"Gytha…." The lass sobbed softly, as she yet lingered in her place, with Djaq's support, and without moving an inch.
Hearing her name, the middle-aged woman shifted her sight toward Malak. A relieved smile formed on her lips, yet her eyes showed great pity toward the sick lass, weeping in her place like a lost child.
Meanwhile, Guy carefully observed the sudden change of events, and was slightly confused. He expected the rash girl to make haste into Gytha's embrace, and not stand idly as she currently was. It bothered him how her action seemed out of character. 'No. Not out of character.' He thought dismally, 'More like that of a guilty person.' He looked at Gytha, who began to take steady steps toward the sick lass. As much as he hated the idea of her being here, he was somewhat relieved. By some miracle he had managed to calm the girl so far, but he knew better than to push his luck. Gytha was the one that Malak needed right now- not him.
"Oh, foolish girl." Gytha whispered as she placed a palm over Malak's warm cheek. With her thumb she tenderly wiped the girl's tears. She looked at Djaq momentarily, who instantly understood and gently released the girl she was supporting. The middle-aged woman received Malak into her embrace, "Now, now." She mumbled as she placed one hand over the small of the girl's back for support, while the other soothingly brushed through her curly locks.
"I'm s-sorry." Malak mumbled through stifled sobs, "I'm so sorry, Gytha."
"Hush, girl." Gytha shushed, "Save those for when they are needed."
Gisborne let out a deep sigh. This was one of those moments were he hated being right; the girl indeed harbored a guilt of some sort. He raised his head as he heard his name being called.
"Guy." Gytha ushered for the man clad in black, "Help me carry the lass to the campfire."
"Wh-"
"I would rather not, Robin of Locksley." Gytha interrupted sternly, not giving the outlaw the slightest chance to object. "And a bowl of soup would be good."
"Yes, ma'am." Robin nodded with a pout. He knew better than to cross Gytha, especially once you hear your name get called out that way.
"And, Allan? Would you hand the sack of vegetables to Robin?" Gytha continued with her instructions.
"Aye, aye Cap'!" Allan beamed with a huge grin plastered on his face. He was clearly enjoying this, seeing the two men getting bossed around for a change.
Truth be told, the whole camp was amused by it, and they all wondered who was this woman whom Robin and Guy obeyed without a word.
'I would love to learn a thing or two from this woman.' Marian thought whilst muffling a chuckle. Seeing how two of the most stubborn men she had ever known obediently adhere to this lady's instructions was rather satisfying.
"It seems we will have a bit of peace for now." Dajq smiled. She then looked at Marian and added, "Do you know who this strong-willed woman is?"
"Hmm- I don't believe so." Marian replied hesitantly with a slight tilt of her head. "I mean she would have definitely left an impression."
"Well, all in good time I guess." Djaq replied and then placed a hand over Marian's shoulder, "Shall we?" She asked as she gestured with her head toward the campfire.
Marian simply nodded and followed the Saracen woman.
Meanwhile, around the so-called kitchen area,
"Here you go, Robin." Allan smirked as he handed his former leader the sack of vegetables.
With a frown, Hood grabbed the sack and passed it over to Much.
"Look at those beauties!" Much exclaimed as soon as he emptied the content of the sack over the wooden table. "There is bread as well!"
"Aren't you a bit too excited, Much?" Allan chuckled with one erected eyebrow.
"Well, forgive me for not seeing such decent food in a while." Much retorted grumpily.
"Guess it's still rabbits and squirrels around here." Allan replied with a sarcastic laugh.
"Yah- yah. At least it tastes better than betrayal." Much countered indifferently as he started peeling a potato.
All the while, Robin remained silent as he observed the lot gathered around the campfire, except for Gisborne who stood next to a tree for support. It seemed that the lass calmed down and had fallen asleep in Gytha's lap.
"Why did you bring her here?" Robin suddenly huffed with unmasked annoyance as he gestured with his head toward Gytha.
"Hmm?" Allan hummed as his eyes darted toward Gytha. He shrugged and replied nonchalantly, "Why you ask? Why don't you go and ask her?"
"Allan!" Robin shouted as he turned his head toward Allan, "Haven't you done enough damage as it is!"
"Jeez- calm down, Robin. Gis told me to inform the lady of the lass's situation. But she insisted to come along." Allan replied in his defense, he abruptly raised his voice and added, "Isn't that right, Gytha?"
