Manna from Heaven
Chapter 24
...truth...
In the dark, the deep of the night, Guy fitfully rolled over...
and stepped into the desert. Into an abandoned city...
It was hot... so hot. Why was he wearing all these clothes? As he wandered through the uninhabited streets, he began to peel his leather trappings... the long coat first...
There was a figure, disappearing around the corner, a swath of white...
He nocked an arrow, tiptoed slowly to the edge of the building, only to see an open courtyard, with a fountain, cool water rolling from its head.
And Marian, standing in the middle of the court, her white tunic saturated in blood...
"Guy?"
"Oh God, no." He fell to his knees, the bow, his sword disappearing. "Not again! Please kill me now."
There was air, as if invisible hands cupped his face, lifting it. "Look at me."
He yanked his head to the side, eyes clenched shut. "I cannot."
"Yes, you can. Look at me."
He didn't dare. He couldn't face the anger, fury, not from her. He shook his head, ignoring the fingertips on his cheeks. "You must hate me."
"Open your eyes. I don't hate you."
Finally, he did open them. Surprisingly, she wasn't lying. There was no hate, only compassion. "I hate me," he whispered. "I destroy everything I touch, everything I love."
"Guy," she admonished, "I would have killed me if I were in your place. We walked different paths, had different destinies. I lied to you, repeatedly. Besides, it was my time."
"No." He shook his head. "No, it was not. I should have-"
"Guy." Marian's hands became like a gentle vise. "Forgive me."
What? His countenance showed the confusion.
"Forgive me. Forgive me for all the cruelty and lies I told you. Let me go. Don't dwell on what you can't change." Slight pressure from her fingertips forced him to rise, to stand. "You need to find peace and it is at your fingertips. Become a better man." She began to shimmer, float away. "You can still change your path, change your destiny. Do it. The first step is to let me go."
"I...cannot..."
"Let me go."
"I cannot."
"Forgive me..."
Guy sat straight up in the bed, sweat pouring down his neck, his chest, the stench of it, permeating the air. Her voice still lingered in the rafters.
Let me go.
The furs on the bed fell to his waist as he drew his knees up. Encircling them with his arms, his head fell on them. "I cannot."
Let me go...
"I am lost."
Search for peace, Guy. You deserve it.
"Lost... lost...lo-"
"Guy?" Genevieve, who had been sleeping so peacefully, was now sitting up next to him. It was dark, the curtains to the bed, completely loosed, how, when, he didn't know. He truthfully didn't remember coming to bed. He felt her hand on his back, slick with sweat. "You're clammy."
The air in the bed suddenly became cloying, heavy. "I cannot breathe!"
"Lady Genevieve?" Eleanor's voice was not quite awake, but concerned. Genevieve grabbed her night robe from the hook inside the bed and slung it on. It took a moment for her to find the opening, before sliding off the mattress. A waft of uncomfortably cool air greeted her as she slipped from the bed, causing her to gasp. Guy's breathing was heavy, labored and very audible in the room. Eleanor was standing by the fireplace looking from the curtained bed to Genevieve. From the low glow of the fireplace, Genevieve could see she was holding a small lamp. "Can I do anything?"
"Get dressed quickly and go to the kitchen and get two large pitchers of cool water-"
"I want wine!"
"Wine is what's got you into this mess," Genevieve hissed, not seeing that Eleanor's eyes grew wider at the sound of Guy's growl coming from the bed. "Two large pitchers of water and two goblets."
The girl was dressed - Gen noticed she dressed in the yellow bliaut and black, plain kirtle - and out the door within a minute. The moment the door shut, Genevieve yanked the curtains open and turned to the fireplace, quickly stirring up the flames. She began to light lamps-
"Do not do that." Genevieve looked over her shoulder at the sound of his pained voice. Guy was sitting up, the heels of his hands rubbing against his eye sockets.
"How much did you drink after you kissed me goodnight and left?"
Guy growled. Truthfully, Genevieve didn't expect an answer, so she wasn't shocked when she didn't get it. Taking a lamp into the nook, she rummaged until she found the small trunk that was packed with her personal items. Finding the small bag she was looking for, she removed two caplets from the Tylenol bottle, grabbed a familiar swatch of black material, and returned to the room.
"Sir Rodrick is a hard man to drink under the table," Guy now admitted painfully, "but I did it."
