Disclaimer: I do not own Robin Hood nor am I associated with BBC, this is purely for fun not profit. All plot post series 2 belongs to me as do OCs.

Author's note: Ygrainne always puts a smile on my face, he he.

Chapter 64: Swan Song

"How do you feel?" Eleanor asked Gretchen as she adjusted the circlet of flowers on her friend's head.

"Excited, and nervous," Gretchen gushed. "I'm afraid I'll wake up and be working for Griswald."

"Talk about a nightmare," Willa deadpanned as she handed Gretchen the bouquet. "You look amazing, Greta."

"Mum!" Ygrainne said excitedly as she danced. "We are marrying Much! You look like a princess!"

"So do you, love," Gretchen laughed, kissing the top of Ygrainne's head. The little girl's blonde hair had been curled again and she was wearing a frock that cost more than Gretchen cared to imagine. "Well, missy, are you ready?" she asked Ygrainne.

As Ygrainne nodded excitedly a knock was heard. "We are ready whenever you are," Marguerite announced. "You look wonderful!"

Gretchen blushed under the attention. "Are you sure Guy is alright with this?"

"If he wasn't, he would have said no," Marguerite said for the third time that morning, smiling. "All you need to do is walk down there and say 'I do.' And hope Much remembers to do the same. Bless his heart, he will stammer just at the sight of you."

They all laughed as they escorted Gretchen through the castle to the royal gardens outside. "This is your day," Marguerite kissed Gretchen's cheek. "You look beautiful, you are marrying a wonderful man. Just enjoy the day." She kissed Guy's cheek and then went to take the seat waiting for her. Once she was seated, Willa gave a nod to Ygrainne.

Suddenly serious, Ygrainne concentrated as she walked down the aisle, scattering flower petals as she went. Much sent her a smile when Ygrainne reached the front and stood where Marguerite pointed. Willa, then Eleanor, led the procession next.

"Guy, thank you," Gretchen gushed. "I don't know who else I would have asked, I mean, you were technically my lord for so long…"

"It is an honor, Gretchen," he assured her. "It is a small way of thanking you, for sticking up for me with the outlaws. I am not an easy man to defend."

Guy's timing was perfect: Gretchen laughed, and that is how Much first saw her as Guy chose that moment to walk her out. Willa and Eleanor shared a look, amused with Much's astonishment. Their friend truly was glowing.

Tuck presided over the ceremony. There were loud cheers as everyone cheered madly for the couple.

A space had been created for dancing, tables laden with food, as everyone celebrated afterwards. "The lord and lady Bonchurch," someone announced and everyone applauded for the newlyweds.

"Are you surprised they decided to marry so soon?" Willa asked Eleanor.

"I think Much was afraid of Gretchen running away," Eleanor laughed as she took a look at the newlyweds. The women in attendance couldn't help but awe over Much dancing with Ygrainne. "I think they both wanted to marry before we leave for Normandy, too."

Richard had left that morning, taking his sister, his brother Geoffrey, and his mother (much to the delight of all Johns present). Marguerite was ordered to follow with John and the rest of their family (the numerous nieces and nephews) the following day. Since Marguerite and Guy would be married in Paris, the outlaws decided to go on to France with the royal family as guests of Richard and Marguerite.

And then Much and Gretchen announced their engagement, and decision to wed before leaving for France. The short timing did not stop Marguerite from throwing a wedding beyond everyone's expectations.

"You have to dance, Willa," Allan announced, winking at Eleanor as he led Willa to the dance floor. Eleanor smiled, hoping Allan could get Willa to stop worrying for just a few minutes. If anyone could, Allan could. She watched Prince John and Marguerite dancing and suddenly Guy was in her line of vision.

"Tell me that Allan has finally gotten his head out of his ass," Guy said as he offered his arm.

"Pray tell, what could you mean?" Eleanor smirked, making Guy laugh. Eleanor could see why Marguerite fell in love with Guy as they danced. When the song ended, partners were swapped and Eleanor found herself with Robin. "You feel safe letting Marion dance with Guy?" she teased.

