Time was passing by so quickly Edyn could barely believe a month had nearly passed since she had first moved into Knighton Hall. She had quickly learned what was required and felt she was working up to the standards that were expected of her.

For the first time since she had left Locksley she did not feel homesick. Though she did think of her brother often, and each time it left her holding back tears. Since she had left the day Robin had returned she had only had one opportunity to duck back to her old home, though she only had a few minutes to spare they barely had time to catch up. She was trying to build up her confidence and ask Marian to allow her time off to visit him. She didn't think Marian would refuse her but it was always the fear of not knowing what the other person was thinking.

When Marian had been summoned to the castle by Sir Guy one morning she had figured this would be the ideal moment, but before she even had time to consider asking Sir Edward had left her a list of chores that were required. She desperately tried to hide her disappointment as she helped Marian choose a dress to wear for the occasion.

"Nothing too flattering, Edyn," Marian said to her. "I do not want him to get the wrong idea."

"Do you know what this is may be about, my lady?"

Marian shook her head. "I can only imagine it may be another gift. He's helping to collect taxes so he's a bit strained to find the time to visit at the moment."

"I did notice I'm not answering the door as often," Edyn giggled. Sir Guy presence was becoming a nuisance, and Edyn got the feeling she was not the only one who dreaded his unexpected visits.

Marian surveyed her. "You seem down, Edyn. Is anything the matter?"

"No, nothing, my lady," Edyn said while shaking her head. She caught a glimpse of a carriage approaching from the window. "Sir Guy's carriage has just arrived for you."

"Just as well, I think I'm ready. Best to get this over with," Marian said. She had donned a very simply gown and only allowed Edyn to sweep her fringe from her face, the rest of her hair remained loose and untouched. Overall, very simple.

Edyn walked Marian down to the carriage and her father was already waiting for her inside. "We shouldn't be too long, Edyn."

The morning was slow and she didn't hear the carriage return until the afternoon when she was sitting in the kitchen helping Janet prepare the evening dinner. Leaping to her feet she rushed to open the door for them. Once inside Marian showed Edyn the necklace Sir Guy had given her.

"It's beautiful," Edyn gushed, slightly jealous that she did not have anyone to shower her with gifts. She lent closer for a better look and narrowed her eyes slightly.

"Something wrong?" Marian asked.

Edyn hesitated. "Silly, but it looks familiar. A girl I used to know in Locksley; her mother had a necklace very similar to that one."

"Do you think it's the same?" Marian questioned.

"I very much doubt it," Edyn replied shaking her head.

"Well, in that case, I'm going to change. It was an interesting morning and I would like to clear my head with a ride through the forest," Marian declared.

"Careful you don't run into any outlaws," Edyn giggled.

Marian smiled. "That would be just my luck."

Edyn opened her mouth trying to pluck up the courage to ask about visiting Locksley when Marian called over her shoulder. "Can you ask Adam to have my horse saddled and ready, Edyn?"

"Of course, my lady," she replied slightly deflated.

The afternoon dragged into evening and Marian returned with a slightly annoyed expression upon her beautiful face. Edyn gave her a few moments before she headed up to her bedchamber to see if she needed anything. She had barely reached the door before Marian started her ranting.

"How could he? The poor girl, he stole it from her! It was a gift from her mother, and to have to hear about it from Robin Hood of all people. He always has to gloat about it too. Why must he have to get so annoyed over the gifts I receive from Guy, I am not his, not anymore!"

"My lady?" Edyn asked.

"Sorry, Edyn. I'm just so irritated," Marian said. "You were right about the necklace; it does belong to a Locksley girl." She then explained how she had seen Robin and her giving him the necklace to give back to the girl. "Arrogant fool!" she fumed. Edyn didn't know if that insult was meant for Robin or Sir Guy but thought it best not to ask.

The morning that followed Edyn had been working in the kitchen preparing the morning meal before Janet arrived when she heard several sets of footsteps running quietly through the main room. She was just moving towards the door hesitantly when it suddenly burst open knocking her to the ground. A strange man with his face half covered by a scarf towered over her, scanned the room briefly then hurried out again.

"Hey!" she cried.

As she scrambled to her feet she could hear Sir Edwards voice yell, "What do you think you're doing? Get out of my house!"

Pushing the door open she could see three masked men including the one who had knocked her to the ground all rushing to the door leading outside. One of them carried a sack full of what Edyn assumed were valuables, which he suddenly dropped at the sight of Sir Edward chasing after them brandishing a sword. "Get out!" he growled at them.

