Chapter 11: A Reunion and A Wedding

"Robin, where are you?" Maria called out. She was out in the forest late at night. The cold wind rustled the leaves and blew past Maria's night dress, sending shivers down her spine. The only light was that from the stars, the moon was nowhere in sight. The fog was so thick she could just make out the floor underneath her.

Where is he? She thought.

"Moon Princess, I'm over here!"

"Over here!"

"No over here!"

Maria turned to look in all directions, but she couldn't make out where the voice came from.

"Robin, stop playing! Where are you?" Maria was beginning to feel frustrated. She couldn't understand why she was convinced to come out. In fact, the more she thought of it, the more she realized she didn't know what she was doing out here.

Snap.

Maria bolted behind a nearby tree. She felt her heart quicken. She heard another twig break.
She peaked around the trunk. Although she couldn't see through the fog, she got a feeling that she was being watched.

Maria yelped as a cold hand snaked around her waist from behind. She turned, readying her hand to strike at the culprit.

"Robin?" Maria cried out in surprise. She found herself trapped in his arms.

"Happy to see me?" Robin asked with an arrogant smile as he pulled Maria closer with every word.
He was dressed in his black shirt and leather pants, his bowler hat and red feathered scarf were nowhere to be seen. His hand rested firmly on her lower back. She could feel his strength as he pressed her against him. He leaned in closer. His nose was a mere inch from her's.
Maria could feel his heart beating against her chest. Her ears burned.

"Robin, what are we doing here?" She asked. "We can't be seen like this."
Maria frantically looked around and tried to push away, but his hold was strong.

"Don't worry, we won't." Robin took a firm hold on Maria's chin and forced her to look at him. His touch was cold and hard. His charcoal-lined eyes had a dark glint. His smile was no longer light and mischievous. It was eager, almost sinister.

"Robin, this isn't you."

"Oh but it is." Robin pulled Maria's face towards him. In state of panic Maria used all of her strength to push him away. His form vanished and Maria fell forwards, landing on all fours.

He was gone.
All she saw were trees and darkness. The few trees she could see through the fog no longer looked like any trees she's seen before. The dark brown trunks twisted and turned, reaching for her. A few dead leaves clung to the branches.

Through the trees she saw a hooded figure, hunched over a large white animal. She walked towards it.
No, that can't be, it's the white horse!
As she got closer, she heard the hooded creature's breathing. It was slow, and raspy. There was another sound, munching. Each crunch rang through her ears and made Maria feel sick.

"Excuse me," Maria called out, there was a quiver in her voice. "What are you doing with the white horse?"

The hooded figure stopped moving.

Maria took a few cautious steps.
She recoiled in disgust as her foot stepped on something warm and sticky. Her toes were red, covered with the same red liquid that surrounded the creature- it was blood.
Then a stench hit her nose. Maria felt her stomach wrench. The smell of raw meat and blood was overwhelming. She reached out a trembling hand, and tapped the figure. It released a shrill cry and turned to face her.

Horror crossed Maria's face as she released a blood curling scream.

"Maria! Maria wake up!"

Maria woke up with a start, her heart was racing. Beads of sweat rolled down her face. Her eyes searched, looking for the creature.

She had to tell everyone, she had to protect Moonacre. Instead, her eyes met Ms. Heliotrope. Maria was in her room again.
It was dream.
It had seemed so real.
The creature, no the monster, its face was still vividly etched onto her memory. It was white, wrinkly, sunken in, and had small beady red eyes. It had a hole for a mouth, filled with sharp teeth. There were shreds of meat stuck to them. Blood covered its face.

She pulled back her covers. Her feet were clean, no longer red from blood.

"Goodness, Maria are you alright?" Ms. Heliotrope asked.

"Ms. Heliotrope, I—I had a dream. There was a monster. It was eating a white horse. Moonacre's White Horse! There was blood everywhere, Moonacre's in trouble! I've got to warn everyone!"

Ms. Heliotrope let out a hearty laughter. "Oh Maria it was just dream. Moonacre is not in any danger. Come now you must get ready. The wedding is in a few hours!"

Maria's eyes widened. Her heart stopped. The wedding. Uncle's and Loveday's wedding! It was today, and that meant in two days she was leaving to boarding school.

Maria groaned and fell back against her bed. Her head reeling.

"Maria that is not proper behavior. We leave in few hours!"

Maria let out a sigh and managed to roll out of bed. She began to pull out her dresses.

"Maria," Ms. Heliotrope called. She walked to Maria and took her hands into her own. "I—I was hoping you would do me the favor of wearing a new dress. I got it for your birthday tomorrow."

"My birthday? I completely forgot!"

Ms. Heliotrope smiled and pulled out a large cream-colored box with a green bow from under the bed. Maria open the box to reveal a beautiful green silk gown with a large hoop skirt.

