On The Edge Of A New Life (Robyn)

[thegwaine]

Gwaine had, quite by accident, ended up in the kingdom of Camelot. He hadn't been in this region of Albion before, which only now struck him as odd because it was pretty much the route to everywhere. It would have made a lot of his journey's a lot shorter. However, he probably wouldn't have had as much fun as he had if he had took a short cut. Life wasn't about taking short cuts, it was about seizing life and living it in the moment. That was the way Gwaine had lived his life so far and he couldn't see it changing anytime soon. A thought occured to him. He should probably start making a retirement fund soon, Gwaine could picture himself with a pitcher of ale every night. After all, it wouldn't take him that long to raise the money to mean he could live quite comfortably in his later years. He wouldn't be this quick forever.

However those were matters for a more serious time. For now Gwaine was getting to grips with this new land in Albion. It always struck him how distinctive the different Kingdom's were. For example, Cenred's Kingdom was notoriously warlike, whereas Camelot seemed quite peaceful; excepting its policies on magic that was. Yes, Gwaine had heard all about that. In truth he honestly couldn't care less, as long as it wasn't causing him any harm then what bother was there in it? However, that wasn't a view he would be sharing anytime soon in Camelot. After all, he quite liked his head attached to his shoulders (and so would the whole female population of Camelot if he had his way!).

There was a tavern up ahead, but Gwaine decided to deter his journey there for the time being. Instead, he began to walk inamongst the crowds of people who were going here there and everywhere on their morning commutes. It was quite fun to be walking amongst them, as if he was actually one of them. Of course he never would be, Gwaine didn't really belong anywhere but that was fine. He had learnt to deal with it. He winked at a pretty young maid and quickly stole an apple from her basket, flashing her a grin. She blushed a deep shade of scarlet, and she didn't repremand him for stealing the fruit. No, she just watched him in awe as he walked through the crowds. Alas, she was pretty, but not enough so as to tempt Gwaine. Then again he was out to sample all that Camelot had to offer. Perhaps if he didn't recieve a better offer he would try out one or two of his charms on the young lady in question. He had been working on a line or two to use on women after all, and it would be a shame for his talents to be wasted.

Timeline: Just before the episode 'Gwaine', the afternoon before the bar brawl where Gwaine meets Arthur/Merlin
Tags: Robyn
Location: The area around the tavern in 'Gwaine'[/color][/size]

[Robyn Lester]

Robyn was feeling beads of sweat forming on her forehead, and she hoped they would not run down into her eyes. It was quite a warm day, but wiping her forehead would be out of character. The young man she was posing as right now, with her locks tied together by a leather thong and in breeches, would not be exhausted by this kind of excersize at all.
”Come on, Hector, I don’t have all day”, she snarled though in the deepest voice she could manage, and lashed out with the blunted steel blade at her brother Tybalt, posing as said Hector. Robyn was glad the weapons they were fighting with were in no way comparable to the swords knights used, as they were made of bad steel and far less heavy. Thus, even Robyn could handle them with what looked like ease, though even the considerable less weight caused her problems after a while.

Tybalt could always use his left hand as a back-up and support should a blow need more strength, but Robyn’s own left hand was still in bandages. More out of protection than real necissity, but the stump of her little finger would take some time to heal completely yet. The scar tissue was still fragile, and while doing stage combat, it could happen Tybalt would accidently hit it and break it up again. None of them wanted to take any risks. Funnily enough though, the Raven Pack had found a way to include her disability into most of their plays, sometimes just letting someone drop a comment about how her character had been previously injured, but sometimes it was even a grander part of a plot. That was how they lived, make the best of everything that was thrown their way.

But now the time for her defeat had come. It was part of the story that Tybalt alias Hector should win this fight, and even kill Robyn in the process. The play was nearly at and end and Robyn’s tragic death and a very shocking revellation would end it as a tragedy.
With a few quick glances, brother and sister communicated silently and then Tybalt charged with a wicked series of blows they had rehearsed countless times. He touched Robyn’s chest with the tip of his sword and the young girl staggered backwards and fell to her knees.
”So be it…” she croaked, pressing a hand over the ‘wound’. “You stabbed my heart for real this time, while you broke it years ago.” With trembling hands, Robyn then reached for the leather band holding her hair together and let it cascade over her shoulders while she fell on her back. Tybalt gasped and cried out in sudden understanding as his character realized he had just mortally wounded the love of his life he had left earlier in the play. He prayed to the Gods for help and forgiveness, and then gave his love one last kiss as she died in his arms.

Staying in her brother’s arms, Robyn kept her eyes closed as Raven moved to the edge of the stage, holding the eplogue. This was needed to get the audience back into reality, to tell them it had been all happening long ago. With the final command: “Alas, rise ye dead!” the illusion was broken, and under the applause of the gathered crowd, Robyn and Tybalt rose to their feet and joined the other members of the Raven Pack, bowing low.
Finally, Robyn wiped her forehead and took in a deep breath. Hopefully the cleaning up would not take too long, she yearned for a drink.

[thegwaine]

Gwaine still felt like he was getting a feel for Camelot and its people. In a way he had almost expected a sort of waste land, and terrified people hiding in their homes. After all, even after all these years, stories of the Great Purge were widely circulated across Albion. However, it was certainly livelier and less... drastic than other places in Albion. Especially Cenred's Kingdom. Now Gwaine wouldn't be going back there anytime soon. That really had been people living in fear of an over bearing King. Gwaine had no time for the nobility, despite his past status. Cenred was a prime example of the nobility only looking after their own interests. Gwaine coughed slightly, feeling himself getting slightly angry at even the thought of Cenred. He wasn't that convinced that Uther and his son were any better. Then again, Gwaine doubted he would ever have the misfortune to meet either of them.

He continued to just walk around the small village, because he had nothing better to do. It wouldn't do to get drunk this early in the day, and besides, he almost felt quite safe here. For once he felt like he wasn't looking over his shoulder every two minutes worrying that he was going to get mugged. It wasn't as if Gwaine couldn't hold his own, as he was incredibly well trained with a sword, but still, it was inconvenient, and his shirt was finally clean. Gwaine straightened out his jacket and folded his arms as he heard some commotion coming from up ahead. Perhaps he had been too quick to judge Camelot as quite a slow, and friendly place. Though it wouldn't hurt for the place to be a bit livelier really. He strode forwards quite quickly until he could see some sort of performance being enacted in front of his eyes.

