One Last Try, epilogue
Author's note: Hey my friends, I know I said that this epilogue would be done last weekend... but there was so much stuff going on that I had to wait. But know, i'm finally finished. And first of all, I would like to thank my wonderful beta Stacie - thank you so much, I wouldn't have started with this fic if it wasn't for you, you are my hero! *hugs* And I would also like to thank Jean and Saga. Jean, you have given me lots of ideas for this story and I wouldn't have gotten far if we hadn't start speaking to each other! Thank you! *hugs* And Saga, we are the best you and I, right? We brought Lily to life. You helped me with it. Lily is all you. And you are the best! *hugs*
Now I want you all to really enjoy this ending. And please, tell me what you think of it. And about whole One Last Try! What to you think of the story? Thank you all people who is reading! Love you all!
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Epilogue
Part one - I will fight for you
The late afternoon sparkled with joy and happiness in the year of 1194 when Robin Hood, the former Lord of Locksley was watching Marian, his true love from his hiding place. He saw her smiling at her one year old daughter. He could see Marian’s face embrace the sunlight when it shined through the trees. He couldn’t keep his sad smile away from appearing on his rather dry lips. He had been watching her for hours at a time. Not wanting to leave. He wanted to be near her. He wanted to be sure that she was safe here with Gisborne.
He changed position on the grand twig he was leaning on in the big tree. Robin kept looking at her. She sat on the soft grass with her and Gisborne’s child. Robin looked away slightly. We could have been happy too, Marian. We loved each other once. I still love you. And I really wish you all the happiness I can give you… I only wished you would have shared it with me…
When he saw the face of Marian’s daughter - something in his soul broke. She looked so much like Marian. She had rosy cheeks, a mouth that was in the shape like her mother’s and she was as beautiful as an angel. But her dark hair and icy eyes made Robin shudder. She had the eyes of her father. Even though her eyes weren’t filled with a killer’s wrongdoing like he had seen in Guy’s so many times - he could still see the Gisborne glow though her.
Robin felt his cheeks become wet. Salty tears slide down his cheeks - travelling down his throat making tracks when they disappeared beneath his shirt. He had not spoken to Marian in sixteen months time. He remembered the day when they last spoke to each other. When his heart broke in two pieces…
Sixteen months earlier…
Robin leaped through the warm forest with his bow in his hand - feeling the wind hit his face as he came out on the road. Locksley didn’t lie far away from here. Soon he would have Marian and they could finally be together. He continued running along the road toward the entrance of Locksley. His mind was still driving him nuts. Something wasn’t right. The Sheriff was dead, and nobody knew who killed him… But some of the peasants thought it was Sir Guy. Robin didn’t believe them. Gisborne wouldn’t be able to do such thing… he was the sheriff’s master at arms. There must be some trick in it all.
Locksley lay quiet when Robin emerged. He couldn’t see a soul. The only things he could see was the half finished manor house that placed a few feet away from the head manor.
He caught something in the corner of his eye. Something that was moving. Someone he had been dreaming of for months. Marian. The love of his life, the woman he would give his life for, the only person he have been feeling attached to…The one he hadn’t spoken to for so long.
He hurried over to the wall of the manor. He climbed on the side of the house and grabbed the windowsill to pull himself up.
She looked like a goddess. He had never seen her this beautiful before. Her hair was free - resting over her shoulders as she made the bed.
“You look stunning, Marian…”
Marian spun around at the sound of the familiar voice. She met Robin’s eyes as he put his feet on the floor -both arms folded.
“Robin! What - what are you doing here?” she asked in shock. Robin grinned and walked closer to her. “I was just going to ask you the same thing.” He said. Marian turned around - looking at the door.
“Robin, please. I don’t want to speak of this again. I’ve already told you… I love you as a-“
“Friend. I know.” Robin finished. “But… is this really the dream of your life? Is this the life you want? With Gisborne?”
Marian faced him again - feeling her heart sink at the sight of Robin’s hopeful expression. She inhaled quietly and took a few steps forward. “Robin… there is something I have to tell you…” she said with her eyes fixed in the floor. Robin became worried. “Has he hurt you? I will kill him if-“
“No! No…Guy hasn’t done anything… It’s - something else….” Marian bit her lip when she looked at him. “You should sit down.”
An uncomfortable worry started building in Robin’s stomach. The shiver moved down his spine. Marian was going to tell him something that would change everything. He just didn’t know what.
Robin sat down on the chair next to him. Marian paced across the floor for some time before she finally spoke.
“I’m - Guy and I are - going to have a baby…”
Robin raised his stare and looked at her in something more than shock. “What - what did you say?”
“I’m pregnant, Robin.”
Robin rose from the chair with such power that it hit the floor behind him. He turned away. He didn’t know what to say, or think. All the dreams he’s had all these years died in a matter of seconds… He felt the pain rise, wanting to come out… But he didn’t want to show it. Not now. Not here. Not in front of Marian.
“Is…” his voice broke and he cleared his throat. He took a deep breath. “Is that the truth? You - you gave yourself to Gisborne… willingly?”
Marian didn’t want to hurt him more than she already had. He wasn’t worth it. He really wasn’t. But she had learned one thing through this journey. And that was not to lie - ever again. She had to tell the truth.
She came up beside him and nodded slowly. “Yes… yes.” She said very quietly.
The sound of someone in the staircase made the couple turn their heads. Marian looked at Robin. “It’s Guy. You have to go…” her eyes were filled with tears. Robin saw the watery surface of her eyes. His hand found her cheek as he bit his lip and breathed shaky. Marian shook her head and put her hand on his and warily pulled it away.
“Goodbye, Robin Hood.” Marian said and took a few steps backwards.
Robin would have stayed if the door handle had not turned. But the sound made him drag himself to the window… and disappear…
“Master? Master…! Robin!” Much called from beneath the tree. Robin turned his head away from Locksley Manor and looked down at his friend. Much looked a bit worried.
“The ship is ready… Are you coming?” Much asked as he looked up at his master.
Robin glanced at Marian again. Smiling sadly as he hung his bow over his shoulder. It was time. Marian was the reason he wanted to stay in England. She was the reason. Nothing else. Now she had her own family, and he had no reason to stay here anymore. He would fight. For the people. For his king. For her…There was still evilness in the world. But he will not stop fighting - he will turn evil to good.
Robin jumped down from the tree and got a gentle pat on the shoulder from his friend. “This is the right thing, Robin.” Much said.
Robin nodded. “I know.” He paused. “I’m just going to miss her…”
Much and Robin started walking through the trees and bushes to the road. “Have you told her about…?” Much asked carefully. Robin shook his head.
“It will be better if she doesn’t know.”
Robin and Much returned to the gang who stood and waited at the end of the village. John was proud of Robin, so was Will and Djaq. Much let go of his Master’s shoulder and they all looked at each other.
“We will win this battle, my friends. We will win.” And after Robin’s last words - they all started walking in the direction of the sea, towards the ship that was going to bring them to the Holy Land were they were going to fight, for their king, and loved ones.
Part two - Memories and their Hope
For some time Lady Gisborne thought she saw some shadows between the trees on the opposite side of the garden. But her deep thoughts disappeared when she felt a small hand grabbing her forefinger. Marian looked down at her daughter’s playful blue eyes. Hope. Her darling daughter, Hope. It was exactly one year ago she had come to this world. A whole year had passed. The summertime had ended, so had the autumn - followed by the winter. And then it had started all over again with the spring…
Marian rose with Hope in her arms. “Time for a little rest, don’t you think?” She whispered quietly while entering the house. The sun was making its own way to rest behind the high trees in the outcast of the forest. The day had been long, and very eventful. A big celebration for such a small person. Even though the birthday girl had been sleeping through it - her parents were overwhelmed by this day. They would never forget it.
After putting Hope on the soft fabric in the wooden crib Guy had built, Marian held her tiny hand for a while. It didn’t take long until Hope was in a slight slumber. Marian carefully let go of her hand and moved over to the window. She had been a mother for a year. She didn’t regret anything. Her daughter was her everything.
Marian watched the sun slowly slide over the golden surface of the sky. Her eyes moved to the yard when she heard hooves. It was Guy. After their daughter’s celebration he and Allan rode to Nottingham to take care of the last things before Allan could take some time off as present sheriff. Guy wanted to help Allan and Lily as much as he could since they had three children to take care of - four if they counted Ellie.
Guy dismounted his horse and grabbed the reins as Allan came up beside him. Marian could see that Allan was making some kind of a joke at the sight of Guy’s annoyed expression. She couldn’t keep her amused laughter to herself. Eventually, Guy looked her way and met her eyes. He smiled warmly. She did too. She saw that his eyes were filled with life. He was happy. He was finally the man he always wanted to be. Marian still had her eyes on Guy when Lily came out from the manor next to theirs. Allan thought it would be a good idea to build a manor next to the head manor. Lily didn’t like being in the castle. So it was perfect.
Marian looked at Lily who was waving at her. She waved back with a smile. She could see Lily carrying her and Allan’s two week’s old little daughter. Marian liked watching the people she cared about the most - her husband, their friends, and their daughter - soon to be older sister. Marian placed her hand on her stomach - smiling while looking at Ellie as she came towards the group of adults on wagon with Tom and Jack - Lily and Allan’s twin sons. They were only two months younger than Hope.
Soon Hope would have a sibling too.
A big family was one of Marian’s highest dreams. The day she and Guy became a real family is one of those days she never will forget
One year earlier…
“Guy…” Marian said from above the staircase.
Guy was resting his eyes in front of the fire and Allan lay snoring in the chair next to his. “Mhmm... what is it?” he mumbled - still having his eyes closed.
“It’s time…” her voice was still very calm, but she didn’t move from her spot.
“Time - for what?” he asked and yawned in tiredness.
“The baby. The baby is coming.” Marian said while a smile spread across her face. “You know… Our baby…”
Guy furrowed his brows and opened his eyes slowly. “Baby? What b-“ Guy’s eyes shot open and he flew out of the armchair - his heart was pounding hard in his chest. “The baby is coming!” he shouted and hurried towards the stairs - taking two steps at a time while running towards Marian. She had to take a few steps backwards so Guy wouldn’t run into her. He didn’t know anything about births. He knew some things… but those things he knew were pretty obvious. He scanned Marian with his eyes and shaky hands.
“Are you alright? You should lie down…” he said in a hurry as he began to lead her to their chamber. Marian shook her head and sighed. “I’m fine, Guy. The water just broke. It can take time before anything happens…”
Guy looked at her in confusion. “What does that even mean? No. Don’t tell me. I don’t want to know…” he had his hand on his forehead while looking at his beautiful wife.
Marian started laughing at Guy’s words. He didn’t do the same though… He still looked worried and confused. “What - what am I suppose to do? Do you need anything?” he asked as he neared the bed she was half sitting on.
“Go and fetch Jenny. Tell her the baby is on its way. She knows what to do.” Marian said calmly. He kneeled down beside the bed - taking her hand in his. He swallowed hard when he looked at the wedding ring on her finger.
