Chapter 4

Don't give up

It's just the hurt that you hide

When you're lost inside

I…I will be there to find you

Several years later…

Gisborne pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling a headache coming on. These guards very rarely could do anything right, even the simplest of tasks required him to babysit them and hold their hands. He knew when he was sheriff, he would replace every single incompetent man, but for now, he simply had to make do with what he had and that brought him zero comfort, only anxiety.

Vaisey had rapidly been falling out of favor with Prince John these last two years mainly because of the inability to do his job; catch the outlaws and keep Nottingham thriving. Robin and his gang had been in the holy land, doing God knew what, for the past four years. The Night Watchman had taken up again, in Robin's absence as the current outlaw, and was causing him and Vaisey grief. This was what Guy and "his" guards were sent to do today, set a trap for The Night Watchman.

The Night Watchman had seemed to be able to avoid their traps too often, causing Guy to believe there were spies amongst his ranks, but he just hadn't been able to pinpoint any one person. Gisborne knew he had to change the game and flush out the spy. In order to do so, he had told his guards two different plans. He figured that wherever The Night Watchman showed up he would have a clearer idea as to where the spy was in his ranks. It also meant less work for him; he would only have to torture half of the men to figure out who exactly was the spy. The thought of torturing someone was a thought that secretly still gave him pleasure.

"The trap is all set m' lord. All we do now is wait for you know who to show up and then we've got him for sure this time!" The captain of the guards reported.

"Yes, well let's hope so. If this plan fails, I will be looking for a new captain, do I make myself clear?" Gisborne replied, not bothering to hide his annoyance at the whole situation. He just wanted to be done for the day so he could spend time with Morgan, the woman he had been courting for over two years now. Taking one final glance at the trap and feeling satisfied enough to call it a day, he turned his horse around and urged it into a gallop, eager to be away from this place.

~/~

"Oh Marian, you should have seen the look on Guy's face when I answered the door with my facial mask on! He looked so confused, the poor man. I had to explain to him that this was something we women did to keep ourselves looking good. Honestly, if I had known it was him on the other side of the door, I would have had one of the servants answer it, but I thought maybe you locked yourself out or something." Morgan explained to Marian while wiping away tears from her eyes due to laughing so hard as she continued to hang up the laundry.

Marian laughed along with her friend; it was good to see Morgan so happy. For over a year Morgan had barely spoken a word to anyone, hardly ate, and barely seemed alive; so hurt from Robin's rejection was she. Then the strangest thing had happened, Guy had come around at first to court Marian but soon turned his attentions towards her companion who lived with her. Guy had been ever so patient with Morgan, giving her the time and space that she needed to heal, something that was completely out of character for him.

Marian had watched as Guy was able to draw Morgan out of her misery when no one else had been able to. He had befriended her and became fiercely loyal to her in the process. He had made it his mission to see that she took care of herself and had been there every step of her journey to recovery and a new life, one without Robin. Then one day that friendship had evolved into something else, though neither Morgan nor Guy had admitted to it at first, as they were both equally stubborn as an ass at times Marian had observed.

"Marian! Did you even hear a word I just said?" Morgan asked her friend.

"No, I'm sorry, my thoughts were elsewhere. What did you say?" Marian asked in return.

"I said I'm going over to Locksley Manor tonight to have dinner with Guy, so don't wait up for me. I don't know how late I'll be, and if it gets too late, I will just stay the night and have him bring me back in the morning." Morgan replied, in all reality, she planned on staying with Guy tonight.

"Oh; is that so missy? You do know people talk when you stay overnight with him. They say it's not proper and are comparing you to a common prostitute. They say you have ruined your chances at finding a proper marriage as well."

"Let them talk Marian, I simply don't care. Guy and I are two consenting adults in a relationship, if they have a problem with it, they can kiss my white Irish—"

"Hello Sir Guy" Marian interrupted her friend, that woman swore more than any man she knew.

"Marian." Sir Guy replied, politely nodding his head. "I hope you and your father are well?"