From what he could gather, they were enacting some sort of death scene. Gwaine couldn't help but chuckle; they were certainly amusing. He clapped along with the crowd as the performance drew to a close. Amongst the actors was a pretty young woman. Of course Gwaine was quick to spot her; he had an eye for these things. And he shifted himself so he could get a better look of her, of course he wouldn't be too desperate because that wasn't his way. Was there really much difference between this girl and the next? Well only time would tell. Gwaine did however move so he could intercept the woman if she came into the crowd; he was sure that she would prove interesting to converse with at the very least.

[Robyn Lester]

Robyn felt a mix of pride, relief and a tint of sadness as well, like often when she had just finished a performance. It was marvellous they had been received so well, and she was glad it was over because the heat would have killed her sooner or later. But then there was also this peculiar feeling of having to return back into reality. Not that reality was particularly bleak, she loved her life after all, but there was nothing she enjoyed more than standing on the stage wagon, impersonating someone else and make the people forget the difference between act and reality. Every time she ended a play, it was like she said goodbye to another world, one that might be as brutal as her own, or as wonderful as her own, but always a little bit better, because it was only thought up. Even dying was tinted with a rose color, because it would make people feel the greatest heights of emotions. Acting was not only her life, it was far more than life.

The crowd began to disperse as Alfie was walking amongst them, gathering their generous donations in his little hat. Some gave nothing, some gave much, in the end it would probably suffice for a good meal and a few drinks at the tavern, and maybe a bit on the side for when things were rough.
Starting to clean up the stage, picking up the props they used, Robyn busied herself, mostly only using one hand again. It was not long until Raven called her to his side, handing her a few coins with a fond smile. “Let us do the rest”, he suggested lowly. “If you could get us a cold ale out here from the tavern, I think we all would love you forever.”

Nodding, Robyn took the few coins and smiled, feeling a warm surge of gratitude towards the leader of their group. That was just Raven’s way. He had seen she was not comfortable with cleaning up, but instead of calling her out openly on her weakness and make her feel bad in front of the others, he had given her a means of escape where she could bow out gracefully without feeling useless.
”Three tankards enough?” she asked quickly. “Or shall I make it four, and we all share? I could drain a whole well myself.”
”Make it four”, Raven agreed after short consideration, and Robyn nodded again, skilfully hopping off the wagon and pushing her way through the crowd.

Tybalt called something after her, but it drowned in the buzzing of voices that still filled the square. Perhaps he was just jokingly complaining about her slipping away from work, but even if so, Robyn knew he would be grateful for the ale.

[thegwaine]

It was certainly starting to appear like today was Gwaine’s lucky day. After all, he had been wondering if the woman would come down into the crowd or if she would be putting on another show, but low and behold, she had come down off the stage. Gwaine was happily surprised by this turn of events, and it meant that he had something to preoccupy himself with for the time being. If the woman turned out to be unwilling to his advances then there were many other women in the crowds who Gwaine could entertain himself with. He wanted to get a feel for the women of Camelot; he wondered if they were as feisty as the ones he had encountered in some of the other Kingdoms.

The woman certainly was beautiful, but now Gwaine just hoped that she had the personality to match. Many women who knew they were beautiful turned out to have quite ugly personalities. As snobby as Gwaine was about his looks, he knew that personality was important as well. Although he knew that this woman would only be a brief spark in his life, he wanted it to be an enjoyable experience, and that was made possible if the woman was just as lovely in personality as with looks. He watched her as she began to get off the stage and headed into the crowd, edging slightly closer towards her.

Gwaine’s ears pricked up as he heard the young woman calling about something to do with ale. A woman who was already heading towards the local tavern could only be a good thing. Perhaps today was turning into his lucky day. Jesu, he was certainly due one after all. Gwaine casually walked up to the woman, not making it too obvious that he was making his way towards her. After all, it wouldn’t do for her to think that she was the only woman in his eye line. Although Gwaine believed in complimenting women with gentle caresses, some women’s egos were as bad as mens, so it was crucial to keep them at bay until the actual approach. Smiling lightly, Gwaine stood in front of the woman and cocked a grin at her, “Make it five, and I shall join you for a drink or two.” It wasn’t his smoothest approach, but he had to work quickly before the woman ran off. That was always the danger. He half stood in the way which he assumed she would be exiting in, so he could make sure that she stayed at least for a few moments, “My name is Gwaine by the way, and if you grace me with an introduction you shall make me the happiest man in the entire audience.” He grinned, now that had to work on the young woman.

[Robyn Lester]

Robyn’s head and mind were halfway still in the performance they had just ended, analyzing every little bit. Tybalt had been sparing her in the swordfight, she had felt that. Apparently he still thought he had to treat her with kid gloves, and that was wrong. She would have to tell him to stop it, else the audience might notice something. Robyn knew that they were by no means considered good fighters, but if one of them didn’t give his all it would look even worse. Her injury shouldn’t matter, it should not hinder her!
But all in all, the performance had been going well, the improvised parts had been as funny as they had not been in a long time, everyone had enjoyed the banters and tricks, and the audience had caught on that, commiserating and identifying themselves with the heroes like it should be. Yes, it had been a good performance, time to put it out of her mind.

That resolution came just in time to realize someone had been addressing her. It was not a rare occurrence someone wanted a word after a performance, and so Robyn turned towards the man with a casual smile – only to find herself eye in eye with a completely unexpected sight that made her step falter slightly.
Not that she had not seen any handsome man before, but this one… he clearly reigned on the top of handsome, and he just had this twinkle in his eyes and a smile that could make any girl’s knee go weak. Robyn was by no means immune to such wiles, but she was used to be in the public eye and knew that many just thought they could get lucky with a female juggler, a girl of the streets.
”If you don’t require me paying for you, Sir, then I am not opposed to this suggestion”, she replied with a sassy grin, truly feeling inclined to grant his request. As soon as she had brought her friends and family their drinks, she was a free woman after all.

