The next morning Robin had still not returned. Marian was determined to find him before the rest of the camp noticed anything was off. As she stepped outside the tiny home, she drew her cloak closer around her face. The sun was barely peeking through the trees at this hour, making the air chilly.

Marian hiked for a mile, pausing every so often to catch her breath. She had already passed two spots where Robin possibly could have been. Pushing away her fear, Marian continued, trying not to imagine all the reckless scenarios her husband could be getting into at the moment. When she reached the outskirts of the forest, she paused, and smiled with relief. There he was, leaning against one of the huge sycamores, his back turned to her.

"Robin!" she called out as she picked up her pace.

Robin jumped and turned, relaxing slightly when he saw Marian approaching him. Marian slowed her pace and tentatively glanced at her husband's face. His eyes were sad…like a wounded animal's. She was tempted to throw her arms around him, but he made no move to approach her.

"Marian, what are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same question."

"I was worried when I didn't find you beside me this morning. Is everything alright?"

Robin bent down and picked up a strand of grass, rubbing it between his fingers. "Just came out here to clear my head."

Marian crossed her arms and refrained from rolling her eyes. He was deliberately not making eye contact with her, a tell-tale sign that he was hiding something. Why was communication such a struggle, even now? Still, he was dealing with an issue she had never had to face. She had not been abandoned by her father.

So she tried a different tactic. Coming closer, she laid a hand on his arm. "Please tell me what's wrong. I know you're hurting. Let me help."

"I think you already know, love," Robin responded with a trace of humor in his sad eyes.

"Know? Know what?" She pulled away.

"You're not as stealthy as you used to be as the Nightwatchman."

"Robin…did you see me? Last night?"

Robin nodded. "I recognized you as soon as you scurried away to hide. But I have to admit that I hadn't given it much thought until now."

"Then why didn't you say something? I was so worried when you went missing again for the rest of the night. Or was I the reason you stayed away?"

Robin's voice softened as he pulled her into an embrace. "No, never. I came out here because I needed to think. I'm sorry I worried you." He kissed her forehead and Marian closed her eyes, thankful and surprised at this turn of events.

"Robin, I'm so sorry…about your father." She felt him stiffen as he continued to hold her.

"He's not my father."

Marian broke their embrace. "Don't say that. I know you're hurt and angry, but think of the unspeakable guilt and shame that man has had to carry with him for all this time."

"Don't be so quick to defend him. He let me believe he was dead. He let everyone believe he was dead. And he decides to show up now? He's a coward."

"I-I don't understand. I thought he burned in the fire. It was so tragic, even though I was very young at the time."

"Well, he managed to escape and leave two people to burn in the flames. Very honorable."

"I wish I knew what to say…but it appears as if the story runs deeper than it appears."

"How much did you hear?"

"Enough…I heard him mention that you have a half-brother. Which means you're connected with Gisborne? Could it be true?"

Robin began ripping the piece of grass to shreds. "I hope to God it isn't."

"I stayed and listened…after you left."

She seemed to grab his attention again as he glanced over briefly.

"He was pleading with Gisborne to find this Archer…he said it might save them both."

"What?" Robin scoffed.

"He said he was looking for redemption, just as Guy…Gisborne…is."

Robin raised his eyebrows. "And what did Guy have to say to that?"

"He became angry and left."

"Good. I'm glad."

"Aren't you even a little curious about this alleged half-brother of yours?"

"No."

"Robin."

"Marian, I still need time. Time to process everything. Will you give me that?"

Marian nodded and glanced down at their interlocked fingers. "Yes, I'm sorry."

"Maybe we should go back to the camp." Robin offered her his arm, which Marian gladly accepted. "And Marian, I don't think we should tell anyone about this quite yet."

"What if Gisborne comes back?"

"Then we'll deal with the situation when it happens."

"By the way, how did you get dragged into the woods last night?"

"Gisborne came for me. He was waiting outside the door…the way he crept up on me, I almost ran my sword through him."

"So your father happened to find Guy in the woods? Seems a lucky coincidence."

"Indeed," Robin said through gritted teeth.

"Do you think your father will come back?"

"I hope not."

Robin fell silent for several minutes. Marian knew where his mind was, so she let him have his peace.

"How are you feeling?" he suddenly asked.

"Better today," Marian said as her hand instinctively flew to her stomach. "He's been an active one at night…hopefully that's not a bad sign of things to come."

Robin smiled. "Guess we'll find out soon."

"Robin…does your father know…"

"No," Robin shook his head. "I don't trust the man. "He's not earned the right to learn of his grandchild."

"Very well," Marian said quietly.

Once they reached the camp, they could tell right away that something was amiss. Allan was standing in the center of the camp, waving his arms wildly around him as the rest of the gang, minus Will and Djaq, talked all at once.

"What's going on here?" Robin called out.

"Oi, Robin! There you are! Been lookin' all over for you."

"Allan, what seems to be the problem?"

"I went to the town early this mornin', just doin' the usual round, when I happen'd to notice this lot o' men bein' dragged off. Guards said they were lootin' and cheatin'."

