A/N: I wanted to reply to all you reviewers last time, but fanfiction.net
wouldn't let me. Every time I made a line of stars (******), the bottom
half of the document would be the only part to come up. *rolls eyes* But I
shouldn't make excuses. *shrug* I will anyways!
Sorry I took so long to update. Had to go on vacation. Anyways, this time around, everyone gets an imaginary present for their sweet reviews! (Yep, I was bored yesterday) In addition to these personal gifts, you all get a hug from Robin for being nice to him, because I'm certainly not.
Meryan o' hood - I AM so mean to Robin, aren't I? This story will definitely end happily, though, I can give that much away. You love it when I tell you the plot, don't you? For reviewing, you get a spam-free crystal ball!
Eh, Man - I am glad that you got my joke. I always put really corny puns everywhere, and no one gets them. *holds up hands in defense* Please not the prodding! LOL. Anyways, I'm very glad that you like my portrayal of the outlaws. It took me forever to try and give them all different little personalities. I kept ending with three people just like Sara, or Nan or something. I dropped a bunch of characters. Thank you for answering my question. The Egyptians had chess? That' so cool. Did they call the king "pharaoh" or something? LOL. For reviewing, you get a magical goat with anti-flamer battering horns!
Feye Morgan - oh, yes! Escaflowne is a wonderful show! Only saw it once or twice, but I was still amused. Liked your fanfiction about it, too. Hee- hee. Macbeth by Escaflowne. Sorry, I really liked that. "Macbeth doesn't wear frilly shirts with puffy sleeves." Thank you so much for reviewing. You're so consistent and loyal. You get an attack-copy of Macbeth that can harass your enemies!
Indigo Dream - I'm glad you like my messenger's accent. I'm really lame at inserting comic relief, so I was hoping that would work. *did I just say lame?* Anyways, you poor thing! A summer job? Well, there is a nice cash flow going on, I hope. The minimum wage is up by a nickel or something, if that's any comfort. A shiny new nickel for everyone! For reviewing, you get an obedient clone to take your place at work (in addition to that pristine nickel)!
Dragon-of-the-North - (Who writes the most wonderfully long reviews!) Oh, you like my Will! I was so afraid that everyone would think he was a loser, since Christian Slater's angst-ridden character seems to draw so much appeal. And Robin IS an anxious little sot; so worried about everyone, because he has a major guilt complex (result of extreme insecurity and murdering someone and all). And you like my sheriff! I love scheming villains - Alan Rickman was positively hilarious! They had to cut out some of his lines, so that the sheriff wouldn't be the favorite character. *didn't work* And Marian did not get her temper from her father, but she did get her brains from him. The outlaw society is my grand forte? *squeal of delight* You get a magical genie with three wishes (yes, you can ask for more wishes) for making me so happy!
Ruby - I am not exactly a regular updater, I'll admit it. And I'm sorry that I made you sick to your stomach when I revealed the sheriff's wicked dupe. Well, Adam Bell was actually this lethal, ruthless outlaw some historians suspect was actually Robin Hood. I wish I had made him up, though. He's so cool. You have awful heat, too? Thank heavens I'm not alone in my misery. Anyways, I am rather cruel, aren't I? But thank you for answering my question about chess. Cards are cool, too. For reviewing, you get a rain-cloud making blanket from England! When you put it on, rain clouds form and rid you of any heat crisis.
Keyblade Mistress - Thank you for the constructive criticism. I haven't gotten any insofar, and it was very helpful. It's weird, but I like constructive criticism. It gets my competitive edge going, for some reason. Yes, I do need my head examined. For your reviews, you get Hermes' sandals, which I stole from Mount Olympus!
Anwyl - I like the name. Very Celtic sounding. You read the whole thing straight-through? Wow. I can usually only take five chapters at a time of something. I'm glad you agree with me about David of Doncaster needing a personality. David's my little player. I made him a lady's man. LOL. You get a magic carpet with French chauffeur!
Rhapsody - Another great pen name. I feel so unoriginal with mine when I see all these cool pseudonyms. Hee-hee. You called Marian "Miriam". LOL. No, but that's okay. Once I typed "Martian" and forgot to change it. So glad you like this! Crazy for more? Man, you know how to make me happy! You get a set of lavender anti-typo gloves! (also available in pale pink and lime green).
Byrdgirl- I just realized how much I like the way you spell "bird" in your pen name. But anyways, thank goodness I have a partner in crime! Everyone else feels sorry for Robin. And, when Marian called the sheriff "sirrah", she was trying to insult him, so the derogatory thing was meant. You get to work at a Renne Faire? I wanted to, but my schedule got in the way. Glad you like it! (Oh, and try to update your story soon, eh? *wink wink*) For your reviews, you get a cage full of sky blue plot bunnies!
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Get ready to hate Marian---
**********
Sir Richard was throwing a party for some reason. He claimed it was to celebrate my betrothal to Richard, but if it were, he held this gala a few years too late. However, Aedre was exultant at this chance to bedeck herself in flowers and to wear one of my finer gowns. She was positively ravishing in blue.
"Oh, Marian, I fear I am too plain for such fine attire," she whispered breathlessly, on the occasion of her first donning my dress. "Never," I replied, smiling as she twirled round in the skirts. Aedre laughed and held out her hand. "May I have this dance, my fine lady?" she asked. I could not bear to quell her remarkably high spirits. I giggled flirtatiously. "Well - my lord - I do not know if I should. I have a betrothed you know, and ----" I giggled foolishly once more, holding my fingertips against my lips. Aedre laughed. "Mari, you play the dumb coquette so WELL!" She laughed again, and collapsed into a chair, still giggling loudly. I smiled tolerantly and stared at myself in the hand mirror.