"Well, if this is first prize, I think I'll pass." She handed him two capsules. "Really, Guy. That sort of stuff is acceptable when you're in college," she was met with a baleful, black stare, "and I'm thinking I might send to Locksley for Thornton's recipe for his Magical Morning Mead if you're going to insist on doing this." Guy tossed the two tablets to the back of his throat and swallowed, grimacing while he did so. "You know-"
"Shut it, Genevieve."
"-you might want to put on some pants, at least," Genevieve continued anyway, complete unfazed. "Eleanor will come back and be completely shocked and terrified and might even be so disgusted, she'll go home and then I'll have to use your sister as a lady's maid." She grinned evilly. "Oh, you know she'll looooove that!"
"If I put on trousers, will you shut it?"
Genevieve thrust the sleeping pants she herself had slept in several nights some weeks back at him with a smirk. Guy rolled from the bed, grabbed the loose trousers and pulled them up, tying them at the waist. "Happy?"
She nodded. The sassy leer slid from her face as she perused his. Tucking the stray, wild locks of hair behind his ear, she nodded to the sitting area, where it bathed in shadow. Watching him go into the shadows, she returned to the nook, grabbing one of his poet's shirts and sliding it on. She then allowed him to sit in silence for a time, waiting for Eleanor's return.
"Where is Sir Rodrick?" she finally asked quietly. Genevieve had sunk to the edge of the bed, closely watching the man in the gloom.
"Probably still under the table at the pub where I left him."
Genevieve raised her eyebrows and nodded. "Remind me not to go drinking with you," she muttered under her breath.
"Heard that."
Eleanor returned with the goblets and a large pitcher. Thanking her, she urged the girl to go back to bed. Once Eleanor had settled down and in for the rest of the night, she poured two chalices of water. She handed one to Guy, before partaking herself. After a few sips, she put the goblet down. The water in Nottingham was not much better than the water at Locksley, she thought to herself. It must be an acquired taste.
"You are looking at me as if I am the most sotted drunk in Nottingham."
"Why do you do this to yourself? I have to wonder why, Guy."
"Wasting time," he hissed. "Waiting for the castle to quiet down so no one would notice I was staying in your chambers with you." He set the goblet down and reached for hers. Shrugging, Genevieve picked up the empty goblet and filled it. It was mildly amusing that he was double-fisting water as opposed to wine. "You were upset about the thought of the two of us making love with Eleanor in the next room, so I wanted to ensure I would be incapable of getting it up," he curtly reminded her. "I am sure you find my actions and behavior dim-witted and reprehensible." Guy's whisper rose up in the dark.
"Is us sleeping together really that big a deal?"
"No." This was spat. "Come Saturday, most will not care a whit." It was quiet for a moment. "Lord and Lady Harridston brought their two daughters. They are of marriageable age and I suspect they are scouting about for husbands for the two of them. No, I am not interested in either, I do not desire either of them, despite the fact a union with one or the other would be advantageous, because Lord Harridston is a member of the Black Brotherhood."
"I didn't say anything." Truth was, Genevieve didn't want to think of Guy marrying anyone, except maybe her. Probably her.
Definitely her.
"One is whiney and snivels and the other laughs at everything. She has horse teeth." It was quiet for a time. "Isabella put the families in the opposite side of the castle. That way those who are single can come and go for the most part without being seen or causing a scandal."
"I am a scandal?"
"You are my lady," he reminded her. "And that fact alone makes both of us a scandal."
Genevieve sank down on the loveseat next to him. "Your reputation is that bad?"
"God, I hope not." With that, he placed the goblet in the floor and leaned over, laying his head in her lap. Without thinking, Genevieve began to caress the temple, stroking his hair away from his face, gently raking the long curls up and behind his ear.
"Your nightmare must have been wretched." The repetitive motion of her hand was soothing, lulling Guy and his headache into a sense of peace.
"Did I disturb you?"
Genevieve continued her cyclic motion. "Restless. You called out several times."
"I am sorry if I troubled you."
Genevieve waited a few moments, weighing carefully what she was about it say. "What disturbs me is the frequency you have them. Something is bothering you and it's eating you up inside. Maybe you should talk about what is bothering you. I will listen."
Guy grabbed her hand and pulled it to his mouth, kissing the palm. "I have done horrible, horrible things, Genevieve." He sighed into the fleshly cup. "Things I cannot forgive myself for. They haunt me, like demons; claw at me at every waking hour and in sleep."
"Marian is a demon?"
