is anyone else having thoughts bc of the gif

*****

Much ran through Sherwood Forest, and he didn't stop. Lucky for him, his friends were coming his way. "Wait!" he called.

"What?" Robin asked.

Much took a minute to catch his breath. "Prince John and his soldiers have made camp down there," he informed, pointing down the way he just came.

"What?" Robin exclaimed. "How many men has he got?"

"Thousands."

"No," John breathed.

"Hundreds."

"Much," groaned Kate.

Much threw his hands up in the air. "I didn't stop and actually count them. Can't actually count." He mumbled the last bit.

Horses neighed, and Robin saw two soldiers of Prince John riding down the way Much just came from. "Run! Run!"

The outlaws ran fast, and thankfully Prince John's men didn't see them. They made it to the outlaws' camp, where Robin took off his brown leather jacket and Tuck made a model made of sand and twigs. Markings were carved in as trails, a rock representing the outlaw camp. They all stood around it.

"What are they doing in the forest?" Allan asked.

"Well, it's obvious, isn't it?"

"Yeah, all right."

Robin rolled his eyes and started to plan. "When they break camp, they'll use the North Road to get to Nottingham."

"Why is he coming?" John wanted to know.

"He's visiting all the nobles throughout England to grease their palms," Tuck said, confusing everyone.

"He's trying to buy their loyalty," Robin translated, and everyone nodded. "He's trying to do it before King Richard returns, isn't he?"

Allan frowned. "What, he thinks it can be bought?" he asked, earning an "are you kidding me?" look from Robin.

"He knows it can," Tuck told him. "He's buying the noble's and their men to seize the throne so that King Richard returns to King John's England."   

"Every noble he buys will bring us closer to civil war," Robin thought out loud, topping off Tuck's statement. "And a war between Prince John and King Richard..." Robin threw his hands in the air and let out a breath, "it'll tear this country apart."

"If he's going to buy them, he'll be carrying gold," John mused.

Everyone turned to John. "More than a little," Tuck added.

Kate chuckled and grinned. Robin shrugged and let out a little breath, his lips twitching into a smile. "Well, we can stop him from stealing the crown by stealing his gold."

Everyone chuckled now. "This is mad," pointed out Allan with a grin.

"Yes, it is," Joh agreed. "Utterly mad!"

"He'll have a small army with him," Tuck said with a shrug.

"Right." Robin approached the model and kneeled. "Our only advantage is surprise. The best place to mount an attack is here." He dug his knife on a spot on the model. "Outside Locksley, so you're going to have to find more men," he told Kate.

She grinned. "Let's do it."

*****

Vaisey walked mindlessly in the tunnel below Nottingham Castle.

"Gisborne?" he called.

Guy walked out from behind a pillar and cautiously made his way to the Sherriff. His back was turned, so Guy could easily kill him with one strike. Reaching for the back of his weapons belt, his fingers gripped the hilt of his knife. He was about to draw his weapon out, but Vaisey spun around.

Vaisey put on a fake smile. "Gisborne," he greeted, looking him up and down.

Guy put on that same smile. "My lord."

"You're here. I've been looking for you," Vaisey commented.

Guy casually removed his hand from his back. Vaisey watched him carefully.

"I've, uh, been thinking about our relationship," he said, walking around Guy, he of which also spun around so Vaisey was facing him. "We should work on it. It's been a little strained in the past, I admit."

Guy nodded his head and crossed his arms.

"But in the light of Prince John's visit, well, I think unity is the best way forward."

Guy nodded his head and followed Vaisey, rolling his eyes and sneering behind his back.

"Unity between you and me, hmm?" Vaisey said as they walked. "Linda would be happy to hear that, us standing strong, together, don't you think?"

They stopped, and once again, Guy nodded his head. Vaisey did, too, and walked forwards to the door, Guy following. "The past is the past. We should leave it behind us. " Vaisey murmured, turning around right when Guy was about to draw his knife and kill him. "The man is a tyrant, Gisborne. We both know that. And he's dangerous. The only way we're going to survive is... unity."

The Sheriff spread his hands out for a hug. Guy faked a smile and spread out his arms as well. The Sheriff chuckled and embraced Guy. For a third time, Guy reached for his knife and pulled it out. However, it just so happened that the door open, Linda and Isabella entered, chatting and laughing like two little girls. Guy hid the knife behind his back, not wanting either woman to see his weapon. Isabella's eyes widened and she smirked. "I hope I'm not interrupting."

Linda laughed. "We're more like witnessing an once-in-a-lifetime experience," she snickered. "Please continue to amuse us."

Vaisey shook his head at them and awkwardly stepped out of the embrace. "No. No, not at all," he said nonchalantly to Isabella. "Me and your brother, her boyfriend---"

"Oi!" Linda exclaimed, her face bright red.

"We were just having a nice, little, philosophical chat," Vaisey finished, glancing at Guy.

"Yeah, about the past. And the future," Guy added, smirking at Linda. She groaned quietly and rolled her eyes.

Men.

Isabella had to refrain from chuckling. "You wanted to see me?" she asked instead.

"Yes, yes. You've been invited to the nobles' supper tomorrow evening with Prince John---"

"WHAT?!" Linda cried.

