Robin returned to camp to find everyone present asleep, with the sole exception of Lady Cecily. Much, despite trying to remain awake, had succumbed to sleep after midnight, sitting up with his back against a tree, waiting for his master's return.

Lady Cecily was extremely pleased to see Robin, but did not move from her spot, sitting as elegantly as possible on a log in the forest. The dashing outlaw joined her, and stood with one foot on the log, smiling politely down at her.

"I'm surprised to see you awake," he began with quiet concern. "Didn't Much make you a bed?"

"There was no need. I couldn't sleep with you away."

"That will change. I'm frequently away at night."

"Oh, I hope not!"

She managed to look helpless and pretty. Robin maintained his polite composure.

"You must be tired. I'll arrange some kind of bed for you."

He moved swiftly, cutting and laying down green fronds to soften the earth, then placed a fur on top.

"It's not what you're accustomed to, mila-Sess," he apologized, "but the view of Heaven more than compensates for our rustic accomodations. Just take a look at those stars!"

Cecily gazed in rapture at the stars, not overhead, but in his eyes. His vivid blue eyes shone with starlight, and he continued to walk on air, fresh from his recent meeting with Marian. There was nothing that could bring him back down to earth tonight.

"I find I am still not sleepy," Cecily confessed eagerly, feeling a surge of energy in his presence.

"It's quite a night," Robin confirmed, lost in the thought of Marian's eyes, touch, and scent.

"A night made for romance," Cecily agreed.

Robin nodded, then realized what Cecily might be implying. He wasn't sure, but to play it safe, he quickly changed the subject away from stars to more tangible topics.

"Where are Allan and Maggie?" he asked, not really needing an answer, having come upon their sleeping forms himself, not far away in the forest.

"It grieves me, Robin," Cecily admitted, "to find you in the company of whores and common thieves."

"I'll not hear you speak ill of my men," Robin told her angrily.

"Forgive me," she begged, bowing her head. "That is how they appear to me."

"You are mistaken. These are the finest, truest men in England."

"Only because you make them so. You can do wonders, my lord."

Lady Cecily felt drunk with desire. If only he would feel the same, and crush her to him! She was not a virgin, but the only man who had ever known her was her dead, decrepit husband, and she had gained no pleasure from his lovemaking. She longed to succumb to her near decade long passion for Robin tonight, and seal their union. Yet her breeding prevented her from appearing forward, and she clung to her ladylike demeanor.

"Please, Robin, " she continued. "Don't be angry with me. We are friends, and friends ought never to argue."

Robin couldn't help but smile, thinking of Marian.

"Arguing can be a lot of fun," he told her, grinning.

"I know nothing of that. I was taught to be submissive. Please tell me you find it endearing and proper, at least!"

He lied. He found it boring. "It is a most admirable quality. But Sess, we both need to go to bed. Tomorrow will bring duties and cares, and I can't lead if I don't get any sleep."

"Then let tonight bring something else! Oh, Robin! Can't you feel it?"

"Goodnight, milady," he said, formally.

"No!" her heart was crying. But her lips only echoed the words, "Goodnight."

Robin lay down, to dream blissfully all night of Marian.

Cecily forced herself to lie on the bed he had made her, her mind fueled with plans to darken Marian's name.