Disclaimer: I do not own or profit from this writing. Only OC's belong to me.

Author's Note The ceremony/festival at the beginning is just meant to be a semi-pagan tradition (it is still the twelfth century, after all). Since it doesn't really matter what it is for I didn't define it to closely. No offense is meant.

Chapter 17: The End of the Beginning

Days flew by after the near-razing as everything finally settled back into a normal routine—which included the usual visits by Robin and his gang, followed by the clean up from their escapade. "Can we patch the tapestry?" Sarah wondered studying the torn piece as several of the maids gathered around. It had been damaged in Hood's latest foray into the castle. "I think we can fix it without it being noticeable."

"The sheriff actually liked that one," Gretchen sighed. "How does Robin find the one tapestry in all of Nottingham that is the sheriff's favorite?" She was debating whether it was pure luck or intent.

"Gretchen!" a maid called out. "Quick!" Gretchen ran fast to see what the problem was. "A messenger for you from Locksley."

She nearly plowed others down as she raced on. "It is Constance. She has gone into labor early and the wise woman doesn't think it is going to be good," the boy said. Gretchen took her apron off and grabbed her shawl. "Elle?"

"Go, I'll cover for you. Go quickly!" she said as Gretchen spun out of the kitchen and made to run all the way to Locksley. Allan saw her running and lifted her onto his horse, racing out of the gates.

Now she had twice as much work to do, but she owed Gretchen. She said a prayer for Constance. She was a kind woman.

Allan returned that evening as everyone was finishing up the last of their chores to go to the moon ceremony. She saw in his eyes it didn't go well. "The babe was early, born dead. Constance isn't doing well. They don't think she will make it," he said softly.

"How is Gretchen?" Eleanor asked

"Doing what she can for her brother and niece," he said. He noticed she seemed reluctant to go to the festival. "Come on, Nora. You guys have been planning this for days, since before the razing incident."

"It hardly seems appropriate," Eleanor argued.

"Hey, I thought you were going to start listening to me?"

"When on earth did I ever say that?" she demanded with a smirk.

"We'll have fun," he promised. "Greta would tell you to go if she was here." He led her out to the green outside the village where others had set up for the celebration for the moon. A bonfire was lit, shining out across the green. Others were singing, playing games, playing instruments, and dancing. "Come on," Allan grinned. He led her into the dance that was happening around the bonfire. Despite her best attempts Allan had her laughing and enjoying herself.

The moon shone overhead as they enjoyed in the merriment. Allan swung her around till she was breathless. He chose that moment to lean in for a kiss. "Another dance, my lady?" he grinned.

"Yes, I think I will, my lord," she grinned as she placed her hand in his.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"What's wrong?" Eleanor demanded seeing Allan's face the following morning after serving breakfast. "What happened?"

"Constance didn't survive." She could tell there was more. "Samuel and Ygrainne are being relocated with the rest of Locksley. The sheriff has ordered for Locksley to be confiscated to house his mercenaries."

"Where are they going? Where's Gretchen?" Eleanor asked concerned.

"Gretchen is going to help Samuel with the move, she wanted me to tell you she will be back at the end of the week. They are moving to Clun, I think."

She held a hand to her temple. "Mercenaries? What for?"

"To smash out Robin Hood, prepare in case the King plans to return."

"Has the king even left the Holy Lands?" Eleanor asked.

"The Sheriff is being cautious. He is protecting what he thinks is his."

"But…" it had only been a few days ago that they were enjoying themselves at the bonfire. Now everything was helter skelter. "What are you doing?"

"Escorting a shipment of food to Locksley for the troops."

"A shipment Robin would be happy to take," she muttered.

"I know, Nora, I'll be careful," he grinned.

She was working when she saw Gretchen passing through the gate in a state of shock, carrying Ygrainne who looked even more in shock. "Greta?" Eleanor asked, rushing down the steps. "Greta? What happened?"

