Drinking Alone is Hardly Exciting [Yassia]

[Celyn ap Llewellyn]

Since arriving in Camelot, Celyn ap Llewellyn appeared to spend the majority of his time trying to escape from his father's guards. He wasn't complaining mind, it was something to do and he rather enjoyed the thrill that came with it. Most of the time he managed to escape for at least a few hours. This time, however, he had a much more cunning plan. Instead of trying to escape them, he'd simply got them drunk.

He looked over his shoulder - making sure they were all still there, having said that it wouldn't be that disastrous if they weren't. With a grin he turned back around. He should have thought of this before, it was such a simple solution. Taking another swig of his ale he allowed himself a feeling of self-satisfaction. This wasn't exactly what he had had in mind when he'd left Sugales, but he was doing as he was told - seeing Albion while still under the protection of his father's guards. The king had never specified whether they were supposed to be sober or not. The only thing wrong with this situation was the fact that he was drinking alone. Alright, it was better than drinking with the others, but even so. There must be someone worth talking to in here.

Tagged: Yassia
Timeline: During the series two-series three gap.

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

Curse her fate indeed, Yassia growled as she sat over a cup of mild cider in a tavern called “The Rising Sun”. The name should be a good omen, shouldn’t it, but the princess just didn’t feel like seeing it like that right now. So close… so close and yet so far. She had arrived in Camelot, finally her struggles where at an end. She could now look back on them and be certain that the worst part was over. Despite everything that fate had thrown in her way: vile men with questionable intentions, beasts, cockatrices, arrows – she was still alive and kicking. She had managed the impossible: survived months out on the dangerous roads on her own, with little to no money, posing as a commonor, a wanderer with no rights and protection. Things had looked grim for her on several occasions, but she had pulled through. Not unscathed, but alive. And still with everything on her she needed to not make this journey appear pointless. She still had her father’s signet ring and the certificate of her royal ancestry.

So why wasn’t she rejoicing? The answer was as simple as it was frustrating: She had arrived in Camelot, but just as the outer gates were closing, and as darkness already crept over the land. It was too late in the day to embark on a quest such as hers, she might need several hours to find her uncle and reveal her true identity to him, time she did not have now. So even though she had no nerve at all for it, she would have to spend another night in a tavern, using up her last pennies to pay for it.
Yassia had been used to count her blessings all the way since she had left Ailantha behind now almost half a year ago. And she was sick of it. Now that she finally felt safe again, she would allow herself to be a little moody. That ought to be granted to her, yes?

Her slightly bad mood however did not hinder her to take notice of the other inhabitants of the tavern. Not that she planned to mingle with these kinds of crowds for much longer, but then again the tavern seemed good enough to be also frequented by soldiers bearing the crest of the Pendragons. Even though she had never seen it before, Yassia remembered her mother’s descriptive words all too well. And anyway… who knew how long it would take for her plea to be accepted? She might need to stay in Camelot for a few weeks before it all got moving. So she better showed a little more interest in Camelot’s people than she would normally do in any other place she had been before.

Alright, Yassia, cheer up! She told herself with a little sigh. Casting her gaze around her eyes fell on a group of seemingly drunk soldiers who oddly enough did not bear the Pendragon quest. Another man had also been eyeing them, seeming rather cheerful about their condition. Thinking this might be as good a start as any, she rolled her eyes towards the drunk lot and raised her own cup with cider.
”May we not end up like these quite so soon”, she formulated a rather peculiar toast and tried a smile.

[Celyn ap Llewellyn]

Only mere seconds after he had been lamenting the lack of company a young woman caught his eye. She appeared to be making her way towards his father's guards, this should be interesting, so he followed her with his gaze and ended up having to shift into a rather awkward position so he could see her better. It was peculiar that she appeared to be travelling alone. In Sugales women would never be travelling without a chaperone, and certainly not in a tavern. But then he'd seen enough of the women of Camelot to know what they were like. No doubt any comment he made would not be taken lightly.

Her toast was even more peculiar. Surely the reason for being in a tavern was to end up like his guards? That was certainly his plan. Unless she had some other reason... he laughed at his own thoughts and took another swig of his ale. It was hardly as good as the stuff back home, but having been in Camelot for a few months now he was slowly getting used to it. His standards had been lowered significantly though.

"I doubt you'll get much out of them." He said to her. On arriving in Camelot he had found most people he spoke to could barely understand his accent, and while he did try to tone it down whilst speaking, after a few ales it started to creep back. This was after rather more than a few. "They've had more than me." He set his tankard on the table and gestured at the empty seat opposite him. "You appear to be alone. If we ignore them, so am I. Share a drink with me."