"My lady?" Edyn yelled up the stairs.

Outside Sir Edward had started a combat between one of them. "My lady!" she tried again louder, but still Marian did not emerge from her room. Edyn took a step towards the stairs but noticed Sir Edward thrown roughly to the ground after taking a severe blow to his brow. She abandoned her attempts to wake her mistress and ran to Edward's aid, helping him back to his feet. She did not expect what happened next.

The Nightwatchman appeared from nowhere swinging his sword high above his head challenging the three intruders. Edyn watched in awe as he easily competed with these men, using his small size to his advantaged easily dodging their blows and regaining himself quicker than themselves. Oddly though, he did not attempt to kill them, merely just to get them to the ground. But he was still at a disadvantage, for there was only one of him and three of the intruders, he would knock one down and move to the next but by the time he had the last one to the ground the first one was back on his feet raring to go again.

Just when she thought the Nightwatchman was tiring she heard another voice yell, "STOP!" This day couldn't become anymore eventful as Robin, Allan and Much came galloping towards the scene. Even at a distance Edyn could see that Robin was livid. "What is going on?" he demanded as he reined in his horse and leapt to the ground in one fluid motion.

The man, who was currently in combat with the Nightwatchman, relaxed his stance and pulled down his scarf as he thanked Robin; Edyn held back a gasp when she thought she heard something about them being Robin Hood's men. Surely Robin wouldn't encourage this sort of behaviour. Allan was off his horse soon after Robin and began growling at the man while continuously slapping him around the head angrily.

"These are your men?" Sir Edward asked shocked.

"Not for much longer," Robin reassured him.

The rest of the conversation was lost to Edyn as surprisingly the Nightwatchman had moved towards where she and Edward were standing and protectively put a hand on Edward's shoulder. What on earth? Stranger still that Sir Edward did not question this contact; he even leant closer to him. Something wasn't right.

After more yelling, more head slapping and a very reluctant apology Allan had left with the intruders and the Nightwatchman pulled Robin behind the house towards the stables, leaving Sir Edward, Edyn and Much waiting for his master. Something definitely wasn't right and Edyn was curious to know. She made a move after them when she felt Sir Edward's hand catch her by the elbow. "I think it best if you left it, Edyn."

"But–"

"Come inside!"

Edyn gave in with a sigh. She didn't want to do anything that may compromise her position in this grand house. "Yes, my lord."

Inside, Edyn sat Sir Edward down and was dabbing a damp cloth to the small wound on his hairline. It wasn't deep but it was obvious it would have been painful, if not the fall definitely would have been. "Thank you, Edyn."

The door then opened and Marian walked in from outside causing Edyn to drop the damp cloth she had been holding, for Marian was dressed as the Nightwatchman carrying a mask in her hand while pulling a scarf from around her neck. She completely ignored Edyn's wide eyed expression and moved to her father's side to have a closer look at his forehead. "Edyn, can you pass me that water bowl?" she asked.

Marian's voice woke her from her trance and she struggled to get the words out of her mouth. "Y-you…you're the Nightwatchman?"

Marian turned to stare at her suddenly realising Edyn's very brief knowledge of the subject. "Oh, Edyn, I'm sorry, I completely forgot. I… err, could you go upstairs and get a clean dress ready for me to change into? I'll be up in a moment to explain everything."

"But, you–"

"Please?" her voice was firm but still reassuring.

Once Marian joined her she had sat Edyn down and explained everything. How she had first started this masquerade, when she had been identified by Robin, how she found her in Nottingham, her original plans to send her to Kirklees, and how no one else knew of her with the exception of her father and Robin's gang. "Please, Edyn, you cannot tell anyone. My life would be at risk if you do."

"Of course I wouldn't. I just– I didn't expect it at all. How have you been able to keep this a secret?"

"I always wait for you to fall asleep. I didn't tell you because I was worried how you would react, not that I didn't trust you."

"I'm sorry, I don't really know what to say to this sort of thing," Edyn confessed.

Marian smiled. "No one ever does. I haven't frightened you though?"

"No, of course not," Edyn replied. "So… it was you that found me? In Nottingham, I mean."

Marian nodded her head. "I was so shocked by you. When I first found you looked so tiny and fragile, covered in blood and shaking uncontrollably, yet in the morning you had this strong personality, like you were determined you had to put on a brave face. I was expecting to find you curled into a ball weeping."

Edyn let out a small laugh. "No, crying is not really me."

