Disclaimer: I do not own Robin Hood, Robin, Marian, Guy, et al; I have earned nothing but the joy that comes from the writing and the possibility of a nice comment or two.

Marian: Through the Looking Glass, Epilogues

The version of Robin and Marian we know and love…

Robin came hurrying through the door, his gaze taking in the whole room in a single sweep; it returned to his daughter, who was the only one there.

Pippa wobbled on her chubby little feet as she took a couple of steps. "Da!" she called when she spotted him and then promptly fell on her bottom.

Robin grinned at her. It was hard to believe it had already been a year and half since her birth. He loved coming home and being greeted by his women. Speaking of his women, one of them was currently missing. Robin scooped her up and planted a kiss on her cheek. "Pippa, my love, what are you doing here all by yourself? Where is your mother?"

Pippa smiled and patted his cheeks and said, "Mama."

"Yes, Mama. Where is she?" He glanced around the room again and then toward the stairs before heading for the kitchen.

He'd been anxious all morning. The feeling that something was not right at home would not leave him. Marian was still a month away from having the baby, so it shouldn't be that. He'd finally handed over his morning hearings with the local villagers and left the castle in Much's capable hands.

Cook looked up from her chopping at his entrance. "Oh, Master Robin, there ye be. So Thornton finally found you. Thank goodness."

"No, Thornton didn't find me. What's going on and why was Pippa all alone in the front room?"

"Oh dear... Lady Marian has taken to the childbed. Been havin' pains for a wee while now. Thornton went to fetch Matilda and then to the castle to get you."

"What?" But before Cook could say anything further, Robin raced from the kitchen and clumped up the stairs two at a time with Pippa's squirming body in his arms. Bursting into his and Marian's chamber, the door flew open and banged against the wall.

A collective gasp sounded and four sets of eyes landed on him.

"Mama!" Pippa chirped, clapping again. Then she wiggled harder and pushed against Robin's chest to get down.

"Oh, mercy me—Pippa!" exclaimed Leah. The flustered housemaid left the bedside, plucked the baby from his arms and whisked her out of the room.

"And what are you doing here?" Matilda asked.

He arced a brow. "Seeing about my wife. I was present for Pippa's birth. Why should I not be present for this one?" Robin rushed to the side of the bed Leah had just vacated.

"You're the sheriff now, not an outlaw living a secret life in a peasant's cottage," Matilda retorted. "Normal husbands wait outside or at the local tavern."

"Well, I've never been a normal husband, have I? Why should I start now?"

Matilda snorted in amusement.

Robin turned his attention to his wife. He took Marian's hand and kissed her brow. "Is it terrible?"

Marian's hair stuck to her forehead, and each plump cheek was flushed pink from her exertions. She shook her head. "Not too unbearable at the moment."

"All right then, time to get her moved to the pallet on the floor."

"Again?"

"Unless you want your fancy nobleman's bed ruined from all the gunk that's preparin' to come from your wife's body."

Robin made a face at Matilda and then helped Marian disrobe and get settled onto the pallet.

"It's another girl," Matilda announced over an hour later.

Marian had collapsed against Robin, breathing heavily, while Matilda cleaned up the wailing waif. This daughter was smaller than the last and had a full head of dark hair like Marian.

"This one's got a set of lungs, that's for sure." Matilda jiggled the babe and looked to Marian. "Are you up for a try at feedin'? Might be she needs something to comfort her after all that work of bein' born."

"I did all the work," Marian puffed, but nodded and Matilda handed the child to her. A moment later, the baby suckled noisily.

"Does she have a name yet?"

Robin glanced down at Marian. She offered him a tired smile.

"Kate," said Robin, "after Marian's mum." He hadn't forgotten their agreement, such as it was, after Pippa's birth.

"Pippa and Kate. You've got your hands full, me boyo," Matilda said with a chuckled and a shake of her head.

Looking down again at Marian and their newest daughter, Robin had never been happier.

The king had finally returned from the Holy Land. It had taken some time for him to reach Nottingham, but reach it he finally had. Justice had been served as Vaizey and Gisborne were dispatched to London. Robin later heard Vaizey had lost his head on Tower Hill and Gisborne remained locked up in the Tower itself.

The entire gang had been pardoned. Robin had been ensconced as sheriff with Much as his lieutenant. Nottinghamshire as a whole, after six months now, was finally starting to show signs of recovery, if not prosperity.

