Aftermath

Chapter Three: The Others

Will, Much, John, and Shamir were sitting together. Will told the others that Robin blamed himself for what had happened.

“Robin is not to be held responsible for the Sheriff’s actions,” said Shamir.

“It’s not Robin’s fault,” spoke up John.

“I know,” replied Will, “but I’m having trouble trying to convince Robin.”

“We must convince Robin that he is innocent of those atrocious deeds,” said Shamir.

Will agreed.

“We still need to git back at the Sheriff for…doin’…wot ‘e did to Robin,” added John, angrily.

Much suddenly stood up and ran off.

*~*~*

Will followed. He soon caught up with Much. Much was sitting with his back against a slender sapling, with his knees drawn up with his chest. He was sniffling.

“What’s wrong, Much?” asked Will, in concern.

“I remember when we rescued Robin,” said Much, with a shudder.

He squeezed his eyes shut.

“It was awful.”

“I know,” said Will, “but it’s all over now. Robin’s alright.”

“No,” disagreed Much, “he’s not. Not really.”

Will couldn’t argue with that.

“He will be,” replied Will instead, “he will be.”

Will left Much at the sapling and returned to his previous spot with John and Shamir. Marian had joined them.

“I heard Much is upset,” she said.

Will nodded.

“This whole business with the Sheriff has upset him,” he replied.

“I feel the same,” said Marian, “although, I should be grateful that I did not see any of it for myself.”

“You’re right about that,” agreed John.

“Robin’s alright for the moment,” said Marian.

“Good news at last,” commented Shamir.

*~*~*

Much rejoined the group just in time for supper. Robin soon joined them.

“Would you like supper, Robin?” asked Marian.

Robin thought about it for a minute and said, “Alright.”

Marian smiled, pleased at the response.

Marian’s pleasure soon faded, however, as Robin only ate a few mouthfuls and pushed the rest of his food around in the bowl.

“Are you finished eating?” asked Marian, worried.

“Yes,” replied Robin, “I guess I’m not as hungry as I thought.”

She sighed and collected his bowl and spoon.

That night, Robin had yet another nightmare. This time, it starred the Sheriff of Nottingham himself.

~~~~

“Lady Marian is quite lucky to have snared you, Loxley,” said the Sheriff, looking at Robin’s nude body hungrily.

Robin glared at the Sheriff, but said nothing in return.

“Tell me, Loxley,” continued the Sheriff, “is she still a maid, or have you and your men deflowered her, yet?”

“Don’t talk about Marian in that manner,” growled Robin.

“I imagine she has a hard time keeping her hands to herself, but who could blame her?” commented the Sheriff, sitting beside Robin and placing a hand on his thigh.

Robin jumped off the bed. The Sheriff followed suit.

“You’ll make her very happy some day, when you two actually lie together,” continued the Sheriff.

Robin pressed himself closer to the wall and hissed, “I said not to talk about her in that fashion!”

“But, I don’t see how she could ever love you, after what you’ve done,” the Sheriff concluded, ending with a kiss to Robin’s lips.

~~~~

Marian awoke to the sound of Robin sobbing.

“Robin, what is it?” she asked, moving over to sit beside him.

He scooted away from her and hugged himself.

“I had an unpleasant dream, but I’m fine now,” he said, not looking at her.

“Are you sure?” she asked, gently placing a hand on his shoulder.

Robin shrugged her hand off.

“I’m sure,” he said, and lay back down on his bed roll.

*~*~*

After Robin was asleep again, Marian sat and watched him for a bit. He was sleeping peacefully now, but for how long was uncertain. It was pretty quiet in the forest, which meant Little John was currently on watch. Robin and Marian were on one side of the fire pit, with about two or three feet between their bed rolls. Will, Much, and Shamir were on the other side of the pit. Will was lying on his side, with his cape wrapped around a rock as a pillow. Much made quiet snuffling noises as he slept, and Shamir slept with one hand on his scimitar. Robin suddenly shifted position, still fast asleep, causing Marian to look back over at him. He was laying on his back now, his golden hair falling over his face, much like a curtain. She watched the steady rise and fall of his chest for several more minutes, until she, too, fell back asleep.