Part 5
Marian and Robin decided to make best use of the opportunity to spend some time alone together, the harsh weather had prevented that for many weeks and it appeared to both of them that they were always tripping over Much. Today they sought refuge at the blue pool, the shelter that Marian and the children had used some weeks before was looking worse for wear once more and had evidence of use as a shelter for some wild animal. They chose to stand on a couple of large stones which bordered the pool. The water had frozen over since their last visit, forming patterns and locked twigs and leaves within.
Robin wrapped his arms under Marian cloak and pulled her to him so that their bodies were flush, each drawing heat from the other as her arms snaked their own way about him.
"This is better," he declared and she smiled in response.
Robin leant down and rested his roughened cheek against her soft one drinking in the moment of stillness together without any interruptions. Marian took a deep breath and let it out slowly before reaching up to cup her hands about his face and drew him apart. Recently his eyes hadn't hidden anything from her; and today was no exception, she traced her finger across his full lips before leaning up to kiss him. He welcomed the kiss, claiming what was his with a swift sweep of his tongue and enjoying the feelings that they stirred and evoked it each other. The kiss was hot and passionate but was suddenly cooled when a large icicle grew too heavy for the twig on which it grew and plopped right down his neck, past his clothing and down to his backbone before it settled in and melted. He pulled away and shuddered as Marian, just laughed and he could not help but smile in return.
Tuck had been at his new post for a few hours, his hosts or employers had shown him where he was to sleep. It was a pleasant room, airy even today when he drew back the shutters to let light, and fresh air breeze in, traces of unwashed bodies trailed up the stairs and permeated every part of the house, he thought. He sniffed in the air and sighed. It was now or never, he thought, to start what would be his role for the next two years at least if not for longer.
He walked down the landing, then the stairs and paused at the foot by a room in which he could hear voices behind the closed doors. Tuck recognised the booming voice of Brother John, which was one voice he hadn't expected to hear. He pulled away, eavesdroppers never heard anything good about themselves; he should not listen to what was being said. However he was pulled, Brother John was a deceitful and corrupt man, if Tuck could find out what was in the offing perhaps he could stop it before it was too late. Carefully and silently he put his ear to the door, there were several male voices and although he couldn't distinguish them he soon found them out to be of the Sheriff of Nottingham his sidekick Gisborne, his employer, his employer's wife and of course Brother John. They were plotting some scheme which did not surprise him, to rid themselves of a thorn in their side. When he heard the conversation shift to himself he moved away, walking to what he knew would be the room in which he was called to carry out his duties. He was muttering as he entered the room and did not take stock of what was inside.
"Robin Hood," he said. "I need to talk to Robin Hood if anyone can help me he can."