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

The first thing Yassia noticed about him was his accent. It was thick somehow, not something she was used to in Albion, though she still could understand him. That left the question of course: Where did he actually come from? It was not unusual to meet travellors like herself, but mostly taverns were still frequented by locals and the rooms in the floor above where often enough just used if some drunkard could not be trusted to find his way home. Then again, this was Camelot, one of the most important cities in all Albion. Travellors ought to come here. Yassia was just very curious by nature, but she judged, if she really wanted to know she could ask later. Or simply leave it be. Slowly she had to slip out of her act and adopt the manners of a princess again. She had strayed far from them sometimes, which might have been good for her cover, but rather bad for the picture she liked to have of herself. A true princess would stay a princess even in rags.

He then asked her to sit down next to him… Yassia was not sure if she should agree. Then again, the danger was over wasn’t it? If he became nasty, she could reveal her identity now. It would still be risky, but she doubted anyone would come for her within Camelot’s city walls. She had been literally the last to enter before the gates were closed, and to think that someone would have laid an ambush was bordering on paranoia. No, she was safe. Safe enough to enjoy her last night as a nameless travellor without a reputation to hold up to, but also safe enough to rely on that reputation should she mean it. And with Romily’s wonderful silver dress in her bag she could also add conviction to her claims of being a princess.

So she sat down, giving the stranger a friendly but at the same time unaccomodating smile. “So they’re with you, huh?” she asked. “Why are you not joining them and be on the way to happy oblivion?” Travelors sometimes were a peculiar folk, that much Yassia had learned during her own travels, and their reasons for doing something were often enough even more peculiar.

[Celyn ap Llewellyn]

As the young woman sat down Celyn smiled what he hoped was a warm and friendly smile. Although he was yet to formally make her acquaintance it was nice to have some actual company, and everyone he had met in Camelot so far was certainly interesting enough to hold his attention. He was hoping this new person would be the same. He nodded in answer to her question, "Yes I'm with them. Or rather they are with me." He leant forward, one elbow resting on the table and hand outstretched towards her. "You see, I can't get rid of them." He leant back and took another swig from his drink. "So I got them drunk." He added with a shrug and smile. It was a wonder why he had never thought of that before. It was such a good idea.

When he returned his tankard to his table he tilted his head, regarding this woman in front of him with some curiosity. She held herself well, so presumably she was well born, but then why was she in a tavern all alone? Then again, he could be wrong and she could in fact be accompanied by someone in here. After all, no one would suspect he was with his guards just by looking at them. Surely if she was with someone she would be drinking with them though, and not the random stranger that he was? It was all very odd, and something that had piqued his curiosity. That wasn't very hard really. He was a curious man by nature. No, it was easy to obtain it, harder to keep it. "And what about yourself?" He inquired, glancing around the room to try and see if anyone was watching him with suspicion and concern. "Are you alone or," he smirked, "should I keep my hands to myself?"

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

Yassia’s gaze flickered back and forth between the drunk soldiers and the man at her side, drawing a few conclusions, but still not quite sure about the constellation she was witnessing. If he had a band of soldiers at his heels he had to be of some importance, yes? And had to be on friendly terms with Camelot as well, else they would not have let him through the city gates with his men. Truly interesting…
”If they’re running after you, you must sport some name, yes?” she hazarded, leaning forward in interest. “I don’t see a common travelor needing – and not wanting – so many guards at his heels. Correct me if I am wrong, because if I learned one thing on the road it is that you never stop to be surprised. Though…” she gave a short wink, “I am all but sure I am right about this one! Hope they won’t get you back for getting them drunk…”

If anything, this short encounter had managed to chase away the feeling of discontent that had loomed over her just a minute ago. Now she was slowly starting to see the benefits of it. Tomorrow she could have a fresh start, leave the tavern already in her splendid gown to make a good impression on her uncle once she found him. Tonight was about saying goodbye to her nomadic state. As little as she had believed it to happen in the beginning, the experience and the life she had led, had at least a little grown on her. Not the nearly starving, not the fear alone in the forests at night, and certainly not the many unpleasant encounters she had had, but all in all, she could say it might have changed her for the better. She had witnessed life from the other side of the coin and surely had more inside now as to how the common people lived and what their problems were. Maybe it would help her to become a better queen.

The former Yassia would have reacted rather defensive and angry to his suggestive behaviour, but she had come across that too often now already to still truly care. Of course she still found it displeasing, but why kill the mood of the conversation just yet?
”Both”, she replied with a little chuckle, but added determination to her words with her eyes. “I am on my own, and I don’t wish to alter that fact just now. But I won’t decline company for a drink.”
It was no harsh rebuke, just a little reminder that she was not that kind of woman. Hopefully he would take the hint with good grace.

[Celyn ap Llewellyn]

Celyn simply grinned at her. They were hardly running after him, well, sometimes they were. Most of the time they were just being annoying. He paused before giving her his name, torn between whether he should tell her exactly who he was or not. He doubted she would have heard of him, so he could probably tell her his name without her discovering he was a prince. That would only incur more questions, ones that he didn't particularly want to answer at the moment. He was here in order to not be a prince, to just enjoy life as it came to him. "My name is Celyn ap Llewellyn, and as you're observations were correct. I would be much happier without these fools following me, but I don't suppose my father would feel the same." He shrugged casually, that was more that enough information to be getting on with. "And yourself?" He asked with genuine interest. Meeting new people was always interesting. You never knew who you might be speaking to. "I assume you have a name too?"