“I’m going to be a father…” he said. He still couldn’t believe it. The time had been long… but now, they would become parents.
“You are going to be a wonderful father, Guy… Just go and get Jenny and everything will be alright.” She said tenderly.
Guy looked at her - seeing the love in her eyes. She was worried too. He could see that. But he knew she didn’t want to show it. He quickly rose and headed for the door. But before he exited the room he turned around in the doorway - looking at his beloved wife.
“Guy…” Marian said with a small smile.
Guy nodded. “I’m on my way!” he said harshly and vanished down the stairs.
Marian didn’t have the chance to change position before Guy appeared again. He looked breathless and he obviously had his breath in his throat. She smiled at him in delight. He really wanted this to be right.
“Did you find her?”
“Yeah. She is on her way here with the some towels and…” he trailed off. He realised that he hadn’t been listening to Jenny so well when he found her. He had just blurred out the words “Marian!” and “The baby!” and was off again when she said she would come.
Marian had her hand on her belly. She could feel the baby so close to her hand. And she knew it would be time very soon. “Lie here with me…” she said gently and made some place for Guy next to her.
Guy turned towards her with his arms folded. They fell to his side when he walked over to the bed. He lay down next to Marian - leaning on his elbow. He slowly placed his hand on her rounded belly. Soon there would be a little Gisborne welcomed to the world. The thought made Guy smile. They were now a family. Guy’s smile faded when he thought about the possibility about having a son…
Marian could see that her husband was worried. He was always worried about something - specially now when she needed extra help. She put her hand over his - feeling the warmth from it. “What are you thinking about?” she asked calmly while resting her head against his shoulder. Guy only cleared his throat and shook his head. Marian was not pleased with the answer. But she wouldn’t ask anything further. They had lots of time to talk to each other later…
When the contractions started Guy was told to leave. Jenny couldn’t have him there. He would just be in the way. So he was forced out of the room - dragged by Allan and both men paced back and forth outside the chamber - Allan was walking behind Guy.
Marian could not describe the pain she felt. She couldn’t compare it to anything. Nothing. She thought she would die. That her body would be ripped apart…
But after nearly two hours of constant pain she heard the cry of her newborn baby. Marian slowly opened her eyes - her forehead was dripping with sweat and she let out a long deep breath. Jenny was standing next to Marian with the baby wrapped carefully in a warm towel. Marian laid her eyes upon her beautiful baby daughter. Her head was cover with little black hair and she squeezed her eyes shut. Jenny handed her to Marian and went to the door to let in the father who almost had burst of worry.
Guy lingered in the doorway when Jenny walked pass him to let them have some privacy. Marian turned her tearful eyes towards him and tried to take a deep breath. Guy had never walked so slowly in his life. It took ages for him to get to the bed. But when he finally came to Marian’s side he could see the face of his child. Marian watched her husband’s expression closely. She let him hold her. And when she saw him holding their daughter in his arms… she knew that this was everything they ever could have hoped for…
Two strong arms embraced her from behind. Marian opened her eyes. She was still standing at the window. The sun was almost fully gone now. How long have I been standing here? She thought to herself before she put her hands on the gentle ones in front of her.
“You were miles away.” Guy said warmly while having his head against her neck. Marian smiled and turned to face him. Their eyes met. She looked into his beautiful crystal eyes and stroked the one day of stubble along his jaw.
“Just some memories that appeared.” She replied. Guy let his hand slide though her soft hair. He smirked. “Good memories?” he asked before he captured her mouth with his - kissing her affectionately.
Marian only nodded with closed eyes as she kissed him back. Her arms landed on his. She was the one who broke the kiss with a smile. She walked over to the crib. Guy came after her. She felt Guy putting his hand around her waist while they both looked at their Hope.
“I love you, Guy…” she whispered as she put her head on his leather covered chest. He took her in his arms and closed his eyes. “I love you too, Marian…”
Part three - Sarcasm in a bottle
“Allan. What’s that on your arse?” Lily asked with a raised eyebrow after Guy disappeared into the manor.
Allan turned around and faced his partner. “What’s what on my what…?”
Lily sucked in some air in her mouth and carefully blew it out on their daughter Celia‘s forehead. It made Celia smile. Lily raised her eyes again - glancing at Allan’s bottom. “I’m sorry, I mean - What is that on the backside of your pants?”
Allan looked over his shoulder. When he saw what Lily meant he closed his eyes very annoyed and let out a long moan. “Ah, great!” he said in sarcasm - turning his head toward Lily again. Lily started laughing out loud when Allan began to scratch the bird crap off his pants with a leaf. Allan tried to give her a dangerous look but failed enormously. “You think this is funny?” he asked. His voice sounded very annoyed.
“Yeah. Actually I do. Don’t you?” she said and brought Celia closer to her chest. Allan just sighed and glanced at the smudged white goo. “These pants are new!”
“C’mon Allan, you’re such a girl. Let’s get your pants off before we go to dinner at the Gisborne’s.” Lily said and winked while she headed for their manor. “Can you take the twins Ellie?”
Ellie started pushing the wagon were the twins sat in - they boys were looking around with big eyes.
Allan was right behind them - still looking at his rear from time to time before he went inside the manor.
Lily put Celia in the crib they had next to one of the armchairs in front of the fireplace. She took the twins and put them down on the sheep fell across from Celia’s crib. “There, now I want all of you to play nice. I’ll be back soon. I think your father needs some help.” Lily said calmly to the children. Little Ellie came up behind her aunt with a huge smile on her lips.
“I can watch them, auntie Lily!” she said and clung to Lily’s side. Lily giggled and hugged her niece. “Thank you, princess.”
Lily headed for her and Allan’s room with a happy face. The door stood ajar. She peeked inside and made an almost soundless chuckle when she saw Allan pacing around the chamber in only his underpants.
She entered the room and smirked. “What’s the matter now?”
Allan turned towards her. He smiled a little - putting his fingers under his chin. “Nothing. Just waiting for you.” He said with a foolish grin before he took Lily in his arms. They looked at each other. Husband and wife - feeling all the love they shared just by the look in their partner’s eyes.
“How can I’ve been so lucky to find you?” Lily asked quietly. Allan looked at her with a smile spreading across his face.
“You stole my line, woman…” he said and kissed her on the mouth.
“I mean it, Allan… I have the perfect life because of you…” She said rather serious against his lips. She embraced him hard. At first, he looked down at her stunned. He really loved her. He had never felt like this with anyone before.
He smiled and gathered her in his arms. Lily felt safe with him. He was her knight in shining armour. Lily had her eyes closed and remembered the first time she knew she wanted to stay in his safe arms forever…
Around ten months earlier…
“ALLAAAANNN!!!” Lily’ caught her scream in her throat when the first painful contraction hit her. This was the most horrible feeling she had ever felt in her entire life. Even thought this was supposed to be the best day of her life - she was pissed that the person who’d gotten her into this circumstance were not here.
“I am going to kill him! That bastard!” Lily shouted as both Marian and Jenny were standing on each side of Lily’s grand bed.
“He will be here soon. You know how things are at the castle…”
“I don’t care about a stupid castle! I want him to feel what I feel!” the pain was driving Lily mad. Her long hair disturbed her a lot, she was sweaty and her teeth were locked shut.
Jenny glanced at Marian before she began to prepare for the birth.
Lily slammed her head down onto the pillows behind her back. She grabbed the blankets that surrounded her - making her knuckles whiten as she grabbed them tighter.
“AAAHH! I’ve changed my mind. I don’t want to have a baby anymore!” she cried out and twisted on the bed. Marian shook her head with a small smile.
“You will not regret this, Lily.” Marian said and sat down beside her.
Lily took a bunch of deep short breaths before she turned her attention to her friend. Marian was right. But still, Allan’s prick will be in danger what ever happens.
The door flung open and a breathless Allan came inside - rushing to Lily’s side. “I came as fast as I could.” He said. “How are things going?” he looked at Marian.
“Things were just about to start.”
Jenny repositioned Lily and moved in front of her. “Okay Lily, I need you to push as hard as you can.” She said. Lily closed her eyes hard and pushed. The pain overtook her. She couldn’t hear that she was screaming before she stopped pushing.
“I can’t do this!”
Allan took her hand in his and tried to say encouraging words in her ear. He was nervous - she could tell.
“Lily, you need to push hard. The top of the baby’s head is in sight.” Jenny said.
“Let me see!” Allan said and began to move over to Lily’s lower regions. Lily grabbed his hand harder - making him stop. “You do NOT move!” she said in a raised voice before she started pushing again. She screamed. “I will never do this again, next time it’s your turn Allan A Dale!!” she squeezed Allan’s finger as hard as she was able. Allan’s expression changed. It felt like four of his fingers broke. Lily didn’t notice the baby’s cry. She turned her head towards Allan when she realised he was stroking his hand.
“You have no idea how much it hurts…” he said. He felt Lily’s killing eyes on him - he raised his stare. His beloved were looking at him with hateful eyes.
“I think my fingers are broken…” he said.
“Say that to my vagina.” Lily hissed while she felt the pain start building again.
“Ready for number two?” Jenny asked.
Lily’s eyes shoot open. “Number two? I thought we were just having one!”
Marian was cleaning Lily and Allan’s first born child, a son. Allan felt dizzy. They were going to have TWO children.
Lily was pushing and pushing until they heard another cry from their second son. Allan couldn’t believe it, neither could Lily. Marian placed the first born in Allan’s arms before she took care of the other one.
The new become mother sunk back into the bed - finally breathing more slowly. Jenny helped Lily to get clean before letting her rest.
Some hours had passed when Lily woke again. She saw Allan sitting in the chair next to the bed. He had the twin brothers in his arms while he rested his eyes. Lily smiled at the sight of her new family.
She thought he was asleep - but didn’t react when he looked at her too. He smiled.
“Hey…” he said softly not to wake the boys. Lily smiled back with her hand under her cheek when she looked at him.
“Mind if we join you?” he asked as he rose from the chair. She shook her head and made room for them. Allan placed the half sleeping twins in front of Lily and lay down behind her with his arms wrapped around her waist.
Lily looked at her beautiful sons - smiling. The closeness she felt was making her heart pound.
The arms around her waist were making her feel safe. She had never felt safer… She wanted to stay here forever.
“What are we going to name them?” Allan asked suddenly. They hadn’t been thinking about names. They were just so happy they’d forgotten about it.
“What about Tom? To honour your brother.” Lily asked. She felt Allan smile against her neck.
“Thank you…” he whispered. She smiled.
“Why don’t we name the other Jack? To honour you passed husband.” Lily’s smile disappeared. “Allan… You don’t have to-”
“I know. But this is something I want to do” he smiled again - bigger this time. “Tom and Jack - our sons.”
“Our sons.” Lily replied with tears in her eyes - she was so happy.