"Yes, thank you for asking," Marian replied. Looking at her friend for a moment and flashing her a mischievous grin, turned, and continued to speak to Guy, but in a suggestive tone, "Morgan tells me she is to dine with you tonight at Locksley manor, will she be out late?" Marian knew this would annoy Morgan, but they all knew it was in good humor.

Guy, knowing this game all too well, played along. "Why yes Marian, I do believe it will be quite late when I am finished with her. In fact, I may just return her in the morning."

"Alright you two, that's enough of that! Guy, just give me a few moments to change and grab my bag. I will return shortly, behave yourselves while I am gone." Morgan informed them, laughing as she made her way into the house.

Guy watched as his woman disappeared inside, he had been longing to spend time with her but had been unable to get away from the sheriff these past few days. His desk at the castle had served as his bed these past few nights because he had been staying up into the early pre-dawn hours to finish projects. He figured, if he put in the extra time now, he might not have to stay away as often when he became the sheriff. He would be able to live a normal life, a life that had Morgan by his side every night and maybe children. Guy had been so absorbed in his thoughts that he hadn't heard Marian speaking to him.

"Guy? Is everything alright, you seem far away, and lost in thought." Marian stated, as she gently touched his arm, breaking his inner train of thought.

"Hmph" was Gisborne's reply as he dismounted his horse and lead it over to the trough. "Marian, there is something I would ask you, in the strictest confidence, as Morgan has no family, at least that I have been made aware of. Do you think, that is, would Morgan be receptive to the idea of marriage…to the idea of marriage, to me?" Guy finished lamely, he never was very good at expressing anything other than anger and disappointment, he could thank Vaisey for that, among other things; he thought dejectedly.

"Guy! Are you asking Morgan to marry you?!" Marian asked, a little more loudly than Guy would have liked. Marian continued in a more normal tone seeing Guy's expression upon her outburst. "Oh Guy, she would want nothing more. You are her world; she has told me she feels that you complete her. However, in all seriousness Guy, I would be a poor friend if I did not warn you to tread carefully with her heart. I honestly don't think she could survive another heartbreak from someone like you, whom she loves so deeply."

"I would never betray her; I hold her above all else, Marian. If I EVER find out who hurt her in the past, I will hunt him down and make him suffer. Mark my words."

"Please don't misunderstand me, Guy, I know your intentions are true, but please just remember what I have said when she tells you, her story." Marian started to continue but was unable to finish as Morgan chose that moment to come back outside.

Morgan was now wearing a clean dress and had a small overnight bag slung over her shoulder. "Why such serious expressions, who died while I was gone?" Morgan asked, confused by the change in the mood in such a short amount of time. 'Seriously though, what has happened? They were fine ten minutes ago.' Morgan thought to herself.

"It is nothing, shall we go?" Guy asked Morgan as he mounted his stallion and held out a hand to her.

"I thought you'd never ask." Morgan joked as she accepted Guy's hand, and once she was settled in Guys' arms waved goodbye to Marian as Guy urged his horse towards the manor.

~/~

It had been two weeks since Guy had inquired about Morgan accepting a marriage proposal from him, and he had been spending what little amount of free time he was granted, on preparing for it. He wanted everything to be just right, Morgan wasn't just some woman, she was his world, she deserved everything her heart desired, and he had the wealth and power to make it so.

Guy knew that his relationship with Morgan was different from what society deemed appropriate for someone of his station. Part of it being he was not a man who was overly romantic; he didn't care for reciting poems, nor showering a woman with gifts publicly, and he certainly did not enjoy the large public balls as was popular when you were a part of the nobility. The other part was she had no land, no titles, or even a decent size dowry. Guy didn't care though what society thought, as they were often wrong, something he had learned long ago. Morgan never complained about his long hours, and most importantly he thought, she didn't judge him for his past behaviors. These were qualities Guy felt were more important in a marriage than political connections, or a dowry.

Morgan was also far too opinionated for her own good at times! She often seemed to think that she had the same rights and privileges as a man, which Guy admitted to himself, he encouraged that behavior more than he should. However, he enjoyed being able to talk to someone who was on the same intellectual level as him, it was a refreshing feeling he found. Morgan also proved time and time again, that she had just as much of a temper as he did, and she didn't balk when he raised his voice in frustration.

