Sir Guy of Gisborne (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
landlesslord) wrote2007-06-15 11:44 pm
landlesslord) wrote2007-06-15 11:44 pm
Episode 1x08 "Tattoo? What Tattoo?" Part I
This was, on the surface, a gathering to celebrate the King's birthday. Anyone who knew Guy's family history, which was not many, knew that this was a faintly ludicrous idea - Guy hated the King. It did serve Guy's own purposes well enough though and now the time came to duly toast the King's health.
"As you know we are here to celebrate the King's birthday. We wish him success in the Holy Land... and we pray for his speedy return to these shores."
Guy brought Marian and her father a goblet of wine each - Marian was especially important for what he had planned to announce after the trifle with the King was dealt with. He was placing all his hopes and plans into her fair hands so that she might kindle them and set them burning. Seeing her now, knowing that they were engaged, that at this moment it was almost a secret shared between just them, quickened his heart. Their engagement was rushed, for the wrong reasons and had not been conducted in the way that he had hoped that it would be. Now, though, it was his opportunity to put some of that right, to show her his feeling for her and how important she was to him. This declaration he would make would help to redeem himself in her eyes, for his mistakes and for the danger he had put her in before.
"I myself have a particular reason to hope for the King's early return to England, for when that day comes, this fair lady, Marian, has consented to be my wife."
He had not discussed making this announcement so openly to everyone that mattered in Nottingham with her, but surely Marian would not mind - at least some part of her must have made this promise not just to save her life, but because she saw something there in him that she felt a connection to. She would welcome their connection being declared in a proper fashion, since it had not been made in that way.
"May I?" He held the ring in his hand, showing her the small band of glittering spring flowers that had no hope of matching her beauty but meant so much to him.
"You leave me little choice." The good mood that had been buoying him up throughout this celebration for the King shattered like a thousand stained glass windows. How could she not welcome this symbol of his intentions? How could she look at it as if it might damage her reputation somehow, as if it were something unpleasant to behold? Or that this good news should not be shared with anyone?
"I thought you had already made your choice." Guy was not a man easily hurt. Physically, at least, he was used to some measure of pain. Emotionally, though, he had not felt this cut since his father had been condemned and broken so many years before. Only a short time before she had agreed to marry him and now she was spurning him?
"I have." Marian smiles, but her smile is too late and too quickly gone to soothe his hurt or his shock at her turnaround. "This means so much to you, doesn't it."
It is a statement, not so much a question and all of it is true. "This means everything to me." As if it could mean anything less! How can Marian not understand this? "Have I not expressed myself?" He reached, almost desperately, for her hand, grasping it. Perhaps this would give him some measure of control of a situation rapidly spiralling downwards and in some way it does. Steadier now, though colder, he continued. "You mean everything to me." He must not let the sinking that is threatening to drown his spirit overwhelm him. This must be done as close to right as he can get it. This was important.
For a moment, Guy hesitated, holding the ring before her delicate fingers, steeling himself to not let this disappointment throw him off. This was not the way it was supposed to happen. This is not quite the happy occasion it should be. He took a breath, licked suddenly dry lips and pushed those thoughts from his mind. This deliberate action of placing the ring upon her finger, almost an image of the wedding ceremony, feels very final. It will make what have been just words so far, real and physical. Something that can be held. Perhaps this exchange should have taken place in private, perhaps a more intimate gathering of friends to share in the celebration. But what friends did Guy have now?
Carefully but decisively, Guy pushed the ring onto Marian's finger. It fits perfectly, as it should, and for a moment, Marian's fingers remain resting in his. He looked up at her, expectantly and then back down at the ring on her finger, disappointed. This does not feel any different to how it had moments before. The ring is sorely lacking in magical ability to make everything right between them and Guy is lost. He had pinned so much on this small circle of metal and now, suddenly aware again of the guests waiting for... something, he turns, defaulting to his usual businesslike demeanour. Another toast.
He reaches for the nearest goblet (Edward's) and takes it, raising it as he turns and with his other hand, firmly grips Marian's wrist to display her hand to the room.
"My lords and ladies, I give you the future Lady Gisborne."
