Disclaimer: I do not own robin hood or profit from this writing. Only OCs and plot post series 2 belong to me.
Chapter 40: Revelations
Eleanor and Gretchen tied kerchiefs over their heads. Ashes dusted their faces and they blended in easily as if they were servants in the castle. Again.
"If she trusts him, why are we doing this?" Gretchen whispered as they carried buckets of ash out of one bedroom and made their way to another one. Luckily, they hadn't been seen by anyone who knew them yet.
"It was a lot to tell him. Heaven forbid he is angry or retaliates. Besides, we can learn how he and the sheriff are spending their time in Nottingham now."
They entered the bedroom, hid the buckets in the chimney, and Gretchen pulled the lever. The door swung open and they entered the slim passage. They had to walk sideways it was so narrow and the single candle illuminated only enough to show the dead mice and spiders. "I almost wish we didn't have the candle," Eleanor decided.
"This was your suggestion," Gretchen reminded her. "You were the one to come up with the idea to sneak in and see what was happening in Nottingham."
"I told her we could learn what the sheriff's daily routine was like this way, what was happening after she left. I didn't expect you to volunteer."
"Someone had to come with you, and these halls are to narrow for Allan and the other men, and Marion can't come. That left me and Djaq." It was left unsaid that she wanted to get away from the camp, too.
They crept until they were on the other side of the sheriff's throne room. It widened a bit allowing them to stand one in front of the other, back to front, and peer out. They watched Vaysey feed his falcon, write papers, yell and berate guards, ignore servants. Suddenly Guy appeared. "You wanted to see me, my lord?"
"I've been thinking about that sassy brat's family. She had a brother in law. He has ties to the Welsh. Supposedly his estate is larger than Nottingham," Vaysey sneered.
"Do you wish to make contact?" Guy asked curiously as he waited to see what he was to do.
"No, I thought I'd invite him for cricket. Of course, Gisborne. Think. We know if he is connected to Canterbury he has a vast amount of funds and men at his command. And if he can also get Wales to lend support, I think I can shed a few tears over the tragic demise of our previous guest."
"What do you wish for me to do, then?"
"Initiate contact and see if we can convert him to our side. I hear he is traveling in the next county over on his way to Canterbury. No doubt to pay respects about his dearly departed's dearly departed sister. I want you to go and see if we can get to him."
"What is his name?"
"Colin of Derbyshire."
Guy nodded and turned on his heel. The girls shared a look as they went back to watching Vaysey. "Well, my lovely," he said as he fed his bird a treat. "Let's see if Gizzy can pull this off. He has been too black since that brat died in the holy lands. The only good thing about that sassy one was the way she kept Guy occupied."
Another man soon appeared. "Ah, Granger. What news of the Holy Land?"
The man bowed. "It seems the King has progressed in his peace negotiations. He is the last King in the Holy Lands since Phillip left some time ago, as you well know."
"What way will he be coming?"
"He has made no plans as of yet. I am awaiting further word from my spies," the man name Granger informed him.
"Good, this is good," Vaysey purred. "And how are we on our dear king's little accident? I hear the Mediterranean is a dreadful place to be this time of year."
"Preparations are continuing. It will be easier once we know if he is traveling by land or sea."
"Then find that out!" The sheriff bellowed, dismissing the man.
Not daring to breath, the two women eased their way silently along the passage way back towards the bedroom. They heard noises on the other side and had to wait for the servant to leave.
Finally Eleanor eased the door open. A quick glance showed the room to be empty. They eased out and sealed the door shut again. They grabbed their buckets and scanned the hall.
They eased themselves down the hall and down a servants' corridor, ducking into an alcove when people they knew scurried past.
Dumping the ashes and the buckets they blended into the crowd in the village. "Can I say that was fun?" Gretchen whispered with a grin on her face. "I would never allow Ygrainne to do anything so dangerous, but as for myself…" she laughed.
Eleanor nodded, a smile gracing her face. "I know! Allan is going to throttle us both…"
"I hope you ladies had fun," a voice called out, startling them, as they crossed out of Nottingham onto the road leading to Sherwood. They had nearly made it to the forest when the voice stopped them.
