Disclaimer: I do not own Robin Hood (or BBC) or profit from this writing. OCs and plot (of events after season 2) belong to me…

AUTHOR'S NOTES::: Pretend you never saw Davina's entrance. I didn't realize the parallel until after I wrote this. But Marguerite is one to make an entrance!

I put most of the translations for the French at the end of the paragraph they appear. two appear often so I will just post it here: Mon Archer is My Archer, a term of endearment for Robin, and mon petite chou is a term of endearment for little children.

**I am still hoping to hear whether anyone is interested in a season 3 story**


Chapter 29: Presenting...

The gilded carriage rolled to a stop as the outlaws came out of the forest. "This is a robbery!" Allan called out.

"I do not deal with outlaws and thieves," the driver, a physically imposing soldier, yelled. He looked like he had John's height but was all muscle.

"That's too bad, we certainly deal with you," Will called out.

"We are Robin Hood," Much called out. He was about to add something when the driver smiled. It was more than a little unnerving, and the gang was only reassured because they outnumbered the single man.

"Well then, my mistress forbade me to say anything with this exception: take it if you dare."

"A challenge, ey?" Allan decided. Something didn't feel right. John and Djaq converged on the door when suddenly they saw a contingent of well armed soldiers on horseback in a circle behind them. Not the burly yet stupid Nottingham guards, but a well trained small army.

"I do enjoy boldness. I wouldn't expect anything less than that," a female voice laughed. With a signal the guards in front parted so she could ride forward. "When I was told to ride through Sherwood to find Robin, I didn't expect this. I thought it was some backwards custom of country nobles. I find this much more delightful!"

They simply ogled the woman who was more akin to an angel on horseback. Her hair was twisted up into an intricate knot with blond curls cascading down the back. Her hair was so blond it was almost white. And her clothes looked more suited to London court than the back roads of Sherwood. "Why is Robin not among you?" she asked confused.

"Who are you?" Djaq called out.

"A friend. I believe you were in the middle of robbing me. Please continue," she gestured towards the coach as she relaxed into her saddle. The woman may have looked amused and totally at ease, but she was the only one. The outlaws watched the guards warily as the guards watched on, stone faced.

"Am I the only one with a bad feeling?" Much whispered. "You look familiar," he added. It was an understatement. He knew he knew the beautiful woman from before the crusades, but the name escaped him. "How do you know Robin?" he asked.

She looked closely at Much. "I believe we have met," she decided. "You must be Robin's man, Much. Yes, I do believe you are Much," she said happily. "And you," she said looking to John, "must be Big Bear!" she said happily. "Now, where is Robin? I have news for him."

"Not until we know who you are," Much said. "How do you know he is Big Bear? Only one person calls him that without fear of dying."

The woman's smile radiated her whole face. "So insistent, cher. Do you not recognize my crest?" she asked.

Much looked at the symbol on the carriage. He knew he had seen it before but he couldn't recall where. "I have to confess this had been much more enjoyable than I anticipated.... Robin!" she said happily.

They turned to see Robin standing on a fallen tree. "Marguerite?" he asked surprised. He came down quickly and joined her at her horse. She offered her hand and he kissed the back of it as he bowed low before her. "What are you doing in Sherwood, my lady?"

"I have a message for you," she said. "I was beginning to think you were hiding from me, mon archer," she chided. "Really, Robin. It is rude to make a woman wait."

He grinned. "My apologies, my lady," he said with a bow. "I believe you were looking for me and now you have found me. Lads! To the camp!"

Marguerite turned to her guards, giving an order in french the others didn't understand. With a nod the guards rode off and Robin took the bridle to lead Marguerite's horse.

"Marguerite?" Much repeated as they led her to their camp. "Forgive me for not recognizing you, my lady."

"Ah, cher, we have met but once and you were a servant then," she added. "Although," she pouted, "if I am so easily forgotten …"

"Hardly," Robin chuckled. "I doubt there is a man in England or France, or this side of Jerusalem for that matter, who can say that about you."

"No, my lady," Much said quickly as he began to remember more about their guest. "Forgive me for forgetting your name, but your beauty I remembered quite well."