He wasn't surprised by her answer, in fact, he was rather pleased that she did not take him seriously, nor was she offended. The last time he had tried to flirt with a woman in jest it hadn't exactly gone to plan.

This woman was certainly interesting, and so he quickly decided that he liked her and was going to enjoy her company. It was strange to talk to someone, not necessarily a woman, although that did make the situation a little stranger, with such ease. Normally he met people under more formal circumstances, or when he did not his full identity was often revealed. When people knew who he was all the conversations became the same. His companion however was not going to be given the oppurtunity to change the conversation thus. With his guards finally off his back he was able to talk to people as he liked. "Good, as I say, drinking alone is not nearly as fun. And as far as altering facts are concerned, I can assure you my intentions are completely honourable." He added the last part with a grin, not wanting to press the matter further, as it was obviously something the woman did want to discuss, but he wanted her to know that he was being far from serious with his previous comment.

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

Celyn ap Llelewyn… that name didn’t mean anything to Yassia, but she had expected nothing less. Why would the name of some Albion man of importance ring any bells? The only two names she knew were those of her uncle Kaye and Camelot’s king Uther Pendragon. He had been very young still when Yassia’s mother had been abducted from her homeland, that was more than just twenty years back. Anything could have changed, but from the rumors Yassia had heard it was at least the same king. Tomorrow she would see if her uncle was still alive as well. That was all nothing she should burden her mind with now, she decided, for now she had to deal with this young gentleman. She laughed at his almost complaint about his father, and she knew how that felt. Ever since what had been happening to her mother and brother, Yassia had not been without a near army of guards watching her every step, by orders from her overly concerned father.
“I feel your pain… and who knows how well they will respond to the same trick next time? As for my own name: I am called Yassia.” She left it at that, didn’t want to add her royal surname and title just yet. For this night, she could say goodbye to her nomad state and still be nothing but Yassia with no strings attached.

With a thankful smile she registered his willingness to let matters be at this point. For all she knew, he could have been joking anyway. Celyn really seemed alright enough, and so she raised her cup in a mock toast.
“Then let’s drink to amiable company and your honorable intentions. These are truly rarely to be found both in one person, so they ought to be justly celebrated.”
She then cocked her head and examined him as courteously as she could, mostly by quick glances under half lowered eyelids, a trick every woman growing up at a royal court learned soon enough. Women are to be seen, not heard, and yet they have to be full aware of their surroundings.

“May I ask what brings you to Camelot then?” Yassia had to admit that being on the road for so long had heightened her sense of curiosity considerably. The farther she had been from her homeland the more open she had become to other people’s stories. They could truly be intriguing sometimes.

[Celyn ap Llewellyn]

She was probably right, this was the first time that he'd managed to get them drunk, and although they seemed to be enjoying themselves at the moment, Celyn had a feeling it would not work quite as well should he try it again. As annoying as they were, they were not stupid. As soon as they sobered up he had no doubt he would be chastised. All he wanted was an hour or so without them watching his every move, was that really such a lot to ask? "I doubt there will be a next time." He replied with a shrug, not wanting to dwell on the matter for too long. It was hardly an interesting topic, and one he doubted his companion cared much for. "Yassia," he repeated, letting the word roll along his tongue. It was not a name he was familiar with. "What an unusual name, and quite unlike any I have heard before. May I ask where it is from?"

"To amiable company." He repeated, raising his own cup. She was certainly that, but then, who wouldn't be when compared to his father's guards? Although it was only half of the toast she had made, there was something narcissistic about toasting his own honourable intentions, so instead he just grinned at her and took a swig from his drink. It occurred to him that that was quite an odd thing to toast, surely it was something that should be expected rather than congratulated. This could, therefore, be seen as an insight into her life, is such a thing was that rare. But whatever her past experiences had been, he was sure she was a woman who could handle herself, most of the women he had met so far appeared to be.

Her question had been expected, after all, he didn't exactly give off the impression of being a local, not that that was a bad thing. He was proud of his identity, and would be rather put out to be thought of as from Camelot. He decided against telling her the full story. As he had already thought when introducing himself, she didn't need to know the fact that he was a prince or that he was trying to avoid his royal responsibilities and duties. As far as Yassia was concerned, he was just a curious wanderer. "Exploration." He replied simply, "I want to see all of Albion, I want to experience it. Unfortunately," he looked over at his guards, "my father thought that was too dangerous. Still, I have some freedom. What about yourself? You don't seem like a local."