Marian gave her a sidelong glance. "Are you trying to tell me you don't?"

"Well, in a way. I mean, I'll let a tear escape every now and again, as a few did that night at the Trip Inn, but never a proper let-all-your-emotions-out outburst."

"I don't understand. Did something happen to you that makes you feel that you can't anymore?" Marian asked confused.

Edyn toyed with the pendant around her neck nervously. "Umm…"

Marian studied her. She had noticed right from the beginning this girl did not like to give anything away about her childhood but this just seemed odd. "What happened?"

Edyn sighed. "Nothing really, it's silly." She paused but Marian remained silent waiting for an explanation. Edyn took a deep breath before she spoke. "I never really cried over my mother's death. It… The realisation of it didn't hit me until we had first moved to Nottinghamshire, when I realised my whole life was changing, but by then several weeks had already passed, it seemed wrong to be crying so late after her death so I forced myself to hold it all in, and since then nothing has seemed quite as upsetting as that moment," Edyn explained, again her hand moved to touch her necklace, the only possession she had of her mothers.

"I don't know if I should complement you on that or not. You have amazing willpower, I'll give you that, but you shouldn't feel that just because time had passed you couldn't grieve. I still grieve over my mother's death to this day," Marian said.

"I do not want compliments; I'm so ashamed about it. But I can't change it, what's happened has happened, no one can change that. Besides, I think part of it was I didn't want to look childish in front of my brother. He had to give up his remaining childhood to care for me, and I respect him so much for that, I wanted to prove that I was also grown up." She looked down at her lap at the thought of Henry.

"You miss your brother?" Marian asked, forgetting the rest of the conversation.

"Very much. I promised him I would visit regularly but I haven't."

"Why don't you?" Marian asked. "We are more than able to manage a morning if you want to visit him."

"Really?" Edyn asked.

"Of course. Go to him tomorrow if you wish," Marian told her.

"Oh, thank you. Thank you so much!" Edyn gushed.

The rest of the day seemed to drag now Edyn had something to look forward to, but eventually it did come to an end. When she woke the next morning she had rushed to have the morning meal ready so as soon as she had finished she would be able to leave for Locksley. She had already gone and woken Marian and she could hear Edward moving around in the main room. She was just bringing out his meal when there was a knock on the door. Edyn wanted to scream with frustration when she pulled open the door to find Sir Guy asking for Marian.

She would have to wait for him to leave before she could herself and had to reframe from fidgeting while he spoke with Marian. But then their conversation became much more interesting. Apparently, earlier that morning three of Robin's men had been captured trying to rob Lucky George for a second time. Sir Guy seemed quite amused by this information and Marian forced a smile on her face to please him.

After he left Marian turned to Edyn and spoke, "It would have to be the three that tried to rob us yesterday. Surely no one else in his gang would be that stupid."

"Well, I hope your right, my lady," Edyn responded before Marian ushered her out of the house insisting she take one of the horses. Edyn thanked her again and was soon on the dusty road to Locksley with a broad smile etched upon her face. Her stomach fluttered with excitement when she first spotted her old home. By now Henry would have already made the days bread and would be cleaning up his oasis of the kitchen.

She leapt from her horse and burst into the house while calling, "Henry? Hello?"

Dazed and confused, he suddenly appeared in front of her. Hair messed, apron askew, flour on his face and his eyes wide; exactly as she always found him. Before he even had a chance to speak she had thrown herself upon him. "Edyn? When- How… What happened to you? Last I heard you had done a runner from the Trip."

She pulled away from him feeling rejuvenated from being in the safety of her brothers arms. "Umm… it's kind of a long story."

"Well, do you have time to tell me? How long can you stay?" his voice became slightly worried.

She smiled. "I have all morning. My mistress insisted I stay as long as I need."

"Mistress? What?" He gave her a quizzical look.

She laughed. "I think I better start at the beginning."

The morning flew by quicker than Edyn thought possible. They sat together and she enjoyed the feeling of having him lean against her as she spoke, the sound of his laugh when she became animated trying to explain certain situations. She told him everything that had happened to her and enjoyed the comfort she received, even if it was late; she even enjoyed the taunts he gave out. She did not, however, tell him of her involvement with Robin Hood and how she had broken into the castle. She did not think Henry would approve of that. Henry did not have much to comment on. According to him his life had been very dull since she had left, with the exception of the tongue cutting incident.

"I was so scared," he said. "The poor man they grabbed was kneeling right next to me and for a moment I thought they were going to seize me. I swear I nearly wet myself."

