. I will love to hear from you when I get home and I promise to get back to all.

Oh, and one more thing! The full length of this story ended up being 42 183 words -90 pages on Microsoft Word. Unbelievable! I had never written anything half this long before.