Title: Seeking Sanctuary – Chapter 30
Rating: Mature (NC-17)
Summary: Takes place directly after 113. Chapter 1 thru 29 completes the story. Chapter 30 is a bonus chapter including a romantic interlude between Robin and Marian.
Disclaimer: I own nothing to do with BBC's Robin Hood, but I have been to the Major Oak.
Special Appreciation: Undying gratitude to my beta reader for her unflagging encouragement, suggestions, multiple beta readings, and edits. Thank you, Lindi…
SEEKING SANCTUARY
By greenhenge
Chapter 30 –"... finally going in the same direction."
We last saw Robin and Marian…
Under the stars in their beloved Sherwood, Marian reveled in the feral nature of his kisses; the way his hungry lips moved over hers. She savored the wildness in him. There was wildness about her, too.
Robin lifted her chin so he could see her face and looked deeply into her exquisite blue eyes, "I love you Marian," he whispered, "…and I need you…more than you know."
Marian's eyes flooded with unshed tears; Robin looked at her questioningly not sure how to interpret this response. Marian quickly wiped his frown away with a loving stroke of her hand and smiled brightly.
"I love you, too, Robin. I always have; I always will."
"Marian…" He said her name like a lullaby then kissed her again. His tenderness and passion revealed the depth of his love for her far better than mere words.
The lovers held tightly to each other, sharing a lingering kiss. Seeking sanctuary was no longer necessary; Robin and Marian found sanctuary in every embrace.
"Walk with me?" He asked invitingly, reluctantly loosening his hold.
"Hmm…give me a minute?"
While Marian withdrew from the campfire to clean up and change in the shadows, Robin sorted another matter. Knowing at least one of his friends was still crouching in the shrubbery nearby, Robin gave the two finger signal to come forward, complete with perturbed stance and suspicious eyebrow lift. The bushes twisted and crackled as the well-meaning Much marched into the firelight swinging his arms and looking quite smug.
"Marian is staying." His tone falling somewhere between a statement and a question, but his eyes twinkled. Robin's beaming smile reinforced the affirmative. "I am glad," Much grinned, "…our little group changes once again."
"Everything changes, Much." Shrugging lightheartedly he added, "It is...life!" His grin rivaled the moon's brightness and life was very good indeed. Robin turned to watch Marian straighten the disorder resulting from the village girl's forest assault. "We shall adjust as we always do, my friend; bent by the wind, but not broken..."
Indeed the bond between the two men had been sorely tested since they returned to England, but as resilient as the weeping willow their friendship could not be broken; Much was too full of love and Robin was too needy. Much hoped Marian's presence would bring grace and lightness to the rugged wilderness; more importantly, he hoped Marian's forgiveness and love would ease Robin's self-flagellation.
"All right…all right… There is no talking to you when you're like this."
"Like what?" Robin asked as if he had no clue, but grinned as if he did.
"All scatty and idea… idea…idea-listic!" He nodded once satisfied he had pronounced word satisfactorily. Much watched Robin wrap furs and blankets in a neat bundle then sling it over his shoulder beside his quiver. "You're leaving then?"
"We need privacy…and there is precious little of it around here." Robin said with a smile, picking up his trusted bow.
"So instead of getting a room, you're getting a…what…tree?" Much smirked.
Robin gave him a silencing look, raising a single eyebrow emphatically, before bending down to pick up a flagon of wine.
"That's the last of the Sheriff's claret you've got," Much advised though he did not expect it to make a difference.
"It's going to good use then!" Robin slapped him on the shoulder and winked playfully, "If we're not back by…oh, day after tomorrow…" The leader lowered his voice so only Much could hear, "…don't come looking for us."
"Someone thinks quite highly of himself!" Much exclaimed, feigning shock.
"Wish me luck?"
"Ha!" The ex-soldier harrumphed, "When have you EVER needed luck with the ladies?"