I was far more attractive than Aedre, or so I had been told. So I pretended I could look any more beautiful than that merry, sweet expression. After all, I had a rather odd sense of beauty. When I was younger, I had believed Robin to be the most handsome boy in all of England. Later, I discovered that was hardly the opinion of the majority. I sighed, dropping the hand mirror into my lap. It was because I loved him. I always had and always-
My senses overcame me. Nay! Nay! Nay! It was only because --- I only THOUGHT I loved him. Of course that was the answer. I had adored him because there was nothing better around. That was all. He was the only one who treated me with respect. He must have been the worst of the polite boys. Aye, the very worst. That was it. I just needed to meet the better side of considerate men. Aye. And I would do it tonight. Sir Richard had guests from Barnsdale and Ashfield and Gedling - all manner of places. He was a popular person, being kind as he was.
My hair was let down for the occasion, still damp from its recent scrubbing. I was wearing a deep green dress that supposedly highlighted my eyes. Aedre sighed wistfully. "Marian, you are the most beautiful girl in all of Nottingham," she told me.
I did not feel it. Standing in a room full of coquettes and young lords, I felt rather out of place. A great many of the young men had come and asked me for a go round the dance floor, and I had agreed to every one. Rejection plagued people so, though I never understood why. And then the most gorgeous human being in creation came up to me.
He had deep blue eyes and blonde hair - hair so fair it could have been white. And he was asking me for a dance. In a daze straight from a fairy tale, I was complimented and respected and cherished for nearly five dances. Of course, no one really noticed that I was completely ignoring my betrothed. We put up no false pretences of matrimonial affection. So, my dancing continually with this charming example of man was of little amazement. This is it, I told myself; this is what the better side of men is like. Robin was nothing compared to this new man, this Edward fellow. And Edward liked me. He very nearly seemed to adore me. I grinned and he grinned. I laughed and he laughed. And my heart stopped beating.
When things grew rather quiet, we would keep our merriment to a lower level, though he continued grinning madly as if he were still laughing raucously. I felt like I was in love. He was so wonderful, respecting my opinions, and complimenting me, and he was wonderfully interesting. I was happily surprised to learn of his lack of betrothal. It was during one of those more quiet moments that he drew me in for a kiss, and I knew that the moment of my greatest ecstasy had come.
**** *** **** **** **** **** **** *****
Edward and I locked lips, and the world stopped spinning. But only for a moment. And that was when I realized I did not love him. This kiss should have been fiery and passionate and full of everything. But it did even match the feeling of running my fingers against Robin's face.
We pulled apart, and his face said the same as mine. This was not love. He blushed furiously, as did I. I smiled bashfully and led him towards Aedre, hoping no one had noticed our brief indulgence. He seemed to agree with me. Aedre was staring at me in surprise, as if unsure that this could be happening to her. She could not believe my actions. I had the pinnacle of man beside me, and he had just finished kissing me. I only smiled and shrugged. No one, I realized suddenly, was ever going to be half so perfect as Robin.
"Edward, this is my cousin Aedre. I have been waiting quite some time to introduce her to you."
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The celebrations, it seems, ran far longer than Sir Richard had expected. He tried to send a message to his rather drunken guests that it was quite finished by summoning both Richard and me to the center of the room and declaring our betrothal "permanent and steadfast." Perfect choice of words. Permanent because the only thing to break it was death. And steadfast because its foreboding presence lingered eternally upon my mind. He used no lightening phrases such as "passionate' and "long-awaited." He knew better than that. He knew, well as I, that Richard was often seen flirting with and kissing other women. I would need to fix that once we were wed. That is, if I allowed him to live long enough to wed me. There were a great many things I should change one the churl was my husband. For instance, if he thought he was going to beat me, he had another thought coming. Will and Robin had trained me to defend myself quite well, and I could knock Richard out if he dared touch me. (I had already tried it once, much to Will's amusement, and Robin's dismay) And despite this thorough thrashing, I did not doubt that my betrothed was moronic enough to try and hit me. Bring it on, lackwit.
Of course, in front of dozens of noble personages, I could not glower ferociously at him and warn him to keep off me. Or even better, fling my engagement ring off and feed it to the dogs. Or whip out my sword and chase him round the room, howling like a wild woman. Well, one must make some sacrifices, I suppose. Instead of delighting myself, I giggled femininely and cast coquettish glances in his direction. And of course, he was indeed the most drunk at the gathering. His father, the older Sir Richard, appeared near to puking from shame. I wanted to tell him it was no fault of his own the churl acted as he did, but again the crowd was present. Richard kissed me sloppily and I kissed him in return, much to the pleasure of the aforementioned presence. Then I ran to the window and vomited.
However, the imbecile multitude did not disperse, and soon it grew too late to send them home. So the entire assemblage of merchants and nobility were sleeping at Lea. Some were sprawled across chairs, and the lucky few had snagged beds. Aedre and I were one of these fortunate.
And so we were both sharing a bed with my other four maids, still in our party dresses. Aedre was snoring slightly, while someone out in the hall was flaring his nostrils and grinding his teeth until such a racket was raised that one of his fellow stragglers woke him up and told him to go bother someone else with his infernal noise.
