This is a new Beth Coldson story. Yeah. I get bored.

Will was waiting. He watched as the carriage with armed guard went by.

"What is it?" asked Allen

"They're guarding something valuable. Look at all the guards."

Suddenly, the gilt door opened and out stepped a young woman. Will had to cover his mouth to stop the gasp.

She was tall, with hair the color of cooked chestnuts and eyes like the ocean. She was thin, with prominent cheekbones. She said something to her guards. One shook his head.

"What do you 'supose they're talking about?" asked Allen

"Shh."

"Oh," said Allen. "Pardon me sir Fancy Pants. I didn't know that you wanted to look at the lady."

"Wait." said Will, ignoring Allen's remark, "Someone's walking down the path."

It was Robin. The young woman turned and squealed happily as she jumped into his arms. Allen

and Will looked at each other. This wasn't Marion, so why was he acting like this?

Then she kneeled on the ground and put her forehead against his hand. He shook her off and helped her up. He put his arm around her and they walked toward camp.

"I think it time that we head back." said Allen tentatively.

"Hmm." grunted Will.

They walked back and sat by the fire. Or, Allen sat by the fire and Will went off the brood.

"Marion." he called, looking to where she was making supper. "Have you ever thought that Robin might be, well-"

"Just say it Will." she said laughing

"That Robin may be-" but he was spared those terrible words by Robin returning to the camp.

The young woman whispered in his ear and giggled.

"Everyone. This is Elisabeth. She'll be staying with us."

"Shenhoragal em. I mean, um, thank you. For allowing me to stay." her accent was thick, but she was understandable.

"Why are you here?" asked Will

She turned to look at him with her inquisitive blue eyes.

"I need refuge. A man at the Shah's court wanted me as his wife. But the Shah wanted a better life for me. So he give me to Robin. He find me a husband. Protect me from Hauk."

"You expect some man here to just lay his life on the line?" asked Will venemously. He regretted it the instant he said it. Elisabeth's eyes welled up and she shook her head violently.

"No. No kill. Being husband enough to keep Hauk away. He will not come for other man's wife." she said nodding.

"Oh." said Will, feeling abashed.

"We will need to find her a husband by week's end. Anyone want to volunteer?" asked Robin cheerfully

Much raised his hand immediately. Elisabeth smiled kindly at him. Then Will raised his hand after only a moment's hesitation. When Elisabeth saw this. Her eyes lit up with joy.

"I will see who else there is, but I thank you for your kind offers." she said trying to conceal a smile. Will felt like smiling too, though he knew he'd be a fool to do it.

She ducked into Marion's sleeping area and they didn't see either for the rest of the night.

I HEART WILL SCARLET!!!!