With the people of Pitt Street now recovered or grieving over those who had not been as fortunate as others, life continued on. Since Marian had saved Sir Guy in Locksley those many weeks ago it seemed he had now forgiven her and once again appeared to be trying to woo her over. Unknowingly he was in fact helping her gain more information about the Sheriff's schemes and plots.

One particularly cold morning Marian had returned to her chambers looking rather pleased with herself. "That was close," she puffed while rubbing her hands together in an attempt to warm them.

"My lady?" Edyn asked.

Marian simply shook her head. "Edyn, I need you to go to Robin and pass on a message for me. I highly doubt I can shake off my guard and I just overheard the Sheriff and Guy taking about a very important visitor that I'm sure Robin will want to stop reaching Nottingham."

"Of course," Edyn said. "Tell me."

Not long after Edyn was approaching Nettlestone where she had overheard Robin had been seen earlier. Not surprising she spotted him leaning casually against a fence post just outside the town as he watched the people exclaim with delight over the coin purses they had just found. Much and Allan both stood beside him and Edyn assumed the rest of the gang would have gone to another town for the drop offs.

Robin turned as he heard her arrival. "What brings you out here?" he asked as Much and Allan both took their eyes from the villagers to acknowledge her.

"I have some important news," she stated and she could have sworn Allan suddenly looked more alert. "Lady Marian overheard the Sheriff talking with Sir Guy. It seems they are about to receive a messenger of their own. A man by the name of Henry of Lewis I think she said…" Edyn said trying to remember Marian's exact words before she noticed Robin's irritated expression. "Anyway," she continued realising his name was not important to him, "he has come from the Holy Land to tell the Sheriff which port the King has planned to land at."

Robin exhaled. "Let me guess, their plan is to ambush the King then when he's most vulnerable?" Edyn merely nodded.

"We must stop him!" Much suddenly spoke up. "We cannot let him tell the Sheriff where that will be."

"I know," Robin replied. "We need to set up a trap. Do you know the route, Edyn?"

She couldn't stop herself from grinning slightly. Marian had been thrilled when she had discovered his course. "He will be travelling on the North Road tomorrow morning." A smile slowly crossed Robin's face and she got the idea a plan was beginning to form in his mind.

"How did Marian find all this out?" Allan asked her while Robin was distracted by his scheming.

Edyn shrugged her shoulders. "Eavesdropping as usual I'd assume."

"Did she tell you anything else?" he asked.

She shook her head slightly suspicious. Why was Allan asking her these questions instead of Robin? But Robin paid him no attention and surely if anything were out of the ordinary he would be the first to notice.

"Master, we should return to the camp and organise a plan," Much said interrupting Robin's musings.

He nodded his head and thanked Edyn before the three outlaws quickly took their leave and disappeared into the forest. Enjoying the warmth of the sun before the wind would pick up again, Edyn took her time to return to the castle. She was beyond caring about her tardiness anymore.

The following day Edyn and Marian watched in horror as the carriage containing Henry of Lewis arrived. They both looked at each other in astonishment. "You said you passed the message on," Marian hissed at her.

"I did!" Edyn replied. "I spoke with Robin, something must have gone wrong."

"I must find a way out of the castle," Marian pondered aloud.

Luckily, the messenger Henry had fallen ill during his journey and the majority of people in the castle were too preoccupied for his welfare to notice Marian sneak from the castle hidden beneath her cloak and hood. Neither Marian nor Edyn were surprised to find Robin waiting for them and Edyn took up her normal position of standing watch as the two of them discussed the problem at hand.

Clearly something had happened earlier that morning as Robin was far more agitated than he normally was when their plans failed. His brow was furrowed into a deep frown and his eyes were glazed with anger. Strange, how his usual friendly and approachable appearance seemed to have completely disappeared.

When Marian finally tore herself away from Robin she instantly reached for Edyn and whispered in her ear, "We have a problem."

