Come With Me - Robin De Noir...

The week following the dinner at Castle Black was very hectic. The wedding was planned for two weeks' time, so Loveday was rushing to finish everything she could. They had hired some townspeople to help scrub the floors of the manor, wash the curtains, and beat the rugs. Digweed was hard at work in the gardens, where the ceremony would take place. Marmaduke was baking cake after cake and dish after dish, having the entire household try each one and give their thoughts. He wanted everything to be the best anyone had ever tasted.

Maria, meanwhile, had to cram all her weekly studies into the Saturday and Sunday preceding Loveday's visit. She wanted to be as helpful as possible. So after late nights burning the manor's oil supply, she made good on her promise. As soon as Loveday arrived, Maria was right beside Digweed, grabbing her two large bags and taking them to the room beside Benjamin's. She was out in the gardens the morning of her arrival, in an old pair of trousers belonging to her uncle, tearing weeds out by the root. Even Ms. Heliotrope had been busy, writing the calligraphy for the name cards that would sit on the dining tables for the reception. Because of her need for a silent and bright room to concentrate on the small delicate writings of the guest's names, she hadn't even noticed Maria marching past the parlor in brown trousers and a white tunic shirt.

Maria only stopped helping out in the garden when her uncle came by, and notified her that it was almost noon, so she should go and wash up to give Loveday a proper greeting.

Once Maria has bathed and scrubbed her hands clean of the dirt and thorns from the weeds; she dressed the few cuts she obtained, dried herself off, braided her hair, and dressed herself in the same dress she had gotten from Loveday up in her bedroom. The velvet felt soft against her freshly cleaned skin. Then she applied one conservative squirt of a perfume Loveday had gifted her as a thank you for ending the curse.

Maria rushed downstairs, hoping Loveday would be here soon. They had planned to do some work on her wedding dress, which had originally belonged to her mother. Maria was very excited to see it.

Almost as soon as her foot hit the bottom step of the stairway leading into the foyer, there was a knock at the door. Maria broke into a sprint, but if Ms. Heliotrope were to ask, Maria would say it was but a "brisk walk" to the door, practically throwing it open to greet her future aunt.

"Love-" Maria paused, her face immediately falling to a frown, "Robin? What are you doing here?" She crossed her arms with a pout and glared at the teen expectantly.

"Oh I'm sorry Princess, am I not who you wanted to see? I guess I'll get going then, I wouldn't want to disappoint 'Her Highness.'" Robin greeted with a sarcastic bow, clutching his hat to his chest. His curls fell around his face, hiding his eyes as he glanced up at the girl in front of him. Their eyes met as he straightened back up. He fixed one of the several scarves around his neck, pruning the feathers with his gloved hands.

Maria rolled her eyes, not having the energy for the boy's jokes today, and looked behind him, seeing Loveday approaching carrying several large bags.

"Loveday!" Maria called out, pushing past Robin with little regard to his balance.

"Oh Maria!" Loveday called back, letting her bags fall to the ground and the teen leaped into her arms.

"Oh Loveday," Maria started with a squeeze to her waist, "I am so excited! You'll be in awe of all the work we've done since you've been gone! Almost everything is ready! Oh and please be sure to comment on how lovely Ms. Heliotrope's calligraphy is when you see the place cards, she's been fretting all weekend worrying about it; she's a perfectionist you know."

Loveday held Maria's face in her hands, smiling down at her soon to be niece. "It's wonderful to see you so excited my dear. I'll make sure to encourage our dear Heliotrope, and I'm sure you've done some amazing work. Why don't we head in and you can show me around," Loveday kissed Maria's forehead, "Then we can get started on my dress."

Maria tightened their hug with a squeal before breaking off and grabbing one of the bags. "Oh I'm so excited!" She ran off, leaving a laughing Loveday behind her.

"Robin, stop standing there. Grab one of your sister's bags and be useful for once." Maria cried out while lugging the bag she'd grabbed behind her and up into the manor.

She was struggling to keep the handle in her grasp while also opening the door when she felt a calloused hand scrape by hers, and suddenly the weight of the bag was gone. "I got this, Princess," Robin's voice was hot on her neck, "Go show Loveday all the weeds you've pulled; or whatever it is you wanted to show her." And with that, he was off to grab the other bags, pushing past Maria and off to the room his sister would be using until the wedding.