"Shhh…THE lady," Robin said proudly punching his friend in the shoulder and then heading in Marian's direction.
Much shook his head, rubbing his neck with his right hand. His faraway look held thoughts of Eve and Bonchurch both as distant tonight as they were when he fought beside Robin in the Holy Land. Sighing wistfully he poked at the fire, the burning logs rolled and hissed as a flurry of glowing ash and swirling smoke erupted into the night air.
Marian just finished brushing the last of the tangles from her hair when Robin extended his hand to help her up. Smiling shyly and nibbling on her bottom lip she stood facing him.
"Ready?" He asked, sweeping his gaze over her.
Marian looked angelic, her body haloed by the golden aura of the campfire's diffusing light. Wearing a simple homespun dress of natural wool, her sable-brown hair hung loosely in soft curls; her luminous eyes and crimson lips captivated the 'lord' of Sherwood and his smile grew warmer and wider as he admired his lady.
The reunited lovers shared a tender kiss; when they parted Marian buried her face in the folds of his tunic and wound her hands tightly in the leather cloth. Breathing deeply she inhaled him; her man smelled of the deep woods - earthy heather, sweet lavender, and pine - a heady woodland musk that was distinctively male, distinctively Robin.
"Shall we go?" His voice was serene and seductive.
Feeling both anxiousness and excited Marian's edginess was soothed by Robin's strong, steady heartbeat. Whispering her reply she cast her eyes up at him, "Yes."
Into the heart of the sylvan wilderness they now called home, Robin and Marian walked hand-in-hand. Living in the greenwood during the last year honed the outlaw leader's knowledge of the hilly, rugged landscape and revitalized his synergy with the forest he loved.
Knowing the woods as well as one of its natural creatures, Robin used his keen senses to filter the multitude of familiar scents and sounds, even subtle changes in the wind. He possessed an uncanny ability to detect details anomalous to his surroundings. Tonight he knew the darkness felt like a soft, warm blanket, the blooming wildflowers seemed more fragrant, and the night birds sang sweeter.
Leading Marian swiftly and surely Robin walked over craggy hills, rock-strewn dales, along the mossy banks of rippling streams. Never faltering he wove effortlessly through copses of gray birch, moon-silvered beech, and tangled patches of varied greenery. The sloping boughs of oaks and elms were draped in clusters of mistletoe and verdant mosses, boles and roots were cloaked in ground-covering foliage and climbing vines.
Staying close and trusting him implicitly, Marian mirrored his movements, complaining only once when a low branch clawed at her hair. It was more nervousness than irritation; Robin laughed and hugged her closer.
Curiosity nudging her, she asked, "Where are we going?"
"You'll see; we are almost there." He slowed their pace and kissed her cheek.
"A Clue?"
A laugh from Robin... "No!"
"Please…a little one?"
He pressed his mouth just above her ear muffling his voice into a sexy purr, "It's a special place, a very private place."
Robin's alluring whispers flushed Marian's face a rosy pink as she suddenly realized her sheltered upbringing left her ill-prepared for the night's possibilities. Suddenly nervous, her heart beat as rapidly as hummingbird wings and she trembled.
"Cold?"
Nodding weakly Marian wanted to say more, but Robin slipped his arm around her and hugged her against his hard body. Looking at her with concern he asked, "Better?"
"Hmm…Mmm…" She mumbled.
He caressed her cheek and brushed his thumb across her lower lip. This simple touch thrilled her, but niggling fear was present, too. Marian wanted to be with him, belong to him - that was never in question. Whether she was mad or foolish for being unwed in the middle of the wilderness - that was debatable. But she was in love, and his eyes were so very blue….
Unaware of Marian's tumultuous thoughts Robin leaned close, his voice subtle and gentle like a mid-summer breeze. "Stay with me tonight?"
"Yes…" She whispered in a stifled voice, "…I will."
