Marian was trying to be honest with herself. That was what she was going to be from now on. Honest. After the new day had dawned over her confessions to Guy, Marian had been tempted to run away from the situation. Claim a headache to be excused from the morning meal, perhaps go on a ride through the forest in hopes of a rendez vous with Robin …

She was ashamed of her own cowardice. It would not be a crime to marry Guy, though it certainly may seem that way to Robin and his gang. For a few moments she vainly agonized over what the others would think of her if she married Gisborne, over the villagers, the very villagers she had worked so hard to defend. What would they think of her marrying their tormentor …? But she couldn't allow herself to think like that. Because if she was right, and she was beginning to think she was, then there was hope. Hope for Guy, and hope for England.

Perhaps.

It was hard, oh it was so hard, but she did not seek council in the week that followed. She did not attempt to contact Robin, she did not even go riding for fear the temptation would be too great. She also avoided Guy; not because she regretted her decision, or because she thought seeing him would make it more difficult, but because she did not want to give him false hope should she decide otherwise. In turn, it seemed, he obeyed her plea for privacy. It was more than Robin had ever done for her, she thought wryly, then winced. It was not that Robin was necessarily inconsiderate, he just … well, alright, he was inconsiderate at times. Yet, he was also rambunctious, and ridiculous, and youthful and light. He was childhood laughter and spring sunshine, loyalty and passion and fervor with all the spontaneity and impetuousness of love.

In comparison, Guy seemed inhibited and dull. But the heat she had seen in his eyes as he stared at her … Robin had never quite looked at her that way before; as a starving man with a feast laid before him. She couldn't decide whether it intrigued or alarmed her. She knew she should be insulted, maybe even disgusted, as true Ladies were unaffected by such things. However, in the few, brief kisses her and Robin had shared, she had long before decided to come to her own conclusions regarding the lusts of the flesh.

At the beginning of their acquaintance, Marian's skin had positively crawled at the thought of Guy; but then as time had passed, and a certain camaraderie between them grew, she felt more than a little companionship between them. It would not be so bad to be married to him, surely; since he so obviously thought the world of her. In truth, that is not what had frightened Marian in relation to marriage with Guy; no, it had been more closely related to the fact that Guy seemed to worship her. He'd set her so high on a pedestal that she feared marriage to her would only be a constant battle to show him she was only human. Human, flesh and blood and bone, with weaknesses and faults just like everyone else. Convincing him he could not gain salvation to heaven through her would be difficult.

She wondered briefly what it would take to convince him … that was a goal for another day, however. Today was the sixth day of their deal. It was time.

As Marian saddled her horse, Gypsy, she lingered in front of her mare's face. She remembered very clearly the day Guy had presented her with the horse. He had seemed so happy to give her something that pleased her… that would only go so far, though. She hoped with time, maybe it could go just far enough.

Getting past the guards near the borders of the forest was no feat, a well thrown stone here and there sent them running to investigate and Marian waltzed in the forest unhindered. That would be the simplest feat of the afternoon.

As always, Marian was greeted with rousing calls from the Hood camp; it was pleasant to see Little John's smiling face as he approached the horses flank to hover protectively as she lowered herself to the ground.

"Lady Marian," he boomed boisterously. "What brings you here?"

She smiled, handing him her reigns with a quiet thanks as he went to tie her horse to one of the surrounding trees. Djaq and Will jogged forwards to greet her with hugs as Robin sauntered over with his careless, smug swagger before swinging her up into his arms. With a giggling cry she clutched at him as he swung her around and around, tottering on her feet when he abruptly set her down.

"If it isn't the beautiful Marian …" He said joyfully.

Marian only forced a smile before hugging him briefly again. She pretend to cough drily before leaning against Robin's chest.

"Robin," she grated, purposely making her voice husky, "would you mind getting me some water? I'm a bit thirsty from my ride." She dangled the empty canteen from one finger. As she'd hoped, ever attentive, Robin took the canteen and jogged off in the direction of the spring the camp used for their water supply. She only had moments to explain herself to the gang, and set to it.

She whirled around, and quickly gained everyone's attention.

"Alright, we don't have long. Please, I need to speak with you, quickly about a very urgent matter." She spoke as fast as she could without tripping over the words.

