"My Lord! My Lady!" I heard someone shouted out as my father and I turned round to the voice. It was a messenger running towards us, as he bowed.

"Robin of Locksley has returned from the Holy Lands" They informed breathless as a smile erupted on my face. I turned to my father as he gave me a small nod. I kissed his cheek before running to the stable, and mounted my father's horse. I made haste quickly to Locksley to see Robin. Robin and I were childhood friends, I loved him like a brother I always wanted. His family were kind to me, and treated me like one of their own.

It wasn't long before I made it to Locksley, it broke my heart to see the people so miserable. Hungry, overworked and tired. I hadn't returned to Locksley since Robin left, because I knew that Sir Guy of Gisborne had taken over the land, when Robin left. I had met the man, many times, I knew he fancied me, it was no secret to anyone. Not even to those who were blind. I heard many gasps as I rode into the unfamiliar village I grew up in.

People whispering and frowning, as I held the reigns to my horse and walked through the pathways. I saw the white flowers in full bloom on the bushes, as I took in their sweet scent, smiling of my childhood memories. I saw an old man sawing on some wood with one hand, he was definitely a carpenter, as I found myself smiling as I ran over towards him.

"Dan Scarlett!" I called out as he lifted his head up to me with a sad smile, surprised and yet joyful all at the same time.

"My dear Esme, you look so much like your mother" He smiled at me, as I chuckled sadly, ignoring the painful twinge in my heart, before I unladylike gave him a hug. He was shocked at first before he returned the favor. My father reminded me so often how much I looked like my mother. Deep golden brown eyes, with long waving brown hair, with hints of natural gold highlights. It fell halfway down my back, and I normally kept it in a long plate, especially when I go riding.

"What happened? Did you have an accident?" I asked referring to his hand, as he just sighed and patted his missing hand.

"uhhh…..an incident. No matter, what's done is done" He smiled as I looked at him sadly, he had always been kind to me as a child. I was forever in debt to Dan Scarlett and his family, for they saved my life when I was just a child.

"Please tell me" I whispered as he looked at the ground, and shuffled the dusty road underneath his foot before he looked back up at me with his squinting eyes against the sunlight.

"My boys took some grain, from Guy of Gisborne as I am sure you know, he runs Robin's estated and works on behalf of the Sheriff" He told me as I stiffened slightly before nodding my head looking away from his eyes.

"I know" I whispered before he crossed his arms and continued telling me the tale.

"They got caught and someone had to lose a hand. Better me than my boys. I'm old, they have their years ahead of them" He told me as I had to bite my lip. I placed my hands on my hips, as the stray strands of hair brushed across my face in the wind before I sighed and looked back at the poor old man, saving his own family.

"It's madness. You're a skilled man, you built half of this village" I told him sadly as he just chuckled shaking his head as I frowned.

"What?" I asked unsure of how the words I had spoken were funny.

"You sound so much like Robin. Those were the exact words that he spoke to me when he arrived here with Much a few moments ago" He smiled as a bigger smile crept onto my face.

"I guess Robin can wait a few more moments, before I see him. How's Jane?" I asked as he started to sob. I felt my heart shatter, as I pulled him into a tight hug, he warmingly accepted as I rubbed his back for comfort.

"She was a strong brave woman" I whispered as he nodded before we heard the sound of horses neighing. We pulled apart to see soldiers riding into Locksley followed by Sir Guy, as all the villagers were dragged out from their homes, and shoved into a line in front of Sir Guy on his horse. He leant over casually gazing down at the people, as I stood beside Scarlett. Guy had that evil spark in his eye, that if he wasn't a cruel man, I may. Key word is may find him attractive or even tolerable.

"Ten sacks of flour have gone missing from the store" He informed as I watched from the corner of my eye soldiers bursting into their homes, and ransacking them trying to find the missing flour that had been taken.

"They will be found" Guy continued as he raised his eyebrow amusingly as they all stood before him quiet, woman shaking, children squeezing their parents hand. Yet they all looked at the floor, non to his eyes, as I felt shattered from the fear he stroke to the people of Locksley. This wasn't the place I grew up in, and I hated what the Sheriff had done to it.

"It will be accounted for" He told as he playfully held up four fingers, I watched as two men, travelers maybe edging from the shadows to see what was happening. Only then did I feel my heart lighten up slightly. I recognized Robin immediately, he hadn’t changed one bit. A smile and an excited gasp escaped from my lips to see my brother unhurt and well. I could tell that Scarlett beside me was nervous, as I reached down and grabbed his hand for support. He turned to give me a small smile before we kept watching.

