|
Post by Robin Hood on Jul 15, 2009 12:52:51 GMT 1
"Yes, I know the look you mean. She had that same look when she spoke about her alias with me. I knew I would have no success in persuading her then, especially given her reaction to me. She was unaware, at first, who I was. When she figured it out she got rather excited."
Robin laughed. "It did marvellous things for my ego, I must confess. Still, the situation could become problematic. Nottinghamshire is going to become crowded with masked heroes, soon enough."
|
|
|
Post by Will Scarlett on Jul 15, 2009 16:08:26 GMT 1
"It would seem that she is a bit too forthcoming with people that she doesn't know about who or what her alias is. That sounds a bit too dangerous of an approach for her to take. I can see trying to rein her in ... bound to be a messy affair .... don't you think? "I can just imagine that she was just bouncing up and down with anticipation."[
"I can just imagine what her compliments did for your ego. After all you are the famous hero. I, on the other hand, am an unknown in her book. However, my value came up slightly just being associated with famous the Robin Hood. Don't worry I'm not planning to dawn any masks any time in the near future. " as he smiled sarcastically.
|
|
|
Post by Robin Hood on Jul 15, 2009 16:15:05 GMT 1
Robin had to agree with Will on that. "We are going to have to watch this one, Will. I think she is likely to get herself in all kinds of trouble. I also highly doubt she will listen to reason, even if it comes from someone she so apparently admires."
Robin laughed. "Will, I doubt you would believe it coming from me, but being everyone's hero is not always such a good thing. I feel my actions are constantly judged by everyone."
|
|
|
Post by Will Scarlett on Jul 16, 2009 6:03:17 GMT 1
Will believed that there was going to have to be a lot of after-the-fact damage-control and cleanup. She wasn't from the area so Will thought she might want to take some time geting familiar with Nottingham and the shire, as well as Sherwood Forest and most of the surrounding towns and villages. "I think, though, Robin, she's more likely to listen to you, the legend than the local carpenter," he laughed.
Will agreed that there were likely to be a lt more downsides than upsides to being the hero. However, somebody like Robin wasn't likely to have much control over it, so he shouldn't waste time worrying about it. "The thing is, though, Robin, is that you are generally up to the scrutiny, which most of us can't say."
|
|
|
Post by Robin Hood on Jul 16, 2009 6:09:04 GMT 1
Robin nodded, looking grim. "I will go to Merton again soon then, and talk to her. I will not see her hurt. Though whilst you may think she will listen to me, I think it would be far less obvious if it was the unobtrusive, kind carpenter instead of the boisterous, noisy hero who was the one to keep an eye on her, don't you?"
Robin laughed. "You think so, my friend? Sometimes all I wish for is all this to be different. For me to be some unknown person somewhere, the equally unknown Marian by my side."
|
|
|
Post by Will Scarlett on Jul 16, 2009 11:38:10 GMT 1
No, it seemed that Robin did not quite understand what he was saying. "I didn't say that I thought she would listen to you. I have my doubts whether she will listen to anybody, in fact. However, I think its more likely that she'll listen to and respect Robin Hood's opinion tha anyone else's. Yes, it would be less obvious coming from me, but not necessarily more effective than antone else would. She as, after all, no more reason to trust me than anyone else, yet."
It sometimes amazed Will how Robin viewed himself so much more differently than his admirers did. In truth, he apparently had much less real confidence in himself than others placed upon him. This just added, undoubtedly to the pressure he already felt. "I wish it could be different for the two of you as well. I wish that you could escape all of this. I am not famous, or a hero, but I wish I could just escape all of this into a carpentry shop and be left alone from all of the world's troubles. That would be paradise for me."
|
|
|
Post by Robin Hood on Jul 16, 2009 14:12:56 GMT 1
"Yes, I suppose I see what you mean. If she has her mind made up, there will likely be no talking about it."
Robin smiled at Will's words. It occurred to him, as it had on numerous occasions, just how much more Will understood than people seemed to give him credit for. They were both so different in the way they presented themselves. If Robin had an idea, or thought he knew best, then everyone around him knew it. Will, on the other hand, was a lot more subtle, not needing the adulation that Robin craved. He reached out, clasping Will's shoulder. "If that is perfection for you, I very much hope you get it my friend."
|
|
|
Post by Will Scarlett on Jul 16, 2009 15:01:58 GMT 1
Will thought that Robi would come to the same conclusion that he had. However, he also knew that they had to watch over her, try to prevent her from making mistakes, and if she got into trouble, to try and get her out. Additionally, since Will was on the ground in Locksley, while it was likely that Robin and the rest of the gang would be back in Sherwood, the primary responsibility would fall to Will.
"Yes Robin .... it would be ....and I have a fair idea would be for you as well. I also have a suspicion that it would involve Marian," he smiled. "However, at least for me, perfection is a goal and a dream, and as such I know my dream will never be realized, and my life is likely to be short. But that's what dreams are for .... something for us to strive toward, eh.?"
|
|
|
Post by Robin Hood on Jul 16, 2009 15:07:54 GMT 1
Robin could certainly only agree with that. "It is good to dream Will, yes. However, I also believe every man has a purpose which he is destined to carry out, and I do not believe yours shall come to an end so quickly."