Lily lifted her eyes and looked into her husband’s sparkling ones. His eyes made her all tingly. He made life so exciting. He made it a new adventure every day. She pushed away from him with a satisfied grin on her lips. The darkening sundown hit Allan’s red brow hair from behind with its glow. He was so beautiful. Lily smiled kindly and walked backwards towards the door. Allan was watching her. “You should get dressed.” She said and blew him a kiss. But before she left - a thought entered her mind and she lingered in the doorway.
“Allan…” she said to regain his attention. Allan raised his eyes from the clean trousers he was holding in his hands. “Yeah?” he said.
Lily squirmed as she quietly tapped on the wall. “Have you ever thought about having more children?” she asked hopefully. Allan’s grin grew wider and he began to laugh while he sighed.
“Of course. I guess it’s my turn now since I didn’t keep my promise the last time.” He pulled on his pants and smiled widely. Lily exited the room with laughter high in her throat.
Allan stayed in the chamber for a few minutes. It actually was his time to carry their next child - at least that was what Lily wanted. It made him smile. She’d said it in anger, exhaustion and worry. He couldn’t blame her. Giving birth was probably a hard and very painful thing to do.
Allan put his hand on his cheek. He’d had a burning red mark there almost two weeks ago exactly. Damn what it hurt that day…
Two weeks earlier…
He thought his hair was going to be ripped off his head. He felt some strays of hair come off as he tried to take Lily’s hand away from his scalp. Allan finally came out of her grip. He still held her hand - trying to avoid getting another pair of fingers broken this time. The labour was just about to begin. Jenny was taking care of Lily this time as well. Marian was in the head manor with Hope, and Guy was standing in the doorway behind Allan.
“Is - there something I can do?” Guy asked. He was still always so uncomfortable when it came to births.
“I only want the mother and father in the room, Sir Guy.” Jenny said as she prepared some warm water. Guy raised his eyebrows in relief and looked at his annoying friend.
“I guess you’re alone on this one.” Guy said to Allan and left the room.
“You promised to stay here, Giz!” Allan shouted after his friend. The only thing he could hear was Guy yelling “Don’t call me Giz!” as he went down the staircase.
Allan withdrew his hand to his body when he felt Lily stiffen. He turned to Jenny. “Isn’t there something you can give her?” he asked.
Jenny looked at the both of them before she handed him a goblet. “Here. Give her this.” She said as Allan took the wine cup.
The birth was a nightmare for Lily. This wasn’t as painful as it had been with the twins. But she had forgotten how painful it was. Her actions were nothing she could stop.
Allan stayed at Lily’s side the whole time. He wasn’t aware of Lily’s hand coming towards his face until he felt the slap on his cheek.
“THIS IS YOUR FAULT ALLAN A DALE!” Lily roared in a cry as she did the final push. Allan was standing with his hand on his cheek. He was just about to say that it hurt… but didn’t as he realised his wife just had given birth. He looked at Jenny who gathered the baby in a towel after cutting the navel cored. She looked at him with a smile. “It’s a girl.”
Lily heard her too. She glanced at Allan and saw his red cheek. “Did I do that?” she asked. Allan nodded with a small smile as Jenny laid their daughter in Allan’s arms. Allan walked over to Lily. “I forgive you.” He said softly as the couple looked at their beautiful baby daughter.
-
The dinner at the Gisborne’s had started very well. Both couples had been laughing and talking about all kinds of things. Mostly about relationships and children - since that was the heart in everything nowadays. When the plates had been taken away by the servants - Lily handed Guy a package. He looked at her in surprise before he took the large box.
“What is this?” he asked without open it.
Lily smiled widely and glanced at Allan. “Just something I saw a few days ago and thought would look great on you…”
Guy looked at them both with a raised eyebrow. He slowly opened the box and looked inside - but closed it quickly again. He covered his eyes with one hand and started chuckling. “You can’t be serious.” He said and tried to put the package away. Marian’s hands covered Guy’s rapidly and she got the present in her hands. “Let me see.” She said with a smile and opened it again. When she saw what was in it she started laughing without stop. She grabbed the cloth inside and rose from her chair and let the whole fabric be seen.
The red long dress sparkled in the candle lights. The dress was too big for Marian… but would fit Guy very well.
Marian gasped between her breaths. “Oh, you have to try this on!” she said loudly. Lily and Allan were laughing too. Guy looked at the three of them in shock.
“No! I am not going to try that!” he said and rose.
“C’mon Giz. Lily told me about your dress-conversation and we thought this would be the perfect gift.” Allan said and put his arm around his wife. Guy only rolled his eyes.
The night was nearing and Jenny was in Lily and Allan’s manor - watching the children. Hope was sleeping up stairs in the head manor. Allan and Lily rose from the table too.
“It’s been a long evening. But now we have to go back to ours.” Lily said with a smile and hugged Marian first and then Guy. She whispered something in Marian’s ear which made the two of them giggle.
Allan and Guy gave each other some manly pats or something like that. Lily and Marian thought they were being childish. Why couldn’t guys just hug each other?
Marian walked over to Guy and slipped her arm around him. “Come on my manly man - let’s go up stairs and try that dress shall we?” Marian said and tilted her head. Guy was just about to protest - but found that he couldn’t. He smirked. “Very well,” he said in a low husky voice. “but only if you dress me in it.”
Allan and Lily stood and laughed quietly in the doorway. “Time to go home Ellie.” Allan said. Ellie was playing with Guy’s dog in front of the fireplace but rose as she heard Allan’s voice. She ran to them with a smile and they all left the house.
Part 4 - A century of love
Ellie walked slowly behind her aunt and her aunt’s husband. Ellie really liked Allan. He was funny. And he made Lily happy and that was all that mattered.
The moon was very large this spectacular night - shining brightly at Locksley village - Ellie’s new home. She had been living here for more than a year now. The most loving place on earth she’d called it many times. She said it to Guy one time. He became very happy since Locksley is his village. He was the Lord of it. Ellie didn’t understand why he became so happy. Hasn’t this village always been this loving? She didn’t know.
The door to the manor opened and Allan held it open for Lily. Ellie watched them go inside. She smiled sadly as she remembered when she had a whole family of her own…
Three years earlier…
The spring flowers had just begun to grow when a five year old little girl chased her older brother along the small river down their house. The water smashed against the stone blocks that lay on the side. The siblings were just about to run over the stock that lay across the river when their father called.
“Ellie! Peter! Get away from there.” Their father sounded much stressed. Peter knew why. It was because of their ill mother. She has been lying in bed for weeks now - only getting worse each day that passed. Ellie, who wasn’t that old didn’t understand that it was something serious. She only thought that her mother was tired and needed some rest to get better. She didn’t know how wrong she was.
Ellie and Peter went to their father. William - the children’s father was standing in the doorway with his arms crossed. He couldn’t be angry with them. Not now. He sighed and let his arms fall to his sides. He looked at them sadly. “It’s time to say goodbye…”
Peter looked at his father in shock. “No… No!” before William could grab his son - Peter ran away from the house. Ellie looked at Peter - he was running over the stock towards the forest. She turned her head toward her father in confusion.
“Who is leaving, daddy?” she asked with her quiet voice.
William lifted up his little daughter in his arms and carried her inside. He closed his eyes lightly and sighed deeply. He walked into the room were his dear wife Rose lay on a bed - coughing.
He let down Ellie next to the bed. He backed away a few steps. Ellie looked at her father and then turned her attention towards her mother.
Ellie went up on the bed. Her mother opened her eyes slowly and smiled at her little one. Ellie smiled too and lay down next to her mother with her head on her shoulder. Rose could feel tears starting to fall.
“Ellie, do you remember that time we all went to the lagoon? When we found those shiny stones…” Rose begun. Ellie’s faces lit up and she tried to touch the floor with her feet. She came down on the floor and hurried over to her little bag and took out three small shiny stones. She ran back to the bed and lay down again next to her mother. “These!” she said and put one of them in her mother’s hand. Rose smiled.
“Yes, dear… these. Do you remember that we talked about where you go when your life is over when we found them?”
Ellie touched her mother’s hair and giggled. “Yes, you become an angel, and live in heaven with the other angels!”
Rose smiled through her tears and touched her daughter’s face. “That’s right…” she coughed quietly. “It’s my turn to go to those angels, sweetheart…”
Ellie’s happy features disappeared and she got up on her knees. “Mummy is leaving?” Ellie turned and looked at her father who closed his eyes and twisted his head away. She looked at her mother again. “I want to go with you!” she said and got down on the floor. She begun to put the few clothes she had in her bag. Rose closed her eyes - tears streamed down her face faster now.
“William…” Rose said. He knew that she wanted him to stop Ellie. He went over to his daughter and took her in his arms. “No Ellie…. We have to stay here.” He said softly. Ellie rushed out of his grip and went back to Rose. She lifted the blanket and cuddled closer to her mother. Rose took a deep breath and took her baby daughter’s hand in her own. “Rest darling… Now we rest…” she whispered and both Rose and Ellie closed their eyes.
An hour passed and Ellie woke up and felt rather cold. She looked at her mother. She was probably still asleep. She looked so peaceful. Ellie carefully shook her mother’s shoulder. “Mummy, wake up. Mummy?”
Ellie felt arms lift her up. She didn’t turn around. She only watched her mother as her father carried her out of the room. “She’s with the angels now, my daughter…” Ellie’s father said as he closed the door behind him and his daughter.
The tears that slide down her cheeks were brushed away by her hands quickly. Ellie looked at her eight year old hands that were covered with tears. It had been three years ago. Three years ago her mother had joined the army of angels. Her father and brother were there with her. Ellie smiled sadly and raised her eyes towards the sky. The moon was shining up the night clouds. It was almost like the moon was showing her the way towards her parents and brother. She was grateful.
Lily had finally gotten Celia and the twins to a peaceful sleep. And she had also gotten her husband to sleep by her soft singing. Lily smiled and walked down the stairs. The door was still open. She walked over to it and saw Ellie standing in the middle of the small trace from Gisborne’s manor to theirs. “Come here, Ellie. Let’s play some hide and seek!” Lily said and smiled at her little niece.
Ellie walked over to her aunt. The tears were gone now.
Lily bent down and looked into the blond girl’s eyes. “You know what. This time it’s your turn to count.” Lily chuckled happily before she run off. Ellie shook her head with a smile as she closed her eyes to count. She couldn’t be happier then she was now - with her family.
Part 5 - One last try
Four years later…
Guy of Gisborne. A few years ago, Sir Guy was a man filled with this force to win everything, in power, position, and in love. To win he had to betray, hurt and kill innocent people. People who loved each other had been ripped apart by his hands, many times. He regretted it, he always had. He didn’t want to hurt anyone. Sheriff Vasey had made him do it. He offered him land and even more power beyond imagination. Guy had to follow Vasey’s orders to not be humiliated and called weak. He did it because he didn’t have anything to fight for… Later, the force and need he felt was overpowered by his affection towards a curtain lady who was the former sheriff’s daughter.
And now, he had everything he ever could have wished for.
Guy kept holding Faith’s hand as they walked out of the manor.
