"Not being funny, but you'd think after being a member of Robin's gang and hanging around me all these years, you'd know when someone was stealing your money purse!" Allan shook his head in disbelief as the group lounged in Allan's quarters at the Castle.
"One, you're never funny," Much shot back. "And two, she was good; really good."
"I'll let your first comment slide, but I guess I should do my job as Sheriff," Allan said with a beleaguered sigh. "Now what did she look like?"
"She was short, even shorter than Djaq," Much started, ignoring the glare said Saracen sent his way. "Um, she had blonde hair, doe-shaped brown eyes…"
Allan interrupted with a snort, "Doe-shaped brown eyes? Do you want me to imprison her or ask her if she's available for you to court?"
Much humphed. "Just because no woman is good enough for you, Allan A Dale, doesn't mean you can project your own romantic frustrations on me. I just happen to have a good eye for faces; always have."
"That may be, Much, but you have to admit 'doe-shaped' sounds…romantic," Will said softly from where he leaned against a wall.
"I have a good eye!" their friend insisted. "Now if I can continue?"
Allan nodded for him to finish his description, struggling not to laugh at the Earl as his eyes met those of Will. While Much and Allan had never been close, their years in the forest had brought them to a sort of understanding; and even a sort of friendship after Will and Djaq had left. Allan had learned respect for the loyal Much, but it was sometimes hard not to fall back on his old ways.
"She was wearing a green dress and some sort of pendent. She had dimples and looked to be young, maybe Luke's age," Much finished.
"I'll be on the lookout, Much," Allan reassured.
"What I don't get is why people are still thieving," Djaq mused from the chair into which she was comfortably ensconced. "The evil Sheriff is gone, taxes are more reasonable, the area should be thriving."
"It's only been a few months," was Allan's answer. "We're rebuilding, as are the people."
"It takes time to recover," Will agreed.
Much stayed silent. It had been a concern of his for awhile now that Locksley and the surrounding areas weren't bouncing back as quickly as he would have liked. But Robin had told him to have patience, and as always, he would listen to his oldest friend. Even if he is the last person in all of England who should preach patience, he thought. But things will turn about, we just have to have hope. And be thankful we're now in an even better position to help the people. Much looked at the people in the room with him as Djaq teased Allan for now being a responsible member of the public and Will watched them verbally spar with a large grin on his face.
"The feast!" he interrupted.
"What?" asked Allan. "If you're really that hungry Much, I can get the kitchens to bring us some food."
"No, no," Much hastened to clarify. "I'm going to sponsor a feast, to celebrate Will and Djaq's return at the old camp."
"That sounds grand," Allan said with a broad grin. "Just please say we're not having squirrel."
"How does roast venison sound?"
"And salad," Djaq interrupted.
"And salad," Much concurred. "Just not with leaves from the forest."
"So this feast is to celebrate us coming back and you're having it where we'll be staying, thus leaving us with the mess," Will interjected.
"No," Much said just as Allan said yes in all seriousness.
"We'll help you clean," Much said louder with a stern glance at the Sheriff.
"He speaks for himself," Allan replied loftily. "And maybe then my reputation can return to what it was."
"I wouldn't be proud of that, mate," Will said, rolling his eyes. "How are we going to get the message to John?"
"I'll send my deputy," Allan pledged. "And when he finds the Little family, he can join us as well."
"Good plan, you know Luke can't say no to a party."
"And John can't say no to your brother," Allan said with smile. "Not after he saved his life."
"So it's settled? The whole gang will reunite in say two weeks time?" Much asked, the excitement in his voice echoed in the expressions of the others.
"Two weeks it is," Djaq confirmed.
"Two weeks," Allan said. "But who's going to bring Tuck? And will that upset Robin?"
"I will," Much volunteered. "Maybe I can get Robin to come with me. It's time those two stop that foolish, childish argument."
Allan stared at the former servant for a brief moment before shaking his head to himself. "Hopefully two weeks is enough time then. And if you can get those two talking again, I will get your thief behind bars; or in your bed. Which do you prefer?" Allan asked with a mischievous glint present in his eyes.
Much stood there, mouth gaping but no words coming out as he regarded the now laughing former thief. With moves faster than any there had seen before, Much picked up a heavily embroidered cushion and threw it at the Sheriff of Nottingham. But Allan always had good reflexes and ducked before the pillow could harm him. He was not lucky enough however to duck the second piece of bedding thrown at him from behind his back. With a glare in the direction the second pillow had come from, he was met with a wicked grin from Djaq and within moments the remainder of the pillows and bedding were in full use as the former outlaws became reacquainted.
A/N: Thanks for all the wonderful reviews of the 1st chapter! I hope you enjoyed this one as well, and although the story will focus on Much, I was wanting to get everyone's opionion on whether or not Robin should be married. Also, it will be my first time writing Tuck, and as I've only seen one episode of the new season, any advice on him would be helpful. Thanks!