The Sound of Music (Caitrin)

[Robyn Lester]

Robyn looked down at the little crowd that had gathered before the stage wagon, eagerly awaiting what was next to come. Just now they had been entertained by Tybalt, her brother, playing with fire in the very meaning of the word, using the spores of the clubmoss plant spewed into the fire of a blazing torch to make it appear as if he actually breathed fire. Then he had ‘eaten’ the flame and ended the performance thus, leaving those who were new to the tricks and even those who had seen it before wide eyed with awe. But now they needed to calm down again, and that was why Robin had entered the stage.
She was now sitting on a chair, lute on her lap and tuned the strings, creating an air of anticipation amongst her listeners. After short consideration she intoned a cheery, fast melody that would lead to a rather bold and, in her eyes, funny song. It was not a song to be sung at a noble’s estate, as it held a light air of criticism towards them and was more suited to a crowd that could take a joke. Of course, even nobles might be able to laugh about themselves every once in a while, but neither Robyn nor her group was in any mood to take risks. Not now.

When the prelude ended, Robyn’s voice started to ring over the small village square with suprising force, but also tenderness. She knew she had a voice that captured an audience, and she would make the best use of that while she could.

”It was on a beautiful evening in May
Fa-la-la-la-dee-dah-dah-dah,
A lady was walking a lonesome way
Fah-la-la-la-dee-dah.
The king and his soldiers came riding along
Fa-la-la-la-dee-dah-dah-dah,
They’ve been away from home so long.
Fah-la-la-la-dee-dah.

She was young and fair
Fah-la-la-dah, fah-la-la-dee-dam
The bird’s were singing in the air
Fah-la-la-dah, fah-la-la-dee-dam.”

Like always, Robyn couldn’t keep a smile off her face as she was singing about the king’s obvious advances which the lady rebuked rather skillfully. Her fingers were rushing over the strings which sometimes seemed a little awkward as she had to compensate for her missing little finger, but she knew this song by heart and had practiced the fast sequences endlessly.

”… ‘so come with me to my castle grand!’
He smiled at her and he kissed her hand,
‘There’s one condition before I agree:
This thing between your legs I like to see!’”

Robyn could hear some shocked gasps and a few whistles coming from the crowd as they, as was intended, of course got the words of the maiden wrong, just like the king of the story himself would. Grinning even broader Robyn even inserted a little interlude too keep the audience guessing longer, if that what had been implied was really the message of this song and what would happen next.
Winking to no one in particular, Robyn then resumed the verse melody, and solved the riddle.

”The king, he blushed and dismounted his horse,
he wanted to take the lady by force.
She jumped upon his horse so quick,
He soon realized her insidious trick!

She was young and fair
The birds were singing in the air.

’Farewell, my king, you’re generous and fine.
What’s been between your legs is now between mine.
Farewell, my king, you’re generous and fine.
What’s been between your legs is now between mine.’”

Under the uproaring laughter of everyone within a radius of twenty metres, Robyn and a few other members of the Raven Pack ended the song with the now changed couplet:

”And then she went away
Over the hills and far away!”

Repeating these two lines a few times they ended on a chord and let the surge of applause and cheer wash over them like a refreshing gush of spring rain. Smiling broadly, Robyn stood up and bowed a few times, feeling as happy as she ever could be. She lived for these moments. Entertaining a crowd, getting them to laugh, to cry or to scream – this was her life!

---

The Song xD

[Caitrin de Archer]

There was so much to do! Well there was always so much to do in Caitrin's life, but this was just an added thing to contend with. They hadn't really set a date for the wedding yet, but it had been months since Morgana's reign was brought to an abrupt end, so she and Griff had decided to tie the knot while things were quite stable. It had taken them both enough time to get used to living with each other again after all that had happened. It hadn't been as hard as Caitrin had expected it to be, which just confirmed that she did love Griff and that this was all meant to happen. She grinned to herself, Jesu she had never wanted to be in love, but now it seemed to be quite the opposite. She never wanted to be not in love, because that would mean being without Griff, and she never wanted that to happen again.

