Guy sat by the window, wrapped in a blanket to keep off the chill while he watched the villagers outside. It had been two weeks since he had been brought to Nettleworth, and though his wound seemed to be healing nicely, he knew he did not want to leave. Life here was a lot different compared to that of Nottingham, but he was rather enjoying the relative silence and simplicity of this place. He did not have to worry about the Sheriff berating him for things beyond his control, nor about outlaws breaking into the castle. He also did not have to worry about leading patrols through Sherwood or escorting the taxes, and for that he was somewhat grateful. Though he did miss riding Fury around, he was glad of the rest. Life had been somewhat hectic recently, and just a month ago he had nearly lost his head for De Rainault's mistake. Yes, he had joined the Cult of Fenris, but he hadn't had much of a choice otherwise. He had not wished to die after all, for he had plans for the future which needed him alive.
The sound of laughter brought him back from his thoughts, and he smiled as he saw Alyss chasing after a group of children, playing some form of game. The young lady's hair was askew, and splatters of mud covered her skirt, but this did not make her any less beautiful in his eyes. Until he had met Alyss he had never known a noble to be so keen to help out their tenants, and yet no job seemed to be too big or too small for her. In between nursing him and running the manor, Alyss somehow still found the time to help those who needed it, but Gisburne knew it was taking its toll on her. He had no idea how long she slept for, or just how she found the time to do everything, and yet she acted as if it had no strain on her. He wondered what she would do when Edgar passed away, and then chastised himself, for she would surely have a husband by then. It was not his place to worry about her future, and yet… Yet he so dearly wished that she could be his, and his alone. Of course, even if she did agree to marry him, he would face staunch opposition from Edgar, De Rainault and the villagers of Nettleworth. No, it was better to accept that these were dreams only, and that was all they could ever be.
He could not help but laugh as Alyss was surrounded by the group, and she held her hands up in surrender. However, as one of the younger children advanced, she ducked down and started tickling them. The other children cried out and started tickling her, and soon all were laughing heartily. He had never seen the woman look so happy, or so at home, even though she currently looked nothing like a noble lady. He could tell that she would make a great mother, and for the briefest moment he allowed himself to imagine what their children would look like, before moving on. Alyss got to her feet and giggled as she noticed they were being watched, before all returned to their homes. Guy wondered how long it would be before she would visit him. He hoped it would not be too long. Though he had spent much of the last fortnight in bed, he was growing bored.
He knew now just how Alyss must have felt when he had kept her captive in Nottingham Castle, and yet he was surprised that she bore him no ill will. They had discussed it often over the last few days, and though Guy felt guilty for tearing her away from her home for so long, Alyss had merely pointed out that Nettleworth would have fallen to the Sheriff had he not done so. Indeed, by taking her to Nottingham, her father had been forced to pay off the debt, and she had gained some worldly experience. It had also amazed him that they were both rather at ease with each other. Though it had been over a year since they had last spoken, it was almost as if no time had passed for either of them, for their friendship was still as strong as it once had been.
A little over half an hour had passed when she appeared with food. He was not surprised to see that she had changed her gown, and her hair had been roughly plaited, but her cheeks were red and her eyes sparkled from being outside. It only added to her beauty.
"I'll bring it across." She told him, and then handed him a bowl of stew. He took it gratefully and ate while Alyss built the fire back up and pottered about the room. Never had he seen anyone so busy, and he wondered just how much of Edgar's work she had taken on. He had certainly never known anyone to be so happy to help out as Alyss, and Guy supposed that this was what happened to nobility who did not attend the Royal Court or send their children away for training.
"How are you feeling today?"
"A little better." He told her as he finished eating. "Did you win the game?" Alyss' cheeks flushed redder, and she turned her attention back to tidying the bedsheets.
"I did." She said quietly. "Is there anything else you require?" The knight chuckled, while Alyss finished making the bed. "What is it?"
"Our roles have reversed. You are now the one keeping me captive." He teased.
"Yet you have the freedom to leave whenever you choose." She pointed out as she finished her task.