In the mist, unseen by the woman, a wraith rose in the gloom, shrieking laughter echoing from the walls.
I knew it I knew it I knew it she will hate you like I do like we all do nobody loves you
"Genevieve-"
"You begged for her forgiveness. In the past, you have begged for death, cried for death. Why would you need her forgiveness?"
Tell her the truth! Tell her the truth! Coward! You murdered me because I didn't want you...
By now, Guy was off, off in a hell of his own making. He turned loose of Genevieve's hand and she resumed stroking the side of his face. "I destroyed her. Just like I destroyed my family. I destroy everything. Everything I touch, everything I love." In shock, Genevieve realized she was gently wiping moisture from his face.
"Guy, you were child when your parents were killed."
"It was my fault."
The specter had floated into the ceiling across from the two.
Your fault your fault you killed them you killed me
"Guy-"
"It was my fault. It was my fault Marian died. I caused it." The wetness on his face was becoming more abundant, Genevieve alarmed at the grief. "I can never forgive myself. I ruin everything." With this, his voice dropped lower, softer, so that Genevieve had to strain to hear. "I would have done anything for her. I dideverything for her."
Tell her the truth! Tell her the truth! Tell her the truth! Tell her the truth!
Unbeknownst to Genevieve, Guy looked up, focusing on the specter only he could see, that was of his own making. "I would have died for her. I would trade places, gladly, anything, so that she would be alive today." The minute it fell from his lips, the demon dissipated, shock on its face, but Guy didn't see that. Truth was, he wasn't aware of where he was or who he was mumbling to. Between the wine and the months of pent up frustration, exhaustion of pleading for forgiveness had taken its toll on the man and somewhere deep inside, the dam of emotion burst.
"I'm sure she understands."
"Does not matter," he derisively snorted. "The only reason why she agreed to marry me was to protect her father. She did not love me. There is no good in me."
That hung in the air and Genevieve's response as out of her mouth before she realized. "Well, that was her loss!" She rambled on, not heeding her words. "No good in you, my ass! Bull shit! I love you. You rescued me, housed me, fed me, clothed me. You didn't have to do that. You've helped me with this stupid contract. You didn't have to do that either!"
His large hand suddenly wound its way around her neck, behind her head, bending her closer to him. "You do?"
Genevieve blinked. "I do what?"
"You love me?"
She didn't hesitate. "Yes, I do." God help me.
"God help you. Why?"
Even in the dark, the glow in the fireplace now frittered away to a negligible light, Guy could see her smiling face leaning over his. "Because, Sir, there is good in you. You are a good man."
He pulled her head down, the kiss hard, demanding, before turning her loose. "You keep believing that. Please do not leave me." He then tucked his hand beneath his cheek and gratefully slipped into a dreamless sleep.
Leaving Genevieve to stroke the tears from his face and wonder what on earth had happened to cause the man in her lap to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders.
~~~...~~~
It was a purple day. Genevieve decreed it as such.
She woke up, in the bed, a vague recollection of being lifted in a strong embrace, butterfly kisses that smelled faintly of soured wine and sweat. Eleanor was up, the fire roaring in the fireplace. The curtains were tied back, the remnants of the evening's water party removed. She was wearing the black kirtle and unadorned yellow bliaut Genevieve had made for her.
"Eleanor? What time is it?" She put both feet on the floor and jerked them back up, wondering where the rug was at.
"About eight-ish, my lady."
"Sir Guy-"
"Was gone before I was up. He came by a few minutes ago, to wake you. He will be back in twenty minutes to escort you to the dining hall to break your fast."
No sooner than she finished the sentence, the door was flung open, Guy leaning in. His hair was wet, curling at the collar, and he was clean shaven. "You are up? Good! I will be back in fifteen minutes to take you to the morning meal." There was no trace of the fact he had over-imbibed the night before.
"Guy, I can find my way to the dining hall."
"Yes, but I would like for you to find your way to the dining hall in fifteen minutes. Considering how long it took you to leave Locksley and how long it took you to get ready yesterday for dinner," Genevieve gasped in indignation. It had taken her no time to get ready for dinner! "I will be back in fifteen minutes to escort you to the morning meal." The door shut.
"My lady?" Eleanor was blushing. "What would you wish to wear?" She poured water into a large bowl and laid the wash cloth and soap that was in her hand next to it.
Genevieve thought for a moment. "Archery contest today, right?" Eleanor nodded. "Outdoors then and nippy. Do you think the purple is too bold?"
