Cry

Winchester's face contorted into a frightful gaze. He was still mostly astride Marian when the door forcefully cracked open. There stood Guy of Gisborne, all the hate and anger in the world splayed on his face. As Guy's eyes took in the scene before him, he felt the terrible need to retch. That man was violating his Marian!

Gisborne grabbed Winchester by the front of his shirt and pulled him roughly out of the carriage. Harry of Winchester flailed out onto the dirt as Guy bunched up his shirt in his fist. Guy eyes slowly glanced to Marian, who was sitting up quickly and attempting to straighten her gown. He looked at her cheeks, the red handprints prominently showing.

Lips twitching into a sneer, Guy snarled at his captive, "So you enjoy hitting women? Well so do I!" His fist connected with Winchester's face and the man fell onto his backside, giving a loud 'oomph' as he connected with the ground.

Blindly Guy lashed out again, this time with his boot, Winchester tried to crawl to safety. The attack continued and Winchester shivered and shook like a frightened child. Guy drew his sword out of his scabbard and got into position to lunge at the cowering man.

Marian couldn't take anymore, "Guy!" Her voice was high from fear - she couldn't let him kill this swine in cold blood. At least let it be a fair fight… The murderous attitude shown on Guy's countenance was enough to make her forget her own hate.

Her savior looked to her disheveled form in the carriage, he lowered his weapon slightly, the sorrow in his eyes unmistakable. "Marian," he whispered her name and took a step in her direction; let Allan deal with Winchester.

Allan A Dale, couldn't get the words out fast enough, nor could he leap off his horse in time, "Guy, look out!"

Guy of Gisborne had barely a second to think as he watched the knife come at him. It was a small blade, but Guy knew that there would not be any escape from it. He flinched as quick as he could, the lower part of his left shoulder felt the sting and ripping of cold metal - just a smidgen away from his heart.

Marian screamed his name despite herself. He had come all this way and now was going to die at Winchester's hands; she came forward out of the carriage - she needed to get to him. Allan be damned, she was going to help!

Guy winced and hissed in pain as he grabbed the slick blade and yanked it out of his shoulder. He growled, locking eyes with his enemy; Marian and Allan stopped dead in their tracks. Winchester's eyes brew brighter than any street lanterns as he watched in horror as Guy raised his sword again.

The blade plunged swiftly, deftly into Winchester who was now standing. The man's hands instinctively went around the edges of the blade where it had impaled him. His mouth was ajar and he made choked gasping sounds, staring between the sword, Guy's angry sneering face, and Marian.

Winchester fell to his knees when Guy withdrew the blade, giving it a cruel twist as he did so. Gisborne threw his sword over by Allan and stepped toward Marian - who was fixated on Winchester's writhing form. Guy touched her shoulder gently, she responded with a cringe. "Marian," he said, his voice thick and strained. He took her arm and pulled her to his chest slowly pinning her there as he wrapped his arms around her.

Suddenly, almost violently, Marian responded; out of fear, shock, and release. She clung to him, almost trying to become him and she gripped his jacket tightly, her tied hands impeding the full charge she wished to take. The relief that she felt, since she had thought that all was lost and she would be used worse than a piece of meat, was enough to send her over the edge. Marian needed something to hold onto, to make her world stop its downward spiral. Guy obliged, more than willingly - ignoring the stinging jolt in his battered arm.

He smoothed her tangled hair and shushed her gently, kissing the top of her head, not knowing if she even felt it. "Go ahead, cry," he said softly, his breath blowing the loose hairs around her face.

Marian exhaled deeply but said, "No."

Guy pulled her closer to him and gave another feather light kiss to her curls, "It's alright, you can cry now." He assumed that she was holding back her tears from embarrassment or that she was trying to be stronger than what she was. He wanted her let go of her fear and the only way she could do that was to have a good cry.

Marian shook her head, she was not about to blubber like a babe in front of anyone - let alone Guy.

