the marked marksman

Robin Locksley. 27. Locksley Construction. For every man there is a purpose which he sets up in his life. Let yours be the doing of all good deeds.

[fractiousflorist]

Saying Sophie was a bit overwhelmed was a bit of an understatement.  Her infant son was a maddening creature who refused to sleep at predictable intervals, though they were at least getting longer, and who managed to scramble all her plans for an afternoon with an adorable smile and a messy diaper.  After one such incident, she was holding the babe close and talking nonsense to him in a low voice.

She sort of loved it.  

Today was a bit of an exception to the new usual, though, and she was using  her free arm and one tenth of her brain space to attend to her other ‘child’ – the flower shop.  What had wilted and died in Morgan’s absence had come back to life, abundantly so.  Her creations, through little effort of her own, were bursting out of every available space in the shop.  She greeted the person who came in with a smile and a mildly insincere apology.  “Quite sorry, excuse the mess.  Transition in seasons, and preoccupied shop owner.  How may I help you today?” 

[theoutlawrobin]

Robin was on his way home from a job site. It’d been a long day and he was ready to get home to Marian. But he’d seen the flower shop on the way home, and on a whim, he’d popped inside. It was abloom with beautiful flowers and colors and smells and he waved away her apology with an easy smile. “Not to worry, miss. Lovely place you’ve got here.” He glanced around and tried to imagine the most glorious bouquet Marian had ever seen. He was many things, but he was certainly not a skilled florist and knew he lacked the creative design gene it would take to make the kind of bouquet his wife deserved. “I’ve a lady back at home I would like to impress, would you be able to help me with that?”

[ladyxmarian]

we’re the making of our own define || robrian

[theoutlawrobin]

ladyxmarian:

Never before, at least not in Nottingham or Knighton, had they been so allowed to lose track of themselves in public.  While she was normally better about being aware of it here, in Fableton where she had the stern reputation of a police officer to uphold some of the time.  Tucked against him, while his mood was jubilant, she forgot yet again.  A lifetime of discretion was thrown at the window with a few moments of attention from Robin.

She wasn’t even a little surprised.  In fact, she laughed a bit before she answered his question. 

“There are parts of that statement I might protest,” she began, teasing him a bit as she still shook off their long embrace.  “But dinner is not one of them, especially if we don’t have to prepare it.” 

He watched the column of her throat as she laughed, a beautiful and enchanting sound he wanted to hear again the moment it ended. His smile only grew, eyes crinkling in the corners as she teased him. “Certainly can’t imagine which parts those might be,” he teased back. 

He glanced back at the building, eyes sweeping even further to take in the road they stood on, the town they now called home. It was certainly different. In many ways, it was so much better than what they left behind. But as he stood and took it in, he thought of Much, Will, Alan, his people. He even thought of Vaisey and Guy. But before he could think too much about it, he felt her beside him. She brought him back, anchored him into reality. Though the choice might always be a painful one, the truth was, he’d choose her every single time. He draped his arms over her shoulder one last time, the sky dressing itself in pinks and oranges and blues as the sun slowly disappeared into the horizon. He pressed a kiss to her temple and nodded into town. “How does reveling in the fruits of my labor at Landlocked sound?”

[ladyxmarian]

we’re the making of our own define || robrian

[theoutlawrobin]

ladyxmarian:

A somewhat surprised laugh stuttered its way out of her, though she was reluctant to encourage him when it came to humor.  His lips on her forehead and his hands holding her close made her warm enough, relaxed enough, her guard was down.  She hummed and issued her sarcastic retort.  “Yes, that must be it.  You’re simply leaving the death-defying stunts to younger men because you’re lazy.”  

They both knew quite well that lazy was never a word that had applied to him.  Maybe if he wasn’t so busy trying restless on for size, he could learn how to be a little less proactive.  She doubted it, but didn’t think her doubts were a bad thing in this case, so she stayed silent on the subject.

