The Night Watch
Title: The Night Watch
also called The Intermission
Rating: PG-13 for weirdness
Word count: 2200
Characters/Pairings: (Guy/Marian) AU Spoiler to events up until Season 2 Set immediately after 'Treasure of the Nation.'
Summary: An incident happens between Guy and Marian in the middle of the night…
Disclaimer: Robin Hood (2006) is copyright to BBC. All Rights Reserved. No copyright infringement is intended, and no money is being made.
The Night Watch
“I will not accept this, Gisborne! Do you hear me?” the sheriff bellowed as he paced the room.
“I cannot accept this utter lack of competence! You had the Nightwatchman here, in the castle, and you still let him escape! I will not be made to look like a fool!”
Guy rolled his eyes. A few weeks ago, the sheriff had been tramping around the forest in his nighties. It wasn’t Guy’s fault he looked like a fool. He could do that all by himself.
“I want the Nightwatchman, Gisborne! I want his head on a stake. I want to use his skull as a decoration for my bird cages! I don’t care how long it takes or how far we have to travel to find him. I want him de-masked and dead!”
Guy stiffened. Of course, Guy knew where the Nightwatchman was. In fact, the Nightwatchman was only a few feet away. The sheriff had actually been harboring the Nightwatchman for months. Informing the sheriff of this fact would ruin Guy’s Six-Month Plan ….
Step 1: Get Marian into the castle, by destroying her home.
Step 2: Be extremely rude to her until she came around.
Step 3: Befriend her.
Step 4: Play the hero.
Step 5: Marry her.
Step 6: Start making little Gisbornettes.
He was so close. He couldn’t give up. Especially now that he knew how agile Marian was….
“Do you hear me, Gisborne!” the sheriff said bringing him out of his thoughts.
“My lord, I do not think the Nightwatchman will be coming back. I believe we scared her, I mean him off.” Guy grimaced. He’d almost given it away. Now that he knew the identity of the Nightwatchman, it would be hard to keep the pronouns straight.
The sheriff narrowed his eyes,“Still thinking about your little leper friend, are you?”
“My lord, I don’t know what you mean…” Guy said quickly.
“Well, stop it, Gisborne,” Vaisey said cutting him off, “I need your mind focused on the task at hand. I will not rest until the Nightwatchman is dead! By I, I actually mean you. I want you on an around the clock patrol until he is found!”
Guy sighed. He couldn't deter the sheriff from his plans. He would oversee the extra watches until the sheriff calmed down. Besides, the Nightwatchman was absolutely gone…
********************************************************************************************
“Tell me what happened, Sarah.”
Marian put her hand on the shoulder of her maid. Marian knew Sarah well. Although Sarah tried to hide her distress from her mistress, it was evident in every line of her face.
“The whole village of Clun is starving. The crop failed because of the drought. At first, the peasants from other villages and even some of the nobles passed food along. Then the sheriff found out. He said that charity only helps the weak and demanded that no food go to the villagers. Everyone has been too afraid to go against him. Oh, Lady Marian, my poor sister is in Clun starving with her five little ones.”
“And no one has helped them. Not even Robin Hood?” Marian asked.
“No one has seen Robin Hood for the past week and it’s been even longer since anyone has seen the Nightwatchman. I’m afraid they’ve abandoned us.”
For a moment, Marian thought she would be sick. The people believed that she had abandoned them. How could she disappoint them? Was she supposed to pretend that these evils were not happening? Marian gritted her teeth. She could do the appropriate thing or she could do the right thing.
Still, she promised Guy that she would never be the Nightwatchman again. He saved her life. She was supposed to be grateful and do as he asked. Actually, she was grateful for him. She didn’t want to admit it to herself, but she was beginning to rely more and more on Guy. She once compared him to a puppy and it was true. He was excitable and frequently uncontrollable, but he was also loyal and steadfast. She knew he did not form attachments easily, but once they existed, he never let go. She didn’t want to betray his trust.
She had also promised Robin and her father that she would stop being the Nightwatchman. None of them understood that she couldn't just walk away. If these men actually knew her, they would have never asked it of her. The Nightwatchman was not a hobby to toss aside. It was not a costume-it was something within her. It was who she was.
