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Sir Guy of Gisborne came down the hill with smoldering fury and hushed, surging strength. He seemed prepared for battle when he approached the wall of armored men on horseback. As the Sherriff emerged from the cloud of defense, Guy's chin lifted on a puff of arrogance and pride. He would never admit the curses and hate that ran laps through his mind at the sight of Vesey, but his employer was not nearly so stupid as assumed. He was fully aware of the despise and the begrudging attitude with which Guy carried this out; oh, the Sherriff ate it up.

"Ah, Gisborne, what a beautiful morning, isn't it?" Vesey's grin released foulness within the sheen of his jeweled tooth.

"Victory for Nottingham is always beautiful." he fibbed with exuberance. The leather of his jacket tightened as he traversed to wave over April, who timidly waited in the doorway, and protected his skin from the knowing glare of the leader of the county.

"And you, my dear, must be Miss April," The Sherriff boomed as her feet shuffled the gravel to his steed, "Or is it Gisborne yet? I mean, half of these kids are yours, right?" Guy rolled his head with a bitter sigh at the jab towards her; April, though, stood as still as a photo. She was wading in a shallow pond of uncertainty and humility before the regal official. Nobody shared the bald man's chuckle.

"Sire, I have agreed hand this orphanage to you… I will not dishonor our contract on the property." She choked out with a void in the slot for emotion. Clearly she was eating tears, but the strength of the man she loved kept her from collapsing. April knew this was a battle she could not win.

"Good," he chirped, waving soldiers in, "I expect this is the start of a wonderful relationship."

Guy couldn't help but feel stark naked and powerless as Vesey demanded she kiss his ring. Her subordinate compliance stuck a heat into Gisborne that itched almost as if a thistled branch had replaced his spine. The Sherriff proceeded to wave his hand in April's face, brushing her off, and trotted on to begin the cinematic loading of the paddy wagon. It was at this moment that she lost all grip on herself. Bubbled crying popped out from her with oxygen deprived gasps; Guy turned to clasp her shoulders as April toppled forward in agony, nearly launching into the moist grass as her knees gave up. He put his palm in her rich brown hair and held her sobbing close to his heart.

"April," he soothed, "My sweet, sweet April." Regardless of his efforts his girlfriend was simply inconsolable. Her knotted up fists beat into his chest with helplessness as chain mail plated men rifled through the orphanage, knocking in doors and examining children for potential. Gisborne looked to Vesey as she tore away, sprinting through the meadow and pounding down the earth. April's escape was swift and quiet. She held nothing against her beau but the environment was far too much; she could not breathe much less keep the sick down and stifled. There was no plan apart from far away, but the thick cement filling her lungs did not let the young girl maintain her pace. Guy let out a profanity and chased after her.

"Show keeps getting better and better." The Sherriff muttered to himself.

Guy hurried along through the growing weeds, sword swinging into his calf with each step, and hoped he was still going the right way. He had only seen her bolt with his peripheral vision, but realistically this was her path. It would go out the farthest from the horror. Stillness accompanied lush green trees that were thickening as he proceeded, but occasionally a bird would greet the traveler. As he came to a clearing a group of owls let out a mild screech and clumsily tore through young branches, ripping out leaves, and running to nestle in the safety of nature. He peeked through the gap they had left behind and saw a weathered barn with multiple holes in the roofing. Guy was sure that's where the birds were spooked from, so April could not be far. He trudged through a patch of blackberry bushes to the open door. Inside the dry smell of hay floated by, small bunches strewn about, but overall it was clearly emptied. Nobody had used it in years, until now, when he saw April's feet finish the top rung of a wooden ladder leading up to a second level.

Gisborne called out her name and continued the pursuit upstairs. She did not respond but April did halt, spinning on her heel, and looking right into his calm stare. Tiny wrinkles around his eyes deepened as handed her a smile. She plopped down on a mound of straw and watched him match her, unsure of what words were appropriate.

"Don't scare me like that." he finally said, sliding her hand between both of his.

"My life just keeps changing, Guy, I just… I don't know what to do. I can't believe they are all…"

"I will see what I can do to protect them, but I cannot make you promises I can't keep. I can promise you, though, that I will be here. April I will be with you no matter what. I could never lose you, I will not let you walk alone." Gisborne rambled out. Unlike his ex, April heard him out. She wanted to experience every drop of his emotions and feel his passion.

"Guy, you have no idea what it has meant to me to have you." She nestled her face into his shoulder and touched her nose lightly to his neck, stirring a nest of desire within him. The smell of her skin ignited his heart and washed over his mind.

"I love you." He heard himself whisper.

"I love you, too." April answered without moving. They both marinated in this moment and held to each other tightly, knowing that they would be nothing without the other. If they could survive this morning, there was nothing in this world that could stop them.