Chapter 24: "What is there to explain?"

"Slow down Robin!" Marian pleaded as they sped across the open fields of Knighton Hall. "The Sheriff won't get here until morning. He would never travel through Sherwood at night."

"But your former intended is not so sensible. Imagine his pleasure at arresting you…if that is all he has in mind?" Robin wasn't necessarily trying to scare her, but he did want to point out her poor choice yet again.

Marian grabbed his arm and pulled him into the shadows. Robin glared at her then dropped his eyes to the hand still holding his arm.

Releasing him she asked, "Can we agree never to mention that day ever again, unless it is in reference to your stunning victory over Sheriff Vasey?" She hoped appealing to his vanity would make him smile; her hope was in vain.

"It did not feel like a victory for very long." Robin locked eyes with her; the intent of the remark was not lost on Marian.

"We need to talk, Robin."

"I have nothing to say." The outlaw started walking, wishing he had kept the comment to himself.

"First time for everything, I suppose?"

Robin stopped, but did not turn around; nor did he speak.

"Please talk to me."

"All we do is talk!" He started walking again and called back over his shoulder. "Words change, Marian; actions reveal truth."

Running after him she asked, "Tell me, why are you in such a hurry?"

"You want to get back to Rufford." He said flatly.

"Let me explain…"

"There is no need. Your father's departure from the abbey brought you out to get your treasures." Question or statement, Robin wasn't sure he was ready for explanations; three times I offered my heart, twice she refused it. "What is there to explain?"

"I love you." The lady came straight to the point, hoping to get his attention; she did.

Robin stopped short and turned to face her this time. He had lost hope of ever hearing those words again.

Marian searched his face, "Please understand…."

"I do understand," he lied, "I've finally figured it out." Robin started walking again, looking everywhere but at her; his traitorous eyes would expose the chink in his emotional armor.

The headstrong Marian pressed on; she was as determined to speak as he was not to listen. "Robin, I was never meant to be at Rufford Abbey. I know that."

"Robin!" Much swung down from a tree up ahead smiling happily as he dropped to the ground.

Sighing heavily, Marian swore under her breath. The relieved Robin ran to his friend, grateful for the intrusion. Robin and Much had a history of saving each other by 'unconscious genius' as the former lord described it; this was just another example.

Smiling Robin clasped both of his shoulders, "What are you doing here?"

"Waiting for you, Master." Forced by habit, Much bowed slightly as he spoke. "You have been gone a long time. I was worried." Much turned to Marian, but couldn't think of what to say. After several false starts he settled on, "…hello."

Marian could not help but smile at Much's awkwardness. "It is good to see you."

"I've missed you Lady Marian. We all have." Marian and Much looked to Robin who turned away at the comment.

"We best get to camp." Robin was on the move again; he walked ahead of his two friends who followed in silence.

Robin had a lot on his mind. Marian's unexpected return to Sherwood was a wonderful surprise. The others would be happy to have her in camp; he wanted it too but would not admit it.

The outlaws greeted Marian enthusiastically; glad to have her in the forest knowing it would help their leader. However, Robin's absence from the festivities that followed did not escape notice, especially Marian's.