"So, Much, where are we going?" Robin of Locksley, Earl of Huntingdon, former leader of their ragtag group of bandits asked his oldest friend.
"We, Robin, are going to get some sun. You, you've become a hermit, and I'm going to do something about it," Much declared as the two mounted their horses.
"I guess it has been a while since I've left the manor," Robin admitted.
"This is why you, Sir Grump, are going to join us in a fortnight, at the old camp. I'm throwing a party."
"A party, huh? Maybe."
"No maybe, you're going if I have to kidnap you myself. We haven't all been together since Richard came to pardon us. And Will and Djaq are back, there's no better reason to celebrate. The whole gang, together," Much said with a tone he thought properly conveyed the importance.
"Not the whole gang," Robin said morosely.
Much opened his mouth, but shut it quickly. It was an argument he never won, and now wasn't the best time to antagonize Robin; not with what he had planned in store later. With a swift nudge to the ribs of the sensitive horse, Much galloped off, leaving Robin to stare at his friend's retreating back.
"What happened to a friendly ride?" he asked himself as he readied to ride off after the Earl of Bonchurch. "And where is that idiot going?"
..0.0.0
"Much, how could you!" Robin quivered in anger as the two found themselves in front of Newstead Abbey. He tried to turn his horse to leave, but Much grabbed the reins, stopping Robin from riding off. Much then ducked the punch Robin threw his way.
"No, milord," Much started, then stopped himself. "No, Robin, it's time to stop running. Time to stop being a baby!"
"I'm not being a baby and you of all people to call me that; or have you forgotten who you are, Much?" Robin taunted.
"Shut up," Much said simply. "I'm not that same man anymore; we've all changed. You seem to be the only one completely stuck in the past, unable to let the slightest wrong done to you be forgiven."
"He speaks wisely," a voice interrupted. "Hello, Much, it is good to see you again. Lord Robin the Hood, it has been a long time."
Robin and Much stopped their arguing to look in the face of Friar Tuck. The large man looked as serene as he had always done to the casual observer, but Much saw the strained lines around his eyes. The quiet strength of the man still shone, but Much somehow didn't experience the same awe as he used to feel. Maybe I was right and we really did grow up, Much thought. And maybe I should say something because this silence is becoming unbearable.
"Hello, Tuck. You look well, how is life here at the abbey?" Much asked his former compatriot.
"Life here is good," Tuck answered him simply. "It is different from the life I shared with all of you in the forest. I am still determining if that is good or bad," he finished with a smile.
Much returned the smile. "Allan says hello. And our friends Will and Djaq are looking forward to meeting you. I'm throwing a feast back in our old camp in two weeks, can you make it?"
"I would be honored," Tuck said with a bow. "But only if all involved agree they want me there."
"I don't want you," Robin said petulantly, still staring at the man with a mixture of anger and pain.
"Stop it, Robin! I love you, like I've never loved anyone, but if you continue this, I will never speak to you again!" Much exploded. "You are no longer our leader, and can not speak for the rest of us, so Tuck please come; the rest of us would like to see you. Robin, forgive him; you both need this." And with that piece of advice ringing in their ears, Much handed the reins to Tuck and pushed his horse into a gallop once more; it was time to head home.
..0.0
"Welcome home," Allan greeted him as Much walked into the halls of Bonchurch.
"What are you doing in my house?" Much asked tiredly. "I was just in the mood for a bath; it's been a long morning," he said in way of explanation.
"I'm sure it was," Allan studied him. "How did the plan go?"
"I don't know," Much admitted. "I left right when they saw each other for the first time."
"Hopefully that was the smart move," Allan mused. "Will Tuck be coming to our celebration?"
"I certainly hope so," Much said. "Now what was your reason for being in my home?"
"I need you to identify this blonde haired, doe-eyed girl I just picked up off the streets an hour ago," Allan said with a sly grin as he watched Much perk up. "Her name's Tabitha, and she's quite the tricky one; she even tried to pick my pocket! But she's now safely behind bars; I just need you to identify her and we'll be ready to convict."
"What is the penalty nowadays for picking pockets?" Much asked.
"Not death, like the old Sheriff, that's for sure. We'll keep her in the dungeon for a week and then some public service or whatever nonsense Robin preached about when he appointed me."
"That's a good idea," Much said. "Well, let's go see if this is my thief," he called over his shoulder to the smirking Sheriff.
"Your thief?" Allan asked quietly. "I wonder if he even hears what comes out of his mouth. When will that man learn not to fall in love with every woman he meets?" Allan A Dale murmured to the empty room with a shake of his head.
"Are you coming, A Dale?" Much called from outside.
"On my way, mate," Allan called back. "Now let's teach this girl that stealing is wrong," Allan grinned as he swung up on his horse.
A/N: Well this chapter just flowed out (yay!!) so I happily present it to you guys for your review and approval. Thank you to all of you who reviewed last chapter and gave me the info on Tuck, hopefully I did his character justice.