Vaisey shot her look and returned his attention to Isabella. "So try to make yourself a little entertaining." His eyes slowly looked up to meet Guy's eyes. "Unity." He looked back to Linda. "Come with me."

With a moan, Linda followed her father. They exited the tunnel and the main room and walked down the corridors. It was then where she decided to ramble. "Prince John, THE Prince John is coming? Here? And since you're so nice, you thought it best not to tell me ahead of time?"

"Yes."

"How long is he staying?"

"About three or more days, give or take."

She groaned. "Well, thanks for notifying me last minute, because now my mind is practically reeling. Do you know the stuff that is going in my head? The nightmares he's caused me and---"

Vaisey suddenly stopped and turned sharply. Linda sucked in a breath and stayed quiet. "You're nervous, aren't you?" he asked finally.

"More than that," she whispered, rubbing her shoulders. "You know how uncomfortable I feel. It brings back memories... the horrible memories." She sighed and shook her head. "What do I do, now that he's coming? I certainly cannot act as myself, or else he'll feel obligated to behead me." Linda sliced her fingers across her throat in a beheading motion. "He's a tyrant."

Vaisey smirked. "Wrong. You will act as yourself, but with more... smiles. Please him. Everyone likes a fiery soul, after all." Vaisey placed his hands on her shoulders. "Can you do that?"

Linda let out a shaky breath and nodded. The Sheriff smiled and bobbed his head up and down. "Good," he said quietly. Noticing that her hands were trembling and her eyes were watering, he frowned. "Come here."

Linda let out a soft cry as she entered Vaisey's embrace. She encircled her arms around his neck, sobbing softly on his shoulder. Vaisey—who was showing a surprising amount of decency and tenderness and caring nature--patted her back and soothed her, telling her that everything was going to be okay.

"I love you, Father," she said quietly.

"I know," he responded. "As do I."

[a/n: why am I getting teary eyed. why is this happening. HOW is this happening? anyone else confused to why they are having these emotions if they are at all?]

Linda sniffled and wiped her eyes, breathing in deeply to calm herself. The Sheriff patted her cheek. "Run along," he told her. "He arrived soon."

With a bow of her head, she skipped off, looking over her shoulder one last time before disappearing. Vaisey sighed and continued to walk along the corridors, a million and one thoughts addling his brain.

*****

With having collected so many willing men from Locksley, Robin knew that his plan would work. They were waiting in both sides of the forest, behind the trees and bushes that grew on the North Road. As Robin foresaw, a carriage and guards were riding on the path to their way to Nottingham. With a nod of his head to the others on his side, Robin stepped out from behind his tree and fired an arrow. The peasants shouted and charged into battle, the outlaws right behind them. John stuck his staff in the wheel so the carriage could not escape, punching a soldier after words. Though the soldiers were well coordinated and trained, they could not beat the peasants, for they had determination. The outlaws finished off the rest of the troops, and the boys arrived at the carriage. Robin poked his head through the window and saw a man with yellow-green robes, pale skin and black curly hair sitting there.

"Hello," he greeted nervously.

"Good God, we've captured Prince John," Much breathed in triumph.

Robin swung the door open and pulled the man out. "Come here!"

Tuck ran next to Robin and took hold of the supposed Prince John, he of which was holding up his hands in surrender. "I'd be very grateful if you might spare my life."

John, Allan and Much carried out a large wooden crate. "Gold," John murmured. "This has to be the gold!" Using his staff, he pried it open. There was no gold, but large stones. "Nothing. Absolutely nothing!"

"Well, Prince John is a coward," Robin scoffed. "If this were Prince John, his soldiers wouldn't desert him; he'd try and buy our allegiance. This is his double!"

Everyone groaned. Much looked around. "Where's Kate?" Looking far back, he saw that she was lying on the ground, clutching her stomach. "Kate!" Much cried, and he and Allan sprinted over, the others not far behind. Much put her head in his lap. "Kate. Kate. Kate."

She was pale and breathing was a struggle. A dagger was in her stomach, and it was deep, too. "I'll be all right," she whimpered. Her eyes closed and her body became limp as she fell unconscious.

"Kate?" Allan said loudly, trying to keep her awake. "Kate?" When she did not respond, Much and Allan gave each other grave looks.

The others ran over led by Tuck and Robin. Tuck sat down and Robin stood his hands on his knees. "Lay her down. Go on, give her some space," he commanded, and Much set her down on the dirt, him and Allan moving back and standing up. Tuck put on a thoughtful face.

"What is it?" Robin asked.

"If I remove it, the bleeding could kill her," Tuck explained. "It could cause more damage." He turned to Much and Allan. "I need the bark of an elm tree and some nettles to grind. Go. Please."

The two nodded and ran off. The double tilted his head to the side and walked over. "A poultice," he guessed correctly. "Quite effective. Draws out the evils while keeping the wound clean." The double sat down next to Kate and pulled the knife out of her body.

"What are you doing?" Tuck practically screeched.

"To leave it in would kill her," the double explained and started putting pressure on the wound. "I shall will the blood the blood back into her body while you prepare the poultice, and we'll need to rebalance her humors."

"Who are you?" Robin asked with suspicion.

