Chapter 10: Robin of Locksley

As Will and Ben moved to a better spot to watch the fight, Wulf quickly ran from where he was to his father to claim his cloak.

"Be careful, father! He walloped twelve of the Sheriff's men." He said, not taking his eyes away from the stranger. Though it was on the edge of her hearing, Ben's eyes widened when she heard the young lad speak. 12? Bloody hell, what was he a machine? Though some of the men that were employed by the Sheriff were stupid git's that couldn't tell left from right if it was written in big letters, they were trained well enough in combat to fight if they had at least three others with them. But twelve soldiers?

"That so?" John said, now feeling very confident after his son's warning. "Reckon I'm gonna enjoy this." Every one started to make their way over to an area that was easy to see, as well as easily maneuver for the fighters. As Wulf was walking away, the stranger called to him, making the boy turn.

"That's you're father?" His response was a very proud and happy grin, accompanied with an enthusiastic nod. Apparently the stranger wasn't so excited as Wulf was, because he mimicked him mockingly, though his fake smile quickly turned into a look of contempt. Turning, the stranger looked back at his own group of friends, seemingly saying something. His painted friend shrugged at whatever the stranger had asked, and taunted him with a smirk.

When the man turned back around, John barely gave him any time to actually react before he attack. With a swing, he hit the man's hand ruthlessly. While the strange was flapping his hand in an attempt to stop the pain, John turned to his adoring fans who 'wooted' and 'whooped'. Then they both began to swing at each other. The clunks and bats of the staves could be heard through the entire valley. One would think that the intruder would have the upper hand, but John swung his staff away from him, giving him the opening to hit the man in the back. As he staggered from the attack, John attacked the other opening, jabbing him in the stomach. And when he crunched over in pain, John hit him in the back once more, sending him over the tiny cliff into the water below.

Laughter of the men erupted as everyone rushed to watch him bob in the water. Though Ben felt absolutely horrible that the man was now completely soaked, she couldn't help but laugh along with everyone else.

"Weeee!" Will smirked at her, as they joined their friends as well. By then the man had floated to the top of the water, looking completely tired out already. When he reached for his chest, the thing he was searching for was missing. Picking at his clothes, he tried to find his pendant anywhere, internally hoping that he hadn't lost it over his tumble to the water. As if John had heard his silent prayers, a staff with the cross slowly made it's way in front of the man's face, catching his attention.

"Lost somethin'?" John asked teasingly, quickly snatching away the medallion before the man in the water could grab it. Coming closer and kneeling down, John smiled down at him. "Thanks for the taxes." Ben was pretty sure every man in the merry group was either crying from laughing too hard, or supporting themselves so they don't fall over with their staves.

"Looks like the little rich boy's lost for words, aye?" Will shouted at him, causing Ben to playfully push Will as she chuckled. Once upon a time she would have felt pity for the man, but living away from people for so long and finding the only entertainment was humiliating them, it was hard for Ben to feel anything other then glee. She grabbed his hand, dragging him to follow John and the others away from the trio of intruders and back home. That was until she heard the man shout something to his friends.

"Any great ideas?" He yelled, looking towards the small cliff that held his companions. The Arab looked at him as if he was a moron, replying:

"Get up! Move faster." He didn't save any time for details or long sentences at all, hoping that would help. It didn't seem to do much, because the man just laid in the water a few seconds more, saying something to himself. Though, after a second or two, he finally got up enough gall to stand and race after the giant man who was trudging through the water. Seeing what he was doing, everyone started to shout a warning to John, including Ben.

"John! Behind you, man! John!" She yelled, hoping her voice was loud enough for him to hear in time. Will looked over to her, wondering why she was yelling till he too saw what was happening. Just like Ben, he shouted.

"Watch out, John!" Ben could've swore she heard Wulf yell too, but her attention was entirely on the two as the man knocked John down into the water just to quickly move to face him, wearing a triumphant smirk.

"We're not through yet." He said, far too cocky for his own good. John had to admit, this man had some balls. No one has ever challenged him like this after being beaten once already. You think he'd have been humiliated enough. Well, if he wanted more, John concluded, he'll have it.

"All right, my old cocker. You want another good walloping?" John laughed at the thought of beating him again. "You shall have one." And again wooden stave went into a flurry of wackings. The man seemed to have collected his bearings, not taking the large man for granted, allowing him to gain the upper hand for once. With a loud hit to the jaw, John fell to the waters, clutching his chin to make sure it was still there. The man had an arm on him, John wouldn't deny that. As he tried to get up though, the stranger gave him a right kick to his behind, nearly sending him back into the water.

