I sincerely apologize for the wait on this. I wanted to make this chapter NON-CHEESY which proved to be difficult. It took me a while and I hope you enjoy it! I took things for a spin by going somewhere we haven't been yet. (Hint-Will's there too!) I have to admit that I wrote it in this setting half just to have Will around. I know some of you really enjoy his character and I'm no better. Thank my brother for inspiration when I created his attitudes. Hehe. Disclaimer: Once again, I do NOT own this legend. But then, who does? Except maybe the spirit of England. Please read, review, and enjoy!

Marian had been quite sure that she'd misheard Robin when he'd declared that he was going to Locksley that morning.

"You can't be serious." Marian had looked at him as if he'd caught the plague.

For moment he'd looked hurt. "Actually, I am."

Much looked from one to the other, not quite understanding.

Robin had stood up and promptly put on his cloak, taken up his bow, quiver, and sword. "I want to see it. I never have."

Marian had protested, of course. "Why would you want to see something that you can never have?"

Robin answered her question with a question. "Does it matter?"

This argument now had the three of them setting off for Locksley each on their own horse. (In addition to the two mares from Marian's manor they had found another wandering the forest. Someone was missing the horse by now, for sure.) Much had refused to be left behind, as he usually did and Marian perhaps as curious as Robin to see where she might have lived.

Upon arriving on Robin's lands they dismounted and walked the horses beside them; there was no reason to frighten the villagers with unsavory looking characters charging into their village on horseback. After a short walk they entered the village. Locksley really was nothing more than a scattering of huts for the peasants and fields for the lord of the manor who was most likely Robin's brother, Charles, or Will. Robin couldn't have said who would have taken over Locksley after his outlawry.

The three of them stayed in the shadows as much as possible, with hoods low over their faces. "Small, but comfortable," Marian commented absently.

The peasants' homes were well kept. One had a nanny goat tugging on its rope outside as a child milked her. The boy's face seemed gaunt and stretched. The child was proof that all was not as it looked on the outside.

The manor itself looked lived-in. Clothes hung out to the yard behind. A female servant was beating dust out of linen sheets off to the side. Robin pointed to a scarlet doublet hanging out to dey. "Will's here. Whether or not my brother is, I can't tell."

Robin went closer with Marian and Much following. Marian could tell that Robin was feeling… lost? Erased or forgotten? It was hard to know for sure. This had been his home, although he'd never once lived here. Now that he was gone and outlawed things continued as if he'd never touched the place.

A middle-aged woman with golden hair carefully braided into the French fashion exited the house wearing a light blue gown. Robin flattened himself against the nearest empty-looking hut available.

"Who is it?" Marian hissed. She could swear she recognized the noblewoman.

"My mother," Robin answered flatly.

Marian had never met Robin's mother. She had sent a message once while Robin was on crusade saying that she'd like to visit, but nothing had come of it. Marian looked at her more carefully now. Her face had wrinkles that faded into soft lines. Her eyes seemed dulled where they used to sparkle. Marian couldn't say how she decided that they used to sparkle, but it seemed to be a good guess.

"Go talk to her," Marian suggested.

Robin's head snapped around to glare at her. "She wouldn't want to speak to me. I've disappointed the whole family."

Marian had never once thought that he might feel that way. Marian had no family to disappoint. She nudged him with her elbow. "If I were a mother and my son had been outlawed I wouldn't turn him away."

Robin just shook his head.

Marian made a snap decision just then and strode out of the shadows with confidence. Elaine. That was her name. It was a good thing that she'd remembered. "Lady Elaine, it's so good to see you."

The woman looked at her with surprise. Most likely because of her choice of clothing. "I'm sorry, I don't think I know you." She made to walk back into the manor.

Marian smiled warmly. It was almost fake, since she wasn't accustomed to warm smiles. "I'm Marian Fitzwater, milady. I believe that your son and I were once engaged."

The woman's eyes lit up. "Oh yes. But, excuse me… Lady Marian." The title came hesitantly as it left her lips. "Rumor has it that you were outlawed."

"I was," Marian answered. "I joined Robin in Sherwood Forest. He's here as well today."

So far, Elaine had taken everything surprisingly well. Courtly manners had never slipped. However, at the mention of the presence of her son her head whipped around in search of him. "Where? I wish to speak with him." Her voice had an edge of impatience to it.

"He doesn't believe that you wish to see him."

Elaine got snippy. "Who does he think he is? I am his mother and I will speak with him. He'll not deny his own mother when she's been sick with worry."

Marian thought she might point out that Robin was a grown man and could care for himself but at that moment a very familiar young man came towards them from the hall. "Grandmother, I thought you were—"

Will stopped suddenly upon seeing Marian. He raised his eyebrows. "Well. This is… unexpected."

"Isn't it though?" Marian responded. "You've grown a mustache since I last saw you."

Will stroked his mustache mischievously, attempting to look mysterious. "I think it makes me more dashing. Which seems to help with ladies and such."

Marian opened her mouth to say something about men and how proud they seemed to be of the ability to grow hair on their faces, and really, how it wasn't all that important.

Elaine interrupted, though. "You said that my son is here." Her tone was remindful.

Marian looked to the concealing shadows. "Robin, your mother wants to speak with you! What did I say about this? And I was right, too."