"Found one sir!" A soldier cried out as my head snapped in his direction. I saw a teenager maybe no more than 20 being pulled out from his home, with two sacks of flour being held in the next soldiers hands. He was brought forwards with the cry of the village whimpering and cries of protest he was shoved to the ground in front of Guy.

"Who helped this runt?" He questioned as I saw Dan Scarlett's two boys stand beside their father looking slightly nervous. I knew from their looks that they had had a part of it. Slowly I moved before I was standing in front of them, I knew I was getting odd looks from both of them, but I wouldn’t let them get taken away, for torture or to be hanged.

"Step forward now and I may show lenience" Guy informed, but I knew he wouldn’t he would give them the same fate. Everyone remained silent, still and staring towards the ground as I kept my eyes of Sir Guy. I must admit he is handsome with his black hair, and those piercing pale blue eyes. However his heart makes him the monster he is.

"No?" Sir Guy was teasing and I knew it from the smirk that formed on his lips. "The other penetrators will be found and punished, bring the boy" He ordered as I sighed before a voice made my head snap back up.

"Wait!" I heard Robin's voice cry out as everyone frowned and moved aside as he walked forward towards Sir Guy. I could tell Guy was not pleased to see Robin in any case or form as his back straightened and his eyes went cold.

"Guy of Gisborne?" Robin asked still walking forward before one of the soldiers snapped towards him.

"Sir Guy of Gisborne to you! Bow before your master!" He commanded as I saw Robin playfully bow towards him.

"Sir Guy of Gisborne. My name is Robin, Earl of Huntington and Lord of this Land. Your services here are no longer required" Robin told him, as each word that flowed from Robin's mouth made Guy's face even more hardened with annoyance and anger towards Robin. The people of Locksley were all gasping and whispering towards one another as I smiled towards Scarlett as he patted me on the shoulder.

I watched as Much placed a cloak of animals skin over Robin's shoulders, before everyone bowed down to Robin. I smiled but remained standing as I couldn’t wipe the large grin of my face from seeing Robin, my good friend whom I loved as a brother return home safe from War in the Holy Lands. I watched as Guy nodded his head forcefully in respect towards Robin, which was evidently discomforting Guy. It wasn't long before everyone got up, the people all swarming round Robin welcoming home as they made their way towards Locksley manor.

 "Go on Esme, we'll take care of the horse for you" Dan Scarlett smiled, as I handed him the reigns smiling, before like old times I raced towards the manor. My heart beating in my chest as I ran through the green towards the familiar sight of Robin's old home.

"ROBIN!" I squealed excited, as I ran into the main entrance to see him frowning, before I pounced. He was shocked before he hugged me back spinning me round as I laughed with him. He put me down, only to notice he had grown whilst he had been away.

"Robin you need a bath" I complained as he chuckled.

"It's wonderful to see you to Esme" He smiled, before pulling me into another hug.

"Don't I get a hello?" Much asked feeling left out as I chuckled.

"Of course you do Much. You haven’t changed a bit" I smiled giving him a hug as well. When I pulled away I saw Robin's father looking at me with tears in his eyes, from joy. He opened his arms for a hug as I warmingly welcomed them. Apparently Much was now a free man, as he disappeared up the stairs to go get a bath. The boys definitely needed it as I chuckled. My smile vanished when Sir Guy walked into the room as I saw it made Robin's father uncomfortable.

"Welcome back Locksley. Now I have kept your lands for you. I have managed your estate to the best of my ability under the guidance of the Sheriff and I would appreciate more respect in front of the populas." Guy smirked at Robin with his usual snarl before he glanced over and saw me. You could tell he was surprised by the look in his eyes.

"Lady Esme? What are you doing here?" His deep voice asked me as I took a deep breath.

"Nothing. I was just leaving." I smiled faintly before I saw a second of sadness flash in his eyes before they returned to the steel, bitter, cold yet evil glare he always carried. Making it hard to tell his emotions.

"Goodbye Robin" I whispered as I patted his shoulder, he smiled at me before I left the manor and made my way towards Dan Scarlett where I saw his two sons brushing down my horse as I gave a small smile…

*************

Both men were silent until Esme had left the room. Robin still couldn't believe how beautiful she looked, all grown up, and still not married. He did the sum in his head and knew she could be no older than 28 years old. She was young and beautiful, and even though she loved him as a brother, he had always loved her more than that.

