The Force of Destiny, Chapter 24
Original Post
Rating: PG-13
Pairings/characters: Much/Eve, Robin/Marian, Matilda, Djaq, Allan, others
Word count: 2515
Spoilers: While this alters the end of S2, there are still minor spoilers for the whole run of the show, including S3.
Summary: The sheriff's revelation about Eve is dealt with, and Matilda spills Marian's secret.
Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with TA, the BBC, or the production of the show, and intend no infringement through my tale.
previous chapter
-24-
Djaq had nodded off in her seat by the hearth. Much was leant forward in his chair beside the bed, elbows propped on his knees and his hands clasped loosely together, his head bowed. He did not pray well, but he tried sometimes; and this was definitely one of those times.
Please, God, don’t take him. Not yet, and not like this. We need him too much. I know You already let me keep him in the Holy Land, so I hope I can ask again. Because he’s needed more than ever now, and not just by me this time. Now, there’s the rest of the gang, and the people; but especially Marian and Atiya. They’ll be lost without him. Marian might get through it, but that little girl has already lost her mother; You can’t take her father, too. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to say You couldn’t do it! You can do whatever You see fit. But please, don’t do that. Please help him recover.
Just then, the door opened and Marian came in, her face tearstained but calm. She looked to the bed first, checking to make sure nothing had happened in her absence. Robin lay there, in a deep sleep thanks to whatever it was Djaq had given him. His breathing was still audible and labored, his color still tinged blue, but he was breathing, and that was the important thing.
“Much, Eve’s outside. She would like a word with you.”
His stomach did that little flipping thing it did whenever he thought of her, and he found himself nearly smiling as he got up. Then he felt guilty for being happy when Robin could be dying right beside him, and hesitated as he started to mentally berate himself.
Before he got far in his thoughts, Marian had laid a hand on his arm. “Don’t,” she said softly.
Surprised, he stared at her.
“It will upset him if he finds out you have put your life on hold for him, and he will not recover if he’s upset. So, go. It’s all right.”
Much then surprised both of them by giving her a quick hug. “Thank you.”
She was still startled by the unexpected embrace when he stepped back, but smiled.
That was why he did not hold his own smile back anymore, though it quickly dropped away when he saw Eve standing in the center of the corridor, her expression bereft. In fact, she looked as miserable as Marian had before fleeing the sickroom.
“What’s wrong?”
He moved toward her, but she held out a hand to stop him. “Wait, Much.”
Feeling the beginning of a panic come on, he racked his brain for what he could have done to set her off. Without realizing he was transitioning from pondering to speaking aloud, he asked, “Is it because I’ve been down here? Did you want me to come with you?”
She blinked. “What? No. No, that’s not it; of course, you should be with Robin.”
“Then, what is it?”
God, she didn’t want to do this, but Marian was right; she had to. “It’s about what the sheriff said.”
He instantly knew what she was referring to. Was that what had her so distressed? “What about it?”
Surely, he could not be recalling the right part of the sheriff’s speech. “I mean when he said... he had bedded me.”
Much nodded. “I know what you meant.”
She stared at him. This was even worse than she had expected; he did not believe it. Fighting back a new spate of tears, she said unevenly, “It was true.”
“I figured it was.” He thought he understood now. Ignoring that she had held him off earlier, he moved over and took her into his arms. “I’m sorry that he made you remember that, and in front of everybody.”
Eve was so tempted just to give in and accept the comfort he was offering, but she could not let the subject sit unfinished. Pulling back just enough to see his face, she asked, “You are not angry with me?”
“Why would I be?”
He caught her off-guard sometimes, but rarely left her speechless. He had done it now, however.
Seeing this, he gave a little shrug. “Well, I’m not saying that I’m thrilled about it, or that I like it. I don’t; I hate it. But that’s not going to change anything. And you were not in love with him...” There he faltered. “Were you?”
She had literally felt herself fall more in love with Much with each sentence, and was beginning to hope that he was not going to send her off, after all. “No. I hated him even then. Especially then. But I was too afraid of what he might do if I said no. And my mother needed care, and he paid so well--” She broke off when Much’s expression clouded. “For tasks. Assignments. Not for that,” she clarified.
