"Right, so now you have to bow" Meghan ran through as she curtseyed before taking my hand "And now take their hand"

"This is too much hard work" I giggled but did as she said anyway bowing down and then taking her other hand "I'm glad I never had to go dancing" The rest of the gang were watching us, Robin looked as if he was trying not to laugh and Much was laughing. I felt like an idiot prancing around as Meghan instructed me on how to do it. I'd never danced and I already hated it, but with Meghan smile from ear to ear I couldn't help but grin "Did you ever do this Robin when you were at Locksley?"

"Yeah, there were parties all the time" Robin still smirked.

"Were you any good?" I raised an eyebrow challenging him.

"That's the wrong foot" Meghan moaned, stopping "It's right foot before left"

I gave her the hardest stare I could muster "Well it's kind of hard without any music" I stopped whatever the hell the move I was just doing and turned to the rest of the gang "Come on, you can't laugh at me without trying it yourself"

I smirked as my comment had the right effect on the boys as they turned their noses away.

"Us dancing? No thanks" Much scrunched his nose up "Isn't that a woman's thing?"

It was my turn to put my nose up at them and tried pushing them further "come on, you can't laugh and then turn down the offer of doing it yourself or are you afraid you might look stupid"

"she's right, lads" Robin took up the challenge as he jumped up from the log he's on "Come on"

I heard Much groan as Meghan's smile, if possible got even wider "Alright, Alright, ok so Djaq if you go with Will, I'll go with Robin and Elaine with Much" John was back at camp sorting out the food preparations for tonight, giving Much a break. We had just finished our rounds at Clun and were supposed to be heading back to camp.

"you know, I think I'll sit this one out. My legs kind of hurting-" Much complained but I grabbed his arm forcing him into the clearing.

Meghan ran through moves as we followed. Much was terrible, compared with the boys I was a lot better. Though still, Robin was the best. His years at Locksley trumping our experience.

Most of the time me and Much were just laughing at Meghan's instructions, especially when she told us to do a 'little skip' leaving Much and I rolling on the floor laughing and Meg giving us a glare.

We must have been there for half an hour when Robin finally called it off. Which I was glad about because it really was a lot of work, dancing. I never wanted to do it again. Ever.

We got back to camp and found Little John sitting on the rock in front of our home, holding a duck. It was probably one of the weirdest sights I'd ever seen.

"What have you got there, John?" Robin question, frowning at the duck in his arms

"It lays golden eggs" He said whilst stroking it "And tomorrow, there's a consignment of magic beans coming in"

Robin looked over at us with a worried line creasing on his forehead "John-I think we need to have a little-"

"Oh, give me strength! This is for the kitchen" John laughed passing the duck to Much who scrambled it up in his arms, only just catching it.

"Thank-god" Meghan giggled "I thought you were being serious for a second there"

"Oh, Well I could do with some magic beans"

"yeah, especially after that dancing session" I nodded in agreement "I think I've broken an ankle"

"Same, and we've still got to walk to six drop offs today" Much said clutching his leg as if he was in pain.

"It wasn't that bad" Meghan rolled her eyes at our exaggeration "You're just clearly not made of lord and lady material"

I scoffed at that one "I could totally be a lady" I gave a little bow to Meghan who now had her arms folded in annoyance "See I've even mastered the curtsey" Much copied me doing a ladies curtsey causing me to burst out giggling "See…" I said in between breaths as I was having to clutch my sides tightly "Even Much can do it"

The camp door suddenly lifted. We all turned around on the stop to face the creaking sound of it.

"Well I'm glad to see someone's laughing" Allan was there. Standing in camp. Completely alone with absolutely no self-defence. He wasn't even holding his sword.

The rest of the gang sprung to action. Robin raised his bow, Djaq and Will pulled out their swords as John steadied his staff. Much was still carrying the duck so had no free hands but still took a step forward his face snarling at his once friend. It was just me and Meghan who didn't do anything.

Instead I rolled my eyes taking a step towards Allan, despite the weapons pointed at him.

"I'm on my own! Honest!" Allan raised his hands in surrender.

"What do you want?" Much shouted

"Oh, don't be stupid" I said to the gang "Put your weapons down, if he'd have brought guards with him, we'd already be dead" I met up with him at the entrance of the camp. He gave me a thanking nod which I responded with a smile. I noticed the rest of the gang still hadn't lowered their weapons "What are you doing here?"

"This" He pulled out a ring from his pocket. I frowned at it, not recognizing it from anywhere when he turned to Robin "Marian said to show you this and you'll know I'm telling the truth" Robin's jaw tightened as if thinking before he lowered his bow and then walked down to meet us, taking the ring "She needs your help. Just for today, you've got safe passage into the castle"

"You don't expect us to believe that?" John's voice rang through the camp. I snapped around to glare at him.

"Why would he lie?"

"Why?" Robin asked in a low voice to Allan.

"They've lost the Sheriff. If we don't find him today an army is coming to destroy Nottingham"

"Destroy it?" My eyebrows rose "How can you just lose the Sheriff?"

Allan shrugged "He just disappeared this s'morning, we've got no idea where he's gone"

"What at Gisborne's alright with us helping him"

"Look, like you lot, he doesn't want Nottingham burnt to the ground. He's not all bad"

"If you say so" I grumbled and sighed deciding to face Robin "We leaving then?"

Robin nodded and turned to the gang "Allan's right, we leave now"

"Now?" John's booming voice called out his tone accusing "We drop everything on the say-so of a traitor to go and help our enemy"

Robin began walking back up the slope we just came from, meeting John who was at the back of the gang "John, I gave Marian this ring. She wouldn't lie to me. Come on"

I followed Robin and Allan stayed close behind me. I could tell he was uncomftable as I felt Will, John and Much sending glares at him but he simply ignored them, staying close to me and Meghan who seemed only happy to have Allan joining us for the day.

"This is really weird" Allan mumbled beside me.