"What's happened?" Edyn asked as they ducked undercover up the street leading to the castle.

"Robin thinks there may be a spy in his gang. Someone is going out and meeting Guy here."

Edyn felt her mouth drop open. "No…" she muttered almost inaudibly as she shook her head in disbelief.

"When we return to the castle I'm going to try and charm Guy and see what I can find out from him. I'll need you to wait in my room and make some excuse for why I cannot come to the door in case someone comes looking for me," Marian explained and then caught Edyn's arm and pulled her to face her. "Edyn, please be honest with me because I know how much you respect Robin's men but I need to know… Have you seen any of them in town alone?"

She had. Allan. Regularly she had seen him sneaking through the streets trying to keep hidden. Sometimes she had approached him but others she did not let her presence known to him. And even when he was amongst the gang lately he had been acting strange, but no one had seemed to notice so she had simply let it slide. But now she was faced with a dilemma. She could do the right thing and tell Marian all she knew, but in doing that she would be betraying him, a friend. Someone she had until this moment trusted. Could she really be the one to give him up? Unwillingly she shook her head. "No." She didn't know why she denied it. He was in the wrong and deserved to face up to his betrayal, but something in the back of her mind told her he must have had a reason to do it. He was a good person and something about all this didn't seem right.

Marian simply nodded her head and set off back to the castle. Edyn then exhaled sharply before she followed her. She hated lying. As a child she had always been truthful but lately she had found lies were what kept everything at peace. She constantly thought of the chaos if the truth of her and Marian's alliance with Robin Hood was to get out. She shuddered at the thought.

She spent the remainder of the morning pacing back and forth around Marian's room debating with herself if she should say something or not. She tried to distract herself with odd little tasks she needed to catch up on but her mind was far too muddled for her to be able to concentrate on anything else. With a grunt she irritably threw the dress she had been mending across the room and nursed her bleeding finger which she had pricked several times now from her lack of concentration. Childlike she stuck her finger in her mouth and retrieved the garment from the floor.

As she passed the window she glanced outside and noticed several people gathered in the courtyard. The Sheriff and his physician were there and standing between them was a woman who looked oddly familiar. Edyn's eyes squinted trying to get a better look, they were too far away to see if this woman was bound or not. Ignoring Marian's instructions she headed outside to investigate. As she walked along the corridor leading to the courtyard she spotted Marian just ahead of her being pushed back by two of Sir Guy's men.

"My lady," Edyn called, as she got closer.

Marian turned to face her and sighed. "You know that problem we had this morning? Well, that seems irrelevant to the one we have now," she muttered quietly.

"Why? What's happened now?" Edyn asked.

Silently Marian stepped aside so Edyn could get a better look at the woman standing with the Sheriff and she could help but gasp. "Matilda!" She was in fact bound and gagged.

"You know this woman?" Marian asked her.

"Of course, she saw to me once when I was ill," Edyn explained. "What's going on? Why is she here?"

"She was brought here to cure Sir Henry of his illness but instead she was caught aiding Robin in silencing him. She refused to tell them the antidote so now the Sheriff has just decided to execute her," Marian whispered sadly.

"What? No!" Her objection came out louder than she had expected.

"Shh!" Marian warned. "I will be expected to be present for her execution; our horses are most likely being readied as we speak. We'll go to the forest first and tell Robin so we will have to ride fast, understand?"

Edyn nodded her head trying to fully understand everything. "Yes."

Once they were outside of Nottingham and out of the Sheriff's sight the two of them quickly spurred their horses into the forest and along the familiar track towards the camp. As they neared the clearing Marian began calling out to Robin. By the time they reached the edge of the clearing they could see Robin sprinting down the hill towards them. Still at a canter, Marian began her explanation of what had happened once Robin had left the castle. They had barely stopped when they started to turn their horses back towards Locksley. Djaq then appeared on the hillcrest above them. "Robin, the baby's coming!"

"Baby?" Marian gasped.

"It's Matilda's grandchild!" Robin puffed.