Faith was Guy’s second daughter. She was much like her mother, by her look and her body language. Compared to Hope, Faith was more like a girl. Hope on the other hand was her father up in the day. Still, she had brown locks in her hair and looked like her mother too. But her eyes were nothing but all Guy’s.
Hope came up next to her little sister. She was proud to be the bigger sister. She’d always felt special in being the first born. All though, she was five years old and didn’t quite understand everything yet, she knew what it meant to be the eldest.
Guy was happy he had two beautiful daughters who looked just like their mother. But when Guy and Marian got their third daughter Guy changed. He had seen his wife in his daughters through the years… but now, he had the daughter who reflected him the most, with darker hair, bluer eyes and such features Guy didn’t even know he had.
They named her Victory. And every time he looked at her he knew that this wasn’t a dream. This was real. This was how life was.
Hope, Faith and Victory were the names of the Gisborne heirs.
The children’s mother was a few feet behind them - carrying Victory. Victory had her hands in her mother’s hair. She pulled at it from time to time, only making Marian smile.
Guy looked at Marian. Was this a dream? Marian’s attention was turned towards her little one. She smiled warmly and brought Victory into a hug instead of just holding her.
Five years. They had been together for five years. Guy couldn’t believe it. He could. But it still felt like a dream. He had three perfect daughters in the age of five, two and six months… He couldn’t be happier.
“Daddy?” Little Hope said and pulled in her father’s sword shelf. The sun hit her eyes and she had to close them as she spoke to her father.
Guy looked at Hope with a smile on his face. He took her small hand in his to support her from not falling since she was walking around with her eyes shut. He wouldn’t want her to fall.
“What is it, princess?” Guy asked and looked at Hope who finally opened her eyes when the sun hide behind a tree they were passing.
“I want to go fishing…” she said and tilted with her head. She had this cute innocent smile on her lips as she blinked with her big round eyes.
“We are. The pond is just behind the trees. You can help your sister and go there before us.” He said softly and put his hand on her head and stroked her hair.
Hope smiled widely and took Faith’s hand and went to the small road that was leading to the pond.
“Be careful!” Guy said loudly. He knew Allan and Lily would be there already… But he didn’t’ want anything to happen.
The sent of roses filled Guy’s nostrils and he turned around and faced the love of his life. Marian, his lovely wife. He still remembered when she left him at the altar all those years ago. It was not so hard to remember. That day he decided he didn’t want to see her again. He was going to forget her, start over and never, never think of her again… easier said than done. She was the only one he could think of. Every day, every night. Nothing else entered his mind. And now, he was very thankful for that. He finally had the marriage with the woman he loved...
Five years and a few months earlier…
The blood in Guy’s veins was racing up and down, making his body both warm and cold at the same time. He could feel the shiver that was hiding inside him. He was nervous about this. She had left him one time before… what if she would do it again?
Guy turned around on the open field. He and Marian had decided to marry outside this time. A small wedding, with the ones they loved the most. Weddings were important. But Marian was much more important to Guy then a wedding. He wanted her to be happy. He could make her happy. He knew he could. She was carrying their child. They would be a family within a month. Of course they would be happy.
“Stop worry, Giz. This is going to be perfect.” Allan said from the spot where Guy and Marian were going to stand when the ceremony would begin. Guy looked at him. He was going to give him a glare… but failed and looked at his friend with a scared expression. Allan raised his eyebrows high and looked at Guy. “I’m not bein’ funny… but is there something you want to tell me or..?”
Guy shook his head quickly and turned again. “No. It’s nothing.” He said briefly.
“Well, I’ll go and get the priest then… Why don’t you stay here? Lily and Ellie will be here soon.” Allan said and began to walk towards the village again.
Guy let out a sigh and covered his face with his hands. This day was special for him. It was. He couldn’t just deny the fact that they were getting married. A marriage. It was something big… They will spend the rest of their life together.
The evening sun was resting above the horizon. The air was fresh, the flowers and grass that surrounded Guy made the field look like a rainbow of some sort. Guy looked at himself. He was clad all in black - like he always was. This time he didn’t wear a red scarf… This time he had none.
He didn’t know for how long he’d been looking out into nothing. But before he knew - Lily and Ellie appeared, and Allan came behind them with the priest.
Guy tried to relax. He was relaxed… he wanted to be relaxed… otherwise Marian would get worried and the whole day would be ruined.
The priest had taken his place under the grand tree that was covered in light pink flowers. Allan was standing beside him and Lily and Ellie were standing on the other side of the priest.
The sound of hooves made Guy lift his stare. He saw Marian’s carriage enter the meadow and start nearing them. He went to the priest and took a deep breath before he let it out and swallowed.
The carriage stopped a few feet away from them. Marian came in sight. Thornton held her hand to help her out of the carriage. Her dress was beautiful, covered in white and a touch of gold covering the side of the gown. Her round belly made the dress even more beautiful. Guy smiled. He wasn’t nervous anymore. When he saw the smile on her lips when she saw him - he knew that this was right. This was the right thing to do.
The ceremony went well. Everyone was excited about this. Allan and Lily were too, since they also were getting married soon. They didn’t know when. But know - they wanted to give this moment to Guy and Marian. They had been through very much, they deserved this moment.
When they could return to the manor Ellie handed Marian a bunch of flowers and wished them happiness. Both Guy and Marian were moved by Ellie’s action. Ellie only smiled widely and glanced at Allan from time to time since he had told her to say that.
Guy and Marian came into their room in Locksley. A crib stood placed along the wall, there were no sharp things or weapons in sight and the room was filled with roses. Guy was very surprised himself when they entered. It had probably been Lily doing this. He smiled at the thought.
Marian looked at her husband and smiled. “Do you want to do this?” she asked.
Guy grinned. “Well… Yes, if you want.” He took her in his arms and kissed her passionately. He felt the stop that made him not able to bring her closer. He looked down - smiling when he saw his wife’s round belly pressing lightly between them. “This little angel has to come soon… I can’t be as close to you as I want to when she’s there…” Guy mumbled with a smile. Marian touched Guy’s hand that he’d placed on her abdomen.
“Why do you keep saying that?” Marian asked.
“Saying what?”
“Her. How do you now it’s a girl?” Guy smiled - more warmly this time. “I don’t know…” he said. “It just… feels that way.” He added before he met Marian’s eyes. The pair looked at each other in silence for several minutes before they joined each other in bed. Guy lay on his side - watching his wife. His hand slowly found her uncovered belly again; he really could feel the movements now. Marian put her hand on his. He felt her squeezing his hand. Guy moved closer, he put his head right beside her throat - planting gentle kisses on her soft skin. His hand moved over her body and he looked at her.
“I love you Marian… I love you…” he whispered against her. He heard her saying it back. This was not a dream… They were, husband and wife, and would never leave each other, not even when death would do them apart…
Marian came to Guy’s side and put her free hand on his shoulder. “Are you alright?” she asked as she carefully held Victory against her chest. Guy inhaled and looked around a few times before he focused on Marian. He didn’t say anything at first, he just smiled.
“I’m fine. Here, let me.” He said and took little Victory into his warm arms. Marian smiled at them and they began to walk in the direction of the pond where they were going to spend the evening.
The trees stood high around the pond, they reflected in the crystal clear water that lay silently still. Guy thought he would hear laughter of his children when they neared the water, but couldn’t hear anything. He quickly gave Victory to Marian and hurried towards the water. He sighed in relief when he saw the children all in one piece. They were standing at the water - just looking into it. Hope was still holding Faith’s hand and Tom and Jack were next to them.
Lily sat further away on the soft grass with her two daughters, Celia - who had turned four this year, and Zoe - Lily and Allan’s one year old.
As Marian walked over to Lily with Victory still in her arms Guy lingered at the beginning of the pond. He looked at the four children who stood and still watched the surface of the water. He went over to them.
“What are you children doing?” Guy asked and bent to his knees.
The children didn’t turn to him. Hope touched the water with her finger before she replied to her father. “Allan said that a snapdragon lives here in the pond… he told us to wait for it to come.” She said without letting the water go with her eyes. Guy sighed with a smile and looked at the frightened children.
“Don’t listen to Allan, there is no such thing as snapdra-“
Out of nowhere - something started bubbling under the water and before Guy had the chance to blink something appeared from underneath the surface and came up through the water with a loud “rawr” in front of the children. Guy fell backwards as the children ran away from the edge towards their mothers. Guy tried to breathe normal and looked down at the water. He got an annoyed expression on his face when he saw Allan floating around on the surface with some grass on his head.
“Allan, what are you doing?” Guy barked and tried to drag him out of the water.
Allan just smirked and then laughed. “I’m not Allan, I’m the snapdragon! RAWR!” he said and ran away from Guy and began to chase the children in only his breeches.
Guy stayed at the water for a moment - trying to forget Allan and the things that had just happened. He went to Marian and Lily. They sat with all the children on a big blanket. All seven children were smiling, the oldest ones were laughing and the youngest were making small sounds - probably some sort of laugh. Ellie had come too; she had been in the neighbouring village. Guy smiled as he sat down next to his wife. Faith was the first one who crawled into her father’s lap. Little Victory sat between Guy and Marian - having her hands on her father’s knee as the other children started playing with Allan. They all wanted to win over the snapdragon…
The sun was shining through the trees down on the ground - Celia and Zoe lay beside each other on the blanked with their eyes closed, they were sleeping peacefully. Allan was laying down right next to them, he wasn’t really sleeping - he was just resting his eyes.
Lily was with her sons at the small shore, she kept an eye on them as they played with each other on the water. Ellie went to her aunt’s side. She thought this was rather nice being here with everyone - even though she was twelve, and the oldest one of the children.
Marian had finally got both Faith and Victory to a slumber as she rested her head on Guy’s shoulder. Guy laid an arm around his wife and kissed her on the cheek as they sunk back down onto the grass. Marian put her hand on Guy’s tunic clad chest. Guy carefully closed his eyes with a smile.
I didn’t take long until he heard his name being called at the water. Hope was standing there with her small fishing rod in her hand.
Guy opened his eyes, Marian did too. They both looked down at Hope who eventually ran up to them.
“Daddy… I can’t get any fishes…” she said sadly while looking down.
Guy sat up and looked at his daughter.
“Maybe they are sleeping. We can try fishing tomorrow.” He said and lay down again beside Marian.
Hope stayed at them. She went to Guy and pulled in his hand for him to come.
Marian smiled at Guy.
“Go. She wants your help.” Marian said to him. Guy looked at her for a moment before he kissed her.
“Eeeuuhh!” Hope said and covered her eyes. Guy rose quickly. “Come here you little moppet!” he said and took her under his arm and carried his laughing daughter back to the water.
He put her down and let her set the fishing line into the water again. Guy sat down on the stone next to his daughter and watch as she tried to catch a fish. When the minutes passed Guy rose from his place and looked at Hope. “Let’s come back here tomorrow, princess… Maybe the fishes will be here then.” Guy was just about to go back to the others when Hope took his hand.
“Please daddy, can you try?” she asked quietly.