"You're telling me"

"Do you reckon we'll find the Sheriff in time"

I shrugged "If Robin's trying to find him, yes, we'll find him" I nodded confidently, determined that we would "Who's idea was it, yours or Marian's to get Robin in on it"

"Marians"

"How is she?" I asked, expressing my concern over my friend. I hadn't seen her in a week, since she'd last been at camp and I was worried about her.

"She's fine, don't worry I never told her the Sheriff or Guy where she really was all this time"

"I never suggested you did" I frowned that he really thought I would think of him like that.

"Maybe not you but I bet the rest of you lost questioned it" He sounded hurt so I brushed my hand against his shoulder for comfort. Allan at first became tense at my touch, it had been awhile since we'd been able to be this relaxed with each other so I understood why, but eventually his shoulder fell and he looked down and smiled at me.

John coughed behind us and then pushed though the two of us as if trying to split us up before he began walking beside Robin who was at front. I rolled my eyes at John's childish way of making sure me and Allan were nowhere near each other, even Allan looked as if he wanted to laugh at John's reaction to us

Ten minutes later we were reaching the castle and Allan was taking lead.

"So what's the deal about an army coming?" Meghan asked skipping up next to me and then linked arms with me "I don't really understand why we need to go find the Sheriff, I thought we were against him"

"We are" I nodded "But Prince John has an arrangement with him that means if the Sheriff is to die then Nottingham will be raised the ground, something like that, but it's ok" I looked over at Robin as we reached the portcullis of the castle "Robin will find him"

It was one of the weirdest things I've ever experienced, being allowed to walk through Nottingham freely, though I still kept my hood up out of habit and so had the rest of the gang as peasants lined up along the streets, gasps following us as we walked up it. They must be wondering why we weren't getting arrested.

"This is weird, I don't like it" Will said nervously.

"Can't we just sneak in anyway?"

"I agree with Much, I don't like this whole walking in freely thing" I looked around. It was so strange, the guards were staring right at us and weren't dashing over to arrest us.

"After this, we go back, we help the poor? There are people waiting, we have four drop-offs today. They're relying on us"

Allan was already inside the castle boundaries as we waited outside as if as soon as we entered we'd be struck down. He whistled to us impatiently.

"All right" Robin said to a clearly agitated John who only groaned in response before passing his weapons to Much "Take these, Much. Go give money to as many people as you can in the market, but meet me back here"

"Well we're going with you right!" I took hold of Robin's shoulder preventing him from following Allan.

"Why, you think Allan's leading us into a trap?" Robin raised his eyebrows at me and I only looked away at his comment as I believed Allan with every word he said "It might surprise you but I believe him too" Robin nodded "Stay behind, I'll be alright"

He then stepped into the castle, the rest of the gang filed off, following Robin's orders but I stayed watching as Robin followed Allan, disappearing through the castle doors.

"This isn't good, is it?" Meghan stressed, scrunching her nose up at the situation "The Sheriff could be anywhere and – oh god!" Meghan suddenly jumped up and pulled her hood over her head "Oh my god…" She was breathing fast.

I frowned at her strange behaviour "Meg? What is it?"

Her hood covered most of her face but I could see her biting her lip viciously.

"Rotherham"

"What?"

"Rotherham's personal guards are behind me" My eyes widened as I realized what she meant "He wouldn't have brought them if he wasn't here himself" I peeked over her shoulder and there was three guards with the Rotherham house symbol sown onto their chests.

I rubbed Meghan's arm quickly and she began to break down. I saw a tear seep from her eye "It's alright, they haven't seen you yet" I comforted "I need to get you out of here now"

Meghan seemed frozen with fear so I had to grab her arm and practically drag her to make her move. Eventually her legs began to start working again.

"I can't go back, I can't go back" Meghan rehearsed over and over until it began to ring through my head.

"You won't" I told her firmly "I won't let it. Now come on"

I found Much and gave Meghan to him instructing him to take her straight back to camp where she'd be safe.

I turned back to the castle. Rotherham was here. I needed to find him and I needed him to get out of Nottingham even if I had to kill him to do it. There was no way he was getting his hands back on my sister again.

I went back to the portcullis wondering if I could just walk through the gates. I approached them and the guard didn't seem to be bothered by me. So I walked straight through, hating this sense of freedom. It wasn't something I was used to.

Everyone seemed panicked inside the castle. As guards ran around in a haste to search every corner of it to find the Sheriff who was nowhere to be seen. It was only then that I realized the reality of the situation.

The sheriff was missing. There was an army on it's way to burn the town to the ground and it was up to us to stop it.

Momentarily I forgot about Rotherham and went to find Allan. He had to be here somewhere.

I found him five minutes later coming back into the portcullis, leading five or six guards and instructing them to search each house.

I was about to go over and meet him but Gisborne beat me to it. Deciding he had more pressing matters than arresting me I joined them.

"They're looking everywhere. They're even dredging the ponds" I heard Allan say as I met up with them. Allan frowned at my entrance but continued to speak to Gisborne who hadn't noticed my presence yet "He's just nowhere"

"Keep searching" Gisborne ordered.

I shook my head "No, you're wasting your time" Gisborne, only just noticing turned around to glare at me "You have Robin out there looking for him, he will find him-"

"Walker, just because Nottingham is under attack don't presume to think I won't arrest you here and now" Gisborne snarled at me making me back away slightly.

"I'm just saying that sending out guards to find the Sheriff is a waste of time, you need to think of defence" When no one interrupted me speaking, I continued "I say you arm every villager, guard, noble and peasant here. Just incase Robin doesn't find him"

Gisborne looked as if he was considering it before looking me up and down "Alright then, you and Allan can sort that out but we will still have guards searching for him" He squinted his eyes before holding up a finger at me "Hood better bring back the Sheriff alive"

"He will"

Gisborne nodded once before turning on the spot and heading back to the castle "Wow, did he really just accept to do something I said?"

"He's really not that bad once you get to know him" Allan said turning his eyes back on me "What are you doing here?"