"Rosa?" Edyn asked trying to steady her horse.

Marian looked at her confused and said, "Edyn, stay here and help them sort this out I must go." She then turned to Robin. "Hurry!" she urged as she spun her horse around and left them.

"Edyn, this way!" Robin said as he took off up the hill.

As quickly as she could she was dismounted and tied her horse to a nearby tree before she sprinted after Robin. "Do you know her?" he asked as they approached the camp.

"Not well," Edyn confessed. "We may have spoken a few words every now and then, but nothing more."

Robin only nodded. Entering the camp he instantly began giving out orders to his men and everything was so rushed there was no time for any greetings. "Edyn, you stay here and help Djaq," he told her.

"Help Djaq with…? Oh!" It then suddenly clicked to her. "What? I can't! I don't know anything about… that!" she finished lamely as she approached where Djaq was crouched.

"Edyn, please! Just do it!" Robin snapped and it was clear the stress of everything was becoming too much for him.

"Alright," Edyn said nodding still reluctant.

"Thank you," Robin breathed before he picked up his bow and led his men outside leaving Edyn with Djaq, John and Rosa. Edyn froze when she spotted Allan appear. As he passed her she instinctively grabbed his arm and stopped him.

"Edyn? What are you–?"

"I need to talk to you!" she hissed at him.

"I can't, not now. Let go," he demanded struggling against her.

"No, I really need to!" Her eyes narrowed and she felt him stop resisting her.

"What do you know?" he asked in a low voice.

"Allan!" Robin's voice suddenly bellowed and Edyn reluctantly let him go. She watched him run after the rest of Robin's men and she exhaled sharply. They still hadn't figured it out yet.

Approaching the remaining three left in the camp she gave Rosa a meek smile unsure if she remembered her or not. Though she didn't say a word, Rosa held out a hand towards her and her face scrunched up as a contraction ripped through her body. Accepting the outstretched hand she glanced at Djaq. "What do you want me to do?"

"I will need you to pass me equipment, but for the moment just comfort her," Djaq explained.

Edyn nodded her head though it seemed John seemed to be doing a good enough job at keeping her calm. Amazing how such a tough looking man could be so kind and comforting. He seemed to be saying just the right words to Rosa as he helped calm her through the pain. Things began to get much more intense and Edyn soon found herself up and down passing Djaq cloths and equipment she needed. Each time she passed where Djaq was seated she forced herself to keep her eyes focused away from where Djaq's attention was, but it wasn't long before she accidentally caught a glimpse. She bit her lip firmly to stop herself from gasping aloud. It was the most horrific sight she had ever seen and in that instant she had suddenly sworn off the idea of ever having children of her own. Why would anyone want to go through that?

Time continued to pass and Edyn couldn't tell how long she had been there when Rosa let out a deep guttural shriek as she finally pushed her baby into the world. Edyn was seated beside her and clutched one hand while she had her other arm wrapped around Rosa's shoulders. She then fell back against Edyn and began to sob from pain and exhaustion when they all heard the high-pitched cry of her baby. Djaq was beaming at them and as she wrapped the tiny baby into blanket and announced. "It's a little girl."

"What?" Rosa gasped. "But, my mother said it would be a boy."

"Well, I think she was wrong with this," Djaq said as she very gently passed the baby into Rosa's outstretched arms.

"Oh!" Rosa squeaked and once again she had tears falling from her eyes as she leant towards John, allowing him to encircle his arms around her.

It had been so awful, yet so beautiful at the same time. Edyn was overwhelmed by a sudden mixture of emotions she hadn't even realised she had tears falling from her own eyes. She hastily wiped them away and she noticed Djaq grinning at her. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" she asked Edyn.

