- Chapter 59 -

Robin and I were originally travelling to Locksley where we were supposed to meet McLellan to receive a message from the King, however when we heard the commotion in Locksley that McLellan had fled when he realized Robin wasn't still Master of the Manor we began searching through the forest, knowing Guy would have his men after him. Hearing the sound of Allan's voice we ran in that direction only to find McLellan on the ground helpless and moaning in pain as Allan and a few of his men walked over to him.

"Give us the message from the King." Allan demanded.

"It’s for Robin of Locksley and his eyes only." McLellan loyally spoke as Allan rolled his eyes. Robin and I took our positions as I drew up my hood and grabbed an arrow to ensure they wouldn't recognize me.

"Just give it to me or we'll take it from you." Allan grumbled waiting a moment before he then motions towards one of Guy's men who raised his sword above his head only to be struck by Robin's arrow in the back, falling to the ground. I chuckled watching as Allan quickly turns round revealing Robin standing behind him, his bow lowered and his quiver on his back.

"Don’t you know it’s rude to read other people’s mail?" Robin questioned Allan dismissively as Allan rolled his eyes. Robin stands with his bow horizontal and two arrows nocked, the tips are resting against his splayed fingers, aiming one each at Allan and at Guy's second man. I came out at they noticed they were slightly surrounded as I saw Guy's man shake slightly at the coward he was.

"By the time you get close enough to use those swords. You'll be so full of arrows you'll look like hedgehogs." Robin chuckled as I raised an eyebrow at his weird saying. What does Robin do in his spare time because that is just sad? We both watched as Guy's second man runs off chuckling before raising an eyebrow at Allan who stays. Even though Allan betrayed Robin I liked Allan he had saved my neck from Guy several times, yes I had done the same, but I could see he did love the Gang, even if they refused to let him back.

"So... this is what Gisborne’s dogsbody does, is it?" Robin asked snapping towards Allan.

"I’m not his dogsbody. I’m his right-hand man." Allan stated slightly proudly.

"Oh. I couldn't face myself in the morning if I was you." Robin sneered.

"I count my money in the morning." Allan snapped back as I rolled my eyes. Men!

"While you two are squabbling, there’s a man in agony over there." I growled at the two before running over to McLellan removing my hood as I knew my identity is hidden and safe at this point of time.

"Run back to your master. Go on. Go on. Run!" Robin shouted out as Allan at first was walking back towards Locksley but soon changed his mind when Robin began to raise his voice which even made me shudder in fear slightly. Once he was out of sight Robin joined my side beside McLellan.

"Do you practice little speeches like that?" I asked him chuckling as Robin frowned confused, obviously oblivious to what he had said before.

"Like what?" He asked.

“You'll be so full of arrows you'll look like hedgehogs.” I quoted deepening my voice as we both laughed as he gave me a playful shove. I must admit I sounded like Robin and if I practiced I probably would get pretty good at it.

"No, it just came to mind." Robin blushed slightly as he set his bow and arrows on the ground as I smirked and rolled my eyes.

"You practice, don’t you?" I teased as he glared slightly.

"Robin." McLellan weakly spoke trying to lift his head but failing.

"Sh-sh-sh-sh. I know you. Save your strength." Robin speaks supportively as McLellan pulls out the message out of his belt and holds it up to Robin as he takes the message from McLellan. Robin takes the message.

"Lardner." He whispered once more before faintly looking up into the tree as we both frowned. Lardner? Whose Lardner? McLellan was able to say it once more before relaxing and dies. Robin looked at me sighing deeply before we both jolted to our feet when we hear a scabbard clanking. Turning back I look back and see Guy's second man, who immediately runs away. Robin looks at the folded square of parchment covered entirely with an enormous red wax seal.

"It’s the royal seal. It is from Richard." Robin informed before peeling the wax off and unfolds the letter. I waited a moment as he read the message before sighing deeply.

"He wants reinforcements. He wants more men. I mean, he still has no idea. He has no idea what’s happening in England!" Robin snapped unhappily.

"He wants me to send a note back with...... with Lardner, telling him how many men I can recruit and when I'll arrive." Robin spoke once more as he squinted trying to read the name which only made me frown slightly more.