I shrugged "Rotherham's here, Meghan got scared and I came in to find him to make him leave somehow" I bit my lip "I didn't really think it through, I can't find him anywhere and even if I did what am I supposed to say to him"

"I doubt you'll find him, there's hundreds of people filing into the castle" Allan replied before adding "Look, you need to get out of Nottingham whilst you still can"

I frowned at him "What do you mean? I'm not leaving…"

"You don't really think the Sheriff's going to be found" He sounded so lost of hope, did he really not believe Robin could find him?

"Of course I do, Robin will find him"

"Robin's good but not that good. Even if they do search the whole forest before sundown, he might not even be there" Allan sighed "Look, I just want you to get away, if you take a horse and leave now you could make it"

"Do you really think I'm going to leave you and the rest of the gang here to die… don't be stupid" I rolled my eyes at his suggestion and began to walk back to the castle to arrange weapons to be handed out, Allan followed me.

"'Laine, I'm just trying to keep you safe"

"I can see that and I'm not listening" I gave him a sidewards glance "Did you really expect me too?"

"I'm not being funny but we're gonna be mauled by a thousand men, I thought you'd at least have some sense in leavin'"

I shook my head, smirking at this attempt at getting me to 'safety' the irony was, in reality I felt safest when I was next to him "Not a chance, trickster"

All of a sudden everyone began screaming. Villagers dropped baskets of weapons they were holding and fled inside the castle. Me and Allan looked at each other, both asking the same questions in our head. Why was everyone screaming?

"The army is here!" Someone yelled.

The streets were clear of people; all of them had navigated to the castle itself and were pilling in. Weapons were already being passed around, someone else had the same idea as me.

We could see the hills ahead of us and dust was being blown up into the air. It was obvious what was causing it. An army. A big Army.

"This isn't good. Robin where are you?" I said to myself more than anyone.

A guard chased past us and Allan caught his arm.

"Get guards to search all the villages, just find him. Go!" Allan ordered and the guard marched off "you know, there's still time for you to leave"

I shook my head in response when I noticed Will at the castle portcullis. He was staring at the dust being lifted into the air in the far off distance.

"Will?"

Will turned at my voice.

"You're here? Robin came out of the castle and we couldn't find you anywhere"

"What are you doing here?"

"Robin told me to look after Marian"

I noticed Will giving Allan a look up and down before each of our gazes fell back onto the army slowly making it's way towards us.

"I don't think we're going to get out of this one" Allan breathed, he then paused "But if we do, do you- do you reckon I could come back to the lads?"

I smiled up at him "Maybe, maybe we could talk it through with-"

I was cut off with Will's scoff "It's too late Allan. Miles too late"

Allan gulped "Come on! I've make a few mistakes"

"Mistakes! You deliberately betrayed us!"

"All right, strictly speaking, that's true. But it's not that simple, Will, all right? I never told Gisborne where the camp was. I saved yours and Elaine life, didn't I? I know how this place works now. That's gonna help Robin, right?" I looked over at Will hoping Allan's words were having some effect on him. There was nothing more I wanted other than Allan to join the gang again "What do you reckon? The old team, back together?"

To my great sadness, Will was shaking his head "You're with Gisborne now. There's no coming back from there" He then walked off leaving Allan sinking his head lower than ever.

I gave him a reassuring smile and found my hand taking his, not caring if anyone was around to see "You'll be back soon, I just know it"

Allan sighed and then turned to me "You think we'll get out of this one?"

I looked back out at the army forming. They were getting closer. I hoped that I would see Robin's horse coming through the trees before them, with the Sheriff behind him but he was nowhere to be seen "Let's just get everyone with weapons"

Half an hour later I was crammed into the hall. It seemed like the whole town was in there too. Some people were crying, some were praying others were talking about strategies. There was no hope. From what I could tell Prince John's army was already lined up outside.

It was then that I noticed Rotherham in the far corner, remembering his face from when he came to the castle as a black knights months ago. He was pacing the hall with a worried line creased upon his forehead. At least he was here and no where near Meghan. She was safe for now.

Gisborne entered the room with Allan and Rotherham went straight over to him, as did I, wanting to know what the plan was.

Everything was too real now. The army was lined up outside of the castle walls, each of them had raised their red and black shields against us, there was no way out. I was starting to wonder why I hadn't taken the offer of leaving the castle when I could have done. I could be out in Sherwood forest right now, helping the gang fight off the Sheriff, but I was glad I hadn't. I was with Allan now.

"What's happening?" I asked Gisborne as soon as he got down the steps "Is there anyway through?"

"We have to defend ourselves" He replied in a low voice.

Rotherham was beside Gisborne. I glared at the man. He had no idea I was the sister of his wife and I was going to keep it that way. Maybe the army would attack us and he would be cut down like the rest of us. At least then Meghan would be safe. There was always a silver lining.

"I could always send out for my army to come, I have thousands of men at my disposal. We could beat them easily if they were here" Rotherham paced the floor, talking to no one in particular, he looked as if he was on the verge of tears.

"There isn't enough time, I don't know if you can see but it's almost sundown" I glared at the man who looked taken aback by the anger present in my voice "And even if they could how do you plan on getting a message to them, we're surrounded. There is no way out"

"Now, now girl, who do you think you are, a simple peasant talking to a man of power like me" He then turned his nose upwards, it was rather humorous him standing there looking at me in disgust just as we were about to enter a war. I raised my eyebrows unimpressed and was about to respond when someone answered for me.

"She's with us" I expected it to be Allan but it wasn't. Instead I heard the deep thickening voice of Sir Guy of Gisborne. I looked up at him shocked to find him avoiding eye contact with me.