Much frowned, "Shouldn't Robin be here?"

She sliced through the air with her palm, "No, I sent him away because I already know what his reaction to this idea will be. And we need to take a vote."

"Are you in danger Marian?" Will asked, a concerned look on his face.

Marian softened a bit, "No, I'm not Will. Thank you for asking. No," she stated again, firmly. "I'm not under duress or being threatened." She smiled ironically. "I merely have received another marriage proposal."

"From that scoundrel Gisborne, no doubt." Much scoffed. "Not to worry Marian, we'll take care of it."

"No," she practically shouted, shocking everyone except Djaq who merely raised her brows. "T-that is, I have a plan, I think. But I need to explain, and I have to do it quickly before Robin returns, so please just listen."

When she could see there would be no interruptions, Marian began.

"I believe, if I were to marry Gisborne, perhaps, in time … that is, if we were to marry I believe I could persuade Gisborne to our side." When again they said nothing, merely stared in what she recognized as dawning horror, she forged on. "We can't keep on the way we have, every attempt we've made to contact the King has been thwarted by the Sheriff. We need help, someone else on the inside besides me. Someone with more connections to the Sheriff. Let's face it, Guy would be perfect. And …" She took a deep breath, steeling herself. "He may be the enemy, but he is still a man. A man with feelings and desires, and he has made it very clearly that he would do anything for me."

Much opened his mouth, no doubt to protest, and she quickly cut him off. "It will no doubt take time, but only God knows how long it will take us to eventually reach the King. Even if we did finally get a message past the Sheriff, it might come too late. We have to do something, and it needs to be now. It's not a guarantee," she paused, making eye contact with everyone. "But, I believe it's the best chance we've got. Now," she sighed before spreading her hands out in front of herself. "What do you think?"

Her prompt question was met with silence. It seemed that each robber was thinking deeply on her suggestion; either that, or they were in shock. Marian waited impatiently, they surely only had minutes before Robin returned from the spring.

"I hate to rush you, but we need to put the matter to a vote."

They raised their eyes to hers, and they all seemed torn. Torn between what they believed would be a betrayal of their leader and what they thought was best for England. She knew the feeling well.

"Well, I say we find another solution. No doubt, Robin has something up his sleeve." Much declared confidently before striding to Marian's side. He clapped his hand on her shoulder, meeting her blue eyes with his. "We should find another way Marian."

"That is your vote." She said nodding, before turning away from him and looking to the other members.

"Djaq?" She prompted, seeing the growing resolve in the girl's eyes. Djaq turned to Will, then John before facing Marian again.

Djaq nodded towards Marian, before saying gravely "You have my support." Much turned to her in surprise.

"You can't be serious!" He exclaimed.

Djaq did not respond. She merely shrugged her shoulders before staring down into the earth.

Will paced back and forth, the leaves rustling in protest before giving heaving a frustrated sigh. "I'm sorry, Much. I can't see another way around it." He faced Marian. "It is the best plan we've had."

Marian nodded to him. She hoped they all realized that she wasn't disturbed or upset. She'd made her peace with this. If she hadn't, she wouldn't have been there anyway.

"John?" She knew this would be hardest for him, excluding Robin of course. John saw himself as a protector, and right now, she understood he felt as if he was tossing her to the wolves.

The big man sighed, bowing his head briefly before coming to her side as well.

"I don't like this," he said clearly belligerently. She choked on a laugh.

"I don't think anyone could say this is ideal. But, honestly, and please, take this to heart. All of you." She looked pointedly at Much. "I know what I'm doing. I'm sad, of course I am, for Robin and I. This is for the good of everyone. I know Guy won't harm me; he is not as bad as you all think. He will care for me, as best as he knows how." She smiled up at John. "Please, do not feel as if you are abandoning me. I know you all will be watching out for me. It's been decided. Tomorrow, I will go to Guy and accept his proposal. Please, make sure Robin does not interfere." They all nodded in agreement, and Much, dear Much, had tears in his eyes.

She hugged each member of the team, and just as she was pulling out of Djaq's arms Robin appeared through the trees, lifting the newly filled canteen high above his head.

