A Moonacre Fanfiction Peace on Earth

Maria and Robin waited in silence for a while, listening to the howling wind outside. Maria wanted to take back what she'd said. It was harsh to tell Robin she may not come and visit him, because he didn't understand that she hoped he would be her husband. The snowstorm raged on. It was nearly noon, no doubt. Maria was growing hungry. Her hand was not so bad anymore. Robin's rested idly on hers. She snuck a glance at him after a while.

His head was tilted back, bowler hat tipped over his eyes. Maria wondered if he was awake.

"Robin?" she whispered. A slow smile spread languidly across his face.

"Princess?" Maria's brow furrowed anxiously.

"You're not angry with me?"

"Why would I be?"

"Well, I…I don't know." You see, as a general thing, boys soon forget any slights, while girls tend to cling to those offenses and unleash them later to elicit pangs of regret and guilt. Maria was infinitely glad Robin was quick to forget. "Are you hungry?" she asked timidly.

"Starved. You?"

"Famished. Do you think Loveday left any food in here?" she asked. Robin grunted.

"Can't hurt to look." He sprang to his feet with surprising agility. Maria was not so nimble, owing to her present cold-and-hungry-and-worried state. Robin began to walk away, but then he spun back around and held out his hand. "Here," he said. "Let me help." She gratefully grasped his hand, and he pulled her up.

"Thank you," she said. He grunted a reply and made his way to a wall of wooden cupboards.

"There's got to be something in here," he said, flinging cabinets open and shut. Maria frowned.

"Maybe she cleaned it all out before she left."

"No; she was too distracted about her wedding to remember anything else. Trust me, I know my sister."

"You're probably right."

"Of course I'm right."

"Whatever, Mr. Egotistical—oh, here we go!" Maria exclaimed. "She left…let's see. Honey, beans, and…what is this?" she held up a bottle of amber liquid. Robin squinted.

"That is liquor." He said. "Well then, honey, beans and liquor. We won't starve, anyway." Maria's face wrinkled in disgust.

"I won't drink liquor! Don't you know that liquor is bad for children?"

"Well, I don't know about you, but I'm not a child."

"Robin," she pleaded. Robin rolled his eyes.

"Take it easy, Princess. You won't die of thirst. There is plenty of snow out there for you." Maria sighed. Well, it was better than that disgraceful alcohol.

"Can we eat beans plain?" she asked.

"We can add honey," he suggested.

"Oh, Robin, you cannot possibly expect me to eat that!" she protested.

"You can eat them separate."

"I suppose that's what I'll have to do," she admitted. "Is there a table?"

"No, but the floor's as good as any. Come, let's sit."

They sat on the packed ground floor. Robin grabbed a handful of beans and dropped them into his mouth.

"Not bad," he said. Maria shuddered, but daintily plucked one up and popped it in her mouth. She cringed, but it was food, and she was hungry. One by one, the beans slowly disappeared. The honey was crystallized, but it was still edible. Indeed, its sweetness was a welcome respite from the dry beans.

"I'll bet Father is enjoying one of Marmaduke's fine feasts," Robin said begrudgingly. "Probably a big ham, with asparagus and salad and cranberry sauce and—"

"Stop it!" Maria shoved him gently. "You're making me even hungrier. Plus," she licked her fingers. "I don't think they're eating right now. They're probably worried about us." Robin chuckled.

"You don't know my father. The world could be ending, and he'd still make time for a snack." Maria snickered. "Well, I'm thirsty," he said, taking up the liquor. Maria frowned in disapproval.

"You're not going to drink that, are you?"

"There's snow outside if you want it, Princess. Don't worry about me. I've had liquor before." Maria didn't doubt his words; the De Noirs were hardly cautious about limiting their alcohol consumption. But she had hoped Robin would be a little more reserved in that respect. And so it was with a sigh that she went off to the opening of the cave to get some snow. Meanwhile, Robin took a long swig of the liquor.

When Maria reached the opening, she gasped. It was completely covered in snow. There was no easy way to get out. Well, they could always dig if they had to. She took up a handful of snow and ate it. What had she expected? It was water. Not very satisfying, but water nonetheless. When she had had her fill, she walked back to Robin.

"The entrance is blocked," she said. "We'll have to dig." He looked up at her.

"Is it still snowing?"

"I couldn't tell. I could hear the wind though; it hasn't died down." She glanced at the bottle he held. "Did you drink a quarter of that already?" He shrugged.

"I was thirsty."

"There is water out there," she reminded him.

"So I noticed." He eyed her. "If the wind is still blowing, it's probably still snowing. We may be stuck here for the afternoon."

"For the afternoon?" Maria's eyes widened. "Can we leave before nightfall?"

"Doubtful," was the vague reply. "I dunno." Maria looked at him closely.

"Robin…" she frowned. How easy was it for a person to get drunk? She had no idea. But he didn't seem quite…himself. "Well, we can't stay the night." She said matter-of-factly.

"Why not?" he asked, blinking. Maria's jaw dropped.

"You can't be serious. It's highly improper!"

"Huh?"

"You are so daft!" she exclaimed. It was quite clear that Robin wasn't himself. Then again, he usually was rather daft. "Have you any idea what would become of our reputations if we spent the night in this cave together? There are no separate rooms here."

"So?"

"So?! Oh, Robin, I shouldn't have to explain this to you." She slumped to the ground in exasperation. "What would people think?"

"I don't care what people think," Robin said, leaning back on his forearms. "But we're staying here until it's safe. I'm not letting you get hurt." Maria studied him. Was he being serious? Was he thinking clearly? Perhaps it would be better to give him a wide berth until…until the liquor wore off. She opened her mouth and then closed it again. Without a word, she went over to the corner of the room, sat down, and waited. Robin didn't seem to notice her departure.

He took another swallow.

Maria sighed.

It was going to be a long day.

A/N: Beloved reader,

Thank you for reading this tenth installment of Peace on Earth! Though indeed, Maria's earth does not seem peaceful in the least. I had hoped for more cheerful thoughts in this chapter, but you know Robin and Maria. Always bickering. What could I do? Perhaps they will reconcile soon, if that dreadful drink wears off. I sincerely apologize for the delay in chapters, and I thank you most heartily for your patience. Thank you also for your continued support and encouraging reviews. I'm sure you know that this story would not exist, were it not for you. And for that, I thank you once more.

Yours gratefully,

Ponygirl7 :)