"Wow, I think that's the nicest thing you've ever said to me. Next thing you know you'll be swearing your undenying devotion to me" I teased and Gisborne looked as if he was about to snap at me and take it all back so I quickly added "Thanks"

"Don't get too cocky, Walker, we're on the same side here, we might as well work as one"

"I never was meant to get caught up in this mess!" Rotherham cried "The Sheriff told me you had my wife here and I expected to see her only to find out she had escaped with outlaws" He turned his finger to Gisborne "Now you tell me where she is now and find me a way out of this castle"

"Don't you get it there is no way out" Gisborne cried back higher causing the room to go quite "I have more pressing matters than to listen to you moan about the fact you can't keep watch over your wife"

"If we get out of this, the deal between us and the black knights is over" With that Rotherham fled the room.

Gisborne groaned and then looked around the room, looking for something.

"We're really going to war…" I breathed trying to keep myself steady.

Guy held out a hand for Allan to shake "If we don't see each other again"

Allan was taken aback but took the hand nether the less "Thanks"

I watched the exchange happen between the two men. They looked as if they were friends… good friends. I hadn't really thought about how Allan's relationship with Gisborne would have changed since joining the castle.

"How long until sundown?" I asked nervously.

My question was meant for Allan but it was Gisborne that answered "In about two hours"

I gulped back the emotions that came rushing at me in that second. I didn't want to die. I was so sure Robin would bring the Sheriff back that I didn't think for a second that it would come to this. Soldiers lining up outside the castle doors ready for war. I wasn't a solider and I was not ready for war. None of us were.

"There's still time" I reassured myself.

"Hood's not coming back" Gisborne growled "Our only option is to defend ourselves"

"We will" Allan replied "Together?"

I grinned "Together"

I could see from the corner of my eyes Gisborne rolling his eyes as he left us, going over to Marian, guiding her to the corner. I watched their conversation as Gisborne said something and Marian shook her head and then – making my eyebrows go up in surprise – Gisborne fell to his knees, proposing.

"Is Gisborne proposing to Marian?" I said to Allan who nodded.

"Seems that way"

Then an idea hit me. It was the most bizarre yet simple one.

"Why don't we?"

"What?"

"Get married"

"What?!"

"We should get married" I repeated. Allan looked at me as if I'd gone mad "There isn't a better time than this, just as we're about to die"

Allan let a breath out "didn't know you were a romantic 'Laine"

"What do you say?" I asked and smiled when Allan smiled. His face lighting up brighter.

"We'd win the bet" He grinned.

I frowned "What bet?"

"The bet that caused us to become betrothed in the first place"

I rolled my eyes but found myself laughing "Trust you to think of winning a bet in a situation like this" I then thought about it "But, yes, we would. It was five months ago. Seems so long ago now"

Allan nodded "Let's go" he then grabbed my hand and I was suddenly pulled towards the great hall doors and through the corridors.

"Where do we even do this at such quick notice?"

"The castle priest"

"Yeah, but will he be willing to marry us at such short notice?" I raised a brow, questioning Allan. He only looked back over his shoulder and gave me a cheeky grin as we ran through the corridors, pushing past guards and peasants who were in a hurry to defend themselves. We probably looked like fools. We didn't care one bit.

We arrived at the castle chapel where a priest was who groaned as soon as we took two steps inside the room.

"The answers no" He barely looked up from his place at the alter. I gave Allan a sidewards glance, my eyebrows furrowing together in confusion.

"We didn't even ask anything?"

"You don't think I haven't had couples coming up here all day asking me to marry them. I've had at least seven people up here who think this will be their last chance" He rolled his eyes "I haven't got anymore time, I must prepare myself for battle" He got up to leave the chapel but I stepped forward, releasing Allan's hand for the first time in five minutes.

"Please, can't you just spare a few minutes" I practically begged. The priest paused and bit his lip, thinking.

"I'm sorry" He then lent forward and his voice transformed into a whisper "I'm not meant to marry people off in the first place without the Sheriffs or Sir Guy's permission"

"Well that's alright then" Allan stepped in "I'm Sir Guy's man"

It didn't have the intended purpose that Allan was aiming for as the priest's jaw tightened.

"Yes I know who you are" The man glared at my betrothed, I took a step towards Allan because by the stare the priest was giving him he looked ready for murder "You and Sir Guy tried to have my mothers finger cut off a few days ago. If it wasn't for Robin Hood's gang she'd have lost a finger"

Allan was shaking his head, asking for forgiveness with his eyes.

"I'm part of Robin Hood's gang" I blurted out as a last resort. All I wanted to do was get married today, especially if we were going to die at the end of it.

"What?" The priest stared at me.

I held up my tag that was hanging loosely around my neck "I'm an outlaw, part of Hood's gang" I paused as the man's face seemed to relax "Please, I just want to marry him today"

His eyebrows rose as he eyed Allan up and down "You want to marry him?"

I smiled "More than anything. I know it seems a bit odd me asking you to marry me and him, but… it's complicated"

The priest scratched the back of his neck before sighing "Alright then but let's get on with this quickly"

It took us less than a minute to get ready. It was probably the worlds quickest and unplanned wedding to date, but I didn't care. Not one bit.

The priest stood before us as we knelt down in front of him. I kept giving glances over at Allan a smile blazing over my face as the priest began speaking something in Latin that I couldn't understand. Then it was time for us to take our vows.

"I Allan A-dale, take you Elaine Walker to be my lawfully wedded wife" He took a deep breath, pausing to let his words sink in, his eyes burning into mine and then he spoke, differing away from the traditional wedding vows "I love you 'Laine, I don't think I tell you that enough, but I do. I want to spend the rest of my life with you even if that means I have to change, cause I will" He looked away "And I'm an idiot for betraying you so I'm promising you now I'll never do anything like that which will hurt you again. Ever. I promise"

I beamed at him, only just realizing now that I was getting married. To Allan A-dale. If only I'd known a year ago this was where I'd be now. It just seemed so right. The only thing missing was the rest of the gang and Meghan standing behind us, not trying to slit Allan's throat and cheering us on like they would have before the betrayal.