Marian heaved a sigh. Part of her wanted to get rid of everyone and ride into the sunset by herself.
“Sarah, I do not think you will have worry about your sister any more. I have a feeling the Nightwatchman will be paying a visit to Clun tonight.”
********************************************************************************************
The trek to Clun had been difficult, but she accomplished what she sat out to do. The people of Clun would sleep with full bellies tonight. The full moon shun down on her as she reentered the castle walls, well past midnight.
It had not been hard to find a substitute costume. There were always tunics and pants around the castle and a cut out mask was as good as a leather one. The guards had also been easy to avoid. Although there seemed to be more guards on duty, they were just as ineffectual as usual. She was even able to “borrow” a sword from a sleeping one.
It was gratifying to help the people of Clun. There was no better feeling than to genuinely helping another human being. She would never give up that feeling. Her life was her own again; she was free to be herself. Marian edged her way around the courtyard of the castle.
********************************************************************************************
Guy was tired. The sheriff was making good on his threat. He hadn’t had any sleep for the past two days and it was beginning to affect him. Worse, he had not been able to see Marian. Not seeing her caused his mind to run wild with daydreams. He found himself wishing that he hadn’t thrown the Nightwatchman costume away so quickly. It might have interesting uses later…
Of course, he should have known that the Nightwatchman was Marian. Clashes with the Nightwatchman always had an element that his fights with Robin never did. He had been intrigued from the first time he saw the Nightwatchman-more curious than angry. His desire to unmask the Nightwatchman had outweighed his desire to harm him- or her, as he found out.
Guy tried to focus. He scanned the area around the courtyard again for the hundredth time. Although he wasn’t expecting the Nightwatchman, Robin Hood could still be slithering about. He was definitely a person Guy wanted to harm. His eyes caught movement in a dark corner of the courtyard. Guy pulled his sword from its sheath and walked over.
“Don't move!” he roared.
The figure froze. Guy took a step closer and started to feel lightheaded. He knew every line of that body. There was no way he could be seeing who he thought he was seeing. He really needed to get some sleep. He was hallucinating. He took another step closer; the figure turned around, confirming his suspicion.
********************************************************************************************
“What are you doing here?” Guy asked roughly.
She didn’t answer, but the large blue eyes that peered at him through the mask were guilt-stricken. Anger rose in his chest. She never knew when quit? He couldn’t keep protecting her from the sheriff. It was endangering both their lives.
“I told you what would happen if you were caught again,” Guy said dangerously.
“Well, I hope that you told him that his head would be a fitting for my birdcage, because that’s what’s about to happen,” the sheriff said coming into the courtyard. A few guards followed behind him.
Guy exhale noisily, and ran his fingers through his hair with his free hand. The sheriff walked up to Guy.
“Having a little chat, are we? Solve things with a stern warning? Have you learned nothing, Gisborne? Where is the bloodshed? Where is the carnage? Arrest him!”
Guy looked at Marian and hesitated. Marian could see that Guy did not want to fight her. She quickly raised her newly borrowed sword and faced him. Marian didn’t know if it was the smart thing to do, but it was the only way to save both of them.
Guy cocked his head to the side and looked at her. Her eyes stared back into his unswervingly. He raised an eyebrow.
“Are you sure you want this, Nightwatchman?” he asked softly.
In answer to his question, Marian swung her sword at him. Marian knew they had to fight. Otherwise, the sheriff would know something was amiss. Moreover, she had to beat Guy convincingly in order to get away.
He displaced her blow. She quickly brought the sword around again, finding his left side open.
Guy just managed to dodge the blow. He looked down at his jacket. He could just make out the faint line created by her sword. He narrowed his eyes. If that was what she wanted, he could play that game as well. He came down with a double-handed blow. Marian easily blocked it with the flat edge of her sword. He was duly impressed. He had forgotten her skill.
Guy gave a half-grinned. This could be appealing. Their swords clashed loudly together.
Marian could feel his breathe against her face. She pulled away from him. This was more interesting than she would have expected. It dawned on her that she was actually having fun. It was exhilarating. She had missed this between them, this sharpness that added to their relationship. Know that neither was actually fighting to the death added to its charm.
