Notes:

Having already written works based on series 2 and 3, I thought I'd have a go at series 1, which was basically an excuse to watch the early episodes of the show again... ;-)

This is a two part story.

Part 1 is set before Series 1.

Part 2 runs parallel to events of Series 1 up until Episode 8 - Tattoo? What Tattoo?

Disclaimer: all BBC Robin Hood characters and the show are the property of the BBC and Tiger Aspect Productions.

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Now that this story is complete, I just want to say a big thank you to anyone who took/takes the time to read it.

There's bookshops full of great stuff to read, streaming services full of cool stuff to watch, not to mention the gems to be found on fanfiction websites such as this one, so when someone gives my story a chance, well, I'm really grateful.
And when someone is so kind as to let me know they like my work, be it in the form of following, favoriting or commenting, well, that really bowls me over because we're asked to like or review so much of what we do these days so I can understand why a lot of the time we aren't really up for it.

I can't tell you how awesome it is when somebody does though - it really makes my day - helps me keep writing when I get caught up in my doubts.

The story takes me where it wants to go and in this case it was 68 chapters and a lot of doubts - you can believe me when I say that your kindness inspires.

Cheers.


Part 1 - The Failed Attempt

I

Sir Guy of Gisborne was not a natural when it came to mingling at court.

His tall powerful frame made many nervous. His serious demeanour was off-putting to others. His reserved nature and tendency to give curt answers made conversation with him difficult. He'd not had exposure to what one would call good society since his parents had died, which meant that his manners were more that of a soldier than a man of rank. He'd had no example to learn from; Lord Vaisey was certainly a man of power but not a man of elegance, good manners or taste. Indeed, nothing he had learned thus far from his master was of help to him here at the court of Prince John; "your talents lie elsewhere" Vaisey gleefully reminded him at every opportunity.

This was on his mind as he surveyed the opulent scene before him whilst waiting for the elder man. He noticed the way his fellow courtiers glanced at him and quickly averted their eyes, he knew that he appeared coarse to them, his clothes were not so fine and his manners not so polished but considering the life he'd lived it could hardly be otherwise.

I don't suppose many of these fine noblemen spent yesterday evening beating some poor soul senseless as I had to...

He looked down at his hands and was thankful to have not forgotten his gloves; "we can't have the ladies seeing those knuckles Gizzy..." Vaisey would say. He sighed and brought his fingers up to the bridge of his nose; he had hoped for better things from this trip to court but no, with Vaisey it was always business. The lord liked to remind his subordinates where their loyalties lay at every opportunity and that was where Guy came in: to do the reminding.

"Good Morning Sir Guy."

Guy straightened up and brought his gaze to the greeter: a portly, grey haired nobleman standing nearby with his two daughters; both were of age, the younger was nothing special but the elder was certainly worth looking at.

"Good Morning Lord Cavendish, Lady Natalia and Lady… Francesca?" Guy silently prayed he'd gotten it right; his attention had been focussed upon the elder sister Natalia and so he'd barely noticed the younger sibling upon being introduced to the family a few days previously.

"Well remembered Sir Guy!" Natalia exclaimed with a smile. There followed a small hubbub as father and elder sister declared their surprise; it seemed that it was not unusual for the youngest daughter to go unnoticed and unremembered. She for her part nodded but made no fuss. He looked once more to Natalia, happy to have pleased her but then his smile faded upon seeing his master approaching.

"Making friends Gisborne?" Vaisey's smile was oily and he smoothly placed a hand upon the shoulder of the beauty.

Well yes, I was but now that you've arrived…

Guy sighed and reluctantly began with introductions; "Yes my lord, this is…"

"Lord Cavendish and his enchanting daughters!" Vaisey interrupted loudly to spare them all a second introduction, bowing in an over the top manner to the ladies and looking pointedly at the more enchanting of the two. She was certainly enchanting but not at all enchanted with Vaisey, that much was obvious and Guy wished he could usher her away from his master's attentions.

"Good Morning Lord Vaisey." Lord Cavendish moved towards Vaisey and seemed, much to Guy's surprise, pleased to see him. The daughters moved closer together and further away from Vaisey - a response Guy was more accustomed to seeing from others in Vaisey's presence. Guy decided to approach them, Vaisey was discussing something uninteresting with their father and so it was as good a chance as any he was going to get…

"Are you enjoying it here at court, milady?" He knew that in looking at Natalia as he asked this, he hadn't addressed the younger sister with his question but couldn't care less. If she noticed this snub, she didn't let on, she merely stood to the side and looked on politely.

"Oh yes! We are enjoying it very much, are we not Fran?" Natalia replied looking enthusiastically from her sister to Guy. Francesca nodded and gave a small smile but other than that looked as if she wished she was somewhere else.

"We have met a great deal of interesting people and made many new acquaintances." Natalia continued and Sir Guy hoped that she would consider him a new acquaintance; he would at any rate enjoy getting better acquainted with her. "How about you Sir Guy?"

He was about to answer and would've said something along the lines of how he was honoured to have the opportunity to be there but unfortunately Vaisey beat him to it; "Gisborne hates it here. Not much good at chitchat I'm afraid. He has his uses certainly, but if you want a decent conversation you might be better off moving on my dear." He accompanied this comment with a toothy grin and a satisfied sniff before patting Natalia on the shoulder much in the way one would pat a small child or a dog. Guy clenched his jaw and resisted the urge to use his 'talents' on Vaisey. Natalia smiled awkwardly and Guy could tell that he had already lost here; any protest would just make things worse.

"Ah well, we can't all be the life and soul of the party can we? Just ask Fran here!" Lord Cavendish gestured to his youngest daughter, who lowered her head in order to hide her distress at being roped into the discussion. Cavendish had come to Guy's aid with this statement and Guy was glad of it but it had been at the girl's expense and he could see the flash of irritation in her eyes as she lowered her gaze to the floor. She took a deep breath and pressed her lips together tightly in a forced smile before raising her head again.

As her eyes met with Guy's, it was as if nothing had happened, her expression gave nothing away and her smile was as courteous as it had been earlier. Guy felt in that moment a pang of recognition; she took the digs well, he had to give her that, she didn't complain…

No point is there little mouse? You know it just as well as I…

Unsurprisingly, the family took their leave not long after, leaving Guy to silently curse his master. He found it difficult enough mingling with others but Vaisey made it practically impossible for him. The Lord sensed his unease, "Oh come on Gizzy, cheer up; if all goes to plan you'll be beating them off with a stick in a few years time."

Who needs a stick with you at my side?