He didn’t seem obtrusive the way he stood, not trying to get too close just yet, and so Robyn felt audacious enough to play this game a little further. There was no harm in it, was there? He seemed friendly and he definitely was a sight for sore eyes, how much better could it get?
Dismissing his flowery words with a chiming, yet hearty laugh, Robyn threw her head back to examine him a little more closely. What kind of man could he be? He didn’t have the down-to-earth air of a local, yet he also didn’t quite seem like the typical wanderer… something in between then… some soldier of fortune? A quick grin crossed Robyn’s face and she told herself to keep a close eye on her heart. Her own father had been nothing but that, a soldier of fortune… by all she knew. Like mother like daughter didn’t seem so very appealing right now.
”Well then, Gwaine…” she inclined her head. “I have many names, so you might as well choose the one you like best. Some call me Robyn, some Mockingbird, and to some I am Lady Justice, take your pick.”

[thegwaine]

Of course getting women to agree to a drink was one thing, but this one thought that he wanted her to buy him a drink as well?There was one low which Gwaine had never reached, and that was letting a woman buy a drink for him. There was a difference between a woman picking up the tab, and charming an ale or two out of the waitresses, and Gwaine preferred the latter. Mainly because it wasn't exactly gentlemanly to ask a woman to buy a drink for you. Usually he would have jumped at offering to buy the woman a drink, but as she was ordering so much he supposed that her friends were involved. As much as Gwaine wanted to charm this woman, he wasn't going to do so by buying everyone a drink. For one he wasn't even sure if he had that much money. For now he just grinned on at the woman, cocking his usual grin. "I would never expect you to pay my ale for me, as the presence of such beauty makes any expense worthwhile." There, and Gwaine suspected that he had got himself out of paying a full round of ales; that was Gwaine's main concern at the moment.

Irritatingly the woman hadn't blushed yet. Although that didn't show that his charm wasn't working, it was something which he always looked forwards to. Usually women gave a soft blush, a giggle before giving him a mumbled reply or their name. This woman was different so far, and Gwaine was yet to discover if that was a good thing or not. For now he was going with the theory that it was a good thing, because it meant that he had a challenge on his hands, rather than the usual catch. He was certainly due something new after all. The woman was very pretty after all, sohe was sure that it was worth his time to stay a while and try out his charms.

He raised his eye brows as the woman also refused to just give him a straight answer when he asked her name. Was it so difficult to just give him a normal answer? However, Gwaine couldn't deny that it did make her quite intriguing, and Gwaine folded his arms and folded his arms, like he was examining her. "Well if you have so many names I feel like I should give you my own nickname." He mused and looked over her, this time making it more obvious that he was examining her. After all, if he was to think of a suitable nickname he had to get a feel for her personality; both physical and mentally. "I shall call you Lady Sunshine for the colour of your hair, and your warm personality." He winked softly at Robyn, "Though I shall just call you sunshine for the most part."

[Robyn Lester]

Was it a contradiction to fall quickly in love and yet not be easily charmed? Robyn hadn't given much thought about that yet, it was just something she did or did not. Maybe it was connected with her eyes, as most of her crushes happened through seeing someone and seeing something IN him that usually was desillusioned once she worked up the courage to talk to the man. It had also left her with some nasty repercussions and hurtful moments, when she had found all they had wanted from her was a little fun. But as quickly as Robyn fell in love, she also fell out of it, and didn't sulk too long, always ready for what life threw at her next.
Apparently this encounter was something to be called 'next', though Robyn was still not too sure what to think of Gwaine. He was obviously trying to charm her, and even if it didn't show on the outside – she had seen and heard too much on the road to still be able to blush at a mere compliment – she knew it already started to have an effect on the inside.

How far it would lead was yet undecided, and Robyn loved this moment of in-between, where you still could flirt and try out, and see where it went, without giving or taking too much. If anything, Gwaine WAS rather charming and handsome to boot, so she really wouldn't mind spending more time with him. She just needed to be careful she wouldn't forget about her important mission of saving the Ravenpack from dying of thirst. Well, not really, but Robyn was sure she would hear no end of it if she wasted too much time. Men and their drinks, that must be some special union women could never quite get into – and maybe shouldn't even try. Who knew after all who a man would choose if the need for choice did arise? Probably the drink...

This time though, when he so openly examined her, Robyn couldn't help her cheeks feeling a little warmer. She didn't know if it was visible, as she was already flushed from the fight and the heat, but even if so, there was nothing she could do about it. Did he like what he saw? What DID he see? She usually wasn't that self-conscious, but Gwaine just had this aura about him that made you want to please him. He probably knew he had that effect on women and exploited it, and that was one of the reasons Robyn still fought succumbing to it. He should very well see she was not anyone. The stage had made her used to putting up an act, and if it only was acting nonchalant where you were anything but!
He called her sunshine?! Robyn threw her head back and laughed, but not because she thought it silly, she rather appreciated the nickname and so that was what she told him. „I like it! Thank you! Though I knew a few people who would firmly disagree with you, that's why I laughed. My brother Tybalt for one“, she loosely pointed over her shoulder with her thumb.

Sunshine... that was truly a novelty. Did he only say that to please her, or did he really mean it?! Well, in the end, what did it matter? It certainly should not matter.
Now that the introduction was through, Robyn wondered what to say next. She didn't want this conversation to end so soon after all. „You don't look like you're from around here“, she hazarded, cocking her head in interest.

[thegwaine]

Gwaine was quite pleased to see that the woman finally blushed. There, he wasn’t losing his touch after all. It was only to be expected that this woman would soon be eating out of the palm of his hand, this was Gwaine after all. He had rarely met a woman who wasn’t completely taken in by his charm. When they didn’t fall for him, it was usually because they were up to their eye balls with love sicknesses for someone else. Gwaine never really approved of love sickness, as it wasn’t a pretty thing to behold, and he hoped that he was never inflicted with it. Men did stupid things when they were in love, and who wanted to be tied down by one woman anyway? Of course Gwaine meant no harm to women in general, he enjoyed their company and he loved sharing a flirt and a jest with them from time to time. It made his life more interesting so who was he to complain? He never toyed with a woman so much that she was at risk of misery or something similar. He wasn’t that cruel. So perhaps he would consider this woman in a rather flirtatious friendship for the time being. He was usually the rugged stranger women used to take their minds off the toils of every day life, and perhaps now he could put that to good use.