They circled each other. He was always claimed she need him to protect her, but she was matching him, stroke for stroke. She smiled a little to herself. He was the perfect partner for this dance.
Suddenly, Guy knocked the sword from her hand. He threw his own sword to the ground and came at her with alarming speed. Marian backed up, but he pulled her against him and pushed her arms behind her back, effectually encircling her in his arms.
Guy held her against him. He brought his face close to hers. Under normal circumstances, he would have taken more pleasure in this closeness, but there were more pressing matters at hand. He had to get her out, safely.
“Gotcha,” he murmured roughly against her ear, and then more quietly, “Go out through the west gate, wait twenty minutes, and come back in through the stables.” He loosened his grip on her wrists.
Marian could see the smug look of satisfaction on his face. She could tell he was congratulating himself for ‘saving her’ again. Something inside her rebelled against leave him so high and mighty. Besides, she reasoned to herself, she had to make her exit believable.
She hastily kicked his feet out from beneath him, sending him sprawling to the ground. She looked down at him. His hair had fallen into his eyes and he looked surprised to be on the ground. Marian smiled. He was certainly cute in defeat.
Guy stuck out his leg, catching Marian by surprise. She tripped and fell on him. She landed on top of him with a dull thud, breathing heavily.
Marian’s eyes smiled down from above him. Guy reached up and gently pulled down the bottom half of her mask. His mouth hungrily connected with hers. Marian being the Nightwatchman was not completely without merit. He kissed her again and again, softly.
The sheriff’s eyes bulged in shock. He shrugged his shoulders and frowned, “If I’d known that I’d done more than just make him wear that leather outfit!”
Finally, Marian got to her feet and headed for the gate. The sheriff and the other guards were too stunned to stop her. Guy watched her leave before getting to his feet. He tried to walk away as if nothing had happened.
“So Gisborne, do you kiss all your mortal enemies?” the sheriff inquired.
“Yeah, pretty much,” Guy responded indifferently as he entered the castle.
“Have you been kissing Robin Hood as well? The sheriff called out.
Guy turned around and gave him a malicious stare.
also called The Intermission
Rating: PG-13 for weirdness
Word count: 2200
Characters/Pairings: (Guy/Marian) AU Spoiler to events up until Season 2 Set immediately after 'Treasure of the Nation.'
Summary: An incident happens between Guy and Marian in the middle of the night…
Disclaimer: Robin Hood (2006) is copyright to BBC. All Rights Reserved. No copyright infringement is intended, and no money is being made.
The Night Watch
“I will not accept this, Gisborne! Do you hear me?” the sheriff bellowed as he paced the room.
“I cannot accept this utter lack of competence! You had the Nightwatchman here, in the castle, and you still let him escape! I will not be made to look like a fool!”
Guy rolled his eyes. A few weeks ago, the sheriff had been tramping around the forest in his nighties. It wasn’t Guy’s fault he looked like a fool. He could do that all by himself.
“I want the Nightwatchman, Gisborne! I want his head on a stake. I want to use his skull as a decoration for my bird cages! I don’t care how long it takes or how far we have to travel to find him. I want him de-masked and dead!”
Guy stiffened. Of course, Guy knew where the Nightwatchman was. In fact, the Nightwatchman was only a few feet away. The sheriff had actually been harboring the Nightwatchman for months. Informing the sheriff of this fact would ruin Guy’s Six-Month Plan ….
Step 1: Get Marian into the castle, by destroying her home.
Step 2: Be extremely rude to her until she came around.
Step 3: Befriend her.
Step 4: Play the hero.
Step 5: Marry her.
Step 6: Start making little Gisbornettes.
He was so close. He couldn’t give up. Especially now that he knew how agile Marian was….
“Do you hear me, Gisborne!” the sheriff said bringing him out of his thoughts.
“My lord, I do not think the Nightwatchman will be coming back. I believe we scared her, I mean him off.” Guy grimaced. He’d almost given it away. Now that he knew the identity of the Nightwatchman, it would be hard to keep the pronouns straight.
The sheriff narrowed his eyes,“Still thinking about your little leper friend, are you?”