Guy looked at his little daughter, her eyes sparkled of the hope she had. She really wanted to catch a fish. The sun hit the water and made Hope’s hair shine in a dark brown glow as Guy slowly took the fishing rod from her hand. He smiled “Fine,” he said and sat down on the edge with Hope in his lap. “one last try.”
~ The End ~
Now I want you all to really enjoy this ending. And please, tell me what you think of it. And about whole One Last Try! What to you think of the story? Thank you all people who is reading! Love you all!
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Epilogue
Part one - I will fight for you
The late afternoon sparkled with joy and happiness in the year of 1194 when Robin Hood, the former Lord of Locksley was watching Marian, his true love from his hiding place. He saw her smiling at her one year old daughter. He could see Marian’s face embrace the sunlight when it shined through the trees. He couldn’t keep his sad smile away from appearing on his rather dry lips. He had been watching her for hours at a time. Not wanting to leave. He wanted to be near her. He wanted to be sure that she was safe here with Gisborne.
He changed position on the grand twig he was leaning on in the big tree. Robin kept looking at her. She sat on the soft grass with her and Gisborne’s child. Robin looked away slightly. We could have been happy too, Marian. We loved each other once. I still love you. And I really wish you all the happiness I can give you… I only wished you would have shared it with me…
When he saw the face of Marian’s daughter - something in his soul broke. She looked so much like Marian. She had rosy cheeks, a mouth that was in the shape like her mother’s and she was as beautiful as an angel. But her dark hair and icy eyes made Robin shudder. She had the eyes of her father. Even though her eyes weren’t filled with a killer’s wrongdoing like he had seen in Guy’s so many times - he could still see the Gisborne glow though her.
Robin felt his cheeks become wet. Salty tears slide down his cheeks - travelling down his throat making tracks when they disappeared beneath his shirt. He had not spoken to Marian in sixteen months time. He remembered the day when they last spoke to each other. When his heart broke in two pieces…
Sixteen months earlier…
Robin leaped through the warm forest with his bow in his hand - feeling the wind hit his face as he came out on the road. Locksley didn’t lie far away from here. Soon he would have Marian and they could finally be together. He continued running along the road toward the entrance of Locksley. His mind was still driving him nuts. Something wasn’t right. The Sheriff was dead, and nobody knew who killed him… But some of the peasants thought it was Sir Guy. Robin didn’t believe them. Gisborne wouldn’t be able to do such thing… he was the sheriff’s master at arms. There must be some trick in it all.
Locksley lay quiet when Robin emerged. He couldn’t see a soul. The only things he could see was the half finished manor house that placed a few feet away from the head manor.
He caught something in the corner of his eye. Something that was moving. Someone he had been dreaming of for months. Marian. The love of his life, the woman he would give his life for, the only person he have been feeling attached to…The one he hadn’t spoken to for so long.
He hurried over to the wall of the manor. He climbed on the side of the house and grabbed the windowsill to pull himself up.
She looked like a goddess. He had never seen her this beautiful before. Her hair was free - resting over her shoulders as she made the bed.
“You look stunning, Marian…”
Marian spun around at the sound of the familiar voice. She met Robin’s eyes as he put his feet on the floor -both arms folded.
“Robin! What - what are you doing here?” she asked in shock. Robin grinned and walked closer to her. “I was just going to ask you the same thing.” He said. Marian turned around - looking at the door.
“Robin, please. I don’t want to speak of this again. I’ve already told you… I love you as a-“
“Friend. I know.” Robin finished. “But… is this really the dream of your life? Is this the life you want? With Gisborne?”
Marian faced him again - feeling her heart sink at the sight of Robin’s hopeful expression. She inhaled quietly and took a few steps forward. “Robin… there is something I have to tell you…” she said with her eyes fixed in the floor. Robin became worried. “Has he hurt you? I will kill him if-“
“No! No…Guy hasn’t done anything… It’s - something else….” Marian bit her lip when she looked at him. “You should sit down.”
An uncomfortable worry started building in Robin’s stomach. The shiver moved down his spine. Marian was going to tell him something that would change everything. He just didn’t know what.
Robin sat down on the chair next to him. Marian paced across the floor for some time before she finally spoke.
“I’m - Guy and I are - going to have a baby…”
Robin raised his stare and looked at her in something more than shock. “What - what did you say?”
“I’m pregnant, Robin.”
Robin rose from the chair with such power that it hit the floor behind him. He turned away. He didn’t know what to say, or think. All the dreams he’s had all these years died in a matter of seconds… He felt the pain rise, wanting to come out… But he didn’t want to show it. Not now. Not here. Not in front of Marian.
“Is…” his voice broke and he cleared his throat. He took a deep breath. “Is that the truth? You - you gave yourself to Gisborne… willingly?”
Marian didn’t want to hurt him more than she already had. He wasn’t worth it. He really wasn’t. But she had learned one thing through this journey. And that was not to lie - ever again. She had to tell the truth.
She came up beside him and nodded slowly. “Yes… yes.” She said very quietly.
The sound of someone in the staircase made the couple turn their heads. Marian looked at Robin. “It’s Guy. You have to go…” her eyes were filled with tears. Robin saw the watery surface of her eyes. His hand found her cheek as he bit his lip and breathed shaky. Marian shook her head and put her hand on his and warily pulled it away.
“Goodbye, Robin Hood.” Marian said and took a few steps backwards.
Robin would have stayed if the door handle had not turned. But the sound made him drag himself to the window… and disappear…
“Master? Master…! Robin!” Much called from beneath the tree. Robin turned his head away from Locksley Manor and looked down at his friend. Much looked a bit worried.
“The ship is ready… Are you coming?” Much asked as he looked up at his master.
Robin glanced at Marian again. Smiling sadly as he hung his bow over his shoulder. It was time. Marian was the reason he wanted to stay in England. She was the reason. Nothing else. Now she had her own family, and he had no reason to stay here anymore. He would fight. For the people. For his king. For her…There was still evilness in the world. But he will not stop fighting - he will turn evil to good.
Robin jumped down from the tree and got a gentle pat on the shoulder from his friend. “This is the right thing, Robin.” Much said.
Robin nodded. “I know.” He paused. “I’m just going to miss her…”
Much and Robin started walking through the trees and bushes to the road. “Have you told her about…?” Much asked carefully. Robin shook his head.
“It will be better if she doesn’t know.”
Robin and Much returned to the gang who stood and waited at the end of the village. John was proud of Robin, so was Will and Djaq. Much let go of his Master’s shoulder and they all looked at each other.
“We will win this battle, my friends. We will win.” And after Robin’s last words - they all started walking in the direction of the sea, towards the ship that was going to bring them to the Holy Land were they were going to fight, for their king, and loved ones.
Part two - Memories and their Hope
For some time Lady Gisborne thought she saw some shadows between the trees on the opposite side of the garden. But her deep thoughts disappeared when she felt a small hand grabbing her forefinger. Marian looked down at her daughter’s playful blue eyes. Hope. Her darling daughter, Hope. It was exactly one year ago she had come to this world. A whole year had passed. The summertime had ended, so had the autumn - followed by the winter. And then it had started all over again with the spring…
Marian rose with Hope in her arms. “Time for a little rest, don’t you think?” She whispered quietly while entering the house. The sun was making its own way to rest behind the high trees in the outcast of the forest. The day had been long, and very eventful. A big celebration for such a small person. Even though the birthday girl had been sleeping through it - her parents were overwhelmed by this day. They would never forget it.
After putting Hope on the soft fabric in the wooden crib Guy had built, Marian held her tiny hand for a while. It didn’t take long until Hope was in a slight slumber. Marian carefully let go of her hand and moved over to the window. She had been a mother for a year. She didn’t regret anything. Her daughter was her everything.
Marian watched the sun slowly slide over the golden surface of the sky. Her eyes moved to the yard when she heard hooves. It was Guy. After their daughter’s celebration he and Allan rode to Nottingham to take care of the last things before Allan could take some time off as present sheriff. Guy wanted to help Allan and Lily as much as he could since they had three children to take care of - four if they counted Ellie.
Guy dismounted his horse and grabbed the reins as Allan came up beside him. Marian could see that Allan was making some kind of a joke at the sight of Guy’s annoyed expression. She couldn’t keep her amused laughter to herself. Eventually, Guy looked her way and met her eyes. He smiled warmly. She did too. She saw that his eyes were filled with life. He was happy. He was finally the man he always wanted to be. Marian still had her eyes on Guy when Lily came out from the manor next to theirs. Allan thought it would be a good idea to build a manor next to the head manor. Lily didn’t like being in the castle. So it was perfect.
Marian looked at Lily who was waving at her. She waved back with a smile. She could see Lily carrying her and Allan’s two week’s old little daughter. Marian liked watching the people she cared about the most - her husband, their friends, and their daughter - soon to be older sister. Marian placed her hand on her stomach - smiling while looking at Ellie as she came towards the group of adults on wagon with Tom and Jack - Lily and Allan’s twin sons. They were only two months younger than Hope.
Soon Hope would have a sibling too.
A big family was one of Marian’s highest dreams. The day she and Guy became a real family is one of those days she never will forget
One year earlier…
“Guy…” Marian said from above the staircase.
Guy was resting his eyes in front of the fire and Allan lay snoring in the chair next to his. “Mhmm... what is it?” he mumbled - still having his eyes closed.
“It’s time…” her voice was still very calm, but she didn’t move from her spot.
“Time - for what?” he asked and yawned in tiredness.
“The baby. The baby is coming.” Marian said while a smile spread across her face. “You know… Our baby…”
Guy furrowed his brows and opened his eyes slowly. “Baby? What b-“ Guy’s eyes shot open and he flew out of the armchair - his heart was pounding hard in his chest. “The baby is coming!” he shouted and hurried towards the stairs - taking two steps at a time while running towards Marian. She had to take a few steps backwards so Guy wouldn’t run into her. He didn’t know anything about births. He knew some things… but those things he knew were pretty obvious. He scanned Marian with his eyes and shaky hands.
“Are you alright? You should lie down…” he said in a hurry as he began to lead her to their chamber. Marian shook her head and sighed. “I’m fine, Guy. The water just broke. It can take time before anything happens…”
Guy looked at her in confusion. “What does that even mean? No. Don’t tell me. I don’t want to know…” he had his hand on his forehead while looking at his beautiful wife.
Marian started laughing at Guy’s words. He didn’t do the same though… He still looked worried and confused. “What - what am I suppose to do? Do you need anything?” he asked as he neared the bed she was half sitting on.
“Go and fetch Jenny. Tell her the baby is on its way. She knows what to do.” Marian said calmly. He kneeled down beside the bed - taking her hand in his. He swallowed hard when he looked at the wedding ring on her finger.
“I’m going to be a father…” he said. He still couldn’t believe it. The time had been long… but now, they would become parents.
“You are going to be a wonderful father, Guy… Just go and get Jenny and everything will be alright.” She said tenderly.
