Edyn still felt as if she were dreaming as she made her way to Knighton with Lady Marian. These sorts of things don't just happen, and people were certainly not this kind; for Marian now walked beside her instead of riding astride her horse which she now lead. Strange, as she remained that way the entire trip which would certainly be several miles.

Upon arriving at Knighton Hall, Marian handed the reins of her grey horse to a stable boy and lead Edyn into the grand house. Inside she had the opportunity to bathe and change into fresh clothes; she was relieved to find the dress she was given was much more modest than the one she had been wearing previously. Feeling clean and much happier she was brought down to the kitchen where the cook placed a plate of food before her. She hesitated. The plate was piled with fresh bread and fruit as well as a slab of cold beef. This was too good for her. Janet the cook, laughed. "It's fine, eat. Our mistress will want to know that you are fed. There's no rancid food here, so you'll have to make do with what's fresh," she said smiling. Edyn happily returned the smile.

While she ate, Janet quickly gave her some pointers of how to act and speak amongst her new master's and their guests. "Make sure you wait for them to speak first, unless of course you are offering them a drink or something, and always address them as 'sir,' or 'my lord or lady.' And never make eye contact with them; we're nothing to them but servants. Now, with most nobles they will only expect you to bend your knees slightly, or maybe bow your head, no need for over the top curtsying with them. But with the Sheriff, that is a different matter. Nothing too fancy, just make a bit more of an effort, and always make sure your upper body stays upright. You have no idea how foolish people look when they mix both a bow and curtsy together, I'll tell you," she muttered shaking her head.

The door then suddenly opened and Sir Edward, the former Sheriff, walked in followed by his daughter. Janet straightened up from the bench she was casually leaning against and bowed her head. "Stand up!" she hissed under her breath at Edyn who clumsily jumped to her feet and ducked her head.

"This is Edyn," Marian introduced. "I thought she would make a good replacement of Sarah. Once she's learned her jobs I'm sure she'll be just as good." Sir Edward didn't reply, simply nodded his head, mumbled something to himself and exited.

Marian turned to her and stifled a laugh. "You can sit down now." Edyn blushed and took a seat. "How are you settling in?" she continued.

"Very well, thank–"

"Marian!" Edward's voice called from the main room.

She smiled at Edyn before she went to her father. "Oh, Sir Guy," Edyn heard her say once she left the room. "What brings you here?"

She didn't hear any more of the conversation as Janet quickly bounded to the other side of the kitchen and began pouring wine into a goblet. "Here," she called to Edyn. "You're first task. Go and offer Sir Guy a drink." Edyn felt like laughing, serving drinks was one of her few talents, though this was under very different circumstances.

Slowly making her way into the other room she suddenly became nervous. This was the Sheriff's right hand man, his lieutenant and one of the most powerful men in Nottinghamshire. As she approached he coolly glanced at her putting his conversation on hold. "Can I offer you a drink, Sir Guy?"

Lazily, he reached up and took the goblet from the tray. She nodded her head and moved to stand beside Marian unsure if they required anything else. He opened his mouth to continue when he stopped himself and looked at Edyn narrowing his eyes. "You can leave now," he said curtly.

"Oh." She blushed and bent her knees slightly before moving back towards the kitchen; she could see Janet's head peering around the door.

Once inside Janet tried to comfort her. "That's okay, it could have a lot worse."

"I've never dealt with nobles before," Edyn explained. "I don't know where I stand in situations like that."

"Well, when in doubt, return to the kitchen unless instructed otherwise," Janet replied.

Edyn liked this woman, even with her eccentric appearance. She was a short, plump woman, with bright rosy cheeks, a somewhat oily complexion and extremely frizzy mousy brown hair, which looked as if it hadn't been washed or brushed for months. But she had a good heart. Edyn soon learned that the stableboy, Adam, was her son and they were the only servants at this house. They had been talking for so long that they didn't hear Sir Guy leave; in fact, they were unaware of anything else happening in the house until they heard raised voices between Marian and her father. Edyn stood up and began to clear the plates and cutlery she had used slightly embarrassed, while Janet shuffled closer to the door. She was a nosy person it seemed. "I like to keep up on my gossip," she whispered.

Edyn did not see herself as a prying person but when she heard what came out of Marian's mouth she paused from her work to listen.

"You fear for your own neck, that is the truth." They were such strong words for a woman.

But her father did not falter from her boldness and replied, "If you cannot obey me, if you–"

"I cannot obey you!" Marian cut him off.

There was a slight pause before Sir Edward spoke. "Then you will leave this house."

Silence dragged on for what seemed like an age. Both Janet and Edyn looked at each other nervously. They then heard movement of someone heading upstairs. "Edyn!" Marian's voice called.

She shrugged her shoulders at Janet and entered the room to see Marian's figure disappear upstairs while her father stood rooted to the spot. Once upstairs in Marian's bedchamber, she began to rant to Edyn who simply nodded her head, confused at what had caused this outburst.

