Nocturne, Chapter 9
Title, Chapter: Nocturne, Chapter 9
Author: railise
Summary: Explanations are made, and musings are done.
Characters/Pairings: The Outlaws; Robin/Marian
Rating: PG
Spoilers/Warnings: Starts the morning after 1x13 ends; AU from there. Serious reflection within. ;)
Disclaimer: I spend my time writing stories from which I never intend to profit, rather than making television shows (although the idea does interest me! ;))
Artwork by shinysparks
Previous Chapter
~9~
Marian found that she had no regrets concerning the brevity of her stay in Cornwall. Sir Godfrey was every bit as lovely as Robin had said, but his daughters bored her to tears. At first, she had assumed that their love of nothing more than embroidery and fashion was a front, and that more interesting conversations would ensue once they became comfortable with her. However, she was disappointed to learn that they truly found discussions of those topics to be utterly fascinating. Anything she broached was met with blank stares or startled gasps.
So, when her father mentioned that she seemed listless, it was all Marian could do not to kick something in frustration as she explained what she was dealing with. She suggested that she might join the men in their pursuits, rather than spending time with the ladies; but Edward had a different proposal.
She could still hardly believe that it was his idea for her to return to Nottinghamshire, since it meant that she would be taking to Sherwood. But, he accurately deduced that her unhappiness was not solely borne of poor companionship; and he easily brushed aside her protests, as they were not very heartfelt, to begin with. It took a bit longer for him to convince her that he would be fine, although after accomplishing that, he did suggest that she consider coming back for the winter.
He also wrote a letter for her to deliver to Robin, and considering Robin's face as he read it over breakfast the next morning, there were more than merely suggestions within. His expression was not the only thing that caught her eye; the cuts along his cheek and chin were fortunately not severe enough to need stitches, but they were worse than the handful of nicks she had received in their clash, and she felt badly about them. He had said something similar about her injuries, but they honestly were not bothering her.
They were very fortunate that he had spoken out when he had; there could have been a very different ending to that match.
However, all was well that ended well, and there was no sense dwelling on averted tragedies. Marian was quite curious to know what the missive from her father said, considering it obviously had most, if not everything, to do with her; but despite the fact that the rest of the gang was giving Robin and her some space to talk alone, Robin was not inclined to share. She made a mental note to snoop later, but her first order of business was to find out exactly what was going on with so many Night Watchmen running about.
"Why did you attack us?" Robin asked, after she had explained her return, and they began to discuss what had happened the night before. "You could have tried to find out who we were, or what was going on."
Pleasantly surprised by how good eggs cooked over a campfire in the forest could be, she had to swallow a good-sized bite before replying. "For one thing, I might have given my own identity away, and I had no intention of doing that. Also, there were only a few people who knew that I was the Night Watchman, and thus no longer around: you all, my father, and the sheriff. Since it was certainly not my father, and I did not expect to find you running around in my costume, I assumed that the sheriff had to be behind at least part of it. And, as you were the more dangerous of the two, I figured that you were his agent."
Robin gave a small laugh at that. "You are generous to the sheriff's employees." She merely rolled her eyes, and he continued, "But, you are mistaken about who knew the Night Watchman was gone." When he paused and glanced over at the campfire, Marian frowned.
"Well?" she prompted. A few villagers might have noticed that she was absent, but most of them were probably too enamored of Robin and the outlaws to care about one masked figure who did not show off as she left her deliveries.
Looking back at her with a hint of a smile, he said, "Everyone noticed." As her eyes widened in surprise, he explained, "You are the true hope of these people; they were lost without you."
Marian had no idea how to react to that. After Robin saying she did not need to continue with her work now that he was present, and her father wanting her to give it up, and then nearly dying from her last escapade (and Robin pointing that fact out to her), all topped off with making the conscious decision to draw her adventures to a close... it had been a lot to handle. Although she had impressed her father when fending off Allan's brother and the other rogue outlaws, and despite the admiration that Robin voiced once in awhile, their patronizing words were disheartening. She continued to take pride in what she did, and tried not to let their discouragement and chagrin affect her; but she would be lying if she said it had nothing to do with her decision to burn her old mask. She had attributed it to her impending nuptials, and there was a grain of truth to that, because had everything gone awry and she wound up as Lady Gisborne, she would have honored her commitment.