I was having a pleasant dream about a talking fox. I often had strange animal dreams. It was an adorable, witty little thing. Suddenly, an arrow flew through the air and hit it square in the chest. The tiny thing screamed and screamed, and it sounded so human. I was screaming, "Why won't it die?" and sobbing because it looked so pitiful.
I sat bolt upright, breathing desperately. Sweat ran in rivers down my forehead, but I had not been screaming. That was obvious, for Aedre was only just stirring. Even the slightest motion of mine would jar her in this crowded position. A scream would have woken her up long ago.
Someone ELSE was screaming. It was a cry torn with agony and pain and fear, and my blood froze upon hearing it. Aedre apparently caught wind of it too. She joined me in sitting upright. "What is it, Mari?" she whispered, wrapping both arms around one of mine, "Who screams?"
I shrugged, but the voice was so infernally familiar. I struggled with my porous mind, trying to draw out the strand of aural memory that would allow me to recall the face that belonged with that voice. But, due to the late hour and my swimming head, my memory only stuck its tongue out at me.
I leapt out of the bed. "Come, Aedre. We are going to find out who the screeching buffoon is," I commanded. She timidly lowered her petite feet onto the icy floor. I used my disgustingly lengthy toes as hooks, and groped along the dark floor until I banged into the candle. "Baha!" I cried triumphantly, and bent to retrieve it. Aedre stood patiently, rubbing her cold shoulders, as I managed to light it.
She smiled at the sudden appearance of warmth. "Well, I was hoping you weren't drunk enough to try and search in the dark."
"Aedre, I am NOT Richard."
She tittered softly and trailed after me as we left the room. The stairs were cold and the rushes were clinging like night wraiths, trying to extinguish our tiny light. Aedre clung miserably to my arm, whimpering slightly at every movement. I forced myself to stand proudly, despite my fear. I had to be strong for both of us.
I tripped over someone's sprawled, drunken body and almost dropped the candle. Aedre squealed and released my arm so I could catch our fallen light. After I had regained control of our candle, we continued. The scream was coming from the kitchens.
I heard it so close. Aedre's face blanched. "Mari, listen. The poor thing," she hissed compassionately. I nodded. A few moments later, I paused in fear. Whatever was causing that person to scream could get us if we weren't careful. I peered nervously through the pitch of night and found two drunks sleeping on a chair by the kitchen door. I grinned and handed Aedre my candle. She did not question. I used all my strength to knock their limp forms off of the chair. Then I reclaimed my candle. "If someone sees us," I whispered to my cousin, "We're going to collapse onto that chair and pretend that we are drunken, sleeping fools. All right?" She nodded nervously and squeezed my hand. I squeezed hers in return and grinned encouragingly. In the eerie candle glow, I must have appeared to be a ghoul. But Aedre drew strength from my scary grimace somehow. She followed me through the kitchen door standing upright.
There were quite a few bodies spread about the floor of this room. Aedre stumbled over someone. The screaming was really loud by now. I lifted the candle above my head and saw who was screaming.
Robin lay in the corner, curled and writhing in his sleep and screaming with all his might. His already bloody face was scraping against the wall as he wailed in agony. The other outlaws must have been incredibly tired not to have heard him. Aedre gasped. "Mari, it's ---" I clamped a hand over her mouth. Someone was moving.
I blew out the candle and dashed through the door, dragging Aedre with me. I flung my body onto the chair and Aedre landed on my hip. "Close your eyes," I ordered, "Remember, we're asleep." She dropped her head to the side, and I went into my pose as well.
A few seconds later, Robin stopped screaming. I heard him gasping from my position. I also heard Will and Sara. "Someone was in here, Sara," Will said, obviously trying to keep Robin from hearing him, "I just need a candle."
"I'm sorry, Will, I didn't mean to. I don't know what hap--" That was Robin. "It's fine, Rob," Will replied, sounding relieved, yet still worried. "There's a candle by my hand," Robin murmured, "if you need a light." There was a scrabbling sound and then a scratch and Will cried out happily. "Good show, Robin! I wouldn't have thought you could light it on the walls!"
A few seconds later, Will came through the kitchen door. I felt the hot light of the candle on me as he scoured the darkness with his eyes. I could tell that Sara grabbed it from him, because the light lessened, and she swore. "Candle's burning my bloody hand," she cursed. "Look," Will hissed. I knew he was pointing at me. An instant afterwards, I felt cold steel at my throat. "I could kill her right now," he whispered venomously, "She's so close --- so close." The steel at my throat trembled furiously. Sara sighed loudly. "Will, stop. We cannot slaughter her now. They would suspect Sir Richard. We cannot hurt our supporter." She paused. "Who's that next to her?"
"That's Aedre, her cousin."
"Must be a saint to live with that--- er, I won't foul the air!"
"Will?" Robin's nervous voice came from the kitchen. "Coming, Rob. I can't find anyone," Will replied, removing the steel from my throat. I exhaled a bit more heavily in relief. Robin replied, "That is fine, Will. No news is good news, eh? And we'll be long gone by morning, before those drunken fools awake."
"Should we tell him about her?" Sara hissed. Will shook his head. I heard his hair brushing his shoulders. "Nay. She has caused him enough pain." I felt his loathing eyes bore through me with their hatred. He wanted to kill me. I could read how badly he wanted to hurt me, and my senses trembled with fear. Will never forgave anyone. I had not once seen him tell someone their apology was accepted. And I doubted he would accept mine.
