Nocturne, Chapter 11
Title, Chapter: Nocturne, Chapter 11
Author: railise
Summary: The Impostor is unmasked.
Characters/Pairings: The Outlaws, The Impostor; Robin/Marian
Rating: PG
Spoilers/Warnings: Starts the morning after 1x13 ends; AU from there. Serious revelations and concluding within this chapter. :D
Disclaimer: Now see, this is how I would've liked to see things go after the S1 finale. However, since I had nothing to do with the making of the show whatsoever... well, we all know how that went. ;)
Artwork by shinysparks
Previous Chapter
~11~
"I almost have it," Djaq was saying, as the rest of the group walked into the small abode. She was working on picking the lock on the shackles, in the dim light provided by a candle stub Much was holding out. The Impostor was still masked, which confused Marian, although none of the others seemed to think anything of it. "There!" cried Djaq triumphantly, as the irons thudded onto the dirt floor. Holding up the hairpin she had used to accomplish that, she added, "You may have this back now."
The Impostor snatched the wire back and slid it under her hood, and then turned to face the outlaws. She seemed understandably nervous, yet less so than Marian would have expected.
Beside Marian, Robin crossed his arms as he regarded their captive. "Now that your hands are free, remove your mask."
"Let me go," the woman replied, in a rasp apparently meant to disguise her voice. "I have done nothing to you."
"You have impersonated the real Night Watchman," Robin pointed out casually. "And you attacked me on the road."
"Because you would not leave me be."
His jaw set. "Remove your mask."
While Marian recognized that Robin's tone was implacable, The Impostor made one more desperate attempt to dissuade him, indicating Marian. "Why must I? She has not."
Robin started to speak, but Marian reached up, pushing her hood back and removing the mask (which was actually something of a relief; the leathersmith in Truro made this one much stiffer than the Clun craftsman used to do). She knew that she had surprised everyone else in the room, and honestly, she was not sure why she did it.
Yet, it worked. After a gasp of recognition, the mystery woman hesitantly reached for her own hood, pushing it back to reveal thick, blonde hair. Then, with a sideways glance to where Much stood, still holding the bit of candle, she took off her mask.
Marian frowned. What was the servant girl from Bonchurch, the one who had spied for the sheriff, doing masquerading as the Night Watchman?
"Eve?" Much asked incredulously, as the others exchanged baffled looks. When Marian looked to Robin, he shook his head in the same bewilderment most of them were apparently feeling. Much, however, was clearly pleased. "What are you doing here? Why... Why did you not say anything?" That thought seemed to bother him.
With a helpless motion of her hand, she replied, "I meant to. When I first came back, it was with the intention of finding you."
"It sounds as though you had plenty of opportunities," Marian commented, not trusting the woman.
Eve's expression reflected acknowledgement of Marian's doubt, before turning back to Much. "I did. Yet, I kept thinking I was making a mistake; you said you would find me when there was justice again, and that has not happened. I felt like I was discrediting you, being impatient when I should be trusting you to achieve that goal.
"And then, I saw an opportunity to help you achieve it."
"You heard the Night Watchman had vanished," Robin murmured.
She nodded. "I am not a fighter, not like the real Night Watchman. Like you, Lady Marian," she said haltingly, as though she still could not quite believe that. "But, I did try to practice with a sword I borrowed from a smithy. And the main purpose was to help people, as you do," she added, giving Much a smile bordering on shy.
Marian, however, remained unconvinced. "You worked for the sheriff once before. How do we know we can trust you?" Much glanced at her in alarm, but the others seemed to share her reservations. "Perhaps, this is your way to get back into his good graces-- by worming your way into the gang, and then selling them out."
"I do not blame you for wondering that. And, I have no way to prove that it's not true. What I do have is warm greetings from a kitchen maid called Annie, who works for Lady Glasson."
"Annie?" Allan cut in. "Seth's mum?"
Eve nodded at him. "I met her in a market after leaving here, without knowing of her ties to Nottingham, or any of you. She got me employment with her ladyship, who was also willing to take in my mother, and it was not long before we learned one anothers' stories. She was actually the one who convinced me to return. As did Mother, who is very happy with her employment there." Eve concluded, "I realize that it proves nothing, but it is hopefully a reference of sorts."
Most of the outlaws seemed as undecided as Marian felt. While she did not know how Eve could have learned where Annie had gone-- it had been a carefully planned, secret arrangement,-- what she said was true: it proved nothing.
One of the outlaws besides Much, however, was apparently willing to take a chance. "You will be closely watched," Robin told her. "If your behavior ever becomes even slightly suspicious, you're out."