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

Yassia chuckled at his remark that he probably would not get his guards drunk another time. That might very well be so, but then it was not her problem, was it? She could amuse herself with the thought however, how this man would try to get rid of them next time. “Well, don’t think up anything drastic next”, she joked, but then cocked her head in thinking. “What could keep them flat on their backs for a few days or rather making one particularly smelly place their momentary residence would be wolfsbane. Deadly in higher doses, but ‘merely’ giving them cramps for a few days if in smaller amounts.” She grinned examining her fingernails playfully. “Of course… I don’t want to give you any ideas here and you would need the assistance of a healer to not accidently kill them…”
What had taken possession of her, really? Was she now truly giving a stranger advice as how to get rid of his shadows? She truly must have taken a wrong turn down the happy-go-lucky road! But then… it would probably be a joke a certain huntsman would have surely enjoyed… she almost could see his mischievous grin at the thought..

A smile grazed her face as he told her the name was unfamiliar. It was surely not the first time someone told her about that, but it still made her smile for whatever reason. She quite liked the name, and it sounded different by any person who spoke it with their own kind of accent.
For a short moment, Yassia wondered whether she should truly disclose her kingdom’s name. He already had her first name and that together with the name of Ailantha could prove to be a dangerous alliance. Those two terms to the wrong ears could be explosive material… but then, she was nearly there. Only one day seperated her from help, and even though he did not seem a local, Celyn didn’t have to be a hired mercenary to catch her! One day this paranoia needed to end!
”It’s from a country on the continent”, she explained, very evasively at first. “I doubt you’ve ever heard of it, it’s very small and rather insignificant. It’s called Ailantha.”

Exploration? Now that was a pastime only a noble could think of, now wasn’t it? Yassia grinned to herself, thinking back on her own reason to leave Ailantha. If she had not been forced to by necissity, she would have never felt the ‘need’ to explore anything beyond her borders. But now her journey, or at least one part of it, was at an end, she could look back on many encounters, some interesting, some horrible, and some simply wonderful. Quite a few things she would never have wanted to miss.
”Albion gives you a lot of ‘experience’ indeed”, she replied rather wistfully. “I’ve crossed it from the southern shores until Camelot, and I’ve seen and heard things I’ve never dreamed of before.”
Again she hesitated. How much could she actually tell him? Could she trust this amiable stranger? But then, she calmed herself, she was already in the town she had aimed for. If anything went wrong, she could always run up to the gates of the castle and demand sanctuary, showing her signet ring.
”I’ve come to visit my uncle”, she replied finally, keeping his rank and name though undisclosed. “My mother’s brother.”

[Celyn ap Llewellyn]

Celyn was rather surprised at her suggestion, actually surprised was an understatement. Shocked was probably a better word. Although he had only just met her he had not taken her to be a woman that would suggest that! There was clearly more to her than met the eye. Having said that, it was probably a good idea, and one that, so long as he didn't accidentally killed them, would get them off his back long enough for him to escape for good. It was certainly tempting. "I don't suppose you know where to find this wolfsbane? Obviously I ask hypothetically...I would never dream of using it..."

Unsurprisingly, he had not heard of such a place. The world beyond Albion was still a mystery to him, well, even most of Albion was still a mystery to him. Before leaving Sugales he had had to endure a rather sheltered life - which probably explained why he'd had such a burning desire to leave. It was stange though, to hear her describe her home as insignificant. His own home was small and unthought of by most of Albion, but he was proud of it, like all its other citizens were. "Why do you think it is insignificant?" Surely, despite how small a place this Ailantha was, Yassia was still proud of her heritage?

Now that was interesting. Being from the continent she had presumably travlled east, whereas he was from the west and such places were so far unexplored. "What sort of experiences would those be?" He asked wih genuine curiosity and leaned forward. "I haven't travelled that far yet." As soon as he had finished his sentence he realised that he shouldn't actually have asked. It would be much better to discover such experiences himself, and anyway, who knew such things would interest him? It seemed that she would either spoil surprises, or put him off the idea of travelling that far. Oh well, he'd asked now. He was just going to have to take her answer as impartially as possible.

She appeared to hesitate before answering, and even then it was a rather vague reply. Perhaps she was more interesting than he had first thought. He was hiding his own identity and, to some extent, his reasons for being in Camelot, it would not be entirely ridiculous to think Yassia was doing the same. This theory was not voiced however, curious as he was, he was not going to invade her privacy. For one thing, it would be rather hypocritical, and for another, a little mystery was always more intriguing than the truth. He was sure he could make up plenty of reasons why she was being evasive, each more fantastical than the next, and sure to keep him amused. "You must be close to this uncle then," he replied, hoping he wasn't prying too much, "To make such a long journey to see him." While he was more than happy to spend days, months even, travelling through Albion he probably wouldn't endure such a task just to visit a relative, but then maybe Yassia was a wandering soul as well.