"Benjamin Palmer, physician to Prince John," he answered. He looked up when there was silence. "But neither his supporter nor his apologist."

The two outlaws came back with Tuck's things. Thanking them, Tuck started to create the poultice. Once he was finished creating the medicine for her wound, Tuck got to work, Benjamin seated next to him. Robin took off his leather jacket and sat down as well as with Much. Allan and John stayed standing.

"Two soldiers reported seeing assassins in the forest," Benjamin piped up as Tuck carefully wrapped up Kate's wound. "The prince needed a double. He could not cancel his dinner with the Council of Nobles tomorrow, and there was no one else. I could have refused, but I'd have been beheaded." Robin and Benjamin chuckled. "Mind you, my predecessor was beheaded because he could not find a case of scrofula."

"And what's scrofula?"

"It's a very rare disease," Tuck answered.

"So rare I can't find a case of it either."

"Legend has it that it can only be cured by the touch of a king."

"So why would he want to find a case of it then?"

"Prince John's obsessed with it," Benjamin answered.

"He once saw his father, Henry, successfully cure a child with scrofula."

Allan pointed a finger at Tuck thoughtfully. "My father told me that when I was a kid," he mused.

John nodded. "I heard it as well."

"Prince John brought me with him hoping I might have a case of scrofula to cure, like his father did, to prove that he's the rightful King of England, not his brother, Richard," Benjamin explained, and Robin nodded his head. "Of course, there's no absolute evidence that a king's touch cures anything." Benjamin suddenly paled. "But as I'd like to keep my head, I-I-I'll not be the one to tell him that."

Kate's eyes opened and she blinked a couple times, her face pale as a ghost. "Can I have some water, please?"

Robin nodded and was about to pull out his tube of water, but Much decided to speak up and be the hero. "I'll get it," he said and shot up from the ground.

"I'll go." Allan quickly followed and ran off.

Robin opened his mouth to speak and looked back, but closed it and shook his head after knowing that his reasoning was useless. Going next to Kate, pulled out his water and put it against her lips. "There you go," he soothed as she drank from the bottle. "You're all right."

Kate gulped down one last drink of water before sighing quietly. "Thank you."

Robin smiled down at her. Much and Allan came back, but was annoyed when they found out that they were too late. John volunteered to stay with Kate and Tuck helped out the peasants with the horses as the other three and Benjamin walked down the North Road. "Thank you for helping save Kate's life," Robin said gratefully. "You're free to go."

"Yes, I'm really grateful," said Allan with a smile.

"Very grateful," added Much.

"Thank you all. Thank you for not killing me," Benjamin said, equally as grateful as the others.

"So, will you go back to Prince John?" Robin asked.

Benjamin shrugged. "I suppose I should."

"Right." Robin turned to his friends. "Tie him up."

Benjamin paled. Oh, no...

*****

The endless cheering was enough to make Linda want to lock herself in her room and scream. Petals were being tossed into the streets and the citizens were waving yellow and red flags as the prince road in his carriage led by three guards. Vaisey, Linda, Guy and Isabella walked out of the castle, waiting at the front. Linda had decided to change into a pretty but somewhat tight white dress that still allowed her to move freely but at the same time made her feel constructed — perhaps because of the prince. Her breath became unstable and fast as the prince neared, her palms becoming sweaty. Guy placed a hand on her shoulder from behind, calming her instantly.

Funny how one's touch could be so affective.

Prince John entered the castle gates, frowning when he saw the Sheriff. His carriage parked and he stepped off.

"Welcome to Nottingham, your highness," Vaisey greeted with a bow when he approached him.

"You're still alive," Prince John mused with disappointment.

"Yes. Of course."

"How surprising." He shot a look to Guy, who paled slightly. "I don't particularly like surprises." He looked to Linda. "Ah, the child."

Linda faked a smile and did a curtsey. "Sire." Even that word was a struggle.

"No, no. Rise, Linda," Prince John said merrily. "You've certainly matured. You're not that trouble-making child that I saw so many years ago. Like your mother." Prince John sighed. "Yes, she was a rebel. Do you remember? Sending out messages to my brother about me, and you knew all along. Yet you didn't tell me. Shame your mother had to suffer the consequences. Do you remember the look of terror on her face when she found out I knew? Then how it changed so quickly to steel when my soldiers dragged her out to the chopping block and... you know the rest." Prince John mockingly sliced his fingers across his neck.

Linda felt weak and her knees wobbled. Yes, she remembered, for it was it was only the two women at the time because Vaisey was on a business trip. It was Caralinda that made Linda want to rebel in the first place. She was only twelve at the time, yet she still was obedient to her mother. And a good listener, too. Linda remembered all the stories about the horrible things that Prince John had done, and Caralinda had decided to tell Richard everything, swearing her allegiance to him. Linda offered to give the letters to the messenger, and after many minutes of persuasion, her mother agreed.

For a whole month their little scheme worked, but there are spies that will look to betray you any second. Linda was about to deliver yet another note when she was caught. She was picked up and carried to the execution area, where she saw her mother about to be beheaded. Linda remembered screaming and begging Prince John to spare her life, but John simply refused. Linda was forced to watch as her mother was killed right in front of her face. Although Caralinda might have gotten the terrible consequence, Linda got it worse. Now she was practically convinced that it was her fault most of the time, and with Prince John spelling out the scene, she felt as is a knife was being stabbed into her heart, killing it instantly.