She could only nod, as she could not think of any words that would describe how she felt. She was amazed by the whole experience, slightly shaken by the horror of it now understanding how women often died during childbirth, but she was also upset that something so special was not shared with the father of the child, how distressed Rosa had become that he was not there with her. Again, she had that same jolt of yearning she had felt when she had first seen Sybil's child and she couldn't quite understand that. Hers had been quiet and delicate looking, but Rosa's was all red and wrinkly, her entire body was twitching as her cries echoed around the forest, yet Edyn still thought she was absolutely gorgeous.

"Have you ever wanted a child?" she asked Djaq.

Looking up from where she was washing her hands Djaq hesitated. "I'm not really sure. I've never really thought about it," she confessed. "Most women think of marriage before children."

"Oh, I know," Edyn hurriedly said. "I just meant…" she sighed. "I don't know what I meant. Just– After seeing that, it gives you a new perspective of things doesn't it?" Djaq looked as if she was holding back from laughter. "Well, maybe that's just me. I haven't had many life experiences so I must admit it has made a bit of an impression on me."

Djaq's grin widened and the two of them watched as Rosa passed the baby to John. After he had the baby safely in his arms she laid down and closed her eyes allowing her body to rest. A short while later John had managed to quieten the baby and Edyn insisted Djaq rest while she cleaned up. She was just finishing when they heard the gang return. A soaking wet Matilda was the first to appear rushing straight to her daughter and Edyn stepped aside to give her room. Robin then came up beside where she stood with Will just behind him.

Laughter sounded around the camp as Matilda held her granddaughter and Rosa announced she would call the baby Alice after John's wife. The baby was passed to Robin who didn't even hesitate to have a cuddle and Edyn smiled as Will stood closer to get a better look. She had often noticed before how much he loved children; he had always been good with them.

"Edyn." She turned towards the voice calling her and was greeted by Rosa's smile. "You haven't held Alice yet."

The corner of her mouth twitched. "May I?" she asked.

"Of course," Rosa encouraged.

Edyn's grin widened as Robin approached her and gently placed the baby girl into her arms. She couldn't help but sigh as she stared down at the tiny child. Typically, after only a moment little Alice stirred and began to shriek just like before. "Here," Matilda said as she held out her arms to take her screaming granddaughter back. Slightly disappointed she surrendered the baby and it seemed everyone was eager to hold her.

Wrapping her arms around herself she pouted. "I want one."

There was another chorus of laughter and she felt Robin sling an arm around her and squeeze her shoulders. "What is it with women, eh? Besides, shouldn't you be worried about marriage first?" he chuckled.

"Thank you, now I feel loads better," she replied sarcastically trying to ignore the look she was receiving from John. She was not in the mood for another lecture from him.

Robin gave her another squeeze before he let her go and suddenly became serious. "Matilda, listen, I've been thinking and well… I don't think it will be wise for you to return to your home in Locksley. Not yet anyway."

Looking up from her new granddaughter Matilda's smile slowly faded. "Why? Where can we go? We have a newborn now, we can't simply slum it in the forest, as others would do. We need shelter. And what about my patients? I can't abandon them, especially with someone like Blight to see to them instead. I've been in Locksley my entire life and I dare not leave."

"No, no. I don't mean anything extreme," Robin reassured her. "There is a small hut in the forest near Nettlestone. Few people know about it. My father and I stayed there when we were out hunting when I was younger. That way you can still see to your patients but the Sheriff will not know where you are," he explained.

Matilda seemed to be struggling with this proposition. "But, people will not know how to find me. And what sort of state will this hut be in? Surely if it's old and situated in the forest it will be in a right mess. We can't have a baby in a dilapidated house."

"It is in surprisingly good condition," Robin said. "And if there is any damage I will send Will here to fix it." He gestured to the young carpenter beside him. Now, I can take you, Rosa and Alice there later and try and organise to get your belongings, but there is something I must do first," Robin said while rubbing his temples.

"Do you want me to take them, Robin?" Edyn asked eager to be of use.

He turned and looked at her. "Would you?"

"Of course. I can take the three of them in the carriage and get Rosa and Alice settled then take Matilda to collect her belongings," Edyn said.