Gwaine grinned as she acknowledged her appreciation of her new nickname. Sunshine it was then. He did however raise an eye brow at her comments about Tybalt, “Well if he disagrees, then he doesn’t get his own nickname.” He shrugged, like it was some sort of threat. In reality it just meant that Gwaine didn’t have to strain himself to think of a nickname, and he liked it like that. Life was sometimes too much effort, and when Gwaine began to over think things he knew that he was in need of an ale. Ale had certainly become the nectar of his existence, and it was always a comfort throughout all his time of wandering, so who was he to complain? At least this Tybalt was only a brother, and not something else because that would make him a thread. Gwaine sometimes enjoyed having a threat in the form of another man, because it put him to the test. For now however Gwaine just wanted to enjoy Robyn’s company without being threatened by anyone else. “And I think it suits you very well my Lady Sunshine.” He grinned, he didn’t have to bring his view of the nobility into this, because this woman was clearly anything but a noble.

For now, his attentions were just on Robyn, it wouldn’t do to be lurching after several other women whilst trying to charm one. She was still occasionally flushing and that just increased Gwaine’s already inflated ego. Sometimes it was just too easy. He shook his head at her question but grinned, “Is that because I’m more handsome than the average man in Camelot?” He cocked his head at her, “But you’re right, I’m not from around here.” He shrugged and looked around at the other people who Robyn had been with, “I take it you aren’t a native of Camelot either?”

[Robyn Lester]

Was she yielding too soon? Could there even be talk of ‘yielding’ yet? Why would she want to play hard to get anyway? She knew she had her worth and as such she would act, nothing less, nothing more – no games on her part. Games were for the stage, using too great pretenses in real life was unfair, as it left the counterpart with a disadvantage. She would not eat out of his palm, but she would not push him away either as long as he didn’t act out of line. That was the beauty of being a free woman, it was for her own to decide how far things should go and no one could blame her for either way she took. If things should get nasty against all odds – she really didn’t think this would happen with Gwaine, as he seemed more of a charmer than a violent type – she always had the pack to lean on. As long as they were fighting with their own kind, they knew no false submission, they would help her out, and that feeling was reassuring as well.

Robyn laughed again as he told her if Tybalt disagreed he simply would not get a nickname of his own, and made it sound like a privilege. Come to think of it, Tybalt really didn’t have that many nicknames, aside from Phoenix, because he handled with fire but never seemed to burn himself. That nickname, however, had to be used with caution especially in Camelot. The connection to magic was just too easily drawn and no one trusted jugglers. Anyone could accuse them of sorcery and get away with it; and often enough the accusation was enough condemnation already. What was the saying Raven put to use everytime he smelled trouble and urged them to leave: ‘Don’t get involved – the jugglers always hang first!’
”Oh, he will be so devastated!” she thought him with a deadly serious voice, but an amused twinkle in her eyes. “I think he won’t want to risk it and leave me alone. Then again, he’s not a very bossy brother, thank goodness. Just don’t look like you’re about to eat me, and he won’t even bother to check on me, let alone challenging my new nickname!”
Why was she telling him all this? Why should that be of any interest for him?

Doing a mock curtsy, she thanked him again for his titulation, but then had to suppress an eyeroll and a groan. She had seen before that he had quite the high opinion of himself, he thought himself irresistible, otherwise he wouldn’t show such cheek. Well, talk about a big inflated ego. Somehow, it didn’t make him any less likeable though, however peculiar that was. It might be a small drop of bitterness in this otherwise quite spicey and delectable conversation, but it was also nothing that couldn’t be easily remedied. She was not called Mockingbird for nothing!
”Well, Camelotians are not very handsome in general – apart from a certain young prince I have heard – so there’s no real high stake to climb”, she teased, putting at least a bit of the mockery away from him and on other heads to ease the blow. “But…” now she let her gaze wander over him, like he had done with her before, “…you’re acceptable, I should say!” She added a wink and a quick showing of the tip of her tongue to that. She didn’t want to crash his ego after all, just prick it a little.

”My home is the wagon over there”, she pointed with a shrug. “I may have been born in Sugales, but that could have happened on any street in any kingdom. And I surely don’t see it as my home!” she finished as a dark shadow crossed her face briefly, but she shook it off. Now was not the time for this.

[thegwaine]

One of the best things about being a free man was that occasions such as this with Robyn weren’t all that rare. He was free to do whatever he wanted whenever he wanted. Sure at times it could be quite a solitary lifestyle, and sometimes Gwaine wished that he had someone to share it with. Not necessarily a wife or anything quite as drastic as this, but anyone he could call a familiar face. His lifestyle prevented that kind of interaction. Even if he visited the same tavern twice there were always new faces, and new women to charm. It was a lonely life, but Gwaine wasn’t sad for it. He didn’t need company along the way, but from time to time he enjoyed interacting with others. It kept his feet on the ground. He’d been social enough in his youth, and now it was time to frame his adulthood the way he wanted it to be. He didn’t have to dance to anyone else’s tune, this was his time to shine, and he intended to live life to the fullest potential that he could manage.

This young woman certainly was amusing if nothing else. An over protective brother could be seen as a problem. They often didn’t enjoy the potential knowledge of someone deflowering their sisters, but Gwaine was a little more of a gentleman for such thoughts. Well, such thoughts straight away. He did have standards; sort of. “Eat you?” He repeated with a chuckle, “Why would I ruin such beauty?” He asked, running a hand through his hair to scruff it up. “I shall do my best then not to look menacing; wouldn’t want him ruining our fun after all would we?” He asked with a wink. Yes, this whole encounter would be better without the protective older brother casting a look in every now and again. It would probably be distracting, and irritating while Gwaine was trying to keep Robyn in the palm of his hand.

He was a little shocked that the woman gave a mock curtsey, and of course it would be rude to let such a gesture slide unnoticed. Therefore Gwaine gave an over exaggerated bow, grinning at Robyn as he raised his eyes. She was proving quite amusing to tease and jest with; hopefully that would only continue throughout their conversation. At the mention of how handsome the Prince was Gwaine felt quite defensive. He wasn’t a fan of the nobility at the best of times, but he particularly didn’t like the idea of his good looks being challenged by this Prince. That was just rude of him. “Acceptable?” He replied, more than a bit insulted at her words, “I fail to see how my looks could ever be challenged by the Prince of Camelot.” His words were said in jest of course, he wasn’t about to bite this girls head off for comments she wasn’t aware of. No, the easiest way to deal with this was just to jest around it, and leave it where it was.