*** *** *** *** *** ****
Before the sun had risen, I forced myself to stir. Aedre felt my movements and sat up. "Where are you going, Mari?" I looked at her face. She smiled with all the trust in the world in her lips. "I - I'm going to see the outlaws leave," I murmured. The innocent smile was replaced by a worried frown. "That is too dangerous!" she cried. There was a whimper in her voice. I reassured her with a quick smile. "I will be fine, Aedre. I just - I need to see him one last time."
Aedre giggled, but there was no mirth in her laugh. "Oh, Mari. It is not as if he has died, eh?" she asked. Her smile was stretched with tension. I shrugged and stood up. "He may as well be dead to Nottingham," I replied. Before she could follow, I was out the door.
In the approaching morning light, Sir Richard's home was far more cheery. It did not have that abandoned haunt of spooks appearance that I had seen so clearly last night. In fact, it was rather peaceful. There were movements in the kitchen that I could hear from where I was. And I knew that even the kitchen scullions were not awake this early. The sun was barely above the horizon.
The first voice I heard was Sara's. "Robin?" she called, "Wake up." He groaned, but I knew he would stand. Will was muttering names, and I heard a chorus of yelps as he kicked the less lively of the group. "Will," Robin muttered, words still slurred. There were no more yelps.
"Don't be soft, Robin," Sara snapped, and I heard another yelp. "Soft as your mind?" Robin sneered. Sara replied, "At least I have a mind." Will took advantage of Robin's pause and intervened quickly. "Do you have to argue with him when he's like this?" he snapped, guiding Sara towards the door.
"Of course I do. It's the way he conceals his emotions."
"Excuse me?" I could tell that Will was thinking of the scores of times Robin had bantered with him.
"Obviously, Will. I can't believe you didn't notice it."
"I - I didn't know that."
"Well, be alerted. He's going to be awfully sarcastic with all the pain he's in. Just go along with him."
There was the sound of many tramping footsteps. They were leaving through the other door! I would miss them. I pressed my ear against the door. One last time to hear his voice. One last time.
They were gone. I flung the door open and leapt into the kitchen. I stumbled over sleeping scullions and threw myself against the door. I could still hear them. They were arguing.
"We must take the road!"
"Nay! The woods!"
"Robin, you won't be able to keep your feet quiet."
"I can!"
"You can barely stand."
"Liar!"
"Then stand - on your own."
There was a slight thud. Robin had fallen. I could imagine his embarrassment. Robin had always prided himself on his strength in the face of dire straits. It was the only thing he had that the rest of his family never did. Collapsing like that must have been hell for him.
I guess Will sensed his embarrassment, because he intervened. "David, don't torment him," he ordered. "But - I - he --" David stammered helplessly. "We'll take the road, Robin, and not another word about it," Will continued, in typical older cousin fashion.
But Robin exploded. "You idiots! Simpletons! By God, LEAVE me if you are going to be so stupid as to take the road! It is better you never came! Go through the woods, by heaven! You can't mean to seriously travel IN THE OPEN! What have I been teaching you?" There was another thud, and I suppose he collapsed again.
I heard another noise, the rumbling of something rather rickety. Maybe a wagon? "Hello, my friends!" a merry voice called. Robin swore, and the noises of movement stopped.
"Take it he's been whipped?" A new voice, I suppose belonging to the man in the carriage, asked.
"Nay. He fell into a puddle," someone snapped in reply, voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Do you people need a ride?"
The sudden friendliness of the comment helped me to recognize who it was. Adam Bell. I had only heard his voice a few times, but it was hard to mistake that mocking tone for anyone else. Robin swore mercilessly. "Adam, you as much a fool as they are and that is an awful password. Any bumpkin simpleton could easily guess who we were and what we were doing!" he spat. Adam laughed. "Ah, my bleeding heart, are we feeling miffed about our injuries?" he inquired sarcastically.
"Go throw yourself off a bridge - it will be a quicker end than that offered by the sheriff!"
Will, I suppose, led everyone onto the wagon. "Robin is feeling a little under the weather," he told Adam. I heard more colorful language springing from Robin's all too quick tongue. But Adam only laughed again. "I didn't know that word," he said. Sara cackled. "Eh, if you can teach Adam Bell a curse, Robin, you've done your job." And the wagon sprang into action.
Giving myself due credit, I managed to wait for thirty seconds before throwing the door open. I saw the wagon, cleverly disguised as a performing troupe's wagon. "Do I really want to know how you got this cart, Adam?" Robin asked. All I heard in reply was a hoarse, rolling laugh. And my eyes welled with tears. I would never see Robin again. Never would I hear his laugh. Never match his smile with my own. Never touch his face - his hand, his hair. Never argue. Never - oh, there were so many little things that flew through my mind - so many wonderful things. I had given up my fantasies of childhood. I did not still believe that both Robin and I could become knights. I had even discarded the idea that I could easily cancel my engagement to Richard. But I had never abandoned the dream of marrying Robin. Until now.
And then I thought of all my other friends - and all the little things surrounding them. I was going to lose so much.
In an uncharacteristically girlish display, I raced from the scene, sobbing beyond all consolation.
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A/N: I'm so cruel to put Marian through all those random emotional traumas in one night. But, anyways, to throw myself completely off the subject - has anyone read this really awesome Pride & Prejudice fanfiction? It's called "Never Better". Really funny - modern P&P in Boston. Told the author I'd advertise it. Plus, me likes the tale.
