Weeks passed and still Marian resented Sir Guy for allowing Lambert to be killed. She felt he could no longer be trusted and Guy seemed to take a step backwards away from her from fear of upsetting her further.

One morning however, he showed up to Knighton Hall and insisted on tying a blindfold over Marian's eyes. Edyn felt sick as she watched his hands linger on Marian's soft neck before he gently took her hand in his and led her outside. Being held by one of his men was the most stunning horse Edyn had ever seen. Apparently Marian felt the same way as she gasped, "He's beautiful!" She couldn't resist moving towards the great animal and stroke its muzzle and run her hand down its long mane. "But I cannot accept."

Guy grinned and insisted she at least take him for a ride. Marian gladly accepted and Sir Guy knew he had won her over. "You, get me some wine," he barked at Edyn.

Forcing herself to smile sweetly at him she bowed her head and headed inside. Oh, how she loathed this man.

Later in the day while she was doing her usual cleaning of the house, Edyn heard Robin's voice outside talking with Marian who hadn't left her amazing new gift. She quickly ducked into the kitchen before heading outside with a goblet of wine; she was more than happy to do this for Robin rather than Guy.

"Hello, Robin," she greeted him with a warm smile.

"Ah," he said returning the smile. "This is a woman who knows how to please a man," he said accepting the drink before winking cheekily at Marian. If only, Edyn thought to herself.

"Thank you, Edyn. You may leave," Marian said. With a bend of the knees she left, retreating to the kitchen.

After Robin had left Marian entered the kitchen with a grin on her face she usually wore whenever she had been with Robin. Edyn couldn't help but smile at her momentary happiness. "What did Robin have to say?"

"Oh, just this and that. Apparently there is a Saracen guest at the castle and Robin wants me to investigate, see what I can find out for him," Marian responded.

"Anything to please him, right my lady?" Edyn giggled.

"Edyn! You do shock me sometimes with your words," Marian said while cracking a smile.

Arriving home from the castle Marian did not look as cheerful as she had been before. "They've made it very difficult to have access to this stranger," she said. "Even Guy would not let me see him. I'm assuming it must have something to do with business, especially as Guy's being so generous; there must be big money involved."

"What kind of business?" Edyn questioned.

"I'm not sure. But you can bet it's nothing good. I'll ride out to talk Robin tomorrow, see what he thinks about it all," Marian responded.

The following day Edyn decided to remain at Knighton Hall while Marian rode to the forest. When she heard a horse approaching she knew instantly who it was and suddenly wished she had gone with Marian after all. "Good morning, Sir Guy," she greeted him while opening the door. "Can I get you some wine, or maybe something to eat?"

"No. Where is Marian?" he asked abruptly.

"She has gone for a ride. She's quite taken with the new gift you gave her," Edyn replied hoping this would soften his stern expression. It did not. He gave her a dark stare, clearing agitated with the idea of a servant trying to make small talk with him. "I err, I will tell her you stopped by."

"Have her come to the castle when she can," he drawled before he turned and left.

"Yes, my lord," she muttered irritably as he rode away.

The message was later passed on to Marian who simply brushed it off in order to tell Edyn of the conclusion she and Robin had come up with. They both agreed that the Saracen guest, Prince Malik, was not in Nottingham as a guest but in fact as a prisoner, set up as a ransom.

"Has Robin come up with a plan?" Edyn asked after Marian had explained everything.

"Not yet, but I'm sure he'll have an idea brewing, and that seems to be all he ever goes with," Marian replied with a roll of her eyes.

Edyn giggled. "And what of Sir Guy? Will you go to him?"

Marian sighed. "I suppose I must. Unless… You go to the castle and request he that he comes here. Tell him I did not want to leave my father." Edyn looked at her confused; she had never known Marian to be lazy. "If he declines then that will mean that the Sheriff is expecting the ransom shortly," Marian explained. "The Sheriff will need Guy there when they make the exchange."

"And then you can tell Robin when his ideal chance is to try and stop it reaching Nottingham?" Edyn asked catching on to Marian's plan.

"Exactly."

Several hours later Edyn rode into the castle courtyard. A guard approached her and held her horse as she dismounted. "Thank you. Could you tell me where I might find Sir Guy? I have a message for him from the Lady Marian."