"Très bon," she smiled. "Now. What have you gotten into yourself into, Robin dear? I have heard some distressing news," she said as they stopped. She saw one of the men pull a lever and suddenly a camp was revealed. "C'est génial!" she grinned. "Only clever things for mon archer I see," she grinned. (a/n: translations: very good. That's ingenious!)

Robin laughed as he reached up to lift her down. "Always the gentlemen," she grinned. "Now, I feel I should tell you my news before we go any further. It is quite a shock."

"Everything with you is always a shock," Robin smirked.

"I am your wife."

Robin stepped back. She frowned; it was impossible for someone to reject her. "Impossible," he said.

"At least fake your enthusiasm, Robin. Surely you understand the privilege Richard has undeservingly bestowed upon one such as you."

"I can't marry you. I won't marry you," he said quickly.

She glared at him with her regal gaze. "You had best watch your tongue, Robin. I do not approve of your tone," she warned.

"Get away from my husband," a voice shouted from the doorway of the camp, drawing her attention. "He is mine."

"And who are you?" Marguerite demanded. Her tone was like ice but her face seemed bored as she looked at Marion aiming an arrow at her. "Put that down, girl, before you live to regret it. I have Richard's orders with me," she said handing Robin a sealed note.

"Marguerite, my wife, Marion," Robin introduced.

"c'est vrai? Marion?" Marguerite asked in shock. "ce n'est pas possible. You are dead." (a/n: truthfully? That's impossible).

"Hardly," Marion huffed.

"Calm down, girl," Marguerite said. "There has obviously been a misunderstanding."

Marion huffed as they waited for Robin to read the note. "Marguerite, I can't marry you."

"I can see that quite clearly, merci," she said. "This has been a simple misunderstanding. Surely nothing that won't be amusement between friends," she smiled at Robin. "Mon archer really, you are too sullen. I will simply return to London and tell John. He will be more relieved than is proper." (a/n: thank you)

"I'm afraid you can't do that," Robin sighed. "We made Richard think Marion is dead. It is the only way to protect her."

Marguerite wrinkled her nose in confusion. "May I say how absurd that sounds? Aren't you going to invite me in, mon archer? Or am I to stand outside like a leper?"

She saw Robin was reluctant and it made her blood boil but she put a smile on instead. First rule: never show anger, always amusement. "Your camp really is ingenious. Thank you, baissier," she told John he helped her inside. (baissier is bear) "Why, it is quite cozy," she approved as she walked around. "You must be proud of yourself, Robin, love. It is a sweet little place. Ah!" she said happily seeing Tom. She looked up at Eleanor. "May I?" Eleanor nodded.

She scooped up Tom, caressing his head. "Aren't you adorable, mon petite chou?" she said happily. "How old is he?"

"7 months," Eleanor said.

"Ah, he is adorable. He reminds me of my petite Pierre," she said happily. "He looked so much like this little one." She looked up and studied the men. "You must be the proud father," she told Allan with a grin. She kissed Tom before setting him down.

"Why would Richard tell you to marry Robin?" Marion demanded.

Marguerite frowned over her tone. "I believe we are not properly introduced," she said offering her hand for Marion to kiss. Marion simply glared at her.

"My wife, Lady Marion," Robin said quickly. The last thing he needed was a pissed of Marguerite. It was liable to get them all hung, or worse, if he wasn't careful. "Her father was Sir Edward, the sheriff of Nottingham," he added.

"Ah, before Vaysey," Marguerite nodded. "I heard of his death. My condolences." The depth of pain, understanding that suddenly lighted Marguerite's eyes startled Marion.

"Allan," Robin continued with the introductions, "Eleanor, Little John, Djaq, Will, Father Tuck, you remember Much, Gretchen, and her girl Ygrainne," Robin introduced.

"Do you need any refreshments, my lady?" Eleanor asked quickly stepping in since everyone else seemed confused.

"It has been a long journey," Marguerite sighed as she found the best seat in the room and sat. "Thank you," she said when Eleanor handed her a glass of water.

"Gang, this is Lady Marguerite," Robin began. "Lady Marguerite Jane Capet-Laurent Owens."

She noticed no one seemed to notice the significance of her names—any of them— it made her mentally smile. It was a reminder of how much in the country they were. "I have heard much about most of you."