Loosing all semblance of patience and fearing that she was too far traumatized and devastated to know what had happened, Guy demanded rather than encouraged, "I said cry!"

Marian stepped backwards at the sharp command and stared at him with startled bewilderment. Inside, Guy hollered at himself for loosing his calm and quickly reached for her again, drawing his love to him even tighter than before. It was he that felt the degrading need to cry…

Guy's heart pounded in his ears, every fiber of his being felt tight as he held her and tried to absorb her feelings into himself. He uttered broken apologies into her warm tresses, "I'm sorry, Marian. Dear God, I'm sorry." A moan reached him from the slowly stilling form of Winchester laying curled on the ground.

Not without regret did Guy let Marian go. He stalked over to the twitching soon to be corpse; Allan's eyes grew wide when Guy bent down. Gisborne glared into the fallen man's face, "You should be glad that you tried to kill me. If you had just lain there like a cake of dirt I would have taken my time with you - letting you feel the pain. I would make you suffer till you wished the earth would swallow you." Guy sniffed, "Consider this a mercy killing."

He stood leaving the man to rot to the ground; let him become mud for horses to tred upon. He was not about to bury his lifeless corpse. However he did take the key to Marian's chains, out of Winchester's pocket.

Guy came back to Marian, who had suddenly regained her senses - inching away from his embrace. He was determined, however, and pulled her to him again, "It's alright. You're coming with me." He released her and undid the clasps about her wrists, gently rubbing the sore appendages.

Allan felt like an awkward extra leg on a horse. He shifted from foot to foot, eyes trying to keep away from the dying Winchester and the clasping Guy and semi-willing Marian. He stared at the horses and then, giving his hands something to do, started un-tethering the two steeds from the carriage - the other twain having been absconded with. They could sell these two and maybe get three rooms at the inn tonight!

Taking a firmer hand in the matter, Guy, using his good arm, guided Marian in the direction of his horse. Marian let herself be nudged along, imagining Guy like an anxious black colt butting his friend to play. The notion almost made her laugh.

Grimacing, Guy laid both hands on her shoulders when they reached the steeds, "Marian, I will put this to right. You'll have no need to be ashamed, your mine now."

Her eyes flickered up at him, distressed. He gave a halfhearted smile, "Shhh, it's alright. I intend to wed you, make you an honest woman."

Marian shook her head in a firm 'no,' but Guy stilled her, "No one will ever hurt you again - under my protection. We will see the priest tonight." He looked at her fearful face, "Please Marian! No man will ever look at you now!" Allan cringed, that was anything but smart to say.

Marian stilled her hand that was twitching to slap him when she saw his appalled face. "I'm sorry," Guy breathed, "forgive me." She nodded slowly raising her brows, questioning his motives.

Guy sighed, rubbing his hands over her arms, "I'll care for you, if you'll only let me."

Marian glanced away; she didn't want his offer to be as sincere as it was. Her heart ached and she knew that even if she said nothing occurred that not a soul would believe her. Defiled in the eyes of the world, not another suitor would so much as look at her. It was not as if Robin had come to her rescue to whisk her away to marital bliss. Robin… he had not come! Did he think so little of her? Did he not want to touch her after Winchester pawed her? Her blood boiled and she simmered in the juices. It was apparent that Guy cared for her more than he did!

She almost said yes before another thought struck her: she didn't need a husband. Guy would be a constant overbearing, overprotective, overindulgent man. Why would she subject herself to that? But the look of honest want and fear in his bright blue eyes made her reconsider again. Guy loved her so much that he was even willing to look past her supposed violation to marry her. As of right now, she didn't think that Robin would do the same.

Slowly, hardly noticeable, Marian nodded her head - agreeing with herself on her assumptions. Without warning, but not without protest Gut mounted his stallion and pulled her upon it - sloppily as it was with one hand. Marian was aghast to find that he had placed her in front of him, on his thighs nonetheless! She struggled to get down and out of his suddenly tight embrace.