"I, Elaine Walker take you Allan A-dale to be my lawfully wedded husband" I gave our hands that had at some point joined together a small squeeze "I don't ever want you to change, Allan A-dale even if that means we end up opening a tavern somewhere together. Just as long as it means we're together" I let out a small chuckle at that before continuing "I promise to love you until death us do part and even then I'll fight tooth and nail to make sure I meet you in heaven" I added with a slight smirk causing Allan's grin to widen.

I'd never noticed how much I loved his smile until now.

"Do you have rings?" The priest asked us not no longer holding a stern stare on Allan.

I shook my head "um, no, it was kind of short notice this wedding"

"Actually" Allan dug something out of his pocket "I do"

"Wh- where did you get that from? And why?"

Allan shrugged "About a month after we got betrothed, I asked Will. I held onto it for some reason" I felt the outlaw tag that was around my neck, I had strung up my engagement ring on the string beside it. He was always with me.

Allan picked my hand up and slid the ring onto my finger.

"I feel kinda bad" I said "I have nothing for you"

"Nah, it's alright, it's probably better this way the Sheriff or Gissy won't notice anything this way"

"Well alright then, I won't feel bad" I stuck my tongue out at him childishly.

The priest told us to rise for our kneeling position and then, finally, said "You may kiss the bride"

If I hadn't been so consumed by Allan I would have laughed. I hadn't kissed him in what felt like months – it probably had been months – but as soon as our lips met, the shooting sparks ran up my spine along with the feeling of safety and security, it felt like not time had passed at all.

We pulled apart, smiles blazing on our faces.

The priest gave us a small nod "I'll leave you two too it"

"Thank-you" I smiled at the man as he disappeared out of the chapel. I looked back over at Allan hardly being able to contain a laugh. We lent in again out lips connecting again.

"So what now?" Allan asked as soon as we pulled apart.

I stared at the wall behind Allan, thinking, I knew what I wanted to do now. I'd never been surer on anything in my life on what I wanted to do now; it was just Allan that I had to convince.

I shrugged, trying to remain casual though my cheeks began to burn red "What do married couples usually do after their wedding?"

Allan's eyebrows knitted together, not in confusion but as if I'd gone mad and he was worried about my sanity "Elaine…" He said his frown deepening "We don't have to, I'm not being funny we might only have hours left to live and-"

I quietened him with a kiss "Exactly" I breathed "And if we only have a few hours left I want to spend them with you and just you"

Allan still didn't look convinced but after a few seconds he slowly nodded "Alright"

*~How to tame an Outlaw~*

Everything was happening in slow motion, like the whole world had just slowed down just to give me and Allan this moment. We were in Allan's room at this point. I hadn't taken in much of the surroundings but it looks more like a guest room than anything, there was no personal items of his, as if he was only planning on staying a few days when in reality he had been there for weeks.

I wasn't sure how to feel now. Excited? Happy? Scared? Because I felt all three of them. I'd had sex before, once with Tom but that was different, it was so long ago I hardly remembered and this time… I was married. Gosh, that sounded weird. I was married to Allan A-dale. I was now Elaine A-dale!

I leaned into Allan capturing his lips, his arms wrap around me, the intensity in our kisses becoming faster as we raced to take each others clothes off. He seemed to know what he was doing as he tugged at the lacing of my corset taking it off with ease and guided me towards the bed.

I fell onto it, my back hitting the mattress. I seemed to sink into it. It was probably the wrong time to think about how damn soft the bed felt, I'd never felt so comfy.

I wiggled underneath Allan's weight. Our skin melted into each other as our eyes locked. I sent him a smile up at him.

"You sure about this?" Allan asked, I sensed worry behind his eyes that what we were doing was wrong, so I quickly nodded my head reassuring him that this was what I wanted.

"Yes" I smiled "We're married now, aren't we?" then I added with a lighter note "And I know how long you've been waiting" I giggled.

Allan cocked his head to the side and raised his eyebrow "I've not been waiting for anything" He smirked at me trying to look innocent. It was my turn to raise my eyebrow.

"You don't have to lie; I know I'm just so irresistible" I joked

"You are" Allan agreed "But be honest, so am I"

I smirked "I wouldn't go that far"

I wrapped my arms around his back, stroking his spine before pulling him closer towards me, making our lips meet. It was softer and more careful than it was before and we took out time, enjoying the moment together, forgetting about the upcoming war about to be thrown up us, outside these doors and just being lost with each other.

(A/N sorry if this scene was disappointing, I didn't want to go into detail with anything and have to change the ratings, I wanted to keep it as PG as possible. I'm sorry if you were expecting more)

*~How to tame an Outlaw~*

Half an hour later we were still laying there. Both of us having completely forgotten we had duties to uphold but both of us caring less.

I lifted my head from his shoulder and turned over to stare at him.

"We should go" I sighed sadly, the smile that once blazed on his face fell immediately.

"Do we have to?" He moaned like an overgrown child. He let his head fall back landing on the pillow "I don't wanna' go back"

"I know" I frowned "But we have too, people will wonder where we are"

"guess you're right" He sighed before looking back at me "What are you going to say to Will?"

I hadn't thought about that. Will would definitely question where I'd been for the past hour and he'd definitely know I'd been with Allan considering he'd disappeared too. Will was quite perceptive when it came to these types of things.

I shrugged "I'm not sure, what are you going to tell Gisborne?"

"Oh, Guy won't be any worry, I'll just tell him I was sortin' out some guards" He then added "He probably won't care anyway. He's been too worried about Marian to care"

I bolted up. Crap "Marian" I'd completely forgotten about her.

"What- What is it?" Allan followed me and sat up a lot slower than I did.

"The last time I saw Marian she was being proposed to my Gisborne. What if Gisborne's convinced her to marry him" I turned to Allan, my eyes wide.

"I doubt it"

But I was already up searching around for my clothes and fiddling with them to put them on as quickly as possible. Behind me I heard Allan give a deep groan before the sounds of shuffling.

I turned to find him with his trousers back on.

