Española del Corazón [Oliver]

[lau]

It was in the midst of the forest and the villages, that Laurelin felt most safe. It was in these larger community areas, where it heightened the heart muscles. Instead of turning her away so suddenly, it made Laurelin step these so called boundaries. There was hardly a place in the city for a gypsy let alone a woman of her kind. That's at least what they told her, but it really only made her take that extra step. Camelot. It was as if stepping into a big massive world of magic. Even if it had put magic to bed so to speak. Laurelin was speaking in terms of the other kind of magic, of course. She had barely even seen this kingdom from within. It was wondrous. Exciting. Taking heed she wasn't so welcome, but the local tavern. She had found her way to. Having the need to bite into the culture. The music. The flow in their veins. It seemed the one thing that could tie everything together and yet separate them all completely.

She had left the surrounding comforts of the Gypsy camp, somewhere on the outskirts of Camelot. Her dear friend had thought it not wise, Laurelin insisted and if she wanted to tag along she could. Laurelin smiled as her friend had that sense of wanting the freedom that Laurelin craved, only not as brave to take it. To be fair her friend was but 16, hardly a time to insist she see the world in these places. She had come in meetings with a rightly fellow that ran the tavern. Long story short, requested to perform at the tavern. Perform was an odd expression as Laurelin wasn't so fixed in her movements. Alot of it came from feel and flow of the moment. Still she couldn't take up the chance. She wanted to see more of this world she barely understood, but music she did. The night was a fresh one. Just that nice chill, but in the tavern was warm and inviting. Laurelin hadn't planned so much in the ways of an outfit. That sort of depended on the day and in ways night. Though for this evening, Laurelin bore a red short dress, some fringing or tassels. They moved when she moved.

The night had started out slow. The rounds of drinks filling the room. The music moving her hips. It was music more tied to a more spanish vibe, mixed for that more exotic sound. Clapped her hands above her head with a smile. As her moves began. The rhyme causing through her body. A lot of hips rolling, her shoulders and her belly dancing. Belly dancing was very much a ways of dancing for the gypsies. Her dress shaking along with the movements. Shaking her hair around as the music peaked. Her voice was pitched and shot with the rattling of her spanish tongue. As she sang in spanish. Feeling the room unable to understand the words so easily, but through the music they did and still was entertaining.

"Yo tengo pila y loco haciendo cola, Tengo a palomo metio en lio, Y yo te quiero atracao ahi, ratata"

Her voice took to the words of song she knew well and it still was fresh as the first day. It was exciting to feel the room hearing something almost for the first time. Gypsy wasn't something so easily understood nor accepted, but through moments like these made one feel rightfully human. This was fun. These were some of the places Laurelin liked to visit. Where cultures had more right to blend. Her torso rolled to the music. Her hands upon her hips as they shook and rolled. Her tongue rolling the words off her tongue. Laurelin didn't so much use the stage, she had started in one area and eventually went to using the rest of the room. Even had taken to as two knights were celebrating, though one shy. The other not so much. As Laurelin's hand was taken for a moment and she smiled. As he kissed her hand, blessing her for her talents. It could be forgiven as his hand had motioned elsewhere and his words were slurred. Drunk with a touch of a gentleman. Maybe. As Laurelin put his hand back in check and brought out her flute. She had made it herself. Her last one had broken in a haste, but the new one was just as useful for the creating of sound.

So her hands held the flute in a graceful enough way for a gypsy. As her lips made for the instrument and the tunes matched the music being played. Her body moving in zinc still with the sound. Not playing to any really rule. As she moved around how she could. Jumping. Dancing. Turning. Getting the room into the mood from the music. The laughs and cheers growing louder. As her hands held the flute she was still able to motion to dance. Set this room just right. It was going to be a long night. Her lips eventually ceased from her flute. As her mouth churned out more of the song.

"Oye papi, vuelveme loca
Aruname la espalda y muerdeme la boca "

As her tongue rolled out the last bit of spanish. And her body finished her belly dancing shaking moves. She grinned and softly laughed. As the energy was high now. Where once was cold was not heat. Feeling her breath starting to relax and ease. Letting out a deep breath. That sure was fun. Causing the heart race and hopefully a ton of others. As her eyes looked around the room. Eyes were upon her, though not with much of a notion they even knew her. She wasn't something often seen, but most minds were so drunk it probably wasn't overly strange. As their eyes diverted back to their pints of ale. Her hand placed her flute upon her waist with a tie. Then rubbed the faint goosebumps on her arm. Causing the slight blushing of her cheeks. As she sure did enjoy that. After some of her songs and dances. She let for now settle. Mingle with new folk. Escape a little more in this night. As she motioned to bar. Took a seat as she greeted those interested, but noting they were either stand offish or just to drunk to take notice. Maybe she was just too out of this world. How was she to know?