He relaxed. “We have already talked about the rest of it,” he reminded her, holding her to him once more. She snuggled against him with a contented sigh, and they stood like that for awhile, drinking in the comfort they each got from the other.
“I love you,” she finally spoke, declaring it fervently into his neck, since she did not want to move.
Tightening his arms around her, he murmured into her hair, “I love you, too.”
“I would have lived in the forest with you forever, raiding the roads and robbing the sheriff, if that’s how it had to be. But I am glad we’ll get to settle down. I cannot imagine what I would have done if it was you in that bed. Not that I’m glad it’s Robin,” she amended.
“Don’t worry; I understood,” he reassured her. “I don’t know what I would do if it were you.”
That startled her. She had assumed that Robin was as important to Much as she was, if not moreso after a lifetime of friendship. It was not a fact that she particularly treasured, but it was a part of Much’s life, and she had acknowledged that she had to accept it if she was to be happy, since otherwise she would be miserable constantly dwelling on it. However, that sounded as if... “Am I more important to you than he is?” she asked, not to challenge him, but because she could not quite believe it.
This time, he leant back to look at her. “Of course, you are. You didn’t know that?”
“I-- no.”
“Eve, he’s my friend, but you’re my future. And he will be a part of it" --please, God,-- “but without you, I don’t have one.”
She teared up again, this time with happiness. Without another word, she kissed him.
A few minutes had passed when they heard footsteps approaching. Bleary-eyed, they glanced up to see Will coming toward them. He looked briefly amused, but concern quickly won out.
“How’s Djaq?” he asked.
“Sleeping,” Much replied.
Will frowned. “She needs to rest properly. Meg’s got rooms ready for all of us; I should take her to one.”
“What if Robin needs help?” Eve pointed out, ignoring her flare-up of nerves at the prospect of speaking out to one of Much’s friends who had been so upset with her not long ago.
“Matilda should be here soon,” he said, too distracted to be thinking of the altercation. Then, he sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “But you’re right.” He ambled down the hall toward the bedchamber, sitting down on the walkway outside the door and leaning against the wall.
“And actually, I need to go back. Is that all right?” Much asked her carefully.
“Of course,” she replied. Still not anticipating returning to the room full of outlaws, she said, “I think I’ll sit in the courtyard for awhile.”
“Are you sure? I think I heard that food was being sent round to the sheriff’s quarters. I wouldn’t mind a bite to eat,” he added, mostly to himself.
She let out a little laugh. “I have already had my fill, but I had not realized you’ve not eaten yet. I’ll have something brought.” She leaned up and gave him another kiss, this one on the cheek, and started walking toward the kitchens, while Much returned to the sickroom.
Djaq was still snoozing and Marian was seated beside the bed, holding Robin’s hand and staring down at him. She looked up at Much as he came in, a bleak despair in her eyes.
He recognized that look. It was very similar to the one Robin had had when she laid near-death in a cave in the forest over a year ago, before they thought she had died.
Then, Robin’s gaze had alternated between being too frightening to comprehend, or too heartbreaking. But, Marian did not have the darkness within her that had led to his terrifying expression, the darkness Robin had developed in the Holy Land. Her eyes were simply tragic.
“How is he?” Much asked.
“The same.”
They both watched the injured man for a minute.
“Is Eve all right?”
Much nodded. “She is now. Thanks.”
“I am glad. I know I was rather harsh about her when you first met, but I like her now. You’re good for one another.”
“You think so?”
"I do."
“Thank you.” He found himself pleased by Marian's approval, though it was not something he was aware that he sought. They had known one another almost as long as he had known Robin, but had never developed that same bond. Still, it was nice to think that she considered him.
After another several minutes had passed, she said, “Do you think I... Are Robin and I good for each other?”
He would never have anticipated that question, so it took him a beat to answer. “Yes.”
“Are you sure?” Her voice was so small, he could barely hear her.
“Of course, I’m sure. What’s this about?”
“It’s nothing,” she murmured. “Thank you.”
He gave her a strange look, but let it drop. Soon after, a servant arrived with their meal.