The two ladies watched as he walked off, a smile still on Loveday's face, and a scowl painting Maria's. "He's so vexing. It's almost as though everything he does, he does just to annoy me."

Loveday nods in agreement, "Well, that's how young men act sometimes. But he only does it to you because he knows you'll never really stay mad at him."

Maria rolled her eyes and mumbled another complaint. Just because that's how young men act doesn't mean that's how they should act.

Loveday placed a gentle hand on the young girl's shoulder, "Let's head in shall we? We have much work to do."

And with that, Maria led their soon-to-be permanent guest into the manor, and showed her all the work they had gotten done.

Loveday was impressed at just about everything. "This is going to be a beyond perfect wedding." She had said with a smile, as they stood in the gardens where the reception would be. The flowers would all be in perfect bloom on the special day, almost as though they were waiting for the official uniting of the De Noirs and the Merryweathers to look their best.

The two ladies made their way up and into Loveday's temporary rooms to unpack her bags and get out the most important piece of all, Loveday's wedding dress.

Maria sat patiently as the dress was carefully removed from its bag and laid down on the bed. She almost gasped as Loveday gently guided the beautiful silk gown out of its wool prison.

The gown was older in fashion, but it was beautiful, and in almost perfect condition. Whoever had packed it had done a wonderful job, as there were almost no wrinkles lining the delicate silk and satin gown. It looked to be a 1850's style gown, with a lovely pleated neckline that would expose the wearer's shoulders. The skirt fell from the bodice like an ivory waterfall, ending with intricate embroidery.

"It's beautiful" Maria fingered the swirling designs lining the bottom of the dress, "What do we need to fix? It looks perfect, Loveday."

"Well, I did tell you that this dress belonged to my mother, correct?" She received a nod, "So, my mother wore this dress to her wedding with my father; but they hadn't met one another at the time. It was arranged you see; so when my mother showed up in a white dress, which was the height of fashion at the time, the De Noirs were... upset to say the least. Traditionally, De Noir brides wore red. Deep red."

Maria's eyes widened and looked down to the fabric in her hands, "So was your father upset? And, well, why red? It's so... harsh? Reminds me of blood."

"Yes, that's part of the reason why. The bride wears red to symbolize the blood of two families uniting. Traditionally, the groom would wear black, and at the end of the ceremony a piece of the bride's dress would be cut or removed and tied to the groom's wrist, as a symbol of the love, devotion, and life that the bride is giving to her husband. Which is why, Maria, I will need your help."

Loveday reached into another bag and pulled out a perfectly folded square of handmade red lace, tied with a beautiful red velvet ribbon.

"What is this for?" Maria reached out and untied the lace, "it's beautiful Loveday."

She smiled, and helped the younger girl unfold the delicate lace. "It is, isn't it? This belonged to my grandmother. She wore it as her veil on her wedding day. My grandmother managed to stop my mother before she walked down the aisle, and helped replace my mothers veil with hers. She looked like a proper De Noir bride in the end. And this ribbon," Loveday began wrapping it around her hand, "This ribbon was one of the many ribbons my mother would wear for the years after. She had taken it off from her dress and placed it in my hand the day she died." Tears started to fall from Loveday's blue eyes.

"I need your help sewing it to my dress, "I was thinking along the neckline; what do you say?" Loveday smiled down at Maria, her cheeks shining with tears. "Will you help me continue the tradition?"

Maria felt her eyes begin to sting, looking at the woman who would soon be family. Loveday was asking her, of all people, including the much more talented people back at Castle Black who had altered the dress in the first place, to help with the finishing touches on her dress.

"Of course," her voice came out small and soft, barely louder than their slow breathing.

Maria let the ribbon slip from her fingers as she reached out to wrap her arms around the woman beside her. The warm, comforting embrace held the two women in content silence. Letting the air around them to settle.

They broke apart with a kiss to Maria's forehead, and a squeeze to her hands. "Shall we get started?" Loveday's voice was quieter than normal, still anxious as to what the answer could be.

Maria nodded her head fervently, her auburn curls bouncing around her face.