And you know how everyone thinks fanfiction is never published? Well, there's this new bestseller out called "Ahab's Wife", about Captain Ahab's (of Moby Dick) wife. I just thought that was really cool and all. Had to make myself chipmunk giddy. Spread the joy.
Sorry I took so long to update. Had to go on vacation. Anyways, this time around, everyone gets an imaginary present for their sweet reviews! (Yep, I was bored yesterday) In addition to these personal gifts, you all get a hug from Robin for being nice to him, because I'm certainly not.
Meryan o' hood - I AM so mean to Robin, aren't I? This story will definitely end happily, though, I can give that much away. You love it when I tell you the plot, don't you? For reviewing, you get a spam-free crystal ball!
Eh, Man - I am glad that you got my joke. I always put really corny puns everywhere, and no one gets them. *holds up hands in defense* Please not the prodding! LOL. Anyways, I'm very glad that you like my portrayal of the outlaws. It took me forever to try and give them all different little personalities. I kept ending with three people just like Sara, or Nan or something. I dropped a bunch of characters. Thank you for answering my question. The Egyptians had chess? That' so cool. Did they call the king "pharaoh" or something? LOL. For reviewing, you get a magical goat with anti-flamer battering horns!
Feye Morgan - oh, yes! Escaflowne is a wonderful show! Only saw it once or twice, but I was still amused. Liked your fanfiction about it, too. Hee- hee. Macbeth by Escaflowne. Sorry, I really liked that. "Macbeth doesn't wear frilly shirts with puffy sleeves." Thank you so much for reviewing. You're so consistent and loyal. You get an attack-copy of Macbeth that can harass your enemies!
Indigo Dream - I'm glad you like my messenger's accent. I'm really lame at inserting comic relief, so I was hoping that would work. *did I just say lame?* Anyways, you poor thing! A summer job? Well, there is a nice cash flow going on, I hope. The minimum wage is up by a nickel or something, if that's any comfort. A shiny new nickel for everyone! For reviewing, you get an obedient clone to take your place at work (in addition to that pristine nickel)!
Dragon-of-the-North - (Who writes the most wonderfully long reviews!) Oh, you like my Will! I was so afraid that everyone would think he was a loser, since Christian Slater's angst-ridden character seems to draw so much appeal. And Robin IS an anxious little sot; so worried about everyone, because he has a major guilt complex (result of extreme insecurity and murdering someone and all). And you like my sheriff! I love scheming villains - Alan Rickman was positively hilarious! They had to cut out some of his lines, so that the sheriff wouldn't be the favorite character. *didn't work* And Marian did not get her temper from her father, but she did get her brains from him. The outlaw society is my grand forte? *squeal of delight* You get a magical genie with three wishes (yes, you can ask for more wishes) for making me so happy!
Ruby - I am not exactly a regular updater, I'll admit it. And I'm sorry that I made you sick to your stomach when I revealed the sheriff's wicked dupe. Well, Adam Bell was actually this lethal, ruthless outlaw some historians suspect was actually Robin Hood. I wish I had made him up, though. He's so cool. You have awful heat, too? Thank heavens I'm not alone in my misery. Anyways, I am rather cruel, aren't I? But thank you for answering my question about chess. Cards are cool, too. For reviewing, you get a rain-cloud making blanket from England! When you put it on, rain clouds form and rid you of any heat crisis.
Keyblade Mistress - Thank you for the constructive criticism. I haven't gotten any insofar, and it was very helpful. It's weird, but I like constructive criticism. It gets my competitive edge going, for some reason. Yes, I do need my head examined. For your reviews, you get Hermes' sandals, which I stole from Mount Olympus!
Anwyl - I like the name. Very Celtic sounding. You read the whole thing straight-through? Wow. I can usually only take five chapters at a time of something. I'm glad you agree with me about David of Doncaster needing a personality. David's my little player. I made him a lady's man. LOL. You get a magic carpet with French chauffeur!
Rhapsody - Another great pen name. I feel so unoriginal with mine when I see all these cool pseudonyms. Hee-hee. You called Marian "Miriam". LOL. No, but that's okay. Once I typed "Martian" and forgot to change it. So glad you like this! Crazy for more? Man, you know how to make me happy! You get a set of lavender anti-typo gloves! (also available in pale pink and lime green).
Byrdgirl- I just realized how much I like the way you spell "bird" in your pen name. But anyways, thank goodness I have a partner in crime! Everyone else feels sorry for Robin. And, when Marian called the sheriff "sirrah", she was trying to insult him, so the derogatory thing was meant. You get to work at a Renne Faire? I wanted to, but my schedule got in the way. Glad you like it! (Oh, and try to update your story soon, eh? *wink wink*) For your reviews, you get a cage full of sky blue plot bunnies!
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Get ready to hate Marian---
**********
Sir Richard was throwing a party for some reason. He claimed it was to celebrate my betrothal to Richard, but if it were, he held this gala a few years too late. However, Aedre was exultant at this chance to bedeck herself in flowers and to wear one of my finer gowns. She was positively ravishing in blue.
"Oh, Marian, I fear I am too plain for such fine attire," she whispered breathlessly, on the occasion of her first donning my dress. "Never," I replied, smiling as she twirled round in the skirts. Aedre laughed and held out her hand. "May I have this dance, my fine lady?" she asked. I could not bear to quell her remarkably high spirits. I giggled flirtatiously. "Well - my lord - I do not know if I should. I have a betrothed you know, and ----" I giggled foolishly once more, holding my fingertips against my lips. Aedre laughed. "Mari, you play the dumb coquette so WELL!" She laughed again, and collapsed into a chair, still giggling loudly. I smiled tolerantly and stared at myself in the hand mirror.
