Note: Hi again! I can't believe it's been 3 months since the story started! In this chapter, Mollie tries to integrate in the camp of outlaws and finally comes across the renowned Robin of Locksley…

Chapter 8: Robin of Locksley

Mollie's eyes widened at the sight that unfolded before her. Tents of various shapes and sizes dotted the clearing they approached, going as far back as her eyes could see.

This wasn't a camp of outlaws. This was the onset of a village, hidden in the heart of the forest.

The aroma of breakfast cooking wafted through the air. Mollie's mouth watered with saliva. Swallowing down, she reached inside her pouch and tried to satiate her hunger with a handful of nuts.

A central campfire was crackling in the distance where the meal was being prepared. A few people had gathered there to warm themselves.

Mollie's presence did not go unnoticed. Men seated by the fire exchanged glances, nudging each other to look towards her. A few dared to offer friendly nods. Mollie sent hesitant smiles in return.

A female voice rang out through the morning air.

"Will! Will Scarlett!"

Turning in the direction of the call, Will's eyes lit up at the sight of a vibrant, ginger-haired woman approaching with a sense of urgency. Her steps were quick, and her eyes focused on him.

"Will, my darling, would you mind watchin' my boys for the morning?"

Taking a step back, as if to put more distance between himself and the woman, Will shook his head. "I can't right now, Fanny."

It was then that Fanny's gaze shifted, and she noticed Mollie standing right beside him. Curiosity flashed in her eyes as she assessed the unfamiliar face.

"Who's this, then?"

Will gestured toward Mollie. "Fanny, this is Mollie. Mollie, meet Fanny Little."

Mollie offered a polite smile. Fanny's eyes flickered between the two of them, her curiosity unabated.

"Well, well, Will Scarlett bringin' someone new to Sherwood," Fanny remarked, a sly grin on her lips.

Will smiled and crossed his arms on his chest. "Her arrival is not my doing, Fanny. I just saw her passing through Sherwood and decided to show her the way."

"Passin' through, eh? Well, Mollie, welcome to the madness of Sherwood." Fanny leaned in a bit closer to her, her tone becoming more intimate. "What forced you into running away, love?" Mollie hesitated and Fanny continued, "It's not like I don't know myself how it is. Living in those villages has turned into a nightmare for many. You're welcome here anytime."

Turning her attention back to Will, Fanny's tone shifted, becoming more assertive. "Now, Will Scarlett, you're not so busy, are you? While you show this sweet thing around, you can also take my boys and watch them for a while, can you not?"

Will furrowed his eyebrows, a protest forming on his face but before he could voice it, she raised an eyebrow and a sharpness entered her voice. "I am losing my mind, Will Scarlett. My girl is sick! The older boys can play by themselves, but my mother needs a break from the twins. Now, John could watch them, could he not? But the older boys are already following him every step of the way and he has work to do!"

"And I do not?"

"Please!"

Fanny's plea was genuine enough, and Mollie couldn't help but feel for the woman.

Unlike Mollie's growing sympathy, Will squinted his nose in clear dismay. "Fanny, find someone else to watch them, please."

Fanny's eyes narrowed, and she tilted her head, her tone challenging. "When I see your mother, you will want me to put in a good word for you, will you not?"

The mention of Will's mother seemed to strike a chord, and he shifted uncomfortably. Fanny awaited Will's response with one hand on her hip, her foot stamping the ground impatiently. Mollie just stood there, watching the two in mild amusement. Fanny really wasn't leaving him any choice here, yet she made it sound like she was asking for a favour.

"Fine," he relented with a sigh. "Just for a while, though. I have things to do."

Fanny's face brightened, and she clapped her hands together. "Oh, bless you, Will Scarlett! You're a lifesaver. Now, don't you worry, sweetie," she said, turning to Mollie. "He might seem gruff, but he has a good heart."

"Fanny, what are you doing…" Will muttered under his breath, shielding his eyes in embarrassment. Fanny chuckled and grabbed his hand, leading him away.

"I'm just putting a good word out to the gal, what else!"

Mollie lost sight of Will and Fanny in the bustling morning crowd. A smile was playing on her lips. What a weird duo. At least this woman, Fanny, saved her from Will's stubborn insistence to know who the man he saw was...

Her hands curled in fists, a rush of nervousness washing over her.

Would he keep quiet about what he saw earlier? Would her secret about being a witch be safe?

Would she be forced to run out of Sherwood on the day she made it into the camp?