And it turned out to be a good thing she did.  Her silence, and her silent study, were rewarded with a kiss that wouldn’t have been possible if her mouth had been moving before it landed.  She smoothed her hands over the back of his head, pressing his body close only with the way she stood.

He stood like that for a while, enjoying the fruits of his labor in any and all of the ways they wished to offer themselves to him. Not the least of which being the fierce woman tucked into his side. He kissed her until he forgot they were both standing in front of an empty building. 

When he pulled away, he kept her close. He felt lighter than he had in some time, sucking in a long, deep breath just to enjoy it. He glanced down at her and nodded in the direction of the nearest restaurant and smirked. “Doth my lady protest to an early dinner date with her dashing husband?” 

[ladyxmarian]

we’re the making of our own define || robrian

[theoutlawrobin]

ladyxmarian:

Marian was laughing, already stepping closer to him when he tugged her.  “I’ve seen every stitch and shade of you,” she reminded him.  “And wanted to harm those who have shared the sight.”  Admitting to jealousy was a little easier now, when they were married and ostensibly settled a bit.  She leaned in unnecessarily as his tone took on gravity.  “Well, we all have to grow beyond those thrills.  I can’t pretend I’m not relieved you find something less dangerous just as fulfilling.” 

She turned as he stepped back, her hands still resting on his waist and keeping him close just because he was there, and she actually looked at what he had done.  The building, crafting and donating it, was incredible.  The fact that it was a building meant to help women and he’d had a hand in it, had her smiling her pride at him.  “I think this is a very, very good thing and I am proud to share your name while you’re doing these good things.  It isn’t the first and it won’t be the last, but… well done.” 

Despite probably knowing better, he couldn’t help but grin a little at her jealousy. It was flattering in a way she wasn’t normally, so he allowed himself a moment to bask in it before he just hugged her tighter against him and pressed his lips gently to her temple. He shrugged the shoulder opposite the one she was pressed against and grinned. ‘Perhaps I’m just getting lazy in my old age.”

He took a small step back to admire her admiring his work. His eyes lingered on the line of her jaw, the slope of her nose, the way her eyes carefully went over every detail, found the parts of him he’d left behind. He wondered if he’d ever been more in love with her in that moment. But it was her praise that pulled an uncharacteristic pink tint to his cheeks. It was such an innocent feeling-- the pride she made him feel as she complimented his work-- that it took him back to a time before he’d seen the world for what it was, before the war had stolen the carefree boy he’d once been and replaced it with a man laden with scars.

But she was proud of him. And if a woman as remarkable as she could be proud to share the name of man like him, that was something he wouldn’t question. He could only (and would only) accept it. So he closed the small distance between them, his lips finding hers in the best way he knew how to thank her.

[theoutlawrobin]

gxpendragon:

G was familiar with his not-so-humble acceptance.  He was one of the few people she’d met who could walk the line between charming and arrogant without being any worse for the wear afterward.  She laughed and shook her head at him as she reached for the list.  “Well, it seems you’re already here, Robin.  Perhaps your Marian already spoke for you?”  

Robin’s grin grew wide and fond as he craned his neck to look at the list himself, his eyes settling on his name almost immediately. “So it seems.” His eyes twinkled. “But if I’ve learned anything about being married, it’s that she knows everything and I’d be lost without her.” He paused as if to consider and leaned in a bit closer. “Sign us up for double.”

[ladyxmarian]

we’re the making of our own define || robrian

[theoutlawrobin]

ladyxmarian:

It was easy to overlook how infectious Robin could be once he was well and truly excited. He was generally given to exuberance, far more than she was, but true excitement was something else. The extra spring in his step or sparkle in his eye warmed her considerably once she considered just how long it had been between sightings of this version of Robin. Indeed, this was probably the first one she’d fallen in love with, and she returned his smiles and glances with smiles of her own.  “I know,” she said, unable to be cavalier with something so genuine, something that had been such a real and necessary comfort.