Djaq woke up when the food was brought in and checked on Robin, changing his dressings without comment. The other two watched, and when she had finished and still had not said anything, Marian asked, “How is he?”
With a gesture, Djaq answered, “All right, for the time being. Now, he simply must heal, and not take ill in the process.”
They had just finished eating when Matilda swept into the room and sized everyone up in one glance. Pointing to Djaq, she said, “You, go get some fresh air. Take a walk with your husband. You” --to Much-- “are fine. You” --to Marian-- “had better get some rest, for you and that baby.”
“No, she’s the one who’s expecting,” Much spoke up, nodding to Djaq, while Marian stared, wide-eyed, at the woman.
“Don’t correct me; they’re both expecting. Now, step aside and let me see my patient.”
Much and Djaq were both staring at Marian now, who could feel her cheeks redden. Matilda moved Much none too gently to the side, as he started to sputter.
“Were you two going to tell us?” he exclaimed, hurt that Robin had not said anything to him.
Djaq spoke up sharply. “Much.”
Marian’s embarrassment was turning to misery, but he did not notice. “I mean, congratulations and all that, but it would’ve been nice to be told,” he continued.
“Much!” Djaq barked, at the same time that Marian cried, “Robin doesn’t know! I have not told him yet.”
Djaq appeared stricken, while Much said, “Oh.” He had the grace to look abashed. “Well, I suppose that’s all right, then. I mean, not that he doesn’t know, but that nobody told me. Us. Any of us.”
“If you don’t all quiet down, you won’t get the chance to tell him,” Matilda chided. “I take back what I said about you being fine, Much. All of you, out. After you tell me what you’ve given him,” she added to Djaq.
“I am not leaving Robin,” Marian protested.
The healer’s gaze was sympathetic. “You do need to rest.”
Stubbornly, Marian indicated the large chair Djaq had been inhabiting. “Fine. I will rest there.”
Realizing the young woman was not going to back down, Matilda nodded. “Very well. But if you get up before I tell you, you’re out, too.”
Marian acquiesced, but on her own terms. “Much, before you go, will you move that chair next to the bed?”
The glance Matilda gave her was a mix of frustration and respect, but she said nothing.
Much positioned the chair where Marian directed, on the far side of the bed so that Matilda could reach Robin immediately if the need arose, while Djaq explained her treatment, which Matilda approved. “Excellent.” She leaned over him, examining the wound. “But not enough. Oh, my boy; what have you done?” she murmured sadly, patting the side of his face. Turning back to Much, she said. “I’m going to need a pot or something.”
“A pot? For what?” he questioned.
She began to retort, but noticed Marian’s pallor and tempered her words. “I need to drain his chest,” she said carefully.
Much’s nose wrinkled, but he withheld comment. “I’ll go find that, then,” he declared, and fled.
“You will need someone else in here; we had to restrain him when he woke,” Djaq told her.
“For God’s sake, send someone quiet,” Matilda muttered. “And someone strong. Little John and two others. And Much can come back, if he can hush up.”
Marian settled into the large armchair, positioned so that she could hold Robin’s hand, while the others left.
“Why haven’t you told him about the little one?” asked Matilda, as she examined Robin’s wound more closely.
With a sigh, Marian replied, “I wanted to be entirely sure before I said anything. And then, we were supposed to be at Locksley within the next day or so, and I thought I would tell him our first night there; make an even larger celebration of it.”
After a pause, Matilda said, “The next time he wakes up, I want you to tell him.”
Marian let out a horrified gasp. “No, please--”
“Not because of any immediacy. Because it’ll give him an added reason to fight.”
With a light rap on the door, Allan came in with Little John, Much and Tuck behind him. Allan started to speak, but Matilda cut him off. “I asked for someone quiet.”
Holding up his hands in surrender, he moved toward a seat at the foot of the bed. As he did, he gazed at his injured leader, concern creasing his brow.
“He’s going to be fine,” Marian murmured firmly, before resting her head against the back of the armchair. John and Tuck exchanged a glance.