---

Music:
Shakira - Rabiosa (Spanish Version) ft. El Cata
Shakira - Rabiosa (English Version) ft. Pitbull

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

An entire day of hunting was not enough to make Oliver’s nerves settle down after that rather heated night Yassia. It was heated in the sense that she almost killed him with the dagger that she had thrown his way in her anger. He couldn’t really blame her. He had been a right old brat calling Yassia names after he had discovered that she was really a princess and not some random nomad. How a fool he had been. Of course now, guilt was consuming him inside out. He hadn’t exactly been forthright himself. He, too, had chosen to hide his true identity from her. But it was because he didn’t want the magic of that moment broken. They had been happy.

And now he was far from being cheery. He even felt that the sun shining so bright and gay earlier that day was mocking his mood. He was in the pits. He felt bad for all that he had done and said to Yassia the night of the Coronation. And he knew that he had lost her forever, destroyed everything beautiful that they once shared. All because of his stupid pride.

While he can no longer cry over spilled milk now, nobody said he couldn’t drown himself in his sorrows with as much alcohol as he could consume. So here Oliver found himself stepping into The Rising Sun. It was a little too early into the night for him to go drinking, but judging from the large crowd inside the village tavern, time was not of import.

Oliver would have made a quick beeline towards the bar had he not been stopped by the sight of a little woman dancing about the tavern and singing as she went twirling among the patrons. He had caught the swish of her long wavy and messy blonde locks and the seductive sway of her hips as she literally danced past him. Drink and an entertainment. Oliver couldn’t have picked a better night for wallowing in self-pity.

When the dance was over, Oliver couldn’t believe his eyes when he realized he recognized, far too well, who the dancer was. A wide smile appeared on his lips as he immediately made his way towards where she was resting by the bar. He couldn’t have been more glad to see her here in Camelot. Her timing was impeccable. Oliver had never needed a friend to lean on to more than he does now.

“You’re mine for the night, and I will not take no for an answer,” he said as he stood behind her, his voice stern and hard as if he was some big burly thug who always gets his way with his might.

[lau]

The rhythm was sent coursing through the tavern, through the night. A place that was almost in its own little world for a short moment in time. That most will forget when their heads come back around by morning. It caused her hips to sway to the beat of the cultural music that seemed so much like breathing. As it was something her kind did. Made music, sang and danced. Tell stories. They were a creative bunch always having a need to express themselves how ever way it could be. For Laurelin. It was in moments like these. Where the music fled through her veins. Sang to her heart and caused it to beat harder. Her moves weren't overly planned. It was mere feel and sway of the music within that drove her. Her eyes rang over the people. Not seeing a face she knew. Which didn't scare her so much. They generally were entertained or to invested in their drinks. Laurelin could be forgiven that her eyes did not take heed that she didn't see one face she did know. As her hair caught around her eyes unable to spot him so easily. Flipped her hair before a turn of her seductive sway of her hips. The energetic roll of her torso. As moved through the music. Her spanish heart leading her through it all before her last move of her hips. That never lie. Her hands pushing away from her chest as her hips worked at the beat of the drums. As her tongue rolled around the 'Ratata'. Worked herself up, not overly worn out. Just more pumped if anything. Exhilarated.

So she motioned to a seat at the bar. Soaking in the room. Letting her heart settle and catch her breath. Crossed her rather bare legs. Her now frazzled blonde hair wrapped around her shoulders. Her fingers toying slightly at the knots here and there, but failing in between. So she gave up. Her feet were bare as always. However they stayed clean was probably hopeful thinking. Perhaps a late swim tonight amongst the crickets. It could be a keen thing despite what she had heard these folk hinting to their children of the big bad hiding in the water at night. Laurelin was yet to be bitten by anything other than a fish here or two. That generally just tickled her toes. Generally a risk Laurelin would take, but merely swimming in a gentle pool, was harmless to her. Her dress was around mid thigh. Thin straps. Fringe. Her wrists with a few mix bangles. Oh and that one thing. As Laurelin's hand made to her chest. To the cross at her neck. Caressed the cool metal and the cord that kept it in place. Her eyes dropped to the table in thought. As it was a day filled with so much. So much loss. So much to gain. Where her parents were now? Laurelin could only guess at. Even though she still missed them, she was glad she had decided to stay. Things were more complicated when she was younger, but what her parents had said. Made more sense now days. Though as her eyes met with figures nearby. Feeling so dead in the centre and so out of the circle at the same time. As her hand toyed at the cord. As her other hand etched at the table. Remembering always seemed to bring her a smile. She missed him day by day. Even would wish he could be right here. Though he had his own life. As Laurelin had her own. Laurelin was no longer the small child that had held his finger. Aided him to better health. They had grown up. Where they still held a place within each other, the spark had not so much gone, it just changed. Where there had been complications from when things had deepened. There wasn't anymore. For Laurelin had put that in the past and now they were still just friends. Her eyes twinkled with a soft tear with a smile. He would always be her best friend. Who she could turn to! She just couldn't live in a world where he didn't exist. He was her family and she was sure she reminded him of that. Wasn't it about time for their yearly visit. Laurelin usually came early to surprise him and yet. It never worked. He was always one step ahead of her. Meeting her before she could even beam a smile. She wasn't sure why she was thinking of Oliver now. Though it wasn't as if it didn't happen often. Usually it was random, even if there was nothing random about him. They had a friendship that she knew was hard to explain. Even though her gypsy friend told her otherwise that Laurelin was just trapped. That she still was head over heels for him. Laurelin could laugh, so she was in a way always head over heals for Oliver, he brought her so much joy simply for caring. She knew the man he was. Laurelin could laugh as it was something to say. Oliver is a man. When she could so easily remember when he was not quite a man, but a boy. Who ever the girl be? If Oliver ever found the settlement, Laurelin only prayed she'd take care of Oliver. To truly cherish what was always inside Oliver. The girl would be the lucky one. Laurelin sort no jealousy. The only jealousy she ever laid towards Oliver is if she never got to see him again. Her eyes moved down. She always wondered had this been the main reason she sort such love and devotion out of him. That she was merely latching on because she feared he'd leave her for good, as her parents had. She always expected it so.