I was far more attractive than Aedre, or so I had been told. So I pretended I could look any more beautiful than that merry, sweet expression. After all, I had a rather odd sense of beauty. When I was younger, I had believed Robin to be the most handsome boy in all of England. Later, I discovered that was hardly the opinion of the majority. I sighed, dropping the hand mirror into my lap. It was because I loved him. I always had and always-
My senses overcame me. Nay! Nay! Nay! It was only because --- I only THOUGHT I loved him. Of course that was the answer. I had adored him because there was nothing better around. That was all. He was the only one who treated me with respect. He must have been the worst of the polite boys. Aye, the very worst. That was it. I just needed to meet the better side of considerate men. Aye. And I would do it tonight. Sir Richard had guests from Barnsdale and Ashfield and Gedling - all manner of places. He was a popular person, being kind as he was.
My hair was let down for the occasion, still damp from its recent scrubbing. I was wearing a deep green dress that supposedly highlighted my eyes. Aedre sighed wistfully. "Marian, you are the most beautiful girl in all of Nottingham," she told me.
I did not feel it. Standing in a room full of coquettes and young lords, I felt rather out of place. A great many of the young men had come and asked me for a go round the dance floor, and I had agreed to every one. Rejection plagued people so, though I never understood why. And then the most gorgeous human being in creation came up to me.
He had deep blue eyes and blonde hair - hair so fair it could have been white. And he was asking me for a dance. In a daze straight from a fairy tale, I was complimented and respected and cherished for nearly five dances. Of course, no one really noticed that I was completely ignoring my betrothed. We put up no false pretences of matrimonial affection. So, my dancing continually with this charming example of man was of little amazement. This is it, I told myself; this is what the better side of men is like. Robin was nothing compared to this new man, this Edward fellow. And Edward liked me. He very nearly seemed to adore me. I grinned and he grinned. I laughed and he laughed. And my heart stopped beating.
When things grew rather quiet, we would keep our merriment to a lower level, though he continued grinning madly as if he were still laughing raucously. I felt like I was in love. He was so wonderful, respecting my opinions, and complimenting me, and he was wonderfully interesting. I was happily surprised to learn of his lack of betrothal. It was during one of those more quiet moments that he drew me in for a kiss, and I knew that the moment of my greatest ecstasy had come.
**** *** **** **** **** **** **** *****
Edward and I locked lips, and the world stopped spinning. But only for a moment. And that was when I realized I did not love him. This kiss should have been fiery and passionate and full of everything. But it did even match the feeling of running my fingers against Robin's face.
We pulled apart, and his face said the same as mine. This was not love. He blushed furiously, as did I. I smiled bashfully and led him towards Aedre, hoping no one had noticed our brief indulgence. He seemed to agree with me. Aedre was staring at me in surprise, as if unsure that this could be happening to her. She could not believe my actions. I had the pinnacle of man beside me, and he had just finished kissing me. I only smiled and shrugged. No one, I realized suddenly, was ever going to be half so perfect as Robin.
"Edward, this is my cousin Aedre. I have been waiting quite some time to introduce her to you."
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The celebrations, it seems, ran far longer than Sir Richard had expected. He tried to send a message to his rather drunken guests that it was quite finished by summoning both Richard and me to the center of the room and declaring our betrothal "permanent and steadfast." Perfect choice of words. Permanent because the only thing to break it was death. And steadfast because its foreboding presence lingered eternally upon my mind. He used no lightening phrases such as "passionate' and "long-awaited." He knew better than that. He knew, well as I, that Richard was often seen flirting with and kissing other women. I would need to fix that once we were wed. That is, if I allowed him to live long enough to wed me. There were a great many things I should change one the churl was my husband. For instance, if he thought he was going to beat me, he had another thought coming. Will and Robin had trained me to defend myself quite well, and I could knock Richard out if he dared touch me. (I had already tried it once, much to Will's amusement, and Robin's dismay) And despite this thorough thrashing, I did not doubt that my betrothed was moronic enough to try and hit me. Bring it on, lackwit.
Of course, in front of dozens of noble personages, I could not glower ferociously at him and warn him to keep off me. Or even better, fling my engagement ring off and feed it to the dogs. Or whip out my sword and chase him round the room, howling like a wild woman. Well, one must make some sacrifices, I suppose. Instead of delighting myself, I giggled femininely and cast coquettish glances in his direction. And of course, he was indeed the most drunk at the gathering. His father, the older Sir Richard, appeared near to puking from shame. I wanted to tell him it was no fault of his own the churl acted as he did, but again the crowd was present. Richard kissed me sloppily and I kissed him in return, much to the pleasure of the aforementioned presence. Then I ran to the window and vomited.
However, the imbecile multitude did not disperse, and soon it grew too late to send them home. So the entire assemblage of merchants and nobility were sleeping at Lea. Some were sprawled across chairs, and the lucky few had snagged beds. Aedre and I were one of these fortunate.
And so we were both sharing a bed with my other four maids, still in our party dresses. Aedre was snoring slightly, while someone out in the hall was flaring his nostrils and grinding his teeth until such a racket was raised that one of his fellow stragglers woke him up and told him to go bother someone else with his infernal noise.
I was having a pleasant dream about a talking fox. I often had strange animal dreams. It was an adorable, witty little thing. Suddenly, an arrow flew through the air and hit it square in the chest. The tiny thing screamed and screamed, and it sounded so human. I was screaming, "Why won't it die?" and sobbing because it looked so pitiful.
