Sparring with Maria

[will_scarlett]

There are days when the fight seems neverending and the only hope exists in Robin's eyes that see a better future for Nottingham. Now though there are rumors of Richard returning and he wants to believe that that the king will help. But he knows and he saw in Doc's eyes that they're outlaws, happy endings aren't usually given to them.

That's why he's out at the punching bag with his shirt off and hitting all the things that he can't change.

Comments

[holds_her_own]

In the time since arriving at the End of the Universe, Maria has settled her suspicions by singling out a handful of comforts.

The security office is decently staffed and managed as well as a place like this could be.

The libraries are extremely well stocked.

Her favorite beer is always on tap.

And there are a number of ranges, gyms, rings, and other facilities with enough equipment to keep her otherwise busy mind occupied for a very long time.

The half-naked man helps, too.

"You want a spotter?"

[will_scarlett]

He'd been aware of someone nearing him but when he hears her voice smiles and stills the bag as he turns,

"Wouldna mind one."

[holds_her_own]

Her answering smile is more subtle, but unmistakably there.

"What's on your mind?"

She unzips her jacket, leaving it on a piece of equipment not currently in use. The tanktop underneath shows strong arms.

She steadies the bag, eyebrow arched.

"You're throwing some pretty heavy punches."

[will_scarlett]

"There are rumors that Richard's returned,"

In his voice is some hope but he follows up with a punch.

[holds_her_own]

"Richard?"

The bag absorbs the blow, barely moving. Like in all things, Hill's presence is strong.

It takes a moment for the name to fully dawn on her.

"King Richard?"

[will_scarlett]

"Aye, but dinna wish to 'ope too much. If Prince John knows as well, 'e could be in danger an if he regains the crown. What will 'e think o'us?"

England needs something better but he'd rather not have to face the gallows again. Next he does a couple of quick punches to keep his hands moving.

[holds_her_own]

She purses her lips.

"I'd like to think everything will work out."

As far as the stories go, they will.

Stories aren't exactly mission reports, though. And even mission reports fudge details now and then.

"He'll be at the head of a returning army, right?"

[will_scarlett]

"Aye, an that we would 'ear o'as others armed,"

If Richard has an army then he would be in a good position to regain England but then the rumors would be more true. He next few punches are solid as he tries to not think of what the Sheriff might do to keep in power.

[holds_her_own]

"Are his men loyal?"

She keeps her eyes on him.

Steady, steady...

"Like you and the rest of Robin's men?"

[will_scarlett]

"I'm na certain,"

He sighs and leans his head against the bag, there's so much they don't know.

[holds_her_own]

"Hey."

It's as gentle as she can muster, a counterpoint to her action-ready stance.

She lays a hand on his shoulder and slips closer.

"What does Hood have to say about the rumors?"

[will_scarlett]

He shifts to lean a little against her,

"Robin says 'e trust Richard an that if we keep lookin' for the truth, we'll find it an England will be the better for it."

[holds_her_own]

It's not the first time she's held someone through something.

Given her position, it won't be the last time either.

"He's pretty smart, that leader of yours."

She quirks a smile.

[will_scarlett]

"Aye, 'e is, best man I've e'er met,"

Marlowe said to not put his trust in Richard and its not, his trust is in Robin. He smiles at Maria, he's glad she's still here.

[holds_her_own]

"So trust him."

At least they're on the same page.

"Whatever happens, you'll know you fought with a good man for a good cause. Even if they don't throw you a parade."

[will_scarlett]

"Ne'er 'xpected aught just to aid me 'ome."

[holds_her_own]

"You're a pretty good man, too."

She's fought with the best, but she never expected to meet anyone from legend.

It's humbling.

"A war hero once said: 'Courage is doing what you're afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you're scared.'"

[will_scarlett]

"Oh aye an then ye keep fightin' cause if ye dinna fight na one will,"

That's why they fight, why he faced the gallows, Nottingham and Robin needed him.

[holds_her_own]

"Exactly."

She nods once.

"You and I have that in common, even if we fight for different people."

She gives his shoulder a squeeze and lets her hand slip away.

[will_scarlett]

"Aye. 'ow are things goin' for ye?"

He didn't mean to talk so much.

[holds_her_own]

She doesn't mind.

A lot of what happens to her is classified.

"Good."

It's a standard answer, but he drags a little more out of her without needing to press.

"No kings returning from war, but things are about to get a lot more interesting."

[will_scarlett]

"Which sort o'interestin'?" That's a word that can be good or bad.

[holds_her_own]

She tips her head from shoulder to shoulder.

"I'll find out soon enough."

Oh god, oh god, we're all gonna die springs to mind.

"My boss just had a ... pretty big week."

[will_scarlett]

"The sort where people died?" She has that look to her face.

[holds_her_own]

The grim set of her jaw gives her away.

"Yes."

There's always collateral damage. Thinking about it like that sometimes helps.

Sometimes.

"You've met gods and monsters here. We have our own variety."

Beat.

"They tend to make a mess."