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Post by Marian Fitzwalter on Jul 2, 2009 17:47:10 GMT 1
Marian hated this, knowing of the food shortage. She didn't like to think of people suffering so greatly. There was little she could do, though...Publicly at least. She had helped Much before, helped him take some food from the masses in the castle, and no one had noticed. So with a small bag in hand, not a lot but enough to be able to feed a few villages, she set off.
She had to stay so quiet, and she had found that she was more able to do that now than she had been before. The ability to sneak around had came second nature to her when she was the Night Watchman and had to hide it from her father. Now however, she had to make sure she wasn't caught by any of the guards.
She knew it would take too long to deliver everything herself, and she didn't want any villagers seeing that it was her, so she knew what she had to do. Quickly saddling up a horse, she rode off into the forest, careful to keep the horse quiet until she was out of the castle grounds. She wasn't too fond of the forest at night, something about it was rather strange, but she had no choice. After all, she really couldn't go out during the day to the forest, guards were more alert then.
Finally, she found herself in the area she was sure was Robin's Camp. She didn't know if they were still in this area, Robin moved about a lot, but he was always nearer the centre on the forest than the outskirts. Looking around, she kept her horse moving slowly, ready to move just in case, but still enabled her to have a good look around.
"Robin? Robin where are you?" she spoke as loud as she could, before whistling the signal they had agreed on before.
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Post by Robin Hood on Jul 2, 2009 18:33:37 GMT 1
The sky was completely dark now, in the patches he could see through the branches overhead. Night had staked its claim on Sherwood. And yet, as ever, sleep evaded Robin. His mind was plagued with the memory of endless days under a hot sun, the oppressive heat, and the sounds of battles never truly won.
Robin's thoughts were interrupted by the unexpected and quite likely unwelcome sound of a horse's hooves, the soft unmistakable sound they made upon contact with the forest floor.
Robin was on his feet instantly, moving through the trees towards, and yet also away from the sound. If the one who approached was a foe, he would have to lead them away. He could not risk discovery of his gang.
Standing with his back to a tree a small distance away from the camp, Robin could now more clearly hear the sound of the approaching horse. Once the horse had come close enough that he might ascertain the identity of its rider through the almost pitch dark of night, Robin peered from behind the tree, careful not to make any sound.
It was at the instant that he realised who it was that Marian spoke, and Robin moved from behind the tree, a cheeky grin lighting his features. Moving in a wide circle, careful not to make a sound, he approacher her from behind, stopping just a few short paces behind her horse before he spoke, laughter in his voice,
"Closer than you think, my love."
(turns out I couldn't sleep with this stuck in my head, hope it's okay for a first try)
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Post by Marian Fitzwalter on Jul 2, 2009 18:49:53 GMT 1
Marian screamed when she heard the voice from behind, having not heard him getting closer. Jumping off the horse, she looked at Robin, clearly not amused. However the anger was short lived when she couldn't help but smile at seeing him.
"You need to stop doing that," she said with a light laugh.
Quickly, she reached over to her horse, unhooking the bag she had attached. Opening it for a moment, she checked that none of the food had fallen or anything. Tying it back up again, she walked to Robin, handing him the sack.
"There's enough food for some of the villages in there. I can get more, but I don't want to take a lot at a time and risk being found out. Take these and give them out to as many families as you can. I'll bring more when I can."
She kept her eyes on him the whole time, hoping he would realise just how much she wanted him to help these people for her.
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Post by Robin Hood on Jul 3, 2009 1:30:46 GMT 1
Seeing her smile, and more importantly, seeing that smile directed at him, Robin could not stop the grin that spread across his face. In truth, Robin thought, any words from Marian, any look, made him smile. Even when she was angry, or frustrated with him.
Taking the sack from Marian's outstretched hand, Robin smirked at her, eyes twinkling, even as he began to think of which villages had the most urgent need for the food. "Someone must keep you on your toes, Marian. If not me, then who?"
Peering into the sack, his expression turned serious. "There is quite an amount of food here. You take a great risk in bringing this, Marian."
Realising that she may take offence at his words, he dropped the sack to his feet, reaching out to place a hand on her arm. "Thankyou." He hoped she could see the sincerity of his words.
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Post by Marian Fitzwalter on Jul 3, 2009 2:00:14 GMT 1
Marian watched as he took the bag, glad that he seemed to be happy about that. She knew he would be able to find out who needed this most, and was happy that those in need would soon find themselves fed. She rolled her eyes at his remark, choosing not to reply to it, only watched him going through the sack.
Suddenly, he did not seem so happy anymore. She frowned, wondering if perhaps something was wrong with the food that she hadn't realised. But then he spoke his concern, and she shrugged.