“My lord, I don’t know what you mean…” Guy said quickly.
“Well, stop it, Gisborne,” Vaisey said cutting him off, “I need your mind focused on the task at hand. I will not rest until the Nightwatchman is dead! By I, I actually mean you. I want you on an around the clock patrol until he is found!”
Guy sighed. He couldn't deter the sheriff from his plans. He would oversee the extra watches until the sheriff calmed down. Besides, the Nightwatchman was absolutely gone…
********************************************************************************************
“Tell me what happened, Sarah.”
Marian put her hand on the shoulder of her maid. Marian knew Sarah well. Although Sarah tried to hide her distress from her mistress, it was evident in every line of her face.
“The whole village of Clun is starving. The crop failed because of the drought. At first, the peasants from other villages and even some of the nobles passed food along. Then the sheriff found out. He said that charity only helps the weak and demanded that no food go to the villagers. Everyone has been too afraid to go against him. Oh, Lady Marian, my poor sister is in Clun starving with her five little ones.”
“And no one has helped them. Not even Robin Hood?” Marian asked.
“No one has seen Robin Hood for the past week and it’s been even longer since anyone has seen the Nightwatchman. I’m afraid they’ve abandoned us.”
For a moment, Marian thought she would be sick. The people believed that she had abandoned them. How could she disappoint them? Was she supposed to pretend that these evils were not happening? Marian gritted her teeth. She could do the appropriate thing or she could do the right thing.
Still, she promised Guy that she would never be the Nightwatchman again. He saved her life. She was supposed to be grateful and do as he asked. Actually, she was grateful for him. She didn’t want to admit it to herself, but she was beginning to rely more and more on Guy. She once compared him to a puppy and it was true. He was excitable and frequently uncontrollable, but he was also loyal and steadfast. She knew he did not form attachments easily, but once they existed, he never let go. She didn’t want to betray his trust.
She had also promised Robin and her father that she would stop being the Nightwatchman. None of them understood that she couldn't just walk away. If these men actually knew her, they would have never asked it of her. The Nightwatchman was not a hobby to toss aside. It was not a costume-it was something within her. It was who she was.
Marian heaved a sigh. Part of her wanted to get rid of everyone and ride into the sunset by herself.
“Sarah, I do not think you will have worry about your sister any more. I have a feeling the Nightwatchman will be paying a visit to Clun tonight.”
********************************************************************************************
The trek to Clun had been difficult, but she accomplished what she sat out to do. The people of Clun would sleep with full bellies tonight. The full moon shun down on her as she reentered the castle walls, well past midnight.
It had not been hard to find a substitute costume. There were always tunics and pants around the castle and a cut out mask was as good as a leather one. The guards had also been easy to avoid. Although there seemed to be more guards on duty, they were just as ineffectual as usual. She was even able to “borrow” a sword from a sleeping one.
It was gratifying to help the people of Clun. There was no better feeling than to genuinely helping another human being. She would never give up that feeling. Her life was her own again; she was free to be herself. Marian edged her way around the courtyard of the castle.
********************************************************************************************
Guy was tired. The sheriff was making good on his threat. He hadn’t had any sleep for the past two days and it was beginning to affect him. Worse, he had not been able to see Marian. Not seeing her caused his mind to run wild with daydreams. He found himself wishing that he hadn’t thrown the Nightwatchman costume away so quickly. It might have interesting uses later…
Of course, he should have known that the Nightwatchman was Marian. Clashes with the Nightwatchman always had an element that his fights with Robin never did. He had been intrigued from the first time he saw the Nightwatchman-more curious than angry. His desire to unmask the Nightwatchman had outweighed his desire to harm him- or her, as he found out.
Guy tried to focus. He scanned the area around the courtyard again for the hundredth time. Although he wasn’t expecting the Nightwatchman, Robin Hood could still be slithering about. He was definitely a person Guy wanted to harm. His eyes caught movement in a dark corner of the courtyard. Guy pulled his sword from its sheath and walked over.
“Don't move!” he roared.
The figure froze. Guy took a step closer and started to feel lightheaded. He knew every line of that body. There was no way he could be seeing who he thought he was seeing. He really needed to get some sleep. He was hallucinating. He took another step closer; the figure turned around, confirming his suspicion.