"I suppose we 'ave to get back to our duties" Allan rolled his eyes at the word "Wish we didn't have to though"

I sent him a small smile, now fully dressed "Same but we can't stay here forever" Then the realization doomed on me "How long until sundown?"

Allan cringed turning around to look out of the window "less than an hour I reckon"

"We have to go" I repeated this time more firmly. We were both fully dressed by now. I stroked a hand through my hair to feel if it was obviously ruffled. I was about to turn towards the door but Allan's questioning voice called me back.

"Are you going to tell the gang?"

"About our marriage?" when Allan nodded I paused a moment to think about it "Maybe, I haven't decided" Robin and John will probably kill me, Much would give me the disappointed look, Djaq would shrug and maybe congratulate me, Will wouldn't say anything but really be judging me for it. Part of me didn't care what they thought. I loved Allan, why did it matter what they thought? But another part of me needed their approval. They were family to me and I valued their opinion more than anyone's.

We left Allan's room together, heading down to the main hall where everyone was gathered together. I saw Rotherham, remembering he was here for Meghan and glared at his presents. He looked scared and stressed as he stroked a hand through his hair.

"What is going on?" He pulled on Allan's shoulder causing him to turn as my plan off completely ignoring him was put out the window "why on earth is no one telling me anything, I am a member of the black knights and deserve to know as much as you"

Allan gave him a stern stare "Believe me, mate, I probably know less than you"

Rotherham sized Allan up and for a split second I thought he was going to hit him. I took a step forward trying to draw space between the two boys "This was a mistake coming here" Rotherham snapped "I shouldn't even be here"

"Why are you here?" I asked trying to draw him out, perhaps I could get him to leave for good.

"That's none of your business" He growled at me. I looked down realizing I'd made a mistake, he was never going to tell me. He drew away from us and fled the room.

"That's Rotherham, Meghan's husband" I explained to Allan who was staring at me curiously "it's part of the reason I'm in the castle"

"Meghan's husband? Bloody hell…" He trailed off "Where is Meghan?"

"I sent her back to camp with Much" I shrugged, sure that she was safe with the rest of the gang "she's probably helping the gang find the Sheriff"

Allan took my hand. I was shocked by the sudden public affection, not expecting him to show it with everyone else around. I thought he wanted to keep it a secret.

"Look, I betta' go find Gisborne before I get in more trouble" He paused and then asked hesitantly "you'll be alright?"

"I'll be fine just make sure I see you again before we die" I tried to joke out of it but it wasn't funny. None of this was. The castle was going to be destroyed with us inside it and my faith in Robin was slowly slipping.

Allan nodded once before disappearing in the crowed. I looked around for any sign of Marian or Will when I spotted Will in the corner, still handing out weapons.

"Will!" I called, he looked up at the sound of my voice.

"Elaine!" I ushered me over "where have you been?" I cried as I met him through the crowed.

I didn't know what to tell him so I decided to go with the trust. Just not the whole truth.

"With Allan" I tried to shrug it off but Will wasn't letting it go so easily.

"Of course" He rolled his eyes and then took my hand pulling me into the corner where there was a small amount of space left for us to discuss something quietly.

"I don't think Marian's going to accept Gisborne's offer, Robin told me to look after at any cost and-" Will paused, looking down and his face fell into the deepest frown. My eyebrows furrowed together wondering what had caused his sudden stop of speech.

"What?" I edged him on to tell me what was wrong.

"You're wearing the ring I made Allan…" He breathed in "the one I made him for your wedding"

My jaw tightened as I realized what he was looking at. I looked down at the beautifully crafted ring "I am" I nodded tensely.

"Why?" Will's voice shook almost angry. I didn't understand why he cared so much.

"Why does it matter?" I ripped my hand away from his.

"Is that where you've been?"

"I don't know what you're talking about…" I kept my eyes trained on him, trying to stare him down but Will was doing just as good refusing to back down.

"Are you and Allan… married?"

I didn't want to lie. Will was someone I trusted, I could trust him to keep this a secret, couldn't I?"

"Fine, yes we are" I heard Will groan in frustration "I don't see why it matters, we're about to die anyway"

"Why does it matter?" Will cried causing a few people to turn their attention to us "Elaine, Allan is on the opposite side to us, we can't trust him!"

"Yes we can" my teeth grinded together in anger at Will's words "Didn't you see him today, he's doing the best he can and you turned him down earlier when he asked you if he could join the gang again, because he still saw you as family" I threw my hands up in the air in frustration "Don't you see, he wants to be back in the gang and you turned him down. That hurt him."

Will looked slightly guilty, which I was glad about but he still kept the angry glare trained on me.

"I can't believe you're married"

"We're about to die, Will, there is no other better time too" I then stopped, fear creeping up on me "You're not going to tell Robin are you?"

Will's face dropped too "he should know"

"Why?" I challenged "It's none of his business what I do"

"Because he's our leader and needs to know whether he can trust you or not"

"Oh, I see, so now we're not trusting me as well as Allan" I raised an eyebrow at Will's statement "You know I'd never betray you"

"I know that Elaine but knowing that you can still trust Allan-"

"Are you going to tell Robin?" I stopped him mid-sentence not wanting to hear what he had to say about trusting Allan. I always had and I always would trust Allan, he wasn't about to make me think any differently of him.

"I won't lie to him" Will finally said "But I won't tell him either, but if he asks"

"ok" I could accept that.

"It's sundown!" someone yelled. I looked up at the door and saw Marian and Allan coming through the door. Mine and Will's conversation seized as talk erupted around us.

I practically ran to the two of them.

"What's happening?" I questioned immediately as soon as I reached them.

"Guy's left" Marian cast her eyes down and I heard Will sigh beside me "I couldn't marry him, I'm sorry"

"I promised Robin I'd keep you safe" Will said

"We have to keep the villagers safe first, I'm not the most important person here Will" her voice sounded annoyed but I knew she was just frustrated, now with Gisborne gone, our main leader we were left to fend for ourselves.

