Tuck on his way into Nottingham (Gisbourne)

[Sir Guy of Gisborne.]

Within a moment, Gisborne's entire expression and feelings had changed completely. It was the other side of the coin - His second personality. Since the incident in the Holy Land, he had been unable to control his emotions, and the anger which he would continually feel, towards all those who were around him, and who even so much as spoke to him. Gisborne had been known to lash out for even the smallest, slightest of reasons, as though that was enough reason and amunition to justify throwing punches - Or even drawing his blade in readiness of a fight. If someone insulted him, then they would not go unpunished. However, there was the other side of the man. The side with whom he appeared to be calm and relatively gentle, although less so than he had been with Marian. It was as though she had changed him, possibly for the better. However, Gisborne never even considered that now.

What he was being told - That he had attempted to kill her in reason for his own actions - Was something that the more dominant side of his personality - He who would regularly start a fight over even the smallest of small offences - Came to life once more. Gisborne sat up, ignoring the sudden rush of blood back to a regular motion through his body, to glare at Tuck, his eyes dark and scathing.

"The only redemption I have is to kill Robin Hood. Only then might I feel some satisfaction. Marian can be mine again. Prayer can do nothing."

He spat coldly, looking him right in the eyes.

"I am a God-fearing man, although this must be my punishment. To live... To live this life, filled with these Demons, that haunt my every moment. I cannot close my eyes, for fear of them approaching me again, and taunting me. Some of them wear her face, some Robin's. They're teasing me... This must be God's way of telling me that I no longer deserve to live..."

[Tuck]

Tuck always credited himself as a good observer of men and of human nature. It was almost as if he was constantly looking at life in the Third person. He had seen the wide range personalities in his 30-odd years, but what he experienced now was almost a shock, merely because it occurred so rapidly. He saw the expression, the action, and the emotion on Guy’s face change almost immediately. However, though Tuck was a man almost always under complete control, he was still a man, one who could respond directly, aggressively, potently, if he was provoked.

“Perhaps you have come to believe that the fear that you generate the villagers and others, is something you hold by right, perhaps in your own mind, such as it is, by divine right. I am no outlaw Sir Guy, but I am as much a product of the Crusades as any man. Though a churchman by training and belief, I am no man that can be brushed aside with a glare and an unkind word. I have come against others such as you, both better men and worse. You could end my life, as a further blemish on your life, but understand this, men such as I have nothing to defend other than than God and country …. we have no fear …. For we know where we are going at the end of our life on Earth.”

Tuck paused, to see if Guy would reconsider the path he was going down. “Redemption? Redemption! What does a man such as you know of it? It would appear that you missed that day at religious instruction. Is that what constitutes redemption in England these days, another life to be taken. How many acts of redemption have you perpetrated in the name of the Sheriff and Prince John, I wonder. Once you are done with Hood, what will you do to fill the emptiness in your soul. Do you honestly believe by killing the man she says she loves, that she will turn to you? She’s more likely to put a knife you back, than a kiss on your lips. I know you are quick to both and action, but can’t you see the illogic of what you are trying to do, let alone the wrongness.”

Tuck shook his head with weariness and regret. “I am sorry that you desire revenge more than forgiveness, vengeance rather than love. There will always be hope that you can take the right actions, my son, but that is a choice only you can make, and when the time comes you will have to take, whether it be for good or evil, and your course will be set. I just pray when that times comes you think through what is best for you, the people who are close to you, and your country. I’m afraid I can do no more for you …. so rest if you can …. and forgive this waste of your time. I will continue my journey now …. with your permission,” Tuck paused, waiting for Guy’s response, whether it be good or evil.

[Sir Guy of Gisborne.]

Gisborne stood up, his eyes cold and hard, and barely portraying any emotion whatsoever. He seemed... No longer a man with any vague form or sanity any longer within his mind, instead posessed by this thought of revenge - This thought that everything would right itself because of the death of one man. The man who had ruined Guy's life, and taken the woman whom he loved from him. In his own mind, one more death, in the name of the Sheriff, in the name of Prince John, would bring about the necessary redemption that Gisborne believed he needed. He swung his legs from the table, using his height and well-built physicality to dominate Tuck, forcing him backwards with every step that he took forwards.

"The people are scared of me, that is why they obey! The only way to control them is through fear, and nothing else. I could end their lives - I could take your life right here and now! There are times when religion means nothing to me, and there are times when it is all I can consider. And Hood must die, and my Demons will die with him!"

Gisborne did not back down, although he stood still, barely blinking, and staring Tuck out.

"Revenge is the meaning of myself, as I stand. There is nothing you can do for me. Maybe you were a fool for trying. Get out."

[Tuck]

Tuck clearly understood, now more than ever, that this meeting had had the potential to be productive on many levels. There had always been the possibility of appealing to Guy's better nature, such as it was. Despite its remote chance of success, it was something that as a Friar, Tuck had to try. He also knew, at this point in time, that Guy was all-consumed with revenge, and that used correctly that obsession could be used against Guy, the Sheriff, and the powers-that-be. It was also clear that Tuck's next move should be to get into contact with Robin Hood and his band of outlaws. Only then could Tuck decide if what he had been hearing about him was the truth or merely stories that had grown up about one of England's most successful outlaws.

Despite the fact that Tuck was well able and experienced enough to defend himself from the likes of Sir Guy, he elected to retreat, knowing that the next time they met Sir Guy might make some incorrect assumptions about how the friar would react to some aggressive moves, and perhaps make Guy pay for his miscalculation. "I see that you have made your choice, at least for now. I hope that you are able to look back and see you made the correct. I doubt it ..... but life is full surprise. You shall be in my prayers for some time to come, whether I be a fool or not," and with a deferential nod of the head he left the shelter before Guy could change his mind, and decided to take a meandering path back to the gates and Sherwood beyond.

[Sir Guy of Gisborne.]

Gisborne watched as Tuck made his move backwards, and away from him, and it almost made him feel that he had won... Tuck was retreating from his presence, apparently scared, although Gisborne knew nothing of his tentative nature. He didn't believe that the Friar could fight back, even if he should want to.

"I said, get out of my sight!"

He yelled, grasping the edge of the table upon which he had been laying, and sending it sprawling to the ground. He was even more prone to rage striking him now, than he had been before. His trusted sword clattered to the ground beside the wooden table, the sound echoing around the small, sheltered area, along with the cracking of the wooden table against the stone ground. With a cry of rage, he still firmly believed, that prayers would not save him now...

[Sir Guy of Gisborne.]

~Fini~