********************************************************************************************
“What are you doing here?” Guy asked roughly.
She didn’t answer, but the large blue eyes that peered at him through the mask were guilt-stricken. Anger rose in his chest. She never knew when quit? He couldn’t keep protecting her from the sheriff. It was endangering both their lives.
“I told you what would happen if you were caught again,” Guy said dangerously.
“Well, I hope that you told him that his head would be a fitting for my birdcage, because that’s what’s about to happen,” the sheriff said coming into the courtyard. A few guards followed behind him.
Guy exhale noisily, and ran his fingers through his hair with his free hand. The sheriff walked up to Guy.
“Having a little chat, are we? Solve things with a stern warning? Have you learned nothing, Gisborne? Where is the bloodshed? Where is the carnage? Arrest him!”
Guy looked at Marian and hesitated. Marian could see that Guy did not want to fight her. She quickly raised her newly borrowed sword and faced him. Marian didn’t know if it was the smart thing to do, but it was the only way to save both of them.
Guy cocked his head to the side and looked at her. Her eyes stared back into his unswervingly. He raised an eyebrow.
“Are you sure you want this, Nightwatchman?” he asked softly.
In answer to his question, Marian swung her sword at him. Marian knew they had to fight. Otherwise, the sheriff would know something was amiss. Moreover, she had to beat Guy convincingly in order to get away.
He displaced her blow. She quickly brought the sword around again, finding his left side open.
Guy just managed to dodge the blow. He looked down at his jacket. He could just make out the faint line created by her sword. He narrowed his eyes. If that was what she wanted, he could play that game as well. He came down with a double-handed blow. Marian easily blocked it with the flat edge of her sword. He was duly impressed. He had forgotten her skill.
Guy gave a half-grinned. This could be appealing. Their swords clashed loudly together.
Marian could feel his breathe against her face. She pulled away from him. This was more interesting than she would have expected. It dawned on her that she was actually having fun. It was exhilarating. She had missed this between them, this sharpness that added to their relationship. Know that neither was actually fighting to the death added to its charm.
They circled each other. He was always claimed she need him to protect her, but she was matching him, stroke for stroke. She smiled a little to herself. He was the perfect partner for this dance.
Suddenly, Guy knocked the sword from her hand. He threw his own sword to the ground and came at her with alarming speed. Marian backed up, but he pulled her against him and pushed her arms behind her back, effectually encircling her in his arms.
Guy held her against him. He brought his face close to hers. Under normal circumstances, he would have taken more pleasure in this closeness, but there were more pressing matters at hand. He had to get her out, safely.
“Gotcha,” he murmured roughly against her ear, and then more quietly, “Go out through the west gate, wait twenty minutes, and come back in through the stables.” He loosened his grip on her wrists.
Marian could see the smug look of satisfaction on his face. She could tell he was congratulating himself for ‘saving her’ again. Something inside her rebelled against leave him so high and mighty. Besides, she reasoned to herself, she had to make her exit believable.
She hastily kicked his feet out from beneath him, sending him sprawling to the ground. She looked down at him. His hair had fallen into his eyes and he looked surprised to be on the ground. Marian smiled. He was certainly cute in defeat.
Guy stuck out his leg, catching Marian by surprise. She tripped and fell on him. She landed on top of him with a dull thud, breathing heavily.
Marian’s eyes smiled down from above him. Guy reached up and gently pulled down the bottom half of her mask. His mouth hungrily connected with hers. Marian being the Nightwatchman was not completely without merit. He kissed her again and again, softly.
The sheriff’s eyes bulged in shock. He shrugged his shoulders and frowned, “If I’d known that I’d done more than just make him wear that leather outfit!”
Finally, Marian got to her feet and headed for the gate. The sheriff and the other guards were too stunned to stop her. Guy watched her leave before getting to his feet. He tried to walk away as if nothing had happened.
“So Gisborne, do you kiss all your mortal enemies?” the sheriff inquired.
“Yeah, pretty much,” Guy responded indifferently as he entered the castle.
“Have you been kissing Robin Hood as well? The sheriff called out.
Guy turned around and gave him a malicious stare.