Will muttered, "You sound like a mother yourself, you know."

"Oh, yes, thank you Will. That's exactly what I want to be told." Her sarcasm was very evident.

"I didn't say a thing, if anyone asks…" Will glanced around in a suspicious way whilst stroking his precious mustache.

Marian attempted to ignore his shenanigans. "At least come tell your nephew that facial hair does not make him 'dashing' or earn him the lust of women everywhere!"

Will chuckled.

Robin sulked out of the shadows after sending furtive looks around the village. Elaine's face fairly lit up before running up to her son and shaking him by the shoulders. "What were you thinking, Robert? You killed the Sheriff of Nottingham's cousin! And making me sick with worry all this time without once showing your face!"

Will and Marian stood and watched the spectacle with humorous looks on their faces.

"I'm fine, Mother," Robin told her. "We have all the food we could need and shelter from foul weather."

Elaine's disdainful look quickly softened. "If you ever need anything, just go round to the servant's entrance at Huntington. Your father isn't happy with you, you know."

"No, I suppose he wouldn't be," Robin muttered.

Elaine then attempted to smother Robin in a large motherly hug. "I'm so glad you're safe. Come inside for supper?"

To keep up all appearances of a simple visit should anyone happen to stop by Marian was forced to change into more appropriate attire. Elaine had shoved into Marian's hands a pale lavender gown with simple lines but expensive fabric. Aside from the color she rather liked it. She didn't stop to ask why Elaine had a spare at her grandson's. Although it fit her so well she wondered if it was Elaine's at all. Will's mother, perhaps? Who knew.

Despite who's it was when Marian did first sit down she noticed Will's eyes flicking between her and Robin. How awkward. Much was having the worst of it. In truth he looked like he'd rather crawl under the table and eat there. Probably because the poor boy had never eaten with a table full of nobles and ex-nobles.

Robin's mother was demanding on the small details of life in Serwood. Did they have some form of shelter? Had there been any threats made to them? Did they eat nothing but venison? Surely they could have other food as well?

Marian and Much mostly watched as Robin answered these questions in a tone that suggested his mother was often this way. As soon as she took a slight pause from her interrogation for lack of questions, Robin leaped to ask Will if he was lord of Locksley now.

"Unfortunately," he answered. "I was hoping for another year of leisure with absolutely nothing to worry about except how soon the next meal will be served. But now… thanks to you…" Will trailed off with a meaningful look. But he openly smiled. "It's not all bad being—" Will cleared his throat and then intoned, "Lord William of Locksley." Back in a normal voice, "But by all means, please take it off my hands the minute you're pardoned."

"Not happening. I killed the sheriff's cousin, if you remember. He won't forgive that."

Will shrugged. "Offer still stands."

Marian enjoyed watching the family interaction between Robin, his mother, and Will. They had an easy way of talking that Marian had never experienced with her father. She wished it had. Her mother had been a bit like this, but more in loving, adoring way. Robin's family had a teasing quality to their love. Love came in all brands she decided.

Elaine released a long sigh. Her voice took on a seriousness that Marian hadn't heard before. "There is something I'd like you to do, Robert, after you leave here."

"What?" Robin asked.

"What can we possibly do as outlaws?" Marian echoed, taking part in the conversation for the first time in a while.

"You see, Sheriff DeLacey seems to be exerting his power more than needed of late."

Will added, "He hanged one of my villagers without even involving me. I tried to tell him that it was a small crime and one that I had jurisdiction over, but he refused to listen!"

Elaine continued, "He's raised the taxes over the entire county, saying that he's trying to raise money to go to Duke Leopold of Austria for King Richard's ransom, but I don't think that can possibly be his goal." Elaine paused. "I want you to undermine him."

"What!" Much couldn't help his outburst. He clapped a hand over his mouth and seemed to sink lower in his chair, obviously feeling he had overstepped.

"Or," Will said, "Assist the people from his tyranny."

Robin gave Will a disbelieving look. "You're trying to make it sound heroic."

"It is!" Will objected, trying to look hurt, but still smiling.

Marian felt her spirits lift. "Robin, remember what you said to me before. You know… that day." While Elaine and Will looked confused Robin knew that Marian was referring to the end of her withdrawal.

"But the Sheriff of Nottingham," Robin protested. "He's not a man to get on the bad side of."

"You already are," Will pointed out.

Robin had that spark in his eye. He wanted to do it. It was a challenge that he was willing to accept.

Marian and Will exchanged knowing smiles during a short silence while Robin appeared to be thinking about his mother's request.

Robin's thoughts were many and all leading in one direction even if he attempted to reverse them. The sheriff… He wouldn't be an easy one to 'undermine'. In fact it would be downright impossible. Unless… There wasn't only one way to bring the man and his intentions to the ground. He would do as Will suggested, and 'assist the people' rather than direct confrontation the DeLacey. But still…

"I don't know," he amended aloud.

"It's a worthy cause," Elaine said hopefully. "A good portion of the nobles have been waiting or an opening to remove him from his position."

Robin was still willing but unsure.

"The first respectable outlaw doesn't seem so bad, does it? And it does sound amusing, don't you think?" Marian's eager and (as always) angelic voice broke the last of his doubts.

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