I sat bolt upright, breathing desperately. Sweat ran in rivers down my forehead, but I had not been screaming. That was obvious, for Aedre was only just stirring. Even the slightest motion of mine would jar her in this crowded position. A scream would have woken her up long ago.
Someone ELSE was screaming. It was a cry torn with agony and pain and fear, and my blood froze upon hearing it. Aedre apparently caught wind of it too. She joined me in sitting upright. "What is it, Mari?" she whispered, wrapping both arms around one of mine, "Who screams?"
I shrugged, but the voice was so infernally familiar. I struggled with my porous mind, trying to draw out the strand of aural memory that would allow me to recall the face that belonged with that voice. But, due to the late hour and my swimming head, my memory only stuck its tongue out at me.
I leapt out of the bed. "Come, Aedre. We are going to find out who the screeching buffoon is," I commanded. She timidly lowered her petite feet onto the icy floor. I used my disgustingly lengthy toes as hooks, and groped along the dark floor until I banged into the candle. "Baha!" I cried triumphantly, and bent to retrieve it. Aedre stood patiently, rubbing her cold shoulders, as I managed to light it.
She smiled at the sudden appearance of warmth. "Well, I was hoping you weren't drunk enough to try and search in the dark."
"Aedre, I am NOT Richard."
She tittered softly and trailed after me as we left the room. The stairs were cold and the rushes were clinging like night wraiths, trying to extinguish our tiny light. Aedre clung miserably to my arm, whimpering slightly at every movement. I forced myself to stand proudly, despite my fear. I had to be strong for both of us.
I tripped over someone's sprawled, drunken body and almost dropped the candle. Aedre squealed and released my arm so I could catch our fallen light. After I had regained control of our candle, we continued. The scream was coming from the kitchens.
I heard it so close. Aedre's face blanched. "Mari, listen. The poor thing," she hissed compassionately. I nodded. A few moments later, I paused in fear. Whatever was causing that person to scream could get us if we weren't careful. I peered nervously through the pitch of night and found two drunks sleeping on a chair by the kitchen door. I grinned and handed Aedre my candle. She did not question. I used all my strength to knock their limp forms off of the chair. Then I reclaimed my candle. "If someone sees us," I whispered to my cousin, "We're going to collapse onto that chair and pretend that we are drunken, sleeping fools. All right?" She nodded nervously and squeezed my hand. I squeezed hers in return and grinned encouragingly. In the eerie candle glow, I must have appeared to be a ghoul. But Aedre drew strength from my scary grimace somehow. She followed me through the kitchen door standing upright.
There were quite a few bodies spread about the floor of this room. Aedre stumbled over someone. The screaming was really loud by now. I lifted the candle above my head and saw who was screaming.
Robin lay in the corner, curled and writhing in his sleep and screaming with all his might. His already bloody face was scraping against the wall as he wailed in agony. The other outlaws must have been incredibly tired not to have heard him. Aedre gasped. "Mari, it's ---" I clamped a hand over her mouth. Someone was moving.
I blew out the candle and dashed through the door, dragging Aedre with me. I flung my body onto the chair and Aedre landed on my hip. "Close your eyes," I ordered, "Remember, we're asleep." She dropped her head to the side, and I went into my pose as well.
A few seconds later, Robin stopped screaming. I heard him gasping from my position. I also heard Will and Sara. "Someone was in here, Sara," Will said, obviously trying to keep Robin from hearing him, "I just need a candle."
"I'm sorry, Will, I didn't mean to. I don't know what hap--" That was Robin. "It's fine, Rob," Will replied, sounding relieved, yet still worried. "There's a candle by my hand," Robin murmured, "if you need a light." There was a scrabbling sound and then a scratch and Will cried out happily. "Good show, Robin! I wouldn't have thought you could light it on the walls!"
A few seconds later, Will came through the kitchen door. I felt the hot light of the candle on me as he scoured the darkness with his eyes. I could tell that Sara grabbed it from him, because the light lessened, and she swore. "Candle's burning my bloody hand," she cursed. "Look," Will hissed. I knew he was pointing at me. An instant afterwards, I felt cold steel at my throat. "I could kill her right now," he whispered venomously, "She's so close --- so close." The steel at my throat trembled furiously. Sara sighed loudly. "Will, stop. We cannot slaughter her now. They would suspect Sir Richard. We cannot hurt our supporter." She paused. "Who's that next to her?"
"That's Aedre, her cousin."
"Must be a saint to live with that--- er, I won't foul the air!"
"Will?" Robin's nervous voice came from the kitchen. "Coming, Rob. I can't find anyone," Will replied, removing the steel from my throat. I exhaled a bit more heavily in relief. Robin replied, "That is fine, Will. No news is good news, eh? And we'll be long gone by morning, before those drunken fools awake."
"Should we tell him about her?" Sara hissed. Will shook his head. I heard his hair brushing his shoulders. "Nay. She has caused him enough pain." I felt his loathing eyes bore through me with their hatred. He wanted to kill me. I could read how badly he wanted to hurt me, and my senses trembled with fear. Will never forgave anyone. I had not once seen him tell someone their apology was accepted. And I doubted he would accept mine.
