Perhaps you know the legend of Robin Hood. Perhaps you know me. I'm the one he fell for. His story was never mine to tell, but I can tell my story, one that will forever be entwined with his. I'm the Maid Marian and this is the story of me and my Robin Hood.

Though the sun was beginning to set, spirits in the camp were just rising. In a few hours, people's bellies would be full. Alan took up his lute and began to pay a lively tune once the fresh catch was put on the fire pit. Three others joined in and people started dancing moments later.

From my place at the fire, I had a perfect view of the makeshift dance floor. The jumps and kicks coupled with the cheers and laughs sharply contrasted the constructed, solemn, calculative ballroom dances I had become accustomed to. Suffice it to say, I favored this style much more.

"May I have this dance?" I felt a tap on my shoulder. Much's gleaming eyes gazed expectantly at me.

"I'd love to, but I'm afraid I am not familiar with this dance," I laughed. Much rolled his eyes, grabbed my hand, and pulled me to my feet.

"Just follow me and feel the beat. You'll be fine," he gave my hand a quick squeeze before pulling my into the throng of dancers.

I had to admit: Much was right. The steps weren't that difficult; it was mostly people doing what they felt was right. I skipped along and let Much spin and twirl me. I couldn't help the laughter that escaped me as we switched partners again and again. John Little held me as if I was made of porcelain while David spun me so quickly I nearly lost my balance. I was met with familiar and non-familiar faces. I don't think I have ever felt more alive than I did while dancing here. Even Friar Tuck joined in the fun.

Accustomed to the steps, I finally released my partner's hand at the right time, only to stumble right into Robin. He smiled down at me and grabbed my hand surely. Coincidentally, or perhaps not, the lively jig turned into a slow ballad. I felt Robin's strength around me as he twirled and lifted me to an old dance all the nobility were taught as children. He didn't hold me too firmly or softly. He was strong, but I knew I could leave the dance if I wanted. He wasn't just leading me, we were partners, working together through the steps. The dance took the both of us to complete, and there was something comforting in that need. As the ballad came to a close, I laid my head on his shoulder and breathed him in. He smelled like musk and fresh spring grass, like freedom. The dance ended, and only then did I realize we had been the only ones dancing. Everyone in the camp stood off to the sides watching us and applauded once it was over. Robin, back to his teasing self, gave a flourishing bow. I matched his over exaggeration with a curtsey of my own. The camp laughed, and then it was time to eat.

I can't say if it was because I was completely famished, but the food was the best veal I had ever tasted. I wasn't shy to say so.

"Well thank you," Friar Tuck said, after I complimented the meal, "It would have been ready sooner if some people could learn to remember their responsibilities."

He cut a glare at Much for the last bit. Much simply smiled through a mouthful of meat. Once dinner was done, a voice came from behind me.

"If you popping in is going to be a regular thing, you're gonna have to earn your keep."

I knew that voice. I whipped around so fast, it's amazing I didn't strain my neck.

"Sarah?!" my confidante and maid from Nottingham, "What are you doing here?!"

"This is my home," she smiled as John ambled up behind her.

"You're?"

"Yep," she replied, hugging John around his waist. Three kids came barreling into them, two boys and a girl, who looked to be the youngest. Sarah and John laughed, gathering them into their arms.

"They're?"

"Yep," she planted a kiss on the little girl's cheek. Sarah always did know what I was thinking.

My mouth hung open in surprise as she shooed the children away and pulled me to my feet. I was still gaping as she led me to a pond with four other women who were doing dishes and repairing fishing nets.

"If you don't close your mouth, you're gonna catch flies," she fussed. Only then did I oblige. I was still staring at her, as if truly seeing her for the first time, as she handed me plate after plate to dry.

"I would imagine you have some questions," she finally said breaking the silence. My voice caught in my throat, I only managed a strangled mumble in reply.

"I met John long before I came to work in Nottingham. He was the strongest and most handsome man in our village. He can hogtie a boar with one hand tied behind his back," she stated proudly. Somehow, that did not surprise me.

"We moved to Nottingham after the start of the Crusades. John worked as a blacksmith and I took a job at the castle. Even amidst the hardships that seem to have plagued England, we lived a simple, enjoyable life. That was until a few months ago."

"Robin?" I managed to ask.

"Yes, as tough as John is, he's got a huge heart. He saved Robin from a beating by castle guards and brought him to me to patch up. But, John is not exactly what you would call discreet. The guards saw him and he was forced on the run with Robin. Since joining his band of 'Merry Men,' we decided to move our children out here. I keep my ears open in the castle and come here as much as I can," she finished. I was still dumbfounded.

"Anything else?" she asked.

"Why didn't you tell me? When you knew I was going through all of that?" I asked her, feeling slightly dejected.

"The secret wasn't really mine to tell," was all she said before gathering the now clean dishes up and walking back to camp. I grabbed as many as I could and ran after her all the while wondering how I could know so little about someone whom I have confided in so much.

Seeing Sarah's family greet her on our return to camp stirred something deep inside of me. I was happy for her, but I was also a little envious. I know her life could not have always been easy, but seeing her family, her love, all together made me want that. I wanted a loving husband and children. I wanted the chance for a happy life.

Guy's conversation with my father came rushing back in a wave that crashed over me. The night somehow seemed less joyful.

"Hey, are you alright?" a voice came from behind me. Robin's concerned gaze met mine. No, I was not alright, but could I tell him? Robin was rash, and the last thing I wanted to do was to put him in danger. No, I would handle this one for myself. He had enough to worry about.

"I'm fine. Just lost in thought I suppose," I smiled back. He didn't seem convinced, but Much called me over to the fire before Robin could say more.

I sat beside Much and Robin settled in on the other side of me, listening to stories of war heroics and ghostly hauntings until I eventually drifted off to sleep.

How will Marian handle her problem with Guy? Will she ever get the chance for a happy life? R&R!