Marian knew that Robin had no intention of killing Gisbourne. When he had longed to kill him in the past, thirsting for revenge over her supposed murder, he had stopped himself, being no killer but a good and honorable man, satisfying his need for revenge by gashing Guy's cheek with his knife, scarring his face forever. But in his present mood of elation, convincing himself King Richard was alive, Marian watched him joyfully meet Guy's challenge, throwing himself into their fight as if it was only a schoolboy brawl he was sure to win.

She understood his elation, and knew it could not last. She knew how hard it would be for him when reality set in, remembering her own elated state years before, after she freed herself by running away from her wedding to Guy.

She had been miserable the day of that wedding, with all hope gone. She had felt trapped and almost dead, yet death would have been preferable to the overwhelming sense of loss and dread she endured. Yet when she had punched Guy and fled, then immediately been reunited with Robin to rescue her father, she was overtaken with such extreme happiness, she felt herself resurrected. Riding behind him on his galloping horse, her arms around his waist, he body pressed against his back, she felt all her years of sorrow from losing him to war erased. Then, upon reaching the castle, she wasn't sure which of them had called the other's name, to seal their reunion with that glorious kiss. And he had saved her father, and done it wonderfully, being so brave and bold and clever, his mood mirroring the elation she felt, ecstatic to be together again.

All that night she had been too excited and happy to sleep. And the next night, after she had gone to bed early, Robin had appeared outside her window, and she had let him into her room.

"You came on purpose when it's raining," she had said, quietly so her father wouldn't hear, "knowing I'd have to let you in."

"Is it raining?" he had asked, cheekily. "I didn't notice."

"You're dripping wet. Here, take off your shirt so it can dry by the fire."

"I'll take off my shirt if you take off yours." His impudent teasing had been the impetus for her to say, a few nights later, upon discovering him in her room when she'd returned from making deliveries as the Night Watchman, "And that's all I'm taking off until you go away."

By then her elation had faded, and reality had returned.

Nothing, she had bitterly realized a day or two later, in spite of their kisses in her room by the fire, with the rain beating gently on the roof, had truly changed. The sheriff was still in power, Guy was sure to be angry with her...she hadn't realized how angry...and Robin was still an outlaw with a tremendous bounty on his head, living in the forest. They couldn't simply resume their lives from before he'd gone to war, awaiting their future life together she had longed for...the life they had blissfully shared these past few years. Elation had come crashing down with that reality, and Marian knew that when Robin's current mood of elation would end, it would hit him even harder.

But for now, she had to stop this battle between Robin and Guy. Robin was exuberantly playing, liking nothing so much as to outfight and outwit Gisbourne, but Guy was deadly serious. Guy wanted revenge, and seemed to believe she would be his once he killed Robin.

"You've got to stop them," Much told her, as if she didn't know already.

"Robin!" Marian repeated, only receiving a laughing wink from him, just before he punched Gisbourne in his gut.

Guy doubled over, clutching his belly, then raised his head to fight on.

"Guy!" Marian shouted, knowing she had to do more than simply call their names.

Bravely, she forced her body between them. Much should be doing this, she thought, due to her condition. But Much was useless, in her opinion. At least today he was. She had to concede he had served Robin well, all through the years. And by serving Robin, he had served England.

"Stop!" she ordered, and Robin tried gently to hand her aside, placing his hands on her waist and lifting her out of the way.

Marian hated to be lifted and removed so easily, as if she were no heavier than Ellen's rag doll. "Robin, put me down!" she demanded, kicking his shin when he refused to obey.

"Ow!"

Marian couldn't stop herself from rolling her eyes when he said that. He'd been battling Guy, taking all manner of punches without seeming to feel them, yet whenever she inflicted the most minor physical harm, he always complained. But at least she had stopped their fight.

"Get out of the way," Guy commanded, and Marian went pale.

Her mind returned her to the moment she had stood between him and King Richard, and he was swishing his sword at her. She hadn't been afraid then...why did fear suddenly grip her?

"No," she said, fighting it back, "I won't. How do you expect to get out of prison, Guy of Gisbourne, without Robin's help? What's your plan of escape?"

Panting from his fight, Guy pushed back his hair and stared down at her. "Hood's not taking me with him," Guy reminded her.

"No, but you could attempt to flee when we go. At least it will give you a shot." Not that you deserve it, she thought angrily, having shot and killed the king.

"What's that?" Much suddenly asked, and all stood still and listened, as a roar began to swell outside the Tower.

"I think they're calling my name," Robin said, incredulously.

The sound increased, until it became almost deafening. The people of London had heard the prince John had imprisoned Robin, and had risen up in revolt, demanding "Robin Hood" be released.

"I had no idea I meant so much to them," Robin said humble.

Much cleared his throat. "We meant so much," he insisted. "It's not just you, Robin, even if it is. We are Robin Hood!"

"We are Robin Hood," Robin agreed, grinning. "And I think Robin Hood is about to be freed. Let's see how long Prince John stands up to that crowd."

Jubilant, he took Marian in his arms.

She could not completely share in his happiness, knowing he was only coping in believing King Richard still alive.