The ring on her finger sparkles, the physical sign of their engagement and maybe the only sign, as Marian does not seem to be the excited, blushing bride-to-be. A disappointment somewhat.
A small cheer moves around the room. Disappointing also, but expected.
"As you know we are here to celebrate the King's birthday. We wish him success in the Holy Land... and we pray for his speedy return to these shores."
Guy brought Marian and her father a goblet of wine each - Marian was especially important for what he had planned to announce after the trifle with the King was dealt with. He was placing all his hopes and plans into her fair hands so that she might kindle them and set them burning. Seeing her now, knowing that they were engaged, that at this moment it was almost a secret shared between just them, quickened his heart. Their engagement was rushed, for the wrong reasons and had not been conducted in the way that he had hoped that it would be. Now, though, it was his opportunity to put some of that right, to show her his feeling for her and how important she was to him. This declaration he would make would help to redeem himself in her eyes, for his mistakes and for the danger he had put her in before.
"I myself have a particular reason to hope for the King's early return to England, for when that day comes, this fair lady, Marian, has consented to be my wife."
He had not discussed making this announcement so openly to everyone that mattered in Nottingham with her, but surely Marian would not mind - at least some part of her must have made this promise not just to save her life, but because she saw something there in him that she felt a connection to. She would welcome their connection being declared in a proper fashion, since it had not been made in that way.
"May I?" He held the ring in his hand, showing her the small band of glittering spring flowers that had no hope of matching her beauty but meant so much to him.
"You leave me little choice." The good mood that had been buoying him up throughout this celebration for the King shattered like a thousand stained glass windows. How could she not welcome this symbol of his intentions? How could she look at it as if it might damage her reputation somehow, as if it were something unpleasant to behold? Or that this good news should not be shared with anyone?
"I thought you had already made your choice." Guy was not a man easily hurt. Physically, at least, he was used to some measure of pain. Emotionally, though, he had not felt this cut since his father had been condemned and broken so many years before. Only a short time before she had agreed to marry him and now she was spurning him?
"I have." Marian smiles, but her smile is too late and too quickly gone to soothe his hurt or his shock at her turnaround. "This means so much to you, doesn't it."
It is a statement, not so much a question and all of it is true. "This means everything to me." As if it could mean anything less! How can Marian not understand this? "Have I not expressed myself?" He reached, almost desperately, for her hand, grasping it. Perhaps this would give him some measure of control of a situation rapidly spiralling downwards and in some way it does. Steadier now, though colder, he continued. "You mean everything to me." He must not let the sinking that is threatening to drown his spirit overwhelm him. This must be done as close to right as he can get it. This was important.
For a moment, Guy hesitated, holding the ring before her delicate fingers, steeling himself to not let this disappointment throw him off. This was not the way it was supposed to happen. This is not quite the happy occasion it should be. He took a breath, licked suddenly dry lips and pushed those thoughts from his mind. This deliberate action of placing the ring upon her finger, almost an image of the wedding ceremony, feels very final. It will make what have been just words so far, real and physical. Something that can be held. Perhaps this exchange should have taken place in private, perhaps a more intimate gathering of friends to share in the celebration. But what friends did Guy have now?
Carefully but decisively, Guy pushed the ring onto Marian's finger. It fits perfectly, as it should, and for a moment, Marian's fingers remain resting in his. He looked up at her, expectantly and then back down at the ring on her finger, disappointed. This does not feel any different to how it had moments before. The ring is sorely lacking in magical ability to make everything right between them and Guy is lost. He had pinned so much on this small circle of metal and now, suddenly aware again of the guests waiting for... something, he turns, defaulting to his usual businesslike demeanour. Another toast.
He reaches for the nearest goblet (Edward's) and takes it, raising it as he turns and with his other hand, firmly grips Marian's wrist to display her hand to the room.
"My lords and ladies, I give you the future Lady Gisborne."
The ring on her finger sparkles, the physical sign of their engagement and maybe the only sign, as Marian does not seem to be the excited, blushing bride-to-be. A disappointment somewhat.
A small cheer moves around the room. Disappointing also, but expected.