Robin was surprised with how Esme could wear black leather boots with a silver buckle, black tight fitting leather pants, with a belt and a white long sleeved corset styled top and still looked absolutely amazing. Both men were stunned by her beauty as she left before Robin snapped out of his trance.

"How many years have you been here?" He asked Guy with narrow eyes before Guy scowled towards Robin, straightening himself up. Guy was at least an inch or two taller than Robin, and liked to make Robin feel smaller.

"3 years, 4 winters" He replied simply as Robin smirked his playful grin, which had always gotten him into trouble when he was younger.

"And yet you do not have the respect of the populas" He teased Sir Guy, who didn't appreciate the thought of being made fun of. He circled Robin first before he slowly made his way towards the door, in preparation to leave Locksley Manor.

"My men and I will leave directly to Nottingham" He informed Robin as deep down Robin was so glad to be rid of the man. He could tell he would not like Sir Guy from the minute he laid eyes on him.

"My servants will help you pack" He retorted as Sir Guy froze in the doorway before turning to Robin with a curious look on his face.

 "How was the Holy Land?" He asked as Robin felt a small twist in his gut. He didn't meet eyes with Sir Guy as he made his way past him with a look of anger and annoyance on his face.

"Blood thirsty" He spoke through gritted teeth as Guy just raised an eyebrow and leant against a wooden chest.

"I understand the King is winning thanks be to God" Guy questioned as Robin turned round in an unhappy mood.

"He is killing more people" Robin replied trying hard not to snap.

"Ah is that not winning?" Guy asked him as Robin felt his blood boil slightly, to see the small smirk resting on the corner of Sir Guy's lips.

"Show me an argument that was ever settled with bloodshed and then I'll call it winning" Robin spoke his case as Sir Guy knew that Robin was right, but he didn't care. He disliked Robin, because he knew that Robin would have been betrothed to Esme. However she was never aware of this. Sir Guy cared deeply for Esme and had been trying to show her how much he cared for her, and he knew that deep down Robin of Locksley would mess everything up.

"Do not pretend you do not love war. I've seen you fight" He growled deeply towards Robin as Robin only frowned. Robin was unsure of how Sir Guy could have seen Robin fight, since he had been away fighting for King Richard in the Holy Land. Robin never forgot a face, and he knew he had never met Sir Guy of Gisborne before this very day.

"When?" He questioned eager to understand why Sir Guy would make such a claim about him being a blood thirsty killer.

"I don’t recall" Guy denied as he casually looked away as if to inspect the room further before he met his eyes with Robin. Robin's face was tensed as he hesitated before giving Guy an answer.

"I've changed" He replied simply as Guy just smirked and gave a chuckle.

"awwwww" He teased evilly as Robin grinded his teeth together. Guy was slightly pleased with himself knowing that he had annoyed Robin before he decided to quit playing and get out of Robin's house, hoping maybe to accompany Esme back home.

"Council of Nobles meets tomorrow at Nottingham, I have no doubt that the Sheriff will not throw a feast in your honor for your safe return." Sir Guy informed Robin as he got up and stood in the doorway.

"Goodbye" Robin sneered, as a way of telling Guy to leave as Guy just snarled back.

"Goodbye" Was his gritted response.

"One more thing. I shall celebrate my safe returning too, by pardoning any wrong doers from my estate regarding trail or punishment" Robin remembered as Sir Guy just rolled his eyes at the requests that Robin was making.

"Only the Sheriff can pardon you know that" Guy teased annoyed as Robin glared.

"It is a custom for the Sheriff to exceed his Nobles requests on such matters" Robin reminded him as Guy put on a fake look of interest as he raised his eyebrows before he just turned to Robin.

"Well then I suggest you take it up with the Sheriff" He informed Robin before he left leaving Robin rather annoyed as he made his way upstairs to clean off.

*************

"Lady Esme!" Guy's voice called out as I saw him walking towards me. I was about to mount my horse and make my way home to my father as I smiled and made my way over towards him.

"Sir Guy" I replied kindly out of manners as he looked down at me, panting slightly from his obvious rush from Locksley Manor.

"May I escort you home?" He requested as I saw his smirk escaping on the edges of his lips. I knew that if I protested it would be no good anyways before I just smiled and nodded. The smile that filled his face wasn't his usual evil kind. It was an honest warming smile, as I mounted my father's chestnut brown horse. It wasn't long before he was smirking on his black stallion beside me, as I took a stronger grip on the reigns.