She couldn't tell.

Forcing herself to breath out slowly, Mollie continued to stroll in this unfamiliar clearing, alone this time around. The curious glances from the men didn't stop. Their eyes lingered on her. Some smiled suggestively, while others exchanged subtle nods and grins with each other.

Mollie felt a growing discomfort prickling at the edges of her consciousness.

So she directed her gaze elsewhere, pretending to be oblivious about the attention she was receiving.

Even once small children and the elderly took notice of her whispered and hushed among themselves.

What were they looking at? Did they know who she was? Could someone here recognize her as the Sheriff's sister? The Witch's daughter? Could rumours from Nottingham Castle have travelled so far into Sherwood Forest?

As she passed by a pair of men, both turned to follow her movements, leaving Mollie in yearning for a moment of solace. Her eyes darted around, searching for the familiar faces of Fanny, or Will even, or simply for a secluded place to escape the prying gazes.

She finally stumbled upon a secluded corner behind the last tent in the clearing. And she found she wasn't alone. The ginger haired mother from earlier sat on a makeshift wooden stool, carefully braiding a little girl's dark hair.

Mollie watched for a moment as Fanny hummed a tune, her nimble fingers weaving through the hair of who she could only assume to be her daughter.

Wasn't Fanny supposed to be tending to a sick little girl, not engaging in cheerful motherly activities?

Mollie approached the secluded corner, her steps careful not to draw attention. Once she neared, she cleared her throat, catching Fanny's attention. Fanny looked up, her cheerful smile faltering for just a fraction of a second before returning in full force.

"Well, look who we have here!" Fanny exclaimed, setting aside the comb. "You startled me, dear. Come, join us!"

Mollie took a seat beside them. "I didn't mean to interrupt. I thought you mentioned you needed to tend to a sick little girl?"

Fanny's expression faltered for a moment, a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. However, she quickly regained her composure. "Oh, that? Well, Lily here wasn't feeling well when she woke up this morning, but it seems like the fresh air has done wonders for her. A bit of morning sun does wonders, you know?"

Mollie raised an eyebrow, her gaze shifting between Fanny and the little girl named Lily. The child seemed healthy and content, contrary to what Fanny tried to make her believe.

As Fanny continued to braid her daughter's hair, she periodically glanced in the direction Mollie had come from, straining her neck to see better. "Will is not coming, is he?"

Mollie shook her head. "No, he's not."

Fanny let out a relieved sigh. "Good, good. Fine! I lied! I needed the peace to spend some time with my gal. If he sees I lied about Lily being sick just to get him to watch the boys for a moment, he would brood and sulk for days, making me feel guilty. Men! I don't like lying, certainly not with something as terrible as my child's health, but Lord knows I needed to!"

"Your secret is safe with me," Mollie said and the two women exchanged smiles.

Fanny's nimble fingers weaving strands of hair into intricate patterns. "Thank you, lass."

Mollie gazed at Fanny's daughter. The little girl snuggled closer to her mother, yet smiled shyly at Mollie with sparkling blue eyes.

"Nice to meet you, Lily. You have the most beautiful eyes."

Lily's shy smile widened as she nestled herself closer to her mother's chest. "You also have beautiful eyes."

Mollie smiled warmly at Lily's innocent remark. "Thank you."

Fanny nodded, "Aye, I have never seen a person with different coloured eyes before, so rare!"

Mollie shrugged. "Just a little quirk of mine. Nothing too special."

"Well, I think it's special."

Fanny's attention darted toward the energetic commotion nearby. She caught her twins running around the camp like a pair of wild spirits, their laughter echoing through the air. Fanny couldn't help but smile at their antics.

Her expression changed abruptly when she caught sight of Will Scarlett. He was scanning the surroundings, frustration etched across his face. It was clear he was looking for Fanny.

Fanny quickly ducked back and out of view. She motioned to Mollie to keep quiet and Mollie gestured she wouldn't say a thing. Once the danger was gone, Mollie asked Fanny about her children. Fanny rested a hand on her round stomach and said, "This would be my eight."

Mollie's eyes widened in amazement. "Eight? That's truly remarkable. You must be incredibly strong to handle as many."

Fanny chuckled, somehow looking both exhausted and fond of her little ones. "Strength comes with necessity, my dear. And a dash of madness, I reckon."