Mainly, she had been more shaken by her near death than she would let anyone, especially Robin or her father, know. Piled on top of her already damaged confidence, she had reacted more impetuously than she normally would have done. In the last several weeks, she came to regret her rash decision, wishing she could be back out and helping again. Yet, she assumed that the people of Nottingham were faring fine without her, which was personally disappointing, though she tried to look past her selfishness and simply be glad that Robin and the others were doing their job.
Hearing that she had been badly missed was a balm to her bruised spirit, even as she regretted that anyone had been upset by her absence. She gave him a small smile of appreciation, but it faded when she noticed something lurking in his gaze. "What?"
"The sheriff hanged a man as the Night Watchman," he said quietly, and her blood froze. He held up a hand and quickly added, "He turned out to be a condemned murderer, and a particularly brutal one; his was not an innocent life." That knowledge eased her mind somewhat, even as she was still bothered that Vaizey had carried out a false execution at all-- and with full knowledge of whom the real Night Watchman was. "However, it had a profound effect on the people you have helped. That is why I adopted your persona, to prove that the sheriff was merely tricking them."
"You proved that by tricking them, yourself?" Marian raised an eyebrow at him, but her amusement was reflected on her features, and the boyish grin which spread over his face sent a little flutter through her insides. That might have irked her, if she was not fully aware that she affected him at least as much as he affected her; as it stood, she ended up returning the grin, enjoying the warm moment.
"It worked, didn't it?" he replied easily.
Both her eyebrows went up at that. "Are you so certain? Perhaps, it was this other Night Watchman who really buoyed their morale." While the statement had been in jest, the subject sobered them both. "You have no idea at all as to their identity?"
Robin's shrug this time was one of sheer bafflement. "As I said last night, all I know is that it's a woman. I would venture to guess that she is not a noble, only because I cannot think of a noblewoman in the area-- other than yourself-- who would be bothered to take on the duties which she has."
Marian had to concede that point. It sounded uncharitable toward their former peers, but facts were facts. Whilst some of the ladies of her acquaintance tried to aid the needy to an extent, none of them would be willing to disguise themselves and run around in the night. And, if they had discovered that she did so, Marian knew she would have been ostracized. Perhaps subtly, so as not to cause a situation; but it would have happened. There was a reason she had grown away from them-- from everyone, really. Until Robin found her out, and then her father, no one had known her true self. The most important part of her life had been hidden from everyone, and that did not exactly foster close relationships. Having them learn of it was a relief, although she could not say the same for having Vaizey know.
She wondered if he had told Guy, and if so, what Guy's reaction had been. He likely did not care anymore, which was fine; after everything he had put her through, Marian was glad to be done with him. She would be gladder when she stopped thinking of him at all, but she supposed it could be forgiven, considering what a large part he had played in the last few years of her life. Now, though, there were more important things to focus on. "I rather wish you thought she was nobility, because that would narrow it down much further. Right now, she could be any of almost half the population of the shire."
Robin blew out a breath as he absently rolled the edges of his now-empty plate around in his palms-- which called Marian's attention to his hands, which she had always thought were lovely, and she appreciated the distraction. "I can think of one good way to get some answers." His eyes met hers, and they both knew that they were thinking the same thing: they needed to find the third Night Watchman. Again.
"Do you know where she'll be?" Marian asked.
"Therein lies the problem. I have not been able to figure out her pattern, if she even has one."
Finishing the last of her breakfast as they mulled that over, Marian picked up her plate and got to her feet. "Well, we are not about to find her, sitting around here."
He grinned up at her before standing as well. "Can't argue that."
The outlaws quickly sorted out their day, including some people they would talk to again who might, even unwittingly, possess a piece of information which could point them in the right direction.
Try as they did, by that night, they were no closer to locating the mysterious woman.
