Allan and Elaine were ready and packed to leave. Elaine's sack was smaller compared to Allan's who had insisted she only carry essentials whilst he carried the hoard. Robin had left the camp an hour ago to try and find the two of them a horse and they waited patiently for his return, both unspokenly nervous to leave the camp and the lives they had known for so long.
"We'll see each other soon" Marian promised, hugging Allan teary eyed before turning to Elaine "What am I going to do without my only girl friend"
"I'm sorry" Elaine gave a sniff "I'm leaving you in charge of the boys now"
Marian shook her head and pulled Elaine into a hug. It was times like these that Elaine found herself reflecting on how her relationship with Marian had developed from her just being a up-herself lady to one of her best friends. She couldn't be more thankful for that friendship and was moved by Marian's reaction to her leaving.
"Just promise me you'll come back, soon after the little one is born. I need to meet her or him"
Elaine rested a hand on her stomach that was starting to show. Elaine was no longer trying to hide it, now that the rest of the gang knew, there was no point.
"Of course I will" Elaine grinned "They'll need to meet their aunt and uncles"
"Good" Marian sighed, drying her eyes on a cloth "We better get you to the road, we'll meet Robin up there with the horse"
Elaine almost refused "I don't want to leave now" She pouted like a child "It's just been my home for so long"
Marian nodded "I understand, but-"
"But I have to think of this one" She pointed to the bulge of her stomach "I know, I just don't want too"
Allan appeared next to her "We ready to go then?" He slung three sacks over his back with two blankets over the other shoulder and bows and weapons wrapped around his waist. He looked like a human donkey.
"Allan you look ridicules carrying all that stuff" Elaine chuckled picking up her own small bag but felt guilty as soon as she easily put it over her shoulder "I can carry my own stuff, you know. I'm pregnant not immobilized. My arms do still work"
"But you shouldn't have to carry your own stuff. What else is a man meant to do durin' a pregnancy"
Elaine couldn't think of any argument and if she was honest, it was rather nice not having to worry about carrying too much. Her back was already aching just from standing. And it was funny to watch Allan pretend he was finding it easy to carry all of their belongings, in order to preserve his masculinity when she could tell from his red face and sweat that he was struggling. If only he would let her help.
She cast an eye around the camp one last time "Alright, let's get going before I change my mind" It wouldn't be forever anyway, as soon as their child was old enough they would be back, even if only to visit.
Allan left first followed by the rest of the gang whilst Elaine held back wanting to take in everything one last time. She looked over at the cooking area where she fondly thought of Much and how terrible he was at it. There were far too many squirrels in the forest now for her liking.
She next looked over at the bed that Meghan had once slept in. It felt weird knowing her sister was alive and not being able to help her. She was still bitter at Tuck for what he did.
Her eyes travelled to the post that kept the camp upright by Will's amazing craft ship. It was where she had abandoned Allan after she discovered he had betrayed them. How stupid she had been to think she would never forgive him. Look at where they are now. About to have a child and leaving the gang for what could be forever.
"You coming?" a voice pulled her out of it. She turned to the entrance of the gang to find Allan there. His heavy load of bags had been reduced and Elaine had a suspicion he'd given a few to Little John.
"Yeah, I was just reminiscing" She told him, going to follow him out. He held out a hand for her to take which she accepted, the hill was steep leading down to the camp "I just can't believe we're actually doing this"
"Neither" Allan agreed "But think of it this way, you'll get to meet ma mother and we'll still have our own adventures"
Elaine's face twisted up "it won't be the same"
"hmm, and I 'fought you were the positive one 'ere" Allan chuckled at her childish manner.
They caught up with the gang and just as Elaine thought, Little John was carrying some of their bags. She leant over to Allan and whispered "So, why's John carrying our luggage?"
Allan's face reddened "he offered"
"Did he now?" Elaine raised an eyebrow playfully "I think you gave them to him"
"hmm…"
"Were they too heavy for big strong Allan A-dale"
"'course they weren't"
"You sure?" she giggled as Allan puffed out his chest.
"I am, I'll prove it" He called for John who turned around "Hey, don't worry john, I'll take the bags from here"
John frowned "I thought they were too heavy"
If possible Allan's face went even redder "Nah, they were fine"
John shrugged and placed them on the floor for Allan to pick up. He strided over there, with a confident swag in his step and leant down to pick them up. Once all three sacks were over his shoulder he gave a huff, already struggling to lean down and pick up the rest of the luggage.