"It seems I've made it past the gate, John Little." He stated boastfully, with a wickedly playful grin. Of course, as John turned, he had a peeved glare. "Or should I call you 'Little John'?" That was it. It was bad enough he was beat in front of his own men, but to insult him with his own name. That was the end of it.

"Hit 'em father! Wallope 'em!" Wulf shouted over the silence of the men, and that was all John needed. With renewed energy, fueled by anger, John attacked which startled the stranger. It wasn't that he was not expecting John to attack, he knew he would, just not with this much force. After a few swings, he left a huge gape for John to attack. One hit to the shoulder. One to the stomach. A hard one to the nose. And he was sent back into the water, blood pouring from his nose and now busted lip. It didn't seem to phase him, because soon the man was back on his feet as if nothing had happened. He attacked again, though like before, gave John an opening. This time John didn't attack right away. As he held down the staff with his own, John said through gritted teeth: "Swimming time again, old chum." And BAM! A hard hit to the head that was sure to knock him unconscious.

With such a rough current, as well as no bodily control, the man fell over the multiple falls. That was when Ben started to worry. Through all of her years, she had never killed anyone in her exploits of Sherwood. Wounded, yes, but they were still able to get away and out of the forest and out of reach. She never wanted any of them dead. Ben was sure that John didn't want to kill the intruder either, but the rocks at the bottom of those falls don't really give people much choices. Quickly, Ben raced down the side of the falls, not seeing any sign of life within the waters. John seemed to have had the same idea as her, because he followed the rocks of the river, looking into the murky raging waters for the man. Nothing at all. Subconsciously, Ben looked to his companions, seeing that the Arab was wearing a surprised and yet expecting face. As if he knew what was going to happen.

"Were is he? Do you see him?" Wulf shouted as he and Will joined up with Ben.

"Ben, why the hell did you run off? You could have tripped and went into the falls." Any other time, she would have noticed the massively worried and caring tone Will had and most likely would have blushed from his attention, but her attentions were elsewhere.

"Oh, I'm sorry Will, I just..." She trailed off of her sentence as she continued to look through the waters with Wulf, hoping to see him somehow. John poked around the water with his staff, testing the depth and also seeing if he could somehow find the poor sod. After a few more prods, John looked one last time over the water then turned to the group with a shrug.

"It a bloomin' shame!" He shouted, and Ben found her hand reaching up to cover her mouth. "He was a brave lad." He meant every word of it, though as he lifted the pendant, he couldn't help but grin. One life was lost, but his men would have food in their-

John didn't even have time to finish his thought before something hard caught him in the groin and hoisted him up and into the water. Gasps were heard from everyone and Ben had to hold back Wulf from jumping into the water after his father.

"Ben, let go!"

"Wulf, he-"

"He can't swim!" He shouted, still trying to wiggle his way out of her grasp. Luckily Will was there helping her, or else Wulf would have taken her into the water with him.

"Wait, Look!" Will said to them both as John popped out of the water next to the stranger. He grabbed john, holding him up out of the water, though didn't hesitate to dunk him a few times to shut him up and make him listen.

"Do you yield?" He said, barely holding the giant man above the water as he struggled to stay afloat.

"I-I can't bloody swim!" His words fell on deaf ears as he was dunked once again under the water.

"Do you yield?" The man shouted again, making sure John realized he would continue this and not help him if he didn't surrender. John got the message pretty darn quick.

"Yes!" He said, flailing more in hopes that by some miracle he would get out of this alive and just very wet.

"Good. Now put your feet on the ground." The calm and even words startled John as he looked at him bewildered. Put his feet on the ground, what the bloody hell does he mean by that? Humouring the man and himself, John lowered his feet and instantly it connected with solid rock. Standing, the large man couldn't help but smile at the predicament and how foolish he was.

"Well I'll be buggered." Everyone was laughing and happy at the safety of their leader, cheering and chuckling themselves at how silly it all was. Both men, tired and weary from all the fighting and swimming, crouched over and breathed heavily.

"The medallion." The man said, sounding very serious all of a sudden. That wasn't enough for John though. He wanted to know who this fantastic man was. There was no way in hell this could just be some rich idiot traveling through Sherwood with a blind old coot and a painted man. He had a story. And John wanted to know it.

