Disclaimer to all things RH

So here's number 16...I never thought I could keep it going for this longlol. Thanks to everyone for all the reviews. Sorry, no one was right on the first guess of the mystery nobleman. Perhaps this chapter may shed a little light on the subject? Enjoy!

Much sat comfortably under a tree in the outlaw's camp. He was uncharacteristicaly quiet and everyone noticed. Of course, no one wanted to jinx it for fear of losing that precious silence. Occupying Much's thoughts was the ever constant nagging fact that the world was not right. The Sheriff and Gisborne were still in control, the King was still in the Holy Land, Robin and Marian were not on the best of terms...as usual and he- he and Eve-he could not come back for her. It didn't matter how much he wanted to, he didn't even know where she was. Much shifted in his place with discontentment. A crack on a twig wrenched him out of his thoughts. His battle readiness from the Holy Land kicked in and he immediately reached for the hilt of his sword.

Eyes darting about, Much felt his breathing rate increase as his mind raced thinking of who or what in could be. After a moment of silence, Much finally managed to convince himself that there was nothing there. Then, there was a small tap on his right shoulder. He whipped his head in that direction. Again there was nothing. He looked the otherway and found Robin's upside down face about 6 inches away from him. To say the least, Much let out a fairly unmasculine yelp. Robin howled with laughter while Much twisted his face into a very pouty sulk.

"Was that really nessecary?" asked a very annoyed Much.

"Yes." Robin barely managed to get out in fits of laughter. He then flipped around the branch that he was hanging from and jumped to the ground with relative ease.

"You shouldn't be doing that, you know." Much scoffed.

" Don't be such a spoilsport, Much. It was just a bit of fun." he laughed again

"I'm not talking about me, and I wasn't scared." Much said defensively, "I meant that you shouldn't be over exercising your leg." he crossed his arms and looked at him like a mother looks at a child caught with his hands in a cookie jar.

Robin rolled his eyes, "Much, my leg is fine."

"Sure, sure, you leg is fine. I mean it was only torn to shreds two weeks ago, but hey, you look like you could take all of Nottingham Castle by yourself." Much said sarcastically. Robin gave him 'that' look and Much groaned, "Oh, no, now I've given you ideas. Why do I even bother speaking?"

"Because you can't shut up?" Robin offered

"Oh, grow up." he mumbled. "Anyways, Djaq said-

"I'm FINE" Robin insisted, not wanting to hear that the Saracen physician told him that he had to stay off his leg at least for another day. He then began pacing back and forth relentlessly, trying to think of a way to entertain himself seeing as 'tormenting Much' had already been crossed off the list. Fortunately, before he could cause any more mischief, the Djaq and Allan returned from their daily drop offs, from which Robin had been left behind with Much.

"Robin," Djaq's voice cut through the air, "I thought I told you that you had to be resting your leg."

"Djaq, it's fine.." Robin began

"Let me be the judge of that." Djaq mustered all of her authority into her voice, "Let me see." Robin obediantly sat down and removed his boot and stocking. Djaq then looked at the healing scars and pursed he lips.

"Look," Robin said exasperated, "I think I know my own leg."

"Robin, I think that you would hardly know your left leg from your right arm if someone wasn't around to show you." Djaq said frankly. Allan could be heard snickering a few feet away. Robin gave them a small glare.

"You've been spending too much time with Marian." Robin mumbled.

"What was that?" Djaq asked.

"Nothing." Robin said quickly. "So, what's the verdict?" he tried changing the subject.

Djaq raised her eyebrows, "You heal quickly for an Englishman. I suppose you are fit to move around as usual now." Robin smiled and jumped up. "But don't push it." she said, almost making it sound like a threat.

Just then Will came running into the camp, practically out of breath. The gang gathered around to see what the fuss was about. He tried to speak but Djaq hushed him, telling him to wait until he had caught his breath, but he managed to get out one word that was enough to send Robin over the edge.

"Marian"

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It had been a few days since the Sheriff's curious visit and Marian had tortured herself with wondering who this mystery nobleman was, and why the Sheriff needed her to be a 'friend' to him. The mere thought of it gave her shivers down her spine. She was sitting going over household accounts when three guards burst into Knighton Hall.

"My lady," one of them said gruffly, "You are under arrest and are to be escorted to Nottingham."

To describe Marian's emotions at this moment would be nearly impossible. She hardly knew what to think, let alone what to feel. All she could hear was her father's voice in her head telling her that she would be caught in her acts as the Nightwatchman.

"What are my charges?" she asked coolly looking into the eyes of each guard.

"Consorting with outlaws, My lady." the one on the right answered

Feeding the poor is foolish but understandable. Helping me is a hanging offence.

Marian closed her eyes and sighed as she stood before the three guards, a moment before a noblewoman, now a criminal. She supposed now that all deals with the Sheriff were off.

"I suppose it wouldn't matter if I claimed I was innocent, would it?" she asked quietly.

"Sorry, my lady." one of the guards said. She couldn't tell which because she didn't look at them any longer. In fact, she was so wrapped up in her thoughts that she didn't really see anything as she let the guards grab her arms and walk her towards the barred carriage. Her face expressionless she sat down in the carriage and was startled when she heard someone speak in an amused voice.

"I thought I told you to dress practically, Lady Marian. This is hardly suitable for the forest, don't you think?"

The story any clearer yet? Well, it's not really supposed to be clear yet so it doesn't really matterlol. Let me know what you think. Please Review!