"He's in the Sheriff's study, but they're quite busy. I suggest you wait outside in the corridor for him," he replied before leading her horse to the stables.

Great, she thought to herself. How long would she have to wait? As she got closer to her destination she thought she could hear a commotion. The closer she got the louder it became. Yelling, shrieking, swords clattering; her instincts screamed at her that there was danger. She stopped; this wasn't right. She was in view of the Sheriff's study but dared not to get any closer. When the door suddenly burst open she cowardly hid behind a pillar. The Sheriff stumbled out, coughing and spluttering. Hesitantly, she abandoned her hiding spot and moved to his side. "My lord!"

He roughly pushed her away. "Where are my GUARDS?" He made an attempt to walk towards the courtyard but suddenly a tall Saracen man stepped out in front of them; his sword held high. Instinctively, the Sheriff grabbed Edyn and hid behind her, using her body as a shield so she stood between him and the sword threatening to take his life. She didn't know what to do; she was defenceless and cornered. "Take the Prince, you can have him for free," the Sheriff babbled nervously. "Here, have the girl, a peace offering!"

"Do not try to bribe us. We did not come here to rescue the Price; we came to bury him! Along with all talk of peace!" He then swung his sword high above his head. The Sheriff whimpered and Edyn screamed squeezing her eyes tightly shut waiting for the deadly blow. She had done nothing but be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and now she was going to die!

There was then a whooshing sound followed by a sickening squelch. Opening her eyes Edyn could see an arrow protruding from the Saracens chest. He gasped staring at it with horror before his body crumpled to the ground at her feet. "Oh!" she breathed as Robin and his men approached. The Sheriff remained cowering behind her but Robin reached behind Edyn and roughly grabbed him and held his sword to his throat.

"You alright?" Will asked Edyn who simply nodded her head. This was all just too bizarre! Where did they come from?

Robin quickly organised his men and as usual Edyn had no idea what was being discussed. "Will, take Edyn and get the horses to the East gate," she heard Robin say.

"C'mon," Will said to her as he hurriedly headed down the corridor indicating for her to follow. Wide-eyed and still confused she numbly trailed after him. They both then heard a strange vocal sound, sort of a cross between a whoop and a shriek. Will hurriedly seized Edyn's arm and pulled her behind a pillar similar to where she had hidden before, pressing her as close to the wall as possible and using his body to protect her if they were spotted. She watched in horror as four strange women ran passed all dressed in blue and all wielding swords in each hand. Luckily their focus was on their destination and did not see both Will and Edyn huddled behind the wall column.

They both stood frozen until they could no longer hear their terrifying screams. Edyn let out a breath and slowly turned her head to face Will. Her eyes focused on the lower part of his neck, which was at her eye level and she gradually allowed her eyes to move up to his youthful face. She sometimes forgot how young he was, younger than her in fact by a few months. His face was turned away from her focusing on the corridor with his body still pressed against hers. When he was sure the women were well and truly gone he looked down at her they stared at each other for a moment before he suddenly leapt away from her, as if he suddenly realised how close they stood together, faces only inches apart, how inappropriate it was. "Sorry," he muttered almost inaudible.

Edyn shook her head. "Its fine," she said almost as quietly hoping he didn't notice her cheeks flush pink.

They both snuck down to the stables in silence. "Are you alright by yourself?" he asked as she retrieved her horse.

She nodded her head. "Of course. Go, Robin will need you to have the horses waiting for him."

He nodded his head before he left, leaving Edyn feeling isolated once more. She knew she had to get out of there and back to Knighton Hall but all she could think about was the sensation of him being pressed against her, the excitement of feeling his chest rise and fall against hers, the comfort of knowing he would pull her away from danger. And his scent, she couldn't help but notice he had a specific smell. Most of the outlaws smelt quite potent due to the lack of proper bathing facilities, but Will smelt different. A musky sort of smell mixed with sweat and the smell of wood shavings. Strange how just the memory of all of this made her stomach flip with excitement. Even stranger how she enjoyed the closeness, she usually hated being touched by anyone. Friends and family would embrace her but only momentarily; she noticed it was always her that pulled away. Yet with Will it felt different, exciting almost. So much for getting over my feelings, her mind growled at her.