"Has everyone got weapons?" I asked Marian and Will. They nodded.

"Alright, let's get people covering the main gate. We'll keep the children and the weak in the great hall" I ordered. Everyone stared at me, surprised I'd taken lead "just do it!"

They nodded once before disappearing off in different directions but not before Allan muttered only for me to hear "You know you look good when ordering people around" causing me to grow bright red.

Seconds later a cry and a gasp came from the great hall doors. I looked up and found Gisborne was there, his sword out, staring directly at Marian.

"Marian!" Gisborne cried.

"You came back!" Marian stepped forward.

"If I'm going to die, I'm going to die by your side" Gisborne announced. I sighed in relief that Gisborne was back, as much as I hated the man he was a true leader and we had no chance of winning this battle without him. Not that we had any with him.

"They're coming!" People cried.

"Swords!" Gisborne yelled and everyone got their weapons and got to the positions I had directed them too.

Suddenly I was being pulled. Allan had taken my hand and was pushing through the crowed "Just stay beside me" He told me clearly. I nodded not wanting to be anywhere else and feeling fear swallow me up. I didn't want to die. Not here, but being with Allan made it a lot more bearable.

The sound outside was the worst of it. We could hear the galloping of horses the war cries of men. The shouts of directions from their leader yelling at the guards, whilst we stood their in silence, a prayer passing through us.

"This is it" I said.

"I'm glad we did it" Allan didn't remove his gaze from the door, both of our swords out "That we got married"

"Same, despite everything it is one of the best days of my life" I grinned and finally Allan turned to face me, his eyes wet. Perhaps this was going to be the last moments we shared so I took a chance, not caring if Gisborne was watching or anyone else and took his hand, giving it a squeeze "I love you"

"I love you too"

I sniffed feeling the wateriness daring to escape my eyes.

I took a deep breath the guards looming closer.

"GISBORNE!"

Was that- was that the Sheriff?

Did I dare myself to believe?

"GISBORNE!" there it was again. I looked up and saw Gisborne had left Marian's side to dash off to the voice.

"That's the Sheriff, right?" Allan asked me.

"I don't know, you're the one that's supposed to know him more" I laughed "Do you think Robin just about got here in time?"

Our question was answered "One day! I'm away for one day and look at it!" The Sheriff's voice carried through to the hall.

This was followed by "Stand down!"

I breathed a sigh of relief, letting my sword drop to my side. I hadn't realized I'd been holding it so tightly, my hands were now red "I better leave, the only reason I wasn't arrested was because of the battle"

"Yeah, Will's up there" Allan pointed at the great hall balcony. I nodded, giving Allan a kiss on the cheek before going up to meet Will.

"We better leave" I said.

We left, feeling exhausted from all the panic when we reached the portcullis we were met by Gisborne. My first reaction was to grab my sword but the calming expression on Gisborne's face seized my self defence thoughts.

"You doing to arrest us now?" I raised an eyebrow though the lack of guards behind him made me realize that he wasn't here for that.

"No… I just wanted to say thank-you" Gisborne let out, his voice straining to say the words. If I didn't think it would have me killed I would have probably smirked and said something witty.

"Well we both wanted the same thing" I shrugged it off. I was starting to see why Allan talked about him as if he was 'alright' he wasn't too bad when he wasn't trying to kill you.

Gisborne's face darkened "This doesn't mean the next time I see you I won't put you in the dungeons. I've been sent by the Sheriff to find you and Hood already, just this day, I'll let you go" He stepped aside leaving a clear enterence.

"Thanks, I suppose"

*~How to tame an Outlaw~*

It was late back at camp. We sat around the fire. Me and Will shared knowing looks at once another. He (thankfully) still hadn't breathed a word to Robin or any of the others.

"So, why was the Sheriff even out of the castle?" I questioned as soon as Robin and John sat down both either side of me.

"He was looking for the pact" Robin replied and then he smirked "and was sleepwalking"

"You don't really think the Sheriff was sleepwalking, do you?"

Robin grinned "nothing that man does would surprise me"

"no, I'm sorry" Much mused "No-one can ride a horse in their sleep"

Djaq erupted them "Ah! I knew a man once who got up, milked all his goats and then went right back to bed - all in his sleep"

"What?!"

"It's true! His wife saw it"

"Didn't she wake him up?"

"Are you mad? She went out and bought six more goats!"

We all burst out laughing at the story before conversation burst out between us. I, however, looked down at the ring on my finger and slowly slipped it off and pocketing it. I decided, I didn't want the gang to know. I wanted it to be mine and Allan's own secret. Even if Will did know, I trusted him not to breathe a word.

A/N So there it is. I'm so sorry for taking so long to update, I haven't had anytime to write or really do anything, my whole time is being taken up by school work (exams and all) but thank-you so so so much to all the reviews I've gotten.

Nojackinplural: Thanks for reviewing, sorry for taking so long to reply to your PM (I feel really bad, I've just literally had no time) so Elaine and Allan are finally married (it's taken them almost two damn seasons lol) Meghan's backstory will be mainly found out during season 3. I might even do a small side story for her (like a one-shot) I was planning that for Elaine's backstory, just to do a small prequel.

Anne: I know, even whilst watching the actual show seeing Allan treating the villagers badly in larders ring always made me really disappointed in him. TBH I never expected any reviews for this fic, thinking the RH fandom had died out and I'm just amazed I've got this many so I should be thankful to you guys. I love your reviews and love replying to them so thanks :D

Mademoiselle Nathalie: I never expected to keep Meghan in the gang but after I saw everyone seemed to like her I decided I was going to keep her in. I've got a lot planned for her in season 3. I know she wasn't really in this chapter but I didn't really want her involved in the Nottingham being attacked. Phew, I was so worried about what people would think off me killing off Much, so far I've had a good response. I know, I know, Allan was being a bit of an idiot last chapter, treating the villagers that way but even whilst I was watching the actual show I was disappointed in him and I wanted to convey it in this story. He will return to the gang, I promise, and it will be at the time that he did in the show under different circumstances though :P not revealing anything. Thanks for the review, It means a lot.

