Well this is sad – my last chapter of "Grow up, Gisborne". So I've packed loads of fun stuff i.e. Lots of plot points in this chapter get elaborated in the first series. I do hope you've enjoyed this. Was it cannon for you? Love to hear your thoughts!

Important: at the end of this chapter Robin arrives the very next day duh! duh! duh! I hope all the ends are tied, and you know where you are in the whole RH timeline. Enjoy the last chapter!

Chapter 29

Back in Nottingham:

"Sun turn your head did it?" the Sheriff exclaimed sarcastically.

Guy didn't suppose that the Sheriff would take the news very well. In this he was a feeling a little guilty, he had failed out in the Holy Land and a lot of effort had been wasted. Guy couldn't really blame the Sheriff for his attitude.

Once Guy had fully recounted his expedition, and its outcome, it was not pretty.

"Guy you cunt! Hell, can't you do anything right!?"

Guy was so used these kinds of remarks that he ceased to flinch now… much.

True, the insult did nothing for his self-esteem but he didn't protest, and importantly the Sheriff's words had failed to truly hit their intended mark, as Guy mostly subscribed to the Sheriff's view. In the cold light of day it seemed ridiculous that he could have failed in something so straightforward.

Rolling his eyes expressively the Sheriff spat,

"Oh, there are some men in the dungeons who need torturing. Go! and don't fail me in that."

The Sheriff was keen for Guy to start repaying his debt immediately. The Sheriff's annoyance and frustration were so very raw that he knew it was better for him to send Guy out of sight, away to do something useful, for a change, otherwise he might just murder him.

"What for?" Guy asked, in reference to the torture.

"What for? What for!" The Sheriff screeched. Gisborne was deliberately trying his patience for sure.

"They're peasants; there's no state secrets I need teased from them! Just go and do it before I give you what for! …and if you don't do it properly I'll beat this sheer incompetence out of you!"

Guy breathed a long sigh, the Sheriff not being able to bear his presence was sort of a good thing, he didn't have to stay by his side, as was usually the custom.

The admonishing, though severe, had been quick, and apart from the contents of the Sheriff's desk being upset in order to chuck things at him earlier on, nothing seriously painful had happen.

Their encounter merely left Guy with a huge weight on his shoulders.

……………….

Following Guy to the dungeons, anyone would think that Guy's compliance with his master's orders was nigh the point of slavishness; today he would be turning his hand to torture. It was simple as that. And that going along to inflict cruel punishment presently, maybe resulted from his own sadistic nature.

But the truth was, that because of his submissiveness in the face of his own punishment, at the hands of the Sheriff and so used to suffering that Guy could stay passive in the face of others 'suffering'.

Things had to be kept in proportion, if what happened to him was acceptable, then, virtually everything could be justified on a prisoner because they had actually done something wrong. What had he done wrong?

Thus Guy could deal with men being torturing in the dungeons under his nose or by his hand virtually emotionlessly.

Drawing back to reality to look down at the haunted faces in the cells, he was confronted with over a dozen prisoners. And that, Guy could help reflecting, was an awful lot of people to have locked up at one time. The Sheriff had evidently kept himself very busy whilst he'd been away

But the Sheriff couldn't expect him to torture them all. So, he picked out five of the most criminal looking ones from the cells and handed them over to the gaolers, to soft up.

Still, Guy didn't always have the stomach for 'proper' torture, and he waited in the adjoining private cell whilst the gaoler did their work. Guy knew that two prisoners were on the rack; knowing this even though he was not in the same room, because the scream produced by this punishment was unique as it was grizzly. The screams of toenails and teeth being pulled, came next; their screams piercing the air, bouncing of the walls, as if searching for some glass to shatter.

Guy accepted that it was necessary in some cases to get information, but now he wanted to concentrate on wooing Marian, he never wanted to cause real pain unjustly.

Nevertheless he pulled on his special leather gloves with the metal knuckles on in preparation for his work. Guy was thinking that a few well placed punches to the face would convince the Sheriff that he had done his duty.

Even now, after years of dirtying his hands with the Sheriff's work Guy had, what would be considered as, a fairly untarnished heart. True, it was definitely clouded by his sins, but he been manipulated into serving the Sheriff, subtle reminders keeping on in line - His heart never truly was in it when he had to kill.

The Sheriff, with a heart as black as coal, still viewed him as a soft idiot who needed to be toughened up. Whereas, to the people of Nottingham he was the devil incarnate, utterly in league with the Sheriff. Wherever he looked he was on the losing side.