As her hand toyed at what was so precious around her neck. Lost in a small reminder of her friend. Of emotions she now understood. Came a voice behind her. Perhaps she had been so dazed. Who knows how many had spoken to her and she didn't hear them? Yet, least with this one. She did hear. It caused the frowning of her eyes slightly. Wondering why it was so familiar. Why was her heart now beating towards it? Why did her lips smile, in such a way? Her toes curled. Perhaps it was just somethings were more in tune wheres as the rest was merely catching up. Feeling as if the front door was a mere foot step away. She merely had to put out her hand and she was home. He knew the words to say. As Laurelin turned. For the most part she had already knew it was Oliver. It was always that needing to see him and be real real. She shook her head with a soft laugh. Foolish how many times she had thought he was nearby, but it was just a faceless shadow when she turned. Or someone she thought looked like him. It didn't happen a lot. It had happened more when she needed him. Or she merely missed his company. Her other half. Almost like a brother.

Laurelin beamed to see him. Yep, she felt the arrow deep in her own chest. As he hooked her with his smile. She had to have known it was Oliver from what had come out of his mouth. It wasn't as if Laurelin had ever said no before. She laughed. When ever he needed her. He needed to simply follow the bread crumbs. Yep as she felt the digging of his mighty arrow, she had no choice. Only it was always her only choice. Where had he been? Why was he here? OH. Laurelin gasped. Had he followed her. She squinted. She doubted it, but maybe he did without realising he had. Really what ever the reason. She did not mind. He was here. But her mind rang with so many questions. There had to be a ton for him to spill upon her. She sure could spin him a few tales. Before just falling into a belly fall of laughs and roll along the grass, as it always seemed to end up as. Then her lips smiled more warmly. Perhaps if he was in no hurry to be anywhere. He could come play protector from the big bad fish. It was only fair if he snuck up on her after the dance instead of joining in. She could have used an extra hand. She laughed. She could least drag him off and dunk him in the deep water. Letting out more laughs. As she knew Oliver knew she was thinking up childish thoughts. That now they were sucked into their own world again. Even though in the tavern, in the city. She suddenly felt completely elsewhere. The wind hadn't come so much of a calling. She could use him for tomorrow or however long she could get him to stay. It had been so long. Laurelin expected this was going to be an all night thing... She was pleased Oliver was happy to see her. She half rolled her eyes. Why wouldn't he be. Though there was something else. Something hanging at his chest. His tongue needing to be unleashed. Laurelin didn't know if something was wrong, but she knew when Oliver needed her. Needed her more than when he had simply missed her. She maybe much out of his life, but she was still very much someone that truly knew who he was. She half expected she knew him better than he did, but she wasn't one to rub that in. Well, on occasion. As he claimed he knew her better than herself and Laurelin was too stubborn to agree. Who's one to call Oliver, Stubborn? Laurelin looked over him. Ah. Yep. She felt as if they had never been parted. Two peas back in the pod.

"Halo Ollie"

There was time to gush. Her ears were his own. Her heart well. As one can see, already struck by his arrow. When ever he left. Remained the hole, until she saw him again. Laurelin uncrossed her legs. She couldn't bare it. There was so much excitement. So much joy to be taking in. She merely wanted to keep blinking. To keep staring at him and watch him never disappear. Though the space was killing her. Tackle was maybe not quite what she had in mind. A kick for sure. Why did this have to be such a long wait? Again, they can't be a stubborn bunch? If they were, Laurelin was happy to be stubborn together. She smiled again and it wasn't long she was on her feet. Not caring the floor was uneven and a cause for a blister may happen. She'd easily trample over glass and coal to get to him. As her arms motioned around him. She was still tiny, but she always managed to reach him. Felt her arms make to go around his shoulders. As her cheek rested upon his own. She could simply remain in his hug. It reminded her of when he hugged her before. When she had needed him the most. She would never forget it. She felt Oliver needing it more tonight. So she lingered him in the embrace how ever long she could. She wasn't reminded of any deeper thing they had from the mere closeness. She always felt comfortable with Oliver. She was sure she never truly loved him in such a way. Only that she had thought that's what she thought she had to do, in order to make him never truly run away from her. Though she was blessed to have been given the moments. Despite the rough patches. It had given her some peace when she had needed it so much. It made her see Oliver in such a different way. She would always love him. She would always care for him. She just didn't want to settle with him. She was content with the homely feeling whenever she could get it. Though she missed Oliver. It wasn't totally unbearable. Besides. It was also what Oliver wanted. Whether he knew it or not.