"We were all forced out of Locksley," she said trying to breath. "Samuel… I don't know what he was thinking. They charged in and started knocking things around and he simply went crazy, attacking them but they were mercenaries," she said and tears poured down her cheeks. "They cut him down like he was nothing."

Eleanor wrapped both Gretchen and Ygrainne in a hug, letting them cry. "Constance's grave wasn't even cold yet and I had to bury him next to her."

"Oh lord, Greta." She didn't know how to deal with the grief except to hug her tighter. "Are you hungry, Ygrainne?" Eleanor asked. "Do you want something to eat?"

"What am I going to do with her? I can't work and raise her, Elle," Greta mumbled.

"We'll figure something out," Eleanor muttered. They had to, too much was at stake. "Come on, I'll find some broth for the two of you."

"Wasn't Allan in Locksley?" Eleanor asked.

"He and Guy rode out before everything," Gretchen said in a daze.

Eleanor hoped Allan was having a better time of things than they were.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Distract them," Marion whispered, furious she couldn't get through the bindings on her hand, terrified of how everything had come to pass and how everything was simply ruined in a matter of minutes.

"What?" Allan asked surprised.

"Help me. Distract them, long enough for me to get into the forest," Marion pleaded. She had to make Allan see reason, had to reach out to the part that Eleanor seemed to hold in the palm of her hand.

"This place is surrounded," Allan pointed out.

"Please, we have to do something," Marion pleaded. She couldn't let it all end now, things hadn't even begun for her and Robin yet. She had to get through to Allan… what would Eleanor say?

"I don't have to do anything. If I mess this up with Gisborne now, I've got nothing left, Marion," Allan tried to explain

"I could talk to Robin for you," Marion bribed. It was what he wanted, even Eleanor said so.

"You don't get it, do you? Even if I wanted to go back I couldn't. It's too late. Look, I've helped you wherever I can, you know that…" Allan pointed out. He had done everything since joining Gisborne to keep Marion safe. Hell, Eleanor had even risked herself for this woman, and now Marion wanted him to risk everything, risk Eleanor, again?

"I know, and I know you want to go back to Robin. Eleanor knows it too. I can help you with that," Marion insisted.

"Robin won't allow it, even with you helping me. And if I mess up things with Gisborne then I lose any chance of Nora, too. I'm not messing up with her, Marion. Not for anything…" the door creaked open drawing their attention

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Ygrainne finally fell asleep in their bed. Gretchen stayed to watch over her so Eleanor left to give them some peace. She saw Allan looking just as wretched as Gretchen. "What happened?"

"Marion… Guy found out she is the Nightwatchman," he said angrily. "Headstrong girl just wouldn't listen! I told her to get out…"

"What happened? Its Guy, surely she is safe—"

"He wants her hung, as soon as the sheriff returns."

Eleanor pressed her hands to her temples. She wished she could go to bed and start this day over. "This is absurd. Samuel was killed"

"What?!" Allan asked shocked.

"Gretchen returned this morning with her niece, her brother was killed by mercenaries."

Allan hit the wall. "That is twice in one day I failed someone. You had best hide yourself away someplace safe."

"Don't be absurd, Allan. It isn't too late. Talk to Guy."

"He won't listen to me."

"Yes, I think he might. You have worked for him all these months. You have to have some connection with him. You've told me yourself Gisborne isn't as evil as everyone thinks. There is something there besides what Robin and the Sheriff sees, a good side, Allan. I'm sure of it. Use that. It's Marion, I know you are going to do something!"

"I can't mess things up with Gisborne!" he yelled. "If I loose my place with him, Nora, then what? What will happen to us?"

"You won't loose your place, Allan. You'll be saving Marion and making Guy a better person."

He gave a frustrated moan. "How did everything go so horribly wrong in one day?"

"I was asking that a moment ago. You'll make things right."

She sounded so sure of him. He had no idea how she had so much faith in him. "What if I can't?"

"You're Allan a Dale. You exude charm. Go use it," Eleanor grinned.

