It was a few torturous hours in the castle, though Will felt like it was days. He had nothing to do but think and reflect, and worry, as he sat outside the room she had been rushed into. Thankfully, the cook had followed behind them, still curious of their intentions. She had seen the injured girl, and shouted at them to attend to her before it was too late.
Will felt guilty now, but seeing all of the blood had convinced him she had died. It was John who had dove in, picking her up and rushing after the cook. Fanny had been close on John's heels, but turned back long enough to tell him she was still alive.
John sat down beside Will after being sent out of the room when they began to remove the first arrow. Wulf was sent out soon after. The boy was trying to keep a brave face, but was leaning into his father's side in search of some comfort. He looked at Will. The younger man was clearly distracted and upset.
"She'll be alright. I know she will." Wulf confidence arrested Will from his thoughts.
Facing the boy, Will realized he was trying to apologize. From what he understood of the Little family tendency towards stubbornness, Will accepted that this was the most he would ever get.
"Thanks Wulf."
Robin and Marian had eventually found them. Their flushed expressions of bliss had fallen quickly when confronted with the somber mood they encountered. Marian had speedily excused herself and entered the room. Robin sat with them, attempting to discern what had happened. John tried to explain, his voice thick with emotion. Will continued to wait, straining to hear any noises that might indicate what was happening behind the door.
When it was finally opened, Fanny's pale face greeted them. "She alright, but she's sleeping." She stepped back to let them enter just as the cook was trying to exit the room. In her arms, she carried an armload of linens soaked in blood. Despite Fanny's words Will felt his stomach drop.
He entered the room after John and Wulf. There was a small fire in the fireplace in the corner where Fanny stood. John went to her, embracing her. Marian stood against the wall near the bed. Her hands seemed restless with no other task than to hold on to one another.
Will walked up to the opposite side of the bed where Mara was sleeping. He was immediately stuck by her complexion. Her skin seemed deathly pale in contrast with her dark hair. Walking closer, he could see the blue of her veins clearly spread across her chest and neck almost like a spider's web. Faintly, almost imperceptibly, he saw the steady rise and fall of her breathing.
She was wearing a loose-fitting white shift with a blanket covering her to her waist. As Will reached her side, he noticed the strap of the shift hiding part of stitched-together wound on her left side. The black thread seemed a cruel mockery of the finely stitched tapestry hanging above her. Will sat, taking her right hand into his. Despite the warmness of the room, her skin was cool.
Will looked at Fanny and Marian, almost in accusation.
"She's lost a lot of blood, Will. It makes the body cold." Fanny said. "Same thing happened to me when I had my Iris. Thought I'd never be warm again."
John looked at Fanny in surprise. He hadn't been present for the birth of their youngest daughter and hadn't known. He put a protective arm around her shoulder.
Will attempted to pull the blanket over Mara to warm her. He was careful not to cover her shoulder, not wishing to aggravate the wound with the rough fabric. Though unconscious, Mara instinctively drew closer to his warmth. He sat on the bed with her and cautiously tried to warm her.
Marian and Robin had eventually left. Fanny was soon called for to look after Azeem as well as some other injured souls. As John turned to leave, he started at Will with a level gaze. He spoke no words, but his message was clearly understood. Will had no intention or desire to take any liberties. He simply wished for Mara be well again.
Finally lying beside her, Will carefully drew Mara into his arms. He didn't notice as the warmth began to return to her hands and face. Listening to the steady rhythm of her breathing, he also fell asleep.