The moon appeared from behind fleeting clouds as they reached the top of a small hillock rising gently above the forest floor. The verges were littered with naturally hewn chunks of stone; ranks of steadfast trees flanked an ocean of moon-kissed harebells, cornflowers and clovers awash in the silvery radiance. Thousands of shimmering petals rippled across the expanse in floral waves and countless stars peeked through thinly veiled clouds. Leisurely swaying wild grasses murmured the night's secrets in the kinetic breeze.
In this naturally concealed glade timeless trees kept vigil and at nighttime shared secrets with legendary elfin time lords rumored to dwell in the ancient forest. Village elders still told eerie tales of these curious faerie folk, stories meant to delight young ones or frighten older children to bed in the wee hours. As Christianity reached deeper into the countryside, the pagan ways were rapidly disappearing. But on this night, Marian thought she could hear the soft voices of expert storytellers spinning tales of long ago.
"It is beautiful," she said thinking this enchanted tableau indeed belonged to the faeries.
"You are beautiful," he told her, gently stroking her hair.
Marian's heartbeat thumped rapidly and that twinge of fear clawed up her throat; her nervousness betrayed by her crushing grip on Robin's hand.
"Trust me, Marian…" His eyes were understandingly, intuitively aware of her fear, "I love you."
"I know," she whispered against his shoulder; a shuddering breath escaped her parted lips. "It's just…"
Kissing her into silence, Robin was charmed by her uncharacteristic shyness. Since he returned to England Marian rarely allowed any vulnerability to scratch her veneer. He decided to change the topic of conversation, "Tell me why you went upstairs?
"To sleep?" She teased, grateful for the chance to divert her runaway thoughts.
"Clever you…" he chided. "Earlier at Knighton, you ran back upstairs to an empty room saying you forgot something. Then I heard pounding…what was that?"
Pushing her soft curls aside Robin tickled the soft, sensuous flesh with feathering fingertips; his spectral touch sent pleasing prickles throughout her entire body. Adrift and unfocused, Marian closed her eyes; the newest outlaw was unable to consider the question, bowing her head. She pressed her open palms against the soft leather of his tunic; Robin's well-toned muscles jumped under her touch.
"I am curious…" Robin's voice jammed in his throat as he pulled the silver chain from her neck and saw the polished stone necklace he gave her the day of their betrothal party. Bewildered, watery eyes looked at her, "You still have this?"
"It was a gift from you." She answered simply.
"So long ago…"
"After you left, I thought seriously about smashing it," she said honestly.
"So instead you put it somewhere you could stomp over it everyday?" Robin was a tangle of emotions.
"Something like that…" She grinned playfully hoping to reverse the sudden change in his countenance, "…smashing it once, where is the fun in that?"
Gently he held her face in his hands; the staggered man struggled to find his voice.
"Can you truly forgive me, Marian … for leaving?" His eyes were the color of stormed-tossed seas and he desperately sought safe harbor in her serene blue ones.
"Let's forgive each other." She said soothingly. "Our time to be together is now, Robin. You returned to me; that is my miracle." She hugged him tightly when it was clear he could not speak, "I never stopped loving you…"
Her consoling voice and reassuring words were manna for his soul and Robin clung to her like a drowning man grips a lifeline. Caressing the nape of his neck, she lifted her mouth to his. The softness of her lips, the warmth of her breath made him lightheaded. Time stilled as her lips parted and her tongue touched his; her persuasive probing created vibrations that traveled down his spine with splendid slowness.
As his composure returned, Robin idly began curling and uncurling silken lengths of brunette hair around his fingers. "I was thinking…" He started, leaning back to look at her.
"That can't be good."
Robin flashed his patented smirk, "Please, hear me out… I could marry us tonight."
"Don't be daft!" She snorted, although Marian was thinking about marriage, too.
"Why not?" Robin asked as if self-marrying ceremonies were common occurrences.
"Even if you were acknowledged as the Earl of Huntingdon tomorrow, you cannot perform your own wedding!"