That implied that she was in. Marian stared at him, wondering what he was thinking. He read her concern, but indicated his former manservant. Much beamed first at Robin, then at Eve, and then back to Robin again. "Oh, that is wonderful-- that's excellent!"
Eve grinned excitedly at him, and then sincerely at Robin. "You will have no cause to doubt me."
"See that we do not," he said, effectively drawing the discussion to a close, and winking at Marian.
She would have to ask him later when he began fancying himself a matchmaker, although she could not entirely disapprove.
"I have a question," Djaq spoke up. When they all turned to her, she asked Eve, "Why did you steal the plums?"
"I knew it would anger the sheriff." Growing more wistful, Eve said, "And, I knew those families would enjoy them. Most have likely never tasted one. It's always been a secret pleasure here to snag a plum from the orchard now and then, a benefit of living in Bonchurch--" She suddenly cut off, realizing Robin had been the lord of the village, and his family before him. "I'm sorry," she murmured.
He smiled at her. "I know. There has always been a section in the accounts allotting for villagers' use." That obviously surprised her. "It would lose the fun if you knew. And, this way, it did not get out of control," he explained with a grin. "So, do not spread that knowledge."
After a beat, she laughed again. "I suppose that's fair. In fact, I still have some, if any of you would like them." Without waiting for an answer, she went over to a corner of the room and pulled back a board, revealing a section of false wall. Behind it was a small stash of food, including the promised fruit.
"That's why there was the break-in," Will said, as if to himself, clearly fascinated by the hiding place; John nodded at him.
She reached in, and then stood and turned, holding out a plum for whoever wished to take it. Much hesitated a moment, and then gratefully accepted it, an expression of pure bliss crossing his face as he took a bite.
That was all the rest of them needed, and the other outlaws immediately stepped up for one. Marian was last, and she could tell that Eve was uncertain as to where they stood. In all honesty, so was Marian; but, while she would be on her guard, she was inclined to believe the woman's claims. Accepting a piece of fruit, Marian gave her a tentative smile, receiving one in return.
A short time later, they were all walking through Sherwood, back toward the day's camp. Much and Eve were at the fore, chatting happily. John and Djaq were behind them, discussing how best to distribute the rest of the stash from the cottage; they were carrying that food in a makeshift satchel, fashioned from Eve's Night Watchman cloak.
Will and Allan were behind them. "All these women in the gang now," Will said. "They shouldn't be sleeping on the ground."
"Djaq's been doing it," Allan argued. "And anyway, what's the other option? A feather bed at the castle?"
Shooting him a humored look, Will answered, "Djaq's different, though she shouldn't have to, either. I was thinking of a permanent camp. Maybe something with bunks."
"Gonna have to figure out how many bunks to make." Allan grinned mischievously. "That might not be as many as you think."
Will shook his head and chuckled.
"I wonder," Allan continued musingly. "That Annie bird-- she was all right. Think she might come back?"
"How would I figure that into a number of bunks?" countered Will, with a hint of sarcasm.
Allan did not take the bait. "You'd definitely need to figure one for the kid." Then he groaned. "Never mind... not again. No more babies in camp."
Beside Marian, Robin laughed under his breath. The two were bringing up the rear, but were near enough to overhear the entire conversation. "What's so funny?" she asked, swinging their joined hands a little further than they were naturally moving as they walked.
She could tell he had a thought as he glanced at her, and she wondered for a moment if he was not going to reply. At first, that seemed to be true. "It's nothing," he said. Then, finally, he amended, "It's that Allan is not the only one thinking that way."
Marian frowned. "What do you mean?"
Robin smiled to himself, looking down at the ground in front of them. Despite the darkness of the night, their eyes were adjusted, and could make out the tree roots and rocks in the path. "Let's just say that I am under strict orders regarding your stay in the forest."
Realization dawned. "The letter from my father." When Robin nodded, she became even more determined to find and read that parchment. "Well, I hope those orders are ones you can follow indefinitely, because I have no intention of leaving."
His humor was replaced with contentment when he looked over at her. "I am glad to hear that." He raised their hands, placing a light kiss on the back of hers before dropping them down again. "And, I can take orders when I must." His eyebrow arching impishly, he leaned toward her and added, "Of course, I am always willing to have those orders overturned..."
She rolled her eyes and reached over to give his shoulder a light shove with her free hand, laughing as she did so, and earning a chuckle from him.
Marian would have preferred having a proper home to go to, rather than enduring the chill of the ground seeping through her blankets as she slept.
