Chapter 5: "You deserve more."
After walking over a mile around the perimeter of the camp looking for clues or a tracks Djaq and Will took a break and sat down under the leafy canopy of leaves.
"I am worried about John," Djaq said solemnly.
"There was no sign he ever made it this close to camp," Will replied, removing his faithful axe from its strap, now comfortably able to lean back against the broad trunk of the shade tree. "We will have to get the others - widen the search."
"If we can drag Robin into action," she said pointedly, staring at Will with luminous, ebony eyes. "He is so distant. What is Marian thinking?"
"You are closer to knowing that than any of the rest of us," Will smiled, "at least you are a woman." His grew smile wider.
Djaq managed only a weak smile in return. "I have not acknowledged that part of me for…since I was enslaved. Maybe no woman's life left in me."
"That is not true," Will reassured gently putting his arm around her slim shoulders.
"Too much damage, Will. I do not know if I can be whole again." The sadness in her eyes went right to Will's heart as she continued quietly, "You deserve more."
The kindness in his voice wrapped around her like a favorite shawl, "I can determine that, Djaq. We are all wounded by life in some way. But if fear keeps us from seeking happiness, we will never know what could be."
"I am not afraid," she lied. "Look at Robin and Marian. We see they are in love better than they do. All they do is argue and fight and for a change they fight and argue."
"I cannot speak for them. Every relationship is different." Will paused and the wise words of Dan Scarlett came into his mind and he shared them. "My father told me once that love is pain, but it is also joy." Will's sensitive eyes pleading more than his voice, "Please do not give up one avoiding the other."
The Saracen considered his words, but they did not allay her fears. She stood up and he joined her, wondering what was going on in that pretty little head of hers.
"I'm sorry Will, what you want I cannot give you…not yet." Djaq fought to keep her emotions at bay.
"Maybe you will change your mind?" Will refused to give up.
"Maybe," she demurred, "…but not yet."
Hope and disappointment battled for control, and he admitted, "I care for you Djaq."
Without another thought, Djaq stepped up on a conveniently placed log and kissed him quickly on the cheek. A bashful smile peaked out and she said, "When I am ready, you will know."
Holding hands the two headed back to camp unable to suppress their jubilant smiles.