Unfortunately, the sheriff was.
Next Chapter
Author: railise
Summary: Explanations are made, and musings are done.
Characters/Pairings: The Outlaws; Robin/Marian
Rating: PG
Spoilers/Warnings: Starts the morning after 1x13 ends; AU from there. Serious reflection within. ;)
Disclaimer: I spend my time writing stories from which I never intend to profit, rather than making television shows (although the idea does interest me! ;))
Artwork by shinysparks
Previous Chapter
~9~
Marian found that she had no regrets concerning the brevity of her stay in Cornwall. Sir Godfrey was every bit as lovely as Robin had said, but his daughters bored her to tears. At first, she had assumed that their love of nothing more than embroidery and fashion was a front, and that more interesting conversations would ensue once they became comfortable with her. However, she was disappointed to learn that they truly found discussions of those topics to be utterly fascinating. Anything she broached was met with blank stares or startled gasps.
So, when her father mentioned that she seemed listless, it was all Marian could do not to kick something in frustration as she explained what she was dealing with. She suggested that she might join the men in their pursuits, rather than spending time with the ladies; but Edward had a different proposal.
She could still hardly believe that it was his idea for her to return to Nottinghamshire, since it meant that she would be taking to Sherwood. But, he accurately deduced that her unhappiness was not solely borne of poor companionship; and he easily brushed aside her protests, as they were not very heartfelt, to begin with. It took a bit longer for him to convince her that he would be fine, although after accomplishing that, he did suggest that she consider coming back for the winter.
He also wrote a letter for her to deliver to Robin, and considering Robin's face as he read it over breakfast the next morning, there were more than merely suggestions within. His expression was not the only thing that caught her eye; the cuts along his cheek and chin were fortunately not severe enough to need stitches, but they were worse than the handful of nicks she had received in their clash, and she felt badly about them. He had said something similar about her injuries, but they honestly were not bothering her.
They were very fortunate that he had spoken out when he had; there could have been a very different ending to that match.
However, all was well that ended well, and there was no sense dwelling on averted tragedies. Marian was quite curious to know what the missive from her father said, considering it obviously had most, if not everything, to do with her; but despite the fact that the rest of the gang was giving Robin and her some space to talk alone, Robin was not inclined to share. She made a mental note to snoop later, but her first order of business was to find out exactly what was going on with so many Night Watchmen running about.
"Why did you attack us?" Robin asked, after she had explained her return, and they began to discuss what had happened the night before. "You could have tried to find out who we were, or what was going on."
Pleasantly surprised by how good eggs cooked over a campfire in the forest could be, she had to swallow a good-sized bite before replying. "For one thing, I might have given my own identity away, and I had no intention of doing that. Also, there were only a few people who knew that I was the Night Watchman, and thus no longer around: you all, my father, and the sheriff. Since it was certainly not my father, and I did not expect to find you running around in my costume, I assumed that the sheriff had to be behind at least part of it. And, as you were the more dangerous of the two, I figured that you were his agent."
Robin gave a small laugh at that. "You are generous to the sheriff's employees." She merely rolled her eyes, and he continued, "But, you are mistaken about who knew the Night Watchman was gone." When he paused and glanced over at the campfire, Marian frowned.
"Well?" she prompted. A few villagers might have noticed that she was absent, but most of them were probably too enamored of Robin and the outlaws to care about one masked figure who did not show off as she left her deliveries.
Looking back at her with a hint of a smile, he said, "Everyone noticed." As her eyes widened in surprise, he explained, "You are the true hope of these people; they were lost without you."
Marian had no idea how to react to that. After Robin saying she did not need to continue with her work now that he was present, and her father wanting her to give it up, and then nearly dying from her last escapade (and Robin pointing that fact out to her), all topped off with making the conscious decision to draw her adventures to a close... it had been a lot to handle. Although she had impressed her father when fending off Allan's brother and the other rogue outlaws, and despite the admiration that Robin voiced once in awhile, their patronizing words were disheartening. She continued to take pride in what she did, and tried not to let their discouragement and chagrin affect her; but she would be lying if she said it had nothing to do with her decision to burn her old mask. She had attributed it to her impending nuptials, and there was a grain of truth to that, because had everything gone awry and she wound up as Lady Gisborne, she would have honored her commitment.