He came to a stop in front of an empty but clearly brand new building, unimposing but still of a good size. His explanation was likewise less grand than it possibly may have been, while still carrying huge importance. From her seat on the council, she knew the name he provided and knew what it was he had built. Surprise still bounced onto her face and she jerked her head to the side to regard him with another smile. “Her women’s center,” Marian said, barely even trying to resist the urge to tease while they were so light. There would he a moment after whatever insouciant response he managed to express her pride and support. “Women are your purpose? That’s a new revelation?”

Robin’s laugh was full bellied in response. Her ribbing felt familiar in a way that made him ache. “Surely this does not surprise you. I mean... you have seen me?” He gestured to himself, eyebrows wagging. Another laugh and he reached out to pull her closer to him. He admired his handiwork another moment and then pressed in closer, speaking more seriously. “I can help people this way. It may not be as thrilling as playing cat and mouse with Vaisey, but it is fulfilling.”

He turned to her, stepping back to gauge her reaction. He watched imploringly but remained silent, gave her a chance to look at it, see the detail, the soul of himself he’d poured into it. “What do you think?”

[gxpendragon]

“This is very kind of you indeed,” G said as she accepted the bundle of donated goods.  “We are also accepting sign ups for the holiday service at the food kitchen if you are so inclined.” 

[theoutlawrobin]

“You need not mention it,” he replied with a wave of his hand. “’Tis what I do.” He winked and then straightened himself, answering without missing a beat. “And please do sign me up for the holiday help. I would even go as far to say my Marian shall join me, but I know better than to attempt to speak for her.”

[queenlucygriffiths]

[ladyxmarian]

we’re the making of our own define || robrian

[theoutlawrobin]

ladyxmarian:

Marian wasn’t given, generally speaking, to following or being led. Commands didn’t sit well and, time was, she would’ve had a sharp comeback for the words. This time, she found herself staying silent, enjoying the feel of his hand in hers as he walked, and keeping pace.

Her eyes swept the landscape around them, taking in the now-familiar town where she’d spent hours on patrol. Maybe that time and familiarity had her at a disadvantage, because she didn’t see anything new.

“How long have you waited in your life for me to say that no, I’ve no idea what you’re going to show me? It will be a complete surprise. I’m assuming that’s as you intended and you aren’t leading me to my peril.”

The lack of protest was a change, and he shot her a look, something amused but appreciative with a tick to his brow and a tug at the corner of his mouth. There was something like adrenaline coursing through him, his heartbeat thumping a little harder against his chest. He gave her hand a little squeeze as a chuckle fell from his lips. “You needn’t fear your safety with me, Lady Marian,” he promised, a twinkle in his eye.

He rounded the corner and the building came into view. He remained silent as he led the way towards it, standing in front of the building that still smelled of wood dust and hard work. It wasn’t until he was standing in front of his work that he could fully grasp just how much this meant to him. His chest swelled with pride as he looked between the woman he loved and the project he’d poured himself into. It had been so long since he’d felt so connected to a purpose, to a feeling so strong and meaningful, it was nearly palpable. 

He took a step back to admire his work, both the building he’d built in blood, sweat and tears, and the woman he’d fought for so long to have beside him. He returned to her side, his shoulder lightly brushing hers. “Meg cashed in a favor,” he said simply. He looked at the empty storefront for a moment longer before he turned to face Marian. “I’ve found it, Marian. This...” he gestured back towards his handiwork. “It finally feels like home now.”

[ladyxmarian]

we’re the making of our own define || robrian

[theoutlawrobin]

ladyxmarian:

Marian had gotten herself ready to meet her husband, but it was very clear he hadn’t put in quite the same effort. Such was a key difference between men and women, on a general level, and it made her laugh.

“Your wife is a breathtaking creature as well,” she said. “And you are a clearly hard-working and very lucky man.”

For all that she could tease him, she couldn’t fault him. She hadn’t seen that broad smile on his face or that twinkle in his eye in a very long time. Even if he hadn’t showered yet, he was handsome when he looked so alive.

“Are you ready to show me whatever has you so excited?” She asked. “Because I’m certainly ready to be shown.”

