A Moonacre Fanfiction Peace on Earth

After what seemed an eternity, Robin and Maria stumbled down into Loveday's grotto. The quiet was almost overpowering from the storm outside, so different to their buzzing ears. It was not nearly as cold, nor was it as windy. Robin and Maria staggered a few steps before sinking to the ground in utter exhaustion.

"We made it," she panted, hardly believing the words she spoke to be a reality. She had thought for certain that they were going to freeze to death.

"We made it," he echoed in a hollow voice. "Are you all right? You can move your fingers and toes?" Maria tested them out.

"Yes—well, my fingers are a little white. I lost one of my gloves, and—heavens, what is it?" she stopped, appalled by his expression.

"Maria, have you heard of frostbite?"

"Of course; isn't that…oh." She looked down at her hand. "You don't think…?"

"What does it feel like?" he asked anxiously. She tried in vain to move her fingers.

"It's like I just stabbed myself with a needle, but in a million places. Should I rub it to thaw it?"

"No!" he answered quickly. "No. That could damage it even more, if it is frozen. We've got to warm it up."

"I'd like to warm my whole self up," she said with a shiver. "I've never been this cold in my life."

"Let's get away from the opening," Robin said. "It's warmer over in that corner." They made their way shakily to the corner he pointed out, where they slumped down onto the earthen floor. "All right, which hand is it?" She held it out, flinching with the effort. Robin shed his gloves, took her small hand, and gently covered it with his. Maria felt a tingling sensation. Likely it was common sense leaving her body.

"Your hand is so cold," Robin remarked fearfully.

"But…it will be all right?" Maria said, almost afraid to hear the answer.

"It's hard to say. I'm not a doctor. But I think if we keep it warm, it should be all right." They were silent for a minute, pondering the other ugly possibility.

"When will the blizzard let up?" Maria said at last, not wanting to dwell on the previous topic.

"I don't know. This is the worst whiteout I've ever seen."

"Whiteout?"

"Just another name for a blizzard. Because, you know, everything is white." Maria rolled her eyes.

"I figured as much. Do you think it'll be a couple hours more?"

"At least," he sighed. "I've heard of blizzards lasting for days, even weeks."

"Around here?" Maria was shocked. She wished she had paid more attention when Miss Heliotrope was rambling on about storms during their science lesson.

"Maybe. I'm not sure. I can't know everything."

"Well, that's obvious."

"Hey!" he said indignantly. "I've a mind to send you back out into the snow! This is my family's hovel, after all."

"Not so fast, Bird Boy," Maria chided him. "This place belongs to Loveday, right?"

"Yes; she's my sister."

"I see," Maria said, "And pray tell me, who did Loveday marry? What is her surname now?" Robin pouted.

"Well, it was mine first."

"You never answered my question," Maria pressed. "What is Loveday's last name now?"

"Merryweather," Robin muttered.

"That's what I thought," she said, raising her nose a little.

"Well, you won't be a Merryweather very long," Robin said.

"And whyever not?" she demanded.

"When you get married, you'll take your husband's last name. And then this place will be more mine than yours."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, you won't even be half-owner of it anymore. Loveday's a De Noir and Merryweather. I'll still be a De Noir. You won't be a Merryweather." Maria was determined not to lose this debate.

"And what if I marry a De Noir?"

"Come on; how many young De Noir men do you know?"

"A few," she replied hazily. In all truth, the only young man of that family she knew was Robin. But he was making it glaringly obvious he wasn't interested in wedding Maria any time soon.

"Whatever. But now you're assuming they'd want to marry an obstinate, headstrong girl like you."

"Yes, I am. Your point?"

"I'm not sure what my point was, actually. I was kind of hoping you'd back down from the argument."

"An obstinate, headstrong girl like me? Not a chance," Maria laughed, but the laugh turned into a tremble of cold.

"How's your hand feeling now?" Robin asked.

"I think I can feel something. And I won."

"Won what?"

"The argument. You changed the subject."

"I most certainly—oh. Look, are you blaming me for being concerned for your wellbeing?"

"No. It is…sweet of you," she said diffidently.

"Huh. I don't think anyone has ever described me as 'sweet' before."

"I can tell you why. You hide your good heartedness under a show of witty pride."

"It's not a show," he said. "I am clever, and I am proud of it."

"But Robin," she said earnestly, "More people would like you, would love you, if you just let them see that you really are a kind person."

"Who said I wanted to be loved?" he replied.

"Do you really want to be a hermit and live all by yourself?"

"Oh, you'd come and visit, wouldn't you?"

"Maybe I would be busy with my husband."

"Hm." Robin grunted. Maria's arrow had hit its mark. A silence overtook them. Maria wished so fervently that he would understand her meaning. She wouldn't go and visit Robin because she hoped he'd already be with her. But after what he'd said, it didn't seem like that was going to happen.

A/N: Dear reader,

Thank you so very much for reading this ninth installment of Peace on Earth. Although there is not quite as much peace in this chapter as we'd like. Sorry to end on a rather negative note. It does seem a bit bleak right now; hopefully the next chapter will be a little more cheerful. And what is a story without strife? At any rate, I thank you once more for your continued support and patience. Happy reading!

As always,

Ponygirl7