Disclaimer to all things RH

Well, here's chapter 21. Sorry it took so long for the update...this one isn't very good...its mostly narration, but it needs to happen, you'll see. Thanks to everyone who reviewed. Your comments are much appreciated. Enjoy!

Cold winds swept over the great field that separated Nottingham Castle and its village from the sheltering trees of Sherwood. It was nearing twilight now and Marian walked quickly, head bent to hide her face from the cold, hot tears streaming down her face. She told herself that it was from the wind, just like she was telling herself that what happened with Robin meant nothing. However, there wasn't a moment where she did not recall the feeling of his mouth hot on hers. The harsh wind blew dark ominous clouds over the oppressed city and Marian swore that she could feel a few drops of rain as she entered the strong gates of the city. Pulling her cloak tighter around her, she tried to shrug off her emotions, refusing to fight the argument in her mind.

Walking down the streets of Nottingham town did nothing to ease Marian's mind as she wound her way through the maze of alleys and cobblestone streets. She couldn't help but notice the scattering of people about the streets, huddling together around a small fire until they saw her approach, at which time they would pretend to be moving somewhere. The Sheriff would have no beggars littering his street. Ironic, Marian thought, as he was the one who put them there. Her heart ached as she realized that she was robbing these people of the money that Robin would have normally given them. She felt totally and completely selfish, protecting her aging father over the less fortunate of England. Of course, she would not even breach the subject of choice with herself, as she already knew the answer.

She hated herself for saying those words. Well, more to the point, she hated herself for alot of things; betraying Robin, leading him on, betraying Nottingham, betraying herself and everything she stood for. What she wouldn't give to squeeze that little bald mans head until his eyeball popped out.

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After watchng Marian leave his sight, Robin leaned against the stone wall, running over every detail of what had passed between them. A small smile tugged at his mouth at the memory. However, his mind was quickly pulled to more pressing subjects. He couldn't believe that he had allowed her to go to Knighton. As if he had allowed that woman to get to him. It took every ounce of his will power to not follow her, knowing that if he did, he would betray her trust.

The wind then swept up the leaves into a mesmerizing swirl around the outlaw and he shivered with cold. Many villagers may be cold tonight, he thought, looking up at the sky and seeing nothing but dark grey. He figured that he could stop in Nottingham and distribute a little money, help the people and almost more importantly, take his mind off Marian. So, he pulled up his hood and walked towards the castle, taking the same path that Marian had taken only fifteen mintues before him.

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The rain had begun to fall more heavily now, large drops falling on everything, cold searing into Marian's flesh. Still she kept walking until she reached the east gate of the castle. She quickly slipped past the guard and found herself in the dark, cold and damp hallways of the castle.

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The walk to Nottingham was unpleasant, to say the least, for Robin. In fact, he was quite miserable when he took advantage of a distraction provided by a few drunken man and entered the city unnoticed. He skulked along the streets, tossing small bags of coins into windows as he went. He did not miss the faces of gratitude as he passed and felt a warm feeling inside the kept out even the cold of the rain.

Suddenly, a quick movement and a flash of a blue cloak caught his attention. At first, he just thought it was a trick of his eyes but when he looked again, he knew that what he saw was real.

"Marian." he whispered lightly to himself as he walked briskly after her, thankful that the sound of the rain would cover that of his footsteps. As he followed her, his mind turned in all different directions trying to figure out what she was doing there. His heart dropped. He knew that she had lied to him about something, he just couldn't figure out what. Then he saw her slip into the castle and in a flash the past twenty-four hours all made sense.

Her being arrested with not evidence.

The easy rescue.

The questions about the money.

And finally, now the most painful to recall, the kiss.

Torn between shouting at the top of his lungs or collapsing in a heap, Robin settled for forming his face into a marble look of emptiness. He turned to a beam on the side of one house and punched it as hard as he could, as if he was trying to make the piece of would feel even a fraction of the pain. Instead, he had caused the pigeons that had nested under the ledge to scatter and his knuckles to acquire a lovely collection of scratches. And, of course, the pain still remained.

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Marian's visit at the castle was not long, as she did not want to arouse Robin's suspicion be arriving late. When she was released to the open sky and rain, she sighed. It is done, she thought and continued to walk. Suddenly she was grabbed and pushed against the wall. Her gaze met a pair of blue eyes, filled with anger.

"Robin." she breathed.

"Tell me I'm wrong, Marian." he said through clenched teeth, "Tell me that that I did not see you betray me." the icy fire of his stare terrified her. She closed her eyes in fear.

TBC

What will Marian do now that Robin knows she betrayed him? You'll find out soon!! heehee I like being the only one who knows...I know it's evil of me...Let me know what you think. Please Review!