News had reached Knighton Hall that Robin and his gang had survived the Saracen attack. The only casualties' being the Saracen's themselves and many of the Sheriff's guards. In the weeks that followed the Sheriff, livid that he did not receive his ransom money, ordered a new tax along with the King's levy. Many were suffering and when Edyn heard they were to collect from Locksley she had begged Marian to allow her to go to her brother. She wanted to be sure that he was not one of the many that now faced starvation.

Upon arriving at Locksley she was horrified by the spectacle. Sir Guy, as usual, sat astride his dark horse smiling smugly as his men threw the villager's around, as they were rag dolls. And not just men, woman were being pushed to the ground, children being torn from their mother's, the elderly knocked to their knees struggling to regain themselves. Those who could not pay were being taken to Nottingham to be placed in the Sheriff's dungeon. Edyn didn't think it was possible to hate someone as much as she hated Sir Guy right at that moment.

Pushing the door open to her old home she found Henry scurrying around pulling objects from their shelves and draws; valuable objects. "Henry, what are you doing?" she demanded.

He turned to stare at her with wide eyes. "Edyn! W-what… How? You can't be here! Sir Guy is on a rampage, it's not safe."

She ignored him. "You should be hiding them! If Sir Guy saw these he'd take them," she said snatching the possessions from Henry's arms.

He fought her, tugging them back away from her. "That's the point! I don't want to end up in the Sheriff's jail because I can't afford this new tax!" he grunted at her.

She then let go of the objects, which crashed loudly to the ground. "What?"

Henry sighed. "I didn't want to tell you. I have nothing but two shillings, and I owe the Sheriff five. I don't have a choice."

"But- How?"

"Everyone's struggling; they can no longer afford to buy from me. I had to lower the prices just so they could survive, and now I- I have nothing," he said softly. "Less than nothing almost."

"Oh, Henry. Why didn't you tell me?" she asked. He didn't answer, just simply shrugged his shoulders. They sat in silence, waiting for the guards to come knocking, and they did.

Edyn gasped as the door was kicked in and they both were pushed outside to stand before Sir Guy. "You owe us five shillings. Pay up!"

With shaking hands Henry passed over his coins and valuables and said, "This is all I have left to give you."

The guard who accepted the payment shook his head. It wasn't enough. "Well then, if you have nothing else you will go to prison, Sheriff's orders," Sir Guy stated.

Edyn watched in horror as her brother was grabbed by the scruff of his shirt and dragged towards the carriage already full with prisoners. "Please! Surely they amount to enough," she begged.

Sir Guy simply looked down his nose at her. "I do not make the rules, I merely enforce them." He paused and looked at her more closely, his eyes locking on the pale green stone that hung from a thin piece of leather around her neck. He jerked his head at one of his guards. The burly solider approached her before he pulled the pendant from her neck, the strap snapping painfully against her skin. "This will make up the remaining fee," Sir Guy said smugly signalling for her brother to be released.

Instantly she leapt towards the guard. "No, NO! You can't take that! Please!"

The beefy guard simply pushed her to the ground and before she could have another go at him Henry had grabbed her arms and held her back. "Just leave it, Edyn!"

"It was Mama's! It's all we have of hers!" she bellowed.

"It's just a necklace. Do you want me to go to prison so you can have a little bit of jewellery? Stop being so selfish!" Henry growled at her.

"But–"

"Leave it!" he ordered. By now Sir Guy had moved to the next house and Edyn knew she would not be able to get it back. Henry was right; she was being selfish. But that pendant was the only possession she owned that she truly prized. Everything else was replaceable. That was not.

Returning to Knighton Hall Marian gave her a sympathetic smile. "I'm guessing things did not go well at Locksley," she said noting Edyn's miserable expression.

Edyn opened her mouth to say something rude about Sir Guy before she reconsidered. "It could have been worse," she muttered, thinking if Henry had been taken to Nottingham.

Marian merely nodded her head. "Are you still going to visit your friend in Nottingham?" Several weeks ago Edyn had been sent a message from Sybil that she was now married and living with Marcus. She had requested that Edyn visit her when she was next in Nottingham. But the last time she had been there she had been slightly distracted by the Saracen assassins to even consider stopping in for some tea. However, tonight Marian and herself were to stay in the castle while Sir Edward was away; requested by Sir Guy of course. Marian had then insisted that Edyn head off earlier to catch up with her friend and later meet Marian at the castle.