Sugales? Gwaine hadn’t had a Welshwoman before, this was quite exciting. He hadn’t been there either, he would have to add it to his list of places to visit. “I’ve never been to Sugales.” Gwaine said thoughtfully, “I assume you aren’t at home much with this lot?” He gestured to the rest of the brigade Robyn was travelling with before flashing Robyn a cheeky grin.

[Robyn Lester]

Robyn was well aware that her strong personality and her habit of not mincing matters, sometimes even being far too bold, could work repellent towards some men, but there was not much she could change in her eyes. She never would be coy and timid, it was simply not in her blood. Someone who felt challenged by an independent woman was no one she wanted to waste her time on anyway. She could put on a different act to get a man’s attention, if she felt this was a better way to get him, but she didn’t want to deny her own self just because of a man. She liked them, and the liked the thrill of a flirt, but she hated the feeling that came when she had gone out on a limb and it had not been reciprocated at all. Any man who wanted anything of her would have to deal with her sharp tongue and strong will, that was hopefully balanced out by her sunny nature – and at least this trait had already been appreciated by Gwaine. He also seemed one to like a joke or two, which was definitely a plus. Men without humor were just so… straining and dull.

“Oh, I don’t know”, she laughed. “Sometimes what people do doesn’t follow any logic. But I’m glad I’m not to be your feast… that would be another thing ending this encounter far too soon, despite my brother.” Well, with that she had all but said she was enjoying herself, and just why shouldn’t she? It was true after all, but only said in so many words, so it would not come across like she was openly praising him. Robyn knew some women liked to adulate men to get in their good graces, but it had never been a path for her. She thought it rather pathetic.

But apparently going too far was not a good option either. Robyn saw her mocking comment irked him more than he let on. Well, men didn’t like to be compared to others as little as women did, but because they didn’t make such a fuss about it, it was easy to forget sometimes. Maybe she shouldn’t have brought Prince Arthur up… but then she couldn’t have very well agreed to his bold and high self-estimation, right? That was not her style either. Now… how to get out of this without losing her touch? She needed to think of something that would let them be able to both save their faces, without yielding too much. Dear goodness, this man proved to be a challenge indeed! Why was this so difficult? But then, Robyn liked a challenge, she just hoped he did too. Tybalt and the other members of the Raven Pack were used to her biting jibes; she needn’t forget others might be not.

“Well, all I’m trusting is hearsay anyway, and they more often than not don't keep what they promise”, she gave in with a smirk. “I haven’t seen him in person yet, and we’ll see if that will ever happen. So at the moment… you have the advantage.”There, hopefully that would appease him enough to keep going. She wouldn’t yield further, she was not ready to eat out of his palm.

The mentioning of Sugales made a slightly wistful smile appear on her face. She had many good memories from there and only one bad, but this one bad memory had been formative… and leaving not only visible scars.
“Well, it’s a beautiful country, if a little remote”, she explained. “You should certainly stop by, but… no we’re not going there anymore, after an incident…” She left it at that. If he wanted to know more, maybe she would tell him. But if he was not interested, then it was alright as well.

[thegwaine]

The presence of the brother was going to get annoying. Very quickly. If Robyn’s reaction wasn’t quite so encouraging then Gwaine might have been inclined to perhaps have a quick drink and move on very quickly. Not because he didn’t like Robyn, but because his experience of families wasn’t a particularly good one. He would rather not end up with a fist to the face because he looked at someone’s sister in a particular way. Gwaine preferred privacy during his courting sessions; they were a lot more fun that way anyway. “I’m sure no one can ruin this afternoon.” He said charmingly and coughed slightly, gesturing towards the tavern, “Speaking of which, why let the day go to waste without an ale or two?” They had been outside for far too long, that much was obvious. If he was going to get a drink down him he might as well do it in company.

How could a prince be so good looking that everyone spoke about it? Gwaine had heard little about Arthur Pendragon, but he didn’t really care either. All nobles were the same, they were only after their own interests and the men on the ground meant little to them as long as they were getting along with their jobs. It was the most frustrating part of the feudal like system, as the ones who put most in got the least out, and the ones who put the least in seemed to get the most out. He bet the Prince was quite spoilt, as was the norm for princes. Grinning to himself, Gwaine wondered what the man would be like in a one on one combat. Even Gwaine had heard about the famed knights of Camelot, so it would be interesting to see if their leader had a leg to stand on. “I’m sure the advantage would still be mine even if you were to meet him.” He grinned, rather confident that he was better looking than the Prince of Camelot. After all, he was Gwaine, so it was natural that he was better looking than most men, if not the majority. What Gwaine found as well was that women often fell for the story he had to tell as well because he broke conventions. He wasn’t just the average man that a woman hoped to run into at the local tavern, he was different and that was what women appreciated.

Wales was quite a vague part of the world at the best of times in Gwaine’s mind. From what he’d heard of the place it was just wet and dreary most of the time. However, on the flip side of that he had heard that it was beautiful countryside, and that appealed to Gwaine. Wherever there were thirsty farm workers there were always taverns to serve their needs. Perhaps he would take a tour of the countries taverns at some point. It would be an adventure for sure, he needed a change of scene anyway. “Incident?” He repeated, catching the change in her tone. That didn’t sound like a particularly nice thing to be talking about from the way she had said it. “Why, what happened?” There was no jest this time because clearly this was a raw nerve for her or else she wouldn’t have darkened in such a way when the topic was brought up.

[Robyn Lester]

Robyn had to bite back a grin, as Gwaine so obviously wanted to shift the attention away from Tybalt and to a time they could spend without his ever-looming presence. Not that she did mind, on the contrary! She had kept Tybalt present in this conversation far too long anyway! Why had she brought him in in the first place? Ah, maybe she had tried to wipe out wrong impressions, who knew after all if Gwaine had seen her kissing him on stage. She had wanted to leave him without a doubt that he was nothing but her brother, but sadly that tactic had almost backfired on her. Time to get the Raven Pack out of sight and out of mind. They would get their ales soon enough, as she was already walking into the right direction for that task. If she was in company while doing that or not shouldn’t faze them! It was none of their business after all!
”I couldn’t agree more to that”, she answered gaily and turned towards the tavern she could make out a few paces away. “Let’s go, shall we?”