Caitrin had decided to take a walk to collect her thoughts. Although she loved Griff and her Uncle dearly, they had a tendancy to get on her nerves somewhat. Sometimes it felt like she was babysitting both of them. They had both taken to winding each other up, and resorted to get Caitrin involved when it was going a bit wrong. Overall Caitrin wasn't incredibly impressed with either of them. They were both adults, surely they could handle living under the same roof. Well clearly not but still. Running a hand through her hair, she wondered how her Uncle would react when she fell pregnant. He already thought that three nobles in the house was crowded, lord knows what he would think when there was the prospect of little feet running around the house. Even after everything that had happened, Caitrin still wanted children. It was almost a need which would one day be fulfilled. Of course she wasn't about to rush into anything; that wasn't hers and Griff's style.

Her head jerked upwards as she saw a small collection of villagers crowded around what appeared to be musicians of some sort. Ah that was another thing that needed sorting of course, Caitrin needed to get someone to sing at the wedding feast. Although Caitrin was sure the wedding wouldn't be too grand, she did want singing and dancing at the feast. Dancing was one of her great loves, and that and dancing went hand in hand. Curiously, Caitrin began to listen to the young woman who was singing. Caitrin knew she stood out slightly from the other listeners because of her noble attire, but it didn't make her self-conscious in the slightest. She smiled as the woman continued to sing, she did indeed have a wonderful voice. Caitrin applauded with the rest of the audience as she finished and looked on at her, considering whether she would fit the bill for her feast.

[Robyn Lester]

Still a little out of breath from the singing and also the excitement she felt whenever the crowd was pleased, Robyn took a moment longer to examine the crowd below. There were your ordinary village people, in common, simple clothes, some women wearing scarves to show them as married workwomen, some carrying children on their hips or holding their hands. Like always, Robyn’s eyes took on a warm glow as she watched those children. Some where also running around the few wagons the Raven Pack owned, examining everything with eyes wide open in awe. Whenever jugglers came along, it was a special day. They saw something new, foreign, and wanted to be a part of it, even for a few hours.

But there was also a young woman that stuck out from everyone around her. It was not only the clothes that marked her a probably wealthy enough noblewoman, it was also the way she held herself, confidently as far as Robyn could tell but not with this common air of aloofness you usually witnessed around people of her kind. She didn’t seem to mind standing amongst the villagers, and that alone was peculiar. She did not stick out because she was different, but because she did not seem to care to be different. Furrowing her brows in surprise, Robyn found she could not place this young woman, and that was a little alarming. Not in a threatening sort of way, but over her years of travel, she had thought she could estimate the different kinds of people quite well, maybe even upon first glance.

Only when she felt someone tugging at the sleeve of her dress, Robyn realized she had been standing here on the makeshift stage for too long and that she now should leave the scene. There would be a little pause, bridged by Raven telling the audience the outline of the play that was shortly to commence. Robyn’s part was a little way off still, and so she would have ample time to change clothes and maybe snatch a little something to drink. Singing always made her thirsty.
With the skill and elegance of someone having done this countless times, Robyn therefore hopped off the stage wagon and went a little too the side, but did not vanish behind the makeshift folding screen yet where other members of the pack were waiting, silently rehearsing and dressing for their role. She loved watching Raven talk too much. In his fourties and already with a few grey streakes in his hair, he possessed a quite carrying deep bariton voice that seemed to be just made for telling stories and capturing the audience.

And for now Robyn was part of the audience. She cherished these moments, to be on the receiving and not on the giving end sometimes, even though she loved giving as well.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin just stayed on watching the woman for a few moments after she had finished singing. It wasn't often that travellers like these pitched up near her Uncle's estate, or if they did perhaps she had just never noticed before. A few of the villagers would turn round to her occasionally and greet her in the proper way. Of course she knew them all by name by now, after all she had been in Camelot for long enough. One in particular, a middle aged woman, began to inquire after hers and her Uncle's health. Caitrin of course assured her that everything was fine, and that they were just preparing for the up and coming wedding. Her Uncle of course was taking a back seat with everything, but Caitrin could tell that he was somewhat pleased. Even though he would have preferred her to marry higher above her rank, and probably to someone with more wealth, she could tell he liked Griff... sort of. He certainly liked winding him up, which was sort of the same thing. As long as Griff didn't touch Roulands wine they could be one happy, dysfunctional family. Perfect.