"Sure I can," he grinned impishly. "When it's time for the vows I'll just…improvise."
"Robin Hood's half-plan for marriage?" She shook her head, "It would not be legal."
"A detail…" He taunted, "…besides…We ARE outlawed!"
Marian laughed in spite of herself, "Silly fool!" It sounded like an endearment, not an admonition.
Tightening his embrace he replied, "And since you are in the arms of said silly fool, madam, what does that say about you?"
Coquettish Marian batted her thick lashes, "I am a poor girl with VERY limited choices?"
"Ha! You claim to be poor when I offer you this rich bounty – starry sky, moonlight, flowers….wine?" With a grandiose sweep of his hand, Robin gestured as if he created the universe just for her and was quite proud of the accomplishment.
"What remains in your dowry?"
Marian reached into her cloak and took out the tiny wooden box she retrieved from beneath the wooden floor in her bed chamber at Knighton Hall. "Only this," she answered placing the box in his hand.
Robin's eyes widened in disbelief as he turned the box over in his hands, recognizing it immediately; his heart rushed to his throat when he opened it. Nestled in a scrap of soft velvet was the gold betrothal ring he gave her; his face was a myriad of emotion and again his eyes brimmed with tears.
Marian startled as a teardrop landed on the back of her hand, "Robin?"
Overwhelmed with emotion he buried his face in her neck holding so tightly she groaned catching her breath. Marian winnowed her fingers in the curly hair by his ear. Slowly he raised his head to look at her; his eyes liquid and unreadable.
"You kept…our ring?" He choked out with a shuddering sigh.
"Yes…with the necklace." Her voice was soothing and warm like strong Brandywine.
Stunned, his hand trembled as he picked up the filigreed ring; it was stunning and looked like fine lace fashioned out of brilliant gold. As his breathing slowed the affection in her eyes lightened his heart and Robin kissed her slowly, savoring her sweetness
When he allowed it, she rested her forehead against his, "I never forgot, Robin…I meant that."
"You must have hated me…" He paused, "I hope not as much as I hated myself for leaving you…for seeking something as illusive as glory."
"I may have hated you, but I never stopped loving you." She smiled thinking how odd that sounded, but strangely true.
"I was a fool to think I could stalk glory like a deer in the forest." The thought disgusted him now and Robin was unable to look at her.
Lifting his chin she wanted his full attention, insuring her words were heard and understood. "Glory will find you wherever you are, Robin…because of what is here." She laid her hand against his chest, "Your compassion and honorable heart live within the loyal warrior."
Robin drank in her forgiving words like a healing draught., and Marian continued.
"I hated the way I felt after you left; I dwelt on my pain, the unfairness of it all. But eventually I grew up and saw what was happening around me, to the people of this shire. The world has changed, Robin; we have changed; and I love you still."
They shared a more passionate kiss and a liberating joy flowed between then as if a long-obstructed river was finally unleashed.
"Will you marry me?"
"Yes!" She answered jumping into his arms. "Right now, please!"
He laughed and twirled her around, "Soon…very soon."
"Now Robin; I am serious. We must live NOW." She was daring and bold, and determined to have her way. "I have an idea…"
Raising his eyebrows enthusiastically, Robin gently set her down. "Tell me."
"Handfasting," She said holding her breath and hoping he remembered.
It was a celebrated pagan custom of trial marriage. Marian never forgot the day in Nottingham when she and Robin met an old soldier from the northern border areas along the frontier between Scotland and England. Robin's uncle was the King of Scotland and he was always interested in any news from there. The battle-weary soldier was the first to tell them about the custom.
"Those of us what lives near the border takes our wives like we takes our 'orses, on a trial basis. 'andfasted means we be man and wife a year and a day. After 'at man or woman can choose another mate or get tied together permanent. It's simple…'course if there's little 'uns involved – maybe not so simple."
