Chapter 26

Allan stood in the corridor of Nottingham Castle, just down from Marian's room. He was pacing back and forth. For the past 3 weeks, Allan had witnessed Robin running from Marian's room on various early mornings on his way back from the trip. Normally he wouldn't care, it was up to them what they got up to. But last night when a guard had noticed also and he had to spin a yarn to convince him he was wrong, it had put Allan on edge.

Marian was springing down the corridor and rounded the corner bumping into Allan.

"Good Morning Allan." Marian beamed. Allan smirked, yeah I know why you're happy he thought to himself.

"Good morning. You seem happy." Allan replied.

"The sun is shining, the birds are singing. What is there not to be happy about?"

"Look Marian. You and Robin."

"What about me and Robin." Marian cut in before he had finished suddenly angry. Allan saw the fire in her eyes suddenly emerge and decided to tread carefully.
"Look, whatever you and Robin choose to do is up to you. But you need to be careful."

"Why what do you mean?" Marian asked suddenly worried. Allan watched as tears began to spring into her eyes.

"Me and a guard spotted him running out through the corridors, luckily I managed to convince him he was seeing things. But I might not be there next time."

Marian gasped. "Oh thank you Allan, I don't know what I'd do if..." She couldn't finish. She had started crying now. Allan stared wide eyed at her.

"Hey look it's alright don't cry. Just... just… be careful." He said. "Go to Knighton today and then go find him in the forest and tell him to be careful." She hugged him. Suddenly all traces of sadness gone. She smiled brightly again and wiped her face.
"Yes, yes that's a brilliant idea. Thank you Allan. Thank you so much." She turned and practically skipped down the corridor. Allan shook his head. 'What was that' he thought to himself. 'Perhaps she was. Noo couldn't be. This whole thing is just a big deal to her that's all.' Bewildered by what had happened, Allan went in search of his master for today's tasks.

Knighton

Marian rode into Knighton and noticed the guard's tower she had failed to see previously a few weeks ago. She looked towards the pile of rubble, as she always did when she visited, that was once her beloved family home. Never normally one to dwell on material objects. Today she found herself crying as she dismounted her horse and tied it to the railing. She stood in front of the remains and wept.

"Marian? Are you alright?" Adam arrived behind her placing a hand on her shoulder.

"No Adam, look. Look at his." She wept falling into his arms and resting her head on his shoulder. Adam seemed confused, much like Allan had by Lady Marian's sudden display of emotions.

"I know it's not right Marian, but don't worry we'll rebuild it one day."

"I know but look." She cried. "It doesn't deserve to be burnt down."

"I know, I know." Was all Adam could say, trying to console an extremely emotional Marian. "How about we go and see the cows?"

"Yes." Marian beamed bouncing up and down. "That's a great idea." She ran off in the direction of the cattle, leaving Adam trailing behind, equally as bewildered as Allan.

Sherwood Forest

Marian was riding at breakneck speeds through the forest. It was exhilarating. She had been feeling strange all day but this, this was certainly going to be a cure. She slowed her pace and eventually came to a stop near the river's edge, to allow her horse a rest and drink. Robin meanwhile was slowly creeping up behind her having heard the thundering of hoofs through the forest.

"What do you think you are doing?" he said slowly wrapping his arms around her waist.

"I am riding." Marian smiled turning in his arms to face him. He bent his neck and kissed her warmly.

"I thought you were being chased."

"You know I ride through here at those speeds." She laughed.

"You're happy today."

"I know." She grinned, before pulling his face down for yet more kisses.

"I've missed you."

"You saw me this morning." She smiled.

"This morning was a long time ago." He laughed. "Walk with me?" He asked holding out this hand. She gladly took it and followed Robin deeper into the forest.

After walking for a little while Robin finally pulled Marian to a stop. "I found this the other day. I wanted to show it to you." He said lovingly, Marian could only see thick foliage coverage in front of her, but as Robin pulled back some of the plants she suddenly saw a beautiful pool with a waterfall set before her. She gasped with delight.

"It's beautiful."

"Just like you." Robin whispered, pulling her into his arms and kissed her deeply. Marian could feel her passion rising to meet Robin's. "Swim with me." He breathed. Marian nodded and Robin pulled his body away from hers. She pulled both his shirts over his head, she still stared at his chest even though she'd now seen it many times before. "Enjoying the view." Robin's voice pulled her from her thoughts.

"As always Locksley." She took his belt from around his waist and pulled at the laces on his trousers, whilst Robin, pulled her skirt and trousers down. His trousers fell to the floor along with Marian's. He quickly flicked his boots from his feet and walked to the water's edge in just in undershorts. When at the water, he discarded his shorts and dived effortlessly into the water. When he emerged he flicked the water from his hair. "Well come on then my love. The waters fine." Marian was stood with only her shirt and waistcoat on. She quickly discarded her waistcoat and then walked to the water. "You can come in like that if you like." Robin said nervously. He could tell she was apprehensive. With a final look over her shoulder she pulled her shirt over her head and jumped into the water. "See it's not so bad." Robin grinned when she emerged from under the water. She swam across to him.

"It's cold." She stammered clinging onto his body, he was warm, he was always warm.
"You try taking a bath in the middle of winter." He laughed, enjoying having her so close to him. He held her tight as she clung to his body, her legs wrapped around his waist and her arms around his neck.

"I'm glad of my nice warm bath." She laughed. She pulled her face away from his neck and smiled at him. He smiled back and laced his fingers through her hair.

"I really do think you can see into my soul." He whispered and he pulled her face towards his, catching her mouth with his, and kissing her passionately. "How about we find a way of warming this water up." He suggested.

"Show me what you can do handsome." She breathed as she found his mouth again.

Nottingham castle

"Look Gis, I can't take you to Robin's camp." Allan said following Gisborne down the steps. Guy turned and placed a furious slap to Allan's cheek. "No I mean, they would have moved camps by now."

"Well you'll just have to take us to his last one and then we will track from there." Gisborne sneered. "Now fetch me my horse." Allan nodded and walked in the direction of the stables to collect his and Gisborne's horse.

Just as Allan arrived back with the horses Marian returned. "Sir Guy, Allan. Where are you going?" Marian asked.

"Allan is going to lead us to Robin's camp." Guy said holding Marian's horse as she dismounted. She shot Allan a look and he shrugged. Gisborne handed the stable boy Marian's horse.

"Well be careful." She smiled and again turned her head to Allan. She trusted Allan, she knew he would never lead Gisborne to the camp. She walked past the two men and headed towards the castle steps. Suddenly she felt sick and weak. The whole world began to spin against her. "Help me." Was all she managed before she blacked out.

"Marian, Marian." She heard Gisborne saying her name and as she opened her eyes, he was leaning over her. She slowly sat up. "Are you alright?"

"Yes, yes I'm quite alright." He held her arm whilst she stood up. She no longer felt sick or dizzy, in fact she felt perfectly fine.

"I will send for a physician." He said waving over a guard.

"No, no. it's quite alright. I think I just rode to fast today and then got down perhaps too quickly. I just need some rest."

"Well Allan and I, will escort you to your room." Gisborne said dismissing his men and the horses.

"Thank you Guy, that's very kind."