Revelations

"Much? Much?" a weak voice cracked through the misty morning. The birds had yet to wake, but even though he was still sleeping, Much knew that another 'Robin' was calling for him. It took the drowsing man a moment to fully recognize what was happening but when he did, he sprang upwards from the thin blanket spread out near Robin's cot. He glanced wildly around till his frantic eyes landed on his master, feebly attempting to sit up. Even though the abrasion on his head was healing quite well, Robin hardly stirred and Much hadn't been the only one worried that he would live the rest of his life addled on a cot.

"Robin! You're awake!" Much cried out passionately, even going so far as to forget his customary 'Master.'

Giving a forced laugh, Robin tried harder to get into a sitting position, "Of course I am, Much. Why wouldn't I be?"

Much blinked back at him, incredulous, "You fell. Remember? Over a sennight ago. When -when you went after Marian…" His voice trailed off as he stared into Robin's uncomprehending eyes. Part of him wanted to ramble on and give him the specifics of the whole situation but another part of him didn't have the heart to tell him.

Suddenly Much hoped that Robin didn't even remember a girl named Marian. But that hope was dashed as Robin asked, "Marian… Is she alright? Did we fight? Is that why I 'went after' her?"

Much looked down, intent on a worn spot decorating his right boot. Why him? Why couldn't Robin have asked for Djaq's graceful caring ways or even John's blunt abrupt ones, to break the crushing news to him? He sighed, supposing that these predicaments came with the fact that he was Robin's - what was he exactly? Robin had freed him from servitude, he was not a Lord yet, and would never be an equal… The only thing left was a friend… He had always considered himself that but never was so bold as to toss it out for the world's censure. At this moment he didn't care, Robin was his friend and that was why he had the task of telling him about Marian and the terrible circumstances surrounding her abduction and his injury. Though Much's gaze was fixed and never left his foot, he managed to mumble one word - a name, "Winchester."

Twice Robin blinked back, in a thrice he was struggling up; bare feet hitting the soft dirt as he tore the sheets from his body. His legs protested the fact that they hadn't been used in over a week and crumpled under the unexpected and unaccustomed weight. He started to push himself off the ground where he had landed, "Marian! We have to get her! Winchester, he - he-" The last words were left unsaid for Robin could not bring himself to speak them. They hung in the air like the rest of the world's unspoken regrets. Too many words left unsaid and some for the better.

"You can't get up," Much said, yanking on Robin's arm and trying in vain to drag him back to his bed. His protests went unheeded by Robin, who was forcing his legs to work sooner than they wanted to. He wobbled a bit, biting his tongue to keep the quivers and trembles from overtaking him. He had to find Marian!

Much was greatly relieved when Djaq ran over, having heard the commotion. "Robin, you are in no state to gallop after Marian again. You would do her better, to be of use when you got there - not make her watch you die!"

"What do you care? It's me - I'm the one who's supposed to protect her!" Robin raced a hand through his brown locks, so forcefully and roughly that it appeared he was trying to rub out bad thoughts. Much watched in horror, afraid that Robin would take off and get himself killed - more afraid that John would club him and send him into oblivion again…

Djaq did not seem the least bit troubled by Robin's lashing out. She handed him a mug, clasping it into his shaking hands, "Here, drink this. It will make your head feel clearer."

"Why didn't you go after her? Do you know what he's done to her by now?" Robin gulped at the contents of the wooden vessel, vibrating with rage and unease. Much had never seen him so angry; his only consolation was the fact that he could tell Robin that he tried to get the others to save her.

Djaq gently took a hold of Robin's elbow and tried to lead him back to his forgotten cot. Their leader's response was to jerk forcefully away and if it hadn't been for Much, he would have toppled over on his unsteady legs. Djaq forced a smile, "You were bad off Robin. We thought that you were going to die and couldn't leave you."

Much who had been keeping Robin on his wobbly feet, suddenly let go; surprising Robin and sending him careening backwards in direct path of the forest floor. Quickly regaining his senses Much latched onto him again, preventing him from hitting the ground. "What? You never told me that!" Much pointed a finger at Djaq, "You said he would be fine!"

"And I was right," her voice was monotone, eyes locked on Much's.

"What do you mean you 'were right'? You didn't know you were right when you were right!" His tirade was distracted when he noticed Robin holding his head and uttering a broken plea for him to stop screaming in his ear. Much went into a series of apologies for harming Robin; it was after this extended speech, with Djaq watching amusedly, that Much realized that he was the only thing supporting Robin's sagging weight. "Now what's wrong with him?"

"I gave him something to put him back to sleep. He shouldn't be moving so fast," she said, gesturing to the pitcher she had filled the mug from.

Much looked shocked as he struggled to keep Robin off the earth, "How did you know to do that?"