"Robin, honestly, 2 girls go shopping…" Gretchen started but his look said he knew better.
"Nora?" Allan asked.
"Don't 'Nora' me, Allan a Dale," she reprimanded with a scold. "You two were spying on us. I remember distinctly that you had deliveries in Clun this morning. That is in that direction," she pointed with a frown in the opposite direction. "Can you believe they were spying on us?" she asked Gretchen as they linked arms and headed on the road to Locksley.
"I think you were spying on me," Guy said stepping in front of them.
Eleanor slightly tensed—natural reaction—and Gretchen squeezed her hand in comfort. "I think he is on our side," Gretchen said puzzled. "And why would we spy on you?"
"Marguerite." A simple answer.
"I thought Marguerite trusted you?" Eleanor pointed out as they tried to sneak their way around. "We should have thanked you sooner for dealing with the mercenary Gideon," she threw out. She used the moment of confusion to dance around him as she and Gretchen continued on the road. Gretchen was laughing at his perplexed look.
"They pop out of the woodwork," Gretchen sighed seeing Much and John ahead.
"Just tell us what you were doing," Robin said.
"We have to tell Marguerite first," was all Gretchen said.
"I have every intention of telling her about my mission," Guy insisted.
"Good. That isn't what we are going to tell her," Eleanor explained.
"Nora," Allan said exasperated. "Where's Tom and Ygrainne?"
"With Marguerite. The children cheer her up," Eleanor explained. Everyone gave her a weird look and she sighed. "What I don't understand is why you and you," she pointed to Guy and Robin, "are standing around in the middle of an open road where anyone can see you and you aren't fighting. Best be careful before someone thinks you are allies," she warned them.
With a nod Robin and the other outlaws followed them while hidden in the brush. "For the record, my lord, Marguerite didn't send us to spy on you," Eleanor said. Gretchen placed herself between Eleanor and Guy as they walked down the road to Locksley knowing Eleanor was still wary around men. Although she seemed to trust Guy since he had helped her get away from the sheriff.
"Then why were you in Nottingham? Especially since they still wish to stone you?"
"Marguerite wanted us to check on a few things. I am able to enter Nottingham without suspicion and Eleanor wanted to help the Lady Marguerite, my lord," Gretchen explained.
"Enough with the 'my lord,'" was all Gisborne said.
Marguerite was watching Ygrainne make mud cakes and Tom play with a wooden boat when a messenger arrived. She knew the seal and ripped it open.
A moment later is when the odd party reached her. "I believe I am not filled in on what is happening," she said studying the outlaws and Gisborne. "Unless I missed the fight? C'est déplorable. I refuse to miss a fight between 2 such dashing gentlemen. You will have to fight again here and now for me," Marguerite teased. (a/n: C'est déplorable= this is deplorable)
"No fight," Robin said. "You look better, Marguerite," he grinned.
"Ah, mon archer. Don't tell me you have been harassing my friends," she said defending Eleanor and Gretchen.
"They could have been hurt," Robin said. "You can't just send in my people on your whims, Marguerite."
"Yours?" Marguerite repeated. "I was under the impression they sat around all day, eager to help. I offered them the chance to do something. And I do not have whims, I have strategy."
"You know, we are right here," Eleanor pointed out. "And not children despite our constant company."
"Ygrainne, go play with Jess," Gretchen told the girl who happily went off to find her old friend.
"Now what is this all about?"
"Vaysey wants me to convince your brother in law to join the black Knights, or at least support them with his money. He is suppose to be in the next county over."
"Actually, he is here," Marguerite said happily. "I just heard from him. He'll be here tomorrow," Marguerite announced waving her letter.
Everyone ogled Marguerite. She rolled her eyes, grabbed Eleanor and Gretchen's hands, and walked off with the two of them not sparing Guy or Robin a glance. "I am sorry to get you in trouble with your friends."
"It doesn't matter. What we told you yesterday spoke true. I am going to go daft if I stay and watch everyone else around me contribute," Eleanor sighed.