He stole a moment just to admire the way the sun hit her face, the gentle smile on her lips, and the way her hair spilled over her shoulders. She was the picture of beauty against the backdrop of the city and it took much more self control than he felt he even possessed not to lean over and capture her lips with his own. 

At her request, he stood instead and centered himself in front of her, gathering her hands in his. “Well then, my lady, please follow me.” He didn’t move to release her hand and wrapped his fingers around hers as he led her the short way to the job site. He cast her a sideways glance as they crossed the street, a playful smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. 

There was just another street to cross and they would be there and his excitement was obvious in the way he squeezed her hand. “Do you have any idea where I might be taking you right now?”

[ladyxmarian]

we’re the making of our own define || robrian

There was evidence Robin had been home, coming and going and keeping up a busy schedule.  Marian had been doing the same, slowly working herself out of her depression one day at a time.  They’d hardly touched base, barely seen each other, and she found his summons to meet him in Town Square on her day off rather enticing.  She wanted to touch base with him, missed him when they weren’t spending time together, and so she showed up early.  It was probably stupid to fuss over her appearance, but she did so, making sure it was clear she was trying solely for his appreciation. 

She sat herself on a park bench to wait for him, not knowing where he was coming from, but not having brought anything to entertain herself with.  She watched other people, watched the area and tried not to police it, and waited patiently. 

@theoutlawrobin

[theoutlawrobin]

What began as a project, a favor for one of his closest friends, had quickly bloomed into a sense of purpose. Robin had thrown himself into his work with the kind of excitement and purpose he hadn’t felt in a long time. Marian had been busy at work herself, so it had been easy to keep it from her. Though he’d been bursting at the seams with the desire to it share with her, he’d been all the more excited to show her the finished product. 

He palmed at his forehead, brushing away the sweat at his brow, and looked down at the watch on his wrist. He smiled as he removed his hard hat and stepped back to admire his work. It’d been a long time since he’d felt such a sense of pride in something he had done and the thought of sharing that feeling with Marian made him feel almost childlike with giddiness.

It didn’t take him long to find her. She was like a homing beacon and his eyes settled on her easily. Even from across the street, her beauty was unrivaled. He paused to admire her a moment before he made his way across, a merry bounce to his step. Without a word, he slid in beside her, his shoulder brushing hers. “Forgive me, my lady, my wife will be here soon but I must say, you are absolutely breathtaking.”

[thelionheartking]

Richard glanced between the plans he’d been presented and the mass of what appeared to largely be scaffolding, dirt and sweaty men in hardhats. He hadn’t exactly realised the image had been computer generated when he’d offered to value it on site. “I can’t sell this on the premise that it might not look like shit when it’s finished,” he hummed to himself, lowering the paper and moving beneath the supports as he inspected the wall work. A tool dropped down beside him and he gazed up through the gaps. “Watch it, would you?”

@theoutlawrobin

[theoutlawrobin]

He palmed at the sweat over his brow, glancing up at the unforgiving sun as he moved around the site. He hadn’t been very hands-on in the past, but working on his project with Meg had reignited the same passion he’d had for his business from the beginning and he was happy to put in the hard work. He accepted the boost from one of his men as he climbed up top to help set some beams. He toed a hammer off one of the supports it had been teetering from and he heard it crash to the ground, followed almost immediately by a startlingly familiar voice. He peered down at the man below, squinting through the harsh light, but could quite place him. He knocked against his hat. “Sorry, mate. This is not a hardhat-free zone.” He passed off the rest of his work to the one of his men and braced himself as he hopped down. 

He stood before the man, his gut registering his familiarity before his head and his heart could. The likeness was there, but out of his royal garb, Robin could liken the man before him with the king he had so faithfully served. He blinked as he looked him over, the recognition suddenly dawning on him as he took to his knees in a bow. “Your Majesty.” He remained on the ground a moment longer, but looked up at the man, confusion in his eyes, a hesitant smile that bloomed and grew. “You were the last person I imagined to see here.”