Prince John—knowing that he had gotten her just like the sly devil intended to—stepped around Linda and stopped at Isabella. "What's your name?"

"Isabella," she answered sweetly.

Prince John looked her up and down and smiled. "Lovely." He put to fingers under her chin. "Italian or Spanish?"

"Which do you prefer?" Isabella asked him, batting her big blue eyes.

Prince John chuckled and Isabella laughed. Linda gagged, Vaisey frowned, and Guy remained pale. Hooves clopped from behind them, and they all turned to see Prince John's physician tied up on the horse. The guards untied him and he walked around blindly, a sack on his head. Ripping it off, he blinked repeatedly. Guy and Linda exchanged a confused look.

Outlaws, she thought. Robin Hood, you little bugger.

"Speak," ordered Prince John.

"Congratulations," the physician—Linda believed it to be Benjamin Palmer—said breathlessly with a smile. "We were ambushed, not you. Y-Your plan worked, your highness. Your brilliance is unsurpassed."

"Since when did he think of plans? And what brilliance?" Linda whispered quietly to Isabella, causing her to smirk and cover her mouth to keep from laughing.

"Who attacked you?"

"Robin Hood."

Prince John closed his eyes and gritted his teeth. Guy looked to the floor and balled his fist. Linda frowned, clearly confused. Prince John bounded up the stairs and called Guy to his side. Putting his hand on Linda's shoulder in comfort, he went to Prince John's side. Vaisey and Linda looked at one another.

"Prove your loyalty to me," hissed Prince John as they went up the stairs. "Rid me of him."

*****

Linda was walking the corridor near the tunnel when someone suddenly grabbed her and pulled her behind a pillar, clamping her mouth shut with his palm. Linda froze her squeezed her eyes shut. She was surprised when nothing happened and the hand was removed.

"Good, you didn't scream." It was Guy.

Linda groaned quietly and swatted his arm. "Why did you do that? You know, I thought I was being—"

"Shh, shh." Guy put a finger to his lips and peered out from behind the pillar. A door closed softly, and Guy growled. Not saying a word, Guy made his way to the door that entered the tunnel. Frowning, Linda followed him curiously. Guy carefully opened the door and slipped inside, Linda following. When she saw Vaisey headed for the door to enter a room, she gasped quietly. Upon hearing that noise, Vaisey whipped around. Guy was quick to grab her and squeeze behind another pillar. Vaisey entered the room and closed the door. Guy walked to a wall and put his ear on it. Linda was confused as ever now.

"What are you doing?" she hissed.

"Listening," was his reply. He gave her a look. "You know you want to find out what they are talking about."

"'They?'" she repeated, and put her ear on the wall.

The first noise she heard was a sword unsheathing, and her breath caught her throat. Her heart nearly stopped when she heard John's voice asking, "Do you love me, Sheriff?"

Feet shuffled, and Linda imagined that Vaisey was walking forward. "With all my heart, sire."

Prince John must've been sitting, because a chair squeaked as it moved back. "Would you give your life for me?"

"My life? Is that all? Of course," answered the Sheriff.

"Would you take a life for me?"

"Even easier to answer." He didn't miss a beat.

There was a pause. "Gisborne has so disappointed me."

Guy and Linda stared at each other, jaws dropped. Linda gave him a look, and Guy shrugged honestly. They pressed their ears further into the wall to listen.

"Disappointed us both, sire."

"Obedience, loyalty, love. Is it too much to ask?" whined Prince John. "A king needs all three. Who's more loyal to me, Sheriff? You or Gisborne?"

"Of course I am sire," Vaisey answered quickly again. "My loyalty is infinite."

"Good. Rid me of Gisborne, Sheriff. Quickly, discreetly. We don't want to disturb our noble guests with this messy business. Kill him for me, Sheriff."

There was a pause. "A privilege, sire."

Linda almost fainted at those words. Guy and Linda stared at each other for a long time until the door opened again. Prince John stepped out, Vaisey right behind him. Prince John glared at Linda and Guy before walking off. Guy paled and looked at the Sheriff, his pale expression now replaced by darkness. Linda stared at her father in disbelief as he followed the prince.

"Guy..." Her voice broke.

Guy glanced at her before walking away, his eyes staring at the ground.

*****

Usually, big meals are supposed to be lively and fun. This meal was lively... but not at all fun. Them and a couple of others all ate in the main room, a long table out. Linda was seated between Benjamin and Isabella, Prince John at the head, not talking much. In fact, no one was really talking. Music was playing, and servant boys were handing out food. Linda smiled weakly at the boy when dried cranberries were given to her.

Prince John seemed bored as he rested his arm on the arm of his chair, his chin in his hands. "And where were you attacked?"

"Near a village," Benjamin answered.

"Locksley village," the Sheriff said.

Benjamin nodded. "We fought courageously, but we were dreadfully outnumbered."

"No doubt the villagers helped the outlaws," Vaisey said again, watching suspiciously as Guy handed a dried cranberry to a servant boy to try out. When there was nothing wrong, Guy waved the boy away.

