Title: THE SPIRIT OF SHERWOOD
Author: GreenHenge
Rating: PG-13
Summary: The story takes place not too long after Episode 113. Late getting the taxes to the villagers, the outlaws split up to make the deliveries. Despite the separation the gang comes together to help one of their own with the aid of a forest comrade.
Pairings: Robin/Marian, Will/Djaq,
Spoilers: Series One 101-113
Disclaimer: I own nothing to do BBC's Robin Hood, but I have been to the Major Oak.
THE SPIRIT OF SHERWOOD
By GreenHenge
Chapter 1:
A slender doe and her fawn nibbled and pawed at the soggy ground searching for food. They found little reward for their efforts as a late winter storm had withered even the hardiest vegetation. The harsh cold had ravished the countryside, as well as the villagers' hopes for an early spring. Patches of snow still dotted the northern dales; once majestic elms stood naked and stark against the gray shades of morning. Their gnarled and knotted branches clawed at the clouds as if trying to find the sun.
Robin and John stood within a copse of trees at the northern edge of Sherwood, silently observing the deer. As the animals moved further away John looked over at Robin. "Everything is sufferin'. We must do something."
"We have most of last session's tax money, we need to get it to the people, and quickly. That storm really slowed us up." Robin's eyes met his friend.
"They will be expecting us." The tallest outlaw stated, leaning against his staff.
"Yes," Robin sighed, "we better tell the others. We should be ready to start out tomorrow if the weather holds."
The two men headed toward the camp, each lost in their own thoughts. He would discuss it with the others, but Robin knew they would have to split up to make the deliveries this time. He disliked the idea; visiting the villages just before spring was one of the activities they all enjoyed, and this time Marian could join them. After weeks of isolation, traveling through Sherwood would be a welcomed change. Most importantly, it was a time to renew old friendships, but it was also a chance to renew their ties to the greenwood as the forest came alive with the promise of new life.
Reluctantly the others acceded to Robin's suggestion that they make separate deliveries; Marian volunteered to go with him to Wadlow. The outlaw leader was planning to ask her, but was truly pleased that it was her idea, too. Much looked a bit disappointed, but he understood that his master and his lady needed the time alone. Little John stepped up and asked Much to come along to Wyersdale as he had an old friend there, a publican who was the proprietor of the Blue Boar Tavern.
Will, Alan and Djaq were off to Clun and Nettlestone, as the two villages were relatively close together to each other. The remainder of the day was spent counting coins, preparing bundles and packing gear for their respective journeys. After the evening meal, the group settled in for an early night.
John and Much left at dawn as they wanted to arrive in Wyersdale for afternoon ale and a meal. Djaq managed to rouse Alan; Will had been ready when she awoke. The trio headed to Clun about an hour after sunup. Will and Alan were in a heated discussion over whose bird call sounded more like a hawk. Lately it seemed any topic could be argued by these two lately.
Djaq stayed well ahead of the two young men; she was fed up with both of them at the moment. Their bickering had escalated over the last week. She thought it was just the weeks of close confinement and inactivity making them restless for a fight. Djaq knew Robin would be happy to have a break from refereeing.