"And they all lived happily ever after…"

Happily ever after is a myth, and there's no use in believing in myths when reality is screaming for your attention.

Marian walked through to town with her guard, thinking of the words she had only just read in her new book. A guard was really no use; honestly, she could kick the whole damn guard crew's ass if she wanted to. All they knew how to do was swing swords around, blindly hoping to make contact with something concrete. Not to mention the fact they were all nothing short of being ridiculously stupid and evil…like a certain Sheriff.

"Lady Marian?"

She lifted her gaze, gently pushing some stray strands of hair behind her ear, "Yes?"

"Would it be all right if I was to look over some of the gifts over there? My wife's birthday is the day after next."

His sea green eyes were widened hopefully and he tapped his fingers on the side of his leg in a familiar beat; a sign of nervousness judging from his fading grin. Her heart reached towards him, and felt a guilty poke in her stomach for assuming all guards were terrible.

"Of course. But, I think it best that we don't mention this to Vasey."

"I agree, just as long as you don't "run off", as he fears, he shall never know."

She nodded in a way that he would know she wasn't planning a great escape, "I will not leave you…today."

He smirked when she emphasized today, before striding towards some of the stands.

"You are as kind as they all say."

She jumped, startled, and turned around, "Well, gee, look who it is. Mister Robin Hood; famous outlaw. Gracing me, of all people, with his presence?"

"Famous, is that what they're saying? Well, don't annoy me or else my "perfect, never missing shoot" might injure some guards in another "heartfelt, perfect plan to free some poor, distraught soul."

"Dramatic much?"

"Just what they're sayin', love," He grinned her favorite grin before slyly grabbing her hand. The movement did not go unnoticed by the guard, who simply shook his head and smiled.

Little darling, here comes the sun.