Chapter 27

Outlaw camp

Marian woke wrapped in Robin's arms, whilst they figured out further sleeping arrangements Robin had insisted she shared his bunk and she had slept wrapped in his arms all night.
"Morning Wren," Robin whispered.

"Good morning handsome," Marian replied. "How long have you been awake?"

"Only a few moments, I felt you stir," Robin replied. Marian lifted her head slightly.

"It looks like everyone else is still sleeping," Marian said.

"Perfect." Robin purred as his hand began to roam around her body.

"Robin," She scolded. "We can't."

Robin chuckled quietly and released her. She sat up in the bunk and pulled on her trousers and top shirt. She grabbed her boots, pulling them on. Only to have her toe revealed through the end.

"I'll get you some new ones," Robin said looking over her shoulder.
"No need, I will be fine." Marian smiled. "Are you coming with me?"

"Where are we going?" Robin asked pulling on his own clothes.

"Hunting for breakfast."

"Excellent let's go."

Robin and Marian returned a little while later carrying a couple of pigeons and rabbits. Much had already started the pots boiling with water and oats. Marian and Robin placed the game on his table.

"Thank you." Much said.

"You're welcome Much." Marian smiled, "If you need a hand you must let me know."

"Thank you, Marian."

While the gang sat eating breakfast Robin began to explain the plans for the day, which included dispatching the money that Carter and Maria had stolen.

"Robin, I should like to visit Knighton and Locksley," Marian said.

"Of course Marian, I wouldn't expect any different." Robin smiled.

"I would like it if we could all go."

"All?"

"Yes, the whole gang. Its been so long since I spent time with you all." Marian smiled.

"I think it's a great idea," Adam said.

"Good then it is settled after breakfast, we will head to Knighton then Locksley." Robin smiled. Marian smiled her thanks and continued to eat her breakfast.

Knighton

The gang made their way into the village, Marian was trailing behind with her hood up as she had been instructed by Robin, they all knew eventually she would become known to Vaisey and Gisborne, but they wanted to prevent that for as long as possible. Robin circled back to Marian and took her hand as they emerged into the village.
"Coast is clear, you can take your hood down." Robin smiled. Marian quickened her step to get in front of him, then turned before him to walk backwards facing him as he released her hands

"Are you saying I'm allowed to be seen with you Locksley?" She laughed.

"I'm saying, I want you to be seen with me," Robin replied and he lunged to grab her but she dodged him, enjoying their game. Villagers began to emerge from their houses as the gang approached but Marian didn't notice. Adam ran ahead to Sophia's house.

"You mean I don't have to hide anymore?" Marian smiled.

"Not here you don't," Robin said. He lunged again and grabbed her around the waist lifting her into the air and spinning around. Marian squealed with delight catching Sophia's attention as she came out of the house. Adam met her at the door and gave her a hug.

"Robin seems happy." Sophia smiled. "I'm glad he's found someone, who is she?" Marian's hood was still up and as she was looking down at Robin, her hands on his shoulders as he spun them, Sophia couldn't make out her features.

"You're in for a surprise." Adam smiled, "You may want a chair."

"What are you talking about?" Sophia said and then Robin set Marian down and she removed her hood.
"Marian?" Sophia gasped. At the mention of her name, Marian turned.

"Sophia." She smiled, Robin released her and she ran across the yard. "Sophia." She shouted.

"Marian?" Sophia suddenly felt weak but Marian was soon on her wrapping her tightly in a hug. Sophia's legs went weak as she began to weep. She fell to the floor and Marian kneeled before her cradling her head in her shoulder weeping too. "Mi'lady, I thought you were dead." Sophia sobbed holding Marian tight as she cried into the young lady's shoulder.
"So did many," Marian whispered. "Shhh, its ok I'm here." Marian held Sophia until she pulled away having steadied herself. Robin stood behind Marian smiling, Marian helped her to her feet and Sophia stood to look at her.

"Look at you." She smiled, "As beautiful as ever. Such a wonderful young women." She ushered Adam in for a hug and she pulled the 2 of them close to her chest. "I'm so glad to have you both safe and alive." She whispered.

She released them and stood back, her hand on Marian's cheek.

"I bought something for you." Marian smiled, pulling a pouch of money from her belt. She handed it to Sophia.
"Thank you Mi'lady but you needn't."

"I wanted to." Robin appeared at Marian's side and wrapped his arm around her waist pulling her close. He kissed her temple and smiled. "I need to go and see some more people," Marian said.

"Of course." Robin released her and turned to follow but Sophia grabbed his arm.

"It's good to have you back." She smiled at him.

"It's good to be back." He replied.

"Robin, look after her."

"I.."

"No Robin I mean, she will have been through a lot and I know you will want to shelter her, but she's a very capable young woman. When I say look after her, I mean let her have her freedom, but keep her safe."

Robin nodded. "You're right Sophia. She clearly is very capable." He gave Sophia a hug, "Thank you."

Outlaw Camp

The gang sat around the fire after they had finished in Knighton, the gang had spilt up with Marian, Robin and Much visiting Locksley. As the sun was setting, Marian realised how tired she was. She yawned and rubbed her eyes.

"Yeah, I feel the same." Carter smiled to her, taking a seat next to her.

"I suddenly realise how tired I am." Marian said.

"I know, it's a strange feeling."

"I suppose we've done nothing but travel for months."

"This is true." Carter smiled.

"Tired?" Robin asked overhearing there conversation.

"Im shattered." Marian replied.

"Me too." Carter seconded.

"I think I'm going to turn in early." Marian said rising from her log.

"Alright, we will try not to make too much noise." Robin smiled squeezing her hand. "I won't be long."

Marian smiled back to him and then made her way to bed. Much and Robin had hung a curtain earlier for her that day so she could change into one of Robins old jumpers and shorts to sleep in. She hopped into her bunk and soon was sound asleep.