Robin stiffened in his place at the declaration of Gytha's presence.
"Is there a problem?" Gytha inquired as she took the single stair and walked toward Much.
"No…" Robin muttered under his breath.
"Good." Gytha replied, looking at the peeled vegetables, "Nicely peeled. What is your name young man?"
"Much, Milady." Much beamed at the words of praise. Words that were scarce- if not nonexistent- around here.
"Would you mind me helping around, Much?" Gytha smiled, "And please call me Gytha. I'm no lady, just a humble servant."
"Of course not." Much replied happily, "And forgive my brashness, but in my eyes it is not nobility what makes a lady, Milady."
"I'm not being funny, but I have to agree with Much on this." Allan nodded.
Gytha chuckled at the men's welcomed bluntness, "Why thank you."
"Ahem." Robin cleared his throat to grab Gytha's attention. "It seems my help is no longer required here."
"Try not to stir any problems." Gytha pressed, and before Robin could say anything she added with a warm smile, "Thank you, Robin. You have my sincerest gratitude for saving the lass."
Robin was taken aback. Looking away, he sheepishly scratched the nap of his neck and said, "You should thank Djaq and Marian."
"Of course." Gytha responded with slight bow of her head, "I'm glad to see you surrounded by such a wonderful lot."
Robin simply nodded back and headed toward the campfire, where Marian welcomed him. "Were are the rest?" He asked as he saw only Marian and Will.
"John went to gather some more firewood. The rest are back at Djaq's." Will replied while fiddling with a piece of wood, "The lass had fallen asleep and Gisborne had to carry her. Djaq wanted to monitor her for a while, so she tagged along."
"Isn't she well yet?" Robin further inquired as he took seat next to Marian.
"She is better. But not quite there yet." Marian replied as she huddled next to her fiancé, "She had a severe fever, and requires a days of rest." She looked up at Robin, "You will at least let her stay until then, would you not?"
Robin winced under the brownish pleading eyes. He sighed as he turned his head toward Gytha, who was currently merrily cooking with Much. "Like I have a say in the matter."
"She seem to take a liking to Much." Marian chuckled, "Who is she by the way?"
"Have you not seen her before?" Robin genuinely wondered.
'Why does everyone assume that I know this woman?' Marian thought with a frown. "Why would I?" The Lady of Knighton asked, voicing her thoughts.
"Well… Gytha has always served the Gisbornes." Robin replied, he seemed a bit reluctant as he continued, "So I assumed she was there when you know…"
Marian's eyebrows creased for a moment before she finally understood Robin's hesitation. 'The wedding.' She concluded mentally. The Lady of Knighton sighed and said, "Well I'm not quite sure she was around at that time."
"She wasn't." Guy's voice suddenly confirmed.
"Ah- Guy. How is the lass?" Marian asked, in hope of changing the subject at matter.
"Sound asleep." He replied as he walked pass the couple and sat on a log right across of them, "The Saracen woman is looking after her. And three is sort of a crowd."
"Then why is she even here if she does not serve you anymore?" Robin stressed grimly, pulling the conversation back to Gytha. "And who is the lass?"
"I never said she does not." Guy replied, "And that lass has a name, Malak."
"Then how come I have never seen her or Malak?" Marian questioned.
"What is this? An interrogation?" Guy scowled at the number of question being thrown at him.
"You owe us as much!" Robin insisted as he stared angrily pass the fire and at Gisborne.
"Yes we do." Gytha replied as she joined the lot around the campfire, accompanied by Much and Allan.
Guy clicked his tongue in annoyance and looked away. As much as he appreciated the outlaw's help, he hated revealing any more information than necessary. Yet Gytha seemed to disagree as she began to speak.
"Forgive my insolence, Lady Marian. However, the reason you haven't seen me around was due to my-"
"Stubbornness." Guy interrupted.
"Unwillingness to participate in a one-sided union." Gytha continued, disregarding Guy's childish interruption.
Seeing how flustered his fiancée had become, Robin looked at Gytha with pleading eyes. While fully knowing, yet hoping, that she would understand.
With an ever so lightly nod, Gytha acknowledged Robin's plead and said, "None the matter. I think we all agree that the lass's story is more interesting than this old woman's opinion."