***

The two went to work immediately. Ms. Heliotrope's teachings in mending, needlepoint, and all things textile aiding the two as they carefully laid, flattened, and sewed the ribbon to the wonderful neckline.

Maria did most of the work, ensuring that the stitching could be easily undone for the ceremony; yet would hold tight and pretty until its removal was necessary.

It hadn't taken long, with only the one ribbon; but Maria was meticulous. She wanted to ensure the wedding went off without any complications. Surely, she had thought, this was the main reason Loveday had tasked her with such a delicate and important part of the process.

The bride-to-be sat still; well as still as she could, and held the fabric tight while Maria stitched.

A knock came from the door, startling them both. "Loveday? Are you in there my dear?" Benjamin's voice asked from the other side.

"Ah- wait a minute Uncle!" Maria called, rushing to finish off her last two stitches and tie them off. "We've got the wedding dress out, you can't come in!"

Benjamin sighed, causing the two women to giggle as they finished up, then gently tucked the dress away.

Loveday opened the door a crack, hiding Maria as she closed the wardrobe where they had stashed the dress. "Hello, my love," she grinned up at him, "To what can I owe the pleasure?"

Her fiancé leaned down to press a kiss to her lips, "You didn't come see me when you arrived, if it hadn't been for your brother rummaging through the manor; accidentally wandering upon me in my study, I would have had no idea you were even here."

"Oh, it's my fault Uncle," Maria pushed the door open, "I was so excited to see Loveday and the gown that I dragged her off before she even had a chance to catch her breath. Do forgive me."

"Yes, my dear, do forgive our Maria; she was ever so helpful. And because of her excitement, we finished what we needed to do. You and I have the rest of the day to catch up before dinner."

Benjamin opened his mouth to speak, but the two ladies walked out into the hall before he could even think of a proper response. They had him wrapped around their fingers.

"Where is that scoundrel anyways?" Maria asked without checking to see if her uncle was even listening. "I don't want him ruining any of my hard work."

"I sent him outside, figured he could do some more yard work; save you and Marmaduke some of the trouble."

"Oh he better be careful with the delphiniums- we need them in peak condition for the wedding!" Maria took off running, pulling her skirts up around her thighs, the ribbon in her hair trailing after her.

"She's going to be the death of me." Benjamin whispered to his fiancée.

Loveday leaned up and kissed him.

***

Robin's favorite leather jacket laid behind him as he knelt in the perfectly manicured Manor Garden. He held a pair of garden shears in one hand, and a handful of dandelion stalks in the other. A small wicker basket sat amongst the foliage; a cotton cloth separated the blossoms from the stems.

Marmaduke had assigned him one of the only tasks the teen wouldn't mess up; harvesting the edible weed. He didn't really need Robin to separate the flower from the stem, but he did want Robin out of the way and acting useful for as long as possible.

Luckily, (or unluckily, depending on who you asked) Maria had become very adept at finding the young De Noir; and she had chosen this moment to stomp up to him (as she always did) and call out his name.

"Robin De Noir! You better not be ruining our garden before the wedding!"

The boy's head shot up at the sound, an offended look already settling onto his face. "Ruining! Why Maria I never ruin. And, as a matter of fact, I was asked to help. Where would this manor be without me, truly. And you come out here accusing me of ruin."

Maria stopped just inches in front of him, looking down at the basket and shears in his hand. "Well, at least you're being useful." She remarked; then plopped down in front of him and started double checking that each blossom was separated from their stems.

"You are always futzing with my work, Maria. I know how to pick a dandelion."

"Maybe so, but your rough mongrel hands may smash the poor dears to bits. Then what use will they be to Marmaduke."

As if summoned, the manor chef appeared beside them in a pop of his strange magic. Robin jumped at his unexpected appearance, and Maria smiled up at his bright face. "Hello Maria, dear, I figured you'd be out here once you were done." The man reached behind him and procured a basket, seemingly out of nowhere. It was a basket Loveday and Maria have used once before; to enjoy a picnic out in the meadow one crisp spring morning. A pale blue blanket sat folded on top, protecting whatever lie beneath.