"Would you do anything to upset Marguerite?" Robin teased as they glanced at Marguerite dancing with Father Tuck and Ygrainne was dancing with Marguerite's youngest nieces, her new playmates. He trusted Guy enough (surprisingly), Robin knew Guy wouldn't stray from Marguerite.

The party lasted all afternoon. Everyone retired finally knowing they would be leaving at dawn for Paris.

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The voyage was, thankfully, not fraught with horrible weather. The days were spent above deck, absorbing the sunshine and fresh air. Looking around, Guy noticed that the Sherwood gang was all above deck, as was Prince John and Prince William (Marguerite's father). Wondering where Marguerite was, Guy headed below deck. He noticed she had taken to spending time with Willa and teaching her how to read, of all things. Marguerite and Guy had been together, happy to have won over Richard, when they discovered Willa in the library, and Marguerite made it her mission to teach the lady to read.

He headed below decks but found her with Henri and Victoire. Guy's French had certainly improved on this voyage as the youngest children only spoke French. Guy watched as Marguerite wrapped Victoire closer in the hammock, swaying gently. Henri sat nearby, the details of his presentation to the French court the topic of discussion. Guy (and all the outlaws) had certainly learned a lot of what life was like for Marguerite and her family in Paris, the expectations and duties demanded of her.

"You will be announced, with all titles and honorifics," Marguerite began explaining, Guy and Henri listening attentively. "Everyone will be watching to see your reaction, mon aigle. You do not change pace, you do not look at anyone except Philip. If possible, look bored," she added. "Once you are at the foot of the dais, give a deep bow. Philip will tell you when to stand. You then greet Marie, and take your seat. This is when the scrutiny of court will really begin, once they are given leave to stand. That is your place, don't ever act as if you doubt it. They will be merciless if you do. Make no apologies for your youth, you will outgrow it soon enough."

"Yes, aunt," Henri listened attentively. "You will have a seat next to me, I know. Will anyone else be there?"

"Richard has agreed to come, only because it is your presentation to court, and he wants to see if Philip guts Guy," she laughed. "Cardinal DeLacour, and Cardinal Brie are always in attendance, especially for special occasions." She caught sight of Guy in the doorway and smiled up at him.

"He's behind me, isn't he," Henri sighed, looking over his shoulder. "You get this funny look, tante, when you see your knight."

"Shush, go outside," Marguerite laughed as Henri took Victoire with him. She patted the hammock, moving to give Guy room to settle in. She nestled against him, enjoying the feeling of being so close. "Are you learning the proper protocols for court, too?" she teased.

"You do have two kings for cousins I have to win over," he reminded her as the hammock rocked gently thanks to the current.

"pfft, Philip will be easier. I hope."

Willa quietly turned back up the stairs, not wanting to interrupt the couple. She knew it was difficult for the two of them to find time alone on the ship—there was only so much room, and you were constantly running into someone. Willa knew, since she knew how hard it was to avoid Little John.

"You're not meeting with Marguerite?"

Speak of the devil, that was his voice. "She is with Guy," Willa explained. "I thought you were playing a game with Victor and the other boys?" The outlaws were constantly entertaining the nephews, who decided they wanted to be outlaws when they grew up, too. Prince John gave up explaining to the young rascals they couldn't exchange their royal titles for a life of thievery.

"They are being rounded up by various nurses. We land in Paris tomorrow," Little John mused. "How are your lessons coming along?"

. She didn't question how John knew; Willa didn't speak to anyone about the lessons, too afraid someone would ridicule her or force her to quit. She found something that was not only challenging, but made her feel more in the world. Willa wouldn't give it up without a fight. "Good," Willa beamed happily "I keep telling Marguerite she is a wonderful teacher, she insists that I am just smart." Willa secretly loved the praise she got from Marguerite, she felt starved for it after a lifetime of being told the exact opposite.

"I'm not surprised, not at you learning so quickly," John explained quickly. "Why did you want to learn?"

