Robin barely noticed Roy leave, all of his attention was focused on Marian. While he waited for the signal that told him the coast was clear, and that it was safe for him to go down, Robin replayed the conversation in his head. 'What do you suggest?' Honestly! No wonder she didn't reply, she probably didn't even think about having a future with me, let alone what the names of our children would be, Robin thought. Now it's going to be awkward, just as we seemed to be getting on better, almost like how we used to be. Well I've gone and blown it totally now. There'll be no chance of a friendship, let alone anything more.
He looked down at the baby, who was lying happily, content to be held and playing with Robin's tag. 'At least someone appears to be having fun!' he smiled.
'Yeah, the best time of my life!' came the reply. Marian laughed slightly at Robin's shocked face staring at the smiling baby in surprise. She waited for him to realise she was there before continuing. 'Come on! I've just spoken to Amy, that women down there, and she said that Gisbourne and his men passed through about an hour ago, so she doesn't expect them to come this way again today. But, it's best not to stay too long anyway. Where's Roy gone?'
Robin was so shocked by Marian's lengthy speech, after all she was a woman of very few words, that he only registered the two names, Roy and Gisbourne. 'Roy's gone to get the others, and Gisbourne doesn't act like anyone else does. Wouldn't be surprised if he hadn't already sent out a search party to find you. After all he does so want to know you.' Robin replied bitterly, not caring that he sounded like a spoilt child who hadn't got their own way. Well I haven't, and I really don't like him anyway he thought as Marian turned to face him again. He lowered his eyes, ashamed.
Marian was shocked by Robin's sharp response, and tensed position. She knew he disliked Gisbourne but hadn't realised just how much until now. OK, so he's taken his lands, his village, his home, but Robin chose the forest and his new way of life. I don't exactly like Gisbourne, but at least I try to hide it, Marian thought. She looked at Robin, willing him to look at her. When he did, she flashed him a small smile, to let him know she understood and felt the same. 'So, come on then, let's get going! Pass me Aaron.' Marian commanded, stretching her arms up to take the baby.
As Robin passed him down, he realised what she had just said. 'Hang on! 'Aaron'? Where did that come from? I thought you were set on Dom?!'
'I was, but then realised that Dom grew up to be a drunkard too, and didn't want to tempt fate, so decided Aaron. It was my father's father's name.'
'Fine by me! Aaron it is! Can you please stitch me up now? It's sort of starting to hurt!' Robin admitted, changing the subject from baby names. He dared to let himself hope. Maybe she has had some thought on the matter! he smiled. But my arm is really killing! Well the part that I can still feel! Who knew such a small baby would weigh so much? Robin thought as he slowly flexed his arm out, trying to regain some sort of feeling in it.
Marian had already started to walk towards the village, proudly carrying Aaron in her arms, singing softly to him. Robin smiled at them. That should be Marian singing to our child, our son. Well it would have been if I hadn't gone off to the Holy Lands and left her behind. Especially with that slimeball Gisbourne. What if I hadn't have come back when I did? Would Marian be married to him now? She'd be Lady of Locksley, living in Locksley Manor, but with the wrong Lord and husband. I could never live to see that happen. That would be pain beyond belief. Absolute torture. As Robin thought this, he involuntarily shuddered.
Marian glanced back and saw Robin shiver, a look of uttermost hate and pain on his face. Pretending she hadn't seen, she continued on towards the village, shifting Aaron in her arms, to make the journey more comfortable for the both of them. He really does not like Gisbourne! she thought. I just wish Guy would leave me alone! Of course if Robin hadn't gone off to fight, we would probably be married by now, and it would be our son I would be holding. He probably didn't even give me a second thought, when he was off fighting someone else's war, rather than fighting more important issues at home, with me. I would have even settled for him fighting me, if he'd just have stayed. Although, Much did say he heard Robin say my name when he was dreaming. I'll have to ask him about it, but he'll probably just deny it. Emotions are signs of weakness in men, apparently, so in outlaws it would be like a death sentence. How knows what the Sheriff would do if Robin ever did express any emotions towards me. He already suspects that I am helping Robin somehow, even if he can't prove it, yet. But add some feelings? Well, I might as well put a noose around both our necks. Marian shuddered at her own thoughts.
At that moment they entered the village, both preoccupied with the darkest of thoughts.