"Lady Genevieve, the red you wore yesterday was extremely bold. The purple will state you are a lady of quality."
Genevieve was now wetting down the cloth. She bathed the night before after Guy left and simply felt the need to swipe the necessary things. "My 'quality', as you say, is questionable. Bring my make up bag. I'll put on the war paint before I get dressed."
For some minutes, the two women worked in silence, Genevieve enhancing features, Eleanor laying out the dress Genevieve asked for. After putting on her bra and underwear, Eleanor helped her into the dress.
It was opulent in its simplicity; purple velvet, with a scoop neck and sheer bell sleeves. There was gold, corded trim at the short end of the sleeve with a matching, simple low-slung tie belt. Eleanor retrieved a harmonizing, netted snood, giving Genevieve the look of having more hair than she really had. Unbeknownst to Guy, the youngest Harridston daughter made a snide remark to her maid about Genevieve's short hair, who repeated the crudeness to Felicity, who repeated it to Eleanor, who repeated it to...
"Eleanor, does Sir Guy staying here with me bother you?"
The girl was quiet for a moment "'Tis not my place to say, my lady."
"I'm asking." She handed Eleanor her crucifix. "Would you hook this, please?" She turned her back as the girl did as she was asked.
The girl bit her tongue in thought. "When I first came, I was scared of 'im. It was whispered he was evil, a demon. But now..." her voice trickled off. "There's another side to 'im. Felicity says he pays her well to keep this room clean, just so her mother can get the herbs, salves, and medicines she needs for her burn injury. You're the reason. Before, it would bother me. But not now. He truly cares for you." There was a pat to the back of Genevieve's neck. "There you go." There was the sound of deep, male voices and spurs echoing in the hallway, as the rest of the castle came to life. "Lady Genevieve," Eleanor whispered, as if afraid to be overheard, "watch out for the Harridston girls. They are husband-hunting and both see you as a bothersome mistress."
Guy had to marry, needed to marry and Genevieve knew this. But not while I'm here. Surely-
"He says I'm his lady and I intend to be his lady," she reminded the girl.
"True, but you are not Lady Gisborne yet, and they were overheard chattering to their mother. They consider you of no merit, simply someone to tolerate and be rid of."
Ah. Twelfth century gossip mills are just as evil as twenty-first century gossip mills. Tittle-tattle has been alive and well for a looooong time!
Before Genevieve could reply, there was a knock at the door. Not waiting for an answer, it flew open, Guy and Sir Rodrick standing at the ready. Both men drank in the bountiful eye-full of Genevieve.
"Nice." Guy held his hand out.
"Och, mon!" Sir Rodrick's Scottish accent was thick this morning and his eyes were red-rimmed. He good-naturedly shoved Guy to the side and took Genevieve's hand. "Good morrow, fair lady. Aye wuld escort ye to t'hall to break yer fast."
With a smile, Genevieve withdrew her hand and drew on all the southern charm her grandmother had instilled in her from as far back as Genevieve could remember. "Oh, thank you so much Sir Rodrick; ah am so honored at your offah, but I do believe ah have promised Sir Guy mah company for the mornin' meal." She raised a finger to ward him off. "An' the midday meal an' the evening meal. In fact, he has been a voracious knight an' has promised mah company for all of the meals."
If the knight was offended, he didn't show it. Instead, he smiled. "Sir Guy, you do be a greedy bastard!"
Guy was taking Genevieve's hand in his. "Very." Kissing her knuckles - and making Genevieve's knees buckle in the process, he whispered against her skin, "I have something for you."
~~~...~~~
Genevieve heard the noise long before she and Guy arrived in the main dining hall. The volume rose as they neared the open doors and then dropped suddenly as they entered.
"I am a lucky man," he whispered in his ear.
"No, I think the women are jealous of me." She squeezed Guy's arm.
"That could very well be." The two descended the steps slowly. "The stones I have put around your neck were not cheap."
In this, he told the truth. Before leaving their rooms, Guy produced a filigreed collar inset with fingernail-sized purple stones - amethysts - highly polished, and placed it around her neck, making sure the collar and her family necklace lay just so and complimented each other.
They were met at the bottom of the stairs by Isabella. She quickly looked Genevieve up and down, lingering for a few extra moments on the extravagant jewelry at Genevieve's throat before dipping slightly. "Brother."
"Sister."