"I am just going to go daft," Gretchen sighed.
Marguerite wrapped an arm around the distraught woman. "I think John was trying to be kind, not embarrass you."
"His intentions may be kind, but now I feel even more a fool in front of the others," Gretchen explained, touched by Marguerite's kindness.
"Much is only confused, I see the way the man watches you. I don't think his affections have changed."
"My reasons haven't, either. But let us tell you what we have heard," Gretchen changed the subject and told Marguerite about Vaysey's meeting with Granger.
Marguerite tapped her chin thoughtfully. "You have helped so much with this information, ladies. I dare say Colin isn't going to be pleased, although I can't say either of us will be surprised. Now, I want to help the two of you. I know you originally intended to go to London."
Eleanor nodded, wondering what she was planning.
"Well, if you still wish to go, or wherever you wish to go and just leave, I know Colin would love to provide an escort. He is traveling south to my father's estate. You would be welcomed in Canterbury, or Kent, or even Derbyshire, or if you truly have your hearts set on London I will assist you in any way I can," she offered. "Although, the south of France is lovely this time of year."
Eleanor and Gretchen looked stricken. "You are much too generous. Just giving us something to do was kind enough. Why would you offer more?" Eleanor asked.
"I want you girls to be happy. I want your children to be healthy and happy. If you can't find it here, I want you to go where you can find it," she said honestly. "Think on it. Colin won't arrive until tomorrow evening."
Eleanor and Gretchen shared a confused look as Ygrainne ran up to them. She was talking and chatting away as the two women were lost in thought on the way back to the forest. "Greta…I know you are considering it."
"Can you blame me?" Gretchen asked. "What do I have here, except you and Ygrainne? I can better provide for her, even if it is to become a servant for Marguerite. I'm not ashamed of serving others, Elle."
"I never said you were," Eleanor frowned. "If you go, though…"
"You'll have Allan."
"What do I have, then?" Eleanor challenged. "I do think it would be best for Tom to go…" Eleanor sighed as they leisurely walked back to the camp. "If it was just me, well a lot of things would be different. I would be able to fight and plan and do something useful. I would perhaps feel useful. Not that I blame you," she told Tom whom she carried. He gave her a drooly grin that always melted her heart. "He is so going to take after Allan with the ladies."
"Heaven help us all," Gretchen grinned. "I guess the only question then is London or one of the estates? At least on Marguerite's estate we would know her and I feel she would be a good, even handed mistress."
Eleanor nodded in agreement, her head still nodding when Allan reached for her arm as he stepped in front of her, making her stop. "Ygrainne, how about you go with John back to the camp?" Ygrainne looked between the adults and nodded, running to John who lifted the girl up on his shoulders.
"How am I suppose to yell at you with him looking at me?" Allan asked looking at Tom who chose that instant to give Allan his patented toothless grin. "Kid." It came out between amusement and exasperation.
Eleanor rolled her eyes as she walked around Allan to the camp. She placed Tom in his play area who went back to happily playing with his boat. She walked out the back to find Allan and Gretchen where she left them with Robin and the others behind them. She pointed to Allan as she glared at him and motioned for him to follow her. She didn't want to argue in front of Tom or the others.
"What the bloody hell were you thinking, Nora?"
"I was thinking I could do some good for once. I was thinking that I might be helpful instead of sitting around, twiddling my thumbs, playing with Tom, and wondering if you were being shot at or chased."
"So you would rather be shot at and chase? What about Tom?"
"Don't even bring up Tom! You can't use him in an argument until you take more interest in him. Why did you even bring us here, Allan? To show me all the other incredible women you know? The ones who can do all sorts of things to rub in my face how dull, uneducated, and common I am?" she demanded, all her pent up anger and frustration boiling up.
"Have you gone mad?" Allan asked in shock.
"What else am I suppose to think, Allan? The only things I know how to do are work hard and a little bit of healing. You don't need me for healing with Djaq here, and you don't let me work. It is the only thing I know, Allan. I worked from before dawn to after dusk. I know how to pull my own weight and still take care of Tom. But here?!" she gestured around the forest.