In fact, Guy was misjudged by everyone, and subsequently felt rejected by everyone. In his mind Marian and he were developing an understanding but he couldn't be sure; and She was someone he particularly wanted to win over showing her who he truly was.

He had missed her while he had been away, and had set his mind on visiting her as soon as this was over, anxious to win her affection this very night. After he had beaten those few peasants, of course.

Twenty minutes and he was done.

Guy took the steps up from the dungeons two at a time to get away from the foetid place. The injuries had had inflicted were not that serious; he had nothing to reproach himself with, Guy repeatedly told himself, forcing his words to sink in.

'Violence was essential to respect,' that was the Sheriff's credo; the problem was that now it simply felt a bit wrong.

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Along the corridor approaching him was a blond haired kitchen maid. At once Guy stopped in front of her blocking her way as she levelled abreast.

She could cleanse him; it's not as if this wasn't allowed.

Good God it had been a long six week homeward voyage. Bloody hell those sailors must have been eunuchs. Sailing was not the life for him.

Surely, if he didn't have this woman he would surrender to insanity, Nottingham, it seemed was once again urging him to fall into the tip of despair.

"Sir?" the girl questioned.

Guy mouthed to her to follow him.

Granted she wasn't as pretty as Marian, more earthly and less ethereal. But she had crinkly blonde hair and a simple pleasing face. Courting Marian no doubt would continue to be a slow and tiring business. He needed a release from everything, and it probably wouldn't be very sensible, Guy sensed if he were to turn up at Knigton Hall, not yet sated after a three month period of abstinence.

Guy could guess that Marian would not overlook attempted rape, well meaning nevertheless though it would be.

"What's your name?" Guy said once they were alone in one of the servant's rooms.

"Annie," she said smiling shyly.

"Your very pretty, Annie," Guy said presently leaning into her body.

He let his hand roam wherever he wanted, and nibbled her neck. Guy shocked himself how much he needed this, and then immediately pulled her forcefully onto the bed so she was on to of him. Very soon the deed was done.

Afterwards still lying on the bed, with Annie close to him, stroking her skin and drinking in, not allowing either one of them to leave, selfishly seeking comfort, Guy though about the woman he was with. Annie wasn't stupid but she was naïve and gullible.

She obviously found him attractive and did foolishly mistake his behaviour for genuine love of her. What's more Guy sensed it, but wasn't going to put her straight, there was not need, and how awkward would that be… He was under no obligation to say anything.

He had called out 'Marian' in his climax; if that wasn't enough of a clue for her, Guy couldn't think of what to say or do! Though he did not know that Annie did not begrudge him that, in fact, she took it as further sign to only pity him, confirming that in life Guy was very downtrodden, and he needed her to look after him.

But with Annie Guy wasn't trying to deceive her. It was, what it was. It wasn't as if he had promised to marry her. In fact, he hardly said anything expect the nonsense of a man bathed in afterglow.

Plus it was no trial to let a woman love him. Deluded and one sided though it must be. The situation couldn't work out badly for him. Shit! Guy was suddenly reminded of Marian, God forbid she might possibly think of him in those terms! No. Well, she would come round.

Yes, he had been affectionate and a very gentle lover; whispering sweet nothings in Annie's ear and, not selfishly as one might have thought, taking her, but looking to her enjoyment as well. But that was simply his style right now, and it was the overwhelming desire for love that Guy wanted made him, not only pay for the body of a woman tonight, but for the warmth and love she could offer.

This strategy also benefited him, often Guy found that often the woman proved more willing and open to everything after he had seen to their enjoyment. So much so that word spread amongst the kitchen maids and knowing that he was not simply a ravisher, which his outward reputation portrayed, enabled Guy never to lack a partner from below-stairs.

Guy cuddled up to Annie, and started to suck on her nipples, he knew behaving like a sap.

"Guy, I'm pregnant," Annie said, with much dignity. in a way reminiscent of a mother telling a child of a new addition to the family.

Guy inwardly scoffed, and looked up. Feminine intuition had gone too far with this loony, they had only lain together this once, tonight. How did she know that!? Was Annie saying that she was a mystic, or a witch with powers of foresight?

Guy was not unsensible to a woman's body and knew that it required a missing period for a woman to be sure that she was actually pregnant.

However, keeping these thoughts to himself Guy lunged in for her mouth to kiss her in part to avoid hearing anymore of her nonsense. Roving his tongue inside her mouth and rubbing slowly against her thigh Guy proceeded to seek more comfort.

