For those of you who may have been disappointed by the brevity of the wedding scene between Marian and Loxley in RoS, I offer:






By: Hester NicEilidh





After dinner, at dusk on Beltane Eve, Marian and Robin slipped away from the rest of the merry band and wandered side by side through the greenwood. Still clad in her shift after her rescue from Belleme Castle, Marian seemed unconcerned about her state of dishabille. As they walked, Robin gathered ivy vines and wildflowers, twisting them into a small wreath, which he placed on Marian's head.

"There," he whispered, "I crown you Queen of the May."

Above them, on the hillside, they heard the leaves rustle. Looking up, they saw Herne the Hunter. Hand in hand, they approached him. Herne raised his arms as if in benediction, then he was gone as suddenly as he had appeared.

"Give me your knife," said Marian.

"Why?" asked Robin, bewildered.

"Just do it!"

Robin slipped the hunting knife from his belt, and handed it ceremoniously to Marion, hilt first.

Marion took the knife in her left hand and gently drew the sharp blade across her right palm, making a small, shallow cut. As the blood began to well up, she held her hand out to Robin, palm forward, fingers splayed. And she began to chant in a solemn voice:

"Blood of my blood,
Love of my life,
Bold Robin Hood
Come make me your wife"

Robin smiled, realizing that she intended a blood vow. He took the knife back from her and made a small cut in his left palm, replying:

"Blood of my blood,
My sweet Queen of May,
Right here and right now
Is our wedding day."

Robin went down on one knee in front of Marian. He placed his bleeding palm against hers, and their fingers interlaced. He held their locked hands over the ground, and gently squeezed Marian's hand until a few drops of blood hit the earth, as he intoned:

"Hand in hand
And blood in blood,
Let this green land
Witness our love."

Marian reached into her tangled curls with her free hand and pulled forth a bright green ribbon. She held out the other end to Robin, who took it in his free hand. Awkwardly, each holding one end, they wrapped the ribbon around their joined hands and tied the ends into a knot, as Marian said:

"Silken cord
And lovers' knot
Bind our vows
Lest they be forgot"

Then Robin rejoined:

"Cut with my knife
And securely tied
I declare to the world
You are now my bride."

Marian laughed merrily and ended the ritual by saying:

"Bound and bled
And anciently wed
Enough, sweet Robin,
Now take me to bed."

Robin pulled her towards him and kissed her deeply as they sank onto the green turf in the warm May night.