"I figured the two of you needed a break from all your hard work. Lunch, prepared by moi of course." He plucked the basket of dandelions and replaced it with the picnic basket. "Now get going. Tell me what you think of the finger sandwiches; they may appear at the wedding table!" Then just as quickly as he appeared, he disappeared. The smell of rosemary and baked bread being all that remained of him.

Robin sat for a minute longer, still not used to the magic of Moonacre and her residences.

Maria stood quickly and grabbed the basket, "Last one to the clearing is a rotten egg!" And out of the garden she ran, heading straight into their beloved forest.

"Maria!" Robin stood as quickly as he could, barely remembering to grab his jacket as he chased behind the young girl. "Not fair!"

Her laugh echoed throughout the trees as the two ran.

Robin caught up quickly, his boots and slacks being much better for running than Maria's heavy skirts and delicate shoes.

Despite this fact, Maria made it to the forest clearing first. Just barely. The light of the midday sun peaking through the trees and lighting her way seemed to help. Ever since her sacrifice, it was as though Mother Nature herself was guiding Maria wherever she needed to go. Tree branches seemed to sway away from her as she passed, the centuries old roots would rise or fall beneath her feet, ensuring she was stable and quick footed. Only Robin's hard earned skill and agility kept him as close behind her as he always was. The ribbons Maria wore in her hair were always brushing against his nose, or his fingers, as they ran.

Robin grabbed the girl by her arm as he slid to a stop beside her, his breath quick and his eyes wide. "How do you always do that?" He panted.

Her breathless smile greeted him as it always did. Confident and sure. "You just need to get better, Robin."

The boy shoved her, lightly, the force barely enough to make her sway. Maria smiled up at him once more; before handing him their basket and removing the blanket from the top.

Robin moved to help her lay it down on the soft forest floor. Moving rocks and twigs that would try and bother them as they sat.

Once it met her expectations, Maria sat herself on top, taking care to properly remove her shoes before curling her legs respectfully beneath her. Robin followed suit, forgoing the removal of his own shoes.

"You'll get mud and dirt on the blanket," Maria chided as she opened the basket.

"There will already be mud and dirt on the underside; why's it matter if it gets on top?"

"You're such a barbarian. Truly you are! We are to sit and eat on the top half, that's why we brought the blanket in the first place. If we wanted to eat in the dirt we would have gone without it altogether. So please, remove your shoes or else I will not let you have any of Marmadukes delicious cooking." As she said this, she pulled out a small berry tart. Still warm from the oven.

Robin's eyes followed her hands as she set out their lunch. "You wouldn't," he glanced back up at Maria, "You are not so cruel as to keep a man from such things, are you?"

Maria placed the finger sandwiches, fresh fruit and clotted cream, and a lovely platter of meats and cheese, Robin's favorite cheese, down beside the tart. "A man? Never," she glanced at him through her lashes, "a rotten boy however?" She placed a bottle of freshly squeezed lemonade between them; sprigs of lavender floating inside, "It depends. Remove your shoes and we can talk about it."

The boy glanced at the food between them and the girl in front of him. Would it be worth it, he wondered, for him to grab a bite to prove his point?

No, most likely not.

He sighed and mumbled a complaint under his breath. Then he worked on the ties to his boots. Maria's face lit up with a smile, and she worked the cork out of the bottle of lemonade; pouring them both a glass.

"You've become even more prissy lately, I have never seen you so bossy. Even from before we were friends." Robin crossed his legs and leaned forward, examining the food in front of him.

"Well Robin, I have good reason to be!" Maria grabbed a finger sandwich and handed it to the boy. "The wedding is happening soon. I've been busy helping Loveday plan, Marmaduke test recipes, helping Mr. Digweed with the gardens, my uncle with his own scattered mind, and Ms. Heliotrope with her calligraphy. All while completing my daily studies, getting fitted for my dress, and trying to keep you from messing anything up when you come by! Of course I've been short of temper!"

Maria took a bite of her sandwich, letting the flavors distract her from the bit of fury she felt reddening her cheeks.

Robin looked at her, a second sandwich in hand. "Have you truly done all of that? For a wedding that's not even your own?" His brows furrowed, "Why?"

She swallowed. "Why?"

"Yes, why? What is so special about weddings anyway?"