As the woman Caitrin was talking to went away to find her husband, Caitrin found herself just looking through the crowds. She saw now that the woman who had been singing was standing amongst the crowd, as if nothing had happened. She wasn't paying much attention to what was going on on the stage anymore, instead she was wondering whether she should approach the woman at all. It was quite important for Caitrin to get all the details right about her wedding, after all you only got married once didn't you? How could she tell right here and now if the woman was just going to add to the magic of the day or take away from it? Caitrin didn't want to be too impulsive and just ask the woman outright, no she was going to take this slow and see where it got her.

Boldly she wove through the crowd until she was standing next to the young lady in question. She certainly was a striking lady, despite her lack in status. She smiled at her as she tried to catch her eye line. Failing that, she just took the plunge and spoke, "You have a wonderful voice, it is quite unlike anything I have heard before." Caitrin voiced softly, stepping to the womans side fully and now observing her head on. Women were always more difficult to talk to than men. They hid more in a conversation, and were more difficult to work out. Hopefully this woman would prove willing to anything Caitrin suggested. If not, she supposed it wouldn't be a great loss.

[Robyn Lester]

Watching and listening to Raven gave Robyn a quite peculiar feeling of being attached and detached at the same time. She knew this man ever since she could remember, he had been very much like a father figure to her, and she was proud being a member of his group. But when he spoke like that, it was as if she saw another part of him at the same time, she was able to look at him as if she did not know him at all. Maybe it was the unusual position in the crowd, or maybe it was her just being weird today. But it was no bad feeling, jut thoroughly interesting. She found her ears not really following his words, and yet she was hanging on his lips – so much apparently that she had not noticed someone approaching her, and the sudden voice right next to her made her wince. Living on the road constantly and being out of the law while no criminal could make you more than just a little jumpy at times, if only out of instinct.

Her surprise only maginified as she saw who was actually adressing her: it was the noblewoman she had not been able to place earlier. And just this action of being approached proved to be another surprise. She really had not expectef the woman to do something like that.
The compliment came as not so much a surprise, even though Robyn of course appreciated it. She had heard many times that she had a good voice, even though she herself didn’t deem it that special, more average. But receiving this compliment from a woman was somehow more valuable than receiving it from a man. Everyone knew after all that men often used such words as a euphemism for something completely else. “You have a pretty voice” simply sounded less shallow than “I like your pretty face or your curves” which was what they usually meant.
Then again… wasn’t a compliment usually something with strings attached. With men it was clear, they wanted her attention, but what could this noblewoman want?

As there was only one true way to find out, Robyn chose to be polite and friendly to the woman for now. She didn’t have much against nobles in general after all, there were just some of them who… but that was beside the point now.
”Thank you, Mylady, I am glad it pleased you”, she replied, inclining her head. “But to be fair, I am sure there are many other singers far better than I, it is after all just one of the things I do, and one can’t be master of all trades.”
Humility wasn’t one of Robyn’s striking features, but she always got a little awkward when praised. It wouldn’t hurt here after all, better not to anger the woman yet until she had actually found out her reason for talking to her. Maybe there could be something in it for the group? It wouldn’t be the first time such arrangements were made that way.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Overall it was turning out to be quite a pleasant morning. She enjoyed just venturing out on her own without her betrothed or Uncle clipping at her heels. It was sometimes nice to just be in her own company. Perhaps after her business here was finished she would take a walk or a ride around the estate. As the day went it would probably be quite a lazy and unproductive day, aside from perhaps sorting a singer for her wedding feast. In truth they still had to invite the guests and sort everything else out. However, at least if a singer was found for the feast, it would be one less thing to worry about.

No one had told her that a wedding would be so much bother to organise. She had to do most of it herself of course as she liked to ensure that everything was done just right, and the only way to ensure that was recognised would be to do it herself. Of course the one thing that excited Caitrin was sorting her dress out. She had been talking to a seamstress in Camelot who agreed to make the dress for her. Caitrin wanted the dress to be special, after all you only got one wedding dress didn't you?

