Maid Marian vs. Velasca

5. A Moment with Alaric

The night was quiet, the only sound the soft crackling of the hearth echoing through the castle halls. After my conversation with Footman, there was one more person I needed to speak to before the journey began—the guest who had brought the news of Robin, and who had become more than just a messenger in this unfolding story.

I made my way to his chamber and knocked softly on the door. After a moment, I heard movement inside, and the door opened to reveal him standing there, his tall frame silhouetted against the firelight. Now that I had time to observe him more closely, I realized he wasn't just any man—he was an anthropomorphic wolf. His dark fur framed sharp, intelligent eyes, and there was a certain ruggedness about him, a quiet strength in the way he carried himself.

He stepped back, allowing me to enter the room. "You've decided, then?" he asked, his voice low, still tinged with the gravity of everything that had happened.

I nodded, glancing around the room before meeting his gaze. "I have. We leave tomorrow to rescue Robin. But before we do, I wanted to speak with you."

He crossed his arms, his expression unreadable as he leaned against the wall. "What is it?"

I moved a little closer, trying to choose my words carefully. "You've risked a lot to bring me this news, and you've offered to help. I want you to know that your bravery won't go unrewarded. After this mission, should we succeed, I'll see that you are properly compensated."

His eyes flickered, but he remained silent, waiting for me to continue.

"But there's something else," I said softly, my voice growing more serious. "If Robin... if he doesn't survive this, or if we find him but he's no longer the man I knew, then... I will consider other options."

He raised an eyebrow, his sharp eyes studying me closely. "Other options?"

"Yes," I said firmly, though there was a nervous edge to my voice. "If Robin is lost to me, either in body or in spirit, then I would be open to someone else. And... well, you've certainly proven yourself worthy of consideration."

A slow smile spread across his face, his teeth glinting in the firelight. "You'd be open to me courting you, is that what you're saying?"

I nodded, though I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. "But," I added quickly, "you'd have to win at chess first. It's one of the tests I give all my suitors."

His smile widened, and there was a flicker of something mischievous in his eyes. "Chess, hmm? Well, I've never backed down from a challenge."

The tension between us shifted, something unsaid hanging in the air. But before I could leave, there was one last thing I needed to know.

"Before we go any further," I said, stepping closer to him, "I realize I still don't even know your name."

He chuckled softly, his voice a deep rumble. "Names are often forgotten in the heat of battle. But since you asked... it's Alaric."

"Alaric," I repeated, letting the name settle in the air between us. It suited him—strong, commanding, with an air of mystery. "Well then, Alaric... if this journey goes as planned, we may both find ourselves with new possibilities ahead."

He nodded, his eyes holding mine with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine. "We will, Marian. And when the time comes, I'll be ready."

I offered him a small smile, one laced with anticipation for what lay ahead. "Just remember—you'll need to win at chess first."

With that, I turned and left his chamber, my mind spinning with the possibilities of what was to come. Robin's fate hung in the balance, but so too did mine—and perhaps Alaric's as well.