Lady Lillian of Kersey sat in the coach enduring being jostled around until she could no longer feel her intestines. "You know, Lady Lilly, if you think about it, it was very nice for the Sheriff of Nottingham to allow you to stay," Rosemary, Lilly's maid, rambled on.
Lilly sighed exasperatedly, "I suppose it was. Rosemary, would you please be quiet I have the most splitting headache." Lilly cringed at Rosemary's slightly crestfallen expression. "What were you saying about the Sheriff?" Lilly smiled as the young woman resumed her chattering.
Lilly looked out the window and watched the trees as they swayed slightly the breeze that accompanied the setting sun. She had grown up in a larger city, one bursting with activity and travelers for as long as she knew. Coming out into the smaller towns was an adventure to her. She was leaving the watchful eye of her parents, but not the eye of her Father's supporters. All her Father had told her was that Vaisey of Nottingham had offered to have her live at Nottingham. She had no idea the reward he was offering. What am I? Just something he locks up. The carriage suddenly lurched forward and Lilly was almost thrown into the lap of her maid. "This is an ambush!" the self-assured voice rang haughtily from the front.
Rosemary eye's dashed around wildly and she began to hyperventilate, "Rosemary!" Lilly said sternly.
The young woman nodded and looked down at her feet. "There are people who are going hungry! We take a tenth of what you have. If you lie we take it all!" Suddenly the door opened and a young man with dark hair was looking in.
He looked almost apologetic before he motioned her and her maid out of the carriage. "We're going to die!" Rosemary wailed as they saw the rest of the outlaws.
"Shush!" Lilly clamped a hand around her mouth.
"Ladies," the leader said.
The Sheriff and Guy sat in the hall, awaiting the arrival of Lady Lillian. "Where is she?! I told you send two sets of guards!"
"And I did my lord," Gisborne replied. He was just as anxious as the Sheriff was. He just wasn't going around and yelling at people.
"Well then why," the Sheriff grabbed his collar, "are they a not here?" Guy received a barely stinging slap to the face before Vaisey stomped off. Guy leaned against the window frame, looking out into the court yard. The gates were closed and the stone was washed in moon and torch light. Lillian was supposed to be here hours ago, and Guy was getting restless. As he was going over all of the things that could've possibly happened to her, the gate opened and he heard the rattle of carriage wheels over the stones.
Lillian of Kersey glanced out the window. From what she had seen of Nottingham it was a dirty foul place. Most of the cities she had even seen had some sort of nicer part. This place was just full of poverty and unhappy people. "My lady Kersey, welcome to Nottingham," the Sheriff bowed to her. She instantly disliked him. It was sleazy look in his eye, she though.
"My Lord Sheriff," she inclined her head to the man.
"My Lady, I am honored by your presence." Guy chose this precise moment to come out. The young woman he saw before him made his falter. He had envisioned someone who was hard and high above everyone. But she was the opposite. Her auburn hair fell over her shoulders, her blue eyes emphasized by the dark blue cloak and the light blue dress. She had a kindness in her eyes; kindness that Guy unknowingly needed.
Her eyes flashed to him. Lilly looked up at the man clad in black leather who had just descended the steps. She took in his dark hair, features, and light eyes. She could not deny he was handsome, but she noted a slightly pleased look on his face, as though he approved of her.
"And, my Lady," the Sheriff gestured to the man and he came down. "This is Sir Guy of Gisborne."
Guy bowed to her and gently kissed her hand, "My Lady."
"Ah yes," the Sheriff looked rather annoyed at that gesture, "I have instructed Sir Guy to show you around the castle and for anything else you may need." The sheriff then hurried up the steps as though he was running from her.
"You chamber is right this way, my lady," Guy turned and she followed him up.
"You, out," Guy said harshly to the maid who was already in the room. "I hope the room is to your liking."
Lillian took in the bed, desk, window, and the sheer size of it all. "Yes, thank you Sir Guy."
Guy nodded, but he did not leave like she expected him to. "I'll begin unpacking my lady," Rosemary told her and took the bags to the bed.
"Your trip was pleasurable I suspect, My Lady?" Guy asked.
"For the most part, until the outlaws." Lilly said.
Guy's eyebrows rose, "Outlaws?"
"Yes, fortunately he didn't take many of my possessions."
"I thought that the extra guards would surely help with that. I apologize, my lady." Guy half bowed to her.
"It's fine, Sir Guy, thank you." She nodded and smiled to him.
"Well then I must bid you a good night," he bowed again and left the room.
"Well?" Rosemary probed her.
"Well what?"
"Don't you think he's handsome?" Rosemary had to keep herself from giggling.
"I suppose in a devilish sort of way." Rosemary rolled her eyes at her mistress's lack of enthusiasm.
"Well, Gisborne?"
"She's a very charming young woman," Guy said as he sat down in the hall.
"Charming who cares?! I mean will she marry you?"
Guy sighed, slightly annoyed, "My lord, it takes a little more time before she will be ready to marry me."
"Well then hurry up Gisborne! That money won't be there forever. Take her out tomorrow or something." Vaisey left the room leaving Guy to ponder his suggestion.
A/N: Hello. I want to thank all of my supporters. And I apologize for not getting this out sooner. My computer broke the next morning after I posted this story, and I was just able to find the time to write. I may not update that frequently until I get my computer back, or unless I have some inspiration. I appreciate your reviews. I do promise to post at least one other chapter this weekend.