Guy looked at her - seeing the love in her eyes. She was worried too. He could see that. But he knew she didn’t want to show it. He quickly rose and headed for the door. But before he exited the room he turned around in the doorway - looking at his beloved wife.
“Guy…” Marian said with a small smile.
Guy nodded. “I’m on my way!” he said harshly and vanished down the stairs.
Marian didn’t have the chance to change position before Guy appeared again. He looked breathless and he obviously had his breath in his throat. She smiled at him in delight. He really wanted this to be right.
“Did you find her?”
“Yeah. She is on her way here with the some towels and…” he trailed off. He realised that he hadn’t been listening to Jenny so well when he found her. He had just blurred out the words “Marian!” and “The baby!” and was off again when she said she would come.
Marian had her hand on her belly. She could feel the baby so close to her hand. And she knew it would be time very soon. “Lie here with me…” she said gently and made some place for Guy next to her.
Guy turned towards her with his arms folded. They fell to his side when he walked over to the bed. He lay down next to Marian - leaning on his elbow. He slowly placed his hand on her rounded belly. Soon there would be a little Gisborne welcomed to the world. The thought made Guy smile. They were now a family. Guy’s smile faded when he thought about the possibility about having a son…
Marian could see that her husband was worried. He was always worried about something - specially now when she needed extra help. She put her hand over his - feeling the warmth from it. “What are you thinking about?” she asked calmly while resting her head against his shoulder. Guy only cleared his throat and shook his head. Marian was not pleased with the answer. But she wouldn’t ask anything further. They had lots of time to talk to each other later…
When the contractions started Guy was told to leave. Jenny couldn’t have him there. He would just be in the way. So he was forced out of the room - dragged by Allan and both men paced back and forth outside the chamber - Allan was walking behind Guy.
Marian could not describe the pain she felt. She couldn’t compare it to anything. Nothing. She thought she would die. That her body would be ripped apart…
But after nearly two hours of constant pain she heard the cry of her newborn baby. Marian slowly opened her eyes - her forehead was dripping with sweat and she let out a long deep breath. Jenny was standing next to Marian with the baby wrapped carefully in a warm towel. Marian laid her eyes upon her beautiful baby daughter. Her head was cover with little black hair and she squeezed her eyes shut. Jenny handed her to Marian and went to the door to let in the father who almost had burst of worry.
Guy lingered in the doorway when Jenny walked pass him to let them have some privacy. Marian turned her tearful eyes towards him and tried to take a deep breath. Guy had never walked so slowly in his life. It took ages for him to get to the bed. But when he finally came to Marian’s side he could see the face of his child. Marian watched her husband’s expression closely. She let him hold her. And when she saw him holding their daughter in his arms… she knew that this was everything they ever could have hoped for…
Two strong arms embraced her from behind. Marian opened her eyes. She was still standing at the window. The sun was almost fully gone now. How long have I been standing here? She thought to herself before she put her hands on the gentle ones in front of her.
“You were miles away.” Guy said warmly while having his head against her neck. Marian smiled and turned to face him. Their eyes met. She looked into his beautiful crystal eyes and stroked the one day of stubble along his jaw.
“Just some memories that appeared.” She replied. Guy let his hand slide though her soft hair. He smirked. “Good memories?” he asked before he captured her mouth with his - kissing her affectionately.
Marian only nodded with closed eyes as she kissed him back. Her arms landed on his. She was the one who broke the kiss with a smile. She walked over to the crib. Guy came after her. She felt Guy putting his hand around her waist while they both looked at their Hope.
“I love you, Guy…” she whispered as she put her head on his leather covered chest. He took her in his arms and closed his eyes. “I love you too, Marian…”
Part three - Sarcasm in a bottle
“Allan. What’s that on your arse?” Lily asked with a raised eyebrow after Guy disappeared into the manor.
Allan turned around and faced his partner. “What’s what on my what…?”
Lily sucked in some air in her mouth and carefully blew it out on their daughter Celia‘s forehead. It made Celia smile. Lily raised her eyes again - glancing at Allan’s bottom. “I’m sorry, I mean - What is that on the backside of your pants?”
Allan looked over his shoulder. When he saw what Lily meant he closed his eyes very annoyed and let out a long moan. “Ah, great!” he said in sarcasm - turning his head toward Lily again. Lily started laughing out loud when Allan began to scratch the bird crap off his pants with a leaf. Allan tried to give her a dangerous look but failed enormously. “You think this is funny?” he asked. His voice sounded very annoyed.
“Yeah. Actually I do. Don’t you?” she said and brought Celia closer to her chest. Allan just sighed and glanced at the smudged white goo. “These pants are new!”
“C’mon Allan, you’re such a girl. Let’s get your pants off before we go to dinner at the Gisborne’s.” Lily said and winked while she headed for their manor. “Can you take the twins Ellie?”
Ellie started pushing the wagon were the twins sat in - they boys were looking around with big eyes.
Allan was right behind them - still looking at his rear from time to time before he went inside the manor.
Lily put Celia in the crib they had next to one of the armchairs in front of the fireplace. She took the twins and put them down on the sheep fell across from Celia’s crib. “There, now I want all of you to play nice. I’ll be back soon. I think your father needs some help.” Lily said calmly to the children. Little Ellie came up behind her aunt with a huge smile on her lips.
“I can watch them, auntie Lily!” she said and clung to Lily’s side. Lily giggled and hugged her niece. “Thank you, princess.”
Lily headed for her and Allan’s room with a happy face. The door stood ajar. She peeked inside and made an almost soundless chuckle when she saw Allan pacing around the chamber in only his underpants.
She entered the room and smirked. “What’s the matter now?”
Allan turned towards her. He smiled a little - putting his fingers under his chin. “Nothing. Just waiting for you.” He said with a foolish grin before he took Lily in his arms. They looked at each other. Husband and wife - feeling all the love they shared just by the look in their partner’s eyes.
“How can I’ve been so lucky to find you?” Lily asked quietly. Allan looked at her with a smile spreading across his face.
“You stole my line, woman…” he said and kissed her on the mouth.
“I mean it, Allan… I have the perfect life because of you…” She said rather serious against his lips. She embraced him hard. At first, he looked down at her stunned. He really loved her. He had never felt like this with anyone before.
He smiled and gathered her in his arms. Lily felt safe with him. He was her knight in shining armour. Lily had her eyes closed and remembered the first time she knew she wanted to stay in his safe arms forever…
Around ten months earlier…
“ALLAAAANNN!!!” Lily’ caught her scream in her throat when the first painful contraction hit her. This was the most horrible feeling she had ever felt in her entire life. Even thought this was supposed to be the best day of her life - she was pissed that the person who’d gotten her into this circumstance were not here.
“I am going to kill him! That bastard!” Lily shouted as both Marian and Jenny were standing on each side of Lily’s grand bed.
“He will be here soon. You know how things are at the castle…”
“I don’t care about a stupid castle! I want him to feel what I feel!” the pain was driving Lily mad. Her long hair disturbed her a lot, she was sweaty and her teeth were locked shut.
Jenny glanced at Marian before she began to prepare for the birth.
Lily slammed her head down onto the pillows behind her back. She grabbed the blankets that surrounded her - making her knuckles whiten as she grabbed them tighter.
“AAAHH! I’ve changed my mind. I don’t want to have a baby anymore!” she cried out and twisted on the bed. Marian shook her head with a small smile.
“You will not regret this, Lily.” Marian said and sat down beside her.
Lily took a bunch of deep short breaths before she turned her attention to her friend. Marian was right. But still, Allan’s prick will be in danger what ever happens.
The door flung open and a breathless Allan came inside - rushing to Lily’s side. “I came as fast as I could.” He said. “How are things going?” he looked at Marian.
“Things were just about to start.”
Jenny repositioned Lily and moved in front of her. “Okay Lily, I need you to push as hard as you can.” She said. Lily closed her eyes hard and pushed. The pain overtook her. She couldn’t hear that she was screaming before she stopped pushing.
“I can’t do this!”
Allan took her hand in his and tried to say encouraging words in her ear. He was nervous - she could tell.
“Lily, you need to push hard. The top of the baby’s head is in sight.” Jenny said.
“Let me see!” Allan said and began to move over to Lily’s lower regions. Lily grabbed his hand harder - making him stop. “You do NOT move!” she said in a raised voice before she started pushing again. She screamed. “I will never do this again, next time it’s your turn Allan A Dale!!” she squeezed Allan’s finger as hard as she was able. Allan’s expression changed. It felt like four of his fingers broke. Lily didn’t notice the baby’s cry. She turned her head towards Allan when she realised he was stroking his hand.
“You have no idea how much it hurts…” he said. He felt Lily’s killing eyes on him - he raised his stare. His beloved were looking at him with hateful eyes.
“I think my fingers are broken…” he said.
“Say that to my vagina.” Lily hissed while she felt the pain start building again.
“Ready for number two?” Jenny asked.
Lily’s eyes shoot open. “Number two? I thought we were just having one!”
Marian was cleaning Lily and Allan’s first born child, a son. Allan felt dizzy. They were going to have TWO children.
Lily was pushing and pushing until they heard another cry from their second son. Allan couldn’t believe it, neither could Lily. Marian placed the first born in Allan’s arms before she took care of the other one.
The new become mother sunk back into the bed - finally breathing more slowly. Jenny helped Lily to get clean before letting her rest.
Some hours had passed when Lily woke again. She saw Allan sitting in the chair next to the bed. He had the twin brothers in his arms while he rested his eyes. Lily smiled at the sight of her new family.
She thought he was asleep - but didn’t react when he looked at her too. He smiled.
“Hey…” he said softly not to wake the boys. Lily smiled back with her hand under her cheek when she looked at him.
“Mind if we join you?” he asked as he rose from the chair. She shook her head and made room for them. Allan placed the half sleeping twins in front of Lily and lay down behind her with his arms wrapped around her waist.
Lily looked at her beautiful sons - smiling. The closeness she felt was making her heart pound.
The arms around her waist were making her feel safe. She had never felt safer… She wanted to stay here forever.
“What are we going to name them?” Allan asked suddenly. They hadn’t been thinking about names. They were just so happy they’d forgotten about it.
“What about Tom? To honour your brother.” Lily asked. She felt Allan smile against her neck.
“Thank you…” he whispered. She smiled.
“Why don’t we name the other Jack? To honour you passed husband.” Lily’s smile disappeared. “Allan… You don’t have to-”
“I know. But this is something I want to do” he smiled again - bigger this time. “Tom and Jack - our sons.”
“Our sons.” Lily replied with tears in her eyes - she was so happy.
Lily lifted her eyes and looked into her husband’s sparkling ones. His eyes made her all tingly. He made life so exciting. He made it a new adventure every day. She pushed away from him with a satisfied grin on her lips. The darkening sundown hit Allan’s red brow hair from behind with its glow. He was so beautiful. Lily smiled kindly and walked backwards towards the door. Allan was watching her. “You should get dressed.” She said and blew him a kiss. But before she left - a thought entered her mind and she lingered in the doorway.