From the hidden spot they occupied, they could see Will was growing more agitated. His eyes scanned the campfire, the tents, and the groups of people, his impatience evident. Unsuccessful in his quest, he let out an exasperated sigh, running a hand through his hair.

Meanwhile, Fanny gestured widely to her twins until they saw her and then with dark eyes she motioned for them to stay low and quiet. It worked. For a moment or two.

Once they were off running again, Fanny just sighed and turned to Mollie, her voice steady, though her eyes occasionally flicked back towards Will and the boys.

"Now, tell me about you, my dear. What brings you to Sherwood Forest? You must have a tale of your own."

"The tales of Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men reached my ears, and I longed to join a cause that stood against tyranny and injustice." Mollie said, her mind quickly weaving a tale that would align with the purpose of these people.

Fanny's eyes gleamed with understanding. "Well, you've come to the right place, Mollie. Here, we fight for justice and freedom."

Mollie found herself peeling dry skin off her thumb nail, looking away.

Why was Fanny always so kind and inviting?

Suddenly a palm rested on top of hers.

"Take a deep breath, dear." Mollie saw the sincerity in Fanny's blue eyes. "You're among friends here."

Mollie managed a small smile, the tension in her shoulders easing ever so slightly.

Her eyes flickered toward the bustling camp and she caught a glimpse of Will's frustrated attempts to locate Fanny. As her gaze lingered on him, she couldn't help but say, "He's kind of cute."

Fanny's eyebrows shot up in surprise, and she let out a hearty laugh. "Cute? Will Scarlett?" She glanced at him from their hidden vantage point. "Well, my dear, you might be one of the very few who see that side of him. He's not one for easy charm and smiles, that's for sure."

"Perhaps he just needs the right person to appreciate his charm." Mollie knotted her eyebrows. "I might have a soft spot for the brooding type. My first crush certainly was a brooder."

"It's hard for most to find the charm in that one," Fanny said, nodding toward Will.

Mollie tilted her head playfully, casting a mischievous side-eye at the older woman. "Come on, Fanny, he can't be that bad."

Fanny smiled under her breath. "He's not bad, love. Just a difficult character, you know? Will Scarlett is like a storm – unpredictable and wild."

"But every storm has its moments of calm, doesn't it?"

Fanny's laughter echoed through the secluded corner. "If you manage to find a companion in Will, you'll have earned the admiration of many in Sherwood, not just me."

"Ah, don't mind me, Fanny. I'm not looking for anyone." Mollie's eyes returned on Will following the twin boys. She shrugged, smiling. "But what can I do? A charming man like him can't help but catch my eye."

Fanny raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile curving her lips. "Charming now, is he?"

Mollie chuckled, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "Well, cute, charming, he has a certain appeal."

"Just be careful not to get caught in his whirlwind. Will Scarlett may be charming, but he's not one to be tamed. Terrible, terrible temper this one has."

"Who said anything about taming?" Feeling a sudden surge of self-awareness, Mollie smacked her lips lightly, as if trying to snap out from a daze. "What's going on with me?" she muttered to herself. "I'm usually not like this. The trip is making me say things that I have never before dared to."

Fanny was watching her with a raised eyebrow and a humoured expression. "Let's just blame it on the exhaustion and the overwhelming nature of the journey that took you here, shall we?" she suggested playfully.

"You said it. Now can you tell me, who might the renowned Robin of Locksley be?"

The ginger woman shielded her eyes as she scanned the people around the camp.

"If you're looking for Robin," she said, "You best look for a very tall man with black hair first, that one would be my husband John Little, he's often where Robin is and he's easy to spot. The other man Robin often runs with is a Moore, he's also very easy to spot. There!"

Mollie followed Fanny's finger and saw a tall man with a broad build and dark hair, accompanied by a man with distinct features that hinted at his Moorish heritage. They were engaged in conversation near a large tent.

Her eyes focused on the blond man standing between them.

"This is Robin," Fanny said, confirming her suspicion.

Mollie's heart skipped a beat as her eyes studied the distant figure.

So this was Robin of Locksley, the renowned outlaw she had heard so much about.

His presence exuded a magnetic energy. Something about the way he stood, seemingly at ease, yet with his shoulders straight and proud, suggested a leader among these people. What exactly gave it away she couldn't tell. But she could feel the confidence he radiated even from afar.

Fanny nudged her gently. "Quite a sight, isn't he? With his golden hair and boyish charm. But shh! My husband must never hear I said that!"