She felt the comfort within him. She was home for the night. She retreated a little. As her lips motioned to his cheek with a soft kiss. Before retreating as her eyes looked to him as if he had just restored her to life. As she smiled up at him. Her hand ran over his cheek. He really was real. As her hand toyed at the hair that escaped in his eyes. Brushed them away. She still couldn't imagine he would grow up in such a state. That she could still be seeing the boy that needed her so vividly. He was so beautiful and precious then. He was even more so now. Oh, she just wanted him to wrap her in his arms. Like he always had. She always liked Oliver's hugs. She would suddenly feel safe. Oh and then was the times he'd hug to tightly. Because it had been such a long wait. And her feet would be lifted off the ground. Almost begging him to stop, but really she didn't want to. Oh and when he tickled her. Yeah, that she had to try and avoid. Before her laughs turned into hiccups. She'd end up punching him, asking why. Then he'd scare her and they'd be healed. Her saviour. She smiled to him as she would never forget any of it. She was happy to have experienced the bad in order to be given such goodness. Most defiantly and she hardly expected to have done it any differently.

"And you know a gypsy doesn't make agreements. Only promises, I promise to you Oliver... Why for the sudden need to sneak up on me? Your hardly scary Oliver... You were always a big baby, not a bully. Whom I have missed! Any day or night you seek, its yours Ollie, you know it. I am yours. Now tell me tales. You can never hide from me, Oliver."

Laurelin remarked his lame attempt of acting so big and burly. A thug? Please? The only crime he's guilty of was stealing some women's hearts. Thats not a crime that's infatuation. Besides its not as if those hearts didn't want to be stolen. She spoke heartedly. Referencing the so called traits of a gypsy. If only people knew, Gypsies were just that. People as well. Not so chucked into a box. Though it was true to say they didn't exactly agree to alot of things. Freedom, in ways. Though with Oliver, it was different. Though with him it was Laurelin's choice. It hadn't been something he had asked and she gave. She chose to promise him what she had. She never regretted it. For he never let her down. Well, not in the times that truly count. Even so. When she had felt he had let her down. Where she had been left alone to deal with it all. It wasn't his fault. It was her mistake to have fallen in the trap. Her stupidity to have thought she could exist in such a world, but she knew now it was not her place. It wasn't even really her fault. Still Oliver didn't know. It was Laurelin who just thought stupidly that he would just sense and know. Like most women do. But how is a man to know when one doesn't tell them. It was behind her now. She realised. Oliver had always been there. She was just stupid to not see for just how young she had been. She was too young to die. Too young to be so broken hearted. She wasn't the kind to live with such shards of her hearts. They mended. If anything Oliver helped piece them back together. It would have killed her more, to not be able to get to a place like this. This meant more. She was his now. As she then moved her hands to hold his own. Wished for him to tell her tales. Stories of where he has been and what has happened? She could give her own tales. His life always seemed so far away. She always loved hearing the tales. He was almost like 'The Emerald Archer'. Only minus the tights, maybe. Not that he wouldn't look good. No, she shook her head. With a laugh. She'd prefer him pants less than have him do that to himself. Her voice softened as he really couldn't hide from her. She knew when something was up. Apart from Nuri. Whom visited Oliver during the long absence to make sure he was alive. Still breathing and in no need to have his finger held. She wasn't sure whether to lead him to the seats. Or lead him elsewhere. She was his and she was happy to follow to wherever it may lead. Just as long she wasn't left behind without him warning her.

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

The sound of her laughter was like balm to a frazzled and troubled mind. He didn't know how much he needed it until now. He had spent the entire day wallowing in self-pity, drowning himself in some deep well of sadness after what had gone down between him and Yassia the night before. But to see Laurelin now, to hear her laugh, and see her beam at the sight of him, was more than enough to lift his spirits. She always had that effect on him. Even after all these years, she continued to be that sunshine that always brings forth a new and fun day to his otherwise drab and dreary life. Even now, she had the most impeccable timing, as if it was meant to be. Today is when he needed comforting the most, when he needed a friend.

"Halo Ollie"

He scrunched his brows at her response, trying to hide the amused grin that was starting to crawl up the edges of his lips. "I come to you with a delightful offer to spend the night with me, and you just say 'halo Ollie' as if it was nothing to you?" he replied teasingly. Of course, he knew she was happy to see him. Laurelin need not say the words. Oliver knew her too much. He knew she was just as glad to see him as he was to see her. It wasn't time for their yearly meetings in Mercia, but who was counting really? Oliver surely didn't mind seeing her now whether a year had already gone by or not.

Then she gave him a sweet little kiss on the cheek, and Oliver couldn't help but return it with a big hug. Laughing, he held his arms out and encased her in one soft yet tight hug, planting a kiss on her forehead before pulling away. He laughed at what she said, about him being a big baby. She was right. In a way, he was a grown man who was constantly looking for someone to take care of him.