"It is a long story, I think," Willa stuttered, not sure how to explain herself. It wasn't as if she had always desired to be able to read or write. The thought had never crossed her mind before that night in the library. Being with the outlaws, however, made Willa want to be more, whether it was educated, or worldly, or courtly she didn't care. She just knew she wanted to keep the confidence she had gained with the outlaws.

"I always have an ear, Willa, even if you seem to be avoiding me," John muttered. "I can't figure out why. I have something for you," he added, almost as if as an afterthought when in reality he had been trying to gain the courage since before the outlaws went rushing off after Marguerite.

"I…"

"La terre!" a man's voice shouted, making the children dance happily.

"Land," Willa repeated, in English. "I guess we'll be in France soon."

The announcement flustered John, he had finally found a moment alone on the cramped, crowded boat with Willa, finally had the words to attempt to tell her how he felt, and now they were ready to land in France? Where Willa would scurry off with Marguerite to do who knew what, possibly never returning to England?

"I have something for you, Willa," John repeated and held out his hand. He watched as she seemed to puzzle over it, an internal struggle but she finally put her small hand in his large one. "I wanted to give it to you, but then Marguerite left."

"For good reason," Willa huffed. Everyone was too quick to judge Marguerite in Willa's opinion.

"I didn't say it wasn't," John said easily. They were quickly below decks where the outlaws had their sleeping quarters. He rummaged through his bag of things below his hammock, and took out a package wrapped in cloth.

"Your carving?" Willa asked. "I'll admit I am curious. You haven't started anything new, or talked about this one."

"I haven't started anything new because this was too important. I made it for you," John admitted.

"But you said you didn't know what it would be, that it was difficult to shape," Willa said breathlessly. No one had ever given her presents before.

"I find carvings, like people, are works in progress."

Not sure what to expect, Willa peeled away the cloth wrapping. Inside nestled the most beautiful, most life-like swan she had ever seen. Regal, strong, graceful, gorgeous. "You are giving this to me? This is for me?"

"It is you," John said simply.

Completely flabbergasted, Willa didn't know what to say. "Thank you. John…what do you want? Are you happy becoming the Sheriff? I know you are…anxious about the appointment, but I can't think of anyone better."

"I am anxious," John admitted, sitting on the hammock as Willa took a seat on some barrels across from him. Relief swept through him, she was finally talking with him again. He knew something spook her, he could guess a long list of reasons why she was avoiding him. "I have been outside of society for so long, longer than the others. I am hardly respectable."

"I have to disagree with you on that," Willa snorted.

"I once said I would always be honest with you. Whether I am the right man for this appointment or not, I don't care. What I do care about is if you are with me."

"Because the King told you to marry, that Nottingham needs a feminine touch," Willa stood. "I'm tired of being treated as chattel. I'm not looking for much…no, I take that back. I am looking for everything. I'm looking for myself, to keep this sense of self-respect. Whether it is as a maid, or wife, or Marguerite's attending lady, I refuse to lose the self-respect that was deprived of me for so long," Willa ranted.

"I'm not the king's lapdog, Willa. My loyalty is not as strong as Robin's. I couldn't care less if he thought Nottingham needs a feminine touch. What would he know what the people of Nottingham need? But I know what I need, what I want. You."

Willa's heart sped up. "Alice. Your wife, John. Not just legally, I know you still love her. You told me so yourself."

"I did, and a part of me still does, but I began to see that guilt made me refuse to let her go. Marguerite showed me that. I know I'll never forgive myself for abandoning my son, he will forever bear the mark of my abandonment," John clinched his fist, thinking of his son living as a cripple. "You should know this, Willa. I can't, and won't, hide anything from you. But from the moment Elle and Greta carried you in, I knew you needed me. I didn't realize, not for some time, that I need you, too."

"John."

"I would never dream of stopping your lessons, Willa. If you want to teach all of Nottingham how to read and write that would be fine with me. You would have to start with me," John admitted. "If it means staying in France, I can adjust to that."

"And you would protect me by abandoning me if you felt it necessary," Willa pointed out.