[theoutlawrobin]

ladyxmarian:

Marian threw a glance over her shoulder, the sound of her laughter carrying with it.  He was as far from her as she sounded. While she’d never been one to claim victory unless the playing field was level, she still enjoyed being ahead of him.  She could feel his eyes on her and it made her feel alive, young, vibrant – it was a summation of the best parts of her childhood and innocence.  In an effort to preserve it, she ran faster, catching herself on the first obstacle and clearing it easily.  “You’re getting slow in your old age,” she called back. 

The sound of her laughter reached his ears, enchanting and mystical. His heart and stomach reacted and the smile spread across his face. He hadn’t felt this carefree in such a long time and he was going to hold onto it for as long as he could. She was moving fast in front of him and if he tried, he could almost imagine the forest around them, the thick green brush whizzing by her as she ran. His heart ached in the best of ways as he chased her, watching, nearly mesmerized as she took to the course as easily as he knew her to take to anything. 

Her teasing had him exerting himself, running faster still as he fought to catch up. “You wish,” he called back as he cleared the first obstacle with less ease and grace than she had. “You just got a head start, don’t let that go to your head.”

[dreadpirate-westley]

Take One Down, Pass it Around || Westinigobin

[theoutlawrobin]

therevengebusiness:

dreadpirate-westley:

Westley shrugged off the debate about experience with women and relationships and focused instead on the restocking of drink.  That seemed vastly more important than some sort of contest of who was more experienced in which ways.  He could ponder on Inigo’s surprise and Robin’s boisterous nature while he stood at the bar.  Truth be told, he spent more time taking in his surroundings, deftly noting not for the first time where exits and hiding spots would be should he need them. 

He gathered their pitcher and the glasses stacked by the bartender, conveying his thanks to the man who would be receiving a large tip.  It was a custom Westley had latched onto rather quickly, not wanting to do anything that would cause him to stand out.  He tipped well, but on the modest side, and never overstayed at any location.  It seemed safer that way. 

When he returned to the table, it was in time to hear the tail end of Robin’s comment.  He rewarded the foolery with fresh ale.  Or… as fresh as ale could be.  “If what I know of your wife is true, she would say more words than that.  And if what I know of your interactions is true, you would be blushing like a fool under the power of her attention.” 

He turned to Inigo, placing a fresh glass in front of his friend.  “And what of yours, sir?  By ‘quite new,’ I take it to mean I’ve heard nothing of this lass.  You’ve got more than one kind of catching up to do.” 

@therevengebusiness​

Inigo snickered at Westley’s comment to Robin upon his return. It was meant entirely in fun, as The Spaniard was beginning to understand exactly why things like that happened to men when their women were involved. “Sounds like an interesting woman you have there, Robin. I already know that Westley’s is.”

He picked up his glass and took a drink of the fresh ale before nodding his head. “I have been waiting to see exactly what is was turning into before I said anything. But Djaq is very patient with me,” he smiled slightly, knowing that Westley would understand the entirety of that statement. “Even knowing what she does, she enjoys my company.”

@theoutlawrobin​

Robin grinned fondly as they spoke of Marian. “You’re absolutely right,” he conceded to Westley. Turning to Inigo, he was still nodding. “Interesting is a good start. It sounds as though getting those two together might be dangerous.” He laughed around a gulp of his drink. 

He was halfway through the swallow when Inigo mentioned Djaq in the same sentence as a new romance. He looked up suddenly, swallowing down the rest of his drink roughly. “Djaq? That would be Djaq Gelinler, yeah?” He looked over at Inigo as if he were looking at him for the first time. “It is nice to finally meet the reason she’s been so distracted lately.” 

@dreadpirate-westley​

[theoutlawrobin]

the-onceandfuture-king:

He lifted his head and raised his eyebrows, hardly expecting the conversation to flow in that direction. “It is my pleasure. I dare say I needed her about as much as she needed me,” he admitted, placing the box crookedly on top of another. “Honestly, you do not need to apologise for anything. I understand how it may have felt, coming home to a strange man you have never seen before strutting around your house.”