Edyn giggled loudly. She had not laughed this much in months; it felt good. She glanced out the window and could see the sun was passed its highest point. "Oh, I have to go," she said with a heavy heart.

"You can't stay just a bit longer?" he begged.

"I'm sorry. I'll try to visit as often as I can," she reassured him.

"Who would have thought, my sister would be living in a house as grand as Knighton Hall," Henry muttered shaking his head.

"I'm working my way up in this world," she joked.

After a long hug, Edyn reluctantly tore herself away from her brother and mounted her horse to head back to Knighton. Just as she was about to turn onto the road to Knighton she noticed a tall figure emerge from the forest heading towards Nottingham. "Will?" she called.

She was amused as she watched him spin around quickly looking for where the voice had come from. She trotted towards him and dismounted. "What are you doing here?"

"Robin sent me to Nottingham," he said.

"Are you going to find out about the three that were arrested this morning?"

"Do you know something?"

She glanced over her shoulder to make sure Henry was inside before she nodded. Will's eyes flickered to her old home and pulled her towards to outskirts of the forest understanding that she didn't want to be seen.

"I overheard Lady Marian talking with Sir Guy this morning. Apparently they are going to hang tomorrow at midday," she said. Will looked down at his feet and sighed. "The Sheriff is delighted that he has Robin's men, as is Sir Guy. They're telling everyone. I'm assuming to provoke Robin."

"They're not part of the gang," he said quietly.

"Sir Guy said they wore those tags you all have."

"They must have stolen them with everything else they took," he muttered to himself.

Edyn couldn't restrain herself from asking, "Why were they with you?"

"It's Allan's brother, he's trying to get him to change his ways," Will replied.

"Oh, no," Edyn said sadly. She couldn't imagine how Allan must be feeling.

Will nodded his head. "I should head back and let Robin know." They were about to depart when he called her back. "Edyn." It seemed silly, but she loved how he said her name. Most people pronounced it the same as it was in the Bible with an 'e' rather than a 'y,' Will however always pronounced it correctly and it constantly made her smile.

"Yes?"

"I, err… I heard about what happened… to you. I'm sorry." He sounded so sincere.

She gave him a small smile. "I'm just glad I got away from there."

He took a step closer and pointed at the small scar on her neck from the knife. "He's marked you."

"Not quite the way he wanted to." There was silence as neither of them knew what to say next. "I think I left a bigger mark on him though," she said trying to lighten the mood.

She noticed a smile touch the corners of his mouth. "I heard about that too."

They then departed and again Edyn could not wipe the smile from her face. Why did she always find herself smiling when she had been talking with him? He never said anything amusing, it was rather boring compared with conversations she had with others yet she always got excited whenever they did speak, as rare as it was.

The afternoon she spent with Marian in her bedchambers doing their embroidery. Though as a housemaid she was not supposed to join her mistress with such tasks but Marian insisted; Edyn assumed she simply wanted the company. She smirked as Marian worked. She had no real skill with sewing, her mind was much too busy and she continuously looked out the window as if she were expecting someone. "Will said that he would tell Robin?" she asked suddenly.

"Yes, there would be no reason why he wouldn't," Edyn replied. What a strange question to ask. Marian had been acting like this since Edyn had told her of her encounter with Will.

They both heard a whistle from outside and Marian jumped to her feet to look out the window. "What do you want?" she asked with a small giggle.

"To talk," Edyn heard Robin's voice call. She didn't need to hear anymore. With a smile she exited Marian's bedchamber to give them privacy to talk.

Later, Marian had filled her in what was said. "I told him I would go to Nottingham and talk with Guy."

When she returned later that day the smile she had on her face was long gone. "I fear I have made a terrible mistake," she said to Edyn. "Guy set a trap to flush out the spy in the castle, he's sergeant is now being tortured but it was me who gave Robin the information about the silver." Edyn had no idea what she was talking about but listened to everything Marian had to say. "I will need to be more careful with the information I give Robin now. I would not want another tortured because of me. I feel awful!"

Edyn was happy to comfort her mistress and was then asked to accompany her to the hanging the next day. She had agreed but when they both rode into Nottingham the following day Edyn became slightly anxious. If something were to go wrong she didn't want to see anyone die. But she reminder herself that Robin would not let any harm come to them. He was Robin Hood after all.