"Give me your name first."

"Robin of Locksley." Robin said through troubled breathing. But no matter how weak he was, the name sounded loud enough for Will Scarlet to hear it. Instantly his blood ran cold and pure black hated vibrated through his body. He couldn't move, he couldn't think. Robin of Locksley. Locksley. It echoed in his head mockingly. He didn't even hear what John had said to him or what Ben was now saying to him until he felt a hard jab in his ribs.

"Ow!" He looked over to see Ben and Wulf staring at him with bewildered expressions.

"Well, I've been saying you're name for awhile, you better listen to me, Mister!" Ben said, sounding more motherly then she wanted to. Will wanted to smile at her and how much she sounded like his mum, but he couldn't seem to focus on anything for long.

"I'm sorry. Just.." He hesitated, not wanting to really talk about his past. Sure, Ben has pretty much told him everything about her, but part of him didn't want to tell her. Not just yet. Not with so many people around them. No one knew about his past. Only John knew about his mum and how she died. But no one truly knew about what put them in that situation. Will decided he would tell her, but when the time was right and no one was about. "Yeah, just got distracted."

"Yeah, I guess." Ben said giving Wulf a raised eyebrow. He in return just shrugged. "Okay you two let's catch up with the rest before we lose them."

"Can I go up and talk to Robin?" Wulf asked, looking a little too excited for a kid who wanted to talk with the man that just nearly drowned his father. Ben looked at him surprised.

"Why Robin?"

"Well remember two days ago when I went hunting, and I got caught killin' those dear?" He said, not hiding the smirk he gave. He normally got that way when it came to him getting in trouble, most children were like that, until they got caught. Ben nodded, waiting for him to continue. "I ran all the way over to his lands to climb a tree so's that the dogs wouldn't get me."

"Dogs? Wulf why didn't you tell me this earlier?"

"Cause I knew you'd freak out." He sighed as they continued to walk. "You're just like my mum when you do that. It's scary how close you are to her." Ben looked confused for a second. She wasn't being motherly was she? She wasn't acting like Adelaide- Okay looking back maybe she was, but's that's not so bad. Right? Besides, whenever John spoke about his wife Fanny, she seemed like an amazing woman. That opinion could be biased because they loved each other, but oh well. So Ben decided to ignore it and take it as a compliment.

"Continue then." She said, cordially gesturing with a slight wave of her hand.

"Anyway, when I climbed the tree. Robin came out of no where and attacked them. Swing! Crash! Bang! And they went running for the hills!" The proud grin he wore made Ben giggle. He was so cute, too cute even. She knew she was meant to be mad at him for not telling about how he was in danger, but with a smile like that it was impossible. Will, though, just rolled his eyes thinking about how Robin just wanted attention.

"Fine, go up and talk with him. But stay close to your dad, all right!" She hollered at him, since he ran off the moment she said 'fine'.

"Thanks, mum!" He yelled back at her, laughing and making sure he was running fast to get away from her.

"That's not funny, Wulf!" She said, smiling softly at the young boys retreating figure. "Such a little brat." She teased quietly. "Don't you think, Will?" Turning to the man that was walking next to her, Ben waited for a response. None came. "Helloooo?" No reaction. "Will, I'm wearing no under-garments." Still nothing. He just stared ahead of them with a scowl, mind off in it's own little world of who knows what. Finally giving up to being nice about it all, Ben went over to the river that they were still walking by. Making a bowl with her hands, she scooped up the cool water and walked back to Will, making sure not to spill any. With a quick movement, the water was no longer in her hands, but on Will's face. Faster than one could blink, he sputtered and cursed, coming out of his daze.

"What the hell, Ben?" He shouted, wiping his face with his shirt, which was pretty pointless because his shirt collected some of the water as well.

"I was talking to you, Will. And again you weren't listening. What has gotten you so distracted all of a sudden?" She pivoted around from her direction, facing Will, to start walking again with him at her side.

"I'm sorry, Ben. I...It's nothing." He simply said, looking down at the rocks that made the coastline of the river. He was hiding something, she knew it. He wouldn't look at her in the eye like he normally did when they spoke. Not to mention the incredibly guilty expression he had didn't give anything away at all, either.