Whatever she tried, however often she pricked his self-esteem, he didn’t seem to mind, and kept on being rather smug about his own appearance. Not that it was not justified, but a little humbleness once in a while wouldn’t kill him either, right? Oh well, that was the crux with goodlooking guys, there was hardly one not knowing and acting on it. Sighing inwardly, Robyn chose to let it be for the moment, even though she could not bite back one last comment: “The bet is on. What’s the wager?”
Not that she doubted he could be right. That hadn’t been a serious comment anyway, but Robyn loved bets. She bet on almost everything, and loved both losing and winning, as often enough the wagers were part of a grander scheme that entailed flirting and getting to know the counterpart better. She was sure, whatever the wager should be, they both would not regret it. In case he accepted only, of course. If not then she wouldn’t be too sad either. Chances came and went, there would be many more in her life still to come.

They had reached the door of the tavern now, right as Gwaine asked his rather concerned question. So he was interested. And yet Robyn didn’t know whether she should think that a good or a bad thing. Her right hand already resting on the door to push it inwards, she turned to Gwaine, still pondering what to say. But then Robyn had never been one to really beat around the bush. That was one reason she had lost her finger after all, she just couldn’t bottle up her emotions and thoughts when she thought she was right.
”That happened”, she said simply and raised her hand, the back of it turned towards him, showing him the stump of her little finger. “It’s a long story, but the bottom line is: I paid a price for the truth. And I paid it gladly… it’s just that we’re no longer on such good terms with the high and mighty of Sugales after that. Better stay out of sight and out of mind.”
Speaking about it was harder than Robyn let on, but she was glad it had happened so casually. Shortly after her mutilation, the young juggler had been on the brink of a serious paranoia, thinking everyone would see the blemish of her appearance immediately. She had felt eyes on her all the time. But of course that had been ridiculous, and Gwaine had just been another, reassuring example.

[thegwaine]

Gwaine wasn’t that surprised that Robyn was obliging with his words so early on in their conversation. After all, everything she had been saying to him so far had been nothing but encouraging. She was quite a different young woman, Gwaine hadn’t really come across many actresses in his time, but if they were all like this then he would make a point of sourcing more of them out after this meeting was drawn to an end. He cocked his head towards the local tavern as she agreed with his words, because really a moment that wasn’t spent over an ale was a moment wasted in Gwaine’s opinion. Especially when there was a beautiful woman involved. Perhaps he shouldn’t be living his day to day life like this, but he was still youthful enough to get away with it, so he saw no reason to stop. “Well then, we hadn’t got a moment to waste have we?” He cocked another grin, and set off in the general direction of the tavern. Perhaps by setting off before her brother had chance to catch up with them he would at least get a bit more time to charm Robyn by himself without her brother glaring at him from across the tavern. It was unfair of Gwaine to make such assumptions about others of course, but he knew enough about women and their family to know that brothers and fathers were the most formidable when trying to charm a particular woman.

It took a few moments for Gwaine to get his head around the fact that Robyn was suggesting that he should be betting on whether he was more handsome than the Prince of Camelot. Of course he was! For one, Gwaine wasn’t some stuffy noble who just cared about his own interests, and paid no heed to the problems and issues of others. He was sure that this Prince Arthur would be no match for him in the handsome department. However, this did give him the chance to try out a flirt or two. “Well, perhaps if he is not as handsome as me, which is a given trust me, you shall owe me a kiss?” It was worth a try, “And in the remote chance that he is more handsome than I am, well, you can choose that wager?” He stood quite confidently, sure that she couldn’t refuse such an offer. She was probably hoping now that Gwaine was more handsome than the Prince of Camelot. Sometimes Gwaine was so good he surprised even himself.

As they had reached the door of the tavern, Gwaine opened the door for Robyn, because if anything he was a gentleman. He smiled at Robyn as he did, but his smile wasn’t matched, and the cause was soon quickly known. He flinched as he saw her hand, not because he wasn’t used to such injuries, but because he hadn’t ever seen such a thing on a woman before. He didn’t stare however, just one look was good enough for Gwaine. “I’m sorry.” Was all he could think to say, and it was pathetic at that, “A long story? Well I have no intentions of leaving in a hurry if you want to share your tale?” She didn’t have to of course, and as soon as she too was in the tavern he made his way to an empty table. The lady of the house quickly bustled towards them, asking what they both wanted to drink, “An ale for me,” He looked at Robyn, waiting for her to order her drink as well, then the afternoon could really begin.

[Robyn Lester]

There was no denying it, Robyn usually tackled things head on, she rarely did things only half-heartedly or partially, be it concerning men or other things alike. And why should she? There might be some women who would have let themselves be a little courted first before they agreed on so much as having a drink with a man, and they probably also would not pay themselves, but Robyn didn’t need such falderal. Why should she play dainty and hard to please? She took up different roles everyday, she didn’t need that in her free time as well. It might come across as breezy, but who couldn’t deal with that kind of woman wasn’t what Robyn liked to spend her time with anyway- It was taking her like she was, challenging her, or leave it altogether. When she had drunk a little, her choice of men could vary and become less guarded, but she was not drunk now, just in high spirits by a succesful performance.This,she had decided, would be her reward. She had no idea where it would lead, or if it would lead anywhere at all, but that was not in the least important. Life was not for planning, life was for living!
So she followed him willingly, already looking forward to a little more banter and finally something cool and refreshing down her throat. She knew she would have to care for the men of the pack as well, but she still had some time before they would come after her in fury. And she would milk that time to the last drop.

She should have guessed it the moment she suggested a bet and left him the choice of the wager. Sometimes men like Gwaine could be too obvious, but it was not like Robyn would really mind. She had even tried for that sort of reaction, and had she not got it, she would have thought she had lost her touch somehow. It would have told her that her counterpart would not even think of kissing her after all, and that would have been a little disturbing. Robyn might not be overly self-conscious – on the contrary maybe – but she, too, had an ego that could be bruised by rejection. Particularly when the rejection came from a man as handsome as Gwaine.
But he hadn’t rejected her,so it was all perfectly fine. Furthermore, this was a wager that was put off for a time that still stood written in the stars. Who knows if Robyn and the Raven Pack would ever perform at Camelot and see the prince, and it was even less likely Robyn and Gwaine would meet again after that so she could tell him whether he had won or not. She was perfectly safe to accept this.
”That sounds… fair”, she agreed with a sassy grin. “I will be sure to think up something nice, in case I win.” There, even polishing his own ego a bit, as she had sounded very doubtful she would win. But that was alright, he had boosted her own ego enough to deserve this.

