Disclaimer: I do not own or profit from this work. Plot and OCs (except the references to season 2) are mine.
Quick Recap: Davina has arrived to assist her brother Vaysey. They recruited (i.e abducted) Eve to infultrate the Outlaw camp and threatened to kill her mother whom they kept for leverage. When the outlaws discover this, they agree to assist Eve in finding her mother leading to the first confrontation with Davina (who is not killed) but are to late to save her mother. The only other news they discover is the formation of the Black Knights although they do not know who they are or what their purpose is yet.
Chapter 26: Stir Crazy
"What do you mean it's a good idea?" Allan asked. "That is a horrible idea."
"No, it will work," Robin promised. "We slip in while he is having this gathering. All of his collaborators, or at least most of them, will be there. He is planning something."
"It's the sheriff, of course he is planning something," Allan muttered.
"I think I agree with Allan," Ashley said. "As much as we need to know about what's going on, how do we know it is a conspirator gathering and not just local nobles or some fancy welcome dinner for Vaysey's sister?" Ashley asked.
Robin sighed and ran his hands threw his hair. "Fine, if we can find out that this is not some sort of family dinner or local party, then will we go?" The others nodded. "Fine. We will have to send someone in." He looked around "Where's John?" he asked confused.
"Where else? If he isn't here, he is at Locksley," Lilith pointed out. "It is frightening how you don't keep track of your own men, Robin."
"Esther, right, anyways, who can think of a neutral third party to get into Locksley?"
Lilith grinned mischievously. "I don't like that grin," Much announced. "It is much too much like my master's. Nothing good ever comes of it."
"You are wrong, Much," Robin soothed. "Lilith's grins are always so much worse," he teased making Lilith stick her tongue out at him.
"I was simply thinking how we need some divine interference," she said, twirling her hair out of boredom. "And speaking of which, I think we can expect some soon," she announced.
"What?" Much asked frightfully.
"Much, I don't mean doomsday," Lilith sighed.
"She means Father Tuck," Djaq poked Much. "The same priest who comes once a week and listens to your sorry confessions."
"Oh, right. I knew that," he tried to cover.
"It should be simple enough for him to sneak into Nottingham. The sheriff and Guy do not even know what he looks like," Lilith pointed out. "He can snoop—can he snoop?" she puzzled. "I hope we aren't asking him to risk his immortal soul. He might have some quandary regarding that."
"Perhaps only slightly," Sarah teased. "But I think if you asked of him he would do it."
"Jolly good," Allan muttered.
"So Tuck will spy for us. I think he understands it is all for the good of our King," Robin said. "And I am sure he would do it if any of us asked," he lied to Allan. He had no trouble believing Tuck would risk his life for his king, but only certain people could get others to risk their soul. "We need a plan for once we get inside the castle."
"Still assuming it is a dastardly dinner and not a welcome banquet?" Ashley asked.
"I do have a question, though," Lilith asked seriously. "Since we got Ashley out, we haven't heard of him abducting any other scientists—noble or otherwise. Do you think he has given up his scientific pursuits?"
"I highly doubt it. He probably has just not abducted any notorious free people," Ashley said. "He was extremely excited about the idea of having this black powder, well, anything he could use to harm Richard."
"I don't know of anyone else he abducted," Eve said. "I think my mother and I were the only people at the time."
"Mayhaps the advent of his sister has put his scientific pursuit aside temporarily," Djaq suggested.
John joined them at that point. "And how is dear Esther? And baby Agatha?" Sarah asked.
"Worried," John said. "A few of the villagers have seen some mad dogs running around."
"Mad dogs?" Robin repeated. "I haven't seen any."
"They have just arrived. They are hunting down the ones that come close to the village, but no one seems to know if it was just one mad dog or not."
"We can-" they were interrupted by whistling. "That must be Tuck," Robin grinned at the absent-minded priest who whistled while walking through Sherwood.
"I like that song," Lilith commented from the boulder she had been sitting on. "So Marion, is this the week we can finally tell Tuck you are agreeing to wed Robin?" she teased her eyes alight with mischief.
"Hardly," Marion drawled. "Robin is taking this courting business seriously," she said happily as they whispered. "Yesterday we did nothing but walk. We didn't even talk about the sheriff if you can imagine," she whispered.
"I can," Lilith grinned. "That boy was hooked the first time he saw you. Poor fellow."
"He hasn't even brought up the question for the last fortnight," Marion added. They had both taken to sitting on the boulder and ignored the others around them. "Not that I am in a rush. Even if we wed, we are still living here in Sherwood. I don't want anything to distract from helping Richard."
"Robin has shown some ability to multi-task," Lilith joked. "I think he could handle being wed to you and fight against the sheriff."
