It had been a weeks since Edward had gone to live with Marian's cousin Olivia. In that time Marian had adjusted well to the gang. Every morning she woke and helped Much with breakfast. She was always eager for the early morning runs and weapons training. In the afternoons, if they were not pulling off yet another impossibly dangerous plan of Robin's or making deliveries, she was learning from Djaq. Robin wasn't really sure what Djaq was teaching her, but he thought it had something to do with medicine. He was pleased that she and Djaq were getting along so well, but it was also becoming a bit irritating. Between Djaq's "girl talks" and cooking with Much, Robin never spent anytime with his wife. Sure they had nights together, in the camp, surrounded by the others, but he was really starting to miss her. He remembered how he used to dream of her joining him in the woods; in those daydreams though he never had to share her.

Christmas had always been Will's favorite holiday, in part because it had been his mother's. He remembered how she would dash around their home singing songs and hanging mistletoe and holy. No matter how hard times were she always found a way to make something for both of her children. It was usually a sweater or a pair of socks. She always found a way to make cookies for them as well. Times were hard in Nottingham, and he knew that not all of the parents would be able to fill their homes with Christmas cheer. So Will had decided to make Christmas presents for the village children. He had carved several snow flakes, Christmas trees, and angels. Each one looked a little different than the next. Robin looked at the assortment with awe, "The presents are really coming along Will. I think the children will love them."

Will smiled, "I hope so. I wanted to make sure the children got something for Christmas. It is late October. I hope I did not wait too long to start on them."

"I am sure you will finish them all in time." Robin looked down at his feet, "may I ask a favor of you Will?"

"Of course, Robin," his leader seemed almost nervous.

"Can you take Djaq on a walk, or deliveries, or anywhere really," Robin asked in frustration.

Will looked at Robin with confusion, "I'm sorry?"

Robin sighed, "it is just that they are always together. Haven't you noticed? Will, I have not had any time alone with my wife. I would like to take her on a picnic tonight, so I need you to distract Djaq."

Will smiled, "I think I can pull off a distraction."

Robin patted Will on the shoulder and began planning his picnic. He would need Much's help preparing the meal, and he needed to pack a couple of blankets. He knew the perfect place for them to go. There was a lovely glade with a small pond. The pond was frozen over and the entire place looked like a winter wonderland.

Will had noticed the changes in the two women. They had become fast friends and were thriving in the woods. Although Will missed having her all to himself he was elated at the relationship she was developing. Marian did something that none of the others could do. She was teaching Djaq that you could be a woman and strong. Will had noticed the slight changes in her wardrobe. Simple, feminine changes that accentuated the soft curves of her body. This was again thanks to Marian, seeing as the only thing Djaq could sew was a wound. She had also begun fixing her hair; pulling the sides back in simple pins and braids. He set to work on a small gift for the love of his life.

Djaq and Marian were returning from a walk. Marian approached Much and laid down three ducks. "I got quite lucky today."

Robin walked up behind her and puts his arms around her, "quite lucky in deed. They will be great for dinner tomorrow."

Will moved towards Djaq and quietly led her away from the others. Djaq smiled up at him, "is everything alright Will?"

"Do you remember how I said that I wanted to court you properly," he asked shyly. "To tell you of your beauty, and give you small tokens of my affection?"

"Of course I do."

Reaching into his pocket he pulled out a small comb that he had carved and placed it gently in her hands. Her fingers traced the intricate lily that he had obviously worked hard on, "Will, it is lovely. Thank you."

He touched her cheek with his rough calloused hands sending shivers through Djaq's body, "it is no where near as lovely as you, Saffyah. Would you like to walk with me?"

They spent the afternoon enjoying each others company. They had a relationship that others might consider odd. They didn't have to speak. They each had a way of looking into the others eyes and knowing what the other was thinking. Will was gently combing Djaq's hair as they sat on a small log. Djaq closed her eyes and surrendered to the moment. She memorized the feel of Will's hands in her hair. It had been a long time since someone brushed her hair like this. Sure Marian combed it a bit when she fixed it, but Will's strokes were loving, and had nothing to do with perfecting her image.

Will loved how silky her hair was. He tried to image what it may have looked like before she cut it. He was mesmerized by the way the sunlight reflected off of her dark curls. He remembered John's warning about taking things slowly, but he yearned to touch her, to feel her body pressed against his. The soft curve of her neck was calling to him; her skin was smooth and flawless. He leaned closer to her breathing in her sweet sent. She always smelled like vanilla and lavender. His lips seemed to move of their own accord over her neck. It began with simple small pecks on her neck and progressed into gentle sucking and nibbling. The feeling of her squirming only excited him further.

Djaq thought she would melt into him. The roughness of his stubble on her delicate skin was a torture in and of itself. She wondered how his scraggly beard would feel against more sensitive areas. One of his hands was busy keeping her hair out of the way as the other moved tenderly up and down her side. She arched her back, pushing her body into his as she heard him groan softly.

He knew that things were becoming too heated. She was a drug that he could not get enough of. If he wasn't careful he might push things too far, and have to answer to John. He rested his roaming hand on her hip and slowly returned to the gentle innocent kisses that he had started with. When Will stopped kissing her he simply rested his chin on the top of her head and held her tightly. They stayed like that, holding one another, and allowing their racing hearts to slow down. "Safyah, you are so beautiful. I cannot imagine what you see in me."

She was shocked. How could Will feel inadequate. He was a brilliant carpenter, a master of architecture, and the kindest man she had ever known, "well, you are a fairly good kisser. So I think I will keep you around for a while."

Djag could feel his chest vibrating as he chuckled softly, "do I detect a bit of Marian's sense of humor?"

Today was perfect. She had had a wonderful time with Will. She turned slowly in his arms, and looked into his piercing, blue eyes, "I love you Will Scarlet."