“Allan…” she said to regain his attention. Allan raised his eyes from the clean trousers he was holding in his hands. “Yeah?” he said.
Lily squirmed as she quietly tapped on the wall. “Have you ever thought about having more children?” she asked hopefully. Allan’s grin grew wider and he began to laugh while he sighed.
“Of course. I guess it’s my turn now since I didn’t keep my promise the last time.” He pulled on his pants and smiled widely. Lily exited the room with laughter high in her throat.
Allan stayed in the chamber for a few minutes. It actually was his time to carry their next child - at least that was what Lily wanted. It made him smile. She’d said it in anger, exhaustion and worry. He couldn’t blame her. Giving birth was probably a hard and very painful thing to do.
Allan put his hand on his cheek. He’d had a burning red mark there almost two weeks ago exactly. Damn what it hurt that day…
Two weeks earlier…
He thought his hair was going to be ripped off his head. He felt some strays of hair come off as he tried to take Lily’s hand away from his scalp. Allan finally came out of her grip. He still held her hand - trying to avoid getting another pair of fingers broken this time. The labour was just about to begin. Jenny was taking care of Lily this time as well. Marian was in the head manor with Hope, and Guy was standing in the doorway behind Allan.
“Is - there something I can do?” Guy asked. He was still always so uncomfortable when it came to births.
“I only want the mother and father in the room, Sir Guy.” Jenny said as she prepared some warm water. Guy raised his eyebrows in relief and looked at his annoying friend.
“I guess you’re alone on this one.” Guy said to Allan and left the room.
“You promised to stay here, Giz!” Allan shouted after his friend. The only thing he could hear was Guy yelling “Don’t call me Giz!” as he went down the staircase.
Allan withdrew his hand to his body when he felt Lily stiffen. He turned to Jenny. “Isn’t there something you can give her?” he asked.
Jenny looked at the both of them before she handed him a goblet. “Here. Give her this.” She said as Allan took the wine cup.
The birth was a nightmare for Lily. This wasn’t as painful as it had been with the twins. But she had forgotten how painful it was. Her actions were nothing she could stop.
Allan stayed at Lily’s side the whole time. He wasn’t aware of Lily’s hand coming towards his face until he felt the slap on his cheek.
“THIS IS YOUR FAULT ALLAN A DALE!” Lily roared in a cry as she did the final push. Allan was standing with his hand on his cheek. He was just about to say that it hurt… but didn’t as he realised his wife just had given birth. He looked at Jenny who gathered the baby in a towel after cutting the navel cored. She looked at him with a smile. “It’s a girl.”
Lily heard her too. She glanced at Allan and saw his red cheek. “Did I do that?” she asked. Allan nodded with a small smile as Jenny laid their daughter in Allan’s arms. Allan walked over to Lily. “I forgive you.” He said softly as the couple looked at their beautiful baby daughter.
-
The dinner at the Gisborne’s had started very well. Both couples had been laughing and talking about all kinds of things. Mostly about relationships and children - since that was the heart in everything nowadays. When the plates had been taken away by the servants - Lily handed Guy a package. He looked at her in surprise before he took the large box.
“What is this?” he asked without open it.
Lily smiled widely and glanced at Allan. “Just something I saw a few days ago and thought would look great on you…”
Guy looked at them both with a raised eyebrow. He slowly opened the box and looked inside - but closed it quickly again. He covered his eyes with one hand and started chuckling. “You can’t be serious.” He said and tried to put the package away. Marian’s hands covered Guy’s rapidly and she got the present in her hands. “Let me see.” She said with a smile and opened it again. When she saw what was in it she started laughing without stop. She grabbed the cloth inside and rose from her chair and let the whole fabric be seen.
The red long dress sparkled in the candle lights. The dress was too big for Marian… but would fit Guy very well.
Marian gasped between her breaths. “Oh, you have to try this on!” she said loudly. Lily and Allan were laughing too. Guy looked at the three of them in shock.
“No! I am not going to try that!” he said and rose.
“C’mon Giz. Lily told me about your dress-conversation and we thought this would be the perfect gift.” Allan said and put his arm around his wife. Guy only rolled his eyes.
The night was nearing and Jenny was in Lily and Allan’s manor - watching the children. Hope was sleeping up stairs in the head manor. Allan and Lily rose from the table too.
“It’s been a long evening. But now we have to go back to ours.” Lily said with a smile and hugged Marian first and then Guy. She whispered something in Marian’s ear which made the two of them giggle.
Allan and Guy gave each other some manly pats or something like that. Lily and Marian thought they were being childish. Why couldn’t guys just hug each other?
Marian walked over to Guy and slipped her arm around him. “Come on my manly man - let’s go up stairs and try that dress shall we?” Marian said and tilted her head. Guy was just about to protest - but found that he couldn’t. He smirked. “Very well,” he said in a low husky voice. “but only if you dress me in it.”
Allan and Lily stood and laughed quietly in the doorway. “Time to go home Ellie.” Allan said. Ellie was playing with Guy’s dog in front of the fireplace but rose as she heard Allan’s voice. She ran to them with a smile and they all left the house.
Part 4 - A century of love
Ellie walked slowly behind her aunt and her aunt’s husband. Ellie really liked Allan. He was funny. And he made Lily happy and that was all that mattered.
The moon was very large this spectacular night - shining brightly at Locksley village - Ellie’s new home. She had been living here for more than a year now. The most loving place on earth she’d called it many times. She said it to Guy one time. He became very happy since Locksley is his village. He was the Lord of it. Ellie didn’t understand why he became so happy. Hasn’t this village always been this loving? She didn’t know.
The door to the manor opened and Allan held it open for Lily. Ellie watched them go inside. She smiled sadly as she remembered when she had a whole family of her own…
Three years earlier…
The spring flowers had just begun to grow when a five year old little girl chased her older brother along the small river down their house. The water smashed against the stone blocks that lay on the side. The siblings were just about to run over the stock that lay across the river when their father called.
“Ellie! Peter! Get away from there.” Their father sounded much stressed. Peter knew why. It was because of their ill mother. She has been lying in bed for weeks now - only getting worse each day that passed. Ellie, who wasn’t that old didn’t understand that it was something serious. She only thought that her mother was tired and needed some rest to get better. She didn’t know how wrong she was.
Ellie and Peter went to their father. William - the children’s father was standing in the doorway with his arms crossed. He couldn’t be angry with them. Not now. He sighed and let his arms fall to his sides. He looked at them sadly. “It’s time to say goodbye…”
Peter looked at his father in shock. “No… No!” before William could grab his son - Peter ran away from the house. Ellie looked at Peter - he was running over the stock towards the forest. She turned her head toward her father in confusion.
“Who is leaving, daddy?” she asked with her quiet voice.
William lifted up his little daughter in his arms and carried her inside. He closed his eyes lightly and sighed deeply. He walked into the room were his dear wife Rose lay on a bed - coughing.
He let down Ellie next to the bed. He backed away a few steps. Ellie looked at her father and then turned her attention towards her mother.
Ellie went up on the bed. Her mother opened her eyes slowly and smiled at her little one. Ellie smiled too and lay down next to her mother with her head on her shoulder. Rose could feel tears starting to fall.
“Ellie, do you remember that time we all went to the lagoon? When we found those shiny stones…” Rose begun. Ellie’s faces lit up and she tried to touch the floor with her feet. She came down on the floor and hurried over to her little bag and took out three small shiny stones. She ran back to the bed and lay down again next to her mother. “These!” she said and put one of them in her mother’s hand. Rose smiled.
“Yes, dear… these. Do you remember that we talked about where you go when your life is over when we found them?”
Ellie touched her mother’s hair and giggled. “Yes, you become an angel, and live in heaven with the other angels!”
Rose smiled through her tears and touched her daughter’s face. “That’s right…” she coughed quietly. “It’s my turn to go to those angels, sweetheart…”
Ellie’s happy features disappeared and she got up on her knees. “Mummy is leaving?” Ellie turned and looked at her father who closed his eyes and twisted his head away. She looked at her mother again. “I want to go with you!” she said and got down on the floor. She begun to put the few clothes she had in her bag. Rose closed her eyes - tears streamed down her face faster now.
“William…” Rose said. He knew that she wanted him to stop Ellie. He went over to his daughter and took her in his arms. “No Ellie…. We have to stay here.” He said softly. Ellie rushed out of his grip and went back to Rose. She lifted the blanket and cuddled closer to her mother. Rose took a deep breath and took her baby daughter’s hand in her own. “Rest darling… Now we rest…” she whispered and both Rose and Ellie closed their eyes.
An hour passed and Ellie woke up and felt rather cold. She looked at her mother. She was probably still asleep. She looked so peaceful. Ellie carefully shook her mother’s shoulder. “Mummy, wake up. Mummy?”
Ellie felt arms lift her up. She didn’t turn around. She only watched her mother as her father carried her out of the room. “She’s with the angels now, my daughter…” Ellie’s father said as he closed the door behind him and his daughter.
The tears that slide down her cheeks were brushed away by her hands quickly. Ellie looked at her eight year old hands that were covered with tears. It had been three years ago. Three years ago her mother had joined the army of angels. Her father and brother were there with her. Ellie smiled sadly and raised her eyes towards the sky. The moon was shining up the night clouds. It was almost like the moon was showing her the way towards her parents and brother. She was grateful.
Lily had finally gotten Celia and the twins to a peaceful sleep. And she had also gotten her husband to sleep by her soft singing. Lily smiled and walked down the stairs. The door was still open. She walked over to it and saw Ellie standing in the middle of the small trace from Gisborne’s manor to theirs. “Come here, Ellie. Let’s play some hide and seek!” Lily said and smiled at her little niece.
Ellie walked over to her aunt. The tears were gone now.
Lily bent down and looked into the blond girl’s eyes. “You know what. This time it’s your turn to count.” Lily chuckled happily before she run off. Ellie shook her head with a smile as she closed her eyes to count. She couldn’t be happier then she was now - with her family.
Part 5 - One last try
Four years later…
Guy of Gisborne. A few years ago, Sir Guy was a man filled with this force to win everything, in power, position, and in love. To win he had to betray, hurt and kill innocent people. People who loved each other had been ripped apart by his hands, many times. He regretted it, he always had. He didn’t want to hurt anyone. Sheriff Vasey had made him do it. He offered him land and even more power beyond imagination. Guy had to follow Vasey’s orders to not be humiliated and called weak. He did it because he didn’t have anything to fight for… Later, the force and need he felt was overpowered by his affection towards a curtain lady who was the former sheriff’s daughter.
And now, he had everything he ever could have wished for.
Guy kept holding Faith’s hand as they walked out of the manor.
Faith was Guy’s second daughter. She was much like her mother, by her look and her body language. Compared to Hope, Faith was more like a girl. Hope on the other hand was her father up in the day. Still, she had brown locks in her hair and looked like her mother too. But her eyes were nothing but all Guy’s.
Hope came up next to her little sister. She was proud to be the bigger sister. She’d always felt special in being the first born. All though, she was five years old and didn’t quite understand everything yet, she knew what it meant to be the eldest.