Caitrin turned her attentions back to the young lady and smiled at her. It strook her of course that the woman addressed her as a noble straight away, but she supposed her dress and the way she carried herself gave her away somewhat. None of that mattered really. "To be sure I have never heard such a beautiful voice, and I have heard many a singer at court." She was being genuinely flattering but she knew how trivial her compliments could sound. "How long have you been singing for? Or has the gift always been with you?" There were many gifts which one could possess on the journey of life. Singing was one of them, but there were other gifts, such as her own gift of magic. "My name is Lady Caitrin de Archer, these are my Uncle's lands." She gave a soft smile, "And what may I call you?"

[Robyn Lester]

Watching the young woman out of the corner of her eye, Robyn wondered what was on her mind. She did not really seem stressed out, but then what noble really ever was stressed out. They didn’t have to care for their own living, they had a warm fire in almost every room and they didn’t need to have a light sleep for fear of getting their throats cut while sleeping. Or… maybe the latter, but most of the time they were too arrogant to realize it.
Robyn’s dislike for nobles was not even profound, it was just such a different lifestyle to her she found it hard to relate to. But she didn’t envy them, like some of the commoners did. She loved her freedom and was sure even the peasants were more free than those ruling over them. Maybe if they once looked down from their high up castle, they would realize the people down below where the true kings, because they actually had fun.

Was that the reason some nobles wanted to mingle with the common crowd? To taste some of that freedom? But then, what did she know what went on in that woman’s head. Which brought her back to her previous question. Had her thoughts really wandered in a circle just now? Seems like someone needed a break!
With an inward smile at herself, Robyn listened to the woman’s ongoing praise. Either she really meant it, or she had a huge favor to ask. Or maybe both? That truly remained to be seen, but for now, Robyn gave a chuckle.
”Why, really? I have to tell that our group leader, maybe I could negotiate a few more days off if I am such a star.” That had been sounded not to mock the lady, but rather herself, but of course, as soon as those words left her mouth she could see them to be taken otherwise. But Robyn was not one to take her words back.

”But to answer your question, I think I’ve been singing as long as I could remember. It comes natural with a group such as the Raven Pack.” She spoke the name with not little pride, indicating to the gathering of wagons. “But even more than singing I like to perform in plays. I think that is my true vocation.” Why was she telling that woman all that? She was not being lured in by all that flattery, now really?! SHE had to remain on top of this conversation, or she would be exploited! That was something Raven had always warned her about.
"My name is Lady Caitrin de Archer, these are my Uncle's lands."
Dear Gods, she was conversing with a relative of the landholder?! Sweet goodness, now she had to weigh every word thrice as carefully, lest the Raven Pack could be driven from this place! She should have guessed though, noblewomen were not just sprouting from the ground like that, after all.
Giving a little curtsy that was still not very servile at all, Robyn replied:
”I have many names, Mylady, amongst them Mockingbird and Lady Justice, but my birthname is Robyn Lester, at your service.”

Well, at least time would tell if she wanted to be at this woman’s service… or if that even was what she was after.

[Caitrin de Archer]

It was quite nice in a way to see the people who worked her Uncle's lands so happy and content, or at least they appeared to be. It felt strange to think that one day she and Griff could inherit the estate. Her Uncle had made it clear that if Dristan did not step up to the mark then he expected Caitrin and Griff too. Of course she was not next in line to inherit anything by his hand, but he had apparently constructed some sort of will. It was not something she would have to consider for quite some time as her Uncle was in quite good health and she was sure he would remain so for some time. Plus Griff was in no state to inherit an estate just yet. They still had so much to look forwards to in their life. Of course they were still yet to get married, and then there was the matter of children and suchlike. It all seemed like some sort of day dream, and yet it was reality.

The womans words struck Caitrin as being quite odd but she ignored that for the time being. She knew that her words could have been seen as a little patronising so a bit of banter was only to be expected. "Perhaps you should, but perhaps your superiors would be reluctant to let such a star leave their side." She grinned softly with her gentle tease. Caitrin nodded as the woman spoke of her experience and she could only smile. Singing must be something dear to the young woman. After all, it appeared to be her way of earning a living. Caitrin knew she was quite fortunate with her social standing, but she did not feel too guilty for that fact. It was not her fault she had been born in such high standings. "Will you be performing such plays here today? If you are as talented acting as you are singing then truly it will be a sight to behold."