"Will," She spoke sternly though not harsh, "You're keeping something from me. I don't like it." The guilty look seemed so deepen, and then he turned his face away from her, seeing that she was looking at him. "Will." She spoke again, crossing her arms in front of her chest once again.

"Look, Ben, I'll tell you. Just not right now, okay?" His voice was urging her to listen to him, hoping that she would just give him time to collect himself. She understood too, once being in his shoes before. With a sigh, her arms fell to her side in defeat.

"Very well, but do me a favour, will you?" His gaze turned to her, seeing her compassionate and sweet smile. He was so lucky to have someone like her. So forgiving and innocent.

"What's that?" She coiled her arm around his, taking a step closer to him so that she nearly spoke into his ear if she were tall enough.

"Stop thinking of it for now? For me, please?" Her pleading/pout-like look broke down every sort of excuse he could come up with for what she asked. Now he understood what she felt like when Wulf would do this to her all the time. Will would scold her for letting the runt get whatever he wanted out of her, and her only excuse would be that he was too cute to deny him anything. Looking at her now, yeah he could understand what the fuss was about. Or maybe it was just her and how close she way, who knows. Pulling his arm that she hung to closer to his body along with her, he gave the best grin that he could.

"Anything for you, my dear." She giggled, and they chatted away on the trip back to camp.

The day had turned into night, and most of the men were sitting around a campfire, speaking with Robin about 'men stuff'. After Bull had tried to show his downstairs area, Ben tried to space out as much of the conversation as possible. That was until Robin spoke up from the silence.

"Has English hospitality changed so much in six years that a friend of mine is not welcome at this table?" Ben looked up from her spot next to Will to see that one of the men, Daniel, was passing the mead over the painted man.

"But he's a savage, sire!" He whispered hoarsely, ironically trying not to offend the Arab. But what he had said hit a soft spot in Ben. Just listening to one of the men speak like this, one of the men she came to be friends with, insulted her.

"How is he a savage?" She spoke up, drawing everyone's attention over to her. Robin and the Arab must have been in shock, because their eyes were wide just looking over to her. They had not noticed the 'boy' at all, Robin only thought there was one child here. Seeing their confusion, John indicated for her to come closer with his big hands.

"This is Ben Rouge, our little shadow of the forest. Quick as a deer and as skilled as a trained soldier. Not to mention the worst light-weight I've ever seen." He joked, causing the men to giggle in memories of her first time being drunk. Even she cracked a smile as she walked over to them. Sitting down next to the coloured man, she ignored the looks of bewilderment coming from everyone, even the Arab. With a stoic glare, she looked at Daniel.

"How is he a savage, Dan?" Nearly all of the men visibly flinched at her voice, not liking how emotionless it sounded. Ben was always sweet, she always had a smile. Ever since they found out she was a girl, she had been nothing but cheery and delightful since she didn't have to worry about hiding who she was anymore. Now she acted like she once did when she was dressing as a boy, and it threw all of them off.

"It's wot the king says, Ben. They don't believe in God." Before the Arab could talk, Ben quickly interrupted.

"You're wrong, Danny. In fact, they believe in the same God we do." The way she sounded so sure of herself, made all of them lean closer, waiting to hear her finish. "If I'm correct, Allah is actually just another name for God. But they can't say that it means 'God' because it has no meaning. It is just simply God. Giving it a meaning is like giving God a face, impossible." Ben turned to the painted man, a tiny smile playing at her lips. "Am I correct?" Azeem was simply at a loss for words. No one outside of his country truly understood his religion like this girl had. Any would assume they were devil worshipers and would make them convert or die. And yet here is a child that knew so little, yet so much for her people. With an amazed nod, he replied.

"Yes, how do you know of this?" His rich accent made Ben smile wider. Besides at the river, she had never heard him speak.

"My master traveled everywhere, including where your people came from. He learned enough to hold a grant honour for them. He only told me small stories, but never enough to really understand it all and get a good grip on your culture. When the War started though, he felt insulted himself, often going off on rants about how it was so pointless to do so. In fact, he often said that the Muslim religion was just another branch of the worship of God. Just like the Jews and Christians. Abraham was the first, and they acknowledged that Moses and Jesus were prophets of the Lord, they just follow the prophet Muhammad's teachings instead. I remember him saying something in a language I knew nothing of, then saying 'There is one God and Muhammad-"

"Is His messenger." The Arab said in complete aww. This child knew more then he thought, and it made him nearly weep with joy. Someone understood him for once. Someone knew. "Azeem Ebin Bashir Al Bachrim. But you may call me Azeem." Azeem kissed his fingers, touching his head, then brought it out to her in a salute. She remembered one of the stories Erik had told her, that this was a sign of introduction and honour to Muslims, and she returned the favour.