Djaq smiled and took a limp arm to help Much, "Intuition."

Much mouthed the unfamiliar word back to himself, "Is that similar to a euphemism?"

Raising her eyebrows, Djaq said, "I'll let you figure that out Much."

Guy took long and deliberate strides as he entered the manor house; his thoughts were preoccupied as he searched for the best way to tell Marian that they had to consummate the marriage - tonight. He knew that she would be less than pleased and he was also afraid… She had been behaving as if nothing terrible had happened to her and he was frightened that she had been hurt so bad that she had forgotten. Would his heartless order destroy her and bring all those unspeakable memories back? Would he hurt her?

"Marian," Guy said, voice low and deep, he had found her by the stairs, strumming her fingers in anger - he figured it was directed at him.

"Guy," his name sounded cold on her lips, and the chill sent a shiver through him.

Guy approached her, gently taking her hand in his. He was thrilled when she snatched it away - there was his Marian back!

The smirk that played out on his lips angered her even more and she felt the overwhelming desire to slap him, kick him, knock him senseless. She was seething, furious at him for grinning like a predator, for not bringing her Father to her, for not letting her see him, and for saving her when someone else should have been the one! Marian did not want to be here, among Robin's old servants - people that she was familiar with and had known for many years. She liked it better when they were stationed at inns where not a soul knew who she was or the humiliating situation she had been placed in.

The servants, and all of Nottingham she supposed, had heard what had supposedly befell her and she loathed the pitying glances that she was receiving. She was angry at their sympathetic queries and wished that she had been out in the barn with Allan - at least he didn't pester her so! Marian's mind raced, wondering if this was to happen whenever she encountered anyone? Would they look down on her or treat her with over exaggerated kindness? She clenched her fists at the thoughts, not caring if Guy thought that she was about to strike him. Marian wished that she could, but he had done nothing, save treat her like she was in a gilded cage - pretty to look at but you dare not touch lest she break. She hated feeling like one of the Sheriff's birds. She wanted nothing more than to fly away but that was almost impossible when Guy kept her on a string.

Marian hadn't wanted to take out her anger on Thornton - the aged caretaker was trying to be kind, she even heard him tell the other servants to quit the room. Her husband was a different story… If she lashed out at him, it might serve to keep him at bay. To see him leering at her, as she described it, sent her blood to boil.

Thornton entered the main room again, from where he had gone to harry the cook. "Sir Guy," he said, giving a slight bow of submission, "Lady Marian told me you were returning. I have ordered a meal prepared. It will be served momentarily, my lord."

Guy sniffed, "Good. I wish to retire as soon as possible."

Marian felt her entire body grow rigid but she slowly tried to quell her fear; he would not try anything tonight, he was only tired from the long journey…

The evening meal went by in silence; Guy brooded over his tankard of mead and Marian studied her plate intently. The silence had grown considerably after one brief spat over Edward - Marian livid that he should be left there for yet another night and Guy declaring that he was not about to push his luck. At that comment, Marian said, rather snappishly, that she didn't see where he had been so badly wounded that he should run in fear from the Sheriff and let her Father suffer. Guy ended the conversation abruptly, slamming his fist on the table. "Eat your food!" he said, muttering, 'ungrateful little wench,' under his breath. He wished he had let her see the long slice mark on his neck!

Marian let him know that she hadn't missed his harsh words, by crashing her own tankard to the table. Guy cringed, recognizing that he should not have insulted her so. "Forgive me. I shouldn't have hurt you." Guy felt sick with a dread that he is going to hurt her far worse later. Words and actions mingling and damaging her to a greater extent than Winchester had already - how much worse it was to have your savior, your protector, harm you - after he had sworn to shield and shelter you…

Marian glared at him tersely, "Fine." Her head spun; had Guy - Sir Guy of Gisborne - apologized to her? That did not behoove him… How was she supposed to hate and loath a man that expressed regret for upsetting her? Even more so, how was she supposed to keep her guard up when he tried to behave tenderly? She did not want to think about it…

They were alone, save the servants, in Locksley manor. Marian shuddered when she caught Thornton's sad overpowering gaze. Whether he was sad at her supposed violation or the fact the Sir Guy was now gently guiding her up the stairs to his chamber, she didn't know. Feeling Guy's hand at the small of her back, lightly pushing her forwards made her stomach flutter. Surely, this would be as the other nights spent at the inns where he had only held her.