"Oh fabulous!" Genevieve smiled brightly. "We've established family ties. What's next?"
Isabella's smirk was now pasted on and insincere. "I see my brother has spared no expense in clothing you properly."
"Isabella-"
"The stones match your dress beautifully, but I must remark on the crucifix. Unusual, if beautiful piece for my brother to purchase. I did notice it yesterday when we met. You must be fond of it to wear it so much."
"Isabella-"
"It was mine. I was wearing it when Sir Guy found me." The chatter around the trio came to a halt when she said it, including the sheriff, who was hovering over Isabella's shoulder, as well as Lord and Lady Harridston and Lady Aedyth.
"Strange," Vaisey mused, "the story I heard was that you had been robbed and left with little to recommend you in the middle of the road." He tapped his lip thoughtfully before continuing. "If you were set on by thieves, the bandit was pathetic and incompetent for leaving such a valuable piece wrapped around your pretty little throat." He tipped his head and smiled, daring Genevieve to retort. There was the underlying hint of a threat beneath the comment. Genevieve straightened her spine.
"Perhaps, he did not have time to finish the job."
The sheriff's smile, if anything, became oilier. He turned his attention to his Master-at-Arms. "Sir Guy, I believe Lord and Lady Harridston would like a word with you. Privately. That means," he flicked Genevieve painfully on the nose, "it does not concern little lost-lambs." He leaned in towards Guy. "I would hear him out and consider his request very closely, if I were you." With that, he turned and meandered towards the head of the table. Genevieve watched as Guy was pulled from her side by Lord Harridston, Lady Harridston following, but not before glaring at Genevieve. She felt a tap at her shoulder.
"I wish to apologize," Isabella began softly, "for my rudeness yesterday." It was obvious to Genevieve, Guy had cornered his sister somewhere, sometime in the past twelve hours and forced an apology from her. "I was shocked to see my mother's jewelry after thinking it was destroyed or stolen over twenty years ago. I never thought to see it again."
Genevieve inclined her head, trying to sneak a peak at Guy. He stood with one hip cocked, his arms crossed over his chest. His back was to her, but she could tell by the set of his spine, he was not pleased with the conversation. "Guy told me what happened to your family, the bailiff and some of the difficulties the two of you faced when you arrived in France. I'm sure it was a difficult time for you." She looked again, meeting the calculating gleam in the eyes of Lady Harridston. Genevieve stared at her while continuing her conversation. "Again, it was simply a loan from Guy. They were returned to him last night after I retired." Finally, the woman looked away, red-faced. Genevieve then turned her full attention to Isabella.
"The thing is, Lady Genevieve, is they rightfully belong to Lady Gisborne."
"They rightfully belong to Sir Guy. There is no Lady Gisborne, Lady Isabella."
Isabella leaned into Genevieve. "But if the sheriff and Lord Harridston have their way, there will be a Lady Gisborne by Yule, and it will not be you."
A familiar hand gently clasped and squeezed Genevieve's shoulder, giving her a quiet, if firm assurance. "But again, she might be. One never knows." With that, Guy took Genevieve by the hand and led her towards the table. He pulled her chair arm and arm with his and after setting her in hers, he joined her, leaning so closely, it was almost indecent. He was making a statement, a public one and every person in the room was aware of it. As like last night, she shared Guy's platter, eating after him. He talked about empty things, benign things, the weather. Genevieve wanted to ask, discuss what it was he conferred with the Harridstons, what his cryptic comment about her being the next Lady Gisborne...
Stay with me... Be with me...
Surely, she made it clear she was not the sort to just shack up, they both knew at some point, she would be returned to her reality unless something... magical... other-worldly... intervened...
Séjour avec moi... être avec moi...
Laughter jerked her back to the past present. On occasion, Sir Rodrick, who was seated across from the two, interjected with a joke. The man was hung-over, but obviously not worse for the wear.
"There is an archery contest this afternoon after lunch," Guy informed her, spooning cinnamon pears on her plate and very aware she was journeying inward. "I have duties this morning and I wish to do a final test of the jousting arena. If you wish to shop, this morning would be a good time to do it." A drawstring, velvet purse made its way to a place beside her plate, the heavy thud as it settled on the table clearly audible. "That is yours to spend as you wish. Do be careful, there will be thieves and cut-purses about." Guy was leaning so close, she could feel the waft of his breath in her hair. "Keep Eleanor close, as well as Joffrey." He leaned back slightly. "You have new people to stay away from..."