"And eventually, I was captured."

"By Robin Hood himself," grumbled the prince.

"Or so he said," Vaisey said again. "I mean, we've all been proved wrong in the past. Haven't we, Gisborne?"

Linda coughed, shooting daggers at her father from across the table.

"But this time, Robin Hood was fooled," the prince wondered aloud.

"Yes, your highness."

Prince John chuckled. "Excellent." He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "And was he angry that I'd made such a fool of him?"

"Oh, I'm sure he was very angry, Prince John," Linda said with a fake smile, trying to hide the sarcasm that wanted to show.

He chuckled again. "And did he curse us?"

"Fulsomely," Benjamin answered with a grin.

"Wonderful!" Prince John darted up from his seat and walked around the table, leaning against Benjamin's chair. Guy was looking at the prince, so he didn't notice when Vaisey swiped the bowls.

"And what did he say?" Prince John asked.

Benjamin's smile faded. "Oh, I – I-I couldn't, your highness."

"Oh, please, tell me exactly what he said," the prince pushed.

"But, your highness..."

"Do you not love me?"

Uh... no.

Benjamin smiled nervously. "Of course."

"Well, then say!" There was a threatening glint in his eye that said a million words as he grinned widely.

Benjamin took a breath and paused before answering. "He called you a coward," he said slowly. "He said only a coward would have a double."

Silence. The music stopped playing, and everyone's jaw dropped. Guy was about to take a sip of his drink, but stopped, a look of disbelief on his face. Isabella stared at Benjamin, he of which was growing paler by the minuet. The Sheriff and his daughter shared a look and stared at the prince. John's grin faded and was replaced by a nasty sneer.

"Arrest him," he ordered as he walked back to his seat.

Vaisey didn't seem bothered at all. "With pleasure," he said. "And what shall I charge him with?"

The prince slumped back in his seat. "Impersonating the Prince Regent," he spat like it was such a big deal.

Linda was about to speak up, telling John that it was his idea to have a backup and he couldn't arrest the man for following his command, but the hurtful pinch from Isabella made her mind change quickly. So she just watched as the guards dragged Benjamin out.

"If it makes any difference, sire, I didn't agree with him," Benjamin defended one last time before disappearing. Right when he left, the music piped up again and everyone returned to what they were doing.

Prince John put his face in his hand before snapping his head up curiously. "Where is this village of Locksley?" he pondered aloud once more. "I want to see it."

*****

The next day, it was decided that Prince John would to Locksley, and the whole town was actually in the middle of a wedding celebration. Food was being cooked and people were chatting endlessly while setting up. Linda rode on Richie next to Guy as they trotted to Locksley. She would glance at him worriedly every now and then, only to see Guy with a steely look and a dark glimmer in his eye. She didn't speak to him, not wanting to disturb him at all. Yet it bothered her that Guy was basically ignoring her. What did she do? Why was Guy doing this? There were so many things she wanted to know from him, but she decided to be fair and leave him be.

Prince John was in his carriage, staring at the villagers from afar. "These villagers helped attack me?" he questioned as they neared. "Why? They look so lovely."

Linda rolled her eyes as they all came to a stop. But then she saw someone—or rather people—and her breath caught her throat. Three people were in the crowd, clapping and laughing as the pig was carried near the church. Or at least those were the older ones; the younger boy seemed to be bored. As if sensing a presence, the boy frowned and looked up. When he saw Linda, his face lit up and he pushed past everyone, the older boy calling his name. His brown hair bobbed up and down as he ran, his bangs covering his face. His bright brown eyes shined with water, his smile still as big as she remembered when she first met him. Linda got off her horse and started running, despite that Prince John was calling her name. Tears clouded her vision as she neared the boy. When she reached him, she picked him up and spun him in the air, hugging him tightly.

"Oh, Billy!" she cried. "You're okay, I've got you. I've got you."

Billy started sobbing/laughing on Linda's shoulder, his little arms wrapped tightly around her neck. Meg and Tim ran over, tackling Linda into a bear hug. Linda couldn't help but chuckle as the family embraced her as a whole. Slowly Tim and Meg backed off to give her air, but Billy refused to be put back down on the ground. Linda sighed as a sudden guilt welled up in the pit of her stomach.

"I am so sorry," she whispered. "I didn't mean for what happened to happen. He didn't deserve such a fate."

Meg and Tim nodded in understanding, sadness weighing up in the both of them at the reminder of their father's death. But Billy—being just a boy and not knowing or understanding much—just played with her hair and twirled the brown locks around his fingers. He nodded his head up and down, though he had no idea what she was talking about. Linda smiled softly at the boy she was holding, until she felt eyes piercing through her skull. Frowning, she looked up to see a man staring at her, fists clenched and eye brows knitted. Linda shifted uneasily.

"Why is that man looking at me like he wants to punch me? Or worse?" she asked with a shudder.