"Only once I am well enough to ride. I have no wish to undo your hard work." He told her. "Nor do I wish to trespass upon your hospitality for any longer than necessary."
"You are welcome to stay for as long as you wish." Alyss said as she joined him by the window.
"I suppose your father does not second that." Guy suggested, and the woman sighed deeply. "I have heard you argue. I do not blame him. Hardly anyone would be willing to…"
"I wish he would understand my reasons." She shook her head as she looked out towards the forest.
"Reasons?" Guy queried. "I can understand not wanting the village to be fined, but…"
"I owe you my life." Alyss pointed out. "And I would not leave anyone to die on the side of the road if I could help it."
"You owe me nothing my lady. You have saved mine, and so in that regard we are equal." He assured her, before shivering in the cold. Alyss merely offered him her arm, and helped him to sit next to the fire. She pulled up another stool, and sat next to him, content to watch the flames for a few minutes.
"I take it he does not know everything that happened in Nottingham?" The knight asked after a moment.
"I have tried to tell him, but he will not listen." She sighed. "He ignores the time I was away, but he will not let me leave Nettleworth."
"You feel you are trapped once more?" Gisburne asked curiously. Alyss bowed her head in silence, but this was enough of an answer.
"It seems that is the life of a noble woman. We are to be kept trapped like birds in gilded cages, passed from father to husband, with little freedom." She shook her head. "Sometimes I think about running away and leaving it all, but…"
"But your duty to your people keeps you here." He finished for her. "Truly I have never met anyone who is so involved with their residents."
"There are times where I wish I was not a woman." She sighed deeply. "Not that I have admitted that to anyone."
"The life of a nobleman is still full of duties." He pointed out. "And there is still little freedom. I too wish I could escape, but…"
"Then what would you do, if you were not a knight?" Alyss asked, intrigued. Gisburne considered this carefully.
"I have seen my fair share of the country, but probably someone who travels." He said, and Alyss smiled.
"I think I should like to be a merchant." She admitted. "They travel across the world, and always have such exotic items and amazing stories."
"Not all of them are true." He pointed out, and she laughed.
"No, but they are entertaining. I do enjoy a good story. They let me escape this world for a short while."
"Then remind me to tell you some of my travels when you have the time."
"I have a short while before I have to go." She told him, and the knight smiled before regaling her with a tale from his younger days.
Autumn soon turned to Winter, and as November began, the trees dropped their leaves and everyone started to wrap up against the cold. Gisburne was much recovered, though he was still unable to remain on a horse for very long, and he knew that if was unable to return to Nottingham soon then he would have to stay in Nettleworth until Spring. He did not mind this, though he knew that Edgar would not be happy. He had barely crossed paths with the Lord of Nettleworth, and Gisburne had the distinct idea that Edgar was avoiding him. Sir Guy was also growing concerned for Alyss' welfare. She had grown more distracted of late, and he barely saw her for very long. He did not see her with the village children anymore, and the villagers themselves were all kept busy. He had tried to speak to them when he went for his daily walk, but no one would answer him. All looked at him with distrust and scarcely veiled anger, but the knight could not blame them. After all, his reputation was hardly favourable, and from what he had heard, Nettleworth's residents were extremely loyal to their Lord and Lady. Even so, Guy had the distinct feeling that something was being kept from him, though he had no idea what it would be.
His answer was found when Osric and Edmund returned to the village one Friday afternoon. The soldiers had escorted a cart filled with food, fabric and chests, and Gisburne watched curiously from the window. He had noticed that the cottages were all freshly thatched and painted, and hardly anything looked out of place. He had no idea why the village looked so clean, and yet he knew that it had something to do with Alyss. She was hiding something from him, and he had no doubt that this new arrival would have something to do with it.
"My lord Gisburne." Osric greeted as he appeared a short while later. "The Sheriff wishes to know when you will be returning to Nottingham."
"I am sure he does." Guy shook his head. "How does the castle fare?"
