Hello Old Friend

8

Robin of Locksley wasn't so sure. He knew that something was amiss. While Gisborne was his enemy, this was unlike the man. If Gisborne wished for Alexandria d'Auvergne to have been there, he would have made sure that she stayed.

He started to ride back to the camp. He had an idea what the problem could possibly be and that problem resided in Nottingham.

Robin and the lads were moving through the village, trying to make sense of what happened. They immediately learned of Prince John coming to Nottinghamshire. The Prince was to stay at the castle with Vaisey. That wasn't anything unusual.

The men all split up, searching for news. Nothing was extremely forthcoming. Vaisey had raised taxes, again. There were prisoners of course. The biggest item of news was still the upcoming nuptials of Gisborne and Marian.

Robin decided it was time to talk to Marian. It was in the dark of night that they met. Robin made sure that they were far away from the Outlaw camp. He did such so as not to raise suspicion of anyone, friend or foe.

"Marian, what happened between you and Alexandria d'Auvergne?"

"She threatened to kill me if I were to betray Gisborne." Marian was furious.

"How did she look?"

"Like any other woman."

"She is unlike any woman. Think. Her clothing, demeanor, anything you can think of."

"She was well dressed, but barefoot. It surprised me. She was extremely calm, but more than that she appeared content. Perhaps even happy? I'm not for certain."

"What of jewelry?"

"A simple necklace. Oh! There was a large ring on her finger. It was quite beautiful, amethysts I believe."

"Which finger?"

"It-It-It looked like a betrothal ring." Marian was surprised once she realized what it was.

"That was the ring that Gisborne gave her just months before her father took Alex to France. They loved each other a great deal. I was a bit younger than them so I thought it was disgusting." He smirked.

"She had mentioned that she had known both you and Gisborne since childhood."

"You were young Marian, perhaps too young to remember her. She could go from a Lady to girl quickly. Her mother wanted her to live a life like none other. So, Alex was permitted more freedom than most girls her age. Some would have even considered Alexandria a bit wild. Perhaps too wild at times. Yet, she could immediately become the dutiful daughter when it was expected of her. If you didn't see the glint in her eyes, you would have thought she was two different people. Alex was intelligent but more than that she was unique. She could best me with a bow and outride anyone. Even the knights. Still can from what I have seen."

"I only vaguely remember when she left now that you speak of her in that way. Was Alexandria d'Auvergne truly a knight?"

"Yes. A fine one at that. Only a handful of people ever knew that Alex was actually Alexandria. When King Richard found out, we were worried for her. She didn't realize I had a glimpse of her. I said nothing to anyone about her identity, not even Much. Our King could have slaughtered her on the spot. He didn't. When he was to punish her, Alex stood as a man would. She was willing to die for King Richard. Her loyalty and the loyalty of her men to him was rewarded." Robin stroked his chin. "King Richard valued her and he was willing to keep her secret. It was a strange moment."

"You like her!"

"Of course, as a Lady or a Knight Alex is strong, honest and loyal."

"It's more than that....." Marian's tone grew cold.

"I like her but you I love sweet Marian. Did a messenger come while you two were speaking?"

"Perhaps? I know someone came in but I believe they went upstairs."

Robin smacked a fist to his palm. "That's it. They know she was there."

"Who?"

"Vaisey and Prince John."

Marian shook her head. "What does that have to do with anything Robin?"

"You understand that Prince John has some....." Robin searched for the words. "....particular tastes yes?"

"It is the worst kept secret in all of England, yes."

"Ride home quickly Marian. I must go."

It was moments later that Robin walked through the front door of what once was his home, now the home of Guy of Gisborne.

Gisborne was sitting before the fire, drunk, when Robin Hood walked into the room. Gisborne looked over at him and returned his eyes to the fire.

"If you are coming here to kill me then get it over with Hood."

"I'm not here to kill you Gisborne."

"Can't even do me that favor?" He laughed bitterly.

"I thought you might want this back." Robin placed Alex's ring on the arm of Gisborne's chair.

Gisborne took the ring into his hand and nodded. "My thanks."

"You tried to protect her Gisborne."

"I did. My only hope is that she understands that in time."

"You should have warned her."

"She would have stayed and tried to fight. You know how she is. How she has always been."

"Listen to me Gisborne and listen well. She has a price on her head now. Prince John will find her. When he does? Who knows how long he will torture her for before he takes her and kills her? Alexandria d'Auvergne is in grave danger. Your days are limited as it is. You won't live to see the nuptials with Marian, even if you wished to. Once Vaisey and Prince John know you let her escape, you will be put to death too. So now what is more important to you, money and lands or the woman you have loved for a very long time?"

Gisborne placed his face in his hands. "I hurt her. I hurt the love of my life terribly. I had to keep her away from here. She is safe with her fellow knights. I sent word to the Slayers of Acre to help protect her as well."

"Why the Slayers?"

"They were the men that fought with her brother. Between the two, she should be safe."

"Gisborne?" Robin Hood touched the other man's shoulder. "What happened here between you two?"

"I lied to her. I physically hurt her. She will never return and if it means that she will live for one more day, I would do it all over again." Gisborne turned to face his enemy. "I'm not a good man. But my Alexandria? I was in her eyes, until today."

"She still loves you Gisborne."

"Why?"

"I don't know. She refused to remove the threat she made to Marian. She told me because while she may hate you right now, she will love you always."

"You saw her?"

"Yes."

"How was she?" Gisborne felt his heart breaking even further.

"She was Alex." His smile was wry.

"I was horrible to her. I was horrible to the one woman that mattered to me. If you could have seen what I did to her Hood, you would kill me yourself. The only reason I haven't killed myself is to give the Sherriff to have someone to torture before he tries to find her. That will give her a chance to get to her knights."

"Sorry to have to do this to you Gisborne."

Before Sir Guy of Gisborne had a chance to speak, Robin of Locksley knocked him unconscious.