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a wicked grin as she fell giggling across his chest for a kiss.
Little John kissed her, grinning at her. Especially in the mornings.
Oh John. She smiled down at him and patted her wimple and veil back into place.
But really, we should find my lady and your Robin.
Little John rose and adjusted his own clothing. We should. They could be back by
now. I could use some beer and mayhap you could too? He offered his arm.
Bess took it. That sounds splendid, dear Little John. She tried concentrating on
the path as they walked, but her mind drifted, to other paths and places and a different
man beside her, in the days when she had not been a woman. In all the days spent as
Bess, today was the first where a man had moved her so. The big charming oaf at her
side made her wish she was a woman in truth to please him. She kept her face down so
John would not see her pain, even at the good memories of Richard.
They found Robin and Marion at the feasting. Marion s mouth was as swollen with
kissing as Bess knew her own to be. She settled herself beside her lady and let Little
John fetch them pies and good beer.
Robin Hood gave Bess a smile when he saw her watching Marion s half-dreamy
movements. She made herself return it, although it felt wan on her face.
I suppose we d better be releasing you for the sake of our hides, he teased.
I understood we came here of our own will. And those that enter freely should
leave freely. The answer sounded sharper than Bess would have liked. She took a
drink and tried not to flush.
That is the truth, but I doubt the Sheriff will see it that way.
Bess smiled. Leave that to me, good Robin. And I think we shall bide a bit longer.
The forest air seems to agree with my girl.
* * * * *
Bide they did, days passing in long green shadows and much loving. Quarter-day
came and Robin took Little John, Will Scarlet and Wat with him to Lincoln town to fetch
the cloth so the men might have their new clothes.
As they made their way back, each mopping his brow under the summer sun and
all passing the wineskin back and forth, a slim youth in the green of their band dropped
from a tree before them. The stripling barred their way with a quarterstaff.
The boy lowered his voice and growled as gruffly as he could, Who goes there?
Give the password!
The men laughed and Robin stared at Marion dressed as a boy. Surely Bess did not
know of this antic. Marion laughed at the surprise on Robin s face and flung her arms
around him.
Hullo, Robin.
In reply, Robin kissed Marion, hard enough that the watching men shifted from
foot to foot.
It puts me in mind of fair Jane. Has it been a fortnight since I kissed her so? Will
asked of no one in particular.
Aye, Robin, finish giving the countersign. Bess is waiting on me, Little John
complained.
How s that for the password& lad? he teased, fingering Marion s boy s clothing.
Aye, that ll do fine, Master Robin. Friar Tuck put me on guard duty since you d be
coming home soon.
Robin did not seem inclined to let go Marion s narrow waist. Time to find another
guard, I think.
Mudge is up there too. But he let me do the honors to your lordships. Marion
made a little bow that took all the men in.
Good. Robin bussed her again and drew her along as he started the last leg to the
Great Oak. John and Will drew the horses with their packs of cloth and supplies along.
Wat climbed into the tree to take Marion s deserted post. Because I m starving. Come
have dinner with me.
Marion wrapped her arm around his waist and they headed off together. Will
Stutely has been teaching me to shoot.
Yes? How are you faring? Robin looked pleased at the idea.
I hit the target twice out of the whole quiver. I will improve. Marion blushed to
relate her failure as an archer.
You will. I ll help you. But after we eat.
* * * * *
Evening found them at the archery butts, Marion aiming and firing. She did not
bend the longest bows, as Robin and Little John did, but Mudge s suited her well. The
shafts sped the length of the field and most of them hit the target, although all out of the
bull s-eye.
Your stance is wrong, Marion. Robin corrected her position gently. She settled
into it, feeling the way her body adjusted to the new position. Robin pressed close
behind her. Just to be sure you stay put. Try again.
She pulled the string back to her cheek and let the arrow fly. This time most of the
arrows hit within the black. Robin stole a kiss for each that did. When the quiver was
shot, he sent Marion to retrieve them with a swat on her hose-clad rear.
Good lad, he said, enjoying the sight of her striding down the field. The short
tunic set off her adorable arse clad in the green hose of his band. His hands twitched to
feel it. One arrow gave her difficulty and she yanked at it with a curse he knew Bess
had never taught her. He laughed softly as she strode back, peevish and sour looking.
Will you call me boy until I take my own clothing back? Marion asked, half-
exasperated and half-longing, as she thrust the arrows back into the quiver and
prepared to shoot again.
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