Sorry it took so long to post. I have gotten quite a few reviews about Djaq and Will, and whether or not they would ever grow up and admit how they feel. I really hope you all like it.
The outlaws had another morning of Robin's "training". Each of them noticed that the activities were becoming easier and even enjoyable. They were all feeling healthier and more confident.
"Alright, I think we are done for the day," Robin said. "With winter coming I think we need to get a few more blankets and such. Do we have any volunteers?"
Much stood up and brushed his pants off, "I'll go." Robin and John glared at him. "I mean I would go, had I not hurt my ankle while running," Much stammered and rubbed his ankle, "owww, because it hurts. Quite a bit."
Djaq walked over to Much, "why did you not tell me you were hurt? Let me look at it."
"That's alright Djaq, I'll be fine. Just have to stay off it," Much said nervously.
Robin rolled his eyes at Much the man did not understand the word subtle, "Djaq, Will, can the two of you go shopping." He tossed them a small bag of coin, "make sure you shop from someone who is needy, and pay them well. John and I are going to go hunting while Much recovers."
Will nodded, "let me gather my things."
The two walked off in silence towards Knighton. Will normally enjoyed the quiet, but it was making him oddly nervous now. He wished she would talk about something. He was never any good with conversations. "How is your wound?"
Djaq had been busy looking at various plants and berries, and gathering a few that had medicinal purposes, "It is healing well enough. There is not infection. It will scar, but that is too be expected with such a wound."
The thought of Alan made him shake with anger. Alan had been his best friend, and he had taken the betrayal really hard. He tried to deny it, convince himself that it was some terrible misunderstanding. Djaq's injury was the last straw. Will could no longer refute what his old friend had become. Allan had ordered Djaq's arrest because she did not love him. He sent his guards after her and was responsible for her harm.
He watched as she bent over a pick a few leaves, "What does that do?"
She looked up at him, "They taste good. Here try," she rubbed the small leaf in between her thumb and forefinger and placed it in Will's mouth her finger lingering on his lips a moment longer than necessary. "It is mint. It can make medicine more bearable to swallow, tastes great in teas," she popped a piece into her mouth, "and it can help with bad breath." She watched a blush creep up his face, "oh no, I did not mean it like that."
"It does taste good," he smiled softly.
When they made it to Knighton they searched for a certain seamstress that had always helped them in the past. Sarah looked up from her work as the two outlaws walked in, "I was wondering when Robin would send someone. It is going to be a bad winter."
Will nodded, "yes, ma'am it looks like it. Robin sent us to buy some blankets from you."
"I can do something better than that. I have been thinking about you lot out in the forest, and I made you all a few thick sweaters. Used an olive green so you would blend into the trees. They should help keep some of the cold out." She handed a small bundle to Djaq, "and here are those blankets you needed," as she handed another, larger bundle to Will.
"Thank you, Sarah. You have been very helpful to us. Robin wanted you to have this. As you said it will be a hard winter, this may help." Djaq placed the bag of coins on the table.
Sarah lifted the bag and felt how heavy it was, "this is too much, why don't I get you some extra wool socks as well? Nothing is worse than cold feet." She returned with a bag full of socks, "take care of yourselves."
When they made it to the woods Djaq stopped and place the bundle of sweaters on the ground trying to find the smallest one. Will gave her an odd look, "are you alright, Djaq?"
"I am cold," she said as she slipped the sweater over her head.
"Djaq, I do not mean to scare you, but you know that winter has not yet begun?"
Djaq shivered slightly, "I know. I cannot believe your winters here. They are cold, wet, and miserable. I miss the sun and heat."
He smiled at her and rubbed his hands up and down her arms to provide warmth, "is that better?"
Djaq felt heat spread threw her entire body at his touch. Her face turned a bright pink color.
Will looked into her eyes searching for any signs. John had told him that he would have to take the first step. He hoped the older man was right because otherwise he might end up with more bruised than just his pride. His hands were still stroking her arms. He gently pulled her to him as he bent over to kiss her. He moved one hand to the back of her head holding her in place as he explored her mouth with his tongue. He could still taste a bit of mint from earlier. He pulled away slowly and stared into her eyes, "I wish I could court you properly, but our life in the woods makes that a bit difficult."
Djaq's fingertips touched her swollen lips and she said breathlessly, "court? I am not sure I understand you."
"I would ask for your company, take you to dances, and bring you flowers. I would go on long walks with you and tell you how beautiful you are to me," he said honestly.
"And why can you not do these things?" she asked him her heart beating wildly in her chest. "Are we not on a long walk together?"
He cleared his throat nervously, "I am afraid I am not very good at this. I have never really courted a woman before. I am not good with words like Alan."
She placed her hand in his, "it is alright, I have never been courted. As for Alan, I have already told you that I do not love him. I would rather have your awkward sincere words then his smooth lies."
He looked deep into her dark eyes, "Djaq, you are very beautiful, and I… I love you, Djaq."
She smiled up at him, "Will, call me Safyah," she stood up on her tiptoes and kissed him softly, "if you call me that in front of anyone I will make your life miserable."
He smiled at her, "of course, Safyah," he kissed her on the forehead, "we should return to camp." To anyone else Djaq's request would have meant very little, but it was the most precious thing Will had ever been given. Djaq or Safyah was a strong-willed, independent person. She hid her femininity at all cost, and the fact that she was willing to let him see that side of her made him love her even more. He smiled softly when she slipped her hand in his as they made their way back to the others.