"Well, you can’t do that now, can you?" I informed as Robin sighed deeply.

"But... this... this isn't Lardner. This... this is McLellan. This is Laurence McLellan." Robin stated completing confused as he pointed down at the dead body.

"Well then, who’s Lardner?" I asked as we both turn and look at each other questioningly. Neither of us said another thing as we collected stones and began to bury McLellan's body by the tree where he had fallen. I swear I could hear the faint sound of pigeons cooking but I shook it off as Robin stuck a cross into the ground as I placed the final rocks over the corpse.

"I know I’m meant to be loyal and obedient, but... the King doesn't know the facts. Once he does, he'll return home." Robin spoke as I could see the battle he was internally struggling with as I give him a weak smile and walk over towards him.

"And this is no time for you to go back to the Holy Land." I agreed as he nodded as we took a drink from our skins. Standing in the silence I bow my head, waiting for Robin to speak, though when he doesn’t I roll my eyes and sigh.

"Would you like to say a few words?" I offer since I didn't know him. I watch as Robin nods, then is silent for a moment, thinking, looking over the grave.

"Go on, then." I encourages softly as I saw him think more slightly fearful as I frown.

"Will you marry me?" He finally spoke as I look up at him in disbelief as though I hadn't heard him. I gulped feeling nervous and worried as my palms began to sweat.

"What?" I chuckle nervously.

"The first time I held my bow... I knew. It felt right... like it had been made for me. And that’s how I feel about you. I promised your father I would protect and look after you. But it works both ways. I look after my bow because it protects and looks after me. Together we’re stronger. So..." He spoke as I raised his eyebrow. This must be the weirdest proposal I have ever heard in my entire life. Certainly nothing romantic.

"Esme, will you marry me?" He asked again standing in front of me as he dropped to one knee.

"Robin, of every single man in the world... you are the only one—" I chuckle as I began to think of the nicest way to say no before he spoke over me.

"Well, is that a yes?" He interrupts looking happy.

"Will you let me finish?" I tease as he drops his head.

"I’m sorry."

"The only one who would... propose over a fresh grave and by comparing me to your weapon?" I chuckled at the thought but gulped wondering how I could do this. I valued our friendship but I couldn't give him what it was he wanted from me.

"Well, is that a no?" Robin asked uneasy as I looked at the forest floor and let me hands drop from his as he slowly rose up from his knees.

"I can't Robin. I love you like my brother...I can never love you in a romantic fashion that you desire....." I stated truthfully as I looked up to him so he could see I never desired to hurt him. He looked upset, it was no denying it as he gave me a sad smile and chuckled.

"But you love me none the less" He playfully teased as we both chuckled as I nodded. I noticed Robin pause and hesitate as I gulped as though I knew what it was he was going to say to me.

"Do you love Gisborne?" He asked me hesitantly as I felt myself freeze as we held each other's eyes. Hearing those words made me realize how much I had missed him. I had been trying to deny it though I knew I loved him. I slowly nodded my head as Robin walks over to me and hugs me tightly taking me by surprise though I returned his embrace hugging him tightly. He kissed my hair holding me tighter before letting me go with a sad smile.

"You're not mad?" I asked as he sighed and rolled his eyes a little.

"I may not like nor do I have too.....but if he makes you happy-" I started as I felt my heart swell as I grinned wildly.

"OH ROBIN!" I cried out happily before I tackled him to the ground in a hug like we did as kids as we both laughed. I didn't care about the fact I might have a few leaves caught in my hair, my smile on my face spoke it all. I was glad he wouldn't hold this against me and would support me.

"But if he hurts you I will kill him" He sternly informed as I smiled. I had my brother here to protect me and I was glad.

"I would expect nothing less" I chuckled as we both laughed before getting back onto our feet and brushing off the leaves.

"Come on the Gang will be wondering where we've gotten to" Robin swung his arm over my shoulder in a brotherly protective gesture as I wrapped my arm on his waist as we skipped our way in the direction of the camp both laughing and humming our childhood song we used to sing laughing at the stupid memories we remembered.