Meg and Tim turned, Billy moaning discomfort and burying his face in the crook of Linda's neck. Meg balled her fists and growled. The man's mouth curled into a sneer as he looked on. Tim made a face. "He's our... god father," he explained. "He's not the best person to be around with. Ever since Papa..." Tim's mind reeled as he struggled to say something, not wanting to alarm his little brother. "Passed," he said instead, "he's been watching over us. And he's not very good at it. He always yells and scares Billy. He's a drunkard, and Meg and I always have to provide for everyone, when really he's supposed to be doing that for us. I guess it's his way of mourning. He hates you and Gisborne with all of his heart, and he'll be singing to the heavens once you two die."

"Sounds terrible," Linda commented with a grimace.

"He's like a hawk! He never gives me peace. Every second he's babbling about how I need to find a husband, blah, blah, blah," Meg complained. "So far, two men have tried to take my hand."

"And you 'respectfully' declined," Tim snickered.

Meg swatted his arm. "Needless to say, I don't like him."

"You don't like men period, Meg," Linda pointed out.

Meg's eyebrows furrowed. "Especially not that one." She pointed from behind Linda, and she turned. Linda grimaced when she saw Prince John and Isabella walking down the aisle, obviously deep in conversation. Billy asked to be set down, and once he was on the floor, he pulled out a flower from his shirt pocket and pulled Linda over. Shaking her head with a smile, she let the little boy drag her to the prince. When they arrived, Billy handed the flower to Prince John and hugged Linda's leg, shy all of a sudden.

"Hello, young man," Prince John greeted, and took the flower. "Ah, thank you."

"What do you say, Billy?" Linda asked to the child.

Billy smiled shyly. "You're welcome," he murmured.

Linda giggled. "Go back to your siblings. Go on."

Billy grinned and bobbed his head up and down, running back to Tim and Meg quickly. Prince John and Isabella walked around Linda, striding toward the big throng of people.

"Would his highness give us his blessing?" asked an old man, gesturing to the couple.

"They would be honored if you would bless the bride and groom," Isabella added sweetly.

Prince John smiled sourly. "Of course."

Isabella grinned. Prince John walked around the two ladies and made his way to the young couple. Isabella and Linda looked back to see Guy glaring at the two of them darkly. Isabella gave him a sly grin; Linda waved and chuckled at his angry mood, pulling Isabella along.

"Ah, are you the bride and groom?" Prince John asked the couple at the altar.

"Yes, sir. Yes, your highness," they said in unison, bowing.

"I wish you prosperity and happiness," Prince John said, waving his hand over their heads.

"Thank you, sir," said the groom.

Prince John spread his hands out and said to the people, "And I'm so glad I could bring you sun today."

Everyone laughed. Prince John walked back to his carriage, Isabella following him. Linda was about to go with them, but the bride called her over. "My lady?" she called, and Linda went their way. "We would be honored to have you as a guest in our wedding. Would you care to participate?"

Linda tilted her head to the side and looked back. Prince John and Isabella were still walking to their horses, and Guy and her father seemed to be a conversation of some sort. She doubted she would be missed, so she smiled at the couple and nodded her head. The bride beamed. The people went inside the church, Linda following. Bells chimed as they all entered the church, the peasants waving one last time to Prince John. Prince John waved back, a ghost of a smile on his lips. The bride and groom went inside the church, Linda close behind. When she got in, she leaned on the doorway and made sure everyone was in before closing the doors. The ceremony started, and everyone took their place.

But then Linda heard a command being yelled, and multiple horses neighing. Hooves pounded on the ground near the church, and Linda put her ear on the door. When she heard something latch, her eyes widened. She tried pounding it open with her fists, but the door was barricaded. Everyone seemed to notice, because everyone started to murmur, then scream as fire erupted, and smoke clouded the room.

*****

Guy was honestly bored. Riding to Locksley was torture enough, for he didn't want to go to that miserable little village. But, nonetheless, Guy agreed... mainly because he had to. If he didn't, then Guy would be resting and trying to figure out a way to get rid of Vaisey like the prince asked so he wouldn't be killed himself. He rode in between Linda and the Sheriff silently, keeping his eyes trained on the road before him. From his peripheral vision, he would notice Linda glancing at him worriedly every now and then, but would say nothing. Guy would never return the glance; for his mind reeled over the conversation he had heard between Vaisey and the prince. Things were about to get messy and dangerous, and the last thing Guy wanted was for her to be caught in the middle. He especially didn't want her finding out that he was assigned to kill her father; if she did then it would crush her. So he decided to keep his distance and practically ignore her presence, as hard as it was.

So they rode on, the little village finally coming into view. People seemed to be busy with something... a celebration. Guy wasn't one for celebrating, he never has been. Not now, anyways, those days were long gone sadly enough.

Prince John frowned and rested his chin in his hands. "These villagers helped attack me?" he questioned. "Why? They look so lovely."

They all came to a stop. Suddenly, Linda's face became slack, and like a ghost she got off her horse and started running toward the town.

"Linda!" exclaimed the prince, but Linda ignored him.

Guy saw a little boy run straight into her arms, then a girl and a boy came running over and tackled her into a bear hug. It dawned on him that this was the family that had Linda's pouch about three or more weeks ago. But if she knew them, then how...

Guilt welled up in Guy's stomach as he sighed. The man he had killed was an innocent, and he was their father. He had lied to save Linda's skin. So that meant that Robin didn't kill her. But why would the man do that? Why would he lie for her? Did she ask him to do this? Did she give him that pack? He made a mental note to ask Linda about that family when everything was over. Isabella's words snapped him back to reality.