"What is so special-"

"I mean, a huge party where everyone is stressed, wearing uncomfortable clothing, eating mediocre food, and mingling with folks you've never met? Sounds like nothing but a headache to me."

"Of course you would think so Robin, you don't have a romantic bone in your body!"

"You don't know that! Besides, I must have more than you if you think a wedding has ever been romantic. All you do is stand in a stuffy church for far too long, in front of too many people, and parade yourself around as though you're royalty! How is that romantic?"

Maria scoffed, "You just wouldn't understand Robin."

"What would I not understand, Princess, enlighten me."

"Well, you're not a girl!"

Robin laughed, a sharp guffaw echoed through the clearing, "No, I'm not, but I don't see what's that has to do with it."

Maria rolled her eyes, "If you were a girl I wouldn't have to explain it."

"Well I'm not a girl, so it seems you must."

"Fine, just let me think for a moment. And don't interrupt me. It does nothing more than give you an excuse not to pay attention." Maria sat back a moment, staring out at her forest.

Her fingers ran against the blanket they sat upon, fiddling with a loose thread they found. The sun crept through the canopy, dousing the two in it's warm golden light. Maria inhaled the smell of the wet dirt, the lichen on the trees and the flowers blooming in the clearing around them.

Robin watched her think, he watched as her eyes closed and her chest rose and fell as she breathed. He shifted, stretching his legs out before him. He sat back on his hands and let the sounds of the forest; of the birds singing their songs, of the bees flying from flower to flower sweep over him. If he listened hard enough, he could hear the faint sound of the ocean hitting the cliff a mile or so away. He could smell the faint smell of the salty sea beneath the earths own sweet musk.

He closed his eyes as well.

Then, Maria spoke, soft and low. As if reaching for something she can barely remember.

"Many girls dream of their wedding day. They dream of the dress, the flowers, the party. It's something we've all been told will be the best day of our lives. We are raised to be wives you know," Her eyes peek through her lashes at the boy beside her, "For as long as I can remember I knew I would be a bride. It's not really the wedding we dream about; I suppose it's... it's the man."

She licks her lips and leans forward, trying to put words with this feeling that is so ingrained in being a girl. "We dream about falling in love, finding a husband who will love us, cherish us, treat us as though we hung the Moon and its stars. We dream of the day we fall in love. Real love. We hope that when the time comes to walk down the aisle it will be the man of our dreams waiting for us at the end."

Her voice trails off... this isn't as romantic as she realized. But it never really is in the end.

Her musings are interrupted, "Is that why you are so excited for my sister?"

She glances up at him, at the boy she will never truly understand. His eyes are on hers. Sharp, serious. He is listening.

"Loveday is getting married, the type of marriage you dream of. She fell in love and soon they will promise themselves to one another... is that what you mean?"

She nods. "I dream of walking down the aisle in my best dress. My friends, my family, everyone important to me will be there."

Maria closed her eyes. She could practically see the image of a wedding flashes across her eyelids. "The whole world will vanish for that moment. It'll just be me and him, my future husband, in a room shrouded in the light of the church windows. I'll hear the music playing but it will fade away as my husband turns. He will smile at me. His face will light up the room."

Robin watched as Maria's cheeks flushed lightly. Her arm reached out, subconsciously reaching for this future husband. He could see it, this moment. Playing out before him.

Maria standing in a white dress, her hair tied up in ivory ribbons, a veil sweeping over her, trailing down her back. Flowers, so many flowers surrounding her. The most beautiful smile gracing her lips. Her eyes, shining with tears and love.

All to meet with a groom she hopes to love one day. Robin felt this strange aching in his chest. The idea of Maria getting married to someone, anyone, was something he wasn't sure how to deal with. Then a thought hit him, his mouth turned dry.

"It's a lovely dream, Maria." The sudden sound of his voice broke the girl out of her daydream. "I've never thought of a wedding that way. Seeing the woman of my dreams walk down the aisle."

"Why ever not?" Maria's voice was low.

"Well, it won't be the reality for me, most likely." Robin shifted, pulling in a knee and resting on it. "All heirs to the De Noir family are to have arranged marriages. I'll be lucky to even know my future bride before the big day."