She smiled and inclined her head to the young Lady. Even though she was not a noble it was still customary to be respectful. "It is a pleasure to meet you Robyn." Perhaps that was a little informal, but in Caitrin's defense she was of a higher status than Robyn so it was a luxury she could afford. It was perhaps a little crowded here to get to know the young lady in question, and to speak business. Therefore she pressed a smile to her lips, "Will you walk a while with me?" She offered, inclining her head away from the crowds. The land which surrounded the de Archer estate was quite picturesque, and best experienced in company Caitrin found.

[Robyn Lester]

When she saw her words had not offended, but rather amused the lady, Robyn heaved a little inward sigh. Today must be her lucky day. She had no will to offend yet another person and maybe this time lose more than a finger to it. A cold shower ran down her spine as she remembered a common punishment for insubordination. The rules that regulated physical punishment were actually really logical. Only the limb that had comitted the crime would be affected by the punishment. A thief lost the hand with which he had pilfered the goods, and someone too bold… Robyn’s tongue moved over her lips rather nervously. No… her thoughts were running wild again, that was the downside of being a very imaginative actor! No one would cut out her tongue anytime soon, if she knew how to hold it!
”The good thing about carneys is that there are no real ‘superiors’”, she informed Lady Caitrin with a grin. “So I would know how to get my way… what would it bring them if I stayed by their side… but refused to open my mouth?” Watching a bird crossing the sky over their heads, she added rather thoughtfully: “No bird can sing in a cage…”

But then she returned to the imminent reality, and nodded to the woman’s question, pointing at the stage where her brother and Madla just appeared to open the first scene.
”It’s already starting, but this is one I do not have a major part in. It was mostly performed while I was…” she stopped, shutting her mouth and almost blushing. Now she would have almost told this lady about the time when she had been still suffering from her mutilation. But she could not leave the sentence hanging in thin air like that, so she finished it rather lamely with: “…indisposed” looking away for a moment. Probably the lady would now think her a loose girl that had unbiddenly become pregnant, but then Robyn had not noticed she had been rubbing her left hand while speaking. She did it out of habit and it most of the time slipped her attention.

She could not help but raise her brow a little in surprise as lady Caitrin gave her such a respectful greeting. Of course she was being addressed with her first name, she was not used to anything else. It was far better than being called ‘you’ only, which often happened when performing around more aloof nobles – if they even bothered to address her at all.
Taking one last measuring look back at the stage, Robyn agreed with a nod. “It’s still a little while until I have to be there myself, so yes, I can take a little walk. But please not too far, I have to check on the stage to see how far they come, at least from afar…”
Hopefully the lady would agree to that deal. Sometimes these kind of people were a little hard to please.

[Caitrin de Archer]

The young woman almost seemed to settle around Caitrin after her little jest. That was quite unusual in itself, but it confirmed what Caitrin already knew really. Women were always much harder to converse with, especially women below ones status. Caitrin often feared that she would end up patronising or irritating those below her own station. She knew she was a little snobbish sometimes, but it had almost been bred into her. That wasn't an excuse, it was a fact. From a young age she had never really been taught to think about anyone else apart from the nobility. In her older and more independent years Caitrin found tat she was more at ease when conversing with those who were not in the nobility. "Ah well, then I am sure a day or two of rest must be quite easy to gain if there are no superiors."

Indisposed? Now there was a word which held many meanings, especially for a woman. It could of course mean that she was pregnant, or that she had suffered some sort of ailment or impediment. Caitrin pressed her lips together. She guessed it wasn't the former because she could see no child around the other carney's, but then again it was not unheard of for women to give children to friends or relatives if they were unable to look after them. However, Caitrin was probably thinking the worst of the woman without really getting to know her. The woman seemed to be rubbing her hand quite a lot, though Caitrin wondered if she was just nervous. She didn't really pay her hand much attention for the time being, one hand was covering the other anyway and she gave a small awkward cough. "Well I'm sure you must have enjoyed your time acting?" It wasn't the best question, but the conversation was becoming quite awkward.

She nodded at Roby's request and smiled. Of course she did not mind taking a small nod, "A short walk is fine." She agreed softly and then began to lead the way from the crowd of people. Caitrin smiled softly at the young woman as they began to walk, she did not want to keep her long if she had duties to attend to, "Forgive my bluntness, but I wish to inquire after your services if you will allow me the pleasure?" Now that opened up the floor for discussion, and let Robyn knew the nature of this conversation. If she was uninterested then she could leave now and they would speak no more about it.