It was funny at the time, but after the two were officially betrothed Robin used the idea of trial marriage as an effective method in goading Marian to anger. Doing an excellent impression of the old warrior, right down to his northern accent and bent posture. Robin teased her about the difficulty between choosing a horse or a bride, and he thought the idea of a temporary wife quite brilliant – just in case he changed his mind! Maid Marian did not find the reference flattering or amusing until she reminded him it worked both ways.
"Trial marriage…really? They still do that?" Robin was astonished and raised his animated eyebrows in surprise.
"Some times…in the wilder areas…but it is allowed by law." She took a deep breath; "I know how you are…about honor and duty…"
"Yes," was what Robin said, but Marian had not yet asked a question.
Preoccupied with her own thoughts, Marian wasn't listening and carried on, "….hear me out, Robin. This is important, we can…"
His eyes widened and he spoke more forcefully, "Yes!"
"Yes?"
"YES!" Grabbing hold of her waist, he praised her, "You are a clever beauty… Clever, cunning… and brilliant!" He kissed her cheek, "We can have a private ceremony tonight - right here!"
Marian blushed a reddish pink and her wildly beating heart was in time with his. Robin, ever the chivalrous knight - even outlawed - would never dishonor her. Handfasting was one of the folkways adopted by both the church and the constabulary. An accepted pledge to marry, the ceremony symbolized the giving of hands and tying a cord around the wrists. It was the perfect solution for valiant Robin because it protected Marian's reputation.
Gently he lifted her chin and peered intensely into unblinking blue eyes, "you are sure? This is truly what you want?"
"It is not how I imagined our life together, but I want to be with you…in the forest or a castle. I want to be your wife."
"And an incredible wife you will be!" He said slipping the dainty gold filigreed ring on her left ring finger.
With smiles bright enough to rival the moon, the couple strolled through the ocean of shimmering flowers to the majestic oak on the far side of the hilltop. Its gargantuan trunk had a breadth measuring twelve hands or more, girdled by young trees and fragrant bushes laden with sweet blossoms. The gurgling babble of the stream below the hillock created a calming background for the nocturnal din of the forest. Luxuriant beds of green moss as thick and plush as the finest tapestry covered the ground beneath the magnificent tree. Between the massive roots they prepared a pallet of furs and blankets to insulate them from the dampness of their natural bed.
Arches of broad branches overhead created a leafy sanctuary dappled with rays of streaming moonlight. Holding hands they faced each other under the temple-like bower.
"I remember most of the ceremony…the important bits." Marian memorized it several years ago after witnessing a village wedding at Locksley. The words described the kind of marriage she wanted, "…the words are perfect for us."
"Whatever you remember will be good enough, Marian." Robin grinned, "I shall follow your lead."
Marian straightened her posture and squeezed his hands, "It is my wish to become one with Robin Hood. I pledge my love through all that may come as long as love shall last."
Robin repeated the pledge. "It is my wish to become one with Marian of Sherwood. I pledge my love through all that may come as long as love shall last."
"Now we join hands, right to right, and left to left. See, our hands form the symbol for infinity." She grinned at him and he winked at her.
Standing with their hands thusly, Marian asked, "what shall we use for the binding?"
Turning the question over in his mind, he hit upon the obvious solution. Robin released her hands and quickly grabbed his bow. In an easy motion he removed the bowstring and rejoined their hands wrapping the bowstring loosely around their wrists.
"Perfect!" She said with a smile. "Wait, we need witnesses!" Sighing forlornly she added, "I wish the trees and flowers could verify our vows."
"They are our silent witnesses tonight." He grinned, tucking orphaned strands of hair behind her ear, "I think John and Alice Little were handfasted before they came to Locksley. He can help us with a proper ceremony..." Robin's eyes twinkled, "…and until then, the trees, the moon and all the stars will keep our secret."
Warning him not to interrupt her, she took a meaningful breath and began.
You cannot possess me for I belong to myself, but I give you all that is mine to give.