"The Sheriff has more than enough stored away, and is having many feasts due to it. He will just think that he really has put that much food out on the table. Don't worry."
She knew it was a pointless thing to say, for him not to worry, because she knew he would anyway. But she could look after herself and part of her wanted to prove that to him even after all this time. Nodding when she thanked him, she reached up a hand to cover his on her arm.
"Just make sure this gets to the families that need them. And that you and your men are fed well also."
She knew Robin well enough to know that he would give up his food to help those who needed it, but it was the last thing she wanted.
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Post by Robin Hood on Jul 3, 2009 7:32:48 GMT 1
Robin shook his head when she spoke of the sheriff. "Entire villages go hungry whilst that man has his feasts." He practically spat the words, before making an effort to rein in his emotions, not wanting to vent his frustrations when Marian had gone out of her way to help.
"Do not worry about my men or I, Marian. Our first concern is the people. We must get them through this." He could not possibly take any of this food for his gang. There were too many who were surviving on much less than they were.
Robin took the hand that rested on his, wrapping his fingers around hers for a moment before reluctantly letting go and taking a small step back, allowing the physical distance to provide him the ability to say what he must.
"The hour grows late, you should not tarry. The forest is no place for one such as yourself at night, m'lady." He winked, his tone light as he spoke the words, even as he wished he did not have to utter them.
(Sorry, bit short...)
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Post by Marian Fitzwalter on Jul 3, 2009 10:15:33 GMT 1
Marian understood his anger, she often felt the same. After all, she was getting more than all those villagers and she was under house arrest. Then again, the Sheriff often liked to show her off, like a trophy, despite how much she protested. Not that she would let Robin know this, she knew how he would react.
"It is the Sheriff, would you expect him to do anything else?"
Marian sighed when he spoke of her concern for them. Glancing at the forest floor, she shook her head before glancing back up at him. She understood how he felt, but that did not mean she wanted him to put his own health at risk. If not for the villagers, then for her. She needed that hope that whilst she was stuck in the castle, Robin was out there helping people.
"I know where your concern lies, mine does as well, but what hope do the people have if you and your men begin to run out of food? Just promise me you wont let it go that far."
Smiling, she looked at his hand when he curled his fingers through hers, before looking up at his eyes. She still got that feeling of excitement when she was with him, even just holding his hand sent her stomach into flips. Then he had released it and Marian had to pretend she didn't dislike it as much as she did, hiding her disappointment.
"Oh do not worry, sir, I can more than handle myself." Her tone was light also, but she still felt like she should make sure he knew that she understood the risk she was taking and that she knew she could look after herself.
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Post by Robin Hood on Jul 3, 2009 13:22:57 GMT 1
Robin could not help but chuckle, albeit darkly, at her words regarding the sheriff. And he could of course only agree with her. "You are right, Marian. And yet, knowing that you must spend your days in the castle, always under his watch, and not to mention Gisborne..."
He trailed off here, his anger and jealousy of Gisborne clear in his tone. He hated the man, that was true, but he also envied him. To be able to see Marian, to speak with her, not having to hide away in the shadows, getting more than just stolen moments and brief exchanges. It was maddening.
Her obvious concern for him when she spoke of the welfare of he and his men warmed his heart. It was moments like this that he was reminded of the true kindness of her heart.
Seeing the smile light her face when he had taken her hand was almost enough to make him lightheaded. Still these moments he was not entirely comfortable with, though. He could not imagine what he could say to her, now. He had never been able to master his emotions. Not out loud and certainly never with her.
Her lighthearted comment raised his spirits slightly, and he was able to hide away the melancholy feelings with a mischievous smirk. "Oh, I have no doubt about your abilities to...handle yourself, my Lady Marian. Perhaps, though, I worry for those you would encounter."
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Post by Marian Fitzwalter on Jul 3, 2009 14:25:33 GMT 1
She understood his dislike of her being in the castle, sharing his feelings completely. She wished she wasn't being kept there, that she could go where she wanted to and see Robin when she chose to see him. It was far too hard now for her to see him, and she always had that fear that they would be caught one of these days.
"It is stifling, yes, but it still means I can find out more for you and tell you any plans I have heard. It is useful in a way."
Marian spotted the smirk on his face and once again her stomach flipped. He had that ability to do so to her so easily, to make her forget all of their troubles, forget how seperated they were and the consequences of what they were doing. Both of them would certainly face hanging if they were caught, but when Robin gave her that smile she no longer thought on that.
"Those I encounter? Does that mean you are worried for yourself?" She matched his teasing tone and smirk with one of her own, and it seemed they were back to how they used to act before the Holy Land. The teasing, the laughter. The lack of worries.