Robin raised his eyebrows when Allan stopped. "That's it?"

"Course not. I was gettin' ready to leave, when who should I see but Gis himself, hiding himself o' course."

Marian shot a quick glance over to Robin.

"I asked what he was doin' there…there bein' a price on his and all, and he said he was waitin' for someone, said he had found 'im. Turns out he means one of the prisoners, and he plans on breakin' him out."

"Gisborne?" Much scoffed. "Break a man out of a dungeon? Impossible. It took at least two or three of us to get the job done."

"That's what I was thinkin'," Allan said slowly, staring intently at Robin. "He's goin' to get caught…unless…"

"Unless we HELP him? No!" John bellowed. "We do NOT help traitors."

"But he's sort o' one of us now…an outlaw. And he helped us when he didn't have to."

"NO," John repeated, stomping away.

"I think Allan is right," Elizabeth said quietly.

"As much as I'd like to back Allan up on this one, I'm not sure if it's the wisest plan," Carter interjected. "We don't know who these men even are."

"That's exactly what I think," Much agreed. "Could be a trap!"

"Look, I know it's crazy. But I don't think it's a trap. Robin…Marian?" Allan turned to his last chance for support.

Robin shook his head. "No, I'm sorry. It's too risky." Robin walked away from the group as they stood there silently.

Carter approached Allan. "I'm sorry, truly. I understand you only want to help, but it could be a suicide mission."

"Gisborne's goin' to be captured…and who knows what else," Allan said sullenly. "That Prince John and his sister are nut jobs compared to the Sheriff. Marian…I know you've got some thoughts."

"I do…I need to speak with Robin." Marian quickly caught up with her husband.

"Robin, you know who that man is. It's not a pointless suicide mission."

"Marian, I think I made it clear where I stood on the issue. We don't really know who he is. Gisborne could be jumping to conclusions...it's reckless."

"I still think we should help him. He'll get caught…surely."

"It's out of our hands, Marian. Let it be. I'm not risking anyone's life for some long-lost brother who's suddenly appeared out of nowhere."

"Fine, but I don't agree with you." Marian turned to leave.

"Marian…don't do anything foolish. You have the baby to think about now."

Marian paused briefly but didn't respond. As she reached her hut, she slammed the door in frustration and paced the floor…several times. In the old days, she would have slipped on her Nightwatchman costume and sped off to wherever she pleased, but now, things were different. She knew Robin was hurt and confused about his father, and that he could be strangely stubborn when it came to an issue he firmly believed in. It would take a miracle to bend his will on this one.

Marian jumped slightly at the sound of light knocking on her door. "Come in."

Elizabeth walked in, wringing her hands nervously.

"Elizabeth! What's wrong?"

"Allan and I have decided to help Gisborne."

Marian sat down on her bed, slightly stunned. "Just you two?"

"Well, we may have convinced Carter as well. But you must keep it a secret…I know Robin will be furious."

"Yes, he will be."

"I know you agree with us, I can tell."

"As much as it pains me to admit it, I do. I would come with you…but, I have more than myself to look after now."

"Of course, and I wouldn't dream of asking you, but I do have a question."

"Yes?"

"I need something to wear that's more comfortable…would you happen to have anything I could use?"

Marian seemed to be thinking it over for a minute, but she eventually went over to a small dresser and pulled out her beloved Nightwatchman disguise. After the last one had been burned, she had gone ahead and made another one. It seemed as if the Nightwatchman would always be a part of her somehow.

"Here, I wouldn't wear the mask if I were you, but I think your legs will be much more comfortable at least."

Elizabeth eyed the outfit curiously. "Was this when you used to be…"

"The Nightwatchman," Marian responded, a longing look in her eyes. "But those days are over for me, at least for now. Here, try it on."

The outfit fit Elizabeth perfectly. It was almost too snug in a few spots, but it changed her look dramatically.

"There, am I presentable?"

"Yes, but I wouldn't let Robin see you in that."

"Oh, he won't. I'm meeting Allan and Carter on the outskirts of the camp as soon as I leave."

"Good. And please, be careful."

Elizabeth nodded and smiled reassuringly. "Thank you for this…and for not trying to stop me."

"Unfortunately I understand all too well. Now go, before Robin sees you."

Elizabeth nodded and quietly left, looking both ways as she walked briskly through the forest. Marian watched her leave with a strange sense of longing and fear. Robin would be furious when he discovered that Allan had decided to go anyway. More than anything she wished she could go with them, but after her latest imprisonment, the best thing for her was to stay put, at least that's what she told herself.

But maybe if she stayed hidden…far away from the action…maybe then she could go undetected.

She shook her head. No. Robin would see she was gone and chase after her. But maybe that was for the best…maybe then he would truly see his need to help.

Trying to convince herself that she was acting on purely unselfish motives, Marian grabbed her cloak and abandoned her tiny hut, making her way to Nottingham.

I updated...woo-hoo! And it's a longer one, so I hope that makes everyone happy. As always, looking forward to reading your comments. Hope you all had a lovely summer!