And he was a gentleman as well,she noted with an inward grin as she passed him by and entered the tavern before him. That would certainly go down into her good books. Not that it really mattered in times such as these, but chivalry was a clear bonus. What went down next into her good books was the simple fact that he did not gawk at her missing finger. He registered it and then looked away, but without this bashful ‘I’m avoiding the sight of it, because I would rather gawk’ kind of way. It was rather refreshing… and reassuring as well.
But that left her with a tough decision. Did she want to talk about this? He had earned the right to know, no question of that, but… maybe the truth would change the image he had of her.
Regarding her hand idly for a few seconds, she then sighed relentingly and looked up again, facing Gwaine. “It happened on a feast in the castle of Sugales. A little boy, one of us, his name is Alfie, was accused of stealing drunken knight’s purse which he clearly had not done. I saw it, so I spoke up for him as they wanted to cut off his hand. I argued the case as best as I could… and offered my hand instead. In the end, they took only a finger. So I guess I must count my blessings.”

The arrival of the lady of the house interrupted Robyn’s walk down memory lane, and she gladly took the opportunity to bring herself back to reality.
”I take an ale as well”, she said, and then reached inside her purse, taking out a few precious coins. “And if you could pour three more tankards and let them find their way outside to the jugglers that pack up their things, then I would be most grateful.” There. She would be killing two birds with one stone, not bad for a day’s work.

[thegwaine]

To say that Robyn was so obliging to his little wager was unsurprising to Gwaine was probably an understatement. After all, she had gone along with everything else he had suggested. Really, he had her wrapped around his little finger, and he was going to keep it that way. This was what it was all about at the end of the way wasn’t it? Seeing how far he could go with a woman, before she started getting defensive. Sometimes he gave the wrong impression to women though, as they thought he wanted to go further with his pursuits. Gwaine often had more self control, and more respect for the women he was charming to suggest such things. He doubted he would even think of going that far with Robyn, but a kiss was a nice start. However, unless the Prince walked through the door of the tavern, it was a wager he wouldn’t be collecting on for quite a long time. After all, what were the chances of that happening? “Well then, when you do think of something suitable make sure you let me know.” He gave her a wink, and his tongue had rolled over the word ‘suitable’ just to add the needed suggestion there. He was not going to give up his flirts after all, if anything now with the promise of a kiss, Gwaine was only going to get worse.

He took her youthful, and beautiful looks as she passed him by as they both entered the tavern. The fact she had her back turned meant that he could truly take in her figure without worrying he was going to offend her, or receive a slap. Some women liked to be looked at, but some liked to think that there attraction lay mainly in their personalities. Gwaine had no reason why, but who was he to argue with the logic of women? He took the seat opposite her, as that kept a respectable distance so he didn’t look overly keen, but she was not too far away to suggest that he was no longer interested. He was interested, but the tone of the conversation was inevitably changing inevitably, and Gwaine doubted that his teases and flirts would go down that well when she was talking about how she lost a finger.

Gwaine shifted, so that he at least looked interested in what she was saying. He was of course interested, but he often looked too jovial and casual for his own good. As she recounted her tale, he began to feel sick straight away. The more he travelled the world, the more he found examples of nobles taking everything, and giving nothing in return. Here was yet another example, how on earth could any monarch think that it was suitable to chop off a childs hand? It made Gwaine feel slightly ill, although he didn’t show just how much it bothered him at first. It showed him that he was right in his traditional view that nobles did not deserve the loyalty they were often given by their subjects, as they only looked after their own interests. “He should not have taken anything from you.” Gwaine finally said, trying to keep his temper under control. It wasn’t even that he was annoyed at the punishment, but he was annoyed that as a woman, Robyn had been treated like some robbing, lying serf. He sighed and ran a hand through his already scruffy hair, “Nobles are all the same, they’re all in it for themselves.” He shrugged, and looked up as the bar maid had finally returned with their ales. Although he probably could have charmed the ales out of her, it wouldn’t be good manners in front of the woman that he was trying to charm now would it. He gave the woman enough money to cover his and Robyn’s drinks. Even though he was after keeping Robyn wrapped around his little finger, he wasn’t about to pay for all her friends drinks as well. He wasn’t exactly what one could call well off.

[Robyn Lester]

Suitable, eh? Oh indeed, it was so ON now! Robyn might not be the biggest flirt there ever was, but she still enjoyed flirtatious banter, even though she lost her heart far too often and too soon. She could feel it happening already, and whyever not? Gwaine was everything a girl like her could ever wish for: He was handsome, smart, witty and by looks of it a wanderer like herself. But Robyn had had her heart broken already too many times to allow herself to entertain such high hopes from the start.They were only talking and flirting for now, and who knew what the rest of the day would bring. The Raven Pack could decide to pack up and make for another village instead of spending the rest of the afternoon and evening here, and then she would have to go with them. They had both decided on a bet, but that was more part of a game than anything, as the chances of them proving each other right or wrong and THEN meeting again were more than slim. That didn’t mean though Robyn couldn’t enjoy the time she was given to her utmost pleasure, and it was the beauty of being such an independeant woman as she was: She made the rules she wanted to follow, she could decide how far she would go in anything, not restrained by a moral codex or something of the sort. Even Tybalt knew better than to defend his sister’s ‘honor’ if she hadn’t specifically asked him for it. And that was the last time Tybalt would find his way even in her thoughts today, Robyn decided. Period, the end.


