1 | master of arms [gisborne]

Twelve

before I begin, @lotr_is_my_life, wanted me to do this chapter when I felt like not continuing it, so thanks for the motivation. This chapter might be a little slow because I just got done ending episode 1 and I am getting into episode 2 (season 3). Sorry for the inconvenience, but this chapter was hard for some reason. Okay, here you guys go.

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After two days of sudden vanishment, Guy made sure to catch up with Linda every chance he got.

The two always walked around the castle for no good reason, always talking to each other for what seemed like days, until Guy would have to collect taxes... or so he thought. Linda was always able to persuaded him to let the guards do it, or someone else, and reluctantly, Guy would agree to her terms. Vaisey hardly noticed that Guy had not gone to do his job being Master-at-Arms and terrorizing citizens (no joke, that's what Vaisey always expected from Guy), for he was always in his room, looking over the note and ultimatum over, and over, and over again.

They had received word just a little over an hour ago that they were going to have visitors, so to speak, and they were going to be staying at the castle. The Sheriff seemed thrilled while Guy just rolled his eyes, and Linda tried her hardest not to laugh at Guy's reaction.

Now, they were in the garden in the back, sitting on a bench under a flower tree and talking to each other once more. Guy had tried to ask Linda where she had been, but she would always purse her lips and look down, obviously not ready to share. Guy understood, for he also had dark secrets of his own. It wasn't until when the guard came did their fun get spoiled.

"My lord, my lady," he said with a bow. "The Sheriff requests your presence. The lords have arrived."

Grumbling, Guy stood up. He offered his arm to Linda, who took it with a small smile on her face. Guy never noticed the blush that spread on her cheeks, red as roses.

"Ready?" asked Guy.

She nodded. "Ready."

With a deep breath, the two made their way to the entrance of Nottingham Castle. Vaisey was there already, welcoming two young men that were exiting a chariot. One was short, with black hair and a black beard, and he had his arms behind him. The other was taller, with straight orange hair and blue eyes. He also had his arms behind his back, listening to Vaisey speak. Siblings probably, Guy thought. Stopping at the third step, Guy cleared his throat, and Vaisey whipped around.

"Ah, Gisborne, Linda," he said. "Glad you could join us." Vaisey stepped aside and spread his hand out to the two young men, gesturing at the two of them. "Meet the MacMurrough brothers. Tiernan." The black haired man bowed in respect. "And his older brother, Finn." The orange haired also bowed. "They're Irish."

"Oh! I have always fancied the Irish ways," perked Linda with a giggle, still clinging onto Guy's arm. "So fascinating."

Tiernan smirked. Taking his arms out from behind his back now, he walked toward her. Stopping until he was at the second step, he said, "I never knew that a lady was into such things."

"Is that bad?" Linda asked with a tiny frown.

Tiernan shook his head. "Certainly not, my lady." He bowed again, taking her hand and pressing a light kiss to her knuckles, to which Guy gritted his teeth. Tiernan looked up at Linda, smiling lightly. "Perhaps we can talk more about Ireland during the celebration tonight?"

"Celebration?" Linda raised an eyebrow at her father.

He nodded. "Yes. In honor of our guest's arrival, we shall celebrate! Also, we have a very handsome deal, one that we might be able to work out with Prince John."