A/N: I sincerely apologize for the sudden disappearance. I promise I will try my best to update more often like I used to.
Thank you all for your support, and hope you enjoy this chapter.
"Hello, Guy." Marian greeted the tall man. She was both excited and nervous to see how Guy would react to her presence after her sudden disappearance, and dare she say, after their kiss.
'Of course, where else would she be?' Guy though as his lips twisted into a smirk and let out a scoff.
"Marian." Guy replied curtly, with a dark smirk still adorning his face.
The Lady of Knighton was taken aback by the black knight's reaction. Anyone who saw him right now would never have guessed that this man standing right in front of her had once declared his love for her. Nevertheless, she peeked at what was wrapped around his embrace, and asked, "What is it that you need, Guy?"
Suddenly, panic had found its way to Guy's cold expression as he was reminded of the purpose of coming all the way out here. He was still hesitant, but as he looked down at the lass cocooned in his embrace, a sudden need to protect her overwhelmed him. Malak's breathing was still pretty warm and labored; she looked so fragile wrapped up around his arms.
Guy took in a deep breath and said with hesitation, "I...I need help. As I recall, Hood has a physician in his gang, and this lass requires immediate attention."
Marian was dumbfounded by Guy's request, and he could see it written all over her face as clear as day.
"The town's physician is in Nottingham, and her condition is not getting any better even with our best of efforts." Guy explained further.
"Eh, o-of course." Marian stammered. She then ushered for the tall man, "Follow me."
"No, he shall not follow you." Robin interrupted the two as he grabbed Marian from her wrist, "But you shall, because we are not helping this man."
"And why is that?" Marian cried as she stopped Robin and pulled back her hand.
"Because we owe him nothing!" Robin shouted, "We have no reason whatsoever to help this murderer."
"Yet we have no reason whatsoever to NOT help this young lass either!" Marian retorted as she felt a flush creeping into her cheeks.
"Why should I risk the safety of the gang for the sake of a stranger?" Robin retaliated, but this time he lowered his voice. He was trying to reason with Marian, since shouting would only feed her stubbornness.
"Because you are Robin Hood. We are Robin Hood. And that is what we are all about, are we not?" Marian urged her fiancé as she held his hands and smiled at him, "You would never let an innocent girl die because of your hatred, would you?"
"No." Robin mumbled as he hung down his head, ashamed for loosing sight of what was important. The outlaw heaved a deep sigh and said, "Well, Gisborne, you know the drill."
Marian saw the uneasiness in Guy's eyes and offered, "I will look after her until we reach camp. What is her name?"
"Malak." Guy replied wearily, "Thank you."
xXxXxXxXx
The lot walked for what seemed like a few meters, and Guy knew that they had arrived to their destination when he heard the annoying voice of that manservant.
"What …" Much exclaimed as he saw the dark figure walking next to the couple, "What is he doing here?"
"A favor." Robin grinned as he pulled the sac that was covering Guy's head.
"And you will be repaid." Guy stared darkly at Robin. Of course, why would he expect any less from the outlaw?
"Where is Djaq?" Marian asked Munch, ignoring the two bickering men.
"Fiddling with her herbs." Much replied, while taking angry peeks at Guy.
"You two stop this staring contest." Marian scolded the two men, "Come on, Guy, Malak is not getting any better."
The black knight carried the sick lass and followed Marian to where Djaq was preparing some ointments.
"Oh, Marian. What brings you- Gisborne?" Djaq exclaimed as the tall man entered through the cloth that was covering the entry. She looked at Marian with questioning chocolaty-brown eyes.
"It's alright, Djaq." Marian assured, and then she pointed at the figure wrapped in Guy's embrace, "This lass is sick. She needs your help."
Djaq nodded and ushered to Guy, "Lay her down here."
The tall man laid the sick lass as careful as possible. The moment the girl's back touched the makeshift bed a moan escaped her chipped lips. In return, Guy ran the tip of his fingers over Malak's flushed cheek. He then tucked the lose locks that were plastered onto her forehead and whispered, "Don't worry. I'm right here."
