I've been stuck in a rut lately, and this one is for ImmerGladsss who has been helping me out of it… It's not quite the George-centric story we talked about but just a small insight into Sir Benjamin and Maria's relationship on an important day. Inspired by Kim Viera's beautiful cover of 'Diamonds'.

It was a glorious spring morning, as if the sun and the sea and the sky themselves wanted to share in its joy. The birds sang out loud and clear, bringing to life the utter happiness and euphoria in Maria's heart as she and Sir Benjamin rode across the lush green meadows of Moonacre estate. It was all she could feel and even though she had wished for this day, longed for it with ever increasing impatience, now it was here, she was content to savor each and every moment of it.

The road they were riding along was an old one, possibly the oldest one in Moonacre Valley. Long forgotten it may have lain over the centuries but not today. Crossing from Merryweather land into the De Noir forest, Maria stared around in wonder as it continued on, realizing that it must have taken the De Noir's weeks to clear it. This hadn't been for themselves; they had never had any problems navigating themselves through the trees, but the same couldn't be said for the residents of Silvery Dew, who had showed their gratitude by adorning the trees either side with flowers and ribbons. And when had the ancient road last been used by so many? Perhaps over five thousand moons ago now, that one and only other time the valley's people had come together, united at the sea's edge…

Thinking of her destination and of the first time she had been there, Maria couldn't help but wonder. Had the smallest part of that fateful day unfolded any differently, would she be here now? And had she had any idea that she'd be returning there one day, for this? True, her mind had been on other matters, but that eventful day had been the beginning of it all. So many new journeys, so many new stories. And now, as those great stone walls loomed up ahead through the trees, it was time for her to start a new chapter in her own.

Digweed rushed forward to take the horses as they crossed into a petal strewn clearing. His kind, and earnest, familiar face was alight with enthusiasm and Maria smiled at him, although her eyes were all for her uncle as he helped her dismount. Sir Benjamin stood before her, gazing down at her, his eyes brimming with the emotion he so rarely showed, for that stern demeanor of his had always hidden a soul that was as deep of the ocean. Oh, how far they had both come, that bitter man and that spoilt girl that had first met… Both with tempers that had flared like lightning, spirits as stubborn as stone. And yet, both had just been yearning to be loved by those they had lost, but finding one another had softened slowly over time, like the sea washing over jagged cliffs.

"You look like the true Moon Princess," Sir Benjamin finally said, his voice thick, but steady.

"Well, I should think so, since Loveday insisted on altering this for me to wear," Maria answered lightly with a smile, "The amphitheater, the first Moon Princess's wedding dress...let's hope that's where the resemblance to that first Merryweather- De Noir wedding ends,"

Sir Benjamin shook his head though. "I would happily risk another feud if you don't want to go through with it, moon and valley be damned. If there's even the smallest part of you that's unsure about this Maria, if you're only going through with it to keep the peace-"

"Uncle," Maria broke in, her tone gentle but firm, "I've never been so sure of anything in my life. And when have you known me to ever do anything too simply to keep the peace?"

This time, Sir Benjamin did smile, as no doubt the same recollection drifted through his mind across the intervening years. Well do tell us Uncle, why did you invite such irritating, noisy females into your nice, quiet house?

No, peace and quiet was certainly something he had never had since her arrival.

"Oh my dearest girl," He said, his voice finally cracking, "Where did the time go? It seems only yesterday that you were arriving and now it's time for me to let you go already. I am going to miss you so very much,"

"I won't be far," Maria replied, softly and reassuringly.

He nodded, giving her a sad smile. "I know I'm only your uncle Maria, and it's a father's place to stand here. And whatever his faults were, it should be George here with you today…"

This time, it was Maria's turn to shake her head. "My father was a troubled man, and I'll always be sorry that I lost him," She answered, her voice regretful and earnest as she gazed into her uncle's eyes, "But he never made a better choice than to leave me to your care. You are every bit as much my father as he ever was and there will never be a time that I think otherwise,"

Overcome, Maria blinked rapidly. Catching sight of the same tears in her uncle's eyes though, she choked back a slight laugh. "No Uncle, we mustn't! I can't hide anything from Robin, and he's sworn to hunt down anyone who makes me cry,"

"Of course he has," Her uncle said, his voice constricted with emotion even as he smiled, "And I'm sure he meant it. I wouldn't expect anything less of him,"

Reaching for Maria's hand, Sir Benjamin stared down it for a long moment before looking back up at her. "I owe every bit of happiness in my life to you Maria. If I'm to let you go, I can only do it knowing it's truly what you want and that you'll be even happier still. There's no one else that deserves it as much as you,"

"You know I will be," Maria assured him, "So long as I have your blessing in it,"

"We both know you've never needed my blessing for anything," Sir Benjamin commented with a smile. "Your heart has always led you true Maria and I hope you always follow it. I truly couldn't have given you up to anyone who wasn't worthy of you," He paused, his voice cracking once again, "But as worthy as Robin is, remember that I'll always be here for you, no matter what,"

"Oh Uncle, I know you will," Maria whispered, her eyes blurring, "And this time, I truly do need your blessing,"

Sir Benjamin stepped forward, gently tilting his niece's head forwards and pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Then of course, you have it, my sweetest, brightest girl,"

And taking her arm, his eye shimmering with his pride, his gratitude and his love, he led her forward, not to end the story that had started her so long ago the way it should have ended, but to start the story that should have begun.

The idea for this struck on the train back from work in 2019. The song came through my headphones and I don't know, the intensity of it, the piano tempo especially, just inspired something. Strange really, since it's a scene about Sir Benjamin and Maria, but I think it was as if the song was how Maria felt about Robin, and Sir Benjamin knew that that was how she felt but still just wanted a last moment with her before he let her go to him. For so long since I wrote those initial notes on that train, they've gone absolutely nowhere though, until a few weeks ago the song played again, and I got an itch in my fingers and it all came together. Maybe it could be polished slightly more, and perhaps it's a bit cheesy, but I've wanted to try and not overthink it too much. I think the end product probably works well as a sequel to 'Meddle' or 'Patience', but equally works as a stand-alone half-shot too. Either way, I hope you enjoyed it