Marion looked to make sure the others went to greet Tuck. "I know. Part of it, I suppose is . . ."
"You are frightened," Lilith guessed. Marion caught Lilith's eye and saw understanding.
"Terrified at times, then other times I am so anxious and worry why he hasn't asked me."
"Marion," Lilith said taking her hand. "Whatever you are anxious about, I can tell you that you do not have to worry about whether or not he will ask you. I think he would have when you were five."
"He did," Marion admitted sheepishly.
Lilith laughed so hard she snorted. "Sorry," she said looking quickly to make sure it was just them still. "I can see that, though. No, I just meant you really have nothing to be anxious about. Robin will ask for your hand, he will marry you, and I know he will do everything in his power to make you happy. He will make you happy, Marion," she said stroking back a strand of Marion's hair in a sisterly manner. "I have never feared for you and Robin. So long as the two of you are together you will never be bored, and you don't have to worry about falling out of love."
"You truly believe that?"
Lilith nodded. "I see you and Robin having a timeless love. I truly think you both will love each other more in 20 years than you do now. Neither of you need fear matrimony."
Marion let out a breath she didn't realize she had been holding. "That is part of my anxiety, that we are all caught up in what we are doing here that when Richard returns and everything calms down we will find each other quite . . . disappointed."
"Hardly," Lilith scoffed. "No, I don't worry about the two of you. Djaq and Ashley, I think, will have a tough time simply because of the fact that she is a Saracen, but I see them scorning those who scorn them and being quite happy. Can't you see them with three babies underfoot as they mix this and that, practically blowing the roof of their turret?" she laughed and Marion had to laugh too, the image was perfect.
"Yes, I can see that perfectly. It is frightening to think how intelligent and cunning their children will be."
Lilith nodded. "Now, Sarah will make it difficult for Will simply because she refuses to leave me. She claims if she doesn't watch out for me I'll end up incapacitated somehow."
"You do tend to get into situations," Marion teased.
"I can get out of them, too," Lilith huffed.
"True. And you will have Allan, who is equally talented in getting into situations it seems. He might actually be worse than you," Marion laughed, but Lilith didn't respond.
"But once I give Sarah a little push she will see it is for the best," Lilith continued on as if Marion had never said anything. "She and Will will be so happy together. My father has a large dowry for her, but I don't think she realizes that."
"And what of you?" Marion asked raising an eyebrow.
"I have a large dowry as I am sure you know already," Lilith said. "Now what do you think of Eve and Much?" she asked quickly. "Eve has only been with us a short time, but I think I fancy her. She is intelligent, cunning, and doesn't worry about scruples like you and I were taught to," Lilith said quickly. "Much seems to adore her, practically worships the ground she walks on. But," Lilith said thoughtfully, "Eve doesn't take advantage of that. I actually think she is surprised someone could care for her. And enjoys it," she qualified with a smile. "I think they will eventually be happy together."
"And you believe she isn't doing this to be the future Lady of Bonchurch?" Marion asked.
"Well, that can certainly influence her feelings towards him, but I watch her when she isn't aware of it. I've had years of watching people and she strikes me as becoming more aware of herself and him every day. I think in time she will love him very strongly as Much, title or not."
"We haven't covered everyone," Marion pointed out, waiting to see where Lilith would take this invitation.
"Well, John and Esther go without saying. He adores Esther and dotes on baby Agatha probably worse than your father ever spoiled you," she teased.
Marion frowned, but it quickly turned into a laugh. "True, and we both know how my father is." She sobered up quickly. "You have yet to talk about you and Allan."
Lilith slipped off the boulder. "I am not sure of what there is to say."
"What on earth do you mean?"
"You and Robin are both noble by birth and bethrothed. Will's family is free, and the dowry from my father will support them very well. John and Esther don't have any problems, even Much and Eve don't. The problems of Ashley and Djaq, well, it will be difficult but Ashley has the money, freedom, and power to marry whom he chooses and silence those who will speak ill of it."
"Your father does, too," Marion said. "I mean, he is Canterbury."
Lilith gave a sad shrug. "If he was inclined to allow me to choose for myself, but that isn't done. I am . . . he . . . it is really complicated," Lilith said sadly, her normal cheerful and mischievous demeanor gone. "And Allan doesn't like complications," she added walking to find the others. Marion watched her walk off feeling sorrier for her than she had in awhile. She thought over what Lilith had said and realized that the most likely outcome would not be Lilith and Allan having a happy ending—Lilith's father most likely wouldn't approve, especially with his reputation. And if Lilith refused to obey—always a high probability—she would be disowned and no longer have claim to her status or fortune.