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

Oh she had worked herself into quite the predicament alright! That was what happened if you let go of your manner codes and principles quite so readily, you ended up in a quagmire of contradictions of all kind, and if you didn’t watch out you would get pulled under. Yassia might have been a little too carefree tonight, with having finally reached her destination, but she was also a healer born and bred. Endangering the life of innocent men for nothing but a little fun and games went against everything she stood for. Then again… if this was going to be put into action, it was her holding the keys was it not? And just with his, of course merely hypothetical, question, he had opened it up for her.
“Yes, indeed”, she replied with a grin that bordered on mischievous, “if we keep this purely hypothetical, I could tell you that I have a decent amount of wolfsbane with me, as it is also a good medicine. Of course I would never dream of giving it to you…”

When Yassia had called her kingdom insignificant, she had done it out of pure instinct. She was very much proud of the kingdom she wanted to rule, but she had to be careful not to show it too much. If someone found out about her true identity and considered Ailantha to be of some political significance, her path would be set: She could always be taken hostage and then her flight would be at an end. If her uncle got her in his grasp before she had even had the chance to plead for help in Camelot, there would be no second try. He would force her to do his bidding, marry his son or step down from her birth right. She could not have that, not when she was so close to finally putting everything into order!
“Well, it’s small”, she replied with a fond smile. “Situated on the high planes and valleys of a large mountain mass, and we don’t take part in the big continental power plays. So, judged from an outside view it would seem insignificant indeed, though I am of course proud of its beauty and peaceful state.” And she strived to keep it that way. Peaceful and beautiful.

Yassia did not really want to delve deep into some of her passing experiences`, so she would keep it vague anyway. Some things were just too personal to be told to a mere stranger, however nice he was. In the end, she decided to keep it joking for the most part, as there were surely a few amusing scenes to remember.
“Well, telling you to stay away from the Forest of Balor will probably only resulting into you going there just on that account, but be warned. Cockatrices are not the only nasty surprises you may stumble on…” she leaned forward as if she was about to tell him a grave secret, but a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. “There are also very trigger-happy huntsmen about, who shoot on everything moving.” Subconsciously her hand had moved up to rub her left shoulder. The wound had healed perfectly well thanks to Oliver’s good care, but the scar was still itching from time to time.

The conclusion Celyn jumped to was an obvious one, but of course it was still wrong. Could she dare to tell him the truth? Well, maybe partially the truth, because if there was no way of circumventing a statement, Yassia still hated to lie, even if she knew she was quite good at it. And the way he had voiced his question made it almost impossible not to tell the truth if she didn’t want to lie flat out and fabricate a story. So she took another sip to buy time and then decided to take the risk.
“Tell you what, now that’s where you’re wrong. I haven’t seen him in all my life, and I daresay he doesn’t even know I exist. I hope the knowledge I bring with me will be enough to convince him I am not a fraud.”

[Celyn ap Llewellyn]

Celyn matched her mischevious grin, his expression only changing when he began to laugh. That was definitely one way to get rid of his father's guards, probably one that the king - and Ifan for that matter, boring thing that he was - would certainly disapprove of, which just made it sound even better. "If only there was some way to get it from you..." He gave an exggerated sigh, and tapped his index finger against his chin. "I suppose I'm just stuck with them after all."

In some ways, Yassia's home reminded him of his own, in so much that they were both small with valleys and a lack of interest in the politics of others. It seemed the two of them had something else in common. It was no secret that Celyn valued Sugales above all other places, and even though he had absolutely no desire to rule it, he was still filled with pride and love for it. "That sounds like my own home." He replied, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. He did miss it, but for all its beauty and charm it was not an exciting place, and when he did go back, he would resume his responsibilites. Being on the road was a much better life for Celyn.

Her words caused a grin to widen across his lips. Yes, he would be going in the Forest of Balor despite her warnings. He was planning on going there anyway, but she just made it sound even more fun. Much to his father's disappointment, Celyn had always been one to find excitement through danger and these cockatrices sounded perfect. He'd heard them mentioned before, but nothing substantial. He would have asked her about them, at least some brief description, just so he could imagine them properly. But then wouldn't that take the excitement away from it? No, he wouldn't ask her anything, despite how hard a temptation that was to resist.

To him, Yassia seemed like the kind of woman who was not shocked or frightened easily, and so the Forest of Balor must truly be a dangerous place. Her words of caution only served to convince him further that this was somewhere he should go. "I'm tougher than I look, and failing that I have my guards..."

Well that was odd. Naturally, Celyn had assumed that Yassia and her uncle were close - he had voiced such a thought only a few moments before. It therefore seemed a very strange thing indeed that she should be so intent on finding him, especially if he might not even be aware of her existance. He supposed then, probably letting his imagination get the better of him - that the woman was in some sort of danger. Why else would she be trying to find him?