[Robyn Lester]

A day or two? Wow, that would be the day indeed! Robyn hadn’t had more than a few hours to herself ever since she could think back, and really she had not wanted to. Moving around and performing with the Raven Pack was not only a profession, it was her life! She couldn’t think of ever giving it up! What would she do with two whole days without practicing or performing? Then again, what were noblewomen doing with all the time they had to spare? Stitching? Gossipping? Reading perhaps? Well, even that could only fill half a day, right? Until Caitrin had mentioned it, Robyn hadn’t really thought about the possibilities of free time. Had she now cited spirits that would ignore her command? But then, Robyn was much too carefree to ponder about something for long, she would probably have forgotten the next day.
”I will think about it”, she promised with a grin. “If we can allow my strike without suffering from it, I might do it one day.” But really, a carney group was not only a band of rascals, they were professionals in what they did and everyone had to function.

Robyn realized the awkwardness she had brought into this conversation almost physically. Goodness gracious, she should not have brought up such a topic in front of a lady, however different from the rest she seemed. It was obvious Lady Caitrin had gotten it wrong and now tried desperately to steer the conversation away from a very scandalous direction. Misbegotten children were a scandal and shame in every status, even though many almost expected it from people like Robyn.
Happily, she took the next question as a distraction, glad the lady still agreed to talk to her after this misjudgement, and not in the least bothering to clear it up.
”I really, really do enjoy acting”, she answered honestly, a warm fire lighting up her brown eyes. “It gives me joy, seeing the people reacting to what I do, that they can completely forget this is only a play and not reality. And I also enjoy just making them laugh. There is no better feeling than when a joke is well received.”

In fact, Robyn did not mind bluntness at all, she rather appreciated that they were done with the smalltalk. Not that she – oddly enough – hadn’t enjoyed talking about her profession with this lady, but she wanted to know what was really going on here, and if Lady Caitrin hadn’t confirmed it was to be business, Robyn would have probably asked about her true intentions rather soon.
”My service in singing?” she asked, taking on a slightly business-like tone, but silently wishing she had Tybalt or another member of the pack with her to aid her. “Or any other things? For what occasion would that be?”
Lady Caitrin had also only inquired after her services alone… she was not sure if Raven would like that. Of course she would share anything she got out of it with the whole group, but he still did not like solo acts all that much.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Really at the moment she and Robyn were just speaking about sweet pleasantries, and she was sure the woman must have known that Caitrin had an agenda. She wouldn't insult the woman's intelligence by assuming anything but. However, it was all necessary in laying the foundations for Caitrin's proposal. After all, she was quite sure that she wanted an exceptional singer such as Robyn to provide the entertainment at her wedding feast. She was sure it would make what was already going to be quite a special day, even more significant. Caitrin did truly love her betrothed, and she knew how lucky she was to be in that position. There were so many noblewomen who were married off for the advantage of the family group; her own family was one such example. Both of her sisters had been rushed into loveless marriages for the advancement of her father.

There was no need to continue to dwell on the awkward topic which Robyn had brought to the conversation because they were passed it now. However, as usual Caitrin's curiosity was hard at work. She wondered again what the nature of this impediment was, so perhaps it would be harder to just leave the topic alone than Caitrin would have first supposed. However, to hear about how much Robyn enjoyed acting was quite enchanting. "It all sounds fantastic." She at least seemed to enjoy it, and if it was her livelihood then surely it was better to love her vocation than to hate it?

Robyn replied to her in a rather blunt manner and Caitrin wondered if she had approached the topic too soon. Oh well, if she had or had not, there was no turning back now. Might as well proceed and see where she ended up. "Yes, your services in singing." She confirmed, not giving the game away quite yet. "Well, I am very soon to be married, and I wondered if you would consider singing at my marriage feast. You would be well paid of course." She hoped that didn't sound too patronising, but after all this was a matter of business.

