The Troubles from Monsters and Men (The Secret of Moonacre Fanfiction)

The End

Battered and bruised, but grateful to still have their lives, all trudged back to Moonacre manor with the sun rising on their backs. They were met with a joyous and loving reunion. Fortunately, Coeur realized early in the battle that Harrison's soldiers weren't technically alive, and fire did wonders at eliminating the undead. After quickly raising a blaze worthy of earning hell's praise, Coeur and his men were able to take down all of Harrison's soldiers.
He then retrieved those in the church and, along with Loveday, Regina, and Marmaduke, and was able to set up a makeshift hospital for the rest while awaiting their arrival. Upon learning of Robin's near-death encounter, he yanked Robin into his bear-sized arms and let out a heavy roar of a cry. Then he demanded Robin and Maria confirm their union as soon as possible—a demand Sir Benjamin and Mrs. Heliotrope strongly opposed with the reminder that the pearls were gone, and all threats should have disappeared along with them. They reasoned the young couple, therefore, had time to properly court, plan an engagement, and then get married—the traditional and proper way. In no shape or form would they allow a rushed union. Damaging rumors would certainly rise regarding the reasons for such swiftness.

Regarding matters of the dead, after a long discussion, it was decided Althea would be buried on Paradise Hills, while the rest of the undead, now dead once more, would be prepared to be returned to their families. An issue did arise as Minerva had to prevent Regina and Lizzy from sneaking off and trying to swipe a few of Althea's feathers and undead body parts for their potions. They were relieved to learn from Coeur that he had plenty of her feathers and talons she shed from when she was held captive in the dungeons. As for the undead, Minerva warned them that desecrating victims may lead to a curse of their own demise, a warning both happily heeded.

Unfortunately, the diminishing adrenaline left Will with the full force of his newfound parental knowledge to reckon with. He was shaken up and unsure of what to do next. He was, after all, the only child and had previously overheard rumors that his father was impotent. He couldn't help but wonder if his diabolic uncle had something to do with that as well. He didn't know if he should confront his poor mother about it, but he was certain that no matter what, he'd never referred to his uncle as anything other than that—he didn't even deserve that title.

They all remained in Moonacre for the rest of the week to recover and planned to return and finish their schooling the following Sunday. With the loss of her pearls, Maria had seemingly returned to a normal young lady, though she did shriek excitedly when, under the tutelage of Minerva, she was able to conjure the smallest ball of light, barely the size of a berry.

Robin, eternally grateful for a second chance at life, spent his free time wisely and with newfound energy, whether hunting with his friends, resuming his duties as an heir, or orbiting around Maria-- his favorite activity.
It was a few days after their final battle, late in the evening, that Robin found himself en route to his favorite princess. He quietly scaled her tower with an impish grin. Upon crossing her balcony, he peered through her windows and found her brushing her hair in front of her mirror.

He tapped her window, causing her to jump into the air. She scowled and marched over to him. Swinging her balcony door open, she snapped, "Robin, you scared me! What on earth are you doing here?"

"Is the great moon princess scared of a bandit like me?"

Maria rolled her eyes. "No, I'm scared of my uncle and governess," she hissed. Sadly, with the revelation of their relationship, Sir Benjamin and Mrs. Heliotrope cracked down hard on Maria and Robin. They were no longer allowed to be alone together whatsoever unless a chaperone was present, even their trips to the forest were chaperoned. Of course that didn't stop his stealthy visits to her tower.

"I'm not scared," Robin teased as he confidently strolled into her room and fell back upon her bed.

"Well go on right ahead and make yourself at home," Maria chided with her arms on her hips as she looked down at him.