"Try and keep up" I told him, before I urged my horse to go forwards. I heard him chuckle, as I saw his playful glint in his eyes as he charged on after me in the direction of my father's home. I could always hear him catching up, but my little head start ensured I stayed at the front. It wasn't a long ride before we made it to Knighton Hall, my home. I dismounted my horse as a servant came out to take him to the stables.

"Thank you" I smiled at them before Sir Guy's horse stopped in front of me. With him smirking and chuckling down at me. I stroked the beautiful creature's nose before I dared looked up at Guy as he casually leant on his saddle once again.

"Thank you for the escort home Sir Guy, even though it wasn't necessary" I told him with a small smile as he just chuckled shaking his head at me before his pale sharp blue eyes met mine.

"It is always necessary and my pleasure Lady Esme." He told me with his deep voice.

"Goodnight" I told him before I hurriedly, but not evident that I wanted to be rid of his sight left and made my way indoors to my home where my father sat waiting. He looked nervous and frightened as I walked towards him unsure.

"Father? What's wrong?" I asked him as he gulped.

"We are being watched, I know it. If Robin is to come here we must send him away" He whispered afraid to be heard as I nodded before I watched my father run to the door and swing it open. And surely enough there coming towards us with their horses were Robin and Much.

"Get out! Get away from here!" He cried out at them trying to send them off. I could see the confusion in their eyes and their faces.

"Edward. It's me your friend, Robin of Locksley!" I heard Robin call out calmly as I stood behind the door hurt. He was like my brother and we had to scare him off like an animal. It was just wrong.

"I know who you are! Crooks! Come to trick me! I will have none of you here!" My father shouted out once more.

"I swear I come in friendship!" I heard Robin cry out. He sounded broken and hurt. We were all like a family, and now after experiencing who knows what in the Holy Lands we have to cast him aside.

"I am no longer the Sheriff. Go! Leave me in my days of Peace!" My father cried out once more as I picked up the bow sitting behind the wooden cabinet, and notched an arrow before appearing in the doorway.  I could see the hurt flicker over Much and Robin's faces.

"You heard my father leave!" I told them as I saw Robin sigh before Much started pulling him away.

"Sir, if you do not remember me then remember Nottingham. Your people!" Robin shouted out as my father dragged me back inside, shutting the door on Robin's face. I felt bad, guilty and hurt for Robin as I leant against the door. My father looked shattered with himself, as I went over and knelt beside him as he sat down.

"Father you must rest" I told him as he sighed and patted my hands.

"He was like the son I never had" He whispered before he got up from his chair and vanished upstairs to his chambers…..

*************

"Interesting" Robin whispered to himself, still standing outside with Much.

"Interesting? More like unbelievable. He used to treat us like sons! And Esme? Moments ago she was happy to see us" Much kept complaining as Robin was smirking, though Much had no idea why, as they made their way back towards Locksley Manor, where every family from the village was leaving. Full of food from the feast Robin had held.

"Bless you Master Robin" Many told him as they left his house. They weren't starving now, they were satisfied with being able to eat enough. Enjoying a meal they didn't spend weeks saving up for. They were all in debt for the kindness that their Lord of their village has shown over them. Robin knew that he wanted to help his people, and those who were less fortunate.

"Is there any food left? I must admit I am anxious" Much whispered to Robin. Robin smiled to himself, same old Much always thinking of his stomach. He saw some old friends that made him smile, especially to see all the children with smiles on their faces. He saw Dan Scarlett standing near the entrance of the Manor looking down as he frowned and made his way over, towards him.

"Dan? What's wrong?" He asked making his way over to his dear old friend, however Dan looked pained and broken.

"Young Benedict got runged, he told Gisborne and his lot who took the flour with him." He informed as his voice was breaking at the end of his sentence, as it dawned on Robin what it meant. Much was still confused, unable to catch on as Robin looked solemn.

"Your boys" Robin finished for Dan as Dan nodded struggling not to break a tear as Much gasped to himself beside Robin.

"They've taken them to Nottingham…..Robin…." He pleaded as Robin looked into Dan's eyes, trying his hardest to think of what he could do to save Dan's two sons.

"I will resolve this" He promised towards Dan, as he nodded still trying hard to shred a single tear, as his breathing became broken and uneven.

"I will talk to the Sheriff I promise." Dan knew Robin would keep his word, as he patted his shoulder. Robin had to leave and head inside his house as Dan wiped away a few stray tears that had dripped down his cheeks. He prayed that Robin could save his children, and that they would return to him alive and hopefully unhurt…..