About half an hour later Guy making to leave, Annie clung to him making him promising all the usual, viz: the baby. Guy supposed her fears, if indeed she were pregnant, were understandable.

So the words came easily… the baby would be provided for, he would install the baby at a nearby Abbey… etc..etc.. Guy was unfazed. He knew that even if she did end up pregnant it need not concern him for the while. He could continued to come to her for what he wanted all through the pregnancy, although it did start Guy thinking in a more general way.

If Annie really did turn out to be pregnant, initially a pregnant kitchen maid was nothing unusual, but once the baby was born, he could not have any bastard of his growing up in the same Castle. He didn't want Marian to find out.

She would probably insist that the baby be properly, properly provided for, and secondly it might scare her off knowing how virile he was. The baby would have to be disposed of, but until then he would enjoy Annie's attentions.

Annie was convinced that he was a good man, believing his love for her to be genuine, that he would marry her if he could, and best of all that he cared about her unborn child, which she was sure now resided within her after their expression of love.

"Seth, does that please you? For if it's a boy?" she prompted.

Seth, unborn and already named, sad or what!

Guy gently pushed her to the door, she had had enough encouragement, he couldn't bring himself to shoot her dreams down, or be forced into talking about babies names; did she think he cared about such womanish things!?

He reckoned he would just pay her off, after the babe was born. This had to be the oldest story in the world. Everything would be fine; an improvement on the last unforgivable 'solution', at least.

And at last, with a trifle more persuasion and another soupy smile from Annie, she finally disappeared around the doorframe leaving Guy alone.

Now that he was free: Onwards, and tally ho to see Marian!

……………..

Pulling up after stabling his horse the contrast between Knigton and the Castle dungeons/servants quarters was marked.

Tonight Knigton in general seemed to be the most peaceful and beautiful place in the whole world. Not that the connection with Marian had anything to do with it of course, Knigton village, and it's surrounding houses, and inhabitants here were simply the best.

Yet deep down it was the anticipation of her, Marian, that had prompted Guy to idealize everything. His sentimental and romantic spark was on fire tonight, and much as he didn't want to show it, he knew it would be hard to suppress.

Taking in a large breath on the doorstep Guy eased himself into waiting, the vision of her face was blurred, it was like his life depended on seeing her, to shine into focus his picture of her. Any second now…

The door opened.

Coming from a period of absence, three long months, travelling to and from the Holy Land Guy was startled by Marian's beauty afresh. If possible, Marian had grown in beauty, and she had definitely bloomed; fully coming into her woman's estate while he had been away.

Half baffled drinking her in, as he was wont to do Guy remained on the threshold. The pink beaded dress she was wearing clung to her hips, and Guy was the kind of man to notice these things. He did not need to rethink his admiration for her, or to think twice before reassessing the purpose of his visit.

She was growing impatient, if only he would speak! His silence was annoying, and she was colouring.

"Would you please come in Sir Guy?" Marian said trying not to be flustered.

"Oh yes…" Guy said feeling a bit embarrassed.

"I must say..." he continued with a disturbing warmth in his voice.

"You have something particular you would like to say to me?" she said quickly, and to Guy's annoyance, in a very straight-laced-kind-of-a-tone. Then Marian smiled expectancy, he supposed kindly, in direct contrast with the tone of her comment.

It would have been a struggle to air his feelings anyway, but Guy would have preferred it if she had allowed him say something. He was much struck by her, and one thing Guy did know that it was good manners to compliment a Lady.

Reverting to the original plan for conversation Guy spoke again.

"Marian, would you accompany me to the banquet on Friday?" in what he hoped was a debonair sort of way.

Marian was growing used to his manner, and growing to accept his courtship of her, though she could not bring herself to like him for it. Not only was Guy her alter ego, the Nightwatchman's nemesis, but he was cruel to the point of sadistic, when carrying out the Sheriff's orders.

"Its after the Council of Nobles," he clarified.

"You'll be there with you father, I trust?…and I would…be…honoured if, you… that is. I mean…" Yes, that was the Guy she knew, brooding one minute, the next shocking you and here he was trying to convince her to accept him as the 'hopeless young lover'!

'Well I'm not going to be won over by that pretty show' Marian chided inwardly.

But her father seemed to approve of the match and she couldn't refuse him. Maybe she could grow to love Guy… No doubt her father would be organising her dowry very soon, and she didn't want to disappoint her father.