"I mean, how dare he try and control my life. I'm not a child anymore! What does it matter what I get up to. I know I sometimes go too far, my hair is proof of that, but I don't need him to remind me." She paced back and forth while she spoke. "Maybe I should go to the castle. Guy mentioned there was an abbess there. Maybe I could petition her?" Edyn got the feeling she was no longer being spoken to. After a few more moments of her muttering she turned and faced Edyn. "I need to go to the castle. Will you come to Nottingham? I understand if you are a little nervous and would rather stay behind."

Edyn shook her head. "No, I'll accompany you. If I avoid it now then I'll always be fearful of going there."

Marian then showed Edyn how to help her get ready for the castle. "It's not a formal occasion so there is little to be done. My hair is rather too short for anything to be done with it," she explained. She then called for the stable boy to ready two horses for them. "I assume you can ride?"

"Yes, a little. I learned when I was younger but since being in Nottingham I haven't had the opportunity," Edyn said.

"I'm sure it will come back to you quickly," Marian replied.

Once they were ready they headed outside to find the young stableboy holding the reins of Marian's grey horse and Edyn's mount. She had to hold back from a giggle for her horse was a bright blood bay colour; its mane and tail were jet black along with its legs and muzzle, whereas its coat was a deep red colour, similar to her own auburn hair.

"I thought you might notice the coincidence," Marian said observing Edyn's smile.

"Well, I'm glad I'm not the only one who stands out in Nottingham," she joked leaning forward to stroke its soft muzzle.

Marian had been right, it didn't take Edyn long to become comfortable with riding, quickly finding her balance and picking up the rhythm of the horses' gait. He was a good mount, smooth transitions and responsive to the slightest command, though a little flighty, jumping at any sound or shadow keeping Edyn alert to her surroundings. She soon remembered why she had enjoyed riding so much when she was younger.

As they approached the town of Nottingham she noticed Marian look down glumly at the homeless whom were all pleading for help. Her eyes never left them as she scanned each one gathered. Then she hesitated slightly. Edyn followed her eye line and noticed several familiar faces. Robin sat crouched surrounded by some of his men gesturing towards the guards that denied them access into the town.

"Edyn, continue on. I'll meet you inside," Marian said not taking her eyes from Robin.

"Yes, my lady."

Once inside the gates she glanced over her shoulder curiously. Why on earth would Marian be helping Robin? Surely she would be the last person to have anything to do with him. But Marian did not seem at all bothered by Robin, in fact, she dismounted from her horse and took some coins from her purse. Immediately the homeless crowded round her begging, grabbing at her and pulling at her clothes. She then cried out for help and the two guards by the gate ran to her aid. While their attention was diverted Robin and his men took the opportunity to sneak into the town rushing passed Edyn without noticing her. She didn't like to admit it to herself but she felt her spirits sink slightly when she saw that Will was not among them.

By now, Marian had entered the town and approached Edyn while fixing her messed hair. "Probably best if you don't mention that to anyone," she said in a low voice. Edyn simply nodded her head. The more time she spent with this woman, the more she liked her.

Marian then led the way towards the castle and neither of them was surprised to find Robin waiting for them, hidden behind a market stall. Marian requested a moment of Robin's time and handed her reins to Edyn. "I'll only be a moment," she said. Then she left, leaving Edyn with Allan, John and Much, all of who had the same questioning look on their faces.

She gave them all a meek smile. "Hello."

Allan laughed. "Well, aren't you full of surprises?" Edyn looked down at her feet. "You suddenly being alongside Marian wouldn't have anything to do with the Trip Inn being closed today, would it?" Again she didn't reply. "I thought so."

"Allan, leave it!" John suddenly spoke up. Actually, it was the first time she had heard John speak before, and she gave him a grateful smile. Allan simply shrugged his shoulders and lapsed into silence. Edyn wanted to ask them about Marian but thought it best to ask her later; besides, she didn't know how truthful Allan would be with his answers.

She continued to watch him as he dragged his feet around, bored of waiting for Robin before he glanced at the horses Edyn held. He smirked and commented, "I'm not being funny, but why do women have to choose a horse that will match their hair?"

Edyn couldn't stop herself from smiling. "You're not going to believe that it's purely a coincidence are you?"

"Well, if both you and the horse had normal brown hair then I would, but come on… you're hair isn't exactly normal is it?" Edyn attempted to scowl at him but failed giving in to laughing instead.

"C'mon, lads," Robin called abruptly. Marian appeared behind him looking slightly annoyed. Edyn then decided this was not the time to ask questions.

Once they left the horses at the castle stable Marian dug into her purse and retrieved the few pennies she had left and handed them to Edyn with a list of items she needed. It was strange to think that she had slept here only the night beforehand. "I may be a while in the castle so I'll meet you back here, no need for you to have to wait in the gloomy corridors. Ask one of the stableboys to have the horses ready."