I am a free person, so you cannot command me; but I shall serve the way you require.
I vow that it will be your name I cry out at night and your eyes I look into each morning.
I shall honor you above all others.
This is my wedding vow to you. This is the marriage of equals.
Now we will feel no rain; each of us will shelter the other.
Now we will feel no cold; each of us will warm the other.
Now there is no more loneliness.
We are two bodies, but one life before us.
As we enter the days of our togetherness may all our days be good and long upon this earth. As it harms none, so must it be.
Robin's kiss was possessive, wild and beautiful like the forest around them and Marian melted into his arms. Sliding his mouth from hers Robin knotted his long fingers in her hair and gently exposed her slender neck to the greatest advantage. Lacing kisses along the smooth skin, his murmurs of love made her body quiver indescribably.
"I love you, my bride." Robin's husky voice weakened her body in an instinctive response to his masculinity. For an instant Robin saw the woman vanish, replaced by the young maiden he left behind. Her smile was a delicate balance of allure and innocence.
Marian took several shuddering breaths, "I love you, too."
Spellbound by the strength of his presence, everything about him was erotic and seductive. Tall, fit, and indecently handsome his face had a noble jaw and a bearded chin with a slight cleft. His eyes were impossibly blue, framed by distractingly long lashes; his delectable, pink mouth was bow-shaped with a full lower lip - infinitely kissable.
"I have never wanted anything as much as I want you." Robin said taking her into his arms. This enigmatic woman, his soul mate, his dream: his sole desire was to protect and possess her. He dropped his eyes and his gaze lingered on the swell of her breasts.
Breathless and trembling her vulnerability flared again; the moment she'd waited for was now, but his salacious look returned his bride to that wide-eyed young girl again and Marian's heart thrashed and fluttered in her chest like a trapped bird with no room to fly.
"Don't be frightened, Marian…" He breathed, his silky voice sending another shiver of panic through her and she blushed prettily. He moved closer, his mouth briefly hovering over hers. Kissing her tenderly, Robin's gentle smile was full of love and understanding, "I would never hurt you."
Anticipation thrummed through her blood, her hardening nipples rubbed against the fabric of her dress, pin-wheeling her pulse. Deep inside the tightly wound springs of sexual tension gradually began to uncoil. Marian wanted this - as much as Robin -but a knight's daughter was raised to be maidenly, taught little of relations between men and women. After her mother died in childbirth, there were precious few confidants for Marian to question about such things. Without the understanding of Thornton's wife at Locksley, she would not have known monthlies were a natural change in a woman's body.
The ladies she knew at court never seemed to marry for love. They were usually forced into political marriages to clumsy fools or gross old men who saw them only as virginal brides to produce a male heir, proof of birthright being of paramount importance. The naughty gossip whispered in dark corners by castle servants or tavern wenches was never to be mentioned or even thought about by noblewomen.
Fear of the unknown and her desire for this man took up sword and shield to wage battle; Robin sensed the conflict. Sitting down on the plush pallet, he dragged her down and cradled her body between his knees. "Comfortable?" He asked as he dotted kisses along her shoulders and massaged the knots of tension in her neck. His talented fingers tenderly kneaded the soft skin.
Shifting positions Robin rested his chin on her shoulder. His wandering hands explored her body until he caressed her breasts, rubbing his thumbs across the soft peaks. There was reverence in his touch; "Marian…my wife." His words were hushed and spoken in exaltation.
Robin's love emanated from every part of him, she was awed and exhilarated. Marian never knew, never dreamt, she could feel like this. She wanted to embrace him intimately, envelop him, create a sensation he craved. A desire so necessary he would never leave her again. "You are all I want."
Marian was not aware how long he caressed her; the passion overwhelming her was stupefying and she wanted to rip away his clothes and devour him. The constraints of her upbringing, however, frowned on such behavior.