"You're ridicules"
"And you're wrong. I can pick them up" Allan stubbornly picked up the rest of their items but Elaine could see he was truly in pain.
"Give them here, before you hurt yourself"
"I'm fine"
"Admit that you're being stupid" Elaine said "You'll still be a man afterwards"
Allan gave her a deadpan stare and looked as if he was about to respond when there was a rustle in the leaves and two figures appeared. One was Robin holding… another woman's hand?
Although it looked more like he was dragging her along as the two were deeply out of breath.
Elaine looked between Marian and the new woman. Marian was eyeing the girl up, her hands flickering from their held hands and Robin. Elaine could tell from her pursed lips and tight jaw line that she was furious.
The woman was dressed in a royal gold gown, her hair done up nicely and looked beautiful in compassion to all of the outlaws hair. Whoever this woman was she certainly was not dressed for the forest environment, she looked as if she had never even stepped foot in a forest before. The situation was reminding Elaine of Meghan who they found wearing a similar garment.
"Who's this?" Marian asked in a tight voice. Robin frowned at her tone before realizing he was holding hands with the woman and let go instantly, mouthing a quick apology. Elaine knew that wasn't going to cut it.
"Everyone this is Isabella. Isabella this is everyone" Robin rushed. He was looking behind him quickly as if something was following them. It was then that Elaine realized he didn't have a horse with him either "We're in trouble"
"What did you do this time?" Allan stared blankly, he had obviously realized the same as Elaine.
"We have company" Robin said seriously.
"So we can see" Marian eyed the woman up fiercely. Luckily she didn't seem to notice "What is she here for?"
"No, not her" Robin shook his head "our old friend" he spat out the words and Elaine could only guess he meant Gisborne. Who else could he mean?
"Is he back?" Marian's eyes widened.
"It seems so"
"Well what's he doing here?" Tuck asked.
"It seems he has a group of Prince John's men at his command" Robin sighed before turning to look at Allan and Elaine who were fully prepared to leave the rest of the gang to this mess "I'm sorry but I don't think you'll be able to leave today, they're searching the entire forest"
Elaine understood "That's fine-"
"What?" Allan grumbled "We'll be fine. We've dealt with worse situations than this"
Elaine shook her head "If we were to get caught, Allan, we'd be a goner. It's better for us to stay with the gang for an extra day, just to be sure"
Just as she said this a trample of hooves could be heard in the distance. The gang froze, realizing what this meant, before finally Robin took action. He ran towards the trees and signalled for the gang to follow. Isabella seemed to be struggling to get through the thickness of the grass in her long dress so Robin held back to help her through. Marian, in a heat of anger ran ahead. Elaine could feel the tension rising in the air at Robin's actions who was oblivious to why this was bothering Marian so much.
They ran as fast as they could. Allan kept a tight hand on her. He knew she was already the slowest of the group, and with carrying a baby it just made her slower, but he didn't complain as they fell behind a group of soldiers behind them.
"They're heading to the cliff" Elaine observed as Robin ran through the field that led down to a small jump that had a soft landing. It was a good tactic to get away from the soldiers as they couldn't follow on horseback but Elaine knew she wouldn't be able to jump.
"It'll be alright" Allan comforted, as worry swam through her. She wouldn't be able to jump, nor would they be able to outrun them.
"We're screwed" Elaine said as they reached the edge.
"Follow me!" Tuck called as he dived off of the cliff with no fear. John, Robin, Isabella followed shortly afterwards. Marian held but and was clever enough to know Elaine wouldn't be able to follow.
She stood at the cliff edge, Robin shouting down at her to follow just as Allan and Elaine approached. The horses and soldiers not too far away.
"I won't be able to jump, Marian" Elaine breathed heavily, sweat running from her forehead "It'll be too dangerous"
"I know" Marian said, pulling out her sword "I'll fight them off whilst you two run that way"
Elaine shook her head "you don't be able to fight them off on your own. You'll be killed"
"I'm perfectly capable of looking after myself, don't worry about me"
"MARIAN, JUMP!" Robin was shouting from down below. Marian whipped around to face him.