Her husband's downcast and hurt gaze still followed her. It angered her that he should feel so wretched on her behalf - but the longer that she kept her ruse going, the less he would want her. At least that is what she tried to believe…

Guy, had been reassuring himself that she would recover properly if he let her alone - a promise that he was soon to break. Marian didn't show the symptoms of great trauma - though that could be the fact that she didn't want to remember it. He had heard of women forgetting everything after a brutal rape, that thought caused his heart to sink even more. How badly was his Marian damaged? He would know in time, Guy reasoned, but for now a revelation he had several days before needed tending…

The stairs creaked under the wait of the ascending pair, and Marian shivered whenever she felt his hand give her another reminder to continue. They reached the landing, and Guy moved from behind her and opened the door, Marian stood frozen - this room seemed more permanent than the ones before. And she was alone, no Allan in the next room that she could call to, should she need help - to tell the truth Allan had oddly disappeared…

"Milady?" Guy's voice was deep and husky, shattering her thoughts like a dropped piece of clay. At his question, Marian slowly stepped into the room. There was a fire lit but it was dying out quickly. To tell the truth, fires had only been started in the evenings, none of the servants had known exactly when or if their master was to return. Marian's heart leapt - he would have to call one of them to rekindle the flame; then they wouldn't be alone! However, when Guy bent down and began to load the fireplace from a small stack of wood, she lost that last glimmer of hope. What was she so afraid of? What he would do? Or what she would?

Brushing his hands against one another, Guy stood and gazed at the rising flames. He turned to her and slowly came forward, Marian followed his every move. Guy finally came to stand before her and reached for her. Marian flinched away but felt sorrow for the pain that filled his eyes. "I'm not going to hurt you," Guy said, lowering his arms to his sides. Marian started to back away like a nervous animal; her eyes located the door, preparing to escape. The atmosphere in the room had taken a turn and she knew that this would not like the other nights since the wedding.

"Marian! Please, I need you - to listen," Guy came after her quickly and took hold of her shoulders so that she couldn't flee anymore. Though she stiffened and tried halfheartedly to pull away, she was well aware that he didn't grip her too tight.

Guy's eyes were bright with passion and, what looked like, fear. He removed one hand from her shoulder and slowly stroked her face, she shivered. His hand cupped her chin and delicately forced her to look at him, "Marian, I need you to hear me out. I know you're not ready but - but - we must. We have to."

The implications of his words caused Marian's eyes to widen in horror; he was suggesting that they consummate the marriage… "What for?" she said, her words determined and only a breath away from a yell. She had married Guy, when she was most frightened and wounded that Robin hadn't came for her. Being his wife was another matter entirely. She would not let herself fall so easily! She hadn't sorted out her own feelings yet and he was trying to make love to her - when she didn't love him back!

"If you were to," Guy paused, trying to collect his words so they would do the least amount of damage to Marian, "become with child - I don't want to know without a doubt who its father is. I would rather live with the chance that the babe could be mine just as easily."

Marian's breath caught and Guy pulled her closer to him, holding her and gently rocking her. He wanted to fix her broken world, to give her the love that she should have had - not lustful brutality, "I know it's too soon, but if you become with child, I want to think that I begat it. I don't know if I could live knowing that the child was made from your suffering." His words were well chosen and Marian had the distinct feeling that he had rehearsed them on their way to the bedchamber.

Not knowing how to respond to his sudden words, Marian let herself be held by him. She knew quite well that there was no chance of her being with child. But, not wanting to wreck the entire plot she had arranged, Marian stayed silent in a vain attempt to think.

She couldn't let him go on with this! She did not want him! Yet she had married him before God and man - well Allan at least - and now was obligated to perform the duties of wife. The word 'obligation' bit into her heart; she didn't want to be duty-bound to anyone - let alone Guy. Why had she married him? Surely she knew that this would be the outcome of her choice. She almost laughed when she told herself to grow up! Could she grow up and remain with Guy of Gisborne? Could she be satisfied with her life - make the most of it, even if she didn't love him?

As Marian listened to his whispered promises for gentleness and of his affection no matter what, her whole being ached. A small thought flickered through her head, Would Robin still be as loving as Guy if she had been tarnished? That was why Robin hadn't come, surely - he was ashamed of her. She didn't have time to finish answering herself, because Guy began to kiss her. First just barley brushing her lips then he deepened the kiss, slowly, softly, subtly.

A part of her screamed to push away, to run, but her blood drummed deeply and only begged to give in. Having kissed Robin more than once, the feeling wasn't new to her but never before had it suddenly incited such passion. It only took another movement of his lips and soon all that was left was this moment here with Guy - her husband. He intensified the kiss even more and Marian felt a pent up longing grip her heart. Her chest felt as if it would burst and she turned her head away quickly, trying to conjure up images of Robin - though she was distressed that he hadn't been her savior. That attempt surprised her, when only a few days ago she had refused to think of him at all.