"Now tell me tales. You can never hide from me, Oliver."

The smile on his face faded when she asked that he tell her tales. For a moment there, he had forgotten about his sorry state, but he knew it wouldn't take long for it to surface again. He took her dainty little hand, and pulled her towards an empty table on one quiet corner of the tavern. A waitress came to get their drinks and Oliver asked for a glass of mead and dinner. He was hungry and he hoped Lau wouldn't mind eating with him. "What would like to have? Dinner's on me if you want to eat," he asked Laurelin.

As soon as the waitress left with their orders. Oliver settled himself in his seat and leaned back. He heaved a deep sigh as he tried to find the words to answer Laurelin's earlier question. "I'm not exactly in the best of spirits right now, Lau, but I'm really happy to see you," he said chuckling, hoping to lighten up the moment.

[lau]

It suddenly felt like a trip back in time. No. Another world. It had always been their own, when ever they found an excuse to meet up. Though as she beamed of a smile at him, she hardly saw an excuse. Wasn't he the excuse? Laurelin blushed as her eyes moved away. There was his own ray. An awe about him, that she could not find a reason not to like him. Her eyes drifted off. As he sure had given her moments that weren't as flattering as this one, but she could never give up on him. As he never gave up on her. Sure he made mistakes. Laurelin could barely shake her head, as she had made her own. It was about rising above their mistakes and just finding the foothold that seemed to keep them together. It was hard to describe him other than he was special. Laurelin can smile now, even if she barely understand it, but she felt the exact same way when she first saw him. Her eyes fluttered and her lips smirked. For she knew Oliver probably hit her for thinking of it, but it was possible he was her guardian angel if such things exist. Her head looked down amused, as she couldn't quite picture him with wings, but he was just as beautiful. She would just be careful not to say it. Rolling her eyes, she was not about to start worshipping him. She was sure Oliver would have a field day with that. No, all Laurelin could do was be the friend she always knew she was. All this world to Laurelin felt mostly like strangers, in all these faces it always seemed to be Oliver's she knew.

Even now as he looked upon her. It beamed her how seemed to brighten him up. She didn't so much speak of it, but she could sense the lack of extra spark in his eyes as her arms made to hug him. Though she smiled brightly. She was happy and over joyed to see him after so long. Perhaps this long distance helped. She wasn't wishing to take anymore, only what she could get. She didn't need him every inch of her day. She didn't need to see him. For the friendship to last. Though it did feel nice to touch him once again. It felt like a reunion every time. Seeing the boy she knew she could never turn away from. She felt warm and she felt safe. Oliver was that sense of a home, Laurelin didn't want ruined if she over stepped her stay. So moments like these would always be what they were. As she grinned as Oliver tried to hide his own. Watching being displeased with his response. Teasing her of course. Laurelin just grinned more. He was utterly a child and Laurelin still adored this child. She joked in her head. As arms then withdrew from his neck. As her eyes came to meet his own.

"Oh your spending the night, Oliver? Apparently the waters are unfit for children, perhaps you will need protection tonight, as I take it your joining me for a swim?"

Laurelin couldn't help to point out him spending the night. She knew he was jokingly flirting with her. Though she teased him back, she knew what spending the night meant. She smiled. He just liked messing with her. She hardly expect there be much sleeping involved in which amused her more at the thought. Wishing to punch him for making it sound such a thing, but thankful. He was just helping it all feel like they never left. She just knew there be a lot of talking probably. Probably collapse by the water. Laurelin teased him back as she compared him to a child, which wasn't so hard to do. As her eyes ran over him amused. There were moments when this child could be a brat, then times when he was utterly charming. Either way amused her. As she asked about him joining her. She figured as much as it generally was swimming involved. Laurelin just liked water, it reminded her of her parents and just also forget for a moment in time. Only Oliver she was sure understood.

Laurelin was utterly pleased he was here. Then his teasing her cut off and pulled her in his arms. She couldn't help than laugh in response to his own laughter. He knew all he needed to do was hug her and it make everything ok. Her cheeks ran red and her body tingled. She felt so safe in these arms. Not surprised he tightened the grip. It made it a little difficult to breathe, but she hardly could complain. It had been so long since the last one. It always reminded her of when he hugged her and when she had so needed it. It seems unimportant to others, but it was in that moment anything Oliver did, she would always forgive him. She loved him before, but in that dire moment. When everything seemed at the brink to her young mind, he was there no questions asked. It was in ways siblings. Sure Laurelin has fought with Oliver, but it was out of love. No relationship or friendship would be so easy sailing, but it didn't make it not worth it. A friendship like this needed to be fought for. She was just so happy he was here. Her arms around him tightly as well. Felt his lips upon her forehead and made her smile even brighter. Forget any greater love. This was love to her. She hardly had it in her life these past years. It was mostly Laurelin. She overly enjoyed living on her own, but it does get lonely. It is nice to know there is someone that knows her and cares for her no matter what.