"Incase you can't see you fool, Elaine can't jump!" She fiercely snapped. She was still angry at the whole Isabella situation.
"Listen to him" Elaine told her "We'll be fine, we'll head for those trees over there and try and climb one of them" Although Elaine wasn't sure she'd even be able to do that. She realized, it was probably a good thing that she was leaving the gang if she couldn't even climb a damn tree.
Marian looked conflicted before nodding "okay, just be safe. I'll never forgive myself if you're not"
She said before jumping down. Elaine watched as she landed safely and had to laugh as Robin looked as if he had been about to re-climb the cliff to help her.
"We better start moving" Allan called her, before grabbing her hand and practically pulling Elaine towards the trees. Prince John's soldiers were quickly approaching "We're gonna make it"
Elaine didn't dare turn around for fear it would slow them down but she could hear the thud of hooves approaching and realized they were getting closer.
They reached the sanctuary of the trees. Allan rushed over to the nearest strongest tree he could find and went to lift Elaine into it. She reached the first branch when the soldiers surrounded them. There seemed to be fewer than how many had chased them, a few of them must have stayed to try and go after the gang. What drew Elaine's attention was the fact that Gisborne was with them.
He sat high on his horse shouting orders at his guards to surround the tree.
"Get up higher" Allan told her, whilst pulling his sword out, ready to protect her.
"I can help" Elaine stubbornly drew, about to climb down but Allan stood in front of the tree, blocking her route to the floor.
"Stay there, you have to think of the baby"
There was only three men, including Gisborne. Elaine bit her lip, Allan had a chance. But they would have a better one if she went down to help. But Allan was right, she had a little one to think off. She couldn't be reckless.
"Guy" Allan addressed Gisborne, desperation laced in his voice. The soldiers on their horses readied themselves for Gisborne's orders, leaving no room for escape "please, don't do this. After everything we've been through"
"After everything I've been through, a quick death is merciful" Guy snapped "You betrayed my trust by going back to that pitiful gang of Hood's"
"She's pregnant" Allan seethed "I know your not heartless. For old time sakes, let us go"
Gisborne's eyes travelled up to Elaine. Or more her stomach area and saw the obvious bulge. The two waited for his reaction.
"They're not who we're after" Guy turned his horse around "We were ordered for Robin hood's head. We're wasting time with these two. Let them go"
Elaine let out a breath of relief as the soldiers turned their horses around and rode back in the direction that they had just come. Allan quickly faced Elaine and helped her down from the branch.
"Did he actually just leave us alone?" Elaine couldn't believe it. The man who had killed Much had just saved her and Allan once again.
"I've always told you he ain't that bad"
"He killed Much" She glared up ahead at the far off distance horses "I still will hate him, no matter what he does to redeem himself"
She brushed herself down having got dirty from the climb "Where to now?"
"The gang?"
"The gang can look after them self" Allan shrugged "I say we leave whilst we still have a chance. The soldiers have gone looking for them, we'll be able to travel freely"
"What if they're not okay" Elaine frowned as the two started walking back to the cliff edge. They were no longer in sight but Elaine could only guess that they were still running away from the soldiers, the cliff was just a short-cut, there were other ways of getting down there.
"They will be" Elaine still wasn't sure, and Allan sensed this "listen, they'll be fine. They've been in a lot worse than this, 'aven't they?"
"I suppose" she agreed "but, we didn't get to say goodbye"
Allan rolled his eyes "You've been saying goodbye to them all week-"
"And we'll have to walk on foot"
"We'll steal a horse at the first tavern we see"
"You dropped our supplies-"
"Again, we'll steal what we need. It's what we're good at"
Elaine couldn't argue with him. She didn't know what was wrong, it just felt wrong to leave knowing the rest of the gang could be in danger. She supposed she should just be thankful that her and Allan made it out alive with their run in with Gisborne.
"If we leave now, the gang will never know if we made it out alive" Elaine found another argument "Marian will think Guy killed us"
"'Course they will, we'll be back before you know it" Elaine bit her lip, still not sure. She heard Allan give a deep sigh "Look, do you not want to leave or something cause if you don't then we'll stay. It's no problem"
"No, no, I do want to leave" Elaine quickly said, not wanting Allan to get the wrong idea "We need to leave, it's just not safe here but… I can't help but feel a little homesick already"
Allan chuckled "We've not even left the forest yet"
"Exactly" Elaine's lips curved upwards realizing how ridicules she sounded "That's how much I'm going to miss it"
Allan wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close. Elaine felt a small kiss be placed on the top of her head.
