Anxious about the march south and the upcoming battles to follow, Much suffered a nightmare more ghastly than any dream he could imagine.
Jolted awake from his horrific dream of gore and bloodshed, his body drenched in sweat, Much's first thought was for Robin. "You're not dead!" Much cried out, then wept silent tears of thanksgiving that he'd only been dreaming.
"Our punishment," he decided, resolved to take it, though trying to bargain with God to spare his master more nightmares. "Robin's had more than his share, thank You very much! You might at least consider how kind he is, and let him rest in peace for once! I shouldn't have said that! I didn't mean, You know, rest in peace, not that way, but only You should let Robin sleep tonight, without the dreams!" Quickly adding a "Sir," to show respect, Much muttered an "Amen," crossed himself, then grew delighted when he believed his prayer, or plea, had been answered.
Robin slept on his cot, a beatific smile on his face. "Marian," he breathed, the word itself so filled with awe it sounded like a prayer.
"Thank You!" Much told his Maker. "I'll fast, if You'd like. Well, maybe not fast! I've a pain in my stomach...it's hunger, I think you'll find! Is there something else I could do, to show my gratitude? I'll ask Brother William, in the morning. Goodnight. You sleep well, too, if that's what You do."
Rolling over, content that Robin was happily dreaming of Marian, Much fell back asleep.
...
The air, musical with the twittering of English sparrows, felt fresh and cool and invigorating after the unrelenting Acre heat that sapped a man's strength.
Euphoric, Robin seemed to be walking on air as he held Marian's hand, strolling with her through the verdant green meadows of home.
"I shouldn't admit it, Handsome," she teased him, sighing, "but it's good to have you back."
"It's good to be back. But why not admit it? You missed me."
"Don't be ridiculous. Have you forgotten how angry I was at you, for leaving?"
"Have you forgotten, that as a Christian, you're duty-bound to forgive me?"
"We're also commanded to love one another, but I don't think..."
"What? What is it you 'don't think,' Marian?"
"I'm...I'm not sure."
"I am. I swear it. I might never have said it, but loving you is one commandment I'll never have trouble obeying."
Her lips were warm and sweet, soft and firm, tempting and yet honorable, and Robin grew dizzy kissing her.
"I bought you a few trinkets," he teased her, eager to see her pleasure at opening his gifts. "These are from Venice, though I bought them in Sicily, for Twelfth Night."
Marian looked delighted as he slipped the rope of green and gold Venetian glass beads around her neck, miraculously restored in his dream from having been flung into the ocean waves.
"And this I bought in Acre," he continued, handing her a turban. "Now, don't tell me yellow doesn't suit you! After missing you nearly two full years, I think you'd look gorgeous in any color."
"Thank you, I think. I'll assume you meant that as a compliment."
Tenderly, Robin placed the yellow turban on her head, then shook his head sadly when he saw the effect.
"No. I'm sorry, Wren, but I don't like it on you. I want you to look like you, not someone else. Besides, it should be a crime, hiding your hair under a hat."
With a dazzling smile, Marian lifted off the turban and flung it into the grass. Robin's answering smile mirrored hers. With one graceful sweep of his hand, he scooped up a handful of lilies, handed them to her, and then, trembling, tucked one single blossom behind her ear. "That's better," he breathed, passionately. "Flowers for my bride. I missed you, Marian."
"I missed you, too."
Their lips met again, this time in a kiss so achingly joyful, Robin felt time stand still, as he poured his heart and soul into the beautiful woman he adored. They broke apart, only to gaze upon each other, then kissed again, and again, and-
"Master! Master, wake up!" Much's voice shattered Robin's dream, pulling him back to the reality of his cot and tent just outside Acre. "The King's commanding us at the front of his troops, with him, immediately! We march south today!"