Hey, just to apologise in advance for this chapter! It's not one of my best! I got my A Level results today, and am already fed up with Uni talk, so decided to shut myself in my room and made myself write something! Hope you like it, or not, either way! Cheers, 1Doctor xxx
The Names of Two People
'Master, might I have a word, please?' Much requested, gesturing Robin away from the group of outlaws and villagers. After a slight glance back at the house where Marian and Aaron were, Robin followed, or rather was pulled away by Much.
'I wonder what that conversation is going to be about!' joked Allan, indicating the retreating backs of Robin and Much.
'You know, it's sometimes hard to believe that Robin is actually Much's master!' Little John remarked, with a shake of the head.
'It's obvious how much Robin relies on Much though, and I don't just mean for the food, because we all do that! The dependency has definitely increased since their return. I remember them from before they went to the Holy Land, and whilst Robin wasn't exactly a leader, it was obvious that their relationship resembled that of a Master and his manservant. Now though, it's almost as if Robin has forgotten their positions and has become Much's equal.' Will finished to find the others staring at him in disbelief. 'What?'
'You know mate, I reckon that's the longest you've talked in the whole time I've know you!' Allan smiled, punching Will lightly on the arm, only to be playfully pushed back. Unfortunately, Allan was not quite balanced, and subsequently fell over, causing an outburst of laughter from the ever-growing group around them.
Looking over at the sudden burst of laughter, earned Robin a hit on the arm by Much.
'Again, you aren't listening to me Master. I'm trying to talk some sense into you!' Much sighed, exasperated by his continuous losing battle to control Robin.
'I am listening to you Much really. You were saying something about … me and Marian … and … umm … how … OK! So I wasn't listening to exactly what you said, but you love me anyway!' Robin smiled sheepishly, knowing that Much wouldn't stay mad at him.
'Yes Master, I do love you, for all the good it's done me. I was actually talking about the child, more specifically the name you suggested for him. Charlie? Come on Master, you don't expect me to forget. I know full well what significance that name has.' When Robin didn't answer, only dropping his gaze and concentrated on his feet, Much continued, 'Master, I'm sorry. But you know that this babe already has a family, and a name. Roy told us, his name is Seth. He needs to go home, let him go.'
Robin looked up, staring into Much's face, 'But Much, it's so hard. I was in there with Marian and Aaron, Marian's choice of name,' he added, after seeing Much's confused expression at a new name. 'I was just lying on the bed, looking at Marian holding him, feeding him, and it made me hurt so much. All I could think about was that we could have had that; it could have been our son that she was holding, if I hadn't been so stupid and selfish. What in King Richard's name possessed me to leave her and go fight a war thousands of miles away? I've seen death and torture and all sorts of horrors in the Holy Land, but none caused me as much pain as sitting there imagining the family that I could have had. Much, I can't do it anymore, I just can't.' Robin broke off, before dropping his gaze and falling silently to the ground, looking as close to tears as Much had ever seen him.
As Much sat down next to him, he put one hand on Robin's shoulder. 'I never told you Master, but in the Holy Lands, whilst you were dreaming, you spoke. At times it was hard to distinguish what it was you were actually saying; at others it was as clear as you are now. The names of two people were most frequent and filled with such strength and love. These people were Marian, and Charlie.' Robin started up, as if to try and escape this revelation. Much continued forcefully, 'I wondered who this Charlie was, until one night, when you were fighting the fever, you told me. You told me of your fears, your desires and dreams, and your hopes. I have never told a soul what you told me that night, but to see you lying there, so close to death, relaying your deepest thoughts, I realised just how much you loved Marian. It was obvious to everyone that knew you both, that each loved the other, but I don't think anyone could quite comprehend the amount of love within. All I wanted to say was, a love like that does not go away, if anything it strengthens, so don't give up on those dreams you told me of. Just remember that there is always hope, even in the darkest of places, as you showed in Acre. You will have that family; but it will just have to wait.' Mush stood, and began walking back before adding, 'You are surrounded by people that love you Robin, that will never change.'
Robin sat for a few minutes, without moving, just contemplating exactly what Much had said. He's right. I'll fight for my family, just as I fight for the people of Nottingham. Nobody is going to take my life away from me. Getting up to leave, Robin brushed away the few tears that had escaped. I really must be better to Much; after all he is one of the constants in my life. Without him, I doubt whether I would have survived the journey to the Holy Land, let alone the war itself. I will make him, and Marian, proud of me. As he walked towards the group, he looked at each of them in turn, savouring the love and respect he had for each of his men, and woman of course. He nodded at each and grasped Much's arm before re-entering the cottage.
'Marian, there's something I need to tell you. It's just that …' Robin trailed off as he saw Marian's tear-stained face. Racing to her side, he placed a hand on her arm. 'Marian, what is it? What's wrong? Are you hurt? Is Aaron injured? What happened? Tell me, Marian.'
'There is nothing wrong, as you would have already found out if you had given me a chance to speak,' Marian smiled. 'I don't suppose you could take Aaron; I think my arm has gone to sleep.'
As Robin bent to pick him up, his lips brushed her cheek with a small kiss. 'I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate what you have done for me, and my men, and of course for little Aaron here.'
Marian quickly recovered from the shock, 'No problem. It was nice to get out of the house and do something good without having to be hidden by the mask of the Nightwatchman. Besides, I had fun! Just make sure you give me prior warning next time you rescue a baby. But I really must be going, my Father will be wondering where I have got to. Plus, the Sheriff would have found out about my little stunt earlier, and I cannot leave my Father to take my punishment.' Marian involuntarily shuddered at the thought of what the Sheriff might think up as a penalty. Seeing Robin's anxious face, she added, 'It won't be anything serious, probably just banned from the Council of Nobles for a few meetings. Don't worry, I can look after myself. I've had to learn how.' Marian instantly regretted her harsh words as she saw Robin turn away, his face unreadable.
Getting up to leave, she reached down to kiss Aaron on the head. 'Goodbye young man. Make sure you have a fantastic life, and look after your family. No doubt I'll be seeing you soon Robin. Next time you need a favour or information I expect. Or just to talk,' she added quietly as she returned the favour of a kiss.
By the time Robin had recovered from her words and action, Marian had already left the village. As Robin walked out, holding Aaron close to him, Amy spoke, 'There's a storm approaching. You'll stay here tonight. The forest is no place for a baby.'
Robin nodded his thanks, reliving one of the best days of his life.