Mollie chuckled. "Well, if you don't tell Will anything, he won't hear it from me either!"

"Look at you! You're a match for Will Scarlett, I will tell you that! Back to Robin, he has such a kind heart too," Fanny said with a deep longing sigh. The two women locked gazes and shared a burst of light chuckling. Gathering herself, Fanny shook her head, "Lass I haven't laughed so much in a long time!"

Mollie rubbed the corners of her eyes.

"Me too."

Drawing a calming breath, Fanny found Robin with her eyes again. "Bless him, he gives us hope. He's still sick. A bad fever tormented him for days. At first we thought Will Scarlett was doing poor, that boy lay on his deathbed, I kid you not, and then, after two or three days, he was back on his feet, no fever, no nothing, full of energy, whereas Robin who was doing better at the start, still fights with the cold that struck him."

Mollie listened intently to Fanny's words about Robin's recent illness.

"He fights with a cold?" she echoed, her eyes narrowing slightly. "I heard he was a formidable fighter, but I didn't expect him to struggle against a mere cold."

Fanny chuckled softly. "Aye, he's a fierce fighter, but even the bravest can't escape the grasp of illness. He pushes himself too hard, trying to protect all of us. Sometimes, I worry for him."

Mollie couldn't help the coldness setting inside her. If Robin was indeed unwell, this made him all the easier target for her brother. If she only managed to lure him out of the camp, her brother would easily put an end to the man tormenting him.

Fanny, oblivious to Mollie's thoughts, smiled warmly at her. "Awww look at you! Bless your heart, don't look so concerned for our Robin." Fanny patted Mollie's hand gently. "Rest assured, lass, he will get better and win us the freedom we deserve!"

Mollie smiled, straining herself to appear as enthusiastic. "If there's a way I can help, I'd gladly lend a hand."

"We could always use another pair of willing hands around here. I will introduce you to Robin and my husband after I finish with Lily's hair. Maybe they'll find a task for you."

Laughter and shouts echoed from their other side.

As Fanny glanced over her shoulder toward the source of the uproar, her eyes widened in horror.

There, coming from the trees, she saw Will Scarlett, with her twins.

Mud was flying in all directions.

Fanny's hand instinctively flew to her mouth as she watched the chaos unfold. Her eyes wide with shock, her jaw hanging with disbelief. The neat braid she had been working on for Lily's hair was forgotten as she stood frozen, unable to tear her eyes away from the scene.

"Oh, sweet Mary, have mercy!" Fanny exclaimed under her breath.

Lily, sensing her mother's distress, looked up with innocent curiosity. "Mama, what's happening over there?"

Fanny struggled to find words. Her attempts to maintain an air of composure faltered.

Exasperation replaced the initial shock on her face. "Will Scarlett, you rascal!" she muttered dangerously under her breath.

With a resigned sigh, Fanny turned back to Lily, brushing a few strands of her own red hair from her face. "Well, love, it seems like your mama has some scolding to do. Let's hope your brothers can clean up before your father sees them. He'll have their hides for this!"

Fanny hurried over and her hands found their way to her hips.

"Good heavens! What on earth is happening here?"

Will met Fanny's gaze with wide, innocent eyes.

"Just a bit of harmless fun, Fanny. The boys needed some excitement, didn't they?"

Fanny's eyes widened as she surveyed the mud-covered twins. She let out an exasperated sigh, clearly torn between scolding them and finding a solution.

"Oh, for the love of... What in the world possessed you boys to engage in such madness?" she exclaimed, her voice a mix of disbelief and frustration. "Excitement, Will? Really?" She shook her head, her eyes narrowing at him.

The boys exchanged mischievous glances but remained silent. Despite the innocent expressions they were putting on for their mother, they were failing to hide the traces of excitement which sparkled in their eyes.

Fanny sighed deeply and turned to Mollie and Will with an air of helplessness.

"It's too cold to wash them at the river. Bringing water from the river to warm it at the fire is too much work. What am I to do before John sees them like this?"

Mollie cast a sideways glance at Will, who seemed to be enjoying Fanny's dilemma.

"Well, Fanny, a bit of cold water won't hurt them," he said. "They're boys; they'll survive."

Fanny shot Will a look of mock disbelief. "Survive, he says! Oh, if you only knew the wrath of John Little when he sees them like this. He'll give me an earful about how I should keep a better eye on them."

