AN: Only about 3 more chapters to go after this one. Is anyone else as excited as I am?
It was already dark by the time Marian reached Sherwood. She found the outlaw's camp easily knowing the likely places Robin would settle the gang. Surprisingly though Robin was not among the others.
Much was the first to notice her happy surprise showing on his face before he walked over and hugged her. "Marian. I am glad to see you. Why are you here, though?"
"My father helped me realize that I belong here"
Much's smile grew. "You are staying then? I'm glad" And relieved maybe Robin will stop being in such a perpetual bad mood now.
"Yes, I'm staying if Robin will have me that is"
"Come. I will take you to him"
Marian followed Much a little ways away from the main camp to a small clearing. She stood there for a moment just looking at Robin who was sitting there staring up at the night sky. He looked like a little lost boy. She raised her gaze to Much an unspoken question in her eyes.
"He has been keeping to himself quite a lot since you left. Hardly says a word to anyone even me. Just sits off to himself thinking about you I imagine. Well, I'll leave you two alone then."
Marian walked a little closer to Robin. "You look lonely. Want some company?" He spun around shock showing on his handsome face. His expression would have been quite funny if her heart weren't suddenly overwhelmed with love. "We should be spending more time together. Please don't send me away"
Robin was on his feet in a second. It only took a few more before he dragged her against him and kissed all the breath from her. When he finally drew back his eyes were filled with love and disbelief. "Please tell me I am not dreaming"
Marian laughed. "If you are then we are both having the same dream"
Robin's smile faded as a thought came to him. "What are you doing here? Has something happened to your father?"
"My father is doing quite well. I have not seen him look so healthy in years. Actually he told me I should come back to you. I guess he could not handle me being so gloomy all the time."
Robin's face again showed disbelief. "Your father said that? I will have to thank him when I see him again. If you stay the sheriff can still use you against me. I do not want you in danger."
"He cannot if he does not know I am here. I will help you as the Nightwatchman. Only here in the forest will I be Marian. If he does discover I am back we will face it then."
Robin nodded. "This is not an easy existence, Marian. You will have none of the comforts you are accustomed to."
"Do you think I cannot handle it?"
"Marian, I do not think there is anything you could not handle. I just want you to know what you're getting into and be sure about your decision"
"I have made my decision and no one including you will change my mind." She reached up caressing his cheek. "Here I will be free. I will no longer be restricted in helping the people and most importantly I will be with the man I love so I will be happy. My place is wherever you are."
Robin smiled at her finally convinced. When she got that stubborn glint in her eyes nothing could change her mind "I love you and have missed you terribly"
Marian got that mischievous twinkle in her eyes. "Why don't you show me how much then?"
"I like the way you think." He then drew her tightly against him and kissed her. Before their lovemaking had always been slow and easy but this time was different. They had been apart too long to have any patience. They spent the night making love under the stars hardly believing they were together again.
When they finally made it back to the main camp the next morning the others were sitting around waiting on breakfast which Much was busy cooking. Robin got everyone's attention. "Does anyone have any objections to Marian joining the gang?"
Everyone just nodded except Allan who couldn't resist teasing a little after all it had been a while since he could tease Robin without fear of getting thoroughly pounded. "If we did you would kill us, mate. This gang is being taken over by women" His last comment earned him a glare from said women. He threw up his hands in mock surrender. "I was just joking, jeez" With that everyone settled into to the circle a very unusual family but family nonetheless.