"It looks like a wedding," she chimed.

"I love weddings," Prince John answered merrily. He stood. "I shall speak with them. You'll join me?"

Isabella smiled and got off her horse. Prince John exited his carriage and looked from Vaisey to Guy before walking off. Isabella looked at her brother, a dark look in his eye. He watched as the prince and his sister walked down the aisle, their arms touching. It made him want to gag. Then his eyes wandered to see the little boy dragging Linda with him, a smile on her face. The boy handed a flower to the prince before hiding behind Linda's legs. Her grin only grew. She spoke to him and the boy grinned and ran off to his siblings. Vaisey grimaced.

"I honestly hope she doesn't have children," he said is disgust.

Guy frowned and looked at the Sheriff questioningly. He shrugged. "She's too soft and gentle and... nice. I'm not one to be scared of things, but the one thing that drives me up the wall is... niceness." He shuddered.

Guy sneered and balled his fists. He disagreed completely.

[a/n: gee wonder why]

Guy turned his head and looked to the little village. Prince John maneuvered his way around Linda and walked to the bride and groom. Isabella looked back at her brother, smiling slyly. Guy gripped the reigns tightly and gave her a dark look. Linda looked over her shoulder and waved, and he had a feeling she was laughing at him. Then she pulled Isabella along. Guy's face automatically softened as soon as Linda looked at him. Vaisey noticed and stared at him bewildered.

"What the hell, man? Did you seriously just let your guard down because of a woman?" he exclaimed.

Guy rolled his eyes and glared at him.

"Humanity is weakness, Gisborne," said the Sheriff. "If you're human, you're weak. As someone I knew said once, the world is hard on little people. Though, that was before an arrow pierced his heart and his son watched him die. Huh. Tragic loss. But it's not like anyone liked him, really, like no one likes you. Or me, for that matter." The Sheriff chuckled amusingly. "The joys of being hated."

Guy sighed and noticed that the prince and Isabella were walking back. The Sheriff and Guy watched as Prince John entered his carriage and watched the peasants enter the church. Isabella saddled her horse and looked at the prince proudly. Prince John waved to the peasants.

"Wait until they're all inside the church and then burn it to the ground," he commanded with another wave to the peasants.

Isabella's proud look faded and panic flooded on her face. The last of the peasants went inside the church, and the door closed. "Burn it!" he cried, and a guard from behind Guy reared his horse into action, followed by multiple others. They held a torch rod, and they dipped the top of it in the fire that was being used to cook the pig, then they threw it at the church, thus making it catch on fire. Two guards on the ground used a wooden stick to barricade the door, using their own torches to light the church on fire. Prince John smiled evilly as the peasants shouted.

Then, Guy heard the unmistakable sound of a woman's voice over everyone's, and the color on his face drained. Everyone seemed to stop shouting, and the woman spoke in a commanding tone. Feet shuffled, and the church door was pounded on with great force. Then again. The door pounded one last time, and people came running out. The peasant's faces were black from all the ash and soot, but there was one who stood out.

"You're being punished for you intolerable disloyalty to me!" screamed Prince John. "For harboring and assisting Robin Hood and his outlaws! And may God forgive you!"

"Shut up and go suck an egg, John!" screamed another voice... a female voice.

She stepped out in front of everyone, a look of rage on her face. Her green eyes flashed with anger, and her hand was closed around her dagger hilt, that of which she was holding out to him from afar. Her white blouse was not stained very much with ash, much like her hair and a little bit of her face. Prince John and Vaisey gasped, while Guy only let his jaw drop.

It was Linda.

*****

Linda pushed the door with all her might, but it wouldn't budge. Growling, she pulled out her dagger from her boot and tried to cut the wood, but the smoke was thick and she couldn't see anything. The peasants starting panicking and shouting in fear, clutching one another tightly for comfort, for the flames that licked the sides of the church grew stronger and hotter, and the ash grew heavy, making it hard to breathe. She couldn't take it anymore.

"Enough!" she yelled loudly, whirling around. "The more you panic, the worse it's going to be. Now, believe me when I tell you that I do not understand why Prince John is doing this, but I can tell you that I can help us escape. Robin and the others will hopefully be here soon, but for now you have to listen to me. I need the strongest men to form a line with me." Ten men—seven teenagers and three middle-aged—formed a line with her. "When I say 'go', we're all going to charge at the door and try to bust it open. One, two, three, GO!"

All eleven of them rammed their shoulders into the door, but there was no such luck. Linda growled and made them reform the line.

"One, two, three, GO!"

Once again, they all rammed into the door. This time, she heard something snap. The barricade was breaking. Breathing heavily, she ordered them to make the line once more.

"This should do it," she wheezed. "One, two, three, GO!"

With all of their strength, all eleven of them rammed into the door, it flying open. She tripped over her own feet and fell face first the ground. Regaining her composure, Linda stood and directed everyone out, them of which were scared and dirty. She safely directed the bride and groom out and led them outside. Prince John was yelling from afar.

"You're being punished for you intolerable disloyalty to me!" he screamed. "For harboring and assisting Robin Hood and his outlaws! And may God forgive you!"

