Part 8
Robin found Marian at the blue pool, sitting on a rock her boots off and dangling her feet into the water. She stood when she saw him, sensing something was wrong.
"Robin?" she uttered.
He walked over to her and she backed away until she reached the tall trunk of a tree, her back against the bark. There was something in his expression, a pain which she couldn't quite fathom but knew that when he told her she would be hurting too.
"Marian."
"What? Tell me."
He looked at her, not sure how to impart the news he had been given and he knew that it was apparent he was struggling to find the right words.
"I saw Tuck."
"Was he well?" she asked.
"Yes. He told me the children all had it."
"The flux?"
He nodded, "Naomi and Simon are recovering. Judith….Judith…."
"Died," she added for him and he nodded again.
He watched a similar wave of expression filtered across her face his hands resting on her shoulders his thumbs caressing lightly.
"Tuck says Eli is talking of fleeing to London."
"Disease is rife there, more so than here."
"Tuck told him that."
"Judith…" she choked and he anticipating her well moved in and drew her into his arms.
There stood there for a long time, providing comfort to the other. Finally they parted and resumed their previous position with Robin's hands on her shoulders.
"I know what you are thinking," he said eventually.
"You do?"
"You are thinking about us….what if we were to have a child."
"Indeed," she said wistfully. "The forest is perhaps not the place."
"Is there something you need to tell me?" he asked, his eyebrows popping up charmingly.
"No, not that I am aware of. Does that disappoint you?"
He looked at the ground before meeting her eye. "Honestly?"
"Honestly."
"It scares me, not becoming a father…. but to protect our child and you, the forest is not the place."
"And yet if it were to happen, we would do the best we could in the circumstances we have."
"I would give my life for you, both of you. You know that do you not?"
She smiled at him and nodded at his valiant talk and knew from the look in his eyes he meant it. She took both his hands in hers replying. "I know you are thinking of your brothers and sisters. I always wanted some of my own, but remained an only child."
"Perhaps that was best. I am the only one left….the only one to reach adulthood. I scarce remember them all now."
"I remember Alexander."
"How could you not?" Robin replied, the corners of his mouth lifting into a smile. "He was nearer your age than I."
"And he lacked your charm."
"He died when he was five, he had not learnt charm."
She smiled and said, "I beg to differ, my father once told me you were charming ladies while you were still in your cradle and that I can easily believe."
He chuckled. "It came naturally."
"Obviously," she smiled in return.
They fell serious again as they thought of Alexander, who had been a year younger than Marian. Alexander had been shorter than his lanky older brother at the same age but with the identical hair and colour eyes.
"I should have done better by him," Robin said softly.
"You were but ten Robin," she replied.
He shook her touch from him and stood aloof but close. "I should have saved him….I failed him. I should have seen, but I did not see. I should have paid more attention."
"It is not your fault he died. You still blame yourself?" she sighed and reached for him squeezing his arm gently and watching, waiting for him to elaborate, when he didn't she added. "Your father did not blame you for his death? Nor you mother?"
"No, but if I had been quicker, faster."
"It was an accident," she implored.
"An accident that should not have happened," he replied.
"But accidents do happen."
"And that is why I will protect you and any children we might have with my life"
"Robin….I am sorry I should not have brought his name up."
"No," he said softly. "It is good to talk about him, lest we forget."
"He always wanted to please you," she said, trying to shift the conversation to recall a happier time than of his untimely death.
He gave a dry laugh and said. "It was not just him was it? There I would be minding my own business; I would turn and find the pair of you. He would present me with worms you would give me wild flowers. The wild flowers being the nicer gift, the worms a hint to take him fishing."
"You remember then," she said softly.
"How could I not?" he replied, stroking his finger down the side of her face and stepping closer renewing the bond between them, their bodies fitting together perfectly.
Marian's last coherent thought was to wonder if Robin would ever put the circumstances of Alexander's death behind him as his lips claimed hers in a hungry fest, her passion soon catching up and meeting with his.