Sing, Dance And Be Merry [Robyn]

[Tybalt]

Tybalt was quietly humming to himself, strolling along the unknown paths that would take him to an unknown destination. Wherever the destination, so long as he knew how to get home. Which really, was not all that difficult. If he walked he was to eventually find a city or village. And from there, most people he came across had been delightfully kind to offer directions. Or at least tell him which kingdom he was in. If only they had more signs. More wooden boards that spoke of which land they were entering. Oh well! No matter. He was rather content to just walk along and see what the road had in store for him. It was late afternoon and would be evening soon. He hoped to reach a town or somewhere that he could get shelter for the night. He may be a jolly fellow, but he was not stupid. He knew that it was dangerous to be out and about in the dead of night.

While he had nothing of great value on him, he believed his life to be valuable enough! He refused to leave his daughter an orphan, as she was already without a mother. The thought was enough to make him less than reckless. Though he overly friendly nature toward others may contradict this belief he held in himself. Speaking of friendliness, he paused when he heard something in the near distance. It sounded like... people! Thank his lucky stars! He had been wandering all day in the woods without coming across a single person! He had grown so desperate that he had began singing to himself at one point. And could have sworn his voice lured a squirrel toward him for he would swear on his life that the little critter followed him for miles. But alas, he would not have to question his sanity any longer. For there were people up ahead. A caravan of travelers it seemed like.

How utterly intriguing! Tybalt just watched them for a few moments, his instrument strapped to his back. It was the only indication that he was a minstrel. As there was no particular uniform to suggest as such. Even then, some may think he was just a mad person who carried around instruments. Either way, he decided to make his presence known, stepping into the clearing where all these people seemed to be setting up camp. "Are we having a party then?" He questioned with a bright and excited smile. He apparently invited himself to join their little crew, as well as failed to apologize for the intrusion. They looked like a fun lot though! So why not try and join in the fun. Really, he was just so happy to see other people and feared his excitement had gotten the better of him.

[Robyn Lester]

Why Raven had chosen the Kingdom of Celidoine to be their dwelling place for some time was beyond Robyn, and as she didn’t mince matters she had asked him about it quite a few times already, without getting the answer she needed. Celidoine was not exactly crowded after all, and little crowd meant little opportunity to play and perform, and therefore meant little money.
”But we’ve been handsomely paid at the feast over in Cantia”, Raven had explained a little impatiently. “We can go with less for some while without having to fear of starving. Why do you have to question my every order, girl? Sometimes you’re really too much to deal with!”
Robyn had rolled her eyes at that, but after a conversation with Madla, she had finnally let herself be convinced that a little holiday might do them all good. It was hard work being on stage almost every day after all, and they surely deserved a little reprieve.

That didn’t change the fact though that Robyn missed the performances. They had been going without them for three solid days, and slowly she thought she was showing withdrawal syndroms. It was not only the performance itself, it was everything that went with it, the excitement, the victory celebrations afterward, and most of all: the people. Robyn loved the pack and she couldn’t quite imagine ever living with anyone else, but now she craved a little distraction. Apart from a few peasants they had not come across anyone so far, let alone someone exciting. It was nothing but dull routine these days, travelling without real need as for now there was no destination, no feast and no fair, and speaking to the same people over and over again.

The evening of the third day was now creeping upon them, and Raven ordered camp being set in a little clearing a few paces away from the road. Like every night, the few wagons were drawn up in a circle to give a little protection against raiders, and in the middle of this circle, a fire was lit for cooking a rather sumptious evening meal, courtesy of the king of Cantia, who had been very pleased with their performance and had seen to it that they were not only paid, but also equipped with loads of naturals.
Despite craving for something a little more exciting, Robyn outwardly was still in a good mood. She joked around with Madla while helping her prepare the evening meal and teased Jerome so long until he lifted her off her feet and threatened to throw her in the fire.
”Mercy, mercy!” Robyn laughed breathlessly and squealed as Jerome brought her feet dangerously close to the cooking pot and flames.