Marion suddenly understood Lilith was afraid Allan only wanted Lilith for her money; if she was disowned he would run. Marion scoffed. For someone who understood people so well she was exceedingly pessimistic about herself. She blamed Lilith's father, Marion decided as she joined the others.
"Tuck agreed to go in and left immediately," Robin said when Marion joined them.
"Since he has no wedding to perform today why put it off?" Lilith said, her eyes alight with laughter.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx later that afternoon xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"He's going to say it," Ashley muttered.
"I knew Vaysey was up to something," Robin said in front of the campfire. Ashley shared a look with Lilith making her laugh.
"Alright, we bow before the all knowing Robin," Ashley said giving in.
"How to get in?"
"Where exactly are we trying to go? Get in where?" Sarah asked. "It isn't like he will allow Robin to walk in on his plans."
"So we will go in unannounced. We need to distract Guy, I think," Robin said thinking. "Then I think Ashley and I can sneak in. Between the two of us we should recognize who he is with."
"No offense, Robin, but I probably know more nobles now than you. You've been gone for years," Lilith pointed out.
"He can't see you. You are abducted by marauders, remember?" Allan pointed out.
"Ashley doesn't know everyone," Lilith pointed out. "He spends most of his time on his estate with his experiments."
"I do enjoy court just as much as you do, Lilith," Ashley argued. "I dare say I know my fair share of countrymen just like you. I think Robin and I will be fine."
"There is still the matter of how to get the two of you in," Djaq announced to break up the fight.
"Okay, one group will distract Guy. One group will help to infiltrate the castle. Tuck will pray for our success," Robin added with a grin, and Tuck laughed.
Lilith and Sarah shared a grin. "He enjoys this more than a priest should," Sarah whispered. Lilith nodded.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"This isn't going to work," Allan announced. He, Djaq, Will, Lilith, and Much were on Guy duty waiting for Robin and Ashley to return.
"I've told you before it will," Much muttered. "If you don't like it then jigger off."
"Jigger off?" Allan scoffed. "What the hell does that even mean?"
"Boys!" Djaq chided. They were joined by Ashley who announced the others were in place. "Guy is out and about, so it should work." Much gave Allan a haughty look making Allan roll his eyes.
"I'm out of here," Allan announced and left.
"What? Wait-" Lilith said but Ashley grabbed her hand.
"Let him go. We are all going crazy in the forest together. He just needs to blow off steam."
Lilith bit her lip but nodded and Ashley went off to join Robin. Much said something else that was insensitive and dull and she shot him a look that pierced him to his toes. "Let's just do this quickly," she muttered. They waited, but Guy didn't show up in the town square. "Where could he be?" Much asked. They had waited for nearly 2 hours, past the allotted time that Robin should be inside and listening to the Sheriff's clandestine assembly.
"I am off to find Allan. We shouldn't split up," Lilith worried. She went off in the direction of Allan while the others made their way to the castle.
I have a bad feeling . . . she hated this feeling. She rushed to a tavern she knew Allan preferred and slipped inside. The owner was cleaning up after some sort of brawl. "I am looking for . . . may I ask who did this?" she asked indicating the mess.
"The sheriff and some riff-raff, supposedly part of Robin Hood's gang, or at least that's why he got entangled with the Sheriff's men," The woman grumbled. Lilith's jaw hung open.
"He fought them?" Lilith said trying to understand.
"The damage didn't happen on its' own," she barked.
"How long ago?"
"Not quite a candlemark," the woman said. "Lad is to be slated for some special treatment would be my guess." She looked up but Lilith was already gone.
Lilith rushed through the throngs of people trying to find Allan, Guy, any of the sheriff's men. How was it they plan a trap for Guy and he finds one of them? She ran blindly into people until she had to finally stop to gasp for breath. Think! She chided. She needed a plan, she needed help, she…she was frightened.
Okay, we have gotten into the dungeon's often enough. That I should be able to do . . . what if he's already dead? No, Guy will want to try to get information out of him, right? What if he has orders to just kill first and question second? Vaysey may not care since he didn't capture Robin himself.
Robin and the others had to be done and on their way back to Sherwood by now. But they hadn't even noticed Allan's absence. Robin was horrible at noticing where his men were at. And they would probably just think she and Allan had gone off somewhere. Should she go after them?
Did she have time?
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I don't know how, but I ended up borrowing this idea from the season. It is NOT going in the same direction, though! My story is going to veer away from season 2.
Huge thanks to nelle (thanks for always reviewing!) and A.Nutter (I am okay with non-canon or odd pairings, but I just don't see that one. Eve I think will be like Tuck in that she will be there but I don't think there will be a lot from her POV or anything.)