Just after sunset Robin and Marian took a walk a little ways from the camp. They stopped atop a sand dune to watch the stars. Robin leaned back against one of the few trees in the area. Marian was sitting between his legs leaning back against him. She shivered and Robin tightened his arms around her.
"This is such a strange place: so hot during the day and turning so frigid as soon as the sun sets."
Robin pressed a row of kisses up her neck smiling when he felt another shiver go through her knowing that this time it had nothing to do with the cold air. He leaned his head against hers. "Believe me you get used to it after a while. You can get used to a lot of things if exposed to them long enough."
Marian fell silent deciding not to press him about his time here. When he was ready he would tell her. A comfortable silence fell over them as they watched the night sky and savored being together. "I do not think the sky is ever so clear and beautiful back home."
"I would come and sit like this many times when I was away. I'd look up at the stars and think about you. Wonder how you were and if you had forgotten all about me. I'd look up to the heavens and pray that God would spare me so I could return to you."
Marian turned around to look at him. "I could never forget you no matter how hard I tried."
He smiled at her taking her hands in his. "Marian, I know we said we would wait until the king was home and the sheriff was defeated but the king is here now. I was wondering if maybe you would marry me tonight."
Marian threw her arms around his neck kissing him. When she pulled back she smiled at him. "That was a yes."
That night the gang along with some of the king's guard gathered to witness Robin and Marian marry. The couple had happy smiles on their faces and tears in their eyes. The sounds of Much's sobs filled the tent followed by clapping when the king declared them man and wife.
Robin drew Marian to him kissing her tenderly. He drew back just enough to look into eyes. "Did you hear it? That kiss spoke volumes."
Marian smiled at him. "Really. What did it say?"
"It said that Marian belongs to Robin and he belongs to her."
"Silly fool." She kissed him again briefly before walking over to Much who was still crying. He wiped at his eyes and was surprised when she hugged him. She whispered in his ear. "Do not worry Much. You mean a great deal to Robin. That will not change."
When she pulled back he smiled at her. "Of course not, my lady. I'm happy for you both of you."
A feast was put together. It wasn't much but what could be managed under the circumstances. After all it wasn't often that there was cause to celebrate out here.
An hour into the celebration Robin and Marian managed to slip away to their tent. No one had noticed their departure being too drunk already on the wine the king had supplied.
After closing the flap of the tent Robin took Marian in his arms. He still had the same silly grin on his face. Hers matched his.
"I love you, my wife." His smile got bigger upon saying the words he had dreamt about for so long.
"I love you, my husband. I cannot believe this is real. We've waited so long."
Robin took her hand and kissed her ring. One of the knights had given it to Robin. It was a simple gold band with a sapphire in the center. Robin hugged her tight. "It is real and I am so happy."
Marian ran her hand through his hair enjoying the feel of his arms around her. "Me too."
Robin pulled back to look at her. "Nervous?"
In response she kissed him and started pulling him towards the nest of blankets on the floor. Robin laughed. Of course she had to have her way even in this. He was happy to let her do as she wished though so long as she continued to love him.