"Allahu akbar." She said, reciting exactly as her Master had once done before. A twinkle of pure joy was in Azeem's eyes, and part of Ben felt accomplish. She had always wanted to meet the men that were in her Master's stories, and here she was. "I'm Benjamina Rouge. But call me Ben." There was a choking sound, and they turned to see Robin look at her in pure wonderment.

"You're a girl?" He exclaimed, making her unsure if she should glare at him or laugh. Azeem just rolled his eyes at the Christian, finding it very rude to say such things in such a way.

"Yeah, it's a long story. And I'm a woman, thank you, not a girl." Though her voice sounded cruel, she wore a smirk on her face, showing that she was just teasing him. Robin felt a tad better when he saw her grin, making him feel less the ass than he did a few seconds ago.

"Well I thank you, Benjamina, for sticking up for my friend." He turned his smile to Azeem. "Cause even though he is a savage, he is no more one than you or I." But his smiled faded as he turned to Daniel, who had been quiet this hole time out of fear of angering Ben further. "And don't call me 'sire'." The mug that Daniel had been holding slowly passed over to Azeem. He shook his head though, smiling apologetically at the poor man.

"With regret, I must decline. Allah forbids it."

"You're bloody loss, mate." John said, motioning for the jug to be passed again. Ben patted Azeem on the shoulder with one last smile before she made her way back over to Will. Even he had a huge grin on his face. Once she sat, he leaned forward and whispered into her ear.

"That was very kind of you to stand up for him. Erik would have been proud of you." He winked at her before leaning back in his seat to listen to the others. Blushing lightly, Ben tried to listen to the conversation as well, but her mind was stuck on her Master. Would he have been happy that she stood up for Azeem? Would he have been proud that she learned so much from him? One could only hope...

"Why is it there so many of you are hiding?" Robin said, looking around to all of them.

"Well, we are all outlaws. We got prices on our heads. Even the young lad there." He pointed to his son, who gladly took a huge swig off of the mead jug. His father chuckled and shook his head before returning to his conversation with Robin. "The blasted Sheriff, he says we owe him taxes." At mention of the Sheriff's ridiculous plot, everyone began to laugh and giggle. They all knew it was just a guise to get more money out of them all. Greedy bugger that he was.

"Well, you know your ghosts will only keep the Sheriff's men at bay for so long." Robin said, hoping his words could sink into the men.

"Well, they've worked so far." Will finally spoke, making everyone turn to him. "You have a better idea?" He had a point. For years now their 'ghosts' had kept away anyone who wasn't desperate to travel through Sherwood. And those who did, met those who haunted the road like ghosts.

"You can always fight back." This time Ben gave a loud scoff.

"Beg pardon to my boys, but they aren't fighters! They haven't fought a day in their life besides with their wives our their trousers when they can't fit into them after a large meal." Most of the men giggled at her comment, knowing it true. John nodded his head at her, cracking a smirk.

"Young Ben is right. I reckon I must have cracked that noble head of yours. All good lads here! And lady." He added, sending a cheeky grin to Ben. "They've hearts of oak, but they're farmers. It would be lambs to the slaughter. Bout the only one with any weapon experience is Ben." Robin looked down, seemingly taking what the large man said in. It was most likely true, Robin thought as he looked around the men. They all held large physics. But they were large builds of farmers. Not soldiers. But Robin knew that could be changed. A man fighting for what he knows is right and what he loves is stronger then any trained soldier, no matter his upbringing.

"They say the Sheriff was raised by a witch." One of the men, hidden by many of the others, said. Fear all but dripping from his voice.

"A witch?" Azeem asked, looking wide eyed at Robin. There wasn't many 'witches' where he came from, but when there were, they were blackened to the bone. Many a man would die before a witch even had a cut, not to mention killed. Adrenaline shivered up Azeem's spine, just thinking about it. He tried to swallow it down, but it was harder then one would think. Mentally praying to Allah for strength, hoping his prayers would be answered.

"She knows every man's thoughts," Wulf said, an excited grin on his face as he laid down on his tree branch. "She can see right through 'em. And she flies!"