"I can't let anything happen to you, Nora," Allan said. "I'm not being funny, but how on earth could you think I think any of that? Here, in camp, I can keep you close, make sure you are safe."
"The only thing that could happen is I might keel over from boredom," she drawled. "Or inferiority."
Allan ran his hand through his hair. God, I'm an idiot he thought. He knew how Eleanor's father and brother's treated her. He remembered clearly the physical way they treated her but forgot that part of her pain was mental and emotional from their constant verbal abuse. "Nora."
She glared at him. He smiled at her. "That smile isn't going to get you out of this," she warned. "Marguerite offered to help us leave, she is giving us refuge at her estate. Our choice."
He stopped at that. "You aren't going."
"Last I checked you have no claims over me, Allan."
"The hell I don't! The whole reason I brought you here was to keep you from harm."
"You've done a splendid job on that," Eleanor huffed as she stormed back towards the camp. She took a detour to cool down before going inside not wanting anyone, especially Tom or Ygrainne, seeing her upset.
When Eleanor returned, Much had started dishing up dinner. Ygrainne looked around at all the adults and decided to sit next to Tom. He wasn't a great conversationalist but he seemed to be the only one happy at the moment.
"Have you decided?" Eleanor asked.
Gretchen sighed as she stared into the stew. She looked over to where Ygrainne was scarfing down her dinner.. "Where is she going to have friends? Learn proper protocols? I mean, the roof practically leaks in a heavy storm—no offense Will—and …" and the thought of starting over terrified her. At least when she moved to Locksley after the mercenaries left she knew the other villagers, had friends. Even the transition to camp had been fairly easy with Allan around.
She would be a new servant with a child. Not exactly uplifting circumstances.
"What are you talking about?" Marion asked confused.
"Marguerite offered to help us get out," Eleanor explained, ignoring everyone's look of shock and Allan's of revulsion. "She heard about us trying to get to London a few months ago. She offered us a place at her estate."
"But… you can't leave," Marion insisted. She enjoyed their company when she couldn't go on the jobs in Nottingham.
"We can hardly stay," Gretchen countered.
"Will keeps up on the repairs, we can all teach Ygrainne and Tom manners, and John is Ygrainne's friend," Much said with a nod. "That settles it. No need for anything to change."
Gretchen sighed as she played with her food. Too many thoughts were mulling around in her head for her to eat. Ygrainne whispered in Gretchen's ear she had to go to the bathroom. Gretchen nodded as the girl left the camp, Gretchen following her outside watching her from the edge of the forest.
"Is it because John saved you?" Much spoke behind her making her jump.
"What?" Gretchen asked confused.
"In the fire. He rushed in before anyone had time to think… which I am thankful for every day. I assumed that's why you changed your affections."
"Much…" She stopped as Ygrainne came up and went back inside to finish eating. "My affections haven't changed. When we first met, you were the minstrel, you were charming. You know what I learned about you from Allan? You are loyal and always look for the good in everything, especially difficult times. My affections, though, they are the last of my priorities. John was simply… the better choice," she said.
"Better for what?" Much asked hurt. At that moment Gretchen wanted to scab her eyes out so she didn't have to witness his pain. Or carve her heart out for being cruel. Wasn't it better he understood, though? And with John refusing her, she could move on and accept Marguerite's offer.
"For us, my family. You love Robin, Much. It is what makes you, you. You will always choose him because you are loyal. It is one of your best qualities and I wouldn't change you for anything. And I could have lived with that before, but I need someone for Ygrainne. I want her to have the chance to know a father's love, the love my brother would have given her if he had lived. John loves Ygrainne and would love her like his own. He would put her first. John wouldn't love me, I wouldn't expect him to. I don't want him to. I don't want my husband to love me." Not looking at Much, not brave enough to see how much she hurt him, Gretchen walked away from the camp.
Gretchen walked into the starlit evening. She was too mixed up inside to go back in for awkward conversation. It was everything she felt, had felt, since she first met him. All of her fears she had discussed with Elle. He knew, now. It didn't really change anything, though. Her first priority was, as always, Ygrainne.