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Post by Robin Hood on Jul 3, 2009 15:15:57 GMT 1
She was right, of course. As usual. Not that he would ever be caught admitting as much. She may very well be of great use to the cause, living in the castle and providing information as she did, but that did not mean he had to like it. Or wish for it to continue. He wanted her close, where he could watch over her, and know she was well.
"It should not be so complicated, Marian. What is to stop you leaving the castle? Surely not Gisborne or the sheriff? You need not fear them. You would be safe here."
Seeing her smile back at him, Robin wished he knew what she was thinking. Did he have the same affect on her as she had on him? He barely felt that he could think straight when she looked at him like that.
Unable to resist, he brushed back an errant lock of her hair that had fallen loose, hooking it behind her ear. His hand lingered by her cheek, his thumb resting lightly against her face. Leaning forward slightly so that their eyes were level, he adopted a face of mock terror. "But of course I fear for my safety. I am in the company of the famous Night Watchman! I shall be lucky to escape with my life."
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Post by Marian Fitzwalter on Jul 3, 2009 15:52:49 GMT 1
Marian sighed as once again he mentioned that he wanted her here. She so much wanted to just stay, never go back, but it wasn't an option. It never would be an option until the King returned. Whenever the King returned, she knew she would be able to stay with Robin all the time without worry.
"Robin, you know I have to stay for my father. He is not well, if I leave I put him at an even greater risk."
She knew they had talked about this many times, but that did not stop it getting harder each time to say no to him. She always had that thought of changing her mind, choosing to go with him. But each time her thoughts returned to her father. She refused to leave him, especially in the castle.
Marian felt her breath hitching when he reached forward, her eyes closing for a moment as she took in the feeling of his hand on her cheek. It was something to remember when she was locked up in the castle again. Opening her eyes as she spoke, she found his eyes level with her own.
"You may be lucky, Robin of Locksley. I asure you the Night Watchman is fully on your side," Marian grinned, a slight glint of cheekiness showing through. "For now at least."
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Post by Robin Hood on Jul 3, 2009 16:01:46 GMT 1
Robin crossed his arms in exasperation at her words.
"Why must it always come back to your father, Marian? You are simply using him as an excuse! Sometimes I think you like staying in the castle."
His tone was petulant, and he knew it. But he was right! Of course he was right. The situation was simple, and yet she insisted on complicating it.
Robin laughed outright at her next words. "Only for now? Should I fear vengeance from the Night Watchman for some act as yet uncommitted?"
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Post by Marian Fitzwalter on Jul 3, 2009 16:10:57 GMT 1
And there it was, the moment she always experienced with him. This often happened, and she came to expect it. They would disagree on something, usually her safety and her situation, and they would argue. But she didn't like the way he thought she was pretending to stay close in the castle.
"You know that's not true! Robin if I could I would be here with you, you know that. But if I do, my father can't look after himself. He needs me."
Marian rolled her eyes, then nodded, stepping away from him. His folded arms wasn't exactly the most inviting stance, so she might as well show her disagreement with him by standing further from him than she was.
"Yes. One of these days."
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Post by Robin Hood on Jul 3, 2009 16:37:10 GMT 1
Robin sighed in frustration, letting his arms drop heavily back to his sides. He thought, as he had on many occasions, that things would be a whole lot simpler if she was not so good at convincing herself that she was right.
If only she could see his point of view. It seemed that every conversation they had wound up at the same point.
Seeing her step back, he could only assume he had once again done a good job of infuriating her beyond the point of fixing it with words. Picking up the sack of food at his feet and gathering up the few things that had managed to roll out when he dropped it, Robin moved a few paces towards camp, silently daring her to stop him from going. If she could be stubborn, then so could he.
"One of these days? A challenge, Marian. I shall be waiting."
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Post by Marian Fitzwalter on Jul 3, 2009 16:46:33 GMT 1
Marian groaned when he stepped back, knowing that one of them would have to give in or they would both go away angry. However, she also knew that they were as stubborn as each other and would not give in easily. Watching him, she was going to help him tidy up but chose not to. That could be viewed as her giving in, some form of apology and she wanted the apology from him.
Then he was walking away. Well that wasn't how it was meant to end. She knew she looked put out, her mouth pouting slightly as she watched him get closer and closer to camp. She wasn't strong enough, not now anyway. But she had to try and not give in, try insanely hard anyway.
"It will happen when you're not expecting it Robin."
Two could play at this game. Slowly, she stepped back, beginning to fix her horse. Of course, she could do this far faster than she was doing it at the moment, but she wanted to delay leaving as much as she could.
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