But suddenly their disport was cut short by a voice calling out to them:
"Are we having a party then?"
Immediately, Jerome let go of Robyn and he and the other men of the pack darted around, adopting a defensive stance and moving a bit to shield the others out of habit. The voice had been cheery and the man seemed alone, though you never knew what his true intentions were. He could mean to distract them while his fellow bandits surrounded them.
But then, after a tense moment, Raven started to smile, albeit a little tentatively still. “Good evening, my friend. Welcome to the camp of the Raven Pack. If your intentions are well-meaning, then yes, consider this a party you can join.”
Robyn had watched the newcomer with great interest and excitement and was the first to spot the instrument on his back. Like it was her character, she could not keep silent for long.

”Well, whatever his intentions are, he seems to like music. Don’t think you carry that burden around for nothing, friend?”

[Tybalt]

Tybalt kept a smile in place, despite the alarm that filled the people. It was understandable of course. But it was his duty to assure them that he meant no harm. That he was one man, only here to share the joy of company that people found in each other. Perhaps offer a song or two for their hospitality and kindness. One of them spoke as his eyes remained on this person, as the introduction to who they all were was made. Tybalt felt the need to return the favor. It was polite and it showed that he had nothing to hide. Though he was not naive enough to believe that people did not have skepticism regardless. He just relied on their building trust, as oppose to only assuming they would solely see the worst in him.

"Thank you!" He replied enthusiastically. "My name is Tybalt. I am but a wandering minstrel who stumbled across your camp and seek nothing but company." He made his intentions clear for now, so he would have to see how well received it would be. Before anything else could be said, a ravishing young woman stepped from the silent background and spoke about him. He smiled brightly at her. "Music surely dwells in my heart," he said, able to speak with sincerity as it was his second greatest love. His first being his daughter. "Can I interest a fair maiden such as yourself in a song? Perhaps have others join in a dance?"

He generalized it some, not wanting to seem suggestive or perverted in his offer to sing for this one woman. Though that would be something that brought him joy, it was clear she had a crew of friends if not family. He was unsure of what sort of pack they were, but they seemed to be one that knew how to have a good time. Tybalt only reached that conclusion because... well, from the way they were all gathered. And the fact that there was a great number of them. His attentions however remained on the young woman who spoke to him, awaiting her response to see if he would be granted the opportunity to show the truth his words held. Or if they would still be weary of his motives.

[Robyn Lester]

Never one to be overly distrustful, Robyn was very much inclined to believe that this wandering musician was harmless. Maybe she also simply wanted to think so, as new company would be more than welcome. He had an honest face as well, even handsome if she was honest with herself, but she knew not to judge from outward appearance. Sceptisism was always good, but in Robyn’s eyes her friends were covering that department well enough, no need for her to go down that path as well. She stepped out from behind Jerome and Tybalt, not wanting to appear scared.
The man’s enthusiasm was another indication of his good intentions in her eyes; an actor herself, she knew that no one could fake this so well if he didn’t in the least feel it. No, he was harmless, and would prove a valuable addition to them tonight.

Following the mentioning of his name, was first a little surprised silence, until Jerome broke it with uproaring laughter in which the others quickly joined in. Into this laughter, Robyn’s brother exclaimed: “Thief! You stole my name!” Still laughing so hard his body shook with it, he stepped forward and jokingly balled his fists. “Shall we fight it out?!”
Robyn was dumbstruck. Never before in all their travels had they come across another man with the same name as her brother. They had thought it so unique, fitting for a juggler, and had never cared to ask where her mother had got it from. And yet here he was, someone with the same name and even a similar profession, standing right in front of them.

The pack knew Tybalt well enough to know that he was only joking, but Robyn wasn’t sure how well the new Tybalt would take this, so she lightly slapped her brother’s arm and exclaimed: “Oh shush, we’ll simply call him Tybalt the Second for the time being, so you at least get the privilege of being the first one. Satisfied?”
Then she returned her attention to the second Tybalt, returning his bright smile with one of her own. “Why not? Show us what you got, we’re always happy to compare the skills of others with our own. Dancing sounds fun as well, we should definitely do that!”
Raven interrupted her conversation, finally having recovered from his laughing fit. “Indeed, what our Mockingbird says is right. Tybalt II, meet the Raven Pack, the finest jugglers and actors you ever will come across in all the kingdoms”, he did a flourishy bow. “You are welcome to share our dinner as well, there is plenty for all.”