Like I said, this is the chapter that this story is rated for... only implications of course, but I doubt that you'll miss the meaning.
. . .
Marian stumbled forwards as she was shoved inside the barn. Jumping to her feet, she whirled around just in time to see Guy stumble in and the door close behind him. There was a moment of silence before they heard the sound of a board being set across the door; effectively locking them inside.
"Don't take all day, Gisborne," the Sheriff's voice was heard outside the door, "I want to get on to the hanging. And Marian; remember the children."
"What did he mean?" Guy turned to face her.
"So, this is why you were so eager for my presence today." Ignoring his question, she faced him with cold anger evident in her face.
"No, Marian," he shook his head adamantly, "I had no idea that this was... that there was anything more to this than Hood's arrest. I would never injure you or your reputation in this, or any, way."
She stood awkwardly, looking down, her face beginning to burn with embarrassment as her predicament sank in.
"I will not put up with this," Guy growled after a moment's silence; he turned and strode towards the door, "This is wrong."
. . .
Robin was in mental agony; to have to choose between Marian and a pen of children was sheer torture. He only hoped that his gang would show up with a plan to save the day. He compressed his lips and then looked up in rapt attention as two words were heard from the barn.
"Guy! Stop!"
With those two pleading words, he felt as though his life had ended.
. . .
"Please," Marian continued more quietly as he turned back towards her with astonishment written all over his face, "You don't understand. If the Sheriff thinks that I have not... If you leave in displeasure now, the Sheriff will burn a whole pen full of children to death. I know that you might not care, but please, for my sake, wait a little longer."
Guy mulled this over for a moment, frowning. "You do realize that if you stay in here with me for much longer you will be regarded as..." he paused, "As damaged goods."
"I do not care what people think," Marian claimed, knowing that she spoke to convince herself, "I have been a prisoner in the castle, publicly humiliated, and always headstrong. I do not think that I have a reputation to concern myself with."
"And you're wrong," he lowered his voice and stepped forwards, "I do have some humanity left in me. I would not cheerfully watch the Sheriff burn a crowd of children."
She looked at him and then shook herself; the man had probably killed more people than she knew, regardless of age, sex, or infirmity.
"You're loosing your chance to change your mind," Guy pointed out urgently, "A few minutes more and you will no longer be allowed to return to the Abbey. Don't forget that your companion was a witness to all of this."
The words made her pause for longer than he expected, the realization that Robin was also watching hit her hard.
"I will not sacrifice the lives of others for the sake of my future," she answered quietly, a cold feeling settling into her stomach, "If this changes their mind, so be it. I would rather live shunned by all humanity than with the death of others on my conscience."
"It doesn't have to be that way, Marian," Guy stepped closer and gently touched her cheek, looking into her eyes, "You know the way I feel about you. You can save your reputation and enjoy a privileged life. I know that you were disappointed with the Abbey; why regret not being able to return?"
"Why would you think that I was disappointed in the Abbey?" Marian looked up at him, "It was something that I had wanted to join for over a year. I knew what it would be like, and that was what I wanted."
He just looked at her for a minute and then bent down and whispered, "It may have been what you wanted, but I think that the actual experience was less than satisfactory. I know you came back to the castle without permission. There's no sin in enjoying the comforts of life, Marian. Even the Church does not claim that riches are an evil; just that the worship of them is."
Her gaze dropped and she suddenly realized how often she spoke what she wished to be true, as though it would become true if only she wished it enough.
"So what do you say?" he asked, stepping back and taking her unresisting - but still un-encouraging - hand in his, "Will you marry me, Marian?"
. . .
Well... there you go. Until I have time to write more. :-)