Robin exhaled with relief. "That would be a great help. Thank you, Edyn."

She beamed at him. As a maid she rarely got any appreciation from her work and any little word or gesture of gratitude made her feel valued. Outside, Matilda was happily showing off Alice to Much who was just getting up from tying up an unconscious Henry of Lewis. The scenario suddenly changed in an instant from a cheery introduction to a heart-skip-a-beat panic as Henry suddenly conscious leapt up to his feet and held Much's discarded knife to his throat. Edyn's breath caught as she watched in horror as Robin sent an arrow flying through the air and found its target deep in Henry's chest. Falling to the ground limply they all knew he was already dead.

After the panic had died down Robin and Will split off to bury the body and Edyn tied her horse to the carriage she was to use to take Matilda's family to their new home while the rest of the gang helped them in and settled behind where Edyn was to be seated. After their goodbyes to the gang they were on their way towards Nettlestone. Robin had given Edyn instructions to which roads and tracks to follow to get there and finally she spotted it.

Inside it was very basic, just simply one room but it seemed perfect for Matilda's family; they didn't need much more. And as for the condition, Robin had been right. For a hut that didn't usually have residents it seemed to be almost without fault. Only a few odd little repairs had to be made and she remembered Robin mentioned Will would be stopping by to repair what needed it sometime over the next few days. Matilda's attitude seemed to change once she was inside; a smile was slowly creeping across her face. "It's much better than I thought actually."

The rest of the afternoon was spent settling Rosa and her daughter before Matilda and Edyn made their way to Locksley to pack up their belongings. Luckily the hut already housed some bits of furniture so it was mostly Matilda's medicines, clothing, books and bedding were needed to be taken. Edyn was determined to pack it all into the cart in one load. There was no way she was going to go back and forth, but in doing that the horse struggled to pull the heavily weighed down cart so it was now going at a ridiculously slow pace, even as Edyn and Matilda walked beside it so as not to add their weight to the load.

Because of this it was already dark by the time Edyn rode back to the castle. "Oh, no!" she sighed as she saw to her horror the gates were closed. Dreaded what was going to happen to her she rapped her knuckles against the wooden gates. Very slowly, the gates began to open and her heart sank right down to the pit of her stomach as Sir Guy stood before her.

"Well, well, well," he sneered. "What would a maid be doing out so late?"

Edyn allowed her eyes to drop to the ground. "Lady Marian allowed me the afternoon off. I must have lost track of time."

"Really? You didn't notice the sun disappear?" he voice became louder and she knew he was suspicious of her.

"I- I err… I had a fall, in the woods. By the time I had woken up and found my horse it was already beginning to get dark," she quickly lied.

He shifted his weight from one foot to the other. "You're looking quite well for someone who has had a fall," he noted.

"I tried to clean myself up. I didn't want Lady Marian to worry."

There was silence and Edyn hid her shaking hands behind her back trying to look calm as if nothing was out of the ordinary while trying to ignore his eyes boring onto her. Reluctantly he stood aside. He had no proof to whether she was telling the truth or not so he was forced to let her go. Still shaking, she made her way to Marian's chambers to explain what had happened and by the time she reached her own bed she fell exhausted on top of the blankets still fully clothed and was asleep almost instantly. Such a long stressful day, she dreaded what the next day would bring.

A:N/ Sorry, I don't usually take this long to update, things have been unbelievably hectic! Anyways, this is one of my favourite episodes throughout the series. The scene between Robin and Allan is amazing! Plus I love the shot of Will sitting awkwardly trying to ignore Rosa's screams, haha he looks so cute! XD Someone please steal him for me! Jokes. I hope you like this chapter, even though there are no real Will/Edyn moments. I have to admit I had my ups and downs with it. I've been staring at the first two pages for days and finally tonight I had enough of it so I forced myself to sit down and finish it, no matter how tired I am. Please, please review! And thankyou for my last reviews! They made my day =)