Guy was happy he had two beautiful daughters who looked just like their mother. But when Guy and Marian got their third daughter Guy changed. He had seen his wife in his daughters through the years… but now, he had the daughter who reflected him the most, with darker hair, bluer eyes and such features Guy didn’t even know he had.
They named her Victory. And every time he looked at her he knew that this wasn’t a dream. This was real. This was how life was.
Hope, Faith and Victory were the names of the Gisborne heirs.
The children’s mother was a few feet behind them - carrying Victory. Victory had her hands in her mother’s hair. She pulled at it from time to time, only making Marian smile.
Guy looked at Marian. Was this a dream? Marian’s attention was turned towards her little one. She smiled warmly and brought Victory into a hug instead of just holding her.
Five years. They had been together for five years. Guy couldn’t believe it. He could. But it still felt like a dream. He had three perfect daughters in the age of five, two and six months… He couldn’t be happier.
“Daddy?” Little Hope said and pulled in her father’s sword shelf. The sun hit her eyes and she had to close them as she spoke to her father.
Guy looked at Hope with a smile on his face. He took her small hand in his to support her from not falling since she was walking around with her eyes shut. He wouldn’t want her to fall.
“What is it, princess?” Guy asked and looked at Hope who finally opened her eyes when the sun hide behind a tree they were passing.
“I want to go fishing…” she said and tilted with her head. She had this cute innocent smile on her lips as she blinked with her big round eyes.
“We are. The pond is just behind the trees. You can help your sister and go there before us.” He said softly and put his hand on her head and stroked her hair.
Hope smiled widely and took Faith’s hand and went to the small road that was leading to the pond.
“Be careful!” Guy said loudly. He knew Allan and Lily would be there already… But he didn’t’ want anything to happen.
The sent of roses filled Guy’s nostrils and he turned around and faced the love of his life. Marian, his lovely wife. He still remembered when she left him at the altar all those years ago. It was not so hard to remember. That day he decided he didn’t want to see her again. He was going to forget her, start over and never, never think of her again… easier said than done. She was the only one he could think of. Every day, every night. Nothing else entered his mind. And now, he was very thankful for that. He finally had the marriage with the woman he loved...
Five years and a few months earlier…
The blood in Guy’s veins was racing up and down, making his body both warm and cold at the same time. He could feel the shiver that was hiding inside him. He was nervous about this. She had left him one time before… what if she would do it again?
Guy turned around on the open field. He and Marian had decided to marry outside this time. A small wedding, with the ones they loved the most. Weddings were important. But Marian was much more important to Guy then a wedding. He wanted her to be happy. He could make her happy. He knew he could. She was carrying their child. They would be a family within a month. Of course they would be happy.
“Stop worry, Giz. This is going to be perfect.” Allan said from the spot where Guy and Marian were going to stand when the ceremony would begin. Guy looked at him. He was going to give him a glare… but failed and looked at his friend with a scared expression. Allan raised his eyebrows high and looked at Guy. “I’m not bein’ funny… but is there something you want to tell me or..?”
Guy shook his head quickly and turned again. “No. It’s nothing.” He said briefly.
“Well, I’ll go and get the priest then… Why don’t you stay here? Lily and Ellie will be here soon.” Allan said and began to walk towards the village again.
Guy let out a sigh and covered his face with his hands. This day was special for him. It was. He couldn’t just deny the fact that they were getting married. A marriage. It was something big… They will spend the rest of their life together.
The evening sun was resting above the horizon. The air was fresh, the flowers and grass that surrounded Guy made the field look like a rainbow of some sort. Guy looked at himself. He was clad all in black - like he always was. This time he didn’t wear a red scarf… This time he had none.
He didn’t know for how long he’d been looking out into nothing. But before he knew - Lily and Ellie appeared, and Allan came behind them with the priest.
Guy tried to relax. He was relaxed… he wanted to be relaxed… otherwise Marian would get worried and the whole day would be ruined.
The priest had taken his place under the grand tree that was covered in light pink flowers. Allan was standing beside him and Lily and Ellie were standing on the other side of the priest.
The sound of hooves made Guy lift his stare. He saw Marian’s carriage enter the meadow and start nearing them. He went to the priest and took a deep breath before he let it out and swallowed.
The carriage stopped a few feet away from them. Marian came in sight. Thornton held her hand to help her out of the carriage. Her dress was beautiful, covered in white and a touch of gold covering the side of the gown. Her round belly made the dress even more beautiful. Guy smiled. He wasn’t nervous anymore. When he saw the smile on her lips when she saw him - he knew that this was right. This was the right thing to do.
The ceremony went well. Everyone was excited about this. Allan and Lily were too, since they also were getting married soon. They didn’t know when. But know - they wanted to give this moment to Guy and Marian. They had been through very much, they deserved this moment.
When they could return to the manor Ellie handed Marian a bunch of flowers and wished them happiness. Both Guy and Marian were moved by Ellie’s action. Ellie only smiled widely and glanced at Allan from time to time since he had told her to say that.
Guy and Marian came into their room in Locksley. A crib stood placed along the wall, there were no sharp things or weapons in sight and the room was filled with roses. Guy was very surprised himself when they entered. It had probably been Lily doing this. He smiled at the thought.
Marian looked at her husband and smiled. “Do you want to do this?” she asked.
Guy grinned. “Well… Yes, if you want.” He took her in his arms and kissed her passionately. He felt the stop that made him not able to bring her closer. He looked down - smiling when he saw his wife’s round belly pressing lightly between them. “This little angel has to come soon… I can’t be as close to you as I want to when she’s there…” Guy mumbled with a smile. Marian touched Guy’s hand that he’d placed on her abdomen.
“Why do you keep saying that?” Marian asked.
“Saying what?”
“Her. How do you now it’s a girl?” Guy smiled - more warmly this time. “I don’t know…” he said. “It just… feels that way.” He added before he met Marian’s eyes. The pair looked at each other in silence for several minutes before they joined each other in bed. Guy lay on his side - watching his wife. His hand slowly found her uncovered belly again; he really could feel the movements now. Marian put her hand on his. He felt her squeezing his hand. Guy moved closer, he put his head right beside her throat - planting gentle kisses on her soft skin. His hand moved over her body and he looked at her.
“I love you Marian… I love you…” he whispered against her. He heard her saying it back. This was not a dream… They were, husband and wife, and would never leave each other, not even when death would do them apart…
Marian came to Guy’s side and put her free hand on his shoulder. “Are you alright?” she asked as she carefully held Victory against her chest. Guy inhaled and looked around a few times before he focused on Marian. He didn’t say anything at first, he just smiled.
“I’m fine. Here, let me.” He said and took little Victory into his warm arms. Marian smiled at them and they began to walk in the direction of the pond where they were going to spend the evening.
The trees stood high around the pond, they reflected in the crystal clear water that lay silently still. Guy thought he would hear laughter of his children when they neared the water, but couldn’t hear anything. He quickly gave Victory to Marian and hurried towards the water. He sighed in relief when he saw the children all in one piece. They were standing at the water - just looking into it. Hope was still holding Faith’s hand and Tom and Jack were next to them.
Lily sat further away on the soft grass with her two daughters, Celia - who had turned four this year, and Zoe - Lily and Allan’s one year old.
As Marian walked over to Lily with Victory still in her arms Guy lingered at the beginning of the pond. He looked at the four children who stood and still watched the surface of the water. He went over to them.
“What are you children doing?” Guy asked and bent to his knees.
The children didn’t turn to him. Hope touched the water with her finger before she replied to her father. “Allan said that a snapdragon lives here in the pond… he told us to wait for it to come.” She said without letting the water go with her eyes. Guy sighed with a smile and looked at the frightened children.
“Don’t listen to Allan, there is no such thing as snapdra-“
Out of nowhere - something started bubbling under the water and before Guy had the chance to blink something appeared from underneath the surface and came up through the water with a loud “rawr” in front of the children. Guy fell backwards as the children ran away from the edge towards their mothers. Guy tried to breathe normal and looked down at the water. He got an annoyed expression on his face when he saw Allan floating around on the surface with some grass on his head.
“Allan, what are you doing?” Guy barked and tried to drag him out of the water.
Allan just smirked and then laughed. “I’m not Allan, I’m the snapdragon! RAWR!” he said and ran away from Guy and began to chase the children in only his breeches.
Guy stayed at the water for a moment - trying to forget Allan and the things that had just happened. He went to Marian and Lily. They sat with all the children on a big blanket. All seven children were smiling, the oldest ones were laughing and the youngest were making small sounds - probably some sort of laugh. Ellie had come too; she had been in the neighbouring village. Guy smiled as he sat down next to his wife. Faith was the first one who crawled into her father’s lap. Little Victory sat between Guy and Marian - having her hands on her father’s knee as the other children started playing with Allan. They all wanted to win over the snapdragon…
The sun was shining through the trees down on the ground - Celia and Zoe lay beside each other on the blanked with their eyes closed, they were sleeping peacefully. Allan was laying down right next to them, he wasn’t really sleeping - he was just resting his eyes.
Lily was with her sons at the small shore, she kept an eye on them as they played with each other on the water. Ellie went to her aunt’s side. She thought this was rather nice being here with everyone - even though she was twelve, and the oldest one of the children.
Marian had finally got both Faith and Victory to a slumber as she rested her head on Guy’s shoulder. Guy laid an arm around his wife and kissed her on the cheek as they sunk back down onto the grass. Marian put her hand on Guy’s tunic clad chest. Guy carefully closed his eyes with a smile.
I didn’t take long until he heard his name being called at the water. Hope was standing there with her small fishing rod in her hand.
Guy opened his eyes, Marian did too. They both looked down at Hope who eventually ran up to them.
“Daddy… I can’t get any fishes…” she said sadly while looking down.
Guy sat up and looked at his daughter.
“Maybe they are sleeping. We can try fishing tomorrow.” He said and lay down again beside Marian.
Hope stayed at them. She went to Guy and pulled in his hand for him to come.
Marian smiled at Guy.
“Go. She wants your help.” Marian said to him. Guy looked at her for a moment before he kissed her.
“Eeeuuhh!” Hope said and covered her eyes. Guy rose quickly. “Come here you little moppet!” he said and took her under his arm and carried his laughing daughter back to the water.
He put her down and let her set the fishing line into the water again. Guy sat down on the stone next to his daughter and watch as she tried to catch a fish. When the minutes passed Guy rose from his place and looked at Hope. “Let’s come back here tomorrow, princess… Maybe the fishes will be here then.” Guy was just about to go back to the others when Hope took his hand.
“Please daddy, can you try?” she asked quietly.
Guy looked at his little daughter, her eyes sparkled of the hope she had. She really wanted to catch a fish. The sun hit the water and made Hope’s hair shine in a dark brown glow as Guy slowly took the fishing rod from her hand. He smiled “Fine,” he said and sat down on the edge with Hope in his lap. “one last try.”
~ The End ~