The more he thought about it, the more he was sure he wasn't being told the whole story. Her words gave him the impression that her uncle was a proud man, perhaps not a very generous one if he would automatically assume Yassia was not who she said she was. Of course this was all just speculation on Celyn's part, but it was certainly interesting. He liked meeting new people, and hearing their tales. Yassia was definitely one of the most interesting people he had met. Perhaps that was why he felt the need to help her, or at least attempt to. After all, what he had in mind may not help the situation with her uncle - if she accepted it, that was.

"Hmm." He pressed his index finger against his chin. This probably wouldn't help her, but he felt like he should at least try. There were of similar stuff, him and Yassia: both wanderers. "If you're own word does not satisfy him," he paused, leaning forward, making sure he was out of ear-shot of anyone else in the tavern, "would the word of a prince suffice?"

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

While they were both chuckling and then openly laughing, Yassia’s fingers had played with her medicine pouch, the intact hide of a marten,who’s bones and innards had been removed skillfully through a hole in the neck area. It contained all her necessary first aid herbs and also a few bandages, aside from a few tiny pots of already mixed salves and remedies. It was one of the few things, aside from the clothes she was wearing that had survived everything she had been through and Yassia could not be more thankful for it. Twice it had already saved her own life, and a few times she had been able to help others and gain food or shelter in return.
Now, should she really give him the wolfsbane? So many things could go wrong, even if she told him the exact dose to use, and she really didn’t want a few dead guards on her conscience. It was too burdened already as it was. Unless…

”Well… what if you asked reaaaalllyy nicely, if I did it myself?” she suggested, her eyes sparkling with mirth. “Because no matter how you put it, I won’t let them out of my watchful eyes.” Sneaking a glance at the still drinking guards, she added: “About now would be the best moment anyway… Wolfsbane has a bitter taste, but as inebriated as they are right now, they probably won’t notice.”
Sweet stars,was she really beginning to plot like a professional? She never thought she had it in her… maybe she should have stayed at home and take out her uncle single-handed? But then… she would have missed so much!

Rolling her eyes playfully, she let go a long sigh, as she read between the lines he would indeed seek out the Forest of Balor. Men… they were truly all the same when it came to glory! “But don’t come back running, complaining I didn’t warn you if the cockatrices come out to play!” she told him, raising her finger warningly. “I wash my hands of it! I could try to patch you up if there’s enough of you left to give a halfway decent picture, but that is all I can offer, the rest is up to you.”
She would not ask him not to go, it was not any of her concern. He was right, he had the look of a fighter and he had his guards – unless he shook them off with wolfsbane before coming even near the Forest of Balor.

Even when he leaned forward, Yassia had realized he was about to tell her something that should not be public knowledge, but what she heard then, made herd draw back in shocked surprise, before she could stop and compose herself. That just could not be possible! It COULD not be possible! It was totally out of question! …Wasn’t it?
”You’re having me on, right?” she whispered back, her eyes still huge. “Alright, I knew you could not be a common nomad with guards at your heels, but… a prince?! Seriously?!”
Why was she so shocked even? Her very presence here was the proof that it was possible. She just hadn’t thought it possible that it could happen AGAIN. That two people of royal blood in disguise would happen upon each other. It was ridiculous, a once in a lifetime chance. But it had happened.

”Don’t take offence, if I’m not going to believe you right away”, she asked of him with a sheepish smile. “That just would be too much of a coincidence, really. So you claim you are ‘prince’ of your small kingdom and you’ve left it for exploring the world?” Well, if that was true, he was at least in a far better position than she was.

[Celyn ap Llewellyn]

Celyn wasn’t entirely sure whether Yassia was being serious or not. As they had only met a few moments before it was impossible to tell if she was joking. And if she wasn’t joking, would he ask her to do it? She clearly knew what she was talking about, or if she didn’t she was good at pretending. His guards would probably be perfectly safe. It was certainly a tempting proposition, but Celyn had started to enjoy the thrill of hiding and thinking of new ways to get away from them. It wouldn’t be half as fun if they were physically unable to catch him. He was still grinning, but it had left his eyes as he tried to determine what exactly they were speaking about, whether this was all just hypothetical. After a moment or two he decided that she wasn’t being serious, and he was being ridiculous. “One day I may just hold you to that.” He replied, not wanting to ruin the light-heartedness of their conversation, but also trying to make it clear that he didn’t actually want his guards being poisoned.

Oh he wouldn’t come back complaining, she could be sure of that. Whatever happened – even if he lost both his legs, it would still be an adventure. That was the exciting thing about life, not knowing what was going to happen, not knowing that this was it, your time was up. Obviously this was something he wasn’t hoping for in the Forest of Balor – that was something he’d quite like to survive. But even if he didn’t, even death was an adventure, perhaps the biggest one. “Oh I won’t.” He reassured her with an easy smile. Celyn ap Llewellyn never ran to anyone, especially if he did end up losing both his legs.