"All good things, I hope," Allan smirked.

Marguerite laughed. "Richard wrote of your exploits. I understand you know of the Black Knights and are fighting them now, too."

"Why would Richard allow me to marry you?" Robin asked.

Marguerite was pleased with his choice of words. "You learn fast, Robin," she smiled. "Richard feels enormous guilt for Marion's death, and now that I know it has been false I find I disapprove of your actions, Robin. Richard has many problems and his guilt has been a burden. He already has plenty," she scolded.

"I will apologize once he returns," Robin assured her.

She nodded. "He states in there his reasons for such a union. He has hopes that I would be able to console you during your grief. After all, mon archer, we had such a good time in London, did we not?" she challenged with a grin.

"That was a long time ago, my lady, and I have changed much since then. That was before I ever left for the Holy Lands."

She studied him. "I can see this," she nodded. "Now, tell me what has been happening here. I wish to know everything!" she insisted. "Especially on Vaysey's dealings," she added.

"Why?" Marion asked guarded. She disliked the beautiful woman and suspected she and Robin were friends. The fact Richard thought she could make Robin fall in love with her made her blood boil—especially because the longer Marguerite talked, the more Marion was able to see Marguerite could make anyone fall in love with her.

"Ah, cheri¸ there is much going on you do not understand," Marguerite told Marion. "I was to learn of Vaysey while I am here."

"You must be exhausted after your trip, and you have a long one tomorrow," Robin said.

Marguerite glared at him. "Is this your idea of hospitality, Robin love? A night of rest before you send me off?" she challenged. He was refusing her and being insufferably rude. She buried her feelings so he couldn't hurt them. It was becoming clear to her that Robin hadn't really understood her all those years ago.

They soon had dinner and she managed to weasel information out of them. She learned the trick was to get them to complain about the conditions; once they started complaining about Guy and Vaysey they all talked over each other and she was able to learn a lot.

"I came baring gifts," Marguerite said after they had eaten and the stars were emerging. "Come," she insisted, leading the way back to where they had parked her carriage. She picked up her skirts, thinking how foolish it had been to take such care with her appearance. To think she cared what Robin had thought of her! She was mortified and emotionally exhausted after the meal as she was surrounded by Marion's loathing and Robin's stand offish behavior. It wasn't as if she wanted to marry Robin. Marion could keep him for all she cared. But to be surrounded by such treatment threatened to hurt her deeply if she allowed it.

Good thing she hadn't allowed anything to touch her for so long. She pushed it to the back of her mind. You should be use to loneliness by now she told herself. She opened the door to her carriage and they saw it was filled with sacks of grain and other foodstuffs, so full not an inch of space was spared. "It seemed like a more appropriate dowry since I heard the people in Locksley were having a tough winter."

"That will feed everyone—in all the villages—for months," Djaq said in shock. "That is generous of you."

"We do what we can," Marguerite said easily. It brought a smile to her face since she knew (Queen) Eleanor had only given a small purse of coins. She knew she had done more, making her happy.

Marguerite returned to the camp as the outlaws unloaded the carriage. She sat lost in thought when the girl who offered her a drink stopped before her. "Are you alright, my lady?" the girl asked concerned. "Do you need anything?"

"No, thank you," Marguerite said. "Just lost in my own thoughts." She couldn't wait to get out of the camp. It was clearer every minute Marion loathed her and Robin seemed set on pleasing Marion by taking her side against Marguerite. Just forget it. You will see your own family again now she reminded herself.

The outlaws returned and she plastered a smile on her face. She would treat this like she had everything in the last 2 years—an obstacle to be overcome. She would simply do what she did best: relish in the attention. So she regaled them with stories that seemed to entertain at least everyone but Marion and Robin.

"You met Robin before he left for the war?" the woman named Djaq asked.

Marguerite nodded. "I met several of the men in Richard's guard, in my brothers' guards, in Phillip's guards." They didn't ask who her brothers were, and judging by their reaction, they didn't know who she meant by Phillip either. Imbeciles. They really were out of their league.

"What was Robin like back then?" Will asked.