Guy knew he would never intentionally harm a woman again, yes, he had been a cruel man in the past, but he had been able to slowly change that over the years with Morgan's help. He knew he suffered from Crusaders Sickness, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as Morgan called it. He remembered when Morgan had witnessed one particularly bad episode where he almost burned Marian's house to the ground. Morgan had been the only one who could bring him back to reality, it had not been one of his finer moments. He didn't think he could handle living with a woman who was soft spoken, mild, and mousey in her mannerisms, one who would run and hide when he raised his voice.

Guy had recently commissioned a local blacksmith to make an engagement ring that was tailored to Morgan's specific likes. He had paid extra to make sure it got top priority, as well as a little bit of threatening.

Sir. Guy had spared no expense on the ring for his intended, every detail had been carefully thought out and implemented, as Guy wanted it to be obvious to all that he was a man of wealth and power. There had been a time in his childhood that he and his sister had nothing, they were poor and destitute, living on the streets and dependent on other's charity for their survival; a time that Guy had promised himself would never happen again. He wanted there to be no doubt that he could afford the best of everything for his soon to be wife, and his vision of the ring confirmed that. Guy had also bought her a horse, a gift he had been planning on giving her once he found one that suited her. The timing had just worked out for it to be an engagement gift. Now all that was left was to ask Morgan if she would marry him, which sounded simple enough in theory.

~/~

Morgan couldn't understand why Marian was making such a fuss over her appearance today. Morgan had come downstairs this morning in a simple shirt and breeches, as she planned on taking her favorite mare out for a long ride. Marian had practically dragged her back upstairs, and after rummaging through Morgan's closet, picked out a light green dress that had been given as a gift from Guy a few weeks ago. The dress wasn't overly fancy, thankfully Guy knew Morgan well enough and had avoided buying anything frilly. The dress was that of an emerald green, an unusual color for the time period. It had been tailored just for her, falling to her just below her ankles, with light embroidery on the long sleeves, thus giving the dress a certain look of elegance. The dress was made of light weight fabric, making it perfect for the warmer months of the year not unlike today. She had thought it was very pretty but hadn't had many chances to wear it yet.

"Marian, what has gotten into you?" Morgan asked as Marian put the dress in her arms and shoved her behind the changing screen.

"Don't question my motives, just do as I say. Trust me, you will thank me later. Now hurry up and change, I still have to do something with your hair!"

~/~

Guy arrived later that afternoon at Knighton Hall, as planned. He dismounted his horse and handed the reins to a stable hand, instructing him to keep the horse saddled and to mind his teeth, as he tended to bite people. Feeling that the stable hand understood him well enough, Guy made his way to the front door, running a hand through his thick black hair, and sighed. He was desperately trying to calm his nerves as he knocked on the door. As he waited for someone to answer he reached into his coat pocket checking, once again, to make sure the tiny box, that held the ring, was still there. Just as Guy felt he couldn't take it anymore the door opened, revealing a servant. "Tell the Lady Morgan that I am here" he stated, walking into the house, not bothering for an invitation to come inside.

Not long after the servant disappeared, Marian and Morgan came down the stairs. Guy felt his breath catch in his throat, Morgan looked radiant and every bit like a lady of the court. She was wearing the green dress he had bought for her as a birthday gift. Her raven black hair was pulled up in an elegant braid and her dark blue eyes seemed to be shining brighter than normal. In short, she looked even more beautiful than he remembered ever seeing her and noticing suddenly that his breeches seemed very tight and uncomfortable. He couldn't take his eyes off her and he knew that if he didn't get himself under control now, then all the planning would be for naught!

"Sir Guy, I wasn't expecting you today. It's a very nice surprise though, I do have to admit—you're staring at me like you've never seen me in a dress" she continued, becoming uncomfortable with the way he kept staring. 'Does he not like the dress on me after all? I thought it was very pretty, maybe I should go up and change?' Morgan thought to herself as she fidgeted with the sleeves of her dress, the silence almost becoming unbearable for her.