"We'll find a new home"
"You're sure we will?"
Allan didn't waste not time in replying and only paused to let his lips curve upwards "'Course we will. It's taken us a few bloody years but we're together and happy for once, can't we just seize the opportunity"
Elaine found no more argument. Allan was right, she needed to look forward for the future. She reached out for his hand and nodded "Let's go then"
The gang had been running for what felt like miles. Marian's legs were burning and Isabella had fallen over a few times in her long dress, which only caused Marian to roll her eyes and continue running forward but only get more angry when Robin stopped to help her.
"She's slowing us down" Marian muttered to Tuck as he stopped to make sure everyone got past the rock wall. Little John had run ahead to check if the coast was clear, the prince's men were still hot on their tails. What was curious is, none of them seemed to be attacking.
"She's only been caught up in this mess. I doubt she means any harm to us" Tuck responded "and what do you suppose, that we just leave her to die?"
"No of course not" Marian muttered, realizing she was being selfish. Robin and Isabella caught up with them, this time (to Marian's pleasure), not holding hands.
Everyone took time to breath as John came back down the slope "No, they're closing in"
"We're making it took easy" Marian stated, having to lean against a tree in order to get some air in, her chest feeling as if it was about to explode. The rest of the gang did the same.
"Marian's right" Robin transitioned into leader mode quickly "We need to split up"
"Isn't that the worst idea" Marian frowned "We won't know what happened to each other, we already don't know whether Allan or Elaine made it"
"Don't think about it, we'll worry about it later. For now we assume that they did" Robin told her with a stern stare, although Marian knew he was worrying just as much as her. He was just keeping it under wraps to keep up appearances, everyone was looking to him for a plan "But for now we need to worry about the main problem. We have Prince John's elite guards after us"
"We need to take it seriously" Tuck informed them.
"So we split up, to draw them off. Going in bigger groups slows us down" Robin took a deep breath "I'll lead them away, they'll probably want me more than you lot"
"Robin" Marian caught his hand as Robin went to turn "it's too dangerous, you're a fool if you think you can take on the guards"
Robin smiled fondly at his wife's favourite nickname for him "I'm not going to take them on, just draw them away from you lot. The rest of your find different quick routes to Nottingham, we'll meet there"
"Nottingham?" John growled "You want us to go to Nottingham!"
"It's the last place they'll look" Robin breathed, still seemingly struggling for air. Marian had got her breath back and was preparing for a long sprint. The gang had been waiting there far too long, the prince's soldiers would have surely caught up to them now and probably listening in on their new plan "Marian" Robin's voice called Marian out of deep thought "I hate to ask this of you but I need you to get Isabella to Nottingham safely"
Her draw drew tighter "Why me?"
"Because they're less likely to go after you"
Marian couldn't disagree. She was a woman, and had history with Gisborne. He might have even asked the guards to leave her alone. Although, she doubted it, especially after the last few times they'd met.
"Please Marian, for me"
Marian thought about it "and if she turns out to be a spy for him"
"I can assure you I'm no spy" Isabella spoke up. She hadn't opened her mouth much but Marian was surprised to hear her stick up for herself "and I certainly am not here to cause any trouble. You can trust me"
Biting her lip, Marian finally nodded. Part of her feeling bad that she had openly dismissed the woman but when Isabella turned to Robin and gave him a small smile which he willingly returned, she instantly switched back to hating her.
"Fine" Marian snapped "I'll take you" The quicker they got rid of the woman the better.
"I appreciate it, Marian" Robin said before turning back to Isabella "You're in safe hands, I promise. Marian is used to sneaking around, undercover. If anyone can get you through, it's her"
Pride swelled through, Marian, as he referred to her days as the nightwatchman. She hadn't realized how much he trusted her to do this. She knew she could do it but it was worth a lot more knowing he did too.