Linda rolled her eyes, still clutching her dagger. "Shut up and go suck an egg, John!" she screamed at him, pushing past everyone and holding her dagger out.

Her father and the prince seemed dumbfounded. She looked to Guy, and her heart broke when she just saw him sitting there on his horse, staring at her in disbelief. She growled at them all and whirled around, finding that the guards were knocking over tables.

"Tim! Meg!" she called, and they both came running over. "Meg, get the women and children out of here. Make sure they are safe, and make sure Billy is keeping them happy. Tim, you and I will help the people. First, we need buckets. Go!" The two nodded and went off with their tasks. Linda whipped around to the men. "We're going to try and put this flame out. To the river, quick! And get more buckets!"

Tim arrived with a handful of buckets, handing them to each man. Linda watched as they tried to put out the fire, and how displeased Prince John looked.

"No, no, no, no, no, no!" he cried. "They're trying to put the fire out! That's not what I want!"

"I know!" shouted Linda. "All you want is a throne so you can nap in it!"

John growled. "Stop them, both of you," he ordered to Guy and Vaisey. "Go on!"

Guy smirked and rode into Locksley. Linda picked her head up at the sound of hooves and groaned when she saw her father and Guy riding in. "Great," she muttered. "Tim, stay with the others. I'm going to go deal with these two."

She ran off before Tim could protest. Rounding a corner, she saw that a guard was lighting the church on fire with a torch. Stealthily, she crept up on him and used the hilt of her dagger to knock him out. She grinned in satisfaction when he crumpled to the ground. She stole his sword and fought off more guards that were lighting the church on fire.

"Everyone over here! Quick! The fire's spreading!" Linda heard Tim cry. "We need more help! Quick!"

"Hold on, Tim!" Linda yelled, and rushed over. What she saw was Vaisey getting off his horse and practically harassing Tim and throwing him to the other side. "TIM!"

Vaisey pushed him to the side, and as soon as Linda appeared, she punched Vaisey in the jaw before helping Tim. Guy was getting off his horse on the other, and he drew his sword. But rather than stabbing Vaisey in the back, he used his sword to knock over a pillar, the hood and wood falling down. Not seeing Guy on the other side, Vaisey screamed as it fell. Linda covered her face. When the remains cleared, she cried out in agony.

"No!" she screamed. "Father, no!"

Tim grabbed her hand to keep her down. What she didn't know was that Vaisey was hiding underneath a carriage. Tim noticed and pointed. She smiled in relief, and then frowned. Vaisey got out from underneath and grabbed a bow and notched an arrow to it. Standing up, she narrowed her eyes to see through the fire. Guy was on the other side, yelling at the peasants who wanted to clear the fire.

"Back off, and your lives will be spared," he warned them, pointing a finger at them.

Vaisey loaded the bow and fired. Linda yelled out Guy's name, but her voice was drowned out by a man screaming, "I'll kill you, Gisborne!" and waving his sword around. The arrow landed in his arm, and he cried out and crumpled to the ground. Guy spun around. Vaisey sighed in annoyance, and Linda generally was confused as to why Vaisey did that. Guy faked a smile and waved cockily. Vaisey waved back with a face.

"Oh, bother," he muttered.

"Yoo-hoo," said someone from behind him, tapping his shoulder. Vaisey turned, and for the second time in less than five minutes Linda's fist connected with his jaw.

Guy sneered and spun around. "Back off!"

"Disregard that!" Linda kneed him in the back and put her dagger on his throat.

Guy groaned. "You're not making things any easier."

She chuckled bitterly. "I know. I'm good at making mischief."

Guy grabbed the arm that held the knife and got out of her lock. He pinned her arm behind her back and slipped the knife from her fingers. "I'll be taking that."

Linda struggled out of his lock and failed. Sighing, she gave up. "He can't just burn it to the ground like that."

Guy let out a breath and used a piece of rope to bond her arms together. "He's the prince," he murmured. "He can do anything." He picked her up and carried her to his horse. Yet rather than being mad, she just grinned.

"You're taking me back."

"Yup."

"No matter what I say."

"Yup."

Guy carefully placed her on her horse and climbed on after her. He wrapped his arms around her to reach the reigns. She got comfy and leaned her head back, the steady pound of his heart banging against her head. Vaisey managed to get up and get on his white horse, glaring at his daughter and rubbing his chin. She just smirked, but her smirk faded when they neared the prince, he of which was sitting in his carriage. She sneered.

"Hope you've satisfied yourself, Prince John," she snarled. "You've successfully ruined the lives of villagers. How do you feel?"

"Bored," was his glum reply. "Make sure it's burned to the ground."

"WHAT?!"

Prince John shot up from his carriage and glared at her. "You're in big trouble when we get back to the palace," he admonished.

Linda and Isabella shared a look. In silent agreement, Isabella rode away to help the peasants. Prince John chuckled and plopped down in his seat. "I love the refusal before the surrender," he mused with a smile.

Guy and Vaisey returned the sour smile, but Linda just rolled her eyes.

Men.

*****

8,255 words omg. this chapter took so long sorry. the ending sucked sorry. this book sucks sorry.