With Ms. Heliotropes help, Maria put it on. It was an off-shoulder dress with low neckline and white lace trim. The sleeves reached down to her elbows. Pearls were sprinkled across the gown and a white malmaison rose was placed centered between her chest. The bodice ended at a peak below her waist and gave Maria a very flattering figure.

Ms. Heliotrope styled her hair into a half up-do parted down the middle. Along her head Ms. Heliotrope added a braided crown with small white flowers woven in. A few short curls framed her face and her lose hair, which had grown to the middle of her back, was curled and covered her shoulders like a copper veil. White petunias decorated the back of her head.

"Maria you are growing up into a beautiful lady," Ms. Heliotrope said with a sigh. "All eyes will be on you, especially Robins."

Maria giggled. "What about you Ms. Heliotrope, will you be catching Digweed's eyes too?"

Ms. Heliotrope blushed, "silly girl." She muttered under her breath.

"I heard that. And I am not a silly girl, I am a silly lady."

For a final touch, Ms. Heliotrope added some make up. She tinted Maria's lips red, powdered her nose, and added some black to her eyelashes. This was Maria's first time wearing make-up. She looked in the mirror, nervous she wouldn't like it. She gasped in surprised at the young lady staring back. The red lips and mascara made Maria look older and sophisticated.

"And now my dear, we are ready!"

The wedding was to take place at the De Noir castle. This would be her first time going back since the day she was captured, a thought that made her uneasy. Maria joined Sir Benjamin and Ms. Heliotrope in the carriage.

Sir Benjamin, who wore a black tailcoat and red bow, momentarily stopped his nervous fidgeting to tell Maria she looked beautiful. Ms. Heliotrope wore a dark plum ball-gown with a bustle skirt. Sticking to tradition and comfort, the ball-gown was long-sleeved and buttoned up to her neck. She wore a small feathered hat to the side of her grey bun. Simple yet elegant.
Digweed sat atop the carriage watching Ms. Heliotrope with his mouth open and bumbling his greeting to the two ladies. Once they were ready, Digweed steered the large grey horses towards the De Noir Castle. Wrolf followed the carriage before disappearing into the woods, finding his own way to the De Noir castle where he could watch over his family.

The castle came into view.
It was just as imposing and grey as it was the first time she saw it. Except now, wreathes made of leaves, buds, and pink and white flowers adorned the entrance way; a sharp contrast to the dark castle stone or the black and red flags that flew freely. She heard Ms. Heliotrope gasp. Ms. Heliotrope could not believe the wedding ceremony was to take place inside this castle. Sir Benjamin was too busy preparing himself for the mixed reception he was sure to receive, to notice the additional decorations on the castle.

Sir Benjamin and his party stepped off the carriage. They were led to the castle church by a man who introduced himself as Robin's tutor, Mr. Havisham. He was a man well into his 50's with large greying sideburns and round rim glasses that sat atop his pointed nose. Although Maria wished it had been Robin who met them, she found his commentary of the De Noirs to be funny. Maria followed along as her eyes searched through the faces. Sir Benjamin went to take his place by the altar and await his beloved.

Maria sat at the end of the aisle beside Ms. Heliotrope. She craned her neck, her search still ongoing.

"Maria, a lady should maintain her eyes fixated to the front," Ms. Heliotrope scolded her. "I'm sure Robin will make his appearance in no time," she added with a soft smile.

Maria's mouth fell, she struggled to respond, but finding no defense, pursed her lips and reluctantly forced herself to stare at the altar instead. Sir Benjamin rocked anxiously on his heels and only stopped when he noticed Maria watching him with a smile.

The music began playing and guests started to settle down. Maria recognized a few distant Merryweather relatives she had not seen in a long time. The Merryweathers, annoyed with the feud as her own father was, left Moonacre to make their homes elsewhere. Sir Benjamin was the only one who had stayed behind. Maria was sure he stayed because of Loveday. Maria could only imagine how both families must be feeling at the moment about the Merryweather-De Noir wedding. She also took note of the De Noir side. Although their attire was formal, they wore dark colors of purple, red, burgundy, blue, and black. Many of the women had their hair adorned with crystals and feathers.

The doors burst open and at the entrance stood Loveday in all her beauty surrounded by her bridesmaids. Her hair was adorned with feathers and red flowers in a beautiful updo with curls that framed her face. She wore a white lace and silk dress. The dress hung elegantly off her shoulders with lace trim and red ribbon for the hem. Matching her dress was a pearl necklace with a small red ruby pendant.