Guy made soft noises to soothe her, "It's alright. Let me hold you." He so badly wanted his arms about her.

Marian squirmed again, but only felt his grip tighten possessively. She ceased her resistance for the time; he was not about to let her down - not even when she had two horses to choose from! Surveying the area, to keep her mind off Guy's proximity, Marian couldn't help but notice the slain bodies of Winchester and the carriage driver, she figured that was the thud she had heard earlier. They were still as stone, even Winchester having finally stopped writhing.

Try as she might, Marian was helpless at distancing herself from Guy. With her head in such a whirl, it did not even register to her that she had well-nigh accepted his informal marriage proposal. She could feel the beating of his heart - quicker than what would be normal. She assumed that it was because of the kill, little did she know it was her doing. His breath tickled her neck and she tried to move out of range.

Guy's response was to wrap his arm tighter about her waist; her wriggling was almost too much for him to bear in a gentlemanly fashion. "Hold on," he said, trying to keep his increasingly impure thoughts upon other matters, "We're ready to go." Marian huffed her disapproval, she didn't need told - it would become obvious soon enough!

Allan looked longingly at the carriage - the very one that Guy was leaving for the beasts to inhabit. He gestured to the rig, "Oi, Giz! Shouldn't we-" His voice found itself cutoff when he met Guy's steely gaze. The latter glared at him for just enough time to make Allan reconsider his scheme and then Guy turned down to look at the irritated Marian adorning his horse. Though Allan was miffed at Guy for not even wanting to take and sell the carriage - he was a bright man. It didn't take him long to figure that it had something to do with keeping Marian away from any unpleasant memories… To tell the truth, Allan thought that she looked just fine - pissed as a mule - but fine.

Guy knew that he should take the carriage - it would be a far more comfortable ride than horseback. However, he had to think about Marian; God knows what was done to her in that coach! Guy was also aware that she wanted to have her own horse right now - why else would she fidget so? His mind thought logically and told him that he should let her have her own mount, but his heart threatened that if he let her down more ill would befall her. That he could not have.

He wished that he could escape the ragged shudder of his breath, but he felt too deeply for her to be able to quiet his breathing. And Guy wished for God's sake that she would stop squirming! His loins felt on fire! Dear Lord, but he needed her to be still.

He pinned her to him, his breath unsteady, maybe this hadn't been such a good idea after all, "Be still!" She looked so startled that Guy regretted the command almost instantly. Marian did not need to be scolded right now, she needed cared for. He had to let her know that everything was alright.

Knowing that Marian was forever pulling away whenever Guy tried to kiss her, he didn't figure that now would be any different. Guy did recall that when he had kissed her cheek before, she had let him. Heart and mind warred with each other as he decided if he should chance her wrath. Slowly, Guy craned his neck and placed his lips to her cheek. He did not leave them there long and to Marian it felt more like a brush than an actual kiss. She stiffened as he whispered to her, "It will be alright. I promise."

The trio rode for several hours; the pace was slow and Guy was determined to stop earlier with Marian than if it were only him and Allan. When they did break at an inn, Marian was relieved - for if she had to be pressed to Guy's overly warm chest any longer, she would go mad. She dismounted as soon as Guy halted the horse, scurrying several feet away to wait for him and Allan.

Guy looked over at her sadly - was she so traumatized that she couldn't even stand to be near a man? His eyes stole a glance to the heavens; it didn't matter, Guy would take whatever she would give him, be it a slap across the face or a kiss on his lips, as long as she let him care for her…

He gripped Allan's arm when the latter was only halfway off his steed, "Go get a Priest."

So much for three rooms, Allan thought. Now he hoped to God that Guy would at least get two! "Know, where I might come across any?" He was letting his cheekiness get the better of him.

"Just find one!" Guy said, his tone snappy.

