Perfect conclusion to the pre-series backstory, also setting up DeFourtnoy's rise (temporarily eclipsing Guy) and Marian's decision to become the Nightwatchman. Theodosia's and her baby's fate makes it especially poignant, and I like the reference to Robin.

Would love to see a sequel dealing with the next three years!

Oh wow, great denouement. Skipping right ahead to Marian returning to find Edward deposed was a great idea, and this scene is concise, dramatic and hard-hitting. Guy's reaction is perfect, and Vaisey's quick decision that Marian cannot be married off to Guy after she had humiliated him in public feels very right as well. Good lead-in to Guy's "reassignment" to Locksley.

Oh wow - Pitts has been poisoning Sir Edward? Great twist! Love the twist and love Guy's reaction, especially his reflection in response to Pitts's "my heart was in the right place" comment. And then an additional twist with Vaisey's thinly veiled instructions to Guy to seduce Marian. Uh-oh...

I really like the terse tone of this chapter - excellent way to convey Marian's preoccupation and the urgency of the situation.

Ooh, I take it this Annie is Annie from "Parenthood"? Very nice introduction for the character. And I really like the Guy/Marian interaction - her studied indifference followed by an unexpected moment of quasi-bonding when she sees him to the door as a pretext to get her hands on her book.

Finally getting back to reading this story (have fallen much too far behind due to lack of time). Great little vignette with Guy and Sarah in Chapter 2, and I enjoyed the Council of Nobles scene with its undercurrents of tension. And I really like Marian's letter - hilarious bit about the knitting!

An interesting and unusual version of Guy and Marian's pre-series acquaintance! Very well-written, like all your stories; looking forward to more!

Beautifully written are you going to continue it and will there be future pairing for guy and Marian?