Yay, I'm finally on Episode 7! Seems like it's taken me forever to get this far. Thanks for all the feedback on my other chapters. Hope you enjoy this one. =) I can't for the life of me think up a good title for this episode, so that will have to wait for now. Thanks for your patience with me-I wish I had more time to write this story because I have so many ideas for it. I'm getting there, though. ;)
Episode 7
Marian's eyelids fluttered open. The lovely song of a nearby bird had awoken her. As she slowly raised herself up, she glanced over and smiled at Robin's form underneath the covers. He was sound asleep, and she was determined to let him have every minute of extra rest. A sudden, stabbing pain forced her to lie back down for a few seconds. Taking deep breaths, she pushed herself up again. She hated feeling so useless. Would the morning sickness never stop?
"Morning, love!"
Marian, startled, turned quickly to see Robin impishly smiling at her. "Robin! I'm sorry. Did I disturb you? I wanted to let you sleep longer."
Robin shrugged. "I was beginning to wake anyway." He reached out and pulled her into his arms as he gently stroked her arm. "How are you feeling?"
Marian grimaced. "Our little one seems determined to give me no relief."
"I'm sorry, truly. I wish there was some way I could take your pain."
"You? You can barely tolerate a bruise…I don't think childbirth would suit you very well." She playfully swatted at his nose.
"Hey now…I've had my share of painful injuries," Robin replied.
"Yes, and I'm sure you cried like a baby during each one."
"Oh, is that so?"
"Yes, you idiot."
"Really? Well, this idiot is thoroughly enjoying time with his wife this morning, although it's getting a little insulting." Grinning, Robin grabbed both her sides and tickled her without mercy.
"Robin, stop!" Marian laughed as she tried to push herself away. Robin gave up after a few more attempts and pleas from his wife.
"I'm glad we made up last night," he said more seriously.
Marian's eyes softened. "Me too."
Robin pulled her in for a tender kiss. If it were up to him, he would stay here all morning.
"They're late for breakfast," Much grumbled as he dished out another serving of porridge.
"Hmm," was the only response he got from Allan.
"Well, maybe I should go in and…tell them."
Djaq shook her head vehemently. "No, Much. Leave them be."
"But…the porridge will be all gone!"
"Not bein' funny, but maybe that's why they're so late."
Will laughed louder than he intended to at Allan's snippy remark, earning him a scowl from Much.
"Does anyone else want to start doing the cooking around here? Please, don't let me stand in your way." Much started rattling the pots and pans as he prattled on. "Robin is exhausted, that's all. You'd be too if you were stuck sleeping out by a tree all night!"
"Robin was sleeping outside?" John asked. The gang all turned to stare at Much.
"Well, I don't know much, but with Marian being mad at him and all, I got the drift he wasn't so comfortable sleeping in his own camp. From what I gathered, for the past two nights he's been sleeping out by that tree over there." Much pointed to the spot while stuffing a piece of bread in his mouth. "So last night, I found him there, and we talked about it. And Marian came out, so I left. And…I probably shouldn't have told you that." Much reddened as he realized everyone was giving him their full attention. Robin was going to kill him.
"Why didn't Robin say anything? He could have come back to our camp," said Djaq.
"It was his pride," Carter interjected. "Perfectly normal response, actually."
Allan smirked. "Guess they're making up this morning."
Much scrunched his nose. "That's…that's…"
"What, revolting?"
"I didn't say that! That's…too private! You shouldn't be…discussing…the Master's personal life over breakfast."
"Oh, well when's a better time to do it then, mate? You'd think you were married to him yourself most of the time."
Much opened his mouth in shock, unable to think of a proper response.
The sudden sound of laughter coming from Robin and Marian's camp caught the gang by surprise and they quickly turned. Chuckling, Allan cast a triumphant glance at Much. "See, they're making up."
"That does it." Much, his cheeks a crimson red by now, indignantly stood and stomped off.
"Much, don't disturb them!" Djaq whispered hoarsely.
Much, ignoring her pleadings, marched right up to the Robin and Marian's makeshift door. "Breakfast!" he called out.
A few minutes later, a rather disheveled—and disgruntled—looking Robin made his way out, along with Marian, who seemed more embarrassed than anything. As Much spooned them their portion of food, Allan cleared his throat.
"So, have a good night's sleep?"
Robin glared at him in response while Marian blushed and concentrated even harder on her bowl of porridge.
"Oh, guess not."
"We slept fine, Allan," Marian responded for them both.
The gong of the warning bell was the last thing any of them expected to hear.
"Now what?" Much cried out.
Will was on his feet before the others, who quickly followed. Once they reached the spot, they saw a form writhing in the trap Will had concocted. Allan squinted.
"Hey…isn't that…"
"Get me OUT of here!" a shrill voiced screamed.
"Kate?" Much asked incredulously. "Oh no…"
"Get me DOWN! Someone help me!" Kate seemed unaware of the gang approaching her as she frantically tugged at the rope that had lifted her off the ground.
"Hang on, we'll get you down," Robin responded. Will pulled the lever to release her and she stumbled downward.
"THERE you are. I've been looking everywhere!" Kate fumed as she shoved her way toward Robin. He took a step backward to avoid any sudden slaps, especially considering his last encounter with her.
"Kate, I'm sorry. I haven't found any work for you, but I'll keep looking, I promise."
"What? That's not why I came. Locksley is under attack, and here you are, doing who knows what."
"Locksley's under attack already?" Carter asked.
"So you knew this was going to happen…and you didn't do anything? Cowards!"
"Woah, back up. What happened, Kate?" Robin folded his arms and listened intently as she began.
"The church was burned to the ground before dawn. We tried to put it out…but it was useless. And now the Sheriff's men are terrorizing everyone in the town. I barely escaped without them seeing me."
Robin's expression was grim. As he turned, he caught Marian's worried look.
"Well, it looks like we better not waste any more time. Let's get to Locksley—quickly."