But, all things considered, this would do nicely, for now.
~~~
Author: railise
Summary: The Impostor is unmasked.
Characters/Pairings: The Outlaws, The Impostor; Robin/Marian
Rating: PG
Spoilers/Warnings: Starts the morning after 1x13 ends; AU from there. Serious revelations and concluding within this chapter. :D
Disclaimer: Now see, this is how I would've liked to see things go after the S1 finale. However, since I had nothing to do with the making of the show whatsoever... well, we all know how that went. ;)
Artwork by shinysparks
Previous Chapter
~11~
"I almost have it," Djaq was saying, as the rest of the group walked into the small abode. She was working on picking the lock on the shackles, in the dim light provided by a candle stub Much was holding out. The Impostor was still masked, which confused Marian, although none of the others seemed to think anything of it. "There!" cried Djaq triumphantly, as the irons thudded onto the dirt floor. Holding up the hairpin she had used to accomplish that, she added, "You may have this back now."
The Impostor snatched the wire back and slid it under her hood, and then turned to face the outlaws. She seemed understandably nervous, yet less so than Marian would have expected.
Beside Marian, Robin crossed his arms as he regarded their captive. "Now that your hands are free, remove your mask."
"Let me go," the woman replied, in a rasp apparently meant to disguise her voice. "I have done nothing to you."
"You have impersonated the real Night Watchman," Robin pointed out casually. "And you attacked me on the road."
"Because you would not leave me be."
His jaw set. "Remove your mask."
While Marian recognized that Robin's tone was implacable, The Impostor made one more desperate attempt to dissuade him, indicating Marian. "Why must I? She has not."
Robin started to speak, but Marian reached up, pushing her hood back and removing the mask (which was actually something of a relief; the leathersmith in Truro made this one much stiffer than the Clun craftsman used to do). She knew that she had surprised everyone else in the room, and honestly, she was not sure why she did it.
Yet, it worked. After a gasp of recognition, the mystery woman hesitantly reached for her own hood, pushing it back to reveal thick, blonde hair. Then, with a sideways glance to where Much stood, still holding the bit of candle, she took off her mask.
Marian frowned. What was the servant girl from Bonchurch, the one who had spied for the sheriff, doing masquerading as the Night Watchman?
"Eve?" Much asked incredulously, as the others exchanged baffled looks. When Marian looked to Robin, he shook his head in the same bewilderment most of them were apparently feeling. Much, however, was clearly pleased. "What are you doing here? Why... Why did you not say anything?" That thought seemed to bother him.
With a helpless motion of her hand, she replied, "I meant to. When I first came back, it was with the intention of finding you."
"It sounds as though you had plenty of opportunities," Marian commented, not trusting the woman.
Eve's expression reflected acknowledgement of Marian's doubt, before turning back to Much. "I did. Yet, I kept thinking I was making a mistake; you said you would find me when there was justice again, and that has not happened. I felt like I was discrediting you, being impatient when I should be trusting you to achieve that goal.
"And then, I saw an opportunity to help you achieve it."
"You heard the Night Watchman had vanished," Robin murmured.
She nodded. "I am not a fighter, not like the real Night Watchman. Like you, Lady Marian," she said haltingly, as though she still could not quite believe that. "But, I did try to practice with a sword I borrowed from a smithy. And the main purpose was to help people, as you do," she added, giving Much a smile bordering on shy.
Marian, however, remained unconvinced. "You worked for the sheriff once before. How do we know we can trust you?" Much glanced at her in alarm, but the others seemed to share her reservations. "Perhaps, this is your way to get back into his good graces-- by worming your way into the gang, and then selling them out."
"I do not blame you for wondering that. And, I have no way to prove that it's not true. What I do have is warm greetings from a kitchen maid called Annie, who works for Lady Glasson."
"Annie?" Allan cut in. "Seth's mum?"
Eve nodded at him. "I met her in a market after leaving here, without knowing of her ties to Nottingham, or any of you. She got me employment with her ladyship, who was also willing to take in my mother, and it was not long before we learned one anothers' stories. She was actually the one who convinced me to return. As did Mother, who is very happy with her employment there." Eve concluded, "I realize that it proves nothing, but it is hopefully a reference of sorts."
Most of the outlaws seemed as undecided as Marian felt. While she did not know how Eve could have learned where Annie had gone-- it had been a carefully planned, secret arrangement,-- what she said was true: it proved nothing.
One of the outlaws besides Much, however, was apparently willing to take a chance. "You will be closely watched," Robin told her. "If your behavior ever becomes even slightly suspicious, you're out."