”Rest assured, when I have found something, you’ll be the first to know”, she retorted, returning his wink with a sassy one of her own. ”And probably the only one as well.” Surely. After all, what she did with her life was of no one else’s concern. She had also made quite clear with this remark that it probably wouldn’t be something for the public eye, and that alone left little choice in any way. It was easy talking about such things after all, when there was only a slim chance of it actually happening, though Robyn had to admit she would not mind either way. Only through that she would be able to find out whether Gwaine was all talk or not.
He took a seat opposite from her which was a very good choice in her eyes. She wasn’t one for physical contact right after the ‘how do you do’ part, though many men thought so, seeing in her the easy lass along with the actress. But Gwaine seemed smarter than that, which was another good sign,

He also seemed quite indignant by her story, and even though she had heard something along that line many times over, Gwaine’s comment made her feel a little warm inside. The man had a very firm opinion about nobles as well, and Robyn felt in no mood to correct him about that.
”I have yet to find an example to prove you wrong”, she replied with a nonchalant shrug. “I am one for fairness, but truth be told, who doesn’t care for fairness usually deserves none. It is not right that the word of a man should count more than that of another, just because he was born in silken sheets.” And yet that was the sad fact of the world they were living in.Those who tried to fight against that injust rule often found themselves caught between a rock and a hard place. “So, dear Gwaine, if you ever should get involved with nobility, don’t put yourself at their mercy. They usually have none, not when it comes to their own personal gain.”
And yet Robyn knew that when she was faced with a similar situation, she probably would make the same mistakes again, as in her eyes they were no mistakes. Alfie still had his two hands to juggle with,and she would not sacrifice his wellbeing for her own happiness.
The bar maid agreed to the instructions with a simple nod of the head, and Robyn leaned back, finally fully relaxing. She inclined her head towards Gwaine in thanks for paying for her own drink, then she smiled at him and said: “Now, enough of my gruesome tales, don’t you think?”

[thegwaine]

In Gwaine’s opinion, it was always so much more fun when the woman was flirting back at him, and Robyn was playing along to his tune quite nicely. Perhaps she thought she was the first to do so, and who would Gwaine be to ruin that little thought in that pretty little head of hers? It wasn’t in his nature to put women down, he preferred to rise them up on their own little pedestal so that they felt like they were admired, and the object of his particular attention. He had learnt over the years that if you made a woman feel special, then they were often all too quickly moulded into your hands. It was always so much fun trying different crafted teases and flirts, and seeing what different reaction he got from the ladies on his travels. Some ignored him, some threatened to set their beloved’s on him, but the best ones returned his flirts.

The fact that Robyn returned his words with a wink and with such a comment made him even more glad that he had sought out her company this afternoon. She certainly was quite different to other women he had come across so far in Camelot, then again, that was probably because she wasn’t from Camelot wasn’t it? “Then I look forwards to that moment.” He winked back at her, just to seal the deal before sinking his lips into his ale. The fact that she mentioned that he would be the only one who knew of her little wager meant Gwaine’s head was in the gutter straight away; women had a habit of making that effect on him. He smirked a little at her, and chuckled to himself, wondering if she was aware just how innuendoes her words sounded to him. Maybe she had meant it like that, who knew? Maybe she had meant her words like that to see his reaction, that of course was totally plausible.

Well they seemed to be in one mind about many things, and it seemed nobility was just one of those things. Gwaine believed of course that no noble would ever value the loyalty of his subjects in such a way that he would be prepared to help them if things took a turn for the worse. His own situation proved that didn’t it? “Nobles are all the same, and they always will be.” Gwaine replied with a shrug which mimicked Robyn’s. “I will never understand them, and I’m just glad I’m not one of them.” Of course he was, by blood at least, but he would never admit that fact to anyone so long as he had life left in his body. It was a part of him which he now fully rejected and had left behind him in Caerleon. This was the man he was now, and that was as simple as it got. He nodded solemnly as she requested to finish her tales, he didn’t want her to sit here moping all morning after all, where would the fun in that be? “What would you prefer to talk about?” He asked with a smile, and the smile quickly turned into a grin, “For I could sit here and rhyme off your beauty for the rest of our meeting if it pleases you.” He was only jesting with the young woman, and hoped she didn’t take his words seriously, though it would be amusing if she did.

[Robyn Lester]

And there it went, her heart. It rose up and fluttered, like a butterfly towards a flower, towards Gwaine’s heart and intended to stay there. Robyn could almost feel it happening, and there was nothing, nothing at all she could do against it, even if she wanted to. And that wasn’t even sure either, if she wanted to stop it. Gwaine was just so… much to deal with, but in a pleasant kind of way. He had everything she could wish for, wit and charm, good looks and a free spirit. Who could blame her, really? She had seen it coming, and now it had happened. She was lost. Gwaine might only guess it, or not even that, but he had won whatever game they had been playing. She knew it was a mistake, as she knew he was nothing more than a flirt and her heart would inevitable be broken again. Knowing the danger didn’t save you from it though, not this time.The good thing about Robyn though was that she never experienced this lovey-dovey kind of crush. Her heart might belong to Gwaine now, but her mind was still her own. She might be moulded easier in his hands now, but she probably still won’t eat from his palm. Hopefully.

It might also be the effect of the ale sousing her parched throat and getting to her head rather quickly, but Robyn was not quite sure how much longer she could hold with these constant innuendos. The thought of spending time alone with Gwaine made her skin prickle, and she chided herself inwardly for being so… easy to get. He wasn’t her first flirt and he wouldn’t be her last. But she was always weaker once her heart was involved, that was a sad fact. If he knew what was going on in her head right now, he probably would run a mile. Or he would not. It was really hard to guess if Gwaine was nothing but all talk or if there was more to him than that.
”As will I!” she confirmed simply, thinking the topic explored enough with that. They both knew exactly what they meant after all, and only time would tell if they would ever put actions behind their words. There was a rule Robyn always stuck to, no matter how smitten she was: Never appear too eager!

There were many people Robyn had met who envied the nobles and the privileges they had, but she herself, and as far as she knew most of the pack where not amongst those. They enjoyed the freedom that came with their lifestyle, and clashes like the one that had cost her her finger were far and few between. Most of the time, the boundaries were never crossed. The nobles were bored, so they needed distractions, and that was what the Raven Pack could provide. They were given good money or other things they needed to survive for it, but otherwise they answered to no one.
”Hear, hear!” Robyn cheered and raised her tankard again with a mischievous wink. “To being free like the wind! May it never end!”
Robyn gave a sound half between a snort and a chuckle when Gwaine voiced that comment about her beauty. Rhyming off her beauty? As if she wasn’t surrounded by such kinds of men every day, minstrels and all. She knew how that worked! Any other woman might be impressed or flattered by such words, but for Robyn it just smacked of… normality.

”That’s a good phrase”, she said examining him over the rim of her tankard, before she put it down. “Does it ever work, I wonder?”