"I do not think that would be a good idea now," Edyn said fiddling with her sleeve hem.

"Why not?" Marian asked. Edyn shuffled nervously from foot to foot; she didn't have an answer. "My bags are packed and I will not need you until I arrive in the castle which won't be for a few hours, so go. Have some fun for once."

Edyn couldn't help but crack a smile. "Thank you, my lady."

While she rode towards town she idly touched the spot at the base of her neck where her pendant usually hung. It felt strange not to have it there, she almost felt naked without it. As she approached the gates she could see two hooded figures huddled together. She didn't need to be smart to know they were discussing ways of sneaking into the town. She pulled her horse to halt and giggled behind them. Both Allan and Will turned to look behind them. "Need some help?" she asked.

"We'll figure something out in a minute," Allan responded. After a moment he turned back to her. "You have any ideas?"

She thought for a moment looking around, again her hand went to her neck only to find it bare. She then spotted a Locksley man heading their way leading two horses. "I've got it," she said dismounting and handing her reins to Will.

Pulling her hair from its restraints she let it frame her face and billow down her back. She found it a nuisance and always pulled it away from her face, but she also knew that men loved seeing women with their hair loose. "What are you doing?" Allan asked but she simply ignored him. She felt foolish and took a deep breath approaching the Locksley man.

"Jeremy!" she greeted him with a warm smile.

"Hello, Edyn," he replied. "Haven't you changed from last time I saw you?"

She giggled and positioned herself so she stood with one hip curving to the side, her hand resting in the almost non-existent dip of her waist; this would work so much better if she actually had some curves. While working at the Trip she had learned many ways to manipulate a man but this was the first time she had attempted it. So far it was going well.

"You know, I was just remembering the last time we saw each other," she said while flicking her hair over her shoulder. "Do you remember, you're poor brother was so ill with hunger."

"Aye," Jeremy replied. "You were so kind to get us some bread without your brother knowing."

"It was nothing," Edyn said giggling again. "But, I was wondering if I could maybe ask you a favour?"

"Of course, Edyn. I could never say no to you," he said with a wink. She reframed from rolling her eyes. If she weren't feigning interest in him he probably would have hesitated if not refused.

Tucking her arm behind her back she signalled for Will and Allan to come over. "Well, I need some help sneaking some friends into Nottingham. Unpaid taxes, you see. They're looking to hide out with some friends away from the villages."

Jeremy nodded his head. "I understand that." His face suddenly fell when Will and Allan approached. "Oh, you didn't mention they were men."

"Thank you, Jeremy," she said taking her horse from Will and leaving them.

"C'mon, then," she heard Jeremy grumble to the outlaws. Both Will and Allan squatted behind Jeremy between the two horses so they were not spotted by the guard at the gate. Edyn smiled at her ingenious plan. Once inside Allan gave her a thumbs-up and the two outlaws disappeared into the town.

Upon arriving at Sybil's new home she became deafened by her squealing and hugging. She instantly began gushing about how she wanted Edyn to have been at the ceremony, but it had only been small; their parents and the priest were the only people present. "Oh, Edyn, I didn't think it was possible to be this happy!" Sybil exclaimed.

The entire time she was there Edyn struggled to bite back from her jealousy she felt. Great things always seemed to happen to Sybil, but Edyn constantly reminded herself about much more exciting her life was compared to Sybil. She didn't get to run around with outlaws, she had never broken in to the castle and she certainly had never felt that adrenalin rush when your body prepared itself for death. Yes, my life is just as good as Sybil's, just different, Edyn thought to herself.

"Oh, and Edyn, there are some things that people never tell you about being married, the things we get up to! I can't tell you how good it is," Sybil giggled.

Edyn simply nodded her head before it suddenly clicked. "Whoa! I don't need to know the details!" she exclaimed blushing. Why did some people have to discuss the private factors of their life?

"Edyn, it's beautiful! And soon, hopefully, we will have a child of our own," Sybil said, her face lighting up with excitement.

"What? You mean you're…?"

Sybil nodded. "I think so. I haven't told Marcus in case I'm wrong, but I truly believe I am."

"Wow." Edyn couldn't think of another word. "You two certainly don't wait around for too long."