"Let me guess. The Harridstons."
Guy's arm stole around Genevieve's back, a blatant show of public possessiveness. Genevieve watched dispassionately as he placed some late prunes on her plate. "They wish to make a marriage for one if not both of their daughters and they consider me the top prospect for either one. If the Black Brotherhood's plans succeed, I will be a very powerful knight and lord." He said this as if he were mentioning it was going to rain in the near future. "Vaisey, at this time, is in a mood to pander to them, even though he knows I will not have either one, nor will I be forced into a marriage against my will." He was smiling as he said this, "Regardless, it is a topic you and I have danced around and I intend to discuss it with you after the faire." He leaned forward, a large piece of fruit held tenderly between his thumb and fingers. "I will not have you thinking I am making a marriage contract behind your back when I am not." He popped the prune into his mouth. "You should try these; they are very good."
Genevieve was putting them back on his plate. "They give me the runs."
Guy was smirking. "They keep one's entrails clean."
"Thank you for your concern, I am not in need of a good, healthy bowel movement at this time."
Sir Rodrick was snickering into his plate. Isabella was green and mumbling about 'proper table conversation'.
"Regardless," Guy continued, "as you are my guest, you will sit with me at the archery contest."
"Good seats?"
"The best."
"Which one o' yer archers is shootin', Gisborne?" Sir Rodrick's color was a bit better.
"Michael the Red." Guy leaned over to Genevieve. "Only Hood is a better archer. We expect Hood to make an attempt to win the prize."
"Ah." Sir Rodrick brightened up. "Would ye be likin' sum help wit' that?"
"If it means capturing Hood, we will take all the help we can get!" Vaisey interjected.
"He is very slippery," Guy continued. He watched as Lady Aedyth's husband kissed his wife's knuckles and excused himself from the group he and his wife were sitting with and left with several men. "Are you finished?"
"I believe so."
"Tomorrow," he leaned in closely, whispering in her ear, "I believe I have a treat for you."
Genevieve leaned closer, turning to face him, their lips millimeters apart. "What sort of treat?"
"The sheriff imports a bitter, dark drink from Byzantium that is wonderful."
Genevieve's eyes grew wide, her mind racing. Byzantium, Byzantium, the Byzantines, Sophia Haggai... TURKEY! "Coffee!" she breathed. "You have coffee?"
The conversation was soft, audible only between the two, but their erotic chemistry had caught the attention of every one there, including people who were not supportive of the couple. "You know of this drink?"
"I love this drink. I would do anything to have it tomorrow morning."
Lady Aedyth smiled benignly at the group she was with and got up to leave. She headed towards the lower doorway.
The Knight's eyes fluttered to a close. "I will take you up on that. Joffrey will escort you to the archery stage which is being set up in the main bailey. He knows where my seats are at. Bring Eleanor as well. Enjoy your morning."
With that, Guy rose and followed Lady Aedyth from dining hall, knowing Genevieve's eyes followed him.
And aware that several angry pairs of eyes watched her.
Genevieve picked up the velvet purse Guy placed next to her goblet on the table, oddly amused at the heaviness of it. She turned to see Joffrey standing by her chair and Eleanor making her way to Genevieve. "Shopping, Joffrey. Two of us!" She picked up the purse by the strings and swung it in front of the young man. "Can you keep up?"
No one but Genevieve heard him moan.
~~~...~~~
"Lady Aedyth. A word."
The woman turned slowly, drinking in the figure of her former lover. "Sir Guy, you are looking well." A small, but sincere smile graced her features.
Guy wasn't in the mood to dispense pleasantries and Aedyth could tell. Grabbing her arm, he pulled her into a quiet alcove. "I wish to discuss a matter with you."
"You wish to discuss Lady Genevieve." She saw the quick fire in his eyes. "You do not want me to let drop of our former relationship." Guy nodded in agreement. "To be honest, I do not wish anyone to know of it. Any. One. 'Tis one best forgotten." She smiled slightly. "Well, not completely forgotten, but never spoken of. It was a rather well kept secret. I wish to keep it that way."
Guy dropped her wrist. "As do I. So as we agree-"
"Your Lady is charming and delightful, Sir Guy. I like her. She has a quick wit and is much brighter than some would give her credit for."
Guy had to agree with the woman. "She is rather astute and curious about things about her."
"She is a good match for you. Unlike some here who wish to come to agreement with you."