Allan got a mischievous glint in his eye, trying to lighten Guy's mood, "I'm better wi' Nuns than Priests."

It took only a moment for Guy's eyes to grow wide in complete horror at the insinuations Allan was making. Had he actually seduced women of the cloth? Surely not! They wouldn't fall for his uncouth charms on an unholy whim - would they? Guy tried not to think about it. He was enlisting the help of a man who, in God's eyes, was condemned to hell - an even worse hell than he was destined! That did not bode well for this wedding… "Just go get him," he gave Allan a push - more to punish him for past sins than anything.

Allan started to walk off, an unseen grin plastered upon his face. He cringed slightly as he heard Guy call, rather loudly, "And stay away from any convents!" He caught Marian's raised brows and hard look. Lifting his arms and hands into a wide shrug Allan said, "Giz wants me to fetch som'thin for 'im." Marian decided that she wanted anything but to know.

Guy tilted his head for Marian to follow him and entered the inn. Marin stood icily by and watched Guy order the rooms; had she known that there were only two dispatched she would have killed him. Gently, Guy took Marian's hand and led her up the stairs to a bedchamber.

He opened the door and let her enter, looking over her woefully. His heart felt as though it would burst inside him. He had her back, safe now with him but that didn't quell the throb of having to rescue her from harm. It stung to know that if he had been man enough to stop Winchester from ever leaving in the first place, that she wouldn't be scarred. How would she ever be able to forgive him? Some part of her must though, for she had agreed to his proposal - or the closest thing to one… That one little nod of her head had made his heart swell with such unfettered joy that he hadn't know since the morn of their failed wedding.

Forcing a smile, Marian looked at Guy, who was leaned against the door frame. He was on his side, the one that did not show splotches of red - he ought to care for that... She could tell by the distant expression he held that he was oblivious to his surroundings. "I would like to rest now," she said. It was when he made no move to leave her, that she added, "Alone."

Only he knew that he was trying to be a comforting presence and watch over her. Guy sniffed, shoving his wounded feelings away, "Of course, Marian."

Once Guy had left, Marian clenched her fists. Why did he never fail to make her feel guilty? He was the one that should feel shamefaced - after all, he dropped her in Winchester's lap! That thought made her shudder. She sighed, one day she would understand that man - who was still a lost little boy in so many ways…

It was not long after, that Allan came back, alone and crestfallen. "Where is he?" Guy said through gritted teeth. Marian had brushed his compassion aside - again - and now Allan returned empty-handed.

Allan shook his head, "Woudn't come. Said, you'd 'ave to set a day."

"Take me there," Guy's hand was on the hilt of his sword, slowly considering his options.

Allan eyed Guy's fingers, "I'm not being funny, but couldn't you just say your vows to each other? My Aunt did that, 'course later her husband denied it an' ran off wit' a wench." The glare Guy gave him made Allan add, "I doubt Marian would do that though…"

"This is going to be a pure marriage. Not a halfhearted peasant's excuse to roll in the hay!" Guy's voice suddenly changed from angry to unnervingly calm, "Now, take me to him."

Inwardly, Allan grumbled. He should have been prepared for Guy to respond that way to his suggestion and he supposed that Guy's harsh words were true in some cases. Yet, it still angered him. Robin hardly listened to him and Guy it seemed was following in his footsteps; he couldn't do anything to please anyone! He would have been better off staying in the dungeons awaiting his execution! But that wasn't really the case was it? Allan knew that there was a purpose or something like that for him. If there wasn't then why had he survived all these years? His heart sank as he recalled that the only time he had felt true purpose was when he was with Robin and the gang. By selling information to Guy, Allan had given away his purpose and, by doing that, his life. Now, he was working for the man he had sold his soul to…

It was not a far walk to the church and Guy swung open the large door and strode in. He disregarded the disturbance that he caused and stared at Allan until he sheepishly came in as well. Guy saw the priest who was apparently rushing to his private rooms. In several long steps, Guy had blocked his path, "I need you to perform a marriage."

