[ event: Flashback ]

[clocktowering]

Once upon a time, the people of Storybrooke were once the characters from the fairy tales we all grew up with. Then the curse hit and everyone was trapped without their memories in the town we know quite well already.

We all know that story, of course, but what about before the curse? Well, that's where this post comes in. There are untold stories from before the curse that we would like to investigate and these flashbacks posts are where you tell them. Post with your character (with a location or plot idea if you wish) and tag others, as long as they are in their fairy tale forms (sorry Henry and Emma players). We ask that you warn for spoilers in your subject line if you intend to use knowledge gained from tonight's episode in your scenario. Thank you!

Remember, everyone, play nice and have fun.

Comments

[maidfromashes.livejournal.com]

It's been a long time since I've seen you at an event like this, my lord.

[Have a teasing voice behind you, 'Robert'. Teasing, but at the same time there is an undercurrent of 'you had damn well better answer and make it good'. Because Marian knows you, Robin, and if you don't have a good reason for being at a party in another kingdom ...]

[pettythief]

Lady Clorinda. [ He turns and affords a smile, edged with an understanding that he's been caught at something regular ol' Robin Hood would never have been caught doing. Robin of Loxley, on the other hand... ] Please, call me Robert. I'm afraid this visit is more business than pleasure.

[ His trust in her is enough to let her know that he isn't just fooling around for the sake of it, that this isn't something he would fool around with for the sake of it. ]

[maidfromashes.livejournal.com]

You're mistaking me for someone else, Robert. Marian.

[She holds out her hand for him to take and kiss, but the way she tilts her head and the faint smile says his cues have been recognised. He's here undercover, then. On 'business'.]

What business do you have in Lakesee?

[pettythief]

My apologies, Marian. [ He takes the hand gratefully, giving her a gentle kiss on the back of it. His grip lingers, then he slips his hand away. ] A friend of mine needed aid in relocating property that has gone missing.

[maidfromashes.livejournal.com]

[She squeezes his hand back lightly before he pulls it away.]

Really? A friend? I didn't know you had any friends from Lakesee.

[Her mouth quirks and she pointedly casts an eye around the floor, but then her gaze comes back to him and she holds out her hands again.]

You've been rude, Robert. Not even asking the lady for a dance.

[They'll be able to talk more privately while dancing.]

[pettythief]

I've only recently met him. Perhaps I'll introduce you later.

[ His lips curve upward, amused and genuinely pleased. Even if it's just so they can talk, he does always enjoy dancing with Marian. ]

How careless of me. Lady Marian, would you care for a dance? [ Now it's his turn to hold a hand out. ]

[maidfromashes.livejournal.com]

[She takes his hand with a smile equal to his own and lets him guide her toward the dance area.]

I thought you'd never ask. And you had better introduce us.

[She's curious to know just who Robin would risk coming here for; he's just lucky Prince John chose to send her as his representative instead of coming himself.]

[pettythief]

[ They start slow, which gives him opportunity to speak, voice low and only for their own ears. ]

I'm surprised you haven't met him, Marian. He is, after all, our host.

[maidfromashes.livejournal.com]

[This close, she doesn't need to keep up her semi-facade of being the perfect noblewoman. Of course, that doesn't mean she's not going to enjoy the dance at the same time. Still, her eyebrows shoot up at his words, though she keeps her voice low as his without being suspiciously so.]

Prince James? When did you meet him?

[pettythief]

He visited the Sherwood several weeks ago. [ He pulls back enough to give her a knowing smile. ] You can guess how it went.

[maidfromashes.livejournal.com]

[Marian laughs quietly, throwing her head back a bit in genuine amusement.]

A prince in your band? You didn't do a good job of scaring him off, if he's asking you for favours.

[pettythief]

[ He rolls his eyes. ]

He's not in anything. We just... crossed paths. I figure that this way, he may owe us in the future. Who knows when that might come in handy?

[maidfromashes.livejournal.com]

You must have done more than just 'cross paths' if you're exchanging debts.

[Still grinning.]

You need to tell me that story.

[pettythief]

Perhaps another time. This dance is just too short to share it without losing all the details.

[maidfromashes.livejournal.com]

The answer to that is to have another dance.

[She says it teasingly but her smile is oddly tender, and though the music draws to a close it's clear she has no intention of leaving the dance floor just yet.]

[pettythief]

[ Robin grins at the idea, and doesn't attempt to move off the dance floor, either. He keeps an eye out for the one he's supposed to be looking for, but it seems the mark is busy socializing. It can wait for another dance or so. ]

If that is what the lady wishes... that is what the lady shall have.

[maidfromashes.livejournal.com]

Good. Because what I wish is a dance.

[Marian grins, stepping back to curtsey as the music ends, and then in again for the beginning of the next dance.]

Now start from the beginning.

[pettythief]

[ He bows the same, then takes her in his arms. With an exaggerated sigh, he begins the retelling. ]

It was a day, same as any other. We were planning to... discuss business with anyone who passed by on the usual road...

[maidfromashes.livejournal.com]

['Discuss business'; of course. Marian listens with amusement, laughing when she hears how they drew in their contests, how they had a drinking competition, Will's treatment of the poor prince.]

It's amazing he even still likes you after all you and Scarlet put him through.

[pettythief]

Who said he still likes us? [ Robin grins teasingly. ]

[maidfromashes.livejournal.com]

[She lifts her eyebrow mockingly, a smirk hovering on the corners of her mouth.]

True. I can't imagine why anyone would.

[pettythief]

It's only a working relationship, I'm sure. [ He rolls his eyes, humor never leaving the gaze. ] I'll be the first to admit me and my crew are difficult to work with.

[maidfromashes.livejournal.com]

Who are you and what have you done with my Robin?

[pettythief]

As I said before... [ He gives a large grin. ] My name is Robert, milady.

[maidfromashes.livejournal.com]

[Her smile is a mixture of plain amusement, mischief and exasperation.]

Obviously I'm dancing with the wrong person. You're a cad for misleading me, sir.