"Nora, seriously. I'm not being funny. If Marion dies I couldn't live with that. And Robin will make sure I don't."

"He will go after Guy first. If something goes wrong, Allan, run. You have money to support yourself, you can do this, but if something goes wrong, you have to save yourself," Eleanor ordered.

"Us?" Allan asked.

"I have faith in you, you dolt. I'm not worried. Go talk to Guy, we'll plan from there. Go!" she pushed him. "Use that infamous charm."

He shook his head as he left. "If only my charmed worked half as good on you," he called back with a grin.

She hid her grin from him. His charm worked to well on her.

She was sent to draw more water for the cleaning that afternoon and saw a cape hanging out of the well. Guards rushed by in their latest pursuit as she reached the well. "I think its all clear," she whispered. She watched Allan pull himself up and lift the mask. "I thought trolls were stuck at the bottom of the well. Handsome men are suppose to come charging in on their stallion to fight the trolls," she teased.

"Ha ha. You said talk to Gis."

"Somehow this isn't what I had in mind," she said as she lowered the bucket. "But I am sure you enjoyed the rush of guards chasing after you and shooting at you like a common bandit. Again."

He grinned as he took off the cloak. "It did have some high points."

"And some low ones," she laughed as she filled the bucket.

"You are being cheeky today," he smirked. "How's Gretchen?"

"Worried," Eleanor said. "She can't work and tend to Ygrainne. But she has to work, it is the only source of income she has."

He sighed as he gathered up the clothes. "We'll figure something out."

She nodded as she headed back inside. "Ey," he said grabbing her hand to turn her. He quickly stole a kiss. "Better."

"You are incorrigible, Allan," she grinned.

"Its one of my better qualities," he smirked.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Eleanor sank onto the bed later that night in relief. "You alright?" Gretchen asked.

"Just completely exhausted and sore," Eleanor whispered so they didn't wake Ygrainne.

"I'm sorry, you have had to do my work…"

Eleanor waved her off. "Don't even think about it. It is the least I can do after everything you've done for me," she insisted. She just didn't understand why she was so tired, yes she was doing twice as much work, but she was just so tired. "I think I was tired and sore even before you left, so it isn't your fault."

"I can't hide here, Griswald knows Ygrainne and I are here. She will kick us out if I don't work, but I can hardly leave Ygrainne on her own."

Eleanor managed to roll over. "Sarah manages, we will. Who watches her girl Jess?"

"I think her sister," Gretchen said quietly. "But my only family was Samuel. Whatever friends he had in Locksley are now scattered throughout the county. And my friends are you and the others here in the castle."

"We'll be fine," Eleanor assured her. "Do you think Sarah's sister will also watch Ygrainne?"

"How am I going to afford any of this, Elle? I barely make enough to keep me from joining the beggars," Gretchen sighed as she buried her head in her pillow. Eleanor watched her choke out a muffled sob before taking a deep breath.

"We'll talk to Sarah and her sister. It will at least give us some time to come up with another plan," Eleanor encouraged. "I'll help you."

"I can't take your money, Elle."

"I am giving it, that's the end of it. I only have myself to take care off. It isn't much but I want to help, Greta. You have become the only family I ever really had."

Gretchen squeezed her hand. "You are the only family I have now, too, besides little Ygrainne."

"We'll figure this out," Eleanor promised as she drifted off to sleep.

Thank you to all of my fabulous readers and reviewers! Crazylilreadheadgirl (Thank you! Things will get difficult for them here in a bit, but you'll have to see how they work through it! Good luck with your Allan story! There needs to be more!) Fireheart (Thank you so much! I adore allan, and I am always glad others like his POV.) Katieee (the nudity line was a last minute add-in. My favorite line is the end of chapter 15, actually. Something about the morbidity of it. Allan has his work cut out for her in the future ^_^) and PirateSuperGirl (Thank you so much! Enjoy!)

For everyone who has seen the season 3 finale, what does everyone think of it? I am thinking of changing the end a little for another robin hood story ^_^