"It still stands, though De Rainault reckons your replacement is terrible." Gisburne laughed. "How are you faring? Has Lady Alyss been a fair jailer?"
"Fair indeed." The knight smiled, glad for the friendly face. "She thinks I will be free to leave whenever I so choose."
"Which will be never?" Osric guessed. "She does have that effect, although I fear you may wish to leave soon."
"Why would that be? Is there something in Nottingham that I am required for?"
"No." Osric said carefully. "Has she not told you?"
"Told me what?"
"She is to marry." Osric told him. Gisburne stared at the soldier feeling confused.
"Marry?"
"That is how Lord Edgar raised the money. He sold his daughter's hand in marriage."
"Who? When?" The knight asked, desperately hoping that this news was not true.
"The third son of the Earl of Dunwich. The wedding is to take place the day after tomorrow." Osric paused as Gisburne paced. "The Earl and his son will be here in the morning."
"Then I must leave the manor." Guy decided, knowing that he would be unable to stay Alyss' room any longer.
"You may stay with me my lord." Osric offered. "My cottage is nothing compared to this, but it is dry and warm, and…"
"Thank you." The knight sighed. "Which is yours?"
"The one near the edge of the forest, next to the stream." Osric explained. "Shall I let Alyss know?"
"I will." Osric left, while Guy paced even more. He knew he recognised the name of the Earl, but not why, and he could not believe that Alyss had kept quiet. How long had she known? And why would she keep something like this from him? He had believed them to be friends, if not edging on something more, and yet… Yet she was promised to another. Deep down he had known that this day would come, but never had he thought that he would have to witness the wedding ceremony.
Alyss found him packing when she brought him some food, and she stared at him in confusion as he grabbed his things.
"Sir Guy? You are leaving?"
"You will be needing your room so I am told." He said coldly, not looking at her. She took one look at him, then sighed deeply.
"Osric told you?" The knight nodded. "I only found out myself a few days ago. I…"
"There is nothing to be said my lady."
"I am sorry for keeping it from you." She apologised. "I… thought that if I did not say anything then perhaps…" She shook her head. "Where will you go? It is too dangerous to travel Sherwood at this time of day, and…"
"I have lodgings." He assured her as he finished packing. It was only now that he dared to look at her, and his anger at her keeping quiet quickly dissipated. Alyss looked so lost and forlorn, and he desperately wanted to take her in his arms and tell her that everything would be alright.
"Then I shall wish you well my lord." She turned to leave, but Guy instinctively reached out and grabbed her hand. She stared at it, then him, a question on her lips but she did not say it.
"Stay, please." He asked, her skin soft to the touch. She did not try to move from his grasp, but her face held a stony expression.
"There is nothing to be said my lord." She told him, repeating his words with a coldness he had never heard from her before.
"There is so much left to say." He said, knowing that this was his only chance to tell her his true feelings. "My lady, I…"
"Please Sir Guy, don't make this any harder than it already is…" Her voice wobbled, and tears welled in her eyes, though she did not look at him.
"I must tell you my lady. You have always questioned why I treated you with such kindness and why I kept your escape…"
"I already know." She told him sadly. "I am sorry Sir Guy, but I am promised to another."
"Don't marry him." Guy said simply after a moment's silence. A tear fell down Alyss' cheek, and he wiped it away, wanting nothing more than to make her happy. She closed her eyes, savouring the touch, before stepping backwards and shaking her head.
"I must marry Hugh of Dunwich. I am sorry if I have done anything to cause you to feel that I may…." She hesitated. "I could never…" Alyss turned away. "You are but a friend to me. Nothing more. That is all we shall ever be."
"My lady, you…" He began, before realising why he knew the name. "You cannot…"
"I must, and that is the end of it." She said defiantly. "I wish you well Sir Guy." And with that, she left. Gisburne barely heard her retreating footsteps or the muffled sobs, for fear had struck his heart. Not only was Alyss to marry another man, but her husband to be had been widowed three times. His wives had all died in mysterious circumstances, and Gisburne was determined that Alyss was not to be the fourth.