When Robin leaned back his bold lady smiled wickedly and turned in his arms, her eyes wild and impatient. She consumed his mouth, surprising him with her aggressiveness. Marian scrabbled at his shirt pulling roughly.
Wanting to absorb every second, Robin stilled her hands, not her enthusiasm. "Marian," he gasped taking her face firmly in his hands and kissing her; "Slow down…"
Standing he began removing his clothing in fluid movements; he was breathtaking. He had no modesty, but standing before her in all his moonlit nakedness his expression held a hint of vulnerability Marian had never seen.
Emotion-filled blue eyes locked; Robin gathered her dress in great handfuls lifting it over her head and tossing it aside as he stepped back. Marian saved the silken slip underneath for this moment and the look on Robin's face was definitely worth the effort. Slowly the bride untied the bows of the gown, first one and then the other until the last hindrance floated down, pooling at her feet.
His admiring stare was predatory, traveling slowly over every smooth contour of her body. Paled further by the moonlight, Marian's fair skin appeared was bone-white and smooth like finest porcelain. His hands soon followed his gaze as they floated down, squeezing her hips then lower; pressing her body against him.
Powerful, liberating desire drew them together like magnets and they embraced each other for a long time dwelling in a world only lovers know. Thigh to thigh, breast to breast they held each other as a blur of sensations engulfed them. As she put her lips against his flat nipple and drew it into her warm mouth, she felt him harden against her thigh.
"Kiss me," Her request was demanding as the coils of desire spun more rapidly.
Enticed by the tempting curve of her lips he skillfully probed her mouth, his tongue was hot and moist; subtle thrusts hinted of upcoming pleasures. Tiny explosions erupted sequentially within her and Marian gulped for air. Robin swept her into his arms and laid her on their pallet beneath the stars, her unbound tresses tumbling around her.
Bracing his weight on muscular arms Robin stretched out above her; the velvet slickness of her pale skin contrasted against his sun-kissed tan. Despite everything that was wrong in his life, at this moment he felt like the luckiest man alive - his heart's desire laid beneath him gloriously nude and reaching for him.
"I want to know you, Marian...all of you." His voice was a tortured whisper speaking her name as never before, a provocative smile encouragement.
Her body aflame Marian clasped her hands behind his neck, anchoring her as she drowned in his bottomless blue eyes. Robin flicked his tongue against her lips begging entrance; Marian accepted him eagerly. Kissing and groping they spoke only with their bodies, fingers exploring deprived places, tantalizing tongues tasting newly exposed skin, scorching kisses, searing the sensations to memory.
Robin caressed her hips and rolled his hand slowly over her knee and instinctively she drew it up as his hand drifted down her thigh, gently urging her legs apart. Repeating his promise to never hurt her and that he would be gentle, Robin tried to deflect her anxiety with penetrating kisses and more honeyed words
"Robin," she whimpered, shuddering beneath him. Marian was breathlessly aware of every touch, every taste, every titillation as he cherished her. Instinctively her body sought his to ease the throbbing ache consuming her and she arched into his talented hand.
At first, discovering each other and savoring the newness of being together was enough but; in no time desires dormant too long awakened. Her husband caressed hidden places and it thrilled her; the cascading swells poured over her as if she stood beneath a rushing waterfall. Both lovers stimulated and excited, their heated skin threatened to burst into flame.
"I want you." Marian reached between their slick bodies and guided him to where she most needed him.
His eyes were blacker than midnight, his breaths came in labored gasps; hard male muscle touched unyielding flesh. Gently, determinedly Robin pressed against her and she reflexively tightened. She grabbed his hips and drew him down; willing her body to relax, commanding unseen muscles to obey. Marian inhaled sharply when he pushed again and Robin froze for want of a breath; his eyes were clouded and improbably uncertain.
Marian shook her head, "…don't stop…" she managed and lifted her hips. He pressed again and another jagged pain struck her like a bolt of lightning across the summer sky; her body trembled and she squeezed her eyes closed.