Will scratched his forehead. "If only you had kept a better eye on them…"

Fanny groaned, rubbing her temples with her fingers. "Hush you! I should've known better than to let you lot out of my sight. Now, what's the quickest way to clean them up without freezing them to death?"

Mollie lifted her shoulders and suggested, "I will help you warm water and you can get clean clothes for them?"

Fanny sighed. "That would work... Let's hurry before John stumbles upon this mess. I swear, it's like having a pair of wild animals for children sometimes. And you Will Scarlett, I expected better from you!"

He gave her the most unapologetic shrug.

Mollie couldn't help but shoot a pointed glance at Will Scarlett as they fell behind with their step when Fanny led her twins by the ears towards their tent.

The mud streaked across his face was giving him a wild appearance.

His smirk pointed he was thoroughly proud of the chaos he had instigated.

"You made sure you'd be avoiding babysitting duty in the future, didn't you?"

Will's eyes widened in mock surprise, but a grin tugged at the corners of his mud-smeared lips. "Whatever do you mean, Mollie? We were just having innocent fun."

Mollie raised an eyebrow, her lips twitching with amusement. "Innocent fun, my foot. You're trying to make sure Fanny never asks you to watch her boys again."

Will chuckled, not bothering to deny it.

"I have to admit, it's an effective strategy."

Will shrugged with a twinkle in his eye. "I had to make clear babysitting is not my forte."

"I can hear you, Will Scarlett!" Fanny turned with a dangerous force as she let go of her boys' ears.

"I know, Fanny Little." He raised an eyebrow, his mouth corners twitching uncontrollably. "I took care of them like you asked me to, did I not? And boys, you had a good time, did you not?"

The twins were quick to voice their agreement and Fanny narrowed her eyes at Will. Breathing in deeply, she pulled her boys forward by the hoods of their cloaks.

"We'll see how much fun you'll have in cleaning all of the dirt off of you!"

True to Fanny's warning, the piglets and big boar couldn't wash away the mud that easily. Mollie found herself going back to bring warm water from the central fireplace for a numerous time.

Lifting the pot with the water, she headed back to the backside of Fanny's tent, where she was cleaning her boys.

Will quickly lost interest in the whole fiasco and disappeared, saying he was going to clean up by himself.

Mollie had pity with the pregnant woman so she stayed to help. But her arms were already weakening for carrying the pot too often and as she made her way back, she was too focused on her hands and not to spill away any of the water, that she ended up stumbling over uneven ground as the twigs beneath her boots seemed to conspire against her. Just as she felt herself about to collide with the forest floor, she had her whole focus on making her shadows stay where they were and not intervene, when strong hands reached out and steadied her.

Startled, Mollie looked up, and her eyes widened as she realized the hands belonged to none other than Robin of Locksley.

Her hold on the handle of the pot tightened. She somehow managed to keep it in her grip.

"Steady there," Robin said with a gentle smile, his eyes glimmering with a hint of concern and amusement. He studied her face when she just stared, caught off guard by the unexpected encounter. "You are new to our humble home, aren't you?"

Mollie struggled to find her words for a few painful moments. "Yes, I... I just arrived this morning," she stammered, her mismatched eyes holding Robin's steady gaze.

"Welcome," Robin said with a smile, his voice carrying a warmth that eased Mollie's unease. "I'm Robin, Robin of Locksley. And who might you be?"

"Mollie."

"What brings you to Sherwood, Mollie?"

Caught in the moment, she felt a surge of nervous energy. This was it. She had to play her part well. To weave a story that would secure her place among the Merry Men and, more importantly, earn Robin's trust.

"I came seeking refuge," she said, her gaze dropping for a moment before meeting his eyes again. "The world beyond these woods has become too harsh, and I heard tales of the hero of Sherwood. I hoped to find solace here."

Robin's expression softened, and he nodded with understanding in his eyes. "If refuge is what you seek, Mollie, you're welcome among us."

With the weight of his acceptance, Mollie felt relief.

She was here. In Sherwood forest. Standing right in front of the renowned Robin of Locksley.

What she would do from now on wasn't fully clear to her yet.

But she knew this much.

Robin of Locksley was weakened by an illness and was obviously way too trusting, like everyone else here seemed to be.

Fate was on her side.

Note: This is it, Mollie is already there, among the Merry Men, and met the thorn in her brother's side. Now comes the difficult part: how to lure him out of camp? In the next chapter we switch the POV. I hope you are as excited as I am to follow the story through Will's eyes next! See you soon!