Lady Megan Gisborne: Thank you so so much for the review and I'm glad you liked the chapter. I must be honest, Guy isn't my fav character, but I do love him as a character, how complex he is. That I do love and I've started writing him in a way that might suit Guy fans (such as in this chapter, I hope I did it well) I am planning a Guy/Meg and I think you're really going to enjoy what I've got planned, it's gonna be great. I'm sorry I'm killing Guy off but it will be going with canon consistency with Guy saving Robin. I hope you liked this chapter and all the Guy scenes and I hope it was enough for you, I'm slowly going to have Elaine forgiving him.

Amaranthe Athenais: Thank-you so much for the review and for reading. I hope the length of this chapter made up for the shortness of the last chapter. I know I was disappointed in Allan too but I was also disappointed in the actual show at some of the things Allan did and I wanted to show it though this story too. There wasn't much of Elaine/Meghan interaction in this chapter other than at the start, but I think Meghan's words from last chapter got through the Elaine and now Elaine trusts Allan 100% but there will be many many more scenes with them, I think most of what I have planned for them will be in season 3 because there's just so much that's going to happen from the next chapter onwards and there won't be much time. Yup, Marian is betrothed to Robin and is back at the castle, like the show, I think pretty much everything that happens to Marian and Robin is quite canon up until her 'death'. No one can replace the Much and Robin friendship but I think Robin sort of see's Elaine as a little sister. I like the idea of further expanding on Allan/Robin's friendship as someone Robin can share his burdens with and as you said it would give him the chance to trust him again. Thanks so much for this review, I always love them.

Guest: Thank you so so much for the review and reading and you liking Allan/Elaine as a pairing means a lot.

Exotic little bird: I've tried deleting her reviews but I have no idea how to do it, nor do I have no idea how to block greenveilbride (do you know how?). I must admit that review definitely crossed way over the line and she shouldn't get away with it. It's come too far now but thank-you for your support it means so much and thanks for the review and liking my chapter. I've realized I've put a load of women into the gang now that almost equals it out, I always hated in the show how Djaq was the only woman there (until Marian comes into the gang) Rotherham featured in this chapter but not too much, we never found out what happened at the end, Elaine was too relieved that she didn't die to care much about him but I'm planning a scene for next chapter with the Sheriff getting angry at Gisborne for letting Rotherham leave after refusing to fight with the black knights, so yes it is one of the reasons why the Sheriff has to go to the holy land to kill the king because Rotherham was their most valuable black knight with the access to an army.

Allan and Elaine are married now! Yay (it only took them two seasons, lol) I hope that their scenes in this chappy was good enough. I'm still not too sure.

Because I was originally planning on killing off Marian I haven't decided on what gender and name their kid will be. I'll probably put up another poll on my page asking you guys what you want it to be but now I'm awwwwing at seeing a little Robin with a bow being all cheeky and stuff. I'm going to hate killing off Much, he is one of my most beloved and favourite characters, but I understand why he has to die. Him dying for Robin's happiness (Marian) is the perfect way for him to go.

Dreamer in shadows: I'm not revealing anything else about Meghan's character in season 3 :P or if she is going to die or not but yes she is the same Meg. I haven't actually planned what I'm going to do with Rotherham, originally I hadn't even planned on keeping Meghan in the gang so he wasn't ever going to be mentioned again. I might have him feature in season 3 but for this season we won't be seeing him again. I hope the Allan/Elaine scenes in this chapter suited you, I wasn't really sure especially with the sex scene, I didn't want to have to change the ratings.

LadyViolette1: Thank you so much for the review and reading this story. Sorry for taking so long to update but yes, you and I will both have to accept Much's death (ah, my bby I'm sorry for killing you off in such a cruel way! But I need Marian to live) I've not put Robin/Marian on the summery of my story, thank-you for advising me to, you're right they deserve to be on there and it will stop Guy/Marian fans from reading my story and then getting annoyed at me for the lack of their ship.

Mister Charlie Chaplin: Thank you so much for the review, it means a lot, I always look forward to them. Sorry for taking so long to update, I haven't really had much time to write. I'm really happy about the response about Meghan, everyone seems to like her. I actually hadn't planned a Meg/Marian friendship but I'm liking the idea of it. Meghan's quite carefree whilst Marian's quite a serious character, they'd balance each other out. Lol. Though there will be a Elaine/Marian relationship that will develop further in the future.

Rotherham was in this chapter, I wasn't planning on him being in this chapter actually but I decided I might as well. I'm not sure if he'll feature again, after deciding that Marian is going to survive I've had to adapt a lot of season 3 and Rotherham might come in again, I'm still not sure. But yes he is the reason Vaisey ends up having to go the holy land, we find out about that next episode. I must admit I am a hardcore Robin/Marian fan and can't stand Marian/Guy (though I do understand why people do ship them, especially after episodes such as Walkabout) but I just think they're such a toxic ship and Guy didn't really deserve a redemption arc after everything he did in the first two seasons (this is just my personal opinions, I hope I don't offend anyone by saying that) and you're right about putting their names on the couples list, I've just done that, it would at least stop Guy/Marian fans getting mad at me for expecting their relationship in it.

Life is on hiatus: Thank you so much for the review and chapter. Yes, Meghan is the Meg from season 3 and I'm glad you think that's a good idea. I've been planning it for awhile. Sorry for taking so long to update, I haven't had any time amongst school work (ah! Exams are coming up :/ *panic mode*) I hope this chapter was good.

Art Counterclockwise: Thanks for the review and reading. I'm really glad you're liking Meghan and Elaine's interactions, I wasn't too sure about Meghan when first writing her but you readers seem to like her. Allan will come back, but it will be at the same time as he did in the show but under different circumstances, not that I'm going to reveal anything :P