Guy cleared his throat, "Forgive me, Lady Morgan, I meant no disrespect. I cannot take my eyes off you because you look so beautiful! Shall we be off then?"

"' Off'? I'm sorry I think I missed part of your question, where are we going? Did I forget that we had something planned for today? You know I am normally good at remembering" Morgan asked as she tried to rack her brain for an event they had planned for today, but she was drawing a blank.

Guy wanted to laugh at the look on poor Morgan's face, she looked so cute when she was confused and rambling. Guy, walking up to her, silenced her with a kiss "No my love, forgive me. Would you accompany me today? I would like to get your opinion on some things, starting at Locksley Manor."

"I would love to spend the day with you, but Marian—"

"Never you mind about me, I'll be fine on my own," Marian answered her friend and all but pushed her out the door along with Sir Guy. "Have fun you two!" Marian winked at Morgan.

~/~

"I don't know what has gotten into Marian today, Guy, I do apologize. There must be something in the water."

'Or something' Guy thought to himself, knowing full well why Marian was acting the way she was. He just chuckled and kissed the top of Morgan's head.

"What was it that you needed my opinion on at the manor?" Morgan asked, changing the subject.

"Just be patient and you will find out soon enough, I promise," Guy laughed.

"Why do I get the feeling that you are patronizing me?" Morgan asked, turning around in the saddle, to the best of her ability, trying to see Guy's face.

"Would you rather I let Voltaire have his head, letting him take us wherever he wished, while I kissed you properly? I would warn you that it would probably not stop at the kissing, what with the way you look. No, I think I shall keep you right where you are." Gisborne answered huskily.

"Who said I was complaining about the hint of being ravished, especially by you!" Morgan said in a matter-of-fact tone.

Guy groaned; Morgan made it hard to practice self-control sometimes.

The rest of the ride was uneventful, the two lovers simply enjoying each other's company, as they hadn't seen much of each other these past few weeks. Soon they arrived at Locksley Manor, Morgan's second home. Moments after their arrival the stable hand came out and held Voltaire steady as Guy dismounted.

Turning his attention to Morgan, Guy placed his hands on her hips and easily lifted her out of the saddle putting her safely on the ground.

"Master Guy, Lady Morgan, can I be of service?" Thornton asked, bowing as he approached them, for he had been expecting them all afternoon.

"Take the Lady Morgan inside and see that she is served something to drink. I will be along shortly as there is something I must check on first, I shouldn't be long." Guy stated to his manservant, before turning to Morgan "If there is anything you need in the meantime just let Thornton know and he will fetch it." Guy squeezed her hand as Thornton escorted her inside.

Guy made his way into the barn to see that Morgan's engagement gift had been tacked up properly, he would take no chances with Morgan's safety. He had contacted many different breeders over the past year before deciding on Magnificent Majesties Gypsy Vanners. He had made the long trip out to meet the breeder for this line. After viewing the stock and test riding a few different horses, he had decided on a young gelding that stood about fifteen hands, with an even temper. He had paid the breeder a pretty penny for the gelding but had figured it would be worth it all when he saw Morgan on top of her very own horse. Guy had also commissioned two saddles to go along with the horse, a side-saddle, and a normal saddle, for he knew Morgan could ride both with efficiency.

Guy finished checking the gear on the gelding and then had the stable hand lead it out to the front of the house. Giving the horse a final pat and giving the saddle one last check, he turned towards the stable boy. "Wait here until the lady comes out, make sure he stays calm. If anything should happen to Lady Morgan you will be a head shorter, and I will be in the market for a new stable hand. Do I make myself clear?" The poor stable hand could only nod his head in acknowledgment because he was so terrified. Guy turned away and made his way towards the manor.

Upon walking inside, Guy removed his leather gloves and pulled out a silk handkerchief from his pocket. He walked into the main room only to find it empty, as he was trying to figure out where Morgan could be, he heard her laugh coming from the kitchen. Walking into the kitchen he found Morgan sitting at the table talking to Thornton as if he were her equal. Morgan had never cared about class, servants, or nobles, all were the same in her book. She could make friends everywhere she went; a trait she had gotten from her father, she had mentioned. Guy was slightly jealous of this trait, he was the complete opposite! He made enemies wherever he went, which thankfully with Morgan's help, was slowly changing. He wasn't making enemies anymore, but he wasn't exactly making friends either.