Her eyes caught Guy's face and she could see the hurt, but also determination; he was not about to give up so easily. Guy's jaw was tight as he took in the predicament he was facing. He didn't want to force Marian into doing something she would hate him for; yet, he would hate himself if he did not forge the child's paternity. He cupped her chin in his hands and turned her to face him, "I love you Marian. Nothing will ever change that."

The words sounded odd coming off his own lips. Had he ever told her that before? He doubted it, it hadn't felt familiar to him; instinct told him that many years had passes since he had spoken those words last. Who was the last person he had told that to? An image of a woman with long black hair sprang to his mind - his mother. No, he didn't want to think about her. Disentangling his mind from the resurrected memories of the dead, Guy dipped his head and resumed the kiss.

Marian's instinct was to recoil, to run from his influence, but her heart had jumped and thudded against her breastbone. The tender motions of his lips felt like fire on her skin; feeling her arms drift up to clasp his shoulders startled her - but the last thing that she wanted was for him to stop. Those half-awake dreams and imaginings began to tug her restraint further away and Marian felt as if she would crumple and die if he didn't hold her. Her own longing dismayed her and she desperately wished she could quell it - though she was starting to recognize that wasn't an option anymore, the moment being too far gone.

Marian knew, deep down, that Guy had done more for her now than Robin ever had or ever would - and, though she told herself that she didn't truly want to, she was going to prove that loyalty must be rewarded. She tried to be rational about why she suddenly desired him so badly, but payment was slowly turning to pleasure and loyalty into lust. Or was that love that she felt - gratitude and respect for him? But how could she love or respect a man that vexed her so? Whose whole life revolved around one thing - the Sheriff's bidding? Little did Marian know that his life did revolve around one thing - her.

Her coherent thoughts were being washed away as he kissed her more passionately and pulled her closer. She gasp when he drew away, breathing intensely. Now was her chance to tell him 'No,' yell that she didn't love him, to bolt from the room and run. However, she didn't - she couldn't…

Marian of Gisborne stood, watching her husband's flushed face, she had not noticed how handsome he looked until now. There was no scowl or sneer to mar his expression. His brows weren't furrowed in anger or agitation. Moreover, he was not trying to impress her; he was being himself - he was being Guy. He looked like he had that long long time ago standing in Locksley by the fire, open to her gaze and scrutiny. Oh, how badly she had wanted to touch him then! Her heart shuddered and stilled when she realized that the memory would come alive soon - and there would be no Robin skulking at the window to censure her…

She reached out to him; her judgment and reason wasn't in complete control anymore. Instinct was dragging her soul away, never to be the same, and she was letting it. Damning tomorrow and the later regret she knew would come, Marian caressed his face; almost feeling him nuzzle into her palm.

Guy moved his hand up and gently took hers, his eyes trying to read what she thought. When Marian looked into his face she saw his pleading look as well as the promise that was hidden there. He would look after her, he would love her, and he would care for her. She only prayed that she could one day feel the same way about him…

Guy took her hand and kissed it, with such gentility that Marian felt her insides coil around themselves, choking the very breath out of her. Suddenly she knew that she could learn to care for him; mold him to her ways and into the good man that was yearning to be free. It would be a challenging task but Marian was always up for a fight, she could make him change. There was no more Robin in her life, and this was her last chance to regain some honor and have a husband - one who loved her, even if the mutual feeling was compromised. It didn't matter anymore, that she was betraying Robin with his enemy; without him and their former betrothal draped over her, there was nothing to stop her from having 'stirrings' for Guy. With these feelings pounding in her mind and heart, Marian pushed the thoughts of Robin, this moment, and the consequences of Guy finding out she was lying, out of her mind. Cursing her meticulous plan that lay in shambles at her feet, Marian pulled her hand away from his and placed it on his face again. She let herself go and kissed him back…

A/N Sorry for such a short chapter! However, I felt that I should stop it here - fade to black - and resume the next morning at the start of chapter eight. I hope that Marian's thought process wasn't flawed and seemed logical. *Gulp* I do hope that she seemed like herself - she can't go all 'Night Watchman' on him at the moment, but her mind and heart can stubbornly refuse to coincide.

I hope that Guy wasn't too OOC… He does love Marian and wants to treat her properly. He is trying to be sweet - for once… I promise that he is not going to turn into some coddling sap - he is Guy of Gisborne after all and is entitled to some tantrums. ;)

There will be more of the outlaws in the next chapter, when they (that includes a now awake Robin) find out that Gisborne is back from his unscheduled departure and has brought Marian to Locksley. Needless to say, Robin is not going to be happy!

Oh, also there will be more of Allan in the next chapter, as well!

I would like to give a big thanks to all the anonymous reviewers!

Moreover, as always, I appreciate you being interested in my story and reading it. If you would like, please tell me your thoughts. Thank you!

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