Her reaction was certainly amusing. He hadn’t been expecting her to just shrug off this new information, but even so, it was rather an overreaction. “Why would I lie about that?” He asked, still half-laughing at her reaction. It was probably a rather obvious answer, after all, no one in Camelot knew him. It would only be too easy for any imposters. “Those guards,” he said, pointing at them behind him with his thumb, “They work for my father, the king. He wasn’t quite so pleased about my plans.” He shrugged casually. It was an often told story, and one he was in no huge rush to go through again. There were only so many times he could tell his life story with any enthusiasm. And then a word in her speech caught his attention. “Coincidence?” He frowned, eyebrows furrowing, “Why would this be a coincidence?”

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

There it was, the clear signal she had hoped for one way or the other: One day… that meant they were still on the joking and hypothetical level. Her confidence in that fact had been waning for a little while there. Yassia could not deny that she was relieved. It might have been a fun operation, but it was also about putting lives at risk – not only that of his guards but also Celyn himself. Yassia only knew all to well what it meant to travel without company, and especially trained company. He might think them a nuisance, but there might come a time when he was more than happy for their support. Then again, he was a man, maybe the kind of danger he would find himself in would differ from hers, she could only guess from her own not very pleasant experiences. Or the pleasant ones… unbidden, once again a handsome face with a mischievous smile was pulled before her inner eye. Goodness, she needed to forget about him!

”Good, then one day it is”, she concluded with a wink. “Until then, you can think of other funny ways to get the odd night off from their caution. You seem like a smart boy, I’m sure you will figure something out.”
Once again she had used a tone that was usually not like her, but being amongst commoners mostly for the last few months certainly had rubbed off. If only not to stick out, she had subconsciously learned even to adapt to their language, even though she still winced when someone in her close proximity was talking in a lewd manner or cursed. That would just never be her world.

He won’t? Well wasn’t he cocksure! Either he was really that good and needn’t fear anything, or he just hadn’t seen much of the world yet. But Yassia was not in the mood to play Cassandra tonight, so she just gave him a smirk and leaned back.
”Because then you won’t have legs left to run to me?” she joked, not knowing she was voicing his thoughts. “But alright, as you wish. I wish you good luck for your adventures and that you won’t regret them.”
Why would he lie? Well, why would anyone lie! Posing as a prince might get you in serious trouble, but only if someone knew it wasn’t true. And like he had pointed out, his kingdom seemed rather small and remote, so he might not be a very known face around here. He could lie very easily… but somehow Yassia was inclined to believe him, even if she still couldn’t quite wrap her head around it.

And now he had called her out on her slip… Yassia’s thoughts started to race as she tried to decide on what to say. Should she lie? But then, she was sick of lying and pretending. She was so close to be safe, and she had just met the someone in a similar situation, even though the pretextes were not quite the same.
Yassia lowered her voice. “Can you keep a secret?” Then she felt for the silver chain hanging around her neck that bore her father’s signet ring and brought it to light, after she had cast a cautious glance around the tavern. “This belonged to MY father. I am sure you can see what it is. Now, ask me again why I speak of coincidences.” Maybe this was a good tactic, she had not said the word aloud, but left it to Celyn to draw his own conclusions. But still, Yassia’s every muscle tensed as this was a rather crucial moment. Would Celyn be worthy of her trust?

[Celyn ap Llewellyn]

Apologies for such a long wait. It’s also nice and sectiony...

Yes, he would figure something out, he always did. Trying to think of ways to get rid of his guards was quickly becoming his main purpose in life. Honestly, how was he supposed to enjoy himself with them breathing down his neck? It was ridiculous, and just proved how little faith his father had in. If his father really thought that he couldn’t cope with having to look to look after himself, how on earth did he think he was fit to be king? But that was not something he wanted to dwell on. He’d left Sugales so he could forget about his responsibilities and the inevitably of his future, not so he could sit in taverns and be miserable about the whole thing. Besides, it wouldn’t be very interesting for Yassia to have to sit there while he complained about things he couldn’t change anyway. “Well it keeps me busy.” He replied with a shrug, it probably shouldn’t be such a casual topic for him, but even so. Trying to get the guards off his back was a daily occurrence now, although he was beginning to run out of new ideas.

”Because then you won’t have legs left to run to me?”

“Well that’s one reason,” Celyn replied with a laugh before taking another swig from his tankard. In desperate situations he could always crawl back, but that was hardly as gallant an image as he’d be hoping for. And it would probably be more bother than it was worth – that was no to say that he was not enjoying Yassia’s company, but should this situation arise she wouldn’t be the first person on his life to drag himself towards. He knew exactly who that person was, even though she wouldn’t be much help. She’d probably just laugh at him, and make some comment and tell him how much of an idiot he had been. He couldn’t help but smile at the thought, embarrassing as it was. These days he found himself thinking about the redhead increasingly more often, and each time she would have the same effect on him. He picked up his tankard again – hmm. If he was going to start thinking about Caitrin de Archer again he was going to need more ale.