Lady Knighton was utterly shocked by Guy's behavior toward this anonymous girl. Along with the shock she also felt a hint of jealousy.
"Here. Tilt her head so she can drink this." Djaq instructed after examining the sick lass for a few minutes.
Guy obliged by supporting the girl's neck with one hand while the other gingerly stroked her delicate chin, "Come on, Malak. This will help."
"It's for the fever. Hopefully, her body will cool down within the hour." Dajq explained.
"I will go and fetch a bucket of cold water and some clean cloths." Marian offered with a smile.
"Thank you, Marian. That will definitely help as well." Djaq replied in agreement, while Guy simply nodded and refocused on the girl in his arm.
As the lady of Knighton stepped out, she took a deep breath before her thoughts went into a clash. 'Who is that girl? And why is Guy acting with such affection toward?'
"What is wrong, Marian?" Robin's voice interrupted Marian's train of thoughts, "You seem out of sorts. Is the lass all right?"
"Ah, Robin. Yah she seems to have an extremely high fever. Djaq gave her something to lower it, and I offered to bring cold water to cool down the lass's body." Mariam answered abruptly with a forced smile.
"All right then. I will tag along." Robin grinned as he walked next to Marian.
"Don't you have anything better to do?" Marian retorted, and then thought, 'I don't want Robin to see me like this.'
"Is there anything better than having some alone time with my lovely fiancé?" Robin frowned at his beloved.
'That is right Marian! You have Robin. You chose Robin.' Marian pleaded inwardly.
"It is Gisborne, isn't it?" Robin suddenly asked, causing the Lady of Knighton to startle.
"W-What? What do you mean?" Marian stammered nervously for being caught.
"Marian I can see that Gisborne's presence is making you uncomfortable." Robin spoke unexpectedly softly, "I mean, if I am beyond astonished that he actually came all the way here just for a sick lass, it just makes me wonder how it makes you feel. The only person who used to believe in him."
'Oh… So that is how it is. Even Robin is confused as I am.' Marian thought as she breathed a sigh of relief. She smiled and looked at Robin who was holding an empty bucket over his shoulder, "Well, from my experience it is too early to assume anything."
"Pfft- I guess you are right." Robin chuckled as he wrapped a hand around Marian's waist, pulling her closer next to his side.
'Thank you, Robin, for reassuring my choice.' Marian smiled as she looked at an equally smiling Robin.
xXxXxXxXxXx
"We are back." Marian announced as she entered Djaq's cooped up space, followed by Robin carrying a bucket filled with cold, river water.
"How is the little lass?" Robin asked as he placed the bucket, and sneaked a peek of the sick girl.
"Her breathing is getting better, but her body is still quite warm." Dajq answered Robin, "Thank you for the water. That would really help in cooling her down."
Gisborne looked at the leader of the outlaws and nodded in agreement. He then looked at Marian and extended a hand, "Would you hand me that?"
"No, let me. You look exhausted, Guy." Marian came forward and dipped a cloth into the bucket before placing it over Malak's forehead. "You must rest."
Before Guy could object, Robin added, "It is already late- Well midday to be precise. You should head back before the Sheriff senses your disappearance."
"No. I have to stay." Guy pleaded with concern, "I can not leave. Not with her looking like this."
The look on Guy's face did not settle well with Marian. Not only was he genuinely worried about the girl, he did not bother to hide it from the one man he deeply hate, Robin.
"And risk us all?" Robin retorted as he pointed at the sick girl, "Even her?"
"Guy." Marian called out, "I promise I will look after her. You can come back once you are done with your duties, and take her back. I am positive she would be awake by then. Right, Djaq?"
"Marian is right." Djaq nodded, "She would have enough strength by then to head back with you."
After some deep thought, Guy suddenly spoke, "That is where you have wrong.I am not taking her back."