[Episode OOM -- "Ducking and Diving" 2.05 (4)]

[queenofmay]

Time was up. More than up. She had make her way back as quickly as she could. She needed to cut him off. She had to reach the castle before he did.

She needed at least the allusion, if by seconds, she'd listened.

That she hadn't entirely blown through her first freedom.

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[landlesslord]

It was unfortunate that he had not been able to talk to Allan, but undoubtedly he would see the outlaw again.

When he had more useful information.

Still, there was another matter to deal with on the way back to the castle.

A matter he had been aware of following him through the market earlier.

[queenofmay]

Marian was still trying to even determine which way would be fastest. Where she could appear to be coming out from. She ducked under the overhang of a covered alley walking fast enough to be only short of a run.

[landlesslord]

And there she was.

It had not taken much to walk through the market where he would be easily seen, where she would have been sure to spot him and follow him again.

Nor did he have to wait long for her, hidden behind the building next to the alley and watching as she passed the other side of the butcher's shop and appeared again in front of him.

"Marian..."

[queenofmay]

Her heart gave a painful spasm, freezing her spine and shoulders, at the voice from behind her. Oh. God. No. She couldn't stay facing away too many seconds even.

Desperately reaching as all the muscles in her chest tightened over her lungs, her ability to breathe she turned back. Surprise shortening her address, "Guy."

[landlesslord]

She had definitely not expected him to catch her out. No one ever did.

"You've been following me."

[queenofmay]

"Me?" She bluffed for time, getting her voice more under control. The curl of surprise instead of shock answering him instantly.

She had to spin this. She had to think of a reason.

[landlesslord]

"Don't deny it."

She was supposed to remain in the castle at the very least.

[queenofmay]

"No, I was--" She started, walking to him.

[landlesslord]

He interrupted. "I saw you by the stall earlier, now here. Coincidence?"

[queenofmay]

Desperation wrapped her heart harder, and she strove to keep her face clear of it, collecting words. "I was only--"

[landlesslord]

He stopped leaning against the wall to face her, interrupting again.

"I don't think so."

[queenofmay]

"But I just--" Was a struggle for desperation not to vault higher.

[landlesslord]

"You disobeyed me."

He was a little disappointed, more than anything. He had hoped that giving Marian a measure more freedom in the castle would make her a little happier.

Not encourage her to vault the walls and out into the market.

[queenofmay]

"Guy, please, let me explain." She strove, stronger, refusing to be cut off and trying not to hear the edge of her voice as it cracked, as the idea and memories of terror and repercussions far outweighed even her desperation.

"Punish me, but do not punish my father."

[landlesslord]

...punish Sir Edward? Punish her? Marian's request was slightly unexpected and confusing. Had she not just been following him through the market?

"Punish you?" He frowned slightly. "Why would I punish you?"

Was the slight shift in her expression hinting at something he should be aware of?

"What have you been doing?"

If Guy's voice took on a more suspicious tone, it is only because Marian has belatedly roused his suspicion.

[queenofmay]

Marian pulled back, realizing her words and reaction, if far more real than she wanted to admit to, were far more than he'd expected in confronting her.

Her breath still caught, eyelashes flickered, she dipped her face, holding back on the impulse to shake her head, as she glanced up at him. She could only go back now, quickly, earnestly. "Forgive me. You were right."


To what he'd assumed. "I disobeyed you."

To what she'd said earlier. "I just wanted to spend time with you."

[landlesslord]

Marian is playing at something, he is sure. What that is exactly? Guy has no idea. The woman is as unfathomable as ever.

"Really?"

[queenofmay]

"Yes." It has to waver a little. To be uncertain. Honest, and yet her mouth was near to trembling. Still not quite to believing she won't be punished, her father won't be further impugned for her disobeying.

[landlesslord]

There's an element of disbelief to Guy's short, exhaled breath of acceptance, but with Marian he'll take what he can get.

And if this is what he can get today...there is no question of refusing her offer.

"Well, I'm honoured Marian..."

Her faint smile of...is that relief?... urges him to push her a little. That he steps even closer (perhaps a little more close than would be proper) and leans to speak more intimately with her, is only half to emphasise his point.

This close, he only has to whisper.

"...but I told you I was on business."

[queenofmay]

She holds still, expecting at first glance that when he leans in to her, this is when it will come. The need to hold perfectly still, when he'll say what he'll take for her audacity of flouting the freedom he'd given and its one rule.

The last time he did, he told her to fetch coins, like a dog.


But it is only words. Only a cool reminder. Leaving her uncertain and unsettled, glancing at his face. Trying to figure out what is happening, what the angle is here. Because she could be punished. Would be again if the Sheriff knew.

It had not been long since she'd been gone half a day.

Or....since he'd let Caspian go free.


"Well." She struggled, something awkwardly uncertain coming out, as she tried not to move. Knowing the words were lie, but uncertain about the assumptions and feelings beneath it. "It won't happen again."

[landlesslord]

She had already disobeyed him, with her wilful disregard for his instruction, but for now, Guy is satisfied enough with her response.

Enough to smile and offer her his arm, at least.

"Shall we?"

There is, of course, the promise of a pleasant stroll in her company back to the castle.

[queenofmay]

Marian continued to search his face for brief seconds.
Before she answered with the only way she could now.



Her gaze glancing down, as she slipped her hand into his arm.


(At the very least now she wouldn't have to find a way to sneak in.)