R+R

Disclaimer: Ruby and Hazel

CHAPTER EIGHT: would you mind if I sat next to you and watched you smile?

The ride to Nottingham was uneventful. Vasey and Gisbourne were waiting in the grand hall for Marion and Ruby. They curtsied and bowed and the whole enchilada. "Have you ladies eaten?" Gisbourne asked, "No we haven't Sir Creep…I mean Sir Guy." Ruby answered. Marion shot her dark look and Ruby responded with an "it slipped" look. "Marion, I hope you are learning to be a proper lady from your cousin. Only speak when spoken to." Vasey commented. Marion gripped Ruby's arm keep her from saying something. "Gisbourne please escort these ladies to the dining hall then report to my chambers." Vasey explained. He bowed and kissed Ruby's hand that almost made her lose her appetite and left. "Please forgive his absence, he must prepare for a very important meeting." Guy explained, Ruby nodded.

Guy offered both arms and they took them as he escorted them to the dining hall.

DINING HALL

"Let's eat in the garden since it's beautiful out." Ruby suggested. Marion agreed. They asked for a basket to carry the food out in and headed out.

There wasn't a cloud in the sky and the birds were chirping merrily. They set up their picnic under a willow tree.

"So?" Ruby said taking a bite out of her apple

"Yes?" Marion replied,

"What's with you and Robin?" she asked,

"Nothing." Marion answered. "Two words. BEE and ESS." Ruby retorted, "There's something. You can't lie to the best liar in the world. Okay well maybe not the best liar but I'm pretty damn good."

"I'll tell you about Robin and me, if you tell me more about you." Marion said,

"Deal."

"Good. Robin and I have known each other for a very long time. We grew up together and we fell in love. In fact, we were to be married, but then he left for the crusades and my heart was broken. I thought he loved me as much I loved him. I still love him but I must protect my heart."

Ruby gave her a small caring smile. She'd have to have a talk with Robin later.

"So how did you end up here?" Marion asked

"I was in the park and this dude bumped into me and dropped a necklace. And the next thing I know I ended up here."

"What did look like?"

"It was silver with a red stone that had a circular piece holding it. There was German writing on it." Ruby answered.

"I think I know what you're talking about. Does the writing translate to 'For as long as there's day and night, follow time into the light'?" Marion asked,

"Yes!"

"I know where you can find it."

"How? It fell out of my pocket!"

"The necklace belongs to a wizard. There's some kind of spell on it where it returns to its owner." Marion explained, "I know where he lives."

Ruby pulled Marion into a tight hug. "Oh my god you are my new best friend. I mean apart from Djaq."

Marion laughed. "Come on, I have to go charm Guy into giving me information and then we can head off Robin's camp." Marion said standing up. "Help me up." Ruby whined, Marion rolled her eyes and helped Ruby up. "What's my part?" Ruby asked as they walked back to the castle,

"You get to charm the Sheriff." Marion answered.

"Oh hell to the no." Ruby groaned,

"This is the last time, I promise." Marion pleaded.

"Fine. But you owe me."

"Deal. Now come on."

Ruby reluctantly followed Marion to her doom.