With this, Guy shut his eyes and shook his head. "Are they chattering?"
"Horribly, and they are bending a lot of ears. I can name several more willing and able alternatives if you are not interested."
Guy glared. As if he wished to be married to either one of those little shrews.
"Winchester, Lincolnton, Westborough, to name a few. Malbury has a son of marriageable age."
"Aedyth, I am most impressed you are a walking book of match-makers, with a ready list of suitors, however, I am not interested in who they marry, so long as it is not me!" The last word echoed down the hall, both knight and lady, looking around, making sure they were still alone. After making sure there were no eavesdroppers, Guy continued. "Suffice to say, I am not interested in either of them, or anyone else, save the only woman who will be seen on my arm in the duration of the faire."
"Good. Good for you and for her." She raised her finger. "She needs a friend, Guy. The little Harridans are stacking it up against your lady."
"How badly?"
Aedyth began to tick from her fingers. "Whore, strumpet..."
"And you can stop this?"
"I can be in her corner. If I am in her corner, so will my husband. Believe me, Guy. I will always remember our time fondly, cherish it, but I regret it. I have as much to lose as you."
"How is that?"
She looked at him sadly. "I love him. I love him, as much as you love her. Some mistakes you can correct, others you simply learn from and move on. I have learned from my mistakes. Have you learned from yours?"
With that, she turned and moved on down the empty hallway, leaving Guy with advice to think about.
~~~...~~~
By the time Guy made his way to the podium to his and Genevieve's private seats, she was there, flanked by Joffrey and Eleanor. Joffrey looked strained.
"Where are her packages?"
Joffrey jumped, startled by his lord. "She bought sweets, some of which are eaten already." He pointed to Genevieve's lap, several small sacks of something in them.
Guy slid into his seat, thankful Vaisey on the other side, was involved in conversation with Winchester the Younger. Guy reached over to lift the first cloth sack. "What have we here?"
"Cinnamon candied walnuts. They're delish!" Genevieve dipped her hand in the bag before it was pulled out of her reach. "I will probably want more before the weekend is over." Guy nodded as he popped several in his mouth.
"Did you not purchase anything else?"
"Nope. Just window shopping." She patted the purse, tied to her belt. "This has to last all weekend."
Guy leaned over, nuzzling her openly. "No, it does not. If you need more..." he let the sentence drag out.
There was great fanfare, blaring trumpets, which made Genevieve squirm, before the Sheriff announced the start of the archery contest. The line was queued up.
The younger boys were cheered if they didn't even hit the target. Come to think of it, any time one of the younger ones stepped up to shoot, those around the target stepped far back!
Thwack
Anyone wearing a hood or a low covering cap was scrutinized to bits. Sir Rodrick's captain shot; he wasn't half bad.
Thwack
Guy was trying not to yawn.
"Tired or still getting over last night?"
"Both." He leaned sideways, seeing Eleanor behind Genevieve's chair. She didn't seem to be paying attention to the goings on in front of them. "Eleanor, are you bored?"
Thwack
She dipped once. "I'm not enthralled by archery, my lord. I am looking forward to the joust."
"Then it would not bother you if I sent you to Locksley on an errand?"
Thwack
And so, before the last ten competitors shot, Eleanor found herself behind Joffrey on his horse, heading to Locksley for the herbs that went into Thornton's morning mead.
Thwack
"Are you going to drink yourself into a stupor again tonight?" Genevieve was not amused.
Guy didn't answer. He was scanning the ramparts.
Thwack
"If staying in her room is going to cause you so much grief, why didn't you put us up in your chambers here? Or we could have stayed back in Locksley and not worried about anyone judging us sleeping together!"
Guy's eyes narrowed, not stopping his scrutiny of the battlements, the crowd. "Staying in Locksley would be inconvenient, considering the late-night entertainment. The roads will be rife with thieves. Additionally, I rather doubt my probable ability to go much of anywhere come Saturday evening."
Thwack
"As for the rooms, the ones we currently abide in are more comfortable and the bed is bigger. I daresay, Sir Rodrick is barely fitting the bed in my chambers here, if at all."
Thwack
"So you put us in her room because of the bed."
"Genevieve," the words were forced through clenched teeth, "shut it."
"Fine, be that way." She snatched the sack of sweetened walnuts from the knight's lap. "I don't have to share either."
Thwack
Michael the Red stepped forward onto the shooting platform. Guy's hand reached over to take Genevieve's hand. "I apologize, my lady."