It felt odd to be standing on the castle stairs with Marian and the other nobles; she should be standing with the other peasants surrounding the gallows. She watched in disgust as the Sheriff happily skipped out gleefully. He was absolutely shaking with excitement when he explained to every one of the hanging being brought forward. As he spoke three sheets were pulled from the bodies of the men that had been hidden from sight high upon the wall that surrounded the castle. There were cries and gasps from the crowd and Edyn brought a hand to her mouth to cover up her own yelp. This man was much crueller than what she had ever imagined. This was all just a plan to taunt Robin. She had no idea where he was hidden but she knew he would be there somewhere with his men, with Allan. It then occurred to her Allan would be somewhere staring with horror at his brothers limp body put on display for everyone to see.

Edyn was relieved when Marian grabbed her arm and led her from spectacle. "I can't bear to watch this anymore," she said. As they walked through the castle halls Robin and Much suddenly appeared in front of them dressed as guards. "Gisborne knows you gave me the necklace, he knows that you betrayed him. You are in grave danger," Robin stressed to her.

Marian stared at him with wide eyes. "No…"

"I will get it back for you. He'll be leaving for Knighton Hall now," Robin continued.

"My father!" Marian gasped.

"Marian, you cannot go home now, it is too dangerous!"

"He is weak–"

"I will go to him," Edyn spoke up.

Robin turned to her with a slightly relieved expression. "Thank you, Edyn. Go, hurry."

Edyn then dashed back to the stables and was relieved to find her horse still saddled. Checking the girth strap she swung upon its back to leave when she spotted Marian rushing to her own horse.

"My lady, no! Robin told you to stay here until he got you the necklace," Edyn said.

"Well, Robin Hood is a fool. I will not leave my father and you cannot stop me," Marian argued urging her horse to move.

Edyn had no choice but to follow her. Once outside the town gates Marian spurred her horse on, forcing it go as fast as it could. Edyn clung to her horse as she forced it to keep up. She hoped Robin would be close behind them with the necklace; she dreaded the thought of what Sir Guy might do to Marian.

Arriving at Knighton Hall, Marian leapt from her saddle and ordered Edyn to see to the horses.

"But–" she tried to argue.

"Just do it, Edyn!" Marian snapped.

Hurriedly she helped the stableboy unsaddled the horses but by the time she entered the house a heated argument had already broken out. "Don't waste my time!" Guy sneered through gritted teeth. Edyn didn't think she had even seen someone look as menacing as he did at that moment.

Marian timidly walked upstairs to her bedchamber. After just a moment Sir Guy went to take a step up the stairs. "I think you should wait down here, Sir Guy," Edyn said. The moment the words left her mouth she regretted them.

Sir Guy suddenly rounded on her, his stance just as intimidating as before and she gasped at his rapid movement. He pointed a finger just inches from her face and he growled, "Don't speak to me, servant! EVER!" Before anything else could be said he stormed up the stairs.

Both Edyn and Edward had no choice but to wait downstairs and listen to their raised voices. When it died down they both hoped she had somehow proved her innocence. But when they both came down the stairs they explained that Marian was to marry Sir Guy as it was the only way to protect her. Sir Guy apologised to Sir Edward and left, leaving behind a room full of unhappy faces.

The house was silent and depressing that night. Marian rarely called on Edyn at night as she liked to do most tasks herself, but that night Edyn had been asked upstairs and as she brushed Marian's short dark hair she heard her whisper softly, "How do I get myself in these situations, Edyn? The day the King returns it will be a joyful for everyone; except for me."

Edyn was silent; unsure of what Marian wanted hear. She set the brush down and reached for Marian's hand saying, "It will be a while before they make peace." She knew she should not touch Marian in any way, but it felt so appropriate and when she felt Marian squeeze her hand in return she knew she had done the right thing to comfort her.

A:N/ Phew, that was a struggle, such a complex storyline compared to some of the others. Plus I had no real idea of how I wanted to fit Edyn into this episode so I kind of made it up as I typed. I think it came out alright, after I edited it anyway; better than what I thought it would be if I'm honest. The Will/Edyn moment was not planned at all, but when I was re-watching the episode and noticed it was Will who tells them about the hanging I couldn't resist playing around with how he got that information XD Besides, a friend of mine was very confused on how you pronounce Edyn's name. I never thought about if I'm honest, sorry! Think, Garden of Eden.

Yes, some lines are stolen from the show; I take no credit for them! Please don't sue me! I have nothing but a broken laptop worth about $50.

Reviews put a smile on my face, even if its criticism, it will help me improve! As always, thank you to my lovely reviewers! Mwah! Xx