Locksley

April 23rd, 1192

Robin couldn't believe that he was finally home. As he looked down upon his beloved village from the top Locksley Hill. Robin breathed in the familiar scent of home. "Home" he whispered to himself hopping down from his horse. He wanted to enter Lockley on foot.

Robin smiled as he and Much walked through Locksley village taking in the sights and sounds of villagers preparing for another day. "We're home Much," Robin said padding his former manservant on the back as they passed the potter's house. Only to be interrupted by the sound of hoofbeats.

The duo soon found themselves surrounded by guards clad and yellow and black. Demanding to know their purpose in the village at this early hour. Robin was about to speak when the guards parted letting through a tall dark man dressed in black leather atop a black stallion. Robin smiled and introduce himself.

"My name is Robin, Earl of Huntingdon and Lord of this manner" At these words the smile disappeared from Gisborne's face. He was supposed to be dead. Killed by his own hand in the Holy Land. The Sheriff had rewarded him Locksley upon his return six months ago. Even though he had failed to eliminate the King. Now, this high and mighty nobleman had returned to take what was his. Leaving Guy with nothing once more.

Gisborne cleared his throat and said, "Very well." Truthfully Guy was slightly unsettled by the Locksley's calm demeanor surrounded by guards that could easily kill him on the spot. "Move" Gisborne ordered his guards. Robin spoke, " Wait, my Lord, you may collect your things from my house before leaving." Guy simply nodded then ordered his men to collect his possessions.

Robin smiled at Much. "C'mon, let's go home."

Entering the manor Robin happily greeted Locksley's steward Thornton with a hug. Withdrawing from Thornton he took a look around. He was home other than the Gisborne colors everything looked just as he remembered it. "Hannah a bath for the master, Bridget clean lindens for the master's bed, Mary some food". Thornton began to order servants of the house.

Robin called Thomas to him. "Thomes I'm granting Much, Bonchurch for his service in the Holy Land. I'm offering you his position" Thomes's eyes lit up he couldn't believe it. "I accept" Thomes answered without a second thought. "Come, Thomes, I need getting out of my Mail" He nodded and followed his Master up the stairs.

Robin stopping before entering his chamber turned and called "Thornton, I want you to organize a feast for the villager for tomorrow evening" Seeing Gisborne next to Thornton Robin extended invitation "Sir Guy you're welcome to attend tomorrow's feast" Thornton nodded as Robin tossed him few coins to go purchase two pigs for the feast. 'Charles' Thornton called "Go purchase two pigs from Stutely" Charles nodded and was off.

A short time later Hannah smiled as her Master settled into the bathwater. Hoping the dark days were gone. Now that Master had returned. She could only imagine what he had been through catching a glimpse of his horrendous scar down his side. Wondering how he received it. Curiosity got the better of her " Master how did you…"

Suddenly the door opened and Much walked in. Arguing with Thomas. "This is unacceptable Master you're mutton is cold" Much scoffed while glaring at Thomas. Not approving of Thomas's new role. Thinking the young man was unworthy of the position. "It's all right Much I'm not really hungry at this moment" Much wasn't taking that "Master you must eat you're still much too thin you're still not fully recovered" Robin ran his hand through his hair.

"Master Robin" Thank God Robin though at Thorton's call. "Sir Guy wants a word with you before he leaves for the castle" Robin stood wrapping a towel around his waist. "Alright send him in". With that, the door opened "Sir Guy, what can I do for you. I'm sure that you are all packed" Guy just stood there finally for a moment. Pondering over the horrendous scar on Locksley's side how could he have survived that wound.

"Sir Guy?" Robin's words snapped him back to readily. "Yes, Yes, I'm all packed" he answered quickly. Looking out the window and his men and fully the packed wagon. He took a deep breath and spoke "I would appreciate respect in front of the peasants" Robin smirked. "The Council of Nobles meets in two days it's likely the sheriff will call a feast in your honor". Robin nodded and spoke "Both myself and Much will be here"

At that Guy turned and left. Thinking the sheriff would be furious at his failure to kill Huntingdon he had been rewarded Locksley for that very reason. Descending the stairs another thought suddenly hit him, Marian. Marian, he needed to speak to her. Convince her to break her betrothal to Huntingdon. He was sure a connection had formed between the two of them in the months since his return from the Holy Land.

He would ride to Knighton first thing tomorrow before Huntingdon could get to her. Remind her that he had abandoned her. Guy cursed himself for not pursuing her sooner but he had respected her betrothal. It wasn't until he returned from the Holy Land certain Huntingdon was dead to begin his pursuit of her. As he entered Sherwood he vowed Marian would be his by any means necessary. Her pure and innocent soul was his ticket to Salvation. Not to mention she was the most beautiful woman he had ever meet.