While the guests were distracted with Loveday, Robin entered away from anyone's sight. He searched through the crowds, looking for Maria. Robin was disappointed he wasn't able to greet her at the door. All morning he had been sent around readying the castle and helping Loveday with last minute preparations.
His frustrations disappeared with his breath the moment he laid eyes on her. Her green dress brought out the strawberry hues of her hair and flattered her pale skin. Green was his favorite color and in his heart she looked like a fairy princess of the forest, his forest. Robin gulped as he felt a strange feeling in his heart. He hid in between the guests, and made his way to Maria, knocking a few shoulders. As he got closer, he saw her searching though the guests. He snuck behind her and leaned close to her ear. Robin caught her aroma and immediately fought the urge to bury his face into her hair.

"Looking for me?" Robin whispered in her ear.

Startled, Maria jumped and smacked Robin on his chest.

"It's good to see you too," Robin said with smug grin. His hair had been pulled to the side. Instead of his usual leather attire he wore a black suit over his white shirt and a feather on his lapel.

"Robin! When did you get here?" Maria asked.

Robin leaned once more towards Maria, "I've been here all along."

His breath against her skin sent her heart pounding. Maria's mind went to her dreams, recalling his strong embrace. She turned bright red. She didn't like how easily he got to her. She heard Robin chuckle.

"I wanted to give you something." Robin reached into his back pocket and pulled out a small gift wrapped in brown paper.
"Loveday told me it's your birthday tomorrow. It's nothing really, just something small." Robin handed her the package, and feeling embarrassed, quickly left to sit at the De Noir side.

Confused, Maria carefully opened the gift and let out a small gasp at what she had received. It was a black leather pouch with a Moon and feather engraved onto it. Each drawstring had a pearl and hawk feather attached at the end. Maria read the note:

Dear Maria,
Please use this pouch to carry your stones.
As promised, let's mark another
passageway before you leave.
Happy Birthday!
Yours,
Robin

Maria smiled, she loved the gift! She stored it into her handbag and looked towards Robin who was apprehensively watching her.
'Thank you' she mouthed and gave him her biggest smile. A look of relief crossed his face.

Loveday now stood beside Sir Benjamin. The Old Parson took his place and the wedding began.
During the ceremony, Maria occupied her time sneaking glances with Robin. Robin sat with his friends who were all smartly dressed, their usual leather outfits and bowler caps were nowhere in sight. She was surprised by how good looking they all were. Even Henry, with his hair no longer shielding his face, was just as handsome. He had deep-set light-blue eyes, a well-defined jawline, and a strong nose. Although his mouth was set firm, his eyes showed patience and wisdom. There was also a hint of sadness in them. Maria frowned. It must be because of his father.

Behind them sat a group of boys and a girl similar in age. The girl had curly brunette hair that was pinned back in an updo. She stuck her nose in the air and looked down on those around her. Next to her was a boy who had jet black hair and shared similar facial features to the girl. They both had pointed noses with a slight hook, slender faces, and deep set eyes. The boy would occasionally glare at Robin. Neither were ugly, but Maria felt like they looked like a pair of birds.

Just what is it with the De Noirs and birds? Maria thought to herself. She had in mind they should change the emblem on the De Noir flags from a black lion to a hawk. As she was finishing her thought, the boy directed his piercing glare at her and Maria quickly turned away. She did not like the look he gave her.

After the ceremony, the guests were led into the great hall to continue the festivities with food.

"Maria you look stunning!" Loveday gushed taking Maria into her arms. "But you know what's missing?" Loveday plucked a feather from her hair and placed it elegantly in Maria's.
"Much better," she said giving Maria a kiss on her check.

"Loveday I think the real beauty here is you. You look gorgeous, welcome to the family," Maria responded. Loveday took Maria by the hand and introduced her to some De Noir relatives.

They were all ushered to their seats as Marmaduke made his presence known. Loveday had asked him to be the head chef and maker of the cake, a task he was honored to take.
"The feast is ready, Bon Appetit!" He announced and kissed his hand in gusto.

Servants came through the doors carrying carts filled with fresh bread, salads, rotisserie chicken, and pulled pork. Others stood by with jugs filled with pale cider, red wine, and fruit cordials. The feast was served and everyone ate, satisfying their stomachs and enjoying the celebration.

Maria, Ms. Heliotrope, and Loveday were talking about the day's festivity when the great hall doors were opened and the butler announced, "Mr. Harold Dalton and guest."

A few gasps were heard around the room and Henry stood up. Through the doors walked a worn looking man who wore a dark grey cap on top of greying black hair and a burly mustache that decorated a large smile. He was followed by a younger man with shaggy hair pulled back into a ponytail. He looked gaunt and pale.

"Father! Luke!" Henry shouted, he rushed out of his seat and gave his father a hug.

"Harold, it was about time you showed up!" Greeted Mr. De Noir.

"I'm sorry Coeur, ran into some trouble…" Harold trailed off as he acknowledge the guests.