Laurelin beamed up at him as he smiled himself. She liked when he smiled. It was made up of sun and all the jewels in the world. Her hands held his hand. Her own face soon faded. As her brown eyes scanned him. What as her words changed him? She hadn't wished for it to be true, but there was something up. Something just not right. He almost looked sad and she knew it wasn't her doing. Before she could muster any response, her hand was taken and led. If there was anything about these two. It was stubborn. Laurelin softly laughed to herself. For he didn't ask to take her, he just took her. As when Laurelin would do the same. Though with her free hand had to rub her ribs a little after having her breath taken away for some short moments. Before Laurelin knew it. She was placed in a corner with Oliver. Really? Next she was expecting him teasing her with another pick up line. Then rolled her eyes as she found her seating opposite to him as well it was almost a pick up line. As Laurelin bumped him under the table with her foot. Not hard. It was amusing he then ended with if she wanted to eat. Generally he would keep at it until she ate. Perhaps it was payback from when she made him eat all that food when she met him and ended up having to rub his stomach. She could hardly see where the food went, still hardly any fat on him.

"Sure I'll eat if its on you. I'll have the same... So what you came here to drown them all away? I would half imagine the problem would still be there in the morning. So best face this Oliver, I'm here. So we can face it together. Tell me what's troubling you?... As i am too see you. Despite what's lacking in your eyes, you seem in good health? Least for now. Oh, I have something for you... You must have been extra special."

Laurelin agreed on the food and drink. See if she'll be able to hold it. She figured she was better at control. Plus he was paying. She could hardly find coin to pay for it herself, so she sure jump at the chance and promise not to take advantage of the offer. She just wouldn't be surprised they steal each other's food. She could shrug seemed the norm for her. What's his is hers. And what's hers is his. Laurelin smiled. Could just be like a picnic in the bar, just a very different scenery around them. Laurelin responded to his words and confronted him. So he sort to kill all these with drinks. Laurelin could shake her head, she would expect it wouldn't solve much. Reaching out her hand to his. Knowing she was here. What ever was troubling him? He no longer needed to face it alone. Laurelin smiled as her eyes softened. Wishing to rub his hand and wish it all better. As from what she saw he was in good health, she wasn't sure anything could be worse than if he wasn't in good health. Though just after saying it, she sat back as her eyes met with the bar and drinks. If he was planning a long night of them, she might have to end up carrying him to bed. Her smile faded a little at the thought of him seeking this to help him, but quickly smiled. As she was here now and did have a present for him. In fact three of them. It wouldn't make things better, she knew, but it would be a nice change to give these in person. As her hand motioned within her outfit and pulled out three arrowheads. Each different. She had placed them safely without them killing her. Now they were Oliver's as she placed them on the table before him. Right there were tales of her own. As she smiled.

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

"Oh your spending the night, Oliver? Apparently the waters are unfit for children, perhaps you will need protection tonight, as I take it your joining me for a swim?"

"A swim? At this time of the night?" Oliver feigned a shock expression on his face. But truth be told though, he wasn't surprised at all. Laurelin loved the water, and he knew she would take advantage of any opportunity to go on a swim. He tried to remember if he'd every come across a river near the city of Camelot, and come to think of it, there was one. He probably would mind a swim. He was out all day hunting, and he knew he badly needed some washing up. Whether it was in his own guest chambers in the castle or out there in the forest, it didn't matter.

He was just glad to see that Laurelin was happy to see him. He knew he was. Of all places, he had not expected to see her here. He should have really. Since they have separated, Laurelin have taken on the full life of a gypsy, wandering here and there, letting the wind take her where it wanted. And she seemed to be loving and enjoying it. Every time he saw her, there was no mistaking the glow that emanates from her. This was the life she was born to live. Perhaps it was just fortunate that things had ended between them. Laurelin was too freedom-loving and flighty that Oliver could never imagine her being tied down in one place. And he knew she knew that, too. She knew that there was just no future for them. But for their friendship, yes, it will always remain, and it will remain strong no matter the circumstances.

He was glad that Laurelin did not refuse his offer for a meal. He didn't know how much well she has been eating with living life as a gypsy. He had tried to give her whatever he could to help her out every year that they meet, but he wasn't so sure how long they would last Laurelin. But he took comfort in the fact that she looked in the pink of health, not sick at all. And to see her entertain the patrons at the tavern happily, that was a good enough sign that she was doing and feeling great.

When she laid out her gift on the table, Oliver couldn't help the laughter that burst from him. Arrowheads! She always manages to collect these and give him some every time they meet. He picked one up and examined it. "These are beautiful. Thank you, Lau. ," he said in reply. "I didn't expect to see you here, so I don't have much with me to give you," he said as he fumbled in his pocket. Then he felt the pouch tied to his belt and gave her a bright smile. He fished something out of it and then held it out in front of her eyes. It was a sparkling blue sapphire the size of a small pea. "Do you like it? If you do, it's yours." He had offered to give Laurelin some gold coins before, but she would refuse them. So he gave her gems instead, telling her they're just stones. Of course, she knew they were precious and Oliver was just glad that she had decided to sell some of them so she can have her provisions.

"Tell me what's troubling you."