Allan gave her a nod. “Right.” As soon as she closed her eyes, he glanced at Matilda. None of them were entirely reassured by the look she gave him.
next chapter
*
Rating: PG-13
Pairings/characters: Much/Eve, Robin/Marian, Matilda, Djaq, Allan, others
Word count: 2515
Spoilers: While this alters the end of S2, there are still minor spoilers for the whole run of the show, including S3.
Summary: The sheriff's revelation about Eve is dealt with, and Matilda spills Marian's secret.
Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with TA, the BBC, or the production of the show, and intend no infringement through my tale.
previous chapter
-24-
Djaq had nodded off in her seat by the hearth. Much was leant forward in his chair beside the bed, elbows propped on his knees and his hands clasped loosely together, his head bowed. He did not pray well, but he tried sometimes; and this was definitely one of those times.
Please, God, don’t take him. Not yet, and not like this. We need him too much. I know You already let me keep him in the Holy Land, so I hope I can ask again. Because he’s needed more than ever now, and not just by me this time. Now, there’s the rest of the gang, and the people; but especially Marian and Atiya. They’ll be lost without him. Marian might get through it, but that little girl has already lost her mother; You can’t take her father, too. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to say You couldn’t do it! You can do whatever You see fit. But please, don’t do that. Please help him recover.
Just then, the door opened and Marian came in, her face tearstained but calm. She looked to the bed first, checking to make sure nothing had happened in her absence. Robin lay there, in a deep sleep thanks to whatever it was Djaq had given him. His breathing was still audible and labored, his color still tinged blue, but he was breathing, and that was the important thing.
“Much, Eve’s outside. She would like a word with you.”
His stomach did that little flipping thing it did whenever he thought of her, and he found himself nearly smiling as he got up. Then he felt guilty for being happy when Robin could be dying right beside him, and hesitated as he started to mentally berate himself.
Before he got far in his thoughts, Marian had laid a hand on his arm. “Don’t,” she said softly.
Surprised, he stared at her.
“It will upset him if he finds out you have put your life on hold for him, and he will not recover if he’s upset. So, go. It’s all right.”
Much then surprised both of them by giving her a quick hug. “Thank you.”
She was still startled by the unexpected embrace when he stepped back, but smiled.
That was why he did not hold his own smile back anymore, though it quickly dropped away when he saw Eve standing in the center of the corridor, her expression bereft. In fact, she looked as miserable as Marian had before fleeing the sickroom.
“What’s wrong?”
He moved toward her, but she held out a hand to stop him. “Wait, Much.”
Feeling the beginning of a panic come on, he racked his brain for what he could have done to set her off. Without realizing he was transitioning from pondering to speaking aloud, he asked, “Is it because I’ve been down here? Did you want me to come with you?”
She blinked. “What? No. No, that’s not it; of course, you should be with Robin.”
“Then, what is it?”
God, she didn’t want to do this, but Marian was right; she had to. “It’s about what the sheriff said.”
He instantly knew what she was referring to. Was that what had her so distressed? “What about it?”
Surely, he could not be recalling the right part of the sheriff’s speech. “I mean when he said... he had bedded me.”
Much nodded. “I know what you meant.”
She stared at him. This was even worse than she had expected; he did not believe it. Fighting back a new spate of tears, she said unevenly, “It was true.”
“I figured it was.” He thought he understood now. Ignoring that she had held him off earlier, he moved over and took her into his arms. “I’m sorry that he made you remember that, and in front of everybody.”
Eve was so tempted just to give in and accept the comfort he was offering, but she could not let the subject sit unfinished. Pulling back just enough to see his face, she asked, “You are not angry with me?”
“Why would I be?”
He caught her off-guard sometimes, but rarely left her speechless. He had done it now, however.
Seeing this, he gave a little shrug. “Well, I’m not saying that I’m thrilled about it, or that I like it. I don’t; I hate it. But that’s not going to change anything. And you were not in love with him...” There he faltered. “Were you?”
She had literally felt herself fall more in love with Much with each sentence, and was beginning to hope that he was not going to send her off, after all. “No. I hated him even then. Especially then. But I was too afraid of what he might do if I said no. And my mother needed care, and he paid so well--” She broke off when Much’s expression clouded. “For tasks. Assignments. Not for that,” she clarified.