The man was rather too large, Guy thought, for someone who was supposed to be pious. He must be feeding off the scraps that the poor give to him for services rendered. The priest was sweating now, nervous at being obstructed and hastily repeated what he had told Allan. The pudgy man felt his mouth go dry when he noticed the dried blood on his tormentor's jacket; he quickly crossed himself in fear.

Guy tilted his head down, "I don't think that you understand. I have set a time, and that is now!"

Gulping, the priest shook his head, "I'll not perform a ceremony under duress."

Guy wanted to place his sword at his oversized neck, but held back, fearing that it would bring bad luck on his impromptu wedding day. Instead, he said, "My name is Guy of Gisborne, master-at-arms for the Sheriff of Nottingham. You will conduct the ceremony." Taking the expression of fear in the priest's eyes as compliance, he told Allan to get Marian. Guy had known they were close enough to Nottinghamshire that people would be acquainted with his name and reputation. It had gotten him what he wanted, no, what he needed, but how far had he stooped, that priests should fear him? Guy couldn't even fathom…

Marian pulled back when she saw where Allan was leading her, "Why are we here?"

Allan A Dale grimaced, "Giz wants to talk to yah."

"In a Church?"

He rolled his eyes, "Comm'on Marian, you know you said yes."

"I did not!" Marian said, her head telling her to run, run!

"You nodded. That's as good as." He looked at her unbelieving face. How these two could make such a muddle of their lives - let alone his - he would never know. "Alright, I'll give yah a moment to decide. But then you have to go through with this, or give Guy a bloody good reason why not."

Marian tried to come up with a good reason to push Guy away - she couldn't. Her heart was broken from Robin's uncaring, so her mind thought rationally. Accept Guy and turn him into the good man she knows he can be - accept Guy and show him that real devotion is rewarded - accept Guy and get her Father out of the dungeons - accept Guy and spite Robin (she winced, regretting thinking that one) - accept Guy and have a comfortable life. She suddenly wished that she had put the first two last…

She shouldn't be caring about him so much; Guy was half the reason that she was in this predicament! But she did care, it was impossible not to. She had used him ill in so many ways that it was hard not to feel a culmination of remorse. Of course he had been cruel to her as well. If she let herself dwell on it, she always knew that manipulations of the heart were the hardest to endure…

Marian was aware, deep down, that Guy loved her; there was never any question about that. But did she love him? She refused to answer, telling herself that she was afraid it would be 'no' when really, she was afraid it would be 'yes.'

This was killing her. How could she marry the man who pushed her limits, who burnt her home to naught, who took delight in other's pain, who loved her? She made a sound like an angered horse when she realized her last thought. Marian turned away from Allan, not wanting to see his amused expression.

Oh, how badly she wanted to cry now! Her world was falling from the largest greenwood tree in Sherwood and Robin wasn't there to catch it. No, she silently scolded herself, that man would not be part of her thoughts from now on. There was only one man that was even trying to care for her. Composing herself, Marian walked into the Church - to face the man she would now call 'husband…'

A/N Yippee! Chapter four! The next chapter will go from here.

I hope that everyone was in character. My plot calls for Marian to wed Guy but I also know that she would have quite a few quibbles with the whole notion. I hope that I gave her enough reasons to choose him… *Gulp* Also, remember that Marian is still in a little bit of shock - mayhap not thinking as clearly as she normally would… *Gulp*

I also hope that the interactions between Guy and Allan, and the Priest were believable.

Thank you for reading, and if you would like, please leave a review and let me know what you think and how I did - because reviews make me grin. Thanks!

I would also like to thank all the anonymous reviewers. Thank you!

Disclaimer: I do not own Robin Hood BBC and the BBC - not me - owns any conversations or characters that you recognize.