"It is all right now, love." He smiled reassuringly and kissed away her tears. As if by magic the hurt was forgotten; replaced by unimagined pleasure as he rocked her.
"Look at me, Marian," he urged, wanting to soar in her sky-colored eyes as he made love to her. "Please…look at me."
Her eyes fluttered open and she cried out his name to the circling trees as he sank into her body. Concentrating on his handsome face she gripped his arms; her voice was hoarse, sensuous, "Robin…I am yours."
Patience and care tested his control and beads of perspiration appeared on his face. The smooth, long muscles of his thighs flexed as he moved gracefully above her. Their bodies melted in a liquid embrace, fusing together in a perfect fit.
An indescribable sense of release overwhelmed her, tiny explosions ricocheted throughout her entire body and Marian wanted to prolong the powerful stimulation.
"That's it…" He encouraged, panting heavily as her inner muscles convulsed. Wrapping her legs around him, she hugged his hips responding to the quickened pace.
Marian held on as if she were riding bareback on a runaway horse. With a final thrust Robin groaned low in his throat and collapsed on top of her, nestling his head against her breast. Marian combed the damp hair from his face as their breathing quieted. She was sore but the feeling of contentment pushed it too far away to matter.
Robin showered light kisses across her breasts then looked up at her through heavy-lidded eyes. "Are you all right?"
Marian nodded, beaming up at him, still stroking his hair.
"Next time will be better…trust me."
"This time was good!" Marian enthused, then immediately blushed. "When can we do it again?"
Startled, happy and a bit smug, Robin laughed quietly and kissed her forehead. "In a while…"
Nodding she pulled him down enjoying the feel of his weight pressing against her. The discomfort she felt was nothing compared to the sense of love and pure joy that cocooned her now.
"For a long time I thought I would never have this happiness…" She paused, stroking his bearded cheek.
"I can never be whole without you, Marian," he said as if reading her thoughts. "We are finally going in the same direction."
Lightly dragging her nails along the planes of his back Robin remained still for awhile before looking up to kiss her. In a smooth motion he rolled over on his back without releasing her. Marian slumped against his strong body and laid her head on his shoulder; Robin grabbed the corner of a blanket and drew it over their cooling bodies.
Idly playing with the chestnut brown hairs adorning his chest, Marian observed, "If we were to…"
"…make love," he said with a grin then licked the hollow of her throat.
"Yes…make love…" Marian giggled and paused, "If we made love more often, maybe we would not find so much to argue about." She dipped her head to nip at his Adam's apple.
Robin laughed, "We wouldn't have the energy!"
Marian sharply tugged a tiny chest hair.
"Ow!" Robin yelped swatting her hand away then suggestively twitched his eyebrows, "I'm certainly willing to try."
Marian grinned and kissed the wounded follicle. "The forest would be more peaceful... And you would be less infuriating!"
"…and you less frustrating!" Robin countered, sliding his hands down to pinch her bottom. "Could be on to something though…"
Marian wiggled against him, "Could be…" Slowly she traced the curve of his lips with the tip of her tongue, "Robin…" she lilted, her eyes darkening a shade.
"Mmm…" He mumbled as suckled the skin at the pulse point in her neck.
"…is it time yet?"
Grinning happily the young lovers grinned happily, sharing a contented peace neither had known until now. Their union was a merging of bodies, minds, and souls as if the final pieces of a very complicated puzzle were fitted into place.
Some things are not changed by the passage of time; the legendary love of Robin Hood and Lady Marian is as timeless as Sherwood Forest.
Fin
Author's note: There is an abundance of information on the internet about handfasting history and tradition. Parts of the ceremony were paraphrased in italics from the Handfasting Ceremony by Moonchilde which can be found in its entirety at paganlibrary dot com.
The explanation of handfasting by the fictional old soldier in this story was paraphrased from The Monastery by Sir Walter Scott, published in 1820.