Hello! So last time all was well with Lizzie and Robin and int his chapter we see her welcomed back into the outlaws group. Agsain I shamelessly beg for reviews - they are so useful and I am always looking to improve my writing. SO yes, if you're reading this enjoy the chapter and please tell me what you think :)

Chapter 32

Lizzie

"Robin?" I yawned, sitting up and rubbing my eyes. I hadn't meant to fall asleep but I hadn't been comfortable in so long that once I was there was no going back. However I was decidedly uncomfortable with the fact that Robin was gone – he had been such a lovely pillow. I decided to stay up since it was light out and quite warm, as I stretched I realized just how good it felt to be free.

"Lizzie!" A gruff voice said from behind me and I turned to see Little John standing with his arms outstretched and a gigantic smile on his face.

I grinned and ran up to him and he swung me into a crushing hug. "I'm glad you're safe lass." He said.

"So am I." I replied with a smile, punching him lightly on his broad shoulder.

"And so are we." Another voice said from behind him as Alan and Will emerged, Alan smirking and Will smiling shyly. I beamed and wrapped them both in a tight hug.

"Thank you!" I said warmly but they waved my thanks away.

"Don't mention it." Will said quietly and Alan shuffled his feet awkwardly,

"It's the least I could do, really." He said in the most serious voice I'd ever heard him use. There was a silence as I remembered the bad things I'd seen Alan was capable of as well as the good. After a second I smiled,

"We all do things we regret. You have saved my life twice now and I'll always be grateful to you. As for the rest – it is forgotten." I spoke quietly and he just nodded.

"Now would someone mind telling me where on earth Robin's got to?" I asked lightly and they all exchanged mischievous looks. I narrowed my eyes at each of them in turn. "What? What is it?" I asked persistently but they only smirked.

I stamped my foot in frustration, unable to stop a pout shaping my lips.

"Aw come on Lizzie, you'll know soon enough." Will placated but I shook my head stubbornly.

"No, now would be soon enough!" I argued and then made my eyes wide and appealing. "Please?"

They all laughed and retreated with their hands over their faces. "Not the eyes!" Alan wailed and I sighed heavily.

Just then I heard approaching footsteps and looked up eagerly. "Is that him?" I asked and they all shrugged but their grins made it obvious that it was. I found myself shifting my weight between my feet in eagerness to see him, I couldn't stand still! Then I heard his laugh and couldn't bear it any longer, I ran forwards and shouted joyfully when he came into the clearing and swept me into his arms.

"Robin I missed you!" I said, breathing in his earthy scent.

"I was only gone for an hour." He smiled, then he stepped back. "I have someone else you might be glad to see." He said in a more serious voice. I looked behind him but couldn't see anyone and furrowed my brow in confusion. Robin walked slightly away and Guy emerged from the trees, a sombre look on his face.

My breath caught in my throat. "Guy." I said, my voice came out choked and he nodded once. I didn't know what to say to him, he had saved my life and yet had been so cruel to me whilst I was the Sheriff's captive, he had deserted me and chosen to do the Sheriff's bidding.

"Lizzie." He said before I could say anything. "I am so sorry."

He said it simply, there was nothing false or forced about it. I nodded but couldn't stop my eyes filling with tears,

"It's okay." I said shakily. His dark brows came together and he pulled me to him, sinking to the floor as he did so. I curled into his embrace as I used to as a little girl and he soothed me as he had done then with soft words.

"Are you alright?" I asked, looking at him properly through my tears, he was pale and haunted looking but no trace of physical violence could be found.

"I am now. The Sheriff has done nothing by way of revenge for my actions but I am sure he will try, for now though all that matters is that you are safe." He said steadily. I sniffed and looked round to see the outlaws staring at Guy with open mouths, obviously unused to seeing that side to him. He raised an eyebrow and pulled me to my feet along with him as he stood.

"Thank you for all that you've done for Lizzie." He said grudgingly and they mumbled awkwardly, all of them avoiding each others eyes. I chuckled and took Robins hand.

"You could have told me!" I said and he mussed up my hair.

"You don't have to know everything Liz." He teased, knowing full well that I'd very much like to.

"She has a good go at it though." John laughed and I stuck my tongue out at him.

"You all have to be nice to me for at least a little while longer!" I protested playfully and there was a general shout of laughter.

"Does being nice to you include asking you very politely to get going on dinner?" Yet another voice said and we all laughed to see Much come into the clearing holding an armful of rabbits.

"Bloody rabbit again." Alan complained and Much glared at him.

"I'll have you know I -"He began to defend himself but the other outlaws groaned.

"Hello Much." I smiled and he grinned at me.

"Good to see you back, Lizzie." He greeted.

"I so missed your cooking whilst I was away." I teased, emphasizing the 'your' part so he knew I didn't plan on making the meal. Robin laughed and Much rolled his eyes, grumbling to himself good-naturedly as he set about preparing the meal.

"Stay for dinner?" Robin asked Guy somewhat curtly but Guy shook his head.

"I have to get back." He said in a low voice. I bit my lip, the thought of him returning to the castle chilled me to the core.

"I'll be fine." He said, noticing my expression. I nodded slowly.

"Please come and visit me here." I said quietly and he sighed,

"I'll try."

He never was one for goodbyes and this time was no exception, he simply turned and walked away.

I felt myself about to cry again and just managed to stop, Robin looked at me seriously.

"He'll be okay." He assured me and I managed a small smile.

"I know."

The other outlaws smiled sympathetically at me as they sat round the fire and soon Robin and I followed suit. We spent the night talking and laughing and eating some very overcooked (burnt) rabbits, courtesy of an indignant Much.