Realistically she knew her future would be as Gisborne's wife, much as though it disturbed her now.

Robin, her true love, she'd nigh on given up hope of ever seeing again. Her first love having opted for the Crusades shortly before her sixteenth birthday, and that was the only thing in Guy's favour; he had been here, unlike her so called fiancé. Guy, as much as she didn't want him, would be, she knew, always at her side.

No longer could she sit back and wait for Robin to appear. Marian was nineteen, and it was time to grow up.

She looked up at Guy to where he was still waiting expectantly for her answer. His eyes were eager, just like a puppy's. Hopeful; even though he had to know that his manner of address had been ridiculously halting.

"Yes," Marian said a trifle gravely.

His face lit up for a second so vividly that it frightened her. It was scary to see Guy this happy even for a second. He took her hand and reverently kissed it, but then lingered, taking her unpreparedness for meekness, Guy, emboldened reached out to stroke her hair.

Marian had been surprised at his unexpected visit, she had heard he was ill, and tried to question him upon his arrival, some minutes ago, but he was evasive, and he hadn't come for a conversation.

Waking from her thoughts by some probing she was shocked to find his right hand around the back of her neck and that Guy was leaning into kiss her. Again, as on previous occasions Guy being far too intimate for her tastes. She slapped his arm away, and stepped back out of reach just in time.

"I will see you on Friday then," she said to him, as a way of forcing him to take his leave.

Guy was very intense, there was something about his presence and as a result Marian found it hard to be with him for more than five minutes without feeling utterly drained. To his credit he apologized and quickly left.

Leaving Guy had a mixed view of their meeting. On the positive side she had promised to come to the Castle in two days time to accompany him to the banquet. It had to mean she was warming to him, or was taking her father's advice seriously, one or the other. On the other hand Guy was tempted to believe that he'd fucked it with the kiss. Damn that botched kiss to Hell!

So, if he could win her affections a little more securely they could still be married before the year was out.

Even so, Guy rode back to Locksley irritated and burning with sexual frustration. They weren't engaged yet so perhaps it was wrong of him to expect more. But it took all of his self-control not to pull her into his arms every time he saw her, especially when she looked right up into his face with her brilliant blue eyes. Ah women!

Marian had been, again, ever so slightly difficult, giving the impression that she was assessing his every word and action, mentally logging them so she could mark up how well he did; and that was stressful.

Her parting glance always seemed to say, 'Oh dear, tries hard but lacks natural skill. I may have to review your claim to be able to stand in my presence'.

No, Marian wasn't as haughty as that, but she was close to it. Oh, Guy thought bitterly, she was that haughty unless she was talking about some poor unfortunate pauper, and then her eyes positively shone with approval.

She had such high expectations, then again over time they might benefit him; if she were to expect the good in him that would be encouraging. Nothing had been expected of him from the Sheriff but murder, stupidity and debauchery. He had lived up to those sinful expectation with Marian he had to believe that it was possible that she could cleanse him with her virtues and high expectations.

Slowly riding to back to Locksley, Guy wanted to go home; he was craving his own bed. That he was almost nodding forward in his saddle, tired as he was, was a trifle extravagant, as he'd spend a good half the evening lying down with Annie!

Earlier still, the Sheriff had set a long hard work schedule before him informing him, exactly how beholden he was and exactly how and why he would be making up for his failure in the Holy Land; by working himself to death. It was only fair Vaizey surmised.

Concluding that despite the appointment of a Master at Arms it looked as if he was going to be allocated most of the man's work. Even this couldn't bring Guy down as it might have done. The love and life of a beautiful woman was still in the offing.

In his bed Guy slept peacefully, or as peacefully as was possible for a man with his history and memories. In other words the Nightmares had decided to let him of the hook. Guy would be loath to admit it but Nightmares did regularly keep him from resting.

Though what Guy did not know was that that would be his last 'peaceful' night in this bed for a long time, because by tomorrow night there would be a new outlaw in the forest. A particular outlaw going by the name of Robin Hood, who would make it his business to complicate his life, and disrupt all his plans.

The fight for Marian's hand would be fierce. Who could know it at this stage, but Robin Hood could potentially spark the start of the end for Guy of Gisborne.

It was the end of the beginning.

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The End

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...Or is it?

For the continued story go and watch Robin Hood series 1 followed by 2. THEN wait in agony for series 3! Ha ha ha.

BertieWooster officially signing off.

I do hope you enjoyed it! x x Commmmmment!