Robin’s gaze, which had moved to sweep the floor, lifted again to meet Arthur’s and he blew out a breath, his lips curling into a half smile. “Well, you’re quite right about that,” he agreed with a chuckle. “But it still stands. I know I probably did not make your time there as easy as I could have. And I am sure Marian has already said as much, but I do hope you feel welcome back anytime you please.” He paused to consider, and flashed the man a cheeky grin. “But maybe call first?”

[theoutlawrobin]

ladyxmarian:

“Then I’d better make the most of them,” she said, biting her lip as she backed away and keeping her eyes on him for as long as possible before she turned and took off at a sprint through the back end of the course.  He didn’t need to know she was doing it backward on purpose to give herself a competitive edge.

He watched her, teeth biting into his bottom lip. She would be the death of him. And what a sweet death it would be. He had to take a deep breath before he pushed off from the wall, watching her with hungry eyes as she ran from him. He could only shake his head in admiration before he was running after her, enjoying the carefree way his legs stretched as he ran. She was ahead of him, though, and probably would remain that way, so he called out to her, “You cheating little show off!”

[dreadpirate-westley]

Take One Down, Pass it Around || Westinigobin

[theoutlawrobin]

therevengebusiness:

dreadpirate-westley:

Westley’s heart had really started to sink a little at Robin’s tale.  Part of him wanted to ask for more information, while another part yearned to ask for more alcohol.  He wondered whether Robin’s Marian might be a good source of support for Buttercup, who had been through so many similar things.  And perhaps Marian would provide female counsel on the wisdom of marriage…  

He got the impression the methods of both men’s near loss were different, though, and wanted to give focus there.  He had just opened his mouth to inquire on that when he spotted Inigo and waved him over.  He stood as the other men were both standing as well, silently watching as he liked to do in general but especially amongst friends.  Those opportunities were so rare.  As it stood, his senses may have been a bit off, but Inigo seemed a little surprised, caught off-guard at least.  Robin was… always the same, jovial and welcoming.  Westley had truly understood the basis of the legends in the compelling draw of the man beside him.  

Until, of course, he felt himself flush a bit, bowing his head at the mention of ‘our women’ and the things Westley had mentioned.  While none of it was a secret from Inigo, whom he had come to trust implicitly and as almost a brother of sorts, it wasn’t something they discussed, either.  “I cannot wait to hear what you would add,” he muttered under his breath.  Louder, though, he was more outgoing and less flustered toward the Spaniard.  “We’ve nearly finished our first round.  Do you mind ale if I provide a restock?” 

@therevengebusiness​  

“Likewise,” Inigo inclined his head, wondering at the turn his night was taking. He settled in the open seat with the two men, reminding himself it was alright to be at ease. “Marry yours?” The Spaniard raised an eyebrow at Westley in surprise at the turn since their last conversation about his woman. “I believe I’ll need an ale if this is the conversation we’re to have,” he chuckled, teasing his friend lightly.

“I can not say that I have much to add in terms of personal experience, as mine is quite new,” the man admitted with a light shrug before recalling he had yet to be able to tell Westley about Djaq and their newfound… intimacy? Not quite the correct word, but it would do. “And I certainly can not contribute to a discussion of marriage beyond my knowledge of my friend here,” he chuckled.

@theoutlawrobin​

While blissfully unaware of whatever awkwardness he may have caused, Robin did catch the look between the two men. But Inigo was pushing on, so Robin inclined his nearly-empty glass towards Inigo. “To new things, then,” he toasted, throwing his head back as he downed what remained in his glass in two large swallows. “I do not mind if only you allow me to buy the one after should we make it to it.” 

He raised his brows at Inigo’s words and then made a face. “Oh, I certainly hope I did not ruin the surprise, then. My wife would probably say I’ve got a knack for being cluelessly tactless. I call it ‘charming’.” 

@dreadpirate-westley​