"I'm going to marry Robin Hood" Marian stated as her face broke into a smile. Allan saw the Lady standing before Guy, unarmed, and he didn't think, he just ran.

"I love Robin Hood" She confessed, face and heart glowing. Marian saw Robin over Guy's shoulder, and was aware of someone sprinting towards her on her right.

"I love Robin Hood" she repeated, and only glimpsed the flash of silver before the blur that was Allan A Dale threw himself between Marian and the Black Knight. Allan stumbled backwards and sank to the floor, as Marian stood, breathless, staring at the killer who stood before her.

The gang's cries for the injured man could be heard across the deserted market square, as could the Sherriff's, calling for his dog to heel. Vasey's shouts of "It's not over Hood!" were heard and ignored by the gang as Gisbourne fled to his master.

Robin skidded to a halt next to the gasping Allan and gingerly raised his head from the dusty earth.

"So, I guess I am forgiven?" Allan rasped.

"A thousand times over" Robin replied as he held the dying man. "Why did you do this?" He asked.

"Because you and Marian are meant to be together" Allan said matter of factly. He paused for breath and whispered "I'm not being funny, but this is quite painful" as he stole a glance at his torso. A tearful chuckle went round the group as the Allan they knew and loved came to the surface. Looking up at Robin, Allan said

"I think it is time". The leader gave a short nod, and smiling as he gazed at the gang one last time, he reached down and yanked the sword from his body. He took a sharp breath, exhaled it slowly, and grew still.

"Goodbye, my friend" Robin murmured, and laid the body of Allan A Dale to rest.