Allan had taken over the Tripp to Jerusalem Inn after it was discovered the innkeeper had been a spy for Vaizey. Will and Djaq had married and taken up residence back in Locksley where Will took over his father's position as carpenter extraordinaire, and Djaq hooked up with Matilda to meet the locals and learn more of the medicinal qualities of the plants and herbs native to the local area. Much had finally tracked down Eve, and they were living happily at Bonchurch with Eve having just announced they were expecting their first child.

Robin sighed. He couldn't regret what they'd gone through to get here. What they had now was so much more than he ever dreamed.

~ Fin ~

The (first) alternate universe Robin and Marian…

Claire and Ellie scampered about the small meadow, shrieking with laughter.

It was the first relatively warm dry day they'd had this spring and Marian was delighted to be out of the house. The girls had been going mad being stuck in the manor for so long, as had she herself.

When Robin suggested a picnic after Mass she didn't hesitate to agree. They'd eaten a lovely luncheon and now Robin lay on his back, legs crossed at the ankles and his hands tucked behind his head. His eyes were closed against the sunshine, but he was not breathing deeply enough to be asleep.

Eventually, the girls tuckered themselves out and came to sit on the other blanket. Claire toted an armful of daisies and Ellie carried a crumpled handful. Marian had taught Claire how to braid the flower stems to create a wreath and now Claire was trying to teach Ellie.

Marian's heart nearly burst from the love that filled her heart, both for her daughters and for her husband. Never had she thought she'd ever feel this way. She blinked away the tears that filled her eyes. Several escaped and slid down her cheek and she dashed them away with the back of her hand.

"Are you all right, my love?" Robin asked softly.

She offered him a watery smile and nodded. She reached out a hand and he clasped it, pulling it to his mouth and kissing the back of it.

"I am just extraordinarily happy," she said. "Happier than I've been in a terribly long time . . . thank you."

"For?"

"Your love and your patience and your willingness to listen or to talk and especially for taking such a large role in the raising of our daughters. You know that you are an anomaly amongst men."

He sat up and wrapped his arms around her and kissed her temple. "I love you more than life itself, Marian. I will do whatever it takes."

She sniffed back her surging emotions and glanced at the girls.

Ellie had tumbled over and lay looking at her sister with droopy eyes, her left thumb in her mouth. She would be asleep in a few minutes time.

Claire smiled down at her little sister. "Shall I tell you a story, Ellie?"

Ellie nodded and Claire launched into a story about a pair of princesses who rode across England doing good things for people in need.

Marian and Robin both chuckled at the wild tale being woven by their oldest. Ellie fell asleep before the mid-way point, and Claire herself lay down beside her sister and now blinked heavily in the dappled shade that slanted across their blanket. A short time later, she too succumbed to sleep.

"Claire napping . . . that doesn't happen often," Robin murmured and then nuzzled Marian's neck.

Pleasure shivered through her and she smiled, leaning into Robin's embrace. She'd overcome her fear, mostly, and had learned to enjoy, even welcome, his loving attentions.

"Maybe we should take advantage..." he mumbled, pressing a kiss to and then laving that spot at the curve of her shoulder that never failed to make her belly quiver.

"Maybe we should..." she whispered, hear heart fluttering with nerves. She'd been trying to become more playful. While she couldn't yet bring herself to instigate such acts, it was high time she responded positively to Robin's overtures.

He looked at her in surprise. "Really?" he croaked, desire making his tone husky.

She smiled at his shock. "A little, Robin, just a little." She really wasn't into public exhibitionism although she knew they were alone. Except for the girls who could, realistically, wake up at any time. She certainly wasn't prepared to answer any embarrassing question about why Da Da Da's hand or anything else was up Ma Ma Ma's gown.

He pulled her fully into his arms and onto his lap and kissed her thoroughly.

And she let him.

~ Fin ~

The (second) alternate universe Marian and the (nice) Guy of Gisborne…

Guy de Gisborne, Lord of Locksley and Earl of Huntingdon rode into the courtyard of Locksley Manor. It was a quaint abode and suited him well. He was glad to be home, and he returned with the favor of King Richard and some additional titles. And now that his mission was complete and his positions guaranteed for the near future, Guy was ready to take a wife.

Lady Marian's creamy countenance and voluptuous form appeared in his mind's eye. He and Marian had developed a friendship over the past year or so. Their initial introduction had been odd, to say the least. But once she'd recovered from whatever malady from which she'd suffered at the time and had properly grieved for the former Locksley, they had developed a friendship. Guy had grown to care for her, and he believed she for him as well.