That implied that she was in. Marian stared at him, wondering what he was thinking. He read her concern, but indicated his former manservant. Much beamed first at Robin, then at Eve, and then back to Robin again. "Oh, that is wonderful-- that's excellent!"
Eve grinned excitedly at him, and then sincerely at Robin. "You will have no cause to doubt me."
"See that we do not," he said, effectively drawing the discussion to a close, and winking at Marian.
She would have to ask him later when he began fancying himself a matchmaker, although she could not entirely disapprove.
"I have a question," Djaq spoke up. When they all turned to her, she asked Eve, "Why did you steal the plums?"
"I knew it would anger the sheriff." Growing more wistful, Eve said, "And, I knew those families would enjoy them. Most have likely never tasted one. It's always been a secret pleasure here to snag a plum from the orchard now and then, a benefit of living in Bonchurch--" She suddenly cut off, realizing Robin had been the lord of the village, and his family before him. "I'm sorry," she murmured.
He smiled at her. "I know. There has always been a section in the accounts allotting for villagers' use." That obviously surprised her. "It would lose the fun if you knew. And, this way, it did not get out of control," he explained with a grin. "So, do not spread that knowledge."
After a beat, she laughed again. "I suppose that's fair. In fact, I still have some, if any of you would like them." Without waiting for an answer, she went over to a corner of the room and pulled back a board, revealing a section of false wall. Behind it was a small stash of food, including the promised fruit.
"That's why there was the break-in," Will said, as if to himself, clearly fascinated by the hiding place; John nodded at him.
She reached in, and then stood and turned, holding out a plum for whoever wished to take it. Much hesitated a moment, and then gratefully accepted it, an expression of pure bliss crossing his face as he took a bite.
That was all the rest of them needed, and the other outlaws immediately stepped up for one. Marian was last, and she could tell that Eve was uncertain as to where they stood. In all honesty, so was Marian; but, while she would be on her guard, she was inclined to believe the woman's claims. Accepting a piece of fruit, Marian gave her a tentative smile, receiving one in return.
A short time later, they were all walking through Sherwood, back toward the day's camp. Much and Eve were at the fore, chatting happily. John and Djaq were behind them, discussing how best to distribute the rest of the stash from the cottage; they were carrying that food in a makeshift satchel, fashioned from Eve's Night Watchman cloak.
Will and Allan were behind them. "All these women in the gang now," Will said. "They shouldn't be sleeping on the ground."
"Djaq's been doing it," Allan argued. "And anyway, what's the other option? A feather bed at the castle?"
Shooting him a humored look, Will answered, "Djaq's different, though she shouldn't have to, either. I was thinking of a permanent camp. Maybe something with bunks."
"Gonna have to figure out how many bunks to make." Allan grinned mischievously. "That might not be as many as you think."
Will shook his head and chuckled.
"I wonder," Allan continued musingly. "That Annie bird-- she was all right. Think she might come back?"
"How would I figure that into a number of bunks?" countered Will, with a hint of sarcasm.
Allan did not take the bait. "You'd definitely need to figure one for the kid." Then he groaned. "Never mind... not again. No more babies in camp."
Beside Marian, Robin laughed under his breath. The two were bringing up the rear, but were near enough to overhear the entire conversation. "What's so funny?" she asked, swinging their joined hands a little further than they were naturally moving as they walked.
She could tell he had a thought as he glanced at her, and she wondered for a moment if he was not going to reply. At first, that seemed to be true. "It's nothing," he said. Then, finally, he amended, "It's that Allan is not the only one thinking that way."
Marian frowned. "What do you mean?"
Robin smiled to himself, looking down at the ground in front of them. Despite the darkness of the night, their eyes were adjusted, and could make out the tree roots and rocks in the path. "Let's just say that I am under strict orders regarding your stay in the forest."
Realization dawned. "The letter from my father." When Robin nodded, she became even more determined to find and read that parchment. "Well, I hope those orders are ones you can follow indefinitely, because I have no intention of leaving."
His humor was replaced with contentment when he looked over at her. "I am glad to hear that." He raised their hands, placing a light kiss on the back of hers before dropping them down again. "And, I can take orders when I must." His eyebrow arching impishly, he leaned toward her and added, "Of course, I am always willing to have those orders overturned..."
She rolled her eyes and reached over to give his shoulder a light shove with her free hand, laughing as she did so, and earning a chuckle from him.
Marian would have preferred having a proper home to go to, rather than enduring the chill of the ground seeping through her blankets as she slept.
But, all things considered, this would do nicely, for now.
~~~