Maid Marian vs. Velasca

2. The Next Morning

The morning sun streamed through the tall windows of the castle's dining hall, casting a warm glow on the breakfast table where I sat with Krystal and Judy. The scent of warm bread and tea filled the air, but my appetite was nonexistent. The events of last night—the revelation about Robin, the strange pull I felt toward the guest, and the weight of the choices now before me—clung to me like a heavy cloak.

Judy, ever the early riser, was already nibbling on a slice of toast, her large ears twitching as she caught the tension in my expression. Krystal, in her usual composed manner, sat across from me, her piercing blue eyes studying me quietly. She always had a way of knowing when something wasn't right, even without a word being spoken.

I set down my cup, gathering my thoughts before I spoke. "There's something I need to tell you both... about Robin."

At the mention of his name, both their gazes locked on me, and I could feel the shift in the room's energy.

"He's alive," I began, my voice quieter than I expected. "But he's been taken by a sorceress. She's holding him in her castle, and... he's under her control."

Krystal's eyes flickered with something unreadable—perhaps a mix of concern and curiosity, while Judy's brow furrowed in immediate worry.

"Under her control?" Judy asked, setting her toast down. "What do you mean? Like a spell?"

I nodded. "Yes. The man who brought the news last night—he said that Robin was entranced by her. That he wasn't himself anymore, and... well, he couldn't save him."

Judy's face went pale, her ears drooping slightly. "But... that's terrible. What are we going to do?"

Krystal, ever the calm one, leaned back slightly in her chair, crossing her arms as she considered the situation. "It sounds like magic of that kind runs deep. If Robin's under her control, he might not even know what he's doing. And even if we tried to rescue him..." she trailed off, her voice tinged with hesitation, "there's no guarantee he'd ever be the same."

I nodded, my heart aching at the thought. "That's exactly what the man said."

Judy shook her head, clearly distraught. "We can't just leave him like that! He's Robin! We have to at least try."

Krystal, her tone softer but still measured, glanced at me. "Are you sure that's wise? Rescuing him could bring a lot of danger to the castle, especially if this sorceress is as powerful as we think."

"And what's the alternative?" I asked, my voice sharper than I intended. "Just... let him stay under her spell? Let him remain with her?"

Krystal sighed, leaning forward now. "You could let him go, Marian. Robin's been gone a long time, and this may not be something you can fix. You could let him go and move on." She glanced toward the hall that led to the guest's chambers. "Maybe there's someone else you should focus on."

Judy blinked, her expression filled with confusion. "Move on? Krystal, how can you say that? Robin's been Marian's everything! How could she just forget him?"

Krystal raised an eyebrow, her voice calm and mystical. "Sometimes, we have to let go to free ourselves. Maybe this sorceress has taken more than just his body. Maybe he's lost forever in spirit. Is it worth chasing something that may not be real anymore? Life moves on."

Judy was shaking her head before Krystal even finished speaking. "I can't believe you'd suggest that! Robin's been missing for ages, but he's still the same man deep down. We have to believe that. I'm with Marian—we should rescue him."

Krystal remained thoughtful, glancing between us. "It's not just about what you want, Judy. It's about whether it's possible. And what happens if he doesn't come back the way you remember him?"

I remained silent for a long moment, feeling torn between their perspectives. Judy was right—Robin had been my everything. I'd always imagined we'd reunite one day, but Krystal's words cut deep too. Could I really risk everything to save him when he might no longer be the Robin I knew? And what of the stranger in the guest room? He had risked his life to bring me this news, and even now, his presence stirred something inside me that I hadn't expected.

"What about the guest?" Krystal asked, as if reading my mind. "You've barely spoken of him, and yet he's the one who brought you this news. There's something more there, isn't there?"

I looked down at the table, my hands trembling slightly. "I don't know," I admitted. "There's... something between us. But I don't know if it's just the weight of the moment, or if it's something real."

Krystal leaned forward, her voice softer now. "You have a choice, Marian. You can try to rescue Robin, at great risk, or you can let him go and see what this new path brings. Either way, it's your decision."

Judy looked between us, her expression torn. "Marian, whatever you choose... I'll be there to help. But you have to follow your heart."

My heart pounded in my chest as I considered the options laid before me. Rescuing Robin would mean risking everything—the safety of the castle, my own life, and the chance that he may never be the same. Letting him go, on the other hand, felt like betraying everything we'd ever shared. But the thought of this new stranger, the pull I felt toward him... was it real? Or just the temptation to escape the pain?

I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath. "I don't know if I can give up on Robin. Not yet. But we can't rush into this either. I'll need time to think."

Krystal nodded, her gaze understanding. "Take the time you need, Marian. But don't let the past hold you back if it's no longer yours to claim."

Judy reached across the table, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. "Whatever you decide, I'm with you."