He relaxed. “We have already talked about the rest of it,” he reminded her, holding her to him once more. She snuggled against him with a contented sigh, and they stood like that for awhile, drinking in the comfort they each got from the other.
“I love you,” she finally spoke, declaring it fervently into his neck, since she did not want to move.
Tightening his arms around her, he murmured into her hair, “I love you, too.”
“I would have lived in the forest with you forever, raiding the roads and robbing the sheriff, if that’s how it had to be. But I am glad we’ll get to settle down. I cannot imagine what I would have done if it was you in that bed. Not that I’m glad it’s Robin,” she amended.
“Don’t worry; I understood,” he reassured her. “I don’t know what I would do if it were you.”
That startled her. She had assumed that Robin was as important to Much as she was, if not moreso after a lifetime of friendship. It was not a fact that she particularly treasured, but it was a part of Much’s life, and she had acknowledged that she had to accept it if she was to be happy, since otherwise she would be miserable constantly dwelling on it. However, that sounded as if... “Am I more important to you than he is?” she asked, not to challenge him, but because she could not quite believe it.
This time, he leant back to look at her. “Of course, you are. You didn’t know that?”
“I-- no.”
“Eve, he’s my friend, but you’re my future. And he will be a part of it" --please, God,-- “but without you, I don’t have one.”
She teared up again, this time with happiness. Without another word, she kissed him.
A few minutes had passed when they heard footsteps approaching. Bleary-eyed, they glanced up to see Will coming toward them. He looked briefly amused, but concern quickly won out.
“How’s Djaq?” he asked.
“Sleeping,” Much replied.
Will frowned. “She needs to rest properly. Meg’s got rooms ready for all of us; I should take her to one.”
“What if Robin needs help?” Eve pointed out, ignoring her flare-up of nerves at the prospect of speaking out to one of Much’s friends who had been so upset with her not long ago.
“Matilda should be here soon,” he said, too distracted to be thinking of the altercation. Then, he sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “But you’re right.” He ambled down the hall toward the bedchamber, sitting down on the walkway outside the door and leaning against the wall.
“And actually, I need to go back. Is that all right?” Much asked her carefully.
“Of course,” she replied. Still not anticipating returning to the room full of outlaws, she said, “I think I’ll sit in the courtyard for awhile.”
“Are you sure? I think I heard that food was being sent round to the sheriff’s quarters. I wouldn’t mind a bite to eat,” he added, mostly to himself.
She let out a little laugh. “I have already had my fill, but I had not realized you’ve not eaten yet. I’ll have something brought.” She leaned up and gave him another kiss, this one on the cheek, and started walking toward the kitchens, while Much returned to the sickroom.
Djaq was still snoozing and Marian was seated beside the bed, holding Robin’s hand and staring down at him. She looked up at Much as he came in, a bleak despair in her eyes.
He recognized that look. It was very similar to the one Robin had had when she laid near-death in a cave in the forest over a year ago, before they thought she had died.
Then, Robin’s gaze had alternated between being too frightening to comprehend, or too heartbreaking. But, Marian did not have the darkness within her that had led to his terrifying expression, the darkness Robin had developed in the Holy Land. Her eyes were simply tragic.
“How is he?” Much asked.
“The same.”
They both watched the injured man for a minute.
“Is Eve all right?”
Much nodded. “She is now. Thanks.”
“I am glad. I know I was rather harsh about her when you first met, but I like her now. You’re good for one another.”
“You think so?”
"I do."
“Thank you.” He found himself pleased by Marian's approval, though it was not something he was aware that he sought. They had known one another almost as long as he had known Robin, but had never developed that same bond. Still, it was nice to think that she considered him.
After another several minutes had passed, she said, “Do you think I... Are Robin and I good for each other?”
He would never have anticipated that question, so it took him a beat to answer. “Yes.”
“Are you sure?” Her voice was so small, he could barely hear her.
“Of course, I’m sure. What’s this about?”
“It’s nothing,” she murmured. “Thank you.”
He gave her a strange look, but let it drop. Soon after, a servant arrived with their meal.
