Winter soon turned to Spring, and everything changed with the season. The patrols had grown more frequent, with new recruits added to the castle's garrison, though they still returned empty handed. The forest had turned back to a lush green colour, for the trees had gained their leaves, and birds had returned so that the air was often filled with their songs. Flowers had blossomed and the days were longer, with the sun frequently shining and there was a certain warmth to everything. All of this had lifted Alyss' spirits, for Spring had always been her favourite time of year as it was full of new beginnings, and she was determined to make the most of what she had here in Nottingham. Though she was a prisoner, she did at least have the opportunity to spend time with two of her childhood friends, and she did get to handle some truly beautiful birds in the aviary. She enjoyed visiting the stables and wandering around the castle gardens, and she knew that she would miss these when she eventually returned to Nettleworth Manor.

Alyss also could not help but wonder about Sir Guy of Gisburne. She had no idea what he would do when she left, though she had no doubt that he would keep his softer side hidden. Ever since the Sheriff had returned he had been more guarded around her, and she wished that this was not the case. Every so often she caught a glimpse of his kindness, but this had always been quickly hidden. The pair were united in their hatred against the Sheriff, and their talks had often strayed to the future and what their plans were. Alyss knew that she would have to get married or find a way to keep the manor in her name, while Gisburne was determined to find a way to escape De Rainault. She knew that given the chance, the knight would find a way to make his way in the world, and she hoped that he would do well. She could not imagine him settling to be a deputy again, but she could not see him running a village either. Perhaps he would join the campaign in Normandy?

Gisburne knocked on the door, hoping that Alyss would be willing to go for a walk. He rarely had the opportunity to spend time with her these days, and he was growing jealous of Osric and Edmund, for they spent far more time with her than he did. Sighing, he knocked again. He had just returned from Sherwood and was tired of listening to the Sheriff's insults. More than anything he wanted better company, and he knew that just Alyss' presence would help to soothe him. Receiving no response, he walked inside and then allowed himself a small smile as he found the raven-haired lady sat by the window. She looked to be deep in thought, and he almost regretted disturbing her, but she gave him a smile as she heard him enter.

"Sir Guy, what can I do for you?"

"Would you like to go for a walk?" She nodded, before fastening her cloak around her shoulders and following him outside. He was rather grateful that she had survived her injuries, and there appeared to be no lasting damage. In fact, he would say that her actions had brought them closer together, for since that day they had grown to be friends. He knew just how grateful Alyss was that he had kept both her and her lands safe, and yet he knew there was more to their friendship than that. Since Christmas they had both been more open with each other, and Guy found himself falling deeper for her by the day, yet he was convinced that she would never accept or reciprocate those feelings. He was certain that she was only being friendly with him because he had saved her life, yet a part of him knew that this was not the only reason. He had caught her staring at him every now and again, and there was a look in her eyes that gave him the tiniest part of hope that all was not in vain. It seemed that both of them had changed over the Winter, and he was glad to find that Alyss was much warmer towards him and happier too.

"Where would my lady like to go?" He asked as they reached the stairs. Alyss looked thoughtful for a moment, before fiddling with her sleeve, which Guy knew was a habit when she could not make a decision. "What is the matter?"

"I am torn between the gardens and the tower." She admitted, for it was late afternoon and the sun was starting to get low. Guy merely chuckled.

"We can visit both." He assured her.

"You are free of duties for the day?"

"I am." Alyss' smile grew wider, and she picked up her pace as they headed towards the gardens. The pair walked in relative silence until they were a safe distance away from nosy servants and prying eyes. Only once they had reached the empty gardens did the pair relax and begin to discuss their days. The noblewoman listened patiently as the knight ranted about the Sheriff and the wolfs heads, chipping in every now and again with some advice. She stopped occasionally to admire and inspect new blooms, and told Gisburne about the different flowers and herbs. They were both rather content in each other's company, and Sir Guy wondered if he would see much of Alyss when she returned home. He knew he would feel her absence keenly, but had no doubt that he would be able to distract himself with his duties.

"Shall we head upwards?" Alyss suggested as they finished their turn around the gardens.

"I thought you disliked heights?" He queried as they started to climb up the stairs.

"I do, but the view…" She trailed off, though Guy knew what she meant. He let her go ahead of him, happy to stop and rest a couple of times while Alyss caught her breath back, before they climbed the final staircase. By the time he reached the top, Alyss had found a spot to stand in, and her hair and cloak billowed in the cool afternoon breeze. Truly she was the most beautiful woman he had ever laid his eyes on, and he wished he could tell her so.

"I will miss this when I leave." She said softly as he stood next to her. Instinctively he offered his arm, and she took it before resting her head on his shoulder. He stiffened ever so slightly, unused to such close contact, but he had no wish for her to move.

"I have no doubt you will return to Nettleworth." He assured her.

"Even if I do not, I have no doubt that the Sheriff will not allow me to remain here in the castle." She sighed.

"What will you do if your father cannot pay?" He asked curiously, though he regretted it instantly as sorrow dulled her eyes.

"I am unsure. I doubt that any nobleman would wish to marry a lady without lands or titles, so perhaps I will join a convent…" She mused, before casting her eyes over the forest. "Or perhaps I will turn outlaw…" He frowned, before realising that she was teasing him.

"Another lady wolfs head?" He groaned, playing along.

"Well, I have no doubt you would soon capture me, and I would be thrown in the dungeons." She said. "So perhaps not. As romantic as a life in the greenwood sounds in the stories, I know the reality is far different… I suppose the other option is to find work, though I don't know what skills I have that could be used."

"Would you remain in the county?"

"I…" she gave a heavy sigh. "I doubt we would. If Nettleworth is lost then I don't think my father will want to stay and see it destroyed." Gisburne gave a slight sigh, and hoped that it would not come to that. Though he rarely had reason to ride to the other side of Sherwood, he wanted to see Alyss outside of her captivity.

The pair stood in silence for a while, both content to admire the view as the sun began its descent in the sky, but Guy's attention was soon taken by a horse and cart emerging from Sherwood. They looked vaguely familiar, and he wondered just who would be travelling to Nottingham so late in the day. Certainly he had heard nothing of visitors, but the rider was too finely dressed to be visiting anywhere else but the castle.

"Father!" Alyss exclaimed as she saw him, her eyes lighting up. It had been nine months since the relatives had seen each other, and Alyss' excitement was obvious. As much as he wanted to see them reunited, Guy hesitated as he had no idea if Lord Edgar was here with the money or on other business. Alyss had already headed down the stairs, and the knight hurried after her, determined that the agreement would not be broken before the debt was cleared.

"My lady! Wait!" He called after her, but she carried on. He was amazed at her speed, but he soon caught up with her on the next corridor. Alyss was picking herself up from the floor where she had tripped, and he soon stood in front of her, blocking her way.

"My lady, I know you are desperate to see him, and I have no wish to keep you separated for any longer than necessary, but we do not know why he is here." He told her.

"But Sir Guy…" She pleaded, her eyes wide with desperation.

"I am sorry to do this, but I will find a way for you to see him if he is not here with the money." He promised. "But for now, my lady, I must ask that you wait here." They were stood by a balcony near the Great Hall, and Alyss met his eyes.

"If I do not?"

"Then Nettleworth Manor will be lost to you." He said, and she sighed deeply.

"I will remain here." She told him, trying to ignore the sound of her father's voice echoing around the courtyard.

"I will not be long." He promised, before hurrying to the courtyard, hoping that it was good news.