Celyn automatically leaned forward when she asked him whether he could keep a secret. He had thought it a little odd when she used the word coincidence, hopefully she was about to tell him why. His curiosity was well and truly piqued. The signet ring was certainly something he had not been expecting. His eyes briefly narrowed while he tried to work out exactly what it was, before widening – eyebrows rising – as he came to a conclusion. Surely he was wrong? But then now that he thought about it, she didn’t carry herself like a commoner should. He should think it was impossible, but then he was living proof that it wasn’t, and he liked to believe nothing was entirely impossible. No, this was interesting, exciting, almost. He tried to keep the grin from his face, such a reaction probably wasn’t appropriate. “Why do you speak of coincidences?”

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

Yassia wasn’t all that sad the conversation part of poisoning guards and all the like seemed to be past them now, as she had become more and more uncomfortable with it. She had suggested things in the spur of the moment she knew shouldn’t see the light of day. A certain face in her mind had made her speak such mischievous things, and if it made her act so much out of line, maybe it wasn’t good to think of him so often? And yet Yassia could not deny the impact he had on her life, at least her nomad life. He was inseparably connected with this life now, and so when she said goodbye to Yassia the nomad tonight, she might as well say goodbye to him… and honor him with one last act of rememberance. From this day on, she would only allow herself to think of him in dire hours, when she needed to cling to hope. He had no place in her conscious mind, he could not have. And that was also why she should not let herself be distracted from the imminent present now. She was talking to Celyn, and it would be unfair towards him to keep thinking of things that had nothing to do with him.

Then again, it seemed like he was a little in thoughts as well.Yassia had no idea what might have triggered it, or where his thoughts were exactly headed, but what she did know was that it was not her place to pry. He might be thinking of his past travels or the still coming ones for all she knew. He surely must have seen a lot, like she herself had.
”May I ask you where you have been already? I mostly travelled north from the shore, so everything beyond Camelot in that direction is still a blank spot on the map for me. Have you been to Escetia? Then again, I hope for you you haven’t… it’s not the nicest place on earth.”
Yassia herself had not even meant to go there, she had crossed the borders out of accident… but that hadn’t saved her in the end.

She saw in his eyes how he tried to process what she had been presenting him without words, and she could tell the exact moment when the things finally fell into place in his mind, it was almost funny to watch. That didn’t ease her tension however, she was still balancing on a very shaky and narrow limb. Any moment he could show his true face, call his guards so they could drag her out of the tavern under false pretenses – depending on how sober they still were to do it, but she rather not relied on that too much – or do anything else that would bring her under his control, and then her game would be over.
But gladly, Celyn seemed rather amused than shocked or intrigued in a wrong way, he even had the nerve to tease her, taking her words literally and repeating his question.
Letting go a sigh that was more relief than annoyance, Yassia rolled her eyes and hid the ring in her bodice again.

”Prat”, she murmured, but couldn’t quite hide a smile. She hadn’t wanted to speak the words out loud, but somehow now she had to. “Quite a coincidence, finding yourself in royal company, don’t you think?” Raising her tankard again, she gave a mock toast. “To the twisted and amusing ways of happenstance.”

[Celyn ap Llewellyn]

Again, apologies for the wait.

Hmm. That was a good question. Celyn couldn't actually list all the places he had been. Half of the time he didn't realise where he had been until he left. It was just wandering around really and finding himself in villages and forests which were all much of a muchness. It was only places like Camelot - big, busy, living places - that left an impression on him. "Sugales is on the west coast so my men and I simply walked east." He explained. This was probably the most detailed answer he could give at the moment. Iwan would know all the places they'd been to and could probably list them from the top of his head, but he'd wandered off somwhere. "I can't recall an Escetia. But then I can't recall a lot of places. They all blend it into one."

Celyn raised his eyebrows at her insult, a smile on his face. Well, she had told him to ask. He was still surprised to find a fellow royal, but he thought he was hiding this rather well. He supposed the last thing she needed was some gawping prince. She'd probably had more than her fair share of that. This certainly wasn't a revelation that he had been expecting when they had first started their conversation, and he was rather surprised by how casual she was being. Perhaps she was surprised as he was at fnding another hiding royal but was hiding it well.

She had yet to explain why she had been keeping her status a secret, which made Celyn both suspicious and curious. He hadn't been declaring his own status as soon as they'd started talking, but she seemed more guarded than he had been. She obviously had an interesting story, and one he was rather eager to hear but he wasn't going to just ask her. She may have told him that she was royalty but that didn't mean she trusted him, and he couldn't blame her. There were several reasons why someone would lie about who they were. Instead he followed suit and raised his own tankard. "The twisted and amusing ways of happenstance." He repeated and took a swig. "Or maybe it's fate." He added with a wink. Personally he didn't believe in fate, but it could provoke an amusing reaction from her.