Morgan looked up at him, smiling, "Thornton was just telling me you should have a profitable crop this year, that must make you happy. If it's a profitable crop you will surely have enough so that your serfs won't go hungry this winter."

"We've still another month left of the season; I make no promises. I didn't come inside to talk about crops though, I came to fetch you. I have something out front that requires your attention, but I will need to blindfold you, as it's a surprise."

"I will take my leave of you then. If you should need me Sir. Guy, I will be in the stock room, finishing up the inventory." Thorton said with a bow before leaving them.

"A surprise? Guy, you spoil me, you know I don't need gifts to know that you care." Morgan answered honestly, as Guy came behind her covering her eyes with the blindfold and leading her outside. Morgan let herself be positioned by Guy, eagerly awaiting this surprise. She felt Guy come behind her and remove the blindfold. Once her eyes adjusted, she couldn't believe what she saw in front of her! There was the most beautiful Gypsy Vanner horse she had ever seen! He was mainly black with a few white patches; he had a white mane with complementing white feathers. His eyes were what caught her attention though, they were the color of the sky on a clear summer's day. She was speechless for a few moments until Guy spoke, "Well does he meet your expectations?"

"Guy, are you telling me that he is mine? That you bought me a horse? Not just a horse, but the breed that I've always wanted?" Morgan asked, not daring to believe that a childhood dream had finally come true!

"Of course, he is yours, you daft woman." Guy laughed in good humor as Morgan turned around and hugged him.

"Oh Guy, words alone cannot express how grateful I am. Where did you find him? I've only seen them when The Romani people come through." Morgan stated as she forced herself to walk, not run, over to the gelding and gently taking the reins from the stable hand, she ran her hand along the horse's face. He was breathtaking and she hoped they would become friends like Guy and Voltaire.

"I think I shall call him Midnights Reign, or Night for short. His coat reminds me of the midnight sky, his mane, and the feathers of the stars. He looks like a proud and strong horse like he was born to reign over all other horses." Morgan stated to Guy.

"Would you like to put him through his paces? I thought we could take him for a ride, I know the perfect little trail."

"I would enjoy nothing more than that Guy!" Morgan replied.

Guy walked over to her, gently taking the reins out of her hands, and handing them back to the stable hand. "Hold him steady as I help the Lady into the saddle," Guy ordered. Easily lifting Morgan into the side saddle, Guy waited for her to finish adjusting the stirrups before taking the reins back from the stable hand and handing them to Morgan. Pausing a moment to make sure the new horse wasn't going to throw her, or anything along those lines, he mounted Voltaire in one fluid motion and motioned Morgan to follow him.

Guy took them to a small clearing in the forest that had a small river nearby. It reminded her of the Van Gough painting, "Undergrowth Forest Floor", Morgan had seen before. She still couldn't fathom, after all these years, why Guy would go to such lengths to make her happy. Adding to her confusion, today he seemed to be going above and beyond; had he done something bad and felt the need to possibly bribe her? No that couldn't be it, Guy wouldn't hurt her, he loved her, didn't he? Until he learns your secret! Remember what happened with Robin? A voice in the back of her mind reminded her.

Morgan was startled out of her musings when Guy touched her leg, "Morgan, is everything all right? You seem…distracted all of a sudden." He asked, concern written all over his face, 'is she having second thoughts about being here with me?' he wondered to himself.

"I'm sorry Guy, forgive me, my mind ran away with me for a moment," Morgan smiled in reply, trying to reassure him that nothing was amiss, as she accepted his assistance in dismounting her horse.

"Pick a spot where you would like to eat. I had the cook pack us a lunch, as I assumed we'd be gone most of the day."

"Guy, that was very thoughtful of you. This day keeps getting better and better, I can't possibly think of how anything could top this!" Morgan replied, kissing his cheek as she turned away from him to find a spot for them to eat.