"Okay, let's go" Marian grabbed Isabella's arms as the gang split up. John, Tuck and Robin went off separately "If we head off north they we should get there the quickest"
"How do you even know where we're going in this forest. I can't see five feet ahead of me without seeing another tree" Isabella was looking around wildly for any men. She now no longer looked like the proper lady they had meet just under an hour ago. Her hair was tangled up, her beautiful dress now had rips in and dirt smothered the bottom where she'd fallen over.
"You just get used to it" Marian said whilst running "I know this forest mostly by heart now, wait-" her instincts caused Marian to catch hold of Isabella's hand and draw her nearer and behind her "Do you have any weapon on you?" she asked as she withdrew her own sword.
"I was exactly prepared for fighting" Isabella joked but then her mood became serious "no, why?"
"There's guards behind those trees there" Isabella looked around frightened but still couldn't see them "on the left" They were hidden poorly, the size of their shields was bigger than the tree trunk. What bothered Marian was, if they were as good as she had heard from stories (They were Prince John's elite guards) then why were they hiding terribly. Did they want her to know they were there? And if so why weren't they attacking "What are they doing?" Marian cringed, preparing herself as she steadily walked forward, her sword at the ready "Why aren't they attacking?"
"Would you prefer it if they did?"
"Of course not" She snapped "It's just odd" She grabbed the noble woman's arms again, to make sure she kept up "Let's go this way. Quickly!"
Allan and Elaine were taking the north road and were now a few miles away from camp. It wouldn't be too long before they were out of Sherwood forest all together.
"I wish we had a horse" Elaine grumbled, feeling the sting in her legs as she walked "Or our food supply for that matter"
"Quite your whinging" Allan bumped her shoulder, taking a swig of his near empty flask "If I remember correctly, as soon as we exit the forest there's a pub a few yards down. I've got enough money" he tapped his pocket where a clear purse was "for us to stay the night with food. When we're there we'll pick pocket a few people"
"Doesn't that go against our purpose of starting afresh" Elaine raised her eyebrows.
"Old habits die hard, let's be honest. We'll always be thieves"
"Even when we're old?"
"Especially then. We've got to make a living somehow" Allan raised his flask to her. His grin was contagious as Elaine found herself giving a hearty laugh. He seemed happy. If she didn't know that it was only water in the flask she would say he was drunk "I 'fink we'll come famous for it, the oldest thieves in England"
"We're already famous. We're in Robin Hood's gang"
"Were in Robin Hood's gang. We've got to find something else to be famous for now" Allan mused. His head completely in the clouds. Elaine was worried he was getting too excited about this little adventure of there's.
They had decided to go to his parent's after all. It seemed the perfect time to go and all Elaine wanted to do was meet his mother. The woman who had raised Allan. She just hoped the woman liked her in return. There was just the slight issue of his father, who Allan hoped was out of the picture by now, but doubted it.
"How long does it take to get to Rochdale?" Elaine asked out of curiosity. They hadn't really planned the trip very well, even less now that they'd left their supplies back home. They would have to steal for money now in order to eat and get shelter. Which just put them in as much danger as they would have been She wanted to know how many days
"Two days by foot, maybe quicker if we get a horse" Allan responded. Suddenly, he stopped mid-track "Listen I've been meaning to talk to you about the route we could take"
Elaine's eyebrows knitted together in confusion "Hm?"
"Well, we could travel through Rotherham. It'll take an extra day but I was thinkin' we could try and get Meghan away from her husband"
Elaine was speechless. She wasn't sure what she should feel. Allan was giving her the chance to save her sister, but for some reason she wasn't sure if she should. It was Meghan's choice to go back to her husband, but she had also said that she would see her again. Maybe Elaine could just help push that along.
"Isn't that a little dangerous, if Rotherham was to catch us"
"We'd get away, we always do" Allan assured her. He stepped forward and snaked an arm around her waist to pull her closer "I just thought this pregnancy would be somethin' you'd like to share with her"
Elaine looked down at her growing bump and nodded "It is. I just don't want to risk getting caught. With her being there, I know she's safe. She might not be happy but she's safe and that's what's important. I don't want to bring her out of that again"
Allan scrunched his nose up in response "I'm pretty sure she'd disagree"
"And you'd be alright if we went on a rescue mission" Elaine asked unsure. She really did want to see Meghan again.