"I met a girl, Lau. I never thought I'd find someone I'd feel strongly for again, but I did. She's special...she's everything I could ever ask for," he started telling her. Oliver knew that despite their past relationship, they have gone past the hurt and painful feelings. Now, they were just friends, siblings more like, who can tell each other anything and everything. " When I first met her a year or so ago, she was on the road traveling. I actually thought she was a nomad. I accidentally hit her with my arrow and I helped treat her wound. I don't know how it happened, but...it was love at first sight, I tell you." He smiled at the thought of his first meeting with Yassia. "We met again last night during King Arthur's coronation, and I found out she was not a nomad. She was a princess. But I got angry at her, I don't know why. I also didn't tell her I was a prince then, so she was also surprised to find out who I really was. And now...I seem to have lost her. I pushed her away and she put up a wall to keep me away." He took Laurelin's hand and looked at her imploringly. He knew he was only telling her the gist of it. There was so much more to Yassia that he could ever put into words. Right now, he just wanted to talk to someone. "But I want her. I want her so bad, Lau. What do I do?"

[lau]

"Really? I was only joking about you being scared of the big bad. If you are we can refrain from swimming or just watch me swim... Though if I sink you may need to paddle me to shore.... Oh, don't look so shocked, you should be expecting it. There was once a time you wouldn't of hesitated at the paddling."

Laurelin found his words somewhat amusing. He generally wasn't the scared type. As she moved her head to the side, as she tried to stop a laugh, but couldn't. Oh no, he wasn't getting out of this one. She knew him and water quite well. She dipped her head and shook it. After all this time, she would have thought he was still on the so called edge. Where Laurelin just simply thought it living and experiencing life. Who knows? She may drop dead any second, she might as well do what she felt like. Only when it concerned her was when it would hurt or effect someone else. As her voice spoke light hearted to him about this newly discovered fear she was almost tempted to make sure it was rid of. Not that Laurelin wasn't scared, she just liked facing them. Her fears and it was always a thrill along side Oliver. She could always push him, her eyes shifted off. We'll see, she gathered. Toying at him that if something were to happen there maybe no choice but to come in and save her. Joking about him paddling through the water, he can swim. Though couldn't help also referring to the other kind of paddling, she teased him.

It had much been a world apart even from Oliver. He barely knew, but Laurelin did her best to keep him informed somewhat. Only thing Laurelin saw and experienced so much. It was much where to start. As she sat across from her beloved Oliver. She couldn't help than to smile. To be overjoyed by his laughter at her ears. It was a sound she very much liked to keep going. What ever happened and what ever scars remained, and there were scars. Something like that never leaves someone. She just couldn't be more glad to be in a place like this with Oliver. For in the end he was there for her and that's all that mattered to her. He made a mistake and it was not his fault. She knew the feeling, she knew what and why he felt it. This was neither her fault or his. Her mouth grinned as he picked up the arrowhead out of bone. Well, it was rather hard not to collect them. They were easier than one would imagine to come by, then hardly anyone travelled like the gypsies and hunted like she did. Where Laurelin was skilled with a bow, her art was defiantly in the spear. Well, both really. She wasn't about to challenge Oliver's skills. She knew the tricks she gave him, she grinned again. He was brilliant with a bow even before she ever met him, she half expected he was born with a bow in hand. His poor mother. Well, Laurelin knew half of his so called bad behaviour he learned from her. It just made Laurelin laugh. She was used to people misjudging her. Oliver knew what he was doing. He was simply living. Wild? no. Free! Laurelin smiled softly as he took his gifts, to see the little glimmer of joy in his eyes as if a little boy opening a christmas present this was why she kept collecting them for him. That she could know he would be smiling even without her there. Well and laughing. She motioned her finger to the arrowhead he was holding and pointed to the tiny markings on it.

"You see those markings, Anglo. You know you'd be surprised what you find under water. I also found this one there as well its more tribal, you see how its worn. I say a battle took place there. You maybe holding on to a piece of history. The third one I've not seen its kind before. Have you? There were bits of ruins must have been a fallen kingdom. It has the make of royalty, but almost seems ancient though the bits of ruins I saw seem rather new. I thought I knew these lands, but it seems even to me there are still secrets to be found... I plan to return sometime and look around a little more. If your life isn't so busy, you should meet me there. Help solve the mystery."

Laurelin gushed about the arrowheads as her finger pointed one after the other. Telling him a little about where she found them. Just sort of letting him know a little of her adventures as her voice heightened as she spoke. It was rather fun finding these even if they more found her as she didn't really look for them. The third was something Laurelin hadn't quite seen before. It had that touch of royalty, that fineness to it, but it had a dated feel to it. It had quality about it, though also a touch of mystery. She expressed an invitation to meet her at this place, it be nice to explore again with him before his life settled to much away from her. He could help keep her out of danger she smiled for danger generally was created by her.