*** *** *** *** *** ****
Before the sun had risen, I forced myself to stir. Aedre felt my movements and sat up. "Where are you going, Mari?" I looked at her face. She smiled with all the trust in the world in her lips. "I - I'm going to see the outlaws leave," I murmured. The innocent smile was replaced by a worried frown. "That is too dangerous!" she cried. There was a whimper in her voice. I reassured her with a quick smile. "I will be fine, Aedre. I just - I need to see him one last time."
Aedre giggled, but there was no mirth in her laugh. "Oh, Mari. It is not as if he has died, eh?" she asked. Her smile was stretched with tension. I shrugged and stood up. "He may as well be dead to Nottingham," I replied. Before she could follow, I was out the door.
In the approaching morning light, Sir Richard's home was far more cheery. It did not have that abandoned haunt of spooks appearance that I had seen so clearly last night. In fact, it was rather peaceful. There were movements in the kitchen that I could hear from where I was. And I knew that even the kitchen scullions were not awake this early. The sun was barely above the horizon.
The first voice I heard was Sara's. "Robin?" she called, "Wake up." He groaned, but I knew he would stand. Will was muttering names, and I heard a chorus of yelps as he kicked the less lively of the group. "Will," Robin muttered, words still slurred. There were no more yelps.
"Don't be soft, Robin," Sara snapped, and I heard another yelp. "Soft as your mind?" Robin sneered. Sara replied, "At least I have a mind." Will took advantage of Robin's pause and intervened quickly. "Do you have to argue with him when he's like this?" he snapped, guiding Sara towards the door.
"Of course I do. It's the way he conceals his emotions."
"Excuse me?" I could tell that Will was thinking of the scores of times Robin had bantered with him.
"Obviously, Will. I can't believe you didn't notice it."
"I - I didn't know that."
"Well, be alerted. He's going to be awfully sarcastic with all the pain he's in. Just go along with him."
There was the sound of many tramping footsteps. They were leaving through the other door! I would miss them. I pressed my ear against the door. One last time to hear his voice. One last time.
They were gone. I flung the door open and leapt into the kitchen. I stumbled over sleeping scullions and threw myself against the door. I could still hear them. They were arguing.
"We must take the road!"
"Nay! The woods!"
"Robin, you won't be able to keep your feet quiet."
"I can!"
"You can barely stand."
"Liar!"
"Then stand - on your own."
There was a slight thud. Robin had fallen. I could imagine his embarrassment. Robin had always prided himself on his strength in the face of dire straits. It was the only thing he had that the rest of his family never did. Collapsing like that must have been hell for him.
I guess Will sensed his embarrassment, because he intervened. "David, don't torment him," he ordered. "But - I - he --" David stammered helplessly. "We'll take the road, Robin, and not another word about it," Will continued, in typical older cousin fashion.
But Robin exploded. "You idiots! Simpletons! By God, LEAVE me if you are going to be so stupid as to take the road! It is better you never came! Go through the woods, by heaven! You can't mean to seriously travel IN THE OPEN! What have I been teaching you?" There was another thud, and I suppose he collapsed again.
I heard another noise, the rumbling of something rather rickety. Maybe a wagon? "Hello, my friends!" a merry voice called. Robin swore, and the noises of movement stopped.
"Take it he's been whipped?" A new voice, I suppose belonging to the man in the carriage, asked.
"Nay. He fell into a puddle," someone snapped in reply, voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Do you people need a ride?"
The sudden friendliness of the comment helped me to recognize who it was. Adam Bell. I had only heard his voice a few times, but it was hard to mistake that mocking tone for anyone else. Robin swore mercilessly. "Adam, you as much a fool as they are and that is an awful password. Any bumpkin simpleton could easily guess who we were and what we were doing!" he spat. Adam laughed. "Ah, my bleeding heart, are we feeling miffed about our injuries?" he inquired sarcastically.
"Go throw yourself off a bridge - it will be a quicker end than that offered by the sheriff!"
Will, I suppose, led everyone onto the wagon. "Robin is feeling a little under the weather," he told Adam. I heard more colorful language springing from Robin's all too quick tongue. But Adam only laughed again. "I didn't know that word," he said. Sara cackled. "Eh, if you can teach Adam Bell a curse, Robin, you've done your job." And the wagon sprang into action.
Giving myself due credit, I managed to wait for thirty seconds before throwing the door open. I saw the wagon, cleverly disguised as a performing troupe's wagon. "Do I really want to know how you got this cart, Adam?" Robin asked. All I heard in reply was a hoarse, rolling laugh. And my eyes welled with tears. I would never see Robin again. Never would I hear his laugh. Never match his smile with my own. Never touch his face - his hand, his hair. Never argue. Never - oh, there were so many little things that flew through my mind - so many wonderful things. I had given up my fantasies of childhood. I did not still believe that both Robin and I could become knights. I had even discarded the idea that I could easily cancel my engagement to Richard. But I had never abandoned the dream of marrying Robin. Until now.
And then I thought of all my other friends - and all the little things surrounding them. I was going to lose so much.
In an uncharacteristically girlish display, I raced from the scene, sobbing beyond all consolation.
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A/N: I'm so cruel to put Marian through all those random emotional traumas in one night. But, anyways, to throw myself completely off the subject - has anyone read this really awesome Pride & Prejudice fanfiction? It's called "Never Better". Really funny - modern P&P in Boston. Told the author I'd advertise it. Plus, me likes the tale.
And you know how everyone thinks fanfiction is never published? Well, there's this new bestseller out called "Ahab's Wife", about Captain Ahab's (of Moby Dick) wife. I just thought that was really cool and all. Had to make myself chipmunk giddy. Spread the joy.