"'Course I would be, it was me who suggested it"
"But it kind of defeats the purpose of us leaving to get away from it all"
"All I want is you to be happy" Allan lent down and kissed the top of her bump "And that this one is safe"
Marian and Isabella had been cornered off. They had been forced to change their direction and now instead of heading North they were heading far south. That is until they ran into a clearing and ran straight into Tuck. It was lucky that they had missed his sword as he pulled it up in defence before realizing who it was.
"I thought you two were heading North"
"We're trying but incase you haven't noticed there are guards at every turning" Marian grumbled, putting her sword away. There seemed to be no use to having it out anyway, they weren't attacking. At least she knew the others would be safe if they weren't attacking yet. There was obviously another plan to this "There must be hundreds of them"
She couldn't see any at the present second, they were hidden by shrubs at the moment.
"There are, and they seem to know exactly where we're going"
Crunching of leaves could be heard behind Tuck as Robin appeared, out of breath "or where they want us to go. We've been herded. For the slaughter!"
"Calm down, Robin" Marian stepped in, putting an arm on Robin's shoulder. He was panting and from his expression Marian could tell he was angry.
"They're tracking us, Marian and exhausting our arsenals. I only have one arrow left!" Robin shouted "And has anyone seen sight of Allan or Elaine?"
No one spoke up.
"Well we've just got to hope they're doing the same to them as us, and didn't attack them" Robin's lips pressed together forcefully "We've only got one direction left to go"
"it's probably exactly where they want us to go"
"And if we stay here much longer they'll kill us here on the spot. For now we give into their game" Robin responded to Marian who surprisingly nodded with understanding. She knew it was a tricky situation. One they might not get out of.
"Quickly, let's go" Robin snatched Marian's hands quickly just as soldiers appeared out of the trees with the shields in their hands, blocking them from moving any further, other than where they wanted them to go. Robin was right, they were herding them only to slaughter them "Stop!" Robin shouted as more soldiers appeared. Gisborne being one of them sitting atop his horse.
"This way! It's Gisborne!" Marian shouted as she clambered over some leaves for the rest of the gang to follow "We have no other way to do!"
Marian noticed Isabella hanging back and called for her to follow. She did but only hesitantly. She saw the fear in her eyes.
"It'll be alright, we've been in worse situations than this and always pull through" She didn't know why she was all of a sudden being so nice to her. Maybe it was because she was stressed and there wasn't a lot of time to be angry at something so small.
"Go, go, go!" Tuck pushed them along. Marian felt someone nudge her back to guide her forward. Everyone seemed to be running as fast as they could whilst trying to remain together.
They were herded into a clearing. Soldiers surrounded the area. Stopping any escape that may come to mind. Robin prepared his bow, although it wasn't much use. He only had one arrow left, but he was sure to make use of it.
Gisborne was at the centre of the rabble. On top of his black horse looking powerful. Marian had to stop herself from running forward and slashing off the smirk that appeared on his face.
"Looking good, Gisborne, for a dead man"
It was time for Marian to once again pull out her sword, instructing the others to do so as well.
"Just be assured, Hood, that your death will be real. Not rumoured" Gisborne cut across. His eyes landing on Marian. She stood taller under his stare, Robin seemed to notice Gisborne's change in focus and took a step in front of her. Gisborne looked as if he was preparing to say something before just going for it "Marian, come here now and you can be spared"
"For what?" Marian seethed "If you think I'm ever going to forgive you for everything you've done-"
"Stay the hell away from her" Robin's grip on his bow tightened "I will shoot you"
"With your last arrow, I doubt it" Gisborne mocked, his head tilting to the box that Marian had only just noticed. It was red and large with a single hatch at the front. Goodness knows what lie behind it "Marian, I'm giving you a chance. Take it"
"I would rather die" venom spat through Marian's voice as she said this.
Gisborne's lips snarled upwards. Robin prepared for him to take her by force by he gave up, instead ducking his head and turning his horse around without saying another word. The soldiers under his command were preparing for something, they all moved out of the way of the large red crater and circled it, the crater pointed at them. One guard stood on top of the box, one hand on the rope ready to open the hatch.
"Why didn't you go with him" Isabella asked Marian "He's letting you live"
"You don't know the man. He's a vile, manipulative. Who will do anything to get what he wants"
"And what he wants now is us dead" Robin out spread his arms to protect the gang as the guard was commanded to open the hatch. The guards ducked away. Marian found her hands sweating against her palm and sword.
