A Lousy Decision

Robin Hood groaned as he stumbled through the forest, his head pounding and his body aching all over. He shouldn't have left the camp that morning. He knew it, even as he was making the decision to slip out and take care of a few things on his own. A lingering cold, compounded by a late night of drinking and singing with the Merry Men, had left him feeling miserable. But he had been determined to prove to himself that he was still the same man he had always been - quick, agile, and always ready for adventure. As he walked, the trees seemed to spin around him, and he stumbled, catching himself against a nearby trunk. What was wrong with him? He was Robin Hood, for goodness' sake! He was the one who always laughed in the face of danger, who outran the Sheriff's men, and who stole from the rich to give to the poor. Not some feeble, sniffling weakling. Just as he was starting to think that maybe, just maybe, he should admit defeat and head back to camp, he heard a rustling in the bushes. He turned, hoping to see one of his men, but instead found himself face to face with a pair of amused expressions. "Rob, what in the devil's name are you doing out here?" John Little asked, concern etched on his face. "I...I was just out for a walk," Robin stammered, trying to save face. Tuck, the fat and jovial priest, chuckled. "A walk? You look like you're about to fall over, you great lummox. What's wrong?" Robin shook his head, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. "I don't know. I just felt like I had to get out of camp, and...and...oh, blast it all, I'm just plain sick, that's all." John and Tuck exchanged a knowing glance, and then John reached out and grasped Robin's arm. "Come on, we'll get you back to camp. You can ride with Tuck and me." As they made their way back through the forest, Robin couldn't help but feel a twinge of embarrassment. He was usually the one taking care of his men, not the other way around. But he pushed the feeling aside, too exhausted and miserable to care. He was just grateful for his friends, who were willing to put up with his foolishness and take care of him when he needed it. As they approached the camp, Robin spotted Will Scarlett, leaning against a tree and eyeing them with a mixture of concern and amusement. "What seems to be the matter, Rob?" Will asked, raising an eyebrow. Robin scowled, feeling a bit defensive. "Just a bit of a cold, that's all. I'm fine." But Will just chuckled. "Sure you are, Rob. That's why you're leaning on John and Tuck like a drunken sailor." Robin glared at him, but deep down, he knew Will was right. He wasn't fine. He was a mess, and he was lucky to have such good friends to take care of him. Now, what would you like to happen next?