[Robyn Lester]

Fantastic? Well that probably was the understatement of the year. For Robyn there was no true word to describe it, and she was indeed happy she loved what life had made her doing. She could not imagine being anything else but a juggler, and she surely had no delusions of grandeur. Hopefully she wouldn’t be the one standing in her own way when it came to justice one day. The finger had been a warning, but she couldn’t know how long it would last.
”There’s really nothing like it… sometimes impersonating someone else can rid you of your own troubles for a while, but that shouldn’t be the main cause. It can give you great insight into other people as well, and may make you tolerant. Because being in a different skin makes you see the world from another angle.”

When she had thought of an opportunity to play, Robyn had not quite envisioned something so grand like a wedding. A birthday maybe, or a formal gathering of nobles, like they had often, because they apparently had nothing else to do and would die of boredom if they didn’t share their freetime with each other. A wedding however was something solemn and at the same time very joyous – at least she guessed to by the look that had entered Lady Caitrin’s eyes. Robyn had not performed yet on many noble weddings, but she knew that most of the time they were pre-arranged things that had little to do with love. But the look in this woman’s eyes suggested otherwise. Could it be she really was in love with the man she wanted to marry? The young girl was all but assuming and she could be wrong, but there was just something the word ‘wedding’ had caused in Lady Caitrin and it didn’t feel like indifference or dutifulness.

”My sincere congratulations then, Mylady”, Robyn said with a smile, but went into business mode the moment after. “What kinds of songs are you interested in? I assume some merry things, of course, but in what general direction? Ballads? Histories of the Older Times? Or shall there be a song produced especially for you and your husband? That could be done as well.” It would not be the first time the Raven Pack had composed something according to the occasion. It required a set of information, but it was managable, and Robyn actually loved doing it. That way the performance was special, singular, and added a special feeling to the whole event. But it would all be Lady Caitrin’s place to decide.

”And it is truly only the singing you want? We have many more things to offer.” To be just, Robyn knew she would at least have to mention the Raven Pack as a whole, even though the chances to actually get them in there were slim. But she would have to try, if only to have a clean conscience. “A short play perhaps, or you could amaze your guests with someone able to spew fire.”

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin had never really thought about escaping the worries and troubles of everyday life by pretending to be someone else. She supposed that was because she had never been in that situation where she could impersonate another life to escape from her troubles. The only time she had ever tried to escape from what was happening had been when she had been locked up in the dungeons, without a friend and without Griff. She had often just tried to imagine him with her, because that had kept her going. Thoughts of him, and the life they would one day have had made her time in the dungeon a little more bearable. As she didn't really want to get into these things with Robyn she just smiled softly at her as they continued their walk. There were some things which were better off in the past, and perhaps this was one of those times for both of them.

Caitrin hadn't expected the woman to be so enthusiastic about her offer of business. Then again, she was supposed it was how she made a living, so someone practically offering you money for your services was something to be siezed upon. In truth, Caitrin had not given the entertainment side of things much thought as this was quite a spur of the moment conversation anyway. Caitrin shrugged softly, even though she knew how useless that was to Robyn and ran a hand through her own hair, sighing softly. "I only want lively music, really I want everyone to get up and feel like they can join in the dancing." Dancing was one of Caitrin's favourite pastime, and it had a special place in hers and Griff's relationship as dancing had been the first time she had considered that she was falling in love with him.

Thinking on it, everything which Robyn was suggesting was quite spectacular, but Caitrin didn't want a particularly fancy and upbeat wedding. She wanted the day to be about her and her husband. Plus, they didn't exactly have a lot of money, so it would be a rather modest wedding at best. However, they would still be having the perfect day because they would finally be committing themselves totally to each other. "I think singing will be enough, unless you have a small band which could play tunes for the guests to dance to?" She asked softly. She did want her guests to have a good time, but she needed to find a happy compromise between her budget and what she wanted at her wedding.

[Robyn Lester]

There was a difference Robyn felt while conversing with this woman, a difference that was almost tangible, even though there was no animosity between them while they talked. They both came from two completely different worlds, and even though there might be an interest in getting to know the way of life of the other, there were some things, maybe a certain way of thinking, that separated them from each other. They would never be able to understand each other completely, and maybe that was how it should be. So it was no great surprise for Robyn to see that Lady Caitrin did not reply to her further explanations about what it was like to be an actor. How would she be able to understand, after all? Would she even want to lead a different life, or just imagine it? Coming from Robyn’s point of view, this lady probably had everything anyone would want. She was not poor, perhaps had never had to want for anything in her life, and she seemed lucky enough to marry for love. What more would a girl want? But Robyn felt no jealousy. She loved the life she led, and wouldn’t want to have anything more.

