Well I hope you didn't mind the terrible first chapter! Like I said, I'm not very good at writing stories, I'm much better at reading them actually! Anywhoos, time for chapter 2-enjoy!

Marian could no longer run. Her whole body felt drained of air, her chest tightened every time she took another breath, her legs ached from running in her small shoes and her face was wet and salty from the tears that had slipped over them. She collapsed on the road and sat there while trying to arrange her thoughts in her mind. Where was she going to go? She couldn't run endlessly. But then again, she refused to go back to the castle. And what if Robin had followed her? She couldn't bear to think about him. She had run for a long time, and was now out of the forest. The darkness from the surrounding trees had been terrifying. But all hope was not lost, for as Marian raised her gaze to look around, she saw it. The Church, in the distance, tall and grand in the village, towering over its tiny neighbouring cottages. Picking herself up, she began running again, the drive to escape everything which had hurt her pushing away her tiredness. She kept her focus on the building, while the lights that had glowed in the dark from the windows of the houses went out one by one. Marian didn't know how late it was, but all time had evaporated now she knew what to do. The Lord had always had an answer for her troubles.

When she arrived at the Church, she pushed open its large oak doors and stood in the doorway to admire its inner beauty. The moonlight shone through the stain glass windows, making silvery patterns on the plain floors. Multitudes of candles were lit around the Church. At least here she was safe. Marian did not know why, but she went and lighted a candle.

"Keep them safe", she whispered, "keep them all safe at Sherwood Forest. Please."

She then proceeded towards the confession box at the back of the church, opened the door, climbed inside the small space and closed the door behind her.

"My Lord, are you there?" she asked quietly. There was a shuffle from the other side of the box.

"Yes My Lady, I am. How can I be of service today? What do you have to confess to the Lord?"

Marian could not speak for a few minutes, for there was a large lump in her throat where she had swallowed back tears. Could she risk talking about them? Was she now doubting her faith in God? She took a deep breath and continued.

"Yes there is. Tell me My Lord, is it a crime to know an outlaw?" The words sounded dangerous even as she spoke them.

"Lady Marian, you have been conferring with an outlaw? Surely you know the price of this is high. What will the King say if he finds out?"

Marian looked at her hands. What would happen? She did not dare to think. But she could defend herself. Marian wasn't a stupid woman with no soul.

"I do not dare to think My Lord, as I'm sure the punishment is unthinkable. But I don't have much to fear. After all, his majesty is not the King. He is Prince John, and will never become King. Long live King Richard!"

"Well, that's where you might be wrong My Lady," the voice from the other side replied. The confession box door was thrown open, and a pair of firm hands grabbed Marians arm and pulled her out of it. It was then Marian saw a group of Prince John's guards. The door of the other side of the box was opened, and out walked a person that sent Marians stomach to the floor. The Sheriff of Nottingham. It had all been a trap. They'd been waiting here for her to come.

"Well I must say Lady Marian, you are so easy to capture," he said, putting on his black gloves, "so very predictable. And now we must ask you a few questions. Where are they in Sherwood Forest?"

She did not reply. There was no one she hated more than the Sheriff. His arrogance and good lucks had got him what he wanted, except for one thing. He sighed when she did not reply but stared defiantly at him.

"Now, now Marian," he said gently, walking behind her and putting his hand through her hair, sending tingles of loathing throughout her whole body, "I don't want to fall out with you. If you tell me where they are, I will save your throat from being wrapped in a strong piece of rope. Which would be a pity of course for such a beautiful flower. However if you don't tell me, I would have the unfortunate task of not sparing your life."

Marian shivered. "You really think I would tell you to have my life spared by an arrogant toad with an ego as big as his ignorance? I'd rather die."

The Sheriff tutted. "I'm surprised Marian. You'd rather risk your life for a common, no good, thieving outlaw. I can give you much more than him Marian," he whispered in her ear and kissing her neck," and you can give me something in return".

She spun around and kicked him hard. Never had she been able to hate someone as much as him. She ran towards the oak doors, but as she reached the cold, night air outside, the guards had caught up, grabbing her from behind causing her to trip. And then she screamed, as loud as she could, before one of the guard's gloved hands covered her mouth.

"ROBIN!"

Robin heard it. A high, desperate and petrified scream from beyond the forest.

"MARIAN!"

But there was no reply. He had been walking through the forest after her, trying to find where she had gone. No person he knew had ever managed to get out of Sherwood Forest when never being shown the way. But Marian was a very different person from everyone else. He ran forwards, finally reaching the end of the forest. There was Nottingham in the distance. She must have managed to get there, but by foot?

"Wow", he muttered to himself, "she really is one tough girl".

He couldn't go after her now. It was a trap, screaming at him from every angle. But he couldn't leave Marian, whether she thought he hated her or not. The thought of that filthy Sheriffs hands touching her made him want to wretch. He had to save her, but not now. Slowly, he turned around and made his way back towards the camp, where all the merry men and their families were sleeping peacefully under the full moon sky.