"OH... Oliver. Yes, I do. Now take me away in those chariots and we can live in a house made of ginger. Wait? What was it again? What was the house you were gonna build us when we were kids? If I remember correctly it was eatable, so we'd never go hungry. Or was it a castle? I think we settled on house at the end oh and by the sea and plenty of forest behind., in a far away land all our own... Perhaps in our next life, our far away land will be waiting. Do you promise to wait for me?... Though really Oliver its beautiful, thank-you. I don't know how a girl got to be so lucky... Where did you get it? But truth be known Oliver, your all the gift I would ever need. Seeing you now, this is the real gift. I will treasure forever, you know it, boy. Now where's our drinks? If your going down, I'm coming with you. Well thats if you can handle being beat by a girl again. You never learn Ollie."

So this be around when one realises Laurelin can talk alot. Especially with Oliver. As he pulled out the stone from his pocket after all the pickup lines, hid her in the corner and buying her dinner. Just minus the ring and it was half way there. Laurelin smiled and took this in a light hearted direction. Trying to cheer Oliver up with her weirdness to others, but she knew Oliver found it endearing. As fantasied about what they dreamed and promised as kids. It had been changed over several times and things added over the years. She still remembered well most of it. It was a time of innocences and a time they had nothing to worry about other than growing up. Apparently dreaming of a land all their own. A place where Laurelin would have the sea and the land to share with Oliver. They always had that underlining and unspoken promise of never leaving one another. That in the end they'd be forever. Their friendship would always keep them together minus the childish parts, Laurelin still believed it to be true. What ever happened after she died, she knew some how she'd find Oliver. Or he'd find her. Then retreated her tone to more realism as she truly thanked him for the stone. Blue like the sea. Made her eyes twinkle at the sight. The devotion he had for her. The love was always there. She did not wait 4 hims to give it. Her fingers took the stone from his hand. Held it. Asked where it was from? Then placed the stone down and made sure he knew he was the real gift. As he said he hadn't much to give her and that was lie. He had plenty n it was him. She smiled. Her hand rubbed his own, she would give up any and probably everything for him. Nothing was worth more than him. Nothing. For get the magical crown on his head. She saw a halo in its place. A rather tainted Halo at times, but it just added character, she smiled brighter. Then figured this was getting a little too soft and asked for the drinks. When Laurelin needed to play, she could play.

Here it was the heart to heart. So much coming at once. Laurelin just sat in interest and listened. There was a lot to take in. Laurelin thought perhaps a drink would be nice, no wonder why it was troubling him. To bottle all this up. Though she couldn't help but smile. He wasn't troubled. He was smitten. She could imagine the confusion. Such feelings came with a long list of confusion. Oliver was possibly falling and by the sounds in no way of stopping it. There was that little spring of jealousy. Not so much about it being another girl, but Oliver maybe setting down to a more desire to settle. Laurelin always knew there was a chance. That his life would find a totally different direction. Even though she sensed it would lead him more away from her, she couldn't stop it. She could see the shear joy bedded in his words. Nay his expression when he thought of this girl and how she made him feel. All Laurelin ever feared was losing him for good. Though she would never admit to him these things. He knew she missed him, but he didn't know how much she actually missed him. How much she wished he'd come with her. It was selfish which was why she never voiced it. She was sure he knew in a way. Though his happiness meant the most. She laughed softly in between his wordings and expressions. Her eyes watered from bits here and there. They even sprang a faint tear in which her hand quickly caught it. As she leaned back. As her mouth opened in awe. Her breath taken and her mouth rather speechless.

"Sounds like it was love at first shot... Wow, Oliver. I think your in love. I've never seen you in such a state. So what is her name? That you played cupid with?... It sounds to me you both just overreacted, if she feels half as you do, I'd say she's just as confused as you are. If you really do love her. Then it shouldn't matter who she is? Or where she is from? Or even what she has done? The question you need to ask is, do you love her? I see no prince before me now. I see only you, Oliver. What's inside should be what counts. I half imagine all you should be doing is showing her who you are. She's put up a wall you say. Well a wall can come down. You are perfectly special Oliver, I should know. You gave me peace Oliver and I'd like to think I gave you the same in return. So maybe its the same now. You have to give in order to get, Oliver. Love generally finds a way, so try and enjoy this Oliver. You only live once, like I always say to make each day count. Love it doesn't come around a lot, embrace and take it when you can, but allow her time to see for herself. It wouldn't be fun having love only one sided."

Now as Laurelin gushed on. In a rather joyful tone. She was pleased it was more Oliver was more happy, just so happy it hurt and well confused. She rambled on. Love advice just wasn't something she was use to. She tried to make sense for him. She knew he needed this what she could offer. Hopefully he could take something out of this and use it. It be fine she knew it. He was sounding like he and this woman were just overreacting. Then fell back firmer in her seating, rather exhausted by all these words, but she was just trying to help. How ever she could. Knowing she probably maybe made him think even more now. She laughed. Hopefully he could forgive her. Perhaps he was better at this than he thought. Understood it better than she did.

"I think I need that drink now. Not everyday I spill the ways of love... Don't let it trouble you so much. Besides you know no matter what happens you've got me. I may not hold the great love, but I still and will always love you Oliver. So know your special to someone. If for some reason she can't see you for who you are. Then it's her lose. Don't lose who you are. We age and we change, but she's gotta accept you for you. Don't change for her. Change for you. Just be there for her and allow her to be there for you, if she so desires. That's love to me, to just be there."