"Now that's a load codswallop, Wulf." John said irritably. He hated that children were so easily swayed by stories. It was a blessing with some things, sure. 'No we was just wrestling, lad!' But when it came to stories about evil witches and trolls under bridges, made his blood boil just thinkin' of it. Fairy tales got nothing to do with real life, John believed.

"What does the rich son of a Devil-worshiper care what happens to a band of outlaw peasants-"

"Will!" Ben shouted, but it was too late.

"My Lord was a kind and generous man!" Hollered Duncan, who had been quiet up til now. "Who among you dares believe him capable-"

"Duncan. Duncan!" Robin soothed him, placing a soft hand on the old man's to stop him from continuing. When the blind elder quieted down, Robin turned to Will, who was too busy trying to make Ben stop glaring at him to notice everyone else's eyes were on him. "My father was no devil-worshiper." He said to Will, drawing his attention though it didn't stick as Robin turned to everyone else with a warning glare. "And I'll have words with any man that says otherwise." The tension eased as Robin looked away and into the fire. Their words stung at his heart, knowing that his father died unjustly and this is how they think of him. Nottingham will surely pay for what he has done to his family. Tossing tiny sticks broken down into smaller pieces in the fire, Robin continued. "But he's right. I was a rich man's son. But when I killed the Sheriff's men, I became an outlaw like you."

"You are nothing like us." Will spat at him, getting up from his tree, glaring one last time at Robin, before turning and walking to his hut. All of them stared after him, surprised. Sure Will could explode sometimes, especially when his mother was brought up. But never like this, never with no reason to a stranger! Ben became worried as she followed him with her eyes. Finally agreeing with herself to catch up with him, she began to stand up.

"That there is Will Scarlet." John said, not caring to watch him leave along with the others. John had seen Will's tantrums, and having 7 kids already taught him how to handle it all. He knew Will would be over it soon. Didn't know why he was acting like this, but he would get over it. "Take no notice of him. He's full of piss and wind."

"Johnathon Isiah Little!" Ben hissed, making the giant man look at her in utter surprise. How the bloody hell did she know his middle name? "How dare you talk about Will like such! When he has been nothing but a friend to you. For shame." She glared at him, placing her hands on her hips, and John could see every man look at him with fearful glee. It was like he was a child again, being scolded by his mum when he was around his friends. All of them wanting to giggle or laugh at him for being in trouble, but too afraid they might get in trouble themselves. "In the morning you will apologize to him, do I make myself clear?"

"But-"

"No buts!" It was getting increasingly hard for the men to hold back laughter. Even Robin and Azeem had to cover their mouths to make sure no laughter escaped. John just looked like a deer caught in a hunter's trap, ready to be shot.

"Yes, ma'am..." John said, finally giving up, and looking down so that he wouldn't have to look her in the eyes again.

"Good boy." She walked off towards Will's hut, stomping loud enough for everyone to hear until she was far enough away. They were all still very silent for a few moments, not wanting to say anything in case she would hear. It was Wulf that broke the silence.

"Is it just me, or does she act like mum?" The boy asked, looking at his father with considering eyes. John just scoffed. That was a bloody understatement.

Over at Will's hut, Ben's step became quieter as her temper extinguished.

"Will?" Ben quietly asked as she stood outside the makeshift blanket door. "Will are you okay?" She heard the sound of footsteps but nothing more, and it worried her. "May I come in?" No answer came, and she forfeit. He needed time to cool down as well. "If you need me, I'll be in the Burrow, okay?" Ben wasn't really expecting an answer, so she turned and made her way to her own little home. Climbing down and resting inside, Ben closed her eyes and thought. She really hoped Will was okay. Like everyone else, she wasn't exactly sure why he had acted in such a way to Robin. From what she could see, he was an okay guy. Not knowing him much, she couldn't make a solid opinion, but what she had seen was good. Maybe Will had known him before, and he had done something wrong to him? Maybe that was the reason he had been so spacey before? That would explain it, after all. Now just to find out what had happened.

Deep in her thoughts, Ben didn't hear the footsteps coming closer to her Burrow. Or the blanket flap as some stepped through it. Only when the hay next to her feet crunched under new weight did she notice someone was there. Eyes flying open and sitting up, she could barely see the out line of someone sliding down into the sleeping area of her Burrow. Before she could say anything, a hand covered her mouth. It was a rough hand, with a few callouses, but not many.