Djaq woke up when the food was brought in and checked on Robin, changing his dressings without comment. The other two watched, and when she had finished and still had not said anything, Marian asked, “How is he?”
With a gesture, Djaq answered, “All right, for the time being. Now, he simply must heal, and not take ill in the process.”
They had just finished eating when Matilda swept into the room and sized everyone up in one glance. Pointing to Djaq, she said, “You, go get some fresh air. Take a walk with your husband. You” --to Much-- “are fine. You” --to Marian-- “had better get some rest, for you and that baby.”
“No, she’s the one who’s expecting,” Much spoke up, nodding to Djaq, while Marian stared, wide-eyed, at the woman.
“Don’t correct me; they’re both expecting. Now, step aside and let me see my patient.”
Much and Djaq were both staring at Marian now, who could feel her cheeks redden. Matilda moved Much none too gently to the side, as he started to sputter.
“Were you two going to tell us?” he exclaimed, hurt that Robin had not said anything to him.
Djaq spoke up sharply. “Much.”
Marian’s embarrassment was turning to misery, but he did not notice. “I mean, congratulations and all that, but it would’ve been nice to be told,” he continued.
“Much!” Djaq barked, at the same time that Marian cried, “Robin doesn’t know! I have not told him yet.”
Djaq appeared stricken, while Much said, “Oh.” He had the grace to look abashed. “Well, I suppose that’s all right, then. I mean, not that he doesn’t know, but that nobody told me. Us. Any of us.”
“If you don’t all quiet down, you won’t get the chance to tell him,” Matilda chided. “I take back what I said about you being fine, Much. All of you, out. After you tell me what you’ve given him,” she added to Djaq.
“I am not leaving Robin,” Marian protested.
The healer’s gaze was sympathetic. “You do need to rest.”
Stubbornly, Marian indicated the large chair Djaq had been inhabiting. “Fine. I will rest there.”
Realizing the young woman was not going to back down, Matilda nodded. “Very well. But if you get up before I tell you, you’re out, too.”
Marian acquiesced, but on her own terms. “Much, before you go, will you move that chair next to the bed?”
The glance Matilda gave her was a mix of frustration and respect, but she said nothing.
Much positioned the chair where Marian directed, on the far side of the bed so that Matilda could reach Robin immediately if the need arose, while Djaq explained her treatment, which Matilda approved. “Excellent.” She leaned over him, examining the wound. “But not enough. Oh, my boy; what have you done?” she murmured sadly, patting the side of his face. Turning back to Much, she said. “I’m going to need a pot or something.”
“A pot? For what?” he questioned.
She began to retort, but noticed Marian’s pallor and tempered her words. “I need to drain his chest,” she said carefully.
Much’s nose wrinkled, but he withheld comment. “I’ll go find that, then,” he declared, and fled.
“You will need someone else in here; we had to restrain him when he woke,” Djaq told her.
“For God’s sake, send someone quiet,” Matilda muttered. “And someone strong. Little John and two others. And Much can come back, if he can hush up.”
Marian settled into the large armchair, positioned so that she could hold Robin’s hand, while the others left.
“Why haven’t you told him about the little one?” asked Matilda, as she examined Robin’s wound more closely.
With a sigh, Marian replied, “I wanted to be entirely sure before I said anything. And then, we were supposed to be at Locksley within the next day or so, and I thought I would tell him our first night there; make an even larger celebration of it.”
After a pause, Matilda said, “The next time he wakes up, I want you to tell him.”
Marian let out a horrified gasp. “No, please--”
“Not because of any immediacy. Because it’ll give him an added reason to fight.”
With a light rap on the door, Allan came in with Little John, Much and Tuck behind him. Allan started to speak, but Matilda cut him off. “I asked for someone quiet.”
Holding up his hands in surrender, he moved toward a seat at the foot of the bed. As he did, he gazed at his injured leader, concern creasing his brow.
“He’s going to be fine,” Marian murmured firmly, before resting her head against the back of the armchair. John and Tuck exchanged a glance.
Allan gave her a nod. “Right.” As soon as she closed her eyes, he glanced at Matilda. None of them were entirely reassured by the look she gave him.
next chapter
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