Disclaimer: I do not own Robin Hood, as it is the property of the BBC.

Madeline

When Luke Scarlett - younger son of Dan, Locksley's carpenter - was 16, his friend Benedict asked him about women.

Luke was asked if he'd ever been in love.

And he found him-self feeling awkward, and unsure of whether to answer that truthfully.

Instead, he looked over at the large manor house, in which lived the 22 year old Lady Madeline. Madeline's brother - the Lord of Locklsey - had gone off to the fight in the crusades almost 5 years ago.

Luke remembered a time when they'd all been much younger, and Locksley had been a much happier place.

*****

Luke was barely ten years old, and he'd never felt more nervous in his whole life.

Will was busy helping their father with his work.

Luke would've preferred to have his brother - elder by several years - by his side ( Will was on friendly terms with her - it would have helped), but he supposed that this was something that he'd have to do alone.

He took a deep breath, clutching the flower that he'd picked.

He nearly lost his nerve when he saw her. She was sitting the fence of the manor, outside, reading a book.

Still, he tried to keep his confidence, swallowing the worry that filled him. He had never been particularly confident, but hoped his courage would grow with age.

The sun highlighted her beautiful, chestnut hair and illuminated her blue eyes.

Luke had never told a woman that she was beautiful before, and he wasn't sure how to go about it.

Instead, he decided to stick to what he knew.

"This is for you," he announced, holding out the flower, as he approached the 16 year old.

She smiled gratefully as she accepted his gift, smelling it gently.

"Thank you. It's lovely,' she told him.

"I think you're lovely,' Luke replied. To his dismay, the words just tumbled out of his mouth.

Maddie giggled slightly - in a kind, not cold, way.

' Luke, I think you're a very sweet boy, but I'm a few years older than you. I think you're too young to have a girl right now. ' But she reached out laid a hand on his shoulder,' but I'm very flattered. '

Luke nodded, knowing that she was right.

' Maddie? ' a feminine voice called.

Maddie turned to face her best friend, Lady Marian, daughter of the Sheriff, who had just walked into the village.

Maddie nodded at the other girl,' Go on into the house, get Thornton to give you a drink - I'll be in in a minute. '

Marian nodded, looking between Maddie and Luke curiously.

' One minute, Marian,' she repeated.

Marian walked away from Maddie and entered the manor, glancing over her shoulder at her best friend and the young boy.

Luke smiled and waved at Marian.

"Luke. ' Maddie said simply.

His attention immediately returned to her.

"Thank you again for your kind gift."

With that, she gave him a quick hug and went back inside.

' Luke! ' Will called as he came around the corner, his face smudged with dirt from a long day of working.

"Was that Lady Madeline you were talking to? ' Will asked.

Luke nodded but said nothing.

"What's with that goofy grin?" Will asked, prodding his younger brother in the shoulder.

Luke said nothing still, instead choosing to turn around and walk back towards their house.

Will hesitated for a moment before following, jogging slightly to catch up.

On the way, they ran into 20 year old Robin of Locksley, the Lord of the estate, and Earl of Huntingdon.

' Will! Luke! ' he said cheerily,' how are you both today. '

"Fine," Luke replied, "I've just seen your good, clever sister. '

He didn't think it neccessary to add 'beautiful' to the list.

*****

In answer to his friend's question, Luke said nothing.

There was no need to recount the story.