"Well, it's not like you can prevent it, it happens when it happens," Sybil replied.

"Again, too much information," Edyn said. The rest of the time together was spent discussing things if Sybil were in fact with child. Edyn prayed that she was; it would break Sybil's heart if she weren't. As the day dragged on Edyn had to leave Sybil who begged her to stay longer.

When she arrived at the castle her eyes lingered on the prisoner's chained to the tree at the far end of the courtyard. The Sheriff never ceased to amaze her how cruel he could be. A soldier approached her taking her horse's reins so she could dismount waking her from her thoughts. "I'm 'ere to escort you to the Lady Marian's chamber," the guard said. She nodded her head and again she glanced at the poor being punished for not being able to pay the new tax. The man in the front raised his head and looked around in an attempt to keep the boredom at bay. She couldn't believe it. What was the point of helping him sneak in if he was going to get caught? She shook her head in Will's direction. "Miss?" the guard asked.

"Sorry, yes lead the way," she responded pulling her saddlebags from her horse. She then looked at the guard and gasped. Robin grinned and winked from behind the helmet he wore, disguising himself as one of the Sheriff's guards.

"This way," he said, adjusting Marian's portmanteau that was slung over his shoulder.

As they walked they soon came across Sir Guy. Edyn bent her knees as she always was required to do in his presence and out of the corner of her eye she could see Robin roll his eyes at her. As usual Sir Guy merely looked down his large nose at her. "This way," he muttered leading them down the corridor. When his back was turned Robin made a show of bowing stupidly at Sir Guy's figure. Edyn bite down hard on her lip to stop herself from laughing.

Arriving at Marian's bedchamber the three of them entered and Edyn got some amusement from Marian's shocked face when she spotted Robin. She was surprised at how unobservant Guy was at times; people often commented on how intelligent he was but Edyn couldn't understand it. Soon Robin was ordered to leave and she busied herself with unpacking the bags while Sir Guy spoke with Marian. Once he left Marian rushed outside her door in search of Robin and unhappily returned to her chamber when she could not find him. A smile spread across her face as Robin came out from behind a wall hanging. Edyn excused herself to allow them some privacy. She thought it was sweet that although Robin was obviously attempting a scheme he still found time to talk with Marian.

That night, Edyn had to sleep in the servant quarters of the castle. An experience she did not want to relive again. It was cold and eerie, and crowded too. All the women were crammed into one small room and she was shocked at how many snored and grunted in their sleep. Edyn was sure she didn't sleep at all during the night.

The following day she was to remain in Marian's bedchamber and pack her bags while Marian had to attend the Sheriff's Festival of Pain. She had admitted to Edyn she was tempted to feign an illness to avoid it, but the sudden thought of Sir Guy insisting she remain in the castle so he could wait upon her until she was well quickly made her reconsider.

After the hours passed Marian returned, trying to hold back her laughter. Edyn was quickly informed of the prisoners rescue after the Sheriff attempted to torture them as a way of entertainment. "Robin never stops amazing me with his schemes. How he comes up with them is a mystery to me," Marian said smiling broadly. "I think I have quite enough of the castle for today. My father will be home later this afternoon, no real point hanging around."

Edyn was relieved. As beautiful as the building was, its residents put her off staying longer than needed. Outside their horses were brought to them and they both kept their eyes focused on their mounts as Sir Guy stormed across the courtyard. As usual Robin had made his job much more difficult than what it should be. As childish as it seemed, Edyn got pleasure out of watching Sir Guy suffer. It was about time he felt some pain after everything he did to others.

A:N/ Stupid computer died and I had to rewrite the whole second part to this! And I have such a bad memory, I've either made it worse or better than what is was; let's hope for the latter. *crosses fingers!* Hope you're all still enjoying it. And I hope everyone is still in character, sometimes I think I make Marian different to what she's like in the show, I think I edit a hundred times and alter the things she says so hopefully I'm not doing too bad. Let me know though if I need to improve on that! Or anything else for that matter. I know there are some really cheesy bits but I just couldn't resist playing around with some ideas I had.

Reviews put a big cheesy grin on my face so keep them coming! And thank you for the reviews I received on my last chapter! You guys are the best! Mwah! Xx Oh and Iloveskitteryandmush- the beginning of the last chapter is based on Episode 8