Silence fell over them. Maria stared at him. Tracing the lines of his face with her eyes. She'd never seen him like this. She hadn't been aware he would even care about things in the future, let alone his own wedding.

The loose string from the blanket she was fiddling with was beginning to fray.

"All girls fear the same thing, Robin." His gaze meets hers. "We have less control over who our future spouses will be than the average man you know. I knew many girls in London who were engaged, or even just sorting through suitors." She swallowed, looking down at the string in her hand, suddenly realizing she was slowly destroying it.

"We cope by dreaming, hoping, imagining that despite the arrangements; we will still find love."

The air was thick between them. Robin turned towards her. Listening to every word she shared.

"One of my old friends, from London, is engaged. She has been since she was born. Her fathers friend has a son only 3 months older than her. As soon as she took her first breath, her fate was tied to this boy. She grew up knowing he would be her husband. They spend holidays together, they attended primary school together. She knows everything about him..." Maria's chest  suddenly felt heavy. Her head started to hurt and her eyes began to sting.

Robin moved closer, pulling her gently against him. He wiped the first tear from her eye before she even realized it's fallen.

She leaned into him, pushing her face against the scarf around his neck. She clenched her eyes and breathed in sharply, trying to ignore the feeling of embarrassment at shedding a tear over something like this. "I'm sorry."

Robin's arms tighten around her. "Don't ever be sorry for something like this, Princess." He pressed his lips against her soft curls, "Please."

Maria breaths in his scent. The leather of his jacket, the dirt and bitter scent of dandelion stems linger. "She doesn't love him. She tries. She spends every holiday with a fake smile on her face, watching him, trying to feel anything more than what she does. But he's nothing more than a brother to her. She's told me this before. She sees him the same as she does her younger brother. And she's scared." Her voice cracks as more tears fall, "My dear friend, she will spend the rest of her days married to someone who is but a brother to her."

A loud sob breaks through the forest leaves. Maria wraps her arms around her dear friend. "We would sit, when I came over, and read fairy tales. She would tell me that she wishes a prince would come and save her. That if a prince came and offered her father a higher price that she wouldn't have to marry her fiancé."

Robin's hand glided through her hair. Soothingly he made soft shushing sounds, as one would do for a small child. Maria was practically in his lap. He pulled her tighter.

"She will be fine," Maria spoke once more, "She may not love him but she is lucky to know him. And to think; that she truly is lucky. Marrying a man you see as a brother is a fate luckier than many other girls..."

"You'll be lucky to, Maria." Robin's voice rumbles softly in her ear, "Your uncle would never make you marry some old geezer. Nor some rich idiot who comes stumbling into town for your hand."

She pulled away from him. Staring up into his warm, brown eyes. Hers are red and puffy with tears. Her cheeks are bright and her nose is stuffy. Robin pulls out a hanky, and softly wipes away her tears. "How do you know? I haven't even been here a year... What if he does, Robin? What if he marries me off to the first bloke with a large enough purse?"

"He won't." Robin's voice cut her off. "He wouldn't dare Maria. And if he does I'm going to March in there and fight for you."

Maria's cheeks darken and her eyes widen. Breathlessly she asks, "You would?"

"Of course. Maria I'm not letting you get sold off into some horrible marriage you'll loath for the rest of your life. And if Loveday doesn't stop your uncle from doing something as idiotic as assuming you'd be married off without a fight, then I will." The warm brown of his eyes turned almost black with determination.

Maria's stomach turned, a strange feeling she couldn't recognize. But the sting in her eyes from the long lost tears returned, and she cried out, "Oh Robin!" As she jumped onto him, crashing them both into the ground.

Despite the wind getting knocked out of him; Robin returned the hug tightly. "You'll have your dream wedding one day." He turned his head to look at her. Her face hovered above him, a cascade of red hair surrounding them. "When you walk down that aisle, standing at the end waiting for you will be your Prince."

His calloused hand met her reddened cheek. The thumb wiped away one final tear, "You deserve the world, Princess. And I'll fight so that you get it. I promise."

Maria's lips quivered. A strange sound escaped; the mixture of a sob and a laugh. She leaned forward and kissed his cheek. Her own personal knight.