AHHH. I know, it's been over a week since I last updated. I'm sorry! It's been crazy here. I've had job interviews this past week and it's just been hectic in general. So even though this is kind of short, I wanted to give you guys something before you forgot about me. And the next chapter will finally get to the whole situation with Beth and her uncle. Thanks for being so patient with me...you guys are the best, seriously!

"Marian!" Robin rushed over to her bedside. Marian was most definitely awake, but the dark circles under hear eyes indicated she needed more rest.

"Marian, how are you feeling?" Robin gently held her face.

Marian shifted her weight slightly before responding. "Like I've been cut open…again." She weakly smiled as her hands went instinctively to her wound.

"Don't touch—it's still healing," Djaq chided Marian as she quickly pulled her hand away. "And healing quite nicely too, so far." She discreetly took a peek underneath Marian's blouse and nodded her approval.

"Marian...you're awake!" Much had just come charging in, relief and shock mixed on his face. "Are…are you alright?"

"So far…at least I think so."

"Well…good. Wonderful, actually. Because for a moment there I thought…I thought. Uh, never mind. You're alive, and that's what counts, right?" Much grinned from ear to ear as the rest of the gang rushed in.

"When did these pains start, Marian?" asked Robin.

"Oh…I don't know. They've been coming and going these past few weeks. But the pain would only last a few seconds. I…I thought my wound was still healing, so I didn't pay it much mind.

"You strained yourself when you were posing as the Nightwatchman back in Nottingham."

Djaq inwardly cringed and prayed that Robin wouldn't start lecturing Marian…not now.

"Really, Robin. Let's not go through that again."

"Well, it's true. Did you have these pains before then?"

"Maybe…I don't know. Look, what does it matter? If I hadn't been there you might have all been captured. I don't feel like talking about this now." The determined look in Marian's eyes sent a clear warning to her husband, and Robin understood.

"I'm sorry…I didn't mean to accuse you. I'm just worried for you. You do so much for others and hardly think of yourself in the process, or the consequences."

"Hmm, that sounds like someone else I know very well," Marian teased.

Robin laughed softly. "Yeah, guess I can't talk. I almost lost you…again. You know, that's the third time, Marian."

"Is it? I've lost count now."

"I'm just glad you're alright." Robin brought her hand up and kissed it.

"Marian, you still need more rest. And I need to change the dressing on your wound…so everyone out, even you, Robin." Djaq's commanding tone quickly moved Robin to his feet.

"I'll be back soon, I promise. I love you."

Marian smiled. "I love you, too."

Djaq continued to shoo Robin out. She wasn't the most sentimental person, at least not in front of other people. Except Will. It had taken her forever to admit her feelings for him, but she was so glad she had.

"Alright, let me fix the dressing and then you can go back to sleep."

"Once again, you've saved my life. Thank you, Djaq."

"Let's just hope it completely heals. Now, you must not do anything to strain yourself in the coming weeks, and that's an order."

"Yes, Sir," Marian jokingly replied. Her expression turned more serious. "Djaq, do you believe I irritated my wound after what happened at the castle?"

"I do not know…it is possible. That was the first strenuous thing you had done in some time."

"So Robin was right…again."

"Oh, we don't know that. And I would not admit that to him just now—his ego is too big already."

Djaq and Marian laughed as Djaq continued to spread the rest of the dressing on the wound.

"There, all done." Djaq wiped her hands on a cloth and pulled the covers back over Marian. "Now, you rest, and let me know if you need anything."

"I will—thank you."

As Djaq left, Marian willingly closed her eyes. She was exhausted and sore, but thankfully not in extreme pain. Robin was right, and she knew it. It seemed as if every time she became the Nightwatchman something disastrous occurred. Of course, there really was no need for her to disguise herself, but the Nightwatchman was a part of her, and she struggled giving it up. Marian forced herself to push the thoughts aside as she slowly fell to sleep. She had plenty of time to think on the topic later.