Marguerite laughed. "Robin was quite the charmer," she teased. "Forever trying to charm all the ladies in court." She told them several stories about their leader that had everyone laughing. "Forgive me, father, if I hurt your sensibilities," she said quickly.

"I have the sensibilities of a man, same as any other," Tuck grinned.

"I seem to remember when you were first learning the trick to breaking open a lock you took a fancy to using my hair pin," Marguerite added after some thought. "You know, I never did find it again. It was my pearl handled ivory hair pin," she reminded Robin. "I always assumed you took it as a favor," she added. The soldiers were forever asking for tokens to take with them, she was happy to bestow them upon those serving under her or her brothers.

Marion shot Robin a glare. She remembered asking him where he had learned that trick with her hair pin. Robin didn't meet her or Marguerite's glance.

They talked for a long time before finally people went to bed exhausted. They were eating the mid day meal the following day when the alarm went off. Marion went with the outlaws to get away from Marguerite. "I can't believe you were friends with her," she huffed as they ran.

"Can't you give her a chance?" Robin asked. "Like she said, we were friends in London, Marion."

They heard screams so they ran faster. "Help us!" a man called out.

"What is going on?" Robin asked.

"We were going to Clun to see Matilda since the healer in our village died. She went into labor on the way!" the man said having a panic attack. (a/n: same healer from season 2).

"Alright, bring her," Robin said. Between John and the husband they managed the woman and carried her back to the camp. Marguerite, Eleanor, and Gretchen jumped up surprised to see the screaming woman.

"Djaq, can you do this?" Robin asked.

"I have only done this once," she reminded him.

"Place her here," Marguerite ordered. She smoothed back the woman's hair. "How far apart are the pains?"

"Not far!" she said as she tried to breath.

"Then this means it is almost over," Marguerite promised. "Don't just stand around, get out," she ordered the men. Eleanor handed Tom to a surprised Allan as Gretchen ushered Ygrainne out.

"You have done this before?" the woman asked.

"I was there for the birth of all my nieces and nephews," Marguerite assured her. "And now I am privileged to be at the birth of your child. Is it your first?" she asked as she and Eleanor made her comfortable. The woman nodded.

"You have done this before?" Djaq asked hopeful. "I have done this only once with John's help."

"John?" Marguerite and Eleanor repeated scandalized.

"Yes," Djaq nodded. "He turned the baby."

"We don't have to do that," Marguerite said checking. "You are going to push soon, and don't worry about screaming. Scream bloody murder if it helps," she assured the woman. "It is just us here."

Marion and Gretchen did what they could to help but for the most part stayed out of the way. Eleanor and Djaq, and even Marguerite, Marion admitted, had more experience than she did. The only birth she had experienced had been her own.

The woman's screams pierced through the camp. "It is so hard," the woman cried.

"I know," Eleanor encouraged. "I know. You want to give up, but don't. I promise you forget the pain when you hold your little one," she promised.

Time seemed to drag on until the cry of a baby pierced out. Marguerite handed the child to Eleanor who wrapped it and cleaned the girl. "It's a girl," she said happily, laying the baby on the mother's chest.

"Does this happen often?" Marguerite asked the girls with a grin as she used another cloth to clean up her own hands while Gretchen and Marion tended to the mother, fussing over her to make her presentable. "I think the daddy wants to come meet his new girl," she smiled as she went to go out to get him.

"Oh God," he said seeing the afterbirth on Marguerite.

"She's fine," Marguerite said quickly as he ran in.

"Well, Robin, things never were dull with you," Marguerite said as she walked off.

"Marguerite," Robin said. "Thank you for your help."

"I didn't do it for you," she pointed out, walking off again.

One of the outlaws had gone to find a wagon to transport the family back to their cottage in Nettlestone. Gretchen came out and looked around for Ygrainne. "John took her for a walk, didn't want her to hear the screams and get frightened," Will told her.

"Good," Gretchen nodded. "I would hate for her to be terrified of giving birth for the rest of her life. She may take after Uncle Tuck and take orders," Gretchen laughed.

"Somehow, I think Ygrainne would handle it better than some of the rest of us," Will grinned. Her personally had wanted to hide in the hills, too, and Allan, Robin, and Much had the same look of agony on their faces.