The gang saw Ygrainne, then Much, return. Eleanor stood to go see if Gretchen needed a shoulder but Allan went after her first. "Are you seriously considering Marguerite's offer?" Djaq asked.
Eleanor shrugged, wishing they would talk about something else. Much looked upset but they decided to give him space.
Allan found Gretchen sitting on a log, leaning against a tree trunk. She sighed, looking heavenwards. "I can see why Elle gets peace from them," Gretchen sighed as she saw Allan approach her.
"I'm not being funny, but Much looked like Robin just kicked him out of the gang. Only time I've ever seen him so upset."
"Yes, poor Much," Gretchen drawled.
"Ey, I'm worried about you. That's why I'm here."
Gretchen sighed, drawing her legs up and wrapping her arm around them. "I'm trying to do what's best for Ygrainne, and I seem to mess everything up. With Much, with John."
"I don't understand your attention to John, not when I can see your attraction to Much."
"I'm a mother, Allan. It still scares me. And I want to do the best, give Ygrainne the best. John would love Ygrainne like his own. She would know what it is like to have a father and mother. Like I told Elle, I don't want John, or any husband, to love me."
Allan nearly fell over with that pronouncement. "Why not?"
"Samuel killed himself, Allan. Maybe he didn't do it himself, but he knew the mercenaries were looking for a fight, that they would kill anyone who stood in their way. I know he loved Constance, but how could he just choose to leave Ygrainne? And me?" Gretchen's voice caught.
Allan was surprised, he knew it was hard on Gretchen to loose her brother, but he didn't know how she still thought about it. He placed his arm around Gretchen's shoulder and she leaned her head against him. "I don't want someone to make that decision if something happened to me. What would happen to Ygrainne if she lost another set of parents? She still is upset over loosing her mum and dad. I need to make sure someone is there to take care of her if I can't."
"I don't know if you noticed, but she has a handful of aunts and uncles. John would move heaven and earth for Ygrainne, and Marion would take her in as her own if something happened. You have to know that."
"I don't want that, that power, over someone's affections. At least with John I knew he would carry on without me. And I've hurt Much, so it's a moot point."
"The thing about Much is that his affections don't change, even in dire times. Believe me when I say it's not too late, and I think you should try. Besides, all this talk of something happening is nonsense. Nothing is going to happen to you. Or Nora," Allan insisted. "Not even boredom or inferiority," he snorted angrily. He thought about what Gretchen said, a mother's sacrifice for her child. "Would you really consider going with Marguerite because you think it's better for Ygrainne?
Gretchen smiled. The gang had overheard the argument—voices carried in the forest. "Eleanor has Tom's best interests at heart, too, Allan." She saw his crestfallen expression and she touched his cheek gently. "She chose, though, to stay once before. Despite other options. She will be mad at me for telling you this, probably, but do you know why she shares her bed with you? Despite Tuck's insistence and disapproval?" It went against Elle's nature.
"I have a few ideas," Allan smirked and Gretchen rolled her eyes.
"Fine, I won't tell you."
"Ey! Wait, finish," Allan pleaded.
"It's the only time she doesn't feel like she is second fiddle to Robin and Marion," Gretchen explained. Allan looked as if he had been slapped. This time it was Gretchen wrapping her arm around Allan.
Because I got 4 reviews really quickly, here is the next chapter! There is much more Allan/Nora to come! And we are starting to get to the Much/Greta stuff, too. In fact, everyone seems to be having man woes. But at least Allan and Much now understand a little bit more. I've been having troubles with the site, so hopefully this uploads correctly.
Huge thanks to Fireheart (author's love cliffies, especially me! We'll find out what the White Queen is soon, though), Momto5 (I hope your kids are feeling better!),vintage20000 (I am so glad! I love Marguerite, too. Wait till she and Queen Eleanor are in the same room!), and Jessica (plenty of man woes to come, i don't want to make it easy for any of them, hehe) for the great reviews!