His body stirred at the thought of her in his arms and in his bed. He couldn't deny he'd imagined intimacies between them once or twice, but she was a lady. They'd kissed once, during the celebration of the new year, and he'd found it quite enjoyable. Nay more than enjoyable. And she had been moved as well.

It was time to press his suit.

Dismounting, Guy handed the reins to Much who had become, for all intents and purposes, his new manservant. "You've earned yourself several days off, Much. I'll see you in four days time."

"Thank you, milord," Much replied with tilt of his head and tugged the horses into the barn.

He'd had good training under the former lord and he'd fought in the Crusades. The man was quiet and unassuming and served Guy well. And after losing his previous master, he really had nowhere else to go.

At the sound of hooves, Guy stopped on the threshold of the manor and turned. Lady Marian.

She reined her mount to a stop. "Hello, Guy."

His gut, and other things, quivered at the warm silk of her voice. He'd been too long without female companionship and his earlier musings left him a bit randy.

"Marian." He greeted her with a half bow and stepped forward to help her from her horse. "I was just thinking about you."

"Oh?" She slid to the ground, her face upturned and a welcoming expression in her eyes. Her hand snaked up his arm and cupped his neck, the gentle pressure encouraging him to dip his head forward. She pressed a kiss to his cheek and then whispered, "I've been thinking of you, too."

He was instantly hard and pulled away from her. Too late. She smirked, a knowing look darkening the blue of her eyes as she swept past him and into the manor.

Guy swallowed a groan and followed her inside. It was her playful mood. One he enjoyed although it taxed his self-control. And his self-control was wearing thin these days.

Her gaze swept the room and then she turned and met his. "It appears your servants are all on holiday."

He nodded. "Since I was gone to London for a fortnight, I sent everyone to visit relatives. Much was with me, though I dismissed him for a few days. I imagine he'll make his way to the Tripp once he's done with my horse."

"So we are alone." She arched a brow in query.

Had he imagined it or was she intrigued by the notion? His breeches grew tighter. "So it would seem."

"Is my virtue in jeopardy?"

What was she playing at? "Not unless you wish it to be."

She looked away and sighed.

"Shall I recall Much to act as chaperone?" Guy asked, indicating toward the barn. "I certainly wouldn't want to besmirch your reputation by accident."

She shook her head. "The shire has written me off as a spinster. If it weren't for my father, I'd welcome the scandal. And since no one's about, I'm not overly worried." She meandered around the room. "I am glad you have returned safely. I hope your business was successful."

"It was. So much, in fact, that I have decided it's high time I marry and give Locksley and myself a mistress."

She whirled back to face him. "Oh?" she asked, her voice indifferent, though interest and worry fought for dominance of her features in equal measure.

He nodded and tried to keep his own expression neutral though he wanted to smile. "Would you be interested in the job?"

Her brows drew together. "Job? Are you going to post a notice at the Tripp? Wanted, wife and mistress for Locksley Manor. Wages, two pounds a week plus benefits."

Her surprise amused him and he laughed this time. "Gotcha." He crossed to where she stood, took her hands and kissed them, growing serious. "Marian . . . when I think marriage, I think only of you. I do not know that we have crossed from deep affection to love, but I think we would get on well together and that in time, love would grow. Will you consider my proposal?"

A pretty flush colored her cheeks. "Yes . . . and yes. I'd be honored to be the mistress of Locksley and delighted to be yours."

~ Fin ~

Authors Note: Many many heartfelt thanks to all of you who read and reviewed this story. Your kind words and enjoyment of this tale were such an added bonus to the whole process (in alphabetical order to make sure I mentioned everyone): 1LovesLatin3, 88Mary88, AKlimesh, Alex Joleta, annabel19, be93, bgrace222, camelotGirl, Catindahat, CeCeAway, CindyUSA, Emery3842, Emrisah, EnamelMina, FireSpringRoses, Fra ITA, GraniaMhaol, I Keep Goldfish In My Bra, Jammeke, JessaMae, jjjc, jonasluva, Kerrison, Kirsty Joy, LadyKate1, livluvdance2992, Love Jonas101, Luna 12, Magpie287, Marjatta, monoui, moonlightfaery, msmarvelfreak, muchbeddled, MyEternalPassion, Nathol99, Nessa, NewsgirlxRider, Novindalf, pipsqueak66, Rawr I'm A Toaster, rawr52, RebelYell1205, rh2006fan, , Teenageoutlaw, TwilightObsessedOECD, WhitePurity, xPrincetonx