Take me to your heart
This is a sequel to Arms of Hope. I will be introducing some characters from my own imagination in this story. Hope you enjoy it. Time wise picks off a few weeks after Arms of Hope ended.
Part 1
Marian walked alone through the forest, lost in her thoughts and found herself in the foliage in front of Knighton Hall. It looked much as it had done several weeks ago; except the trees were beginning to lose their leaves now, cover would be sparse and visits here dangerous. Not that there was anything to see, her father was dead and she had been banished to the woods, an outlaw, just like Robin. She supposed she kept sneaking back to see what plans the Sheriff had for her home, for that was how she still regarded it. A hand on her shoulder made her gasp silently, her heart began to pound in her chest and she turned ready to face her assailant.
"Relax" said Robin with a smile "It's me"
"Do not do that" she berated him, he chuckled and she shook her head.
"So tell me, what are you doing here?" he asked.
"Nothing"
"This is the third time you have come here in as many days. Marian. Talk to me"
She sighed and looked at him and sank down into the greenery and he followed her lead, concealing them both completely.
She shrugged "I do not know really why I come here"
"It was your home, I often go and look at my home" he said with depth and understanding
"I miss him"
"I know you do" to confirm his reply his hand covered hers tenderly.
"Do you ever think of your parents? I know it was…..awhile ago now"
He gave a dry laugh and replied "Yes, I think of them, I wonder if they would be proud to have an outlaw for a son and sometimes I think of my life with them, when I was a child and how different things are now"
"I know they would be proud of you" she told him without hesitation "They would be proud that you stand up for what you believe in"
"Even though, I have surrendered my ancestral home?"
"Yes, even then….I know I am"
"You are what?"
"Proud of you, but do not let it get to your head" she told him with a smile, which was infectious.
"You know it will not remain empty for long"
"I know I am sure the Sheriff will fill it with some form of cronies from somewhere or other" she answered.
"We agree"
"We do occasionally" she teased back.
"Good job I am sitting down huh?" he said laughing.
They sat there looking at each other and he wondered if perhaps now was the time to tell her how he felt about her, but a rumble noise and the thud of hooves distracted them enough to turn back and view what was happening at Knighton Hall. A carriage drew up, along side several guards on horseback that flanked Gisborne. Marian and Robin held their breath and waited, as first the Sheriff climbed out followed by a younger man.
"What?" Robin said to himself.
"What is it?" she asked.
"Him" he replied, looking at Marian, his brow furrowed.
"Robin? Who is he? Do you know him?"
