'I'm telling you Marian,' Robin laughed. 'There is no way you are calling our, I mean, this child, Dominic.' Robin reddened at his own mistake. He had been so wrapped up in the idea of having children with Marian that he had forgotten the child was with them only to be taken back to his real family. 'Honestly, women!' He added, trying to draw attention away from his blunder and reddening face.

At the particular moment of Robin's slip-up, Marian had been paying far more attention to his fiercely blue eyes than the words that had been pouring out of his well structured mouth. How I wish I could just lean over and kiss those perfect lips, and dive into the beautiful blue depths of his eyes. Marian stopped herself from going any farther as she noticed Robin's flushed face. Robin, embarrassed?! Well I've heard there's always a first time for everything! Now what were we talking about? Oh yeah I remember, names! She tried to focus her attention on Robin's face as a whole and changed her expression to resemble one of annoyance. 'And why not?' Marian queried. 'Dominic's a lovely name! He would be Dom for short! It's simple and easy to remember! What's wrong with it?' she pressed, not really caring for the answer, just content with feeling so relaxed for a change and seeing Robin so happy.

'You do know he probably already has a name? And a family,' Roy added, although he knew that neither Robin nor Marian would pay any attention to him or his truthful statement.

'Because,' began Robin, who had either not heard Roy, or had decided to ignore him anyway. 'Because you'll give him a bad start to life, that's why! Remember that boy in the next village on from Locksley? He was called Dom, and he didn't exactly have a good childhood now did he?!' Robin finished with a smug little nod of the head.

Marian smiled at this, 'I think you'll find that's because he had 7 younger brothers and sisters to look after. That and the fact that his Father was a drunkard! Nothing at all to do with being named Dom, or Dominic,' she pointed out.

'Aah! Fair point,' Robin conceded. 'But he's still not being called Dominic or Dom for that matter. Anyway, I always liked the name Charlie. My first son, I always imagined, would be a Charlie. Charlie of Locksley, well Charlie Hood now I suppose. Either way, it's got a good sound to it don't you think?'

Marian was taken aback by the fact that Robin had not only thought about having children, but also that he had named them as well. She glanced at Roy, who appeared to be equally as shocked, but was managing to hide it far better than Marian, who couldn't hide anything from Robin, no matter how small or insignificant.

'And what about for a girl then? Or have you not thought about that?' Marian tried to recompose herself, only to be knocked straight back by Robin's easy reply of 'thought their Mother could choose. What do you suggest her name to be?'

Before Marian could answer, or even properly register Robin's comment, Roy hushed them.

'Quiet. We need to be more aware,' Roy told them quietly. 'We're nearing the village. What do you want to do now Robin?' he asked, unsure of what Robin's proposed plan of action would be.

'You'd best go ahead,' Robin indicated to Marian. Now that they were leaving the safety of the forest, Robin's whole approach to the situation had changed. He was once again the tireless outlaw that was feared and hated by the Sheriff.

And back on goes his armour Marian sighed. No more joking or laughing or thinking of the future. I suppose it was just to humour me anyway. Why would Robin have thought of his children when he lives in a forest, with no food, spending all his time caring about helping others more than he does himself. I guess that's one of the reasons why I …

'Marian?! Attention to Marian?!' Robin broke her away from her thoughts. 'Did you hear what I just said?' Not for the first time that day Robin cursed himself for his tone towards her. When she nodded he carried on, 'You need to check thoroughly that there are no guards. Not even one. Not just for mine and Roy's sake either,' he added unnecessarily, but with emotion to ensure she understood exactly what he meant. Marian knew the consequences of being seen with outlaws, especially Robin Hood. With one last sweeping look at the baby, snuggled closely to Robin's chest, and Robin's blood stained sleeve, Marian nodded and set off in the direction of the nearest villager.

I'd protect her with my life, but sometimes even that isn't enough. Why can't I be nicer to her? I mean, everything was fine a minute ago, damn stupid village! Robin thought miserably, as he watched her smiling at the small group of children that had ran towards her and her horse as she'd entered the village. But there she goes, once more, in a different direction. Just when I thought we were starting to understand each other again. Maybe the bit about calling my first son Charlie was a mistake, but what else was I meant to do in the Holy Lands? I had to have something to preoccupy my mind with, and what better than planning my future, my family, with the woman I …

'Rob, we can't stay long. It's just get stitched-up and go, right?' Roy tried to make him understand. He'd seen the wistful look in Robin's eyes as he and Marian had been talking about baby names. Now though, that wishful look was replaced with something that resembled regret. When Robin just nodded, without making a sound, or taking his eyes of Marian talking to a villager, Roy added, 'guess I should head back to camp and warn the others. We might as well all go now, safety in numbers and all that.' Again Robin just nodded.

Roy sighed and turned back to the direction of their camp. At least he bought the excuse, although I don't really think he was listening to me, Roy thought, with little comfort. I'm going to need everyone's help to get Robin away from Marian. That'll be hard enough, but to make him hand the baby over? On my own, that's nigh-on impossible! Much does this so much better! And with a new found respect for Much, Roy set off leaving Robin, with Marian, and the baby.