"I'm slow, Willa, but I do learn. I couldn't leave you. I wouldn't leave you," John vowed.

Willa looked at the swan she still held in her hands. He truly saw her like that, John never lied to her. Not in words, not in deeds. She couldn't lie to him, either. "I'm afraid, because no one has cared for me like this, and I have not cared for anyone, loved anyone like this, either. Certainly not my family or husband. That is what frightens me, because if you abandoned me to protect me, I would never forgive you, John, nor would I ever learn to trust anyone else." She had been hurt too many times.

"So will you come to Nottingham with me? We can learn what to do together."

Willa laughed. "I want another one," she held up her swan, "I want a matching pair, because swans mate for life."

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Upon docking, a line of carriages took everyone to Paris, a journey of several days. Marguerite mused over recent developments as she studied the line of carriages in front of her. Robin and Marion shared a carriage with Willa and John. Willa and John had finally (finally!) had their talk. Marguerite was worried Willa would remain as her companion. She loved the girl but knew Willa would never be happy as Marguerite's companion.

Behind them was a carriage with Allan, Eleanor, Much, Gretchen, Will, and Djaq. She had a surprise up her sleeve for the only unmarried couple in that carriage.

Her father, Father Tuck, and her nieces and nephews (with Ygrainne) were in the carriage before her.

Then she studied her own carriage companions: Guy, Henri, and John. Guy and John actually seemed to enjoy each other's company. She mentally thanked God for that, it would break her heart if her favorite cousin and Guy didn't get along.

"Nervous?" John asked her as they pulled into the walls that surrounded Paris.

"Tired and dirty, not nervous. Yet," Marguerite sighed, leaning against Guy. "I can only imagine how Philip is, having to put up with Richard by himself for so long."

"Richard only arrived yesterday. He and mother stayed in Normandy until we arrived," John informed her. They were all relieved, hopefully they have averted bloodshed.

Crowds gathered along the roadside to watch the line of carriages parade into the city. With Marguerite's crest on all of them, everyone knew the entire entourage belonged to Marguerite and people waved and called out cheers.

When the carriage stopped, Guy stepped out and then helped her down. Servants unloaded luggage as everyone bustled up the steps. "John! Marguerite!"

They both turned to find Alix—Queen Eleanor's daughter with her French husband, the sister to both King Philip and King Richard— waiting for them. Alix glided over and kissed both of their cheeks. As the three exchanged pleasantries in rapid French, Alix studied the outlaws behind her brother's and cousin's shoulder.

"Y c'est le chevalier noir, non? L'homme du coeur de notre fae!" Alix said excitedly, making Guy preen and Marguerite roll her eyes. (a/n: And this is the black knight, right? The man of our fey's heart!)

"Do not stroke his ego, sister," Prince John warned her as they walked inside the palace.

Everyone stared in awe just from the grandeur of the entrance hall. England's court seemed more like a hunting lodge in comparison. Servants shuffled around and guided the outlaws to guest quarters as John, William, and Marguerite headed off to the family wing.

"John isn't technically family, right?" Djaq asked.

"Richard and John share a sister with King Philip, Eleanor was married to his late father first. Philip despises Richard, is best friends with Geoffrey, and tolerates John for Marguerite's sake. Geoffrey and John have rooms in the family wing, Richard and Eleanor have rooms with the other nobility. William is an uncle by marriage, and is still treated as family even with Helene's (Marguerite's mother) death," Guy explained. "I've learned enough about the twisted family dynamics to give anyone, even a saint, a headache."

"I have a feeling it will be a constant headache for you, then," Tuck commiserated.

"And it begins tonight," Robin smiled, happy it wasn't his headache.

Willa and Little John were demanding their HEA, but then refused to tell me for the longest time how it should happen. I blame them for the delay :) All my ducks are in a row, just another chapter or two to finish giving everyone their happily ever after.

Huge thanks to Fireheart, Aloha, ArtemisaDale, and Alexandrea Lynne for the wonderful reviews!