"And to what," Robin huffed as he reappeared in front of her, grinning happily. "Do we owe the pleasure of your company, my dear?" Marian hugged herself to him, taking the canteen and drinking deeply. When she finished she smiled at Robin.

"I merely had the afternoon free of the Sheriff's scrutiny and took the opportunity to spend it in the pleasant company of friends." Robin studied Marian, at once feeling there was something amiss. Her expression gave nothing away and she immediately moved to the inner circle of the camp. Seating herself with Djaq and Will, she smiled up at Robin, indicating the spot across from her. Robin shrugged the little niggle of doubt away, she was in no distress.

That night, everyone laughed more than they had in months. Marian danced around the campfire with Much and Robin, and Will. Djaq danced with John, and Will, and Much, then Will again. They told stories and remembered past times of adventure. When it came time for Marian to return to the castle for a good night's rest the whole gang watched her ride away with tears in their eyes, save for Robin, who remained clueless and happy. For the moment.

That morning, the sun rose on a new day. Marian woke from her bed reluctantly, so comfortably warm and blissfully unaware. She lay flat, staring up at the gauzy fabric draping the canopy of her bed. She had a brief moment of absolute panic. Her muscles locked, her heart stopped, and her lungs seized. This is how her maid found her when she entered the room.

"Oh! Miss!" Rosie was so startled she hardly knew what to do. She rushed to the Lady's side, pulling her torso up fro, the bed and pounding her back with a tight fist. The Lady Marian gasped briefly before holding a hand up to signal she was fine.

Rosie back away hastily, not knowing if she'd overstepped her bounds or not. The Lady Marian raised her head, and gasped out a thank you. Rosie nodded in acknowledgement before hesitantly going about getting the Lady's wardrobe for the day picked out.

"What's your name?" Rosie turned at the sound of the young woman's voice. She eyed Marian with a critical eye before answering in a more brusque tone. "Rosalynn, Ma'am. But friends call me Rosie."

"Rosie … are you married?" Marian's head was bowed as she perched on the edge of her bed, staring at the wooden floorboards.

"Yes, Ma'am. Been married since I was a young rose of a girl." Rosie smiled, remembering the handsome you her husband had been, then recalling how nervous he had been when he asked for her hand. They'd hardly no one another then.

"Were you … in love with your husband? Before you married?" Marian's voice was contemplative and Rosie again took a moment to observe the young woman. Though she seemed well past marrying age, she was a beauty.

"I think not Ma'am." Rosie laid out a fine blue gown she thought would complement the girl's coloring nicely. "If I may inquire, why do you ask?"

Marian sighed, lifting her head to gaze out the paned glass of her window. "I'm accepting a proposal today."

Rosie had been brushing out the dress when the young woman said this, and paused her work.

"Ah. And you be havin' doubts Ma'am?"

She shook her head, red tresses flying about haphazardly. "Not necessarily doubts. Just …"

Rosie clucked her tongue, before rising to face Lady Marian. "You be wantin' your freedom then?"

Marian startled and glanced at the older woman's face. It was softened with wisdom, her cheeks flushed with mirth and eyes twinkling.

"I remember my own time, when I had to accept a lad. I was a fiercely independent girl, no one could ever tell me right from left, I had to do it on my own. Stubborn and willful as an old mule." She cackled heartily. "Good thing I met a lad just as stubborn as I. 'Else I might've been runnin' forever."

"Have you been … happy? Even though you didn't love him?" Marian's eyes were lost and uncertain.

Rosie looked at her thoughtfully. "It takes more than love to make a marriage work. Oft' more than not, you're too busy workin' or fightin' to notice if it's there or not. When I married my Henry … we were as different as night and day. Always bickerin' after one thing or 'nother. Or lovin'." Her smile was wry as Lady Marian blushed and looked away. "Sooner or later, you tend to notice a softening 'o some sort. You're happy when they're by your side, and lonely when they're not. You start wantin' to make a joke or trick just to see 'em laugh." Old Rosie placed a light hand on one of Marian's clenched fists. The worried girl's eyes met her own, and she smiled encouragingly and patted her hands. "Love will come miss, don't you worry. It may not be a whirlwind love, or a heartbreaking love. But it will be love all the same."

