Whenever Robin returned from an outing away from his village, he was amazed at the transformation in his yard.
Marian had grown passionate about her garden, planting seedlings and full grown rose bushes, flowering trees and sweet smelling herbs. Butterflies found a haven in Locksley, as did bees. Robin's ancestral home was undeniably made lovely, but it was a bit too flowery for his taste. Still, the garden made Marian happy, and he delighted in her pleasure, as well as that of his daughters, who danced with joy because of all the pretty flowers and butterflies.
The girls loved "helping" their mother tend the garden. Grace especially enjoyed digging in the dirt with her small spade. Ellen enjoyed planting the seeds or seedlings into the ground and covering them with dirt. Both girls begged to help their mother water, and Marian let them, watching in amusement tinged with frustration, as they dumped the entire contents of the watering jug onto each plant. Often, the watering jug itself slipped from their hands and came crashing down, smashing tender shoots.
"No harm done," Marian said comfortingly, wiping away tears from small cheeks, when her girls believed they had "killed" the plants. "What's underground is what matters. If the roots are good and strong, the plant will come back stronger than ever."
How very like us, she resisted saying. What was in the heart remained hidden, yet if it were solid and strong, then no wound to the outer skin could ever kill the soul. She thought of the two ugly wounds on her abdomen, wishing they weren't there. How she wished she could appear naked before her husband, beautiful and unblemished, but then dismissed her thought as vanity. Robin's body was covered in more battle scars than she dared count, yet naked, she found him the most beautiful sight she could ever hope to see.
She dismissed that thought as well, for the spring sunshine was already warm enough, without her dwelling on thoughts better saved for later.
She looked up to see Robin returning to the manor now, astride Arion, with Edward strapped to him. Allan a Dale rode beside him, with his son Allan riding pillion.
Marian brushed the dirt from her hands and reached up to let down her hair, for she had tied it up in a cloth just to keep it from her face, and she didn't find it becoming for company. From astride his horse, Robin watched her dark gleaming locks cascade down her back. Even after several years of marriage, the sight never failed to stop his breath.
"Good afternoon, Allan," Marian greeted him. "What do you think of my garden?"
"Whoa!" Allan exclaimed. "You did all this since I was last here? Looks like fairies' magic."
"I'll take that as a compliment." She reached for her baby after Robin dismounted. "Did you have fun with Daddy?" she cooed, holding Edward and beaming with delight as he squealed with joy at seeing her again.
Ellen and Grace each hugged one of Robin's legs, then ran to Allan and begged, "Robin Hood story!"
"Robin Hood story?" Robin asked suspiciously. "Don't tell me you've been filling their heads with tales of that unsavory outlaw!" He swaggered proudly to Marian, bent and kissed her lovingly, then suggested, "Why don't you tell us all a Robin Hood story, Allan? I think I'd enjoy hearing your take on the tales."
"Go on," young Allan encouraged. "Some of the stories are really good! Make you laugh till you pee your pants!"
"Shut up!" Allan cried, goodnaturedly cuffing his son on the side of his head. "Robin lived it. He dudn't wanna hear it all again."
"I think you're wrong," Robin said, his eyes gleaming. "Go on, tell us all your stories."
He sat down on the grass, pulling Marian down alongside him. She placed Edward to sit up before her, helping him balance against her body. Elllen and Grace sat on either side of their parents, faces shining and eyes expectant.
"Alright," Allan sighed, knowing when he was beaten. "A Tale of Robin Hood. Let me think. Alright, here we go."
Allan always knew he was blessed with luck. At that moment, Edward, the baby, was stung by a bee. He raised up a cry, and Marian rushed him into the manor. Robin followed at her heels.
"Aw, too bad," Allan said happily. "Now your parents can't hear the story."
"Tell us! Tell us!" Ellen requested.
"Robin Hood!" Grace cried.
"Alright," Allan grinned. "It all began one sunny spring afternoon in Sherwood, a day not much different from today..."