They were certainly all glad to have been born male, that was for certain.

"You don't want your own little one?" Gretchen asked surprised. "One that has Djaq's coloring, but your eyes?"

"I did…" Will admitted, blushing.

Gretchen studied the young man. "Well, now isn't the best of times, is it?" Gretchen said, trying to change the conversation. "I mean, look at Eleanor and Tom…"

Robin and Marion drove the family back to Nettlestone as Gretchen and Eleanor cleaned up and Much finished preparing the evening meal. Marguerite studied the gang. She didn't know if this was a normal day or not, but she enjoyed studying their reactions. Robin—and even Marion, Marguerite could admit—was smart enough to stand back and let someone else take over if they didn't know what they were doing. Will and Djaq were blushing over each other which was amusing. Most entertaining was watching Much watch Gretchen, who was watching Eleanor, who was watching Allan keep his distance. Marguerite didn't know the entire story behind them, but was starting to get curious.

Marguerite laid looking up at the roof, making plans. She had come here for several reasons, Robin being only one, and not even one of the most important. As she was trying to fall asleep, she overheard Robin and Marion whispering. "Why can't you give her a chance?" Robin asked.

"I know what she did today was great, Robin. I just can't like her," Marion insisted.

"She could never be you, Marion. I wouldn't have married her even if you had died," Robin insisted. "She doesn't have your spunk, or compassion."

"She is the most outgoing woman I have met!" Marion countered. "She's…"

"Not you," Robin insisted.

The more she overheard the more she had to fight back the tears. Just go home, Marguerite she told herself. But where was home? Home was destroyed years ago. She had things she could do here, things to pass the time. First thing in the morning she would leave. To go where, she hadn't decided.

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

Morning dawned cool and clear. She dressed in another of her fine gowns after saddling her horse. "Please don't tell your cousins about Marion," Robin said behind her.

Marguerite huffed. "Don't worry, your precious Marion shall be safe," she promised. "The fact you thought you even had to ask me, Robin…"

"Marguerite…"

"No," she said turning to him. "Do not even try. It has become very clear to me the last few days that the friendship I thought we had in London was only on my side. That is a mistake on my part I can easily correct. You know better than anyone else here, Robin, who my family is. We can be ruthless," she warned turning her back on him.

She was about to mount her horse when she turned to face him again. "You know what I saw in you, Robin? I saw a great man with great potential, a man who was loyal to his king, his country, and his friends." She kissed his cheek and then pulled herself up on her horse. "Turns out you are like every other man in both kingdoms. You only saw my titles and smiles," she said as she took off. She had already said her goodbyes to the other outlaws, something akin to sadness at having to leave them. She had enjoyed herself with them, almost. More importantly, they had liked her, treated her well. Amazing considering they didn't even know who they were entertaining.

Marion's jealousy ruined your visit, she complained. She should have been used to jealousy, but it always resulted in others belittling her to make themselves feel better. It never hurt so much before … she couldn't finish that thought or else it would release a whole flood of memories.

Marguerite emerged from the forest to find herself surrounded by guards. A quick glance at the insignia told her they didn't belong to her or anyone else she knew.

Just ducky.

I think it's an easy guess who the guards belong to.

Where have all my reviewers gone to? HUGE, HUGE thanks to House of Nickel and Katieeee for the wonderful reviews!

HouseofNickel When I originally envisioned Marguerite, I didn't have all of her family background nailed down, so there was something more with Prince John. Now, you'll have to see ^_^ I'll leave it up for interpretation, but he does love her deeply, and feels enormous guilt, and responsibility (WOW, a big hint...) which ties into her past, but I'm not spilling on that. And if you talk to my characters, that means I am doing my job! YES! Hopefully the Marion/Marguerite/Robin collision was up to expectations! and I loved the long review! Thanks!
Katieee loving Allan isn't a problem for Eleanor, trusting him (and herself) is more difficult. I think Allan is still in a bit of denial or something regarding Tom, but everything will progress nicely. Gretchen doesn't fancy John, but she sees something in John that he can give that Much can't (at least not right now). Gretchen and Much's story is doomed to be drawned out. And we will see PLENTY of Guy. the next dozen or so chapters are Guy and Marguerite ^_^