Rosie left off to continue her morning chores, leaving the younger maids to bustle in and dress Marian.

Marian thought on Old Rosie's words all morning. When the afternoon had passed, and the sun began to lower itself from its height in the sky, Marian walked among the castle's gardens. She breathed deeply to gather her thoughts, before turning and summoning one of the castle guards with a wave of her hand.

He gave a deep bow as he approached.

"Would you send for Sir Guy of Gisborne? Tell him Lady Marian is waiting in the gardens."

The guard nodded in acquiescence, before bowing out again.

It was several moments before Guy arrived. By then the sun was nearly gone from the sky, and Marian was observing the darkening sunset with subdued pleasure.

She heard the crunch of the grass beneath his boots, and the whisper of the black leather before she saw him. She waited, not wanting to be the first to speak and break the peaceful stillness surrounding them. She imagined he was observing her, for he remained several steps behind her for a while before resuming his approach and standing to the right of the stone bench she was seated on.

Yet her face remained turn towards the sun, eyes closed as she enjoyed the last passing seconds of warmth on her face.

"I-I'm not sure… what it is you would like me to do." Guy's deep rumbling voice oddly didn't seem out of place in the garden.

Marian did not say anything as she simply lifted her right hand and extended it towards him. She was pleasantly surprised to feel his warm, rough, bare hand clasp her own. Secretly, she'd always despised those leather gloves. She'd always felt it was part of his act, part of how he distanced himself from everyone. But not from her, she amended. Never her. Today, she'd found that place inside her heart that was meant for him. She'd cleared away a little space and clutter; pushing away memories of Robin in the hopes that Guy would at least have a little room in her heart. Like Rosie had said, it may not be heart-stopping or fairytale worthy, but it was love all the same. Marian had hope that there would be love in this marriage. She'd have to work at it that was for sure. She'd have to go against her natural willfulness, and avoid being judgmental. The only way this was ever going to work was if at least one of them swallowed their pride; or else it would be a never ending battle.

She tugged her hand lightly, and Guy sat on the bench beside her. She turned to him and a lightly fragrant breeze drifted their way, lifting her hair and bringing it across her cheek. She watch his enraptured expression as he gently tucked the curl away from her face. His face hear, seemed so sincere. Marian had to admit she had worried more than once that the only reason he chased after was because of Robin. Maybe that was how it started at first. She believed now though, that he loved her.

Well, as much as Guy could love anyone.

Cradling his hand between her own, she sealed her fate.

"Ask me."

Guy hesitantly took his hand from the silken haven of her hands, reaching into the pocket of his trousers. He rotated himself, lowering to his knees on the grassy ground in front of her bench. He held out his fist, before opening his palm and revealing the new ring that lay within it.

Marian was surprised at first, then disappointed in herself. She'd never given any thought to the ring he had first given her. It had been heavy gold, laden with precious stones. It had felt like a shackle on her hand. For some reason, she had expected the same ring. She had once again underestimated Guy. Whether he'd gotten rid of it because of the bad memories it represented or simply because he thought she would want a different ring, it didn't matter.

Because she loved this ring.

She wasn't sure why she reacted so strongly to the sight of it, but she did. It was by no means small, but it wasn't extravagant. Marian was grateful for that. It was a simple white gold band, with diamonds, in the shape of a flower.

"If you don't like it, or you already have one you'd prefer you don't have to wear this one; I can return it easily." Guy offered nervously. Honestly, he was more than a little unnerved with himself. He never got this anxious, except with Marian. Marian made him feel like he was 8 and 10 again, as if he had never been near a woman before. He was shaking in his leather armor.

"NO," Marian gasped, snatching the ring from his hand. "Don't you dare."

At first, Guy was shocked. He stared at Marian clutching the ring to her chest protectively for a moment before he began to grin.

Marian watch the most handsome smile appear on Guy's face. He no longer looked serious or angry, he looked simply … content. Two dimples appeared on either side of his smile, and Marian decided it made him look almost boyish.

"May I?" Guy gestured towards the hand clutching the ring, and Marian hesitantly returned it.

"Marian, will you marry me?"

Marian exhaled shakily.

"Yes."