Normally it was Raven or one of the other male members of the group striking a deal like that, and for a moment Robyn wondered if she should call it off for now and speak with them first, but something held her back, maybe a weird sense of pride. This was the first time she was asked, and it was HER service before anyone else’s that was asked for. So this could very well be her own affair entirely. She had shown her good will by bringing them in once, but she would not ruin the deal for herself by insisting on their involvement much longer. She was not stupid after all!
“Lively music, alright!” Robyn agreed with a wide grin and an appreciative nod. “I think I can manage that. We often play dance music on the market places, luring them in to have a good time. But I don’t know if these kinds of dances would be… appropriate for your celebrants? I …WE have a more… noble repertoire too, however.”

Which brought her to the next question. Yes, of course the Raven Pack could do such a thing! It was a very good idea actually, a way to make this evening even more perfect without anyone feeling left out. A group event of the Raven Pack. Oh, she couldn’t wait for their faces when she told them the good news!
“Like I said, that won’t be any problem, Mylady. We play a variety of instruments, I’m sure your guests will feel more than willing to move their feet once we have started. Do you have any wishes… for special tunes or dances?”
It was always best to be precise in the pre-arrangements, so they could not be accused later of not following their employer’s wishes. Not that she suspected Lady Caitrin of such base motives to keep her money together, but better safe than sorry.

[Caitrin de Archer]

As was the norm with nobles, the fact that this woman was of a lot lower standards than herself did not ale Caitrin too much. She hadn’t been brought up to worry about the status of servants and suchlike. Her father had been quite clear about that in her childhood. The only servant she had ever really been attached to had been Helgund, and she had been more like a mother to her than anything. However, Caitrin wasn’t quite the prim and proper noble that she was supposed to be. She didn’t have a personal maid, even though her Uncle kept insisting that she did hire one. Caitrin had no need of a woman to help her dress and tidy away her things. She could do that quite well by herself. She had never had a maid in Mercia, so why should she need one in Camelot? She liked the privacy in a way as well, because it meant she could get up in the morning without worrying someone was going to walk into her chambers. It also meant she and Griff could have the mornings to themselves without a disapproving eye. The only time she would ever consider a maid would be if she were with child, as then tasks would probably become a lot harder to complete. Then again, that was quite a selfish thought, as she supposed Robyn wouldn’t have that luxury. Caitrin knew how lucky she was, but that didn’t matter really did it? She could go on about how she knew that she was lucky to be wealthy, but it wasn’t going to change anything in the status quo. Perhaps things were already changing though, after all, Arthur had knighted commoners quite recently which had not happened before. Perhaps they were on the edge of social change after all.

Leaving such thoughts behind her, Caitrin smiled at Robyn and nodded. Lively music was exactly what Caitrin was after. She didn’t want her guests bored stiffless by traditional ballads and suchlike. She wanted everyone to be up, dancing, and celebrating because that was certainly what she would be doing. She would be a bride, something a few years ago she figured would never happen. Not only that, she was a happy bride and she was in love, and Jesu, she did love Griff. “Do not worry too much about morals.” Caitrin winked slightly, she and Griff were as unconventional as they came so their celebrations would follow suit, “So long as there is a dance to follow, and it would not be too outrageous, then I am fine with whatever you plan to do.” Of course she couldn’t afford to offend any of the guests, but she could jest and play with them of course. It was her wedding after all!

In all truth, Caitrin knew very little of specific instruments. She had never been well versed in musical instruments as she had preferred pursuits such as horse riding and archery to learning a lute or fiddle. She didn’t have the concentration for such tasks. She preferred things which took her outside in the fresh air, and she was glad her husband appreciated that aspect of her personality. “I am not that bothered about instruments.” She admitted softly, “I will leave it to your professional judgment.” Robyn was probably better at deciding these things than Caitrin ever would be, “As for dances, perhaps a mixture of slow and lively dances.” After all, it would have to have an element of romance. Romantic gestures just weren’t her and Griff really, but it was their wedding so if they were going to be romantic then this would be a good time to start.