Edyn was a little relieved not having to enter the castle. Today had been a long day and she would have found that much too overwhelming. She happily strolled passed the stalls in the market looking at each of the items. She was not used to this kind of freedom and thought she better enjoy it while she could. She did not expect a hand to roughly grab her shoulder and slam her against a nearby wall. A very angry Gloria towered over her.

"How dare you!" she spat at her. "How dare you do that to him?"

"Gloria, please. I didn't mean to. I was frightened and he wouldn't let go of me," Edyn tried to defend herself.

"He was only claiming his rights. That's what you agree to when you accept the job!"

"That was never mentioned to me, I would never have agreed!" Edyn suddenly had a burst of confidence.

Gloria shook her head. "You really are that naïve? Of course it's not mentioned, but it was implied, right from the beginning. Let me guess, you just thought if you forgot about it then it would never happen? That it would simply go away? Wake up! The world doesn't work that way!"

"Gloria, I- I'm sorry! Truly. I wish it never happened," Edyn said softly.

Gloria didn't reply. She had obviously said all that she needed to. "Just- just don't ever show your face at the Trip again, understand? We're much better off without you."

Edyn nodded her head numbly; she didn't need to be told. She watched in silence as Gloria left her and she remained where she was. She was so confused. Had she done the right thing? She was aware that he may call on her, and she did try and ignore it, hoping it would never happen. But she had said no. Did that really count as an excuse?

With a heavy heart she bought the remaining items Marian had requested and headed back to the horses. When Marian approached her later she looked just as miserable as Edyn felt. She knew her happiness would only be temporary but she had hoped it would have hung around for a little bit longer.

They rode back in silence. Edyn occasionally peeked across to Marian. She had mentioned she was leaving with the abbess later that night. She had reassured Edyn that she would still have a job at Knighton Hall, but it didn't seem to make the situation any better.

"My lady, may I ask you something?" Edyn broke the silence.

"Of course. What's on your mind?"

She hesitated unsure of how to word it. "You may tell me to mind my own business if you wish, but I was wondering… You seemed pretty friendly with Robin Hood earlier. I wouldn't have thought you would keep company with an outlaw."

She was expecting to get roused at but was surprised with Marian's comment. "You don't seem worried about him at all. Most fear to be near him." She had somehow turned the conversation on Edyn. "Have you had dealings with him?"

"I err, I have spoken with him a few times," Edyn replied. "I believe in his cause. The people of Nottingham need help. I think it's wrong that he's lost everything for standing up for them."

Marian turned and smiled at her before her expression became serious. "Strong words. If the wrong person were to hear you say that you would face imprisonment. You trust me, Edyn. And I feel as if I can trust you. I am I right to think that?"

"Of course, my lady. I am in your debt after all."

"In that case, I may have had some dealings with him myself. He is a good man." Edyn smiled at her suspiciously; she got the idea she wasn't quite telling her everything, but let it pass.

Back at Knighton Hall they both packed Marian's bags in silence. She noticed Marian was quite reluctant with each item she packed as is this was not what she wanted for herself. While she moved passed the window, Edyn noticed Sir Guy approach on his horse. She looked over her shoulder at her mistress and wondered if she should announce his arrival or not. Sir Edward then stepped outside to talk with Sir Guy. They were too far away for Edyn to hear but only a few moments later Sir Guy had mounted his horse and left.

"You can put them on my horse now, Edyn," Marian said indicated towards her bulging saddlebags.

Marian followed Edyn downstairs to where her father was waiting for her. He politely asked for Edyn to excuse them and she ducked into the kitchen. Janet had left for her home with her son by then as she lived in town so Edyn busied herself with odd cleaning jobs around the kitchen. Marian discussed with her later of her father giving in to her demands, not bearing the thought of her leaving him.

That night as she lay by herself in the small servants quarters she felt relieved for the first time in a while. Finally things were looking up for her. She rolled over in the comfort of an actual bed and fell into a much-needed sleep.

A:N/ I hate this! I'm really sorry if you were all expecting something great after my last chapter but I just couldn't get this to sound right. Just a filler chapter I guess. Hopefully my next chapter won't be such a disappointment! *crosses fingers!* She's going to stray from Marian a bit more so it's a story about her, rather than just copying Marian's story. At least now I have a link between her and the gang.

Oh, this is really random I know, but has anyone noticed that Joe Armstrong (Allan) has plucked eyebrows! I was watching episodes 6 and 7 from the first series and his eyebrows are definitely shaped, they're better than mine! I had such a lol moment hahaha.

Thankyou far all the lovely reviews I've received! Hope to hear from you. Any constructive criticism is welcome – this chapter was so dodgy so I need to know where I should improve so I don't make the same mistakes again.