Mainly, she had been more shaken by her near death than she would let anyone, especially Robin or her father, know. Piled on top of her already damaged confidence, she had reacted more impetuously than she normally would have done. In the last several weeks, she came to regret her rash decision, wishing she could be back out and helping again. Yet, she assumed that the people of Nottingham were faring fine without her, which was personally disappointing, though she tried to look past her selfishness and simply be glad that Robin and the others were doing their job.
Hearing that she had been badly missed was a balm to her bruised spirit, even as she regretted that anyone had been upset by her absence. She gave him a small smile of appreciation, but it faded when she noticed something lurking in his gaze. "What?"
"The sheriff hanged a man as the Night Watchman," he said quietly, and her blood froze. He held up a hand and quickly added, "He turned out to be a condemned murderer, and a particularly brutal one; his was not an innocent life." That knowledge eased her mind somewhat, even as she was still bothered that Vaizey had carried out a false execution at all-- and with full knowledge of whom the real Night Watchman was. "However, it had a profound effect on the people you have helped. That is why I adopted your persona, to prove that the sheriff was merely tricking them."
"You proved that by tricking them, yourself?" Marian raised an eyebrow at him, but her amusement was reflected on her features, and the boyish grin which spread over his face sent a little flutter through her insides. That might have irked her, if she was not fully aware that she affected him at least as much as he affected her; as it stood, she ended up returning the grin, enjoying the warm moment.
"It worked, didn't it?" he replied easily.
Both her eyebrows went up at that. "Are you so certain? Perhaps, it was this other Night Watchman who really buoyed their morale." While the statement had been in jest, the subject sobered them both. "You have no idea at all as to their identity?"
Robin's shrug this time was one of sheer bafflement. "As I said last night, all I know is that it's a woman. I would venture to guess that she is not a noble, only because I cannot think of a noblewoman in the area-- other than yourself-- who would be bothered to take on the duties which she has."
Marian had to concede that point. It sounded uncharitable toward their former peers, but facts were facts. Whilst some of the ladies of her acquaintance tried to aid the needy to an extent, none of them would be willing to disguise themselves and run around in the night. And, if they had discovered that she did so, Marian knew she would have been ostracized. Perhaps subtly, so as not to cause a situation; but it would have happened. There was a reason she had grown away from them-- from everyone, really. Until Robin found her out, and then her father, no one had known her true self. The most important part of her life had been hidden from everyone, and that did not exactly foster close relationships. Having them learn of it was a relief, although she could not say the same for having Vaizey know.
She wondered if he had told Guy, and if so, what Guy's reaction had been. He likely did not care anymore, which was fine; after everything he had put her through, Marian was glad to be done with him. She would be gladder when she stopped thinking of him at all, but she supposed it could be forgiven, considering what a large part he had played in the last few years of her life. Now, though, there were more important things to focus on. "I rather wish you thought she was nobility, because that would narrow it down much further. Right now, she could be any of almost half the population of the shire."
Robin blew out a breath as he absently rolled the edges of his now-empty plate around in his palms-- which called Marian's attention to his hands, which she had always thought were lovely, and she appreciated the distraction. "I can think of one good way to get some answers." His eyes met hers, and they both knew that they were thinking the same thing: they needed to find the third Night Watchman. Again.
"Do you know where she'll be?" Marian asked.
"Therein lies the problem. I have not been able to figure out her pattern, if she even has one."
Finishing the last of her breakfast as they mulled that over, Marian picked up her plate and got to her feet. "Well, we are not about to find her, sitting around here."
He grinned up at her before standing as well. "Can't argue that."
The outlaws quickly sorted out their day, including some people they would talk to again who might, even unwittingly, possess a piece of information which could point them in the right direction.
Try as they did, by that night, they were no closer to locating the mysterious woman.
Unfortunately, the sheriff was.
Next Chapter