"You just want my walnuts."
"Michael is quite good. I suggest you watch carefully. I just saw Allan-a-Dale. That means Hood is here."
"Allan..."
"The man who forcibly took your crucifix from you." Genevieve gasped in fury. Guy leaned over, his head so close to hers, and pointed. "Watch Michael. He is quite good."
"You're sure?" Guy nodded. "You're trying to distract me." Guy nodded again. As Genevieve turned to face the archery target, Guy snatched the walnuts from her and settled back. He popped several in his mouth, his attention again riveted to the upper walls. Ah yes. Allan, I see you. Where are the guards?
"You're going to owe me a bag of walnuts, mister."
Thwack!
Guy tipped the crumbs from the sack into his mouth, handing her the empty bag when he was finished. "Oh, I plan on giving you more than enough glazed nuts tonight." He pointed at the target. Michael's arrow was inside the bull's eye, close to the center. "One of the bags I have instructed Eleanor to bring back is Thornton's relaxing sleeping draught." He leered at Genevieve. "We will make sure she has a healthy dollop in her mead tonight."
"GUY!"
Several more archers stepped up, Guy's attention scanning the crowd. With a leisurely air, he reached across the arms of their chairs and grasped Genevieve's hand. Inspecting the fingers and deciding they were sufficiently coated in candied cinnamon, he proceeded to put them in his mouth and suck the offending spices from them.
Thunk
"What are you doing," the woman hissed.
A huge cheer went up,-
He pulled her fingers from his mouth, inspecting around the nails closely. "Making a point. We are being watched." Seeing a spot he missed, he put her index finger back between his lips, his tongue darting beneath the nail and sending her a smoldering gaze in the process.
-the arrow just shot, quivering in the direct center of the bull's-eye.
Suddenly, his teeth bit down hard, causing Genevieve to yelp, before he released her hand and shot up, Genevieve now cradling the injured digits. "HOOD!" Guy jumped over the small balustrade in front of them, landing nimbly on both feet. Shoving Michael to the side, he nodded towards Genevieve. "Take her to her room and then take sentry on the east hall." He was pulling his broadsword from his scabbard as the crowd suddenly began to mill about, hampering the knight's movement. "MOVE! OUT OF THE WAY!" Guy disappeared into the throng, guards with bright yellow feathers in their helmets following. Genevieve was still clutching her hand - shit, he bites hard! - when she felt a hand at her elbow.
"C'mon, my lady." Michael the Red was searching the crowd, chaos now breaking out. Genevieve watched the sheriff and Winchester run down the steps on the other side and disappear into the crowd, Vaisey's screaming giving away his location. Sir Rodrick was head and shoulders above the crowd, parting it much like Moses parted the Red Sea. Several of his guards were following in his wake as well. "Sir Guy's orders. Follow me." Grabbing her purse and remaining sweets, he led her back into the castle, to a side alcove and up the stairs.
"Michael, can you please slow down?" Genevieve was grasping at her skirts. "Between my dress and the cloak... I'm going to trip if you don't slow down!" As they rounded a corner, Michael waited to help her regain her balance and her skirts, neither of them noticing the two women against the wall until they made their way past.
"Whore," Harridston, the Younger spat.
"He'll be rid of you fast enough!" Harridston, the Horse-toothed Elder followed up. "We'll make sure!"
Before Genevieve could huff in righteous indignation, Michael propelled her faster towards the next turn in the corridor. As they reached, he turned to the two supposed ladies and snarled, "Jealous cunts!"
Their gasps followed the two as they whirled around the corner and arrived at Genevieve's door. Michael opened it up and shoved her forward, tossing her purse and small sacks to the chair next to the entryway. "Stay 'ere until Sir Guy comes. No one else. Drop the bar." With that, the door slammed in her face.
Genevieve stood, staring at the wooden entry before remembering her fingers. She looked down at them with a whine, noting the while the bite marks were fading, she was most likely going to bruise. Stiffly, her hands went to the clasp, fussing with the hook before removing the cloak from her shoulders. She turned to take it to the nook to hang it up when she noticed him.
"Lady Genevieve." Robin Hood bowed deeply. "Just the person I wanted to speak with. I came to apologize, among other things."
tbc
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And if I see you round like a ghost in my town you liar
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food dot com recipe/cinnamon-candied-walnuts-445224
(this would be the recipe for the walnuts!)