He often thought that whilst ever he fought for England, Robin fought for the people he cared for too. If Will or Djaq or Much or even Allan had dreams for the lives they might lead when this was all over, he would do whatever he could to ensure they became a reality.
|
|
|
Post by Will Scarlett on Jul 16, 2009 15:46:14 GMT 1
It was difficult for Will to see that he had a prticular purpose of any type, other than the basic life he was now leading. He had been trained to be a carpenter, and all else that he had loved or had loved him had been taken away. So, was this his destiny? Was it to simply be Locksley's carpenter, as his father had been. He wished a better future for his brother.
On the other hand, he found Robin to be a unique individual. He was an idealist whose idealism had survived the horrors he had experienced and that he had done. Such people lead revolutions they don't restore others to their thrones, Will thought. "I think your destiny lies well beyond Richard the Lionheart, Robin. I just don't think you've discovered it yet. However, whatever it is you will have men, perhaps like me, to fight for you and serve with you, of that I'm sure."
|
|
|
Post by Robin Hood on Jul 16, 2009 16:14:46 GMT 1
"My destiny is now entwined with England, Will. Beyond that I have nothing I desire, beyond being with Marian. All I would long for after that is peace, and perhaps forgiveness for my sins, when the time comes that I shall need it."
Robin often wondered what Will thought of the things he said and did, as he wondered what everyone thought of them. It was hard to know if those around him placed the same faith in the King, even as Robin's own faith in the man wavered these days.
|
|
|
Post by Will Scarlett on Jul 16, 2009 16:47:59 GMT 1
Will agreed mostly with Robin, but with some reservations, as he slowly nodded his head. "I think all of our destinies are entwined with England, Robin. However, some may not believe that England is the king or that the king is England. Richard is undoubtedly the rightful king and sovereign. However, we must understand that it is not the survival of the king that is at stake, but the survival of England."
"As time as gone on, I think, there is a question about whether our king wants to be king so that he can govern and protect his pepole or whether he can continually make war in a foreign land. I'm afraid it comes back to that idea of being abandoned once again. Understand, if Richard would decide to return tomorrow, or the day after, we would all fight for him. I'm just afraid he's never coming back."
Will understood quite clearly the things that Robin desired. "Those desires are quite commendable Robin and understandable. As far as the rest goes I think that few men have tortured themselves as much as you over what you have done and what you have seen tahn yourself. You have sought to make restitution in the only ways available. And in many ways this place has served as your purgatory. I think that God is a forgiver, and if any man is deserving of that forgiveness, it is you, at least more so than myself I believe," and Will turned not really willing to look Robin in the eye.
|
|
|
Post by Robin Hood on Jul 16, 2009 16:57:39 GMT 1
"I have pondered that very question with Marian, Will. Does the King now fight a war for England's sake, or simply for the sake of fighting a war? I do not deny that I have faith in him, and yet I can only wonder about it, as must we all, until the day he returns. When you protect a man, save his life, you find your path become inextricably linked with theirs. I can only hope that path leads him in the same direction as I."
Robin laughed. "A lovely sentiment Will, though perhaps foolish. Is not murder a sin? The greatest of sins. We were not put on this earth to take the life of another. Neither our god, nor that of those I have fought, condones it. And I would not change the way people viewed me by daring to utter a number even close to that of the number of lives lost at my hand."
|
|
|
Post by Will Scarlett on Jul 19, 2009 12:49:14 GMT 1
Will thought that with each passing day it had to be more than pondered. They were going to have to deal with the possibility of King Richard never returning, and Prince John being changed to King John. Would they except him as monarch or would there be a civil war? "It has to be different for you, Robin, than for us. e don't have that close personal link, most of us anyway, to the man. He's a much more distant and isolated character to us."
Will could easily see how Robin, likely in his private thoughts, tortured himself over such matters. Will was a private man, much as Robin was in such matters, so he understood to some degree. ]"Others may look atr us as being very different, Robin. I rarely speak unless spoken to, and you are quite outgoing. However, they don't realize that often your speech is used as a shield. And that you rarely talk of these things that are close to your heart, especially those things you take personal responsibility."
"While it is true that you are responsible for far more deaths than I, I have killed as well. I do not believe that numbers are important to God. One murder is just as significant as 1000. The act is a sin. However, I think intent is important as well. Many of those were committed defending yourself as well as others. I can't believe that you would take life in cold blood, and besides, if you would be sincere in repentance, all manner of sin can be forgiven. I ave known you nearly your entire life. If your are unable to gain entrance to heaven it will certainly be a very lonely place," he said, looking directly into Robin's eyes.
|
|
|
Post by Robin Hood on Jul 19, 2009 14:06:49 GMT 1
"Yes, I suppose that would make it hard, not knowing him at all. I suppose all you have to go on is the word of others that he is a good man. It has been a while now, but I doubt his character has changed too much. I can tell you he is a good and honourable man, Will. I only hope he does not let the war cloud his vision."
Thinking about it, Robin sighed. "I truly hope, if it comes to that, that the people of this country might accept Prince John as King. It would be making the best of a bad situation. We can not afford further unrest."
Robin laughed. "I'm not so sure about that. Is heaven not our own personal and perfect world? I imagine one free from the overbearing and outgoing Lord of Locksley might be more your idea of paradise."
|
|