"Shh, it's me." Will's voice whispered, calming her nerves instantly. She pushed his hand away lightly, then punched him in, what she could guess, was his arm. "Ow! What was that for?"

"Don't scare me like that!" She harshly whispered, desperately wanting to hit him again.

"Sorry." He said meekly. Ben sighed, looking at his silhouette crouching down at the entrance of her 'bed'. Scooting over a bit, she grabbed a hold of his arm, guiding him to lay down next to her. Once he was all settled in and laid down, Ben could just barely make out the lines of his face by the moonlight shedding through the blanket. "I'm sorry I just left you like that. What he said-"

"Will, you don't need to explain that. Just tell me what is going on?" Her voice was soft and caring, though urgent at the same time. She wanted to know what was wrong with her Will. Her Will? Well that's not what she meant. No she meant-

"It's that fancy little rich boy." He stated, not caring to hide the hate in his voice.

"I know you are not a fan of rich people, other then stealing from them, but what has Robin done for you to hate him so much?" It was silent for a few moments, their breathing was barely even audible.

"He killed my mother..."

"But, you said that your mother died in the snow storm?" She whispered tentatively, not really wanting to bring up such sad memories. Ben hated thinking about the night when she found Erik and Adelaide, and she was sure Will didn't much like thinking about the day he found his mother.

"She did, but he caused it." Will paused, and Ben was more then confused at what he was saying.

"How?"

"It was him that drove my mother away from our father." Ben was utterly shocked. Our father? They were brothers? "When his mother died, our father found my mother, and found peace with her. She said that he was finally happy and not grieving his dead wife anymore. That he had found hope for happiness."

"Well that's good right? He was happy with her." Ben had always loved happy endings when it came to love. It was so beautiful, love. The strongest thing in the world, that's what Adelaide had told her when she was a child. Every good story had love.

"You'd think." He said spitefully. "But the spoiled brat sitting right outside didn't think so. He had caught my mother and our father in a kiss, and screamed and yelled that he was a horrible father for disgracing his mother like that. That he had forgotten her already. When Locksley ran, father went after him, and when he came back he apologized to mother and told her never to come back again. That is son was more important than his own happiness. Mother was heartbroken and left. She even told him she was pregnant with me, that's why she had visited that day. She was pregnant with his child, and he forced her from his home because he loved Robin more then me." Ben touched his arm in comfort, and felt his tension from telling the story. At her touch, he eased a little, and that was enough for her. As much as she would like to calm him completely, with Will Scarlet, a little goes a long way. "If he could have just gotten over it, realized it wasn't all about him, my mother wouldn't have been forced out of house and home by God fearing gits for having a bastard child. And she would still be alive." There was a waver in his voice, one that said he was holding back tears. It was torture to know that Will was hurting so much and she could do nothing to help. So she did the one thing that always helped her when she was sad and at the castle. Moving closer, Ben rested her head on Will's shoulder, wrapped her arm around his torso, and cuddled him.

"It's okay." She simply said, like Adelaide would say and she held Ben close til she fell asleep. If he was in his right mind, Will would have gotten up and went to his tent. But the feel of her next to him, the way she held him, the soft sweetness of her voice, it made him stay next to her. Even getting so bold as to hold her as well, looping one arm around her shoulder and the other resting on the arm that held him so that she would be closer. "Goodnight, Will." She whispered into his shoulder, yawning.

"Yeah, yeah, goodnight Ben." It was like it had been before, when they had no worries or cares and were together. And it made them both smile as they fell into peaceful sleep.

MEMO: It seems the more I write this story, the more I want to add to it. Originally I just wanted a 10 chapter story, now im looking at near 20. Hope you all don't mind! lol. I rather enjoyed making Ben seem very motherly. Its so much fun making her act like that, especially when you think she is supposed to look like a boy. Also loved writing the part with Azeem, cause I absolutely love his character in the movie so thinking about writing this, I really wanted Azeem, Will and Wulf to be close to Ben. Let's face it, who wouldn't want to be close with those guys? Lol. But thank you all sooooo much for reading and staying with me. You are my fantastic muses! xoxoxo

chaoticmom: thank you so much for the review/warning/heads up, that was actually one of my biggest worries when I decided to go along with the movie. But luckily someone was looking down on me and gave me a rather good idea that you shall have to wait and see :) Again thank you so much, and i hope you enjoyed this next chapter. You're awesome :D