The hatch opened. Marian screamed as a lion appeared jumping out from it's cage. Marian had never even seen a lion before. It's mane shook as it began to prowl towards them. Robin prepared his bow.
"You're going to have to hit it good to get it down for good" Marian told him "Either that or you'll just anger it more"
"I'll be able to hit it" Robin snapped, taking anyone seriously who doubted his archery skills.
"And kill it?"
"It hasn't been fed for days!" Gisborne's voice said from somewhere. Marian was trying to not pay attention to him, but rather on the animal looking at her like food "I wanted him ready for you"
The guards that surrounded them began by beating their shields with the spears in their hands, as if drawing the lion away from them and towards the gang that stood defenceless with only one arrow pointed at the lion.
"We might be able to run" Marian said looking around for any exits.
"You can get out" Robin said seriously, daring to look away from the creature and look at his wife "Gisborne is offering you passage. Take it and live another day"
"Don't be an idiot" Marian shot back, sending Robin a repulsed look "We're in this together"
"I'm just trying to protect you!" Robin replied fiercely "Why do you always take what I say as an insult"
"Because I am insulted. Protecting me is not sending me over to Gisborne"
Robin didn't reply, knowing she was right, as the soldiers began to step forward, approaching the animal causing it to move closer to them. Marian's finger tips shook on the hilt of her sword as it was less than ten metres away. All it would have to do is run at them and they'd all be torn to pieces.
"Everyone stay together" Marian told them, clasping onto Tuck's arm who was the furthest away.
"Robin" Isabella spoke up. Her eyes trained on the dagger for any sudden movements "Are you as good as a shot as they say you are"
"Of course I am" Robin quickly replied causing Marian to snort causing him to glare in her direction "I am"
"What are you thinking?"
Marian only just noticed her pull out two pouches from under her dress. Marian almost laughed at her hiding weapons under her bodice because she used to do that herself, until she joined the gang where she didn't have to hide her weapons so discreetly. She passed one to Marian.
"Throw this as far away from us as you can" Marian threw the pouch up in the air to test the weight "Robin, hit it in the air"
"What's it going to do?" Marian asked.
"It sorts of stuns them" Isabella said "now, everyone close your eyes and don't breath it in"
The lion roared and Marian was itching to throw the pouch sooner rather than later.
"Ready. One, two, three!" Marian outstretched her arms as far as the could go in the Lion's direction, that was far to close for comfort. Robin fired his arrow before Marian could prepare herself for the explosion. A loud bang sounded afterwards and dust covered the floor.
Marian hadn't had time to prepare as the dust fell over them. Luckily, Robin pulled her down at the last second to avoid the stunning dust, but it was too late when Marian spluttered a bit. When they heard the clunk of armored men falling, Robin shouted at them to run.
All of the men had fallen down and were no longer there to stand guard and there was now a clear escape in the clearing for them to run out of.
"This way!" Tuck took lead, followed by Isabella and lastly Marian and Robin. Marian was struggling to keep her eyes open, the dust already taking effect. If it wasn't for Robin keeping an arm around her, she was sure she would have fallen. she was struggling to stand let alone run.
"Are you alright?" Robin asked as soon as they were in the clear. Marian responded by nodding her head, now wasn't the time to worry about her.
A/N This is not the end to Elaine and Allan, they'll be back in the gang shortly. I'm now going to change between Elaine/Allan and the gang on each chapter. Next chapter will remain focused on The gang to finish the episode 'let the games commence' (Which I'm a bit worried will remain quite similar to the actual episode as the only change is much and Allan won't be there but Marian will be. There's definitly going to be tension between Isabella and Marian. In terms of Isabella/Robin's relationship I think I'm going to make it more that Isabella wants Robin but Robin isn't interested (for obvious reasons *Marian's actually alive*)
Meg: Thanks so much for the review and I'm so sorry for the slow updates but i'm getting there (slowly but surely) I just wanted to show Elaine's kinda dark side and show how far she's willing to go for Allan, despite her past with Guy. And also I kinda want Rufus to come back (because obviously, Robin killed him in the show), he was one of my favourite villains from the show and he's going to reappear later on. Thanks again!
