[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 >: ).

Remember, everyone, play nice and have fun.

Comments

[pettythief]

[ Unfortunately, Robin was fulling expecting to remain more or less anonymous... so he gives James a very searching look for the retort. It's caught halfway between amusement (oh, come on, it was a good comeback!) and unsettled. He turns forward to watch the path before he speaks. ]

I'm just a man, like all of the rest here. No Earls in this group, that's for sure. You, on the other hand, are certainly His Majesty, the Insufferable.

[ultimateleatherarmour]

Why? Why aren't I 'just' a man also, if you're not an earl?

[Half a demand, half plaintive. Then he lifts an eyebrow, his mouth tilting ironically.]

And what would I have been if I had won?

[pettythief]

[ That earns a very flat look, James. It's not the same situation at all. ] Did your father disown you when I wasn't looking?

Well, we'll never know, will we? [ He musters a cocky smile for that one. ]

[ultimateleatherarmour]

Did yours?

[It sounds like the same situation, other than the difference in rank.]

[pettythief]

[ Robin laughs, then shakes his head. ]

No. You misunderstand. Never mind, we've arrived.

[ He nods up toward the bundle of trees connected by makeshift fences, a very crude facsimile of a stable. There were a handful of horses milling about, several asleep at this time of night. Robin steps aside to circle Penelope somewhere comfortable before he starts taking care to remove the saddle, the reigns, brush her down. For him, the conversation is over. ]

[ultimateleatherarmour]

[James shoots him a puzzled look, but nonetheless steps his gelding around so he can still speak easily enough to Robin if necessary. The prince hesitates a bit but then unbuckles his scabbard and arm-guards and lays them aside, rolling up his sleeves before removing his horse's tack.

[He has to hunt a bit to find the brushes, but soon enough he's settling down to groom the gelding. At first he remains quiet, but then speaks up.]

So what is the truth of how you came to be here, then? I've heard a lot of speculation, but gossips are only vaguely related to the truth.

[pettythief]

That's just the way I like it, James. What have you heard? I mean—which story is your favorite?

[ultimateleatherarmour]

Tell me the truth and I'll tell you my favourite.

[pettythief]

[ Shaking his head, Robin laughs. ]

No deal. I have to keep my air of mystery about me, you understand.

[ultimateleatherarmour]

Oh, really?

[James peeks around his gelding's neck so only his eyes can be seen, gleaming with mischief.]

You just look like a sore loser to me.

[pettythief]

[ Robin sneers, somewhere between genuine and playing along. Rub it in, James, because Robin's determined not to let you win anything further. ]

What was that, Your Lowness?

[ultimateleatherarmour]

There isn't much mystery to a child who pouts at a loss, little redbird.

[pettythief]

That so? You're pretty dogged for a man who's supposedly not after a bone.

[ultimateleatherarmour]

I gnaw on the bones I find along the way.

[pettythief]

Then you won't need this one, will you?

[ultimateleatherarmour]

But it's the tastiest one I've ever found.

[pettythief]

I'm sure you'll survive without it. Nobody likes a glutton, anyway.

[ultimateleatherarmour]

I have a habit of fighting for things that interest me.

[pettythief]

Don't wear yourself out with that. You still have a return trip tomorrow.

[ultimateleatherarmour]

I'm out here for the adventure to begin with. Where would it be if I left so easily?

[pettythief]

In some other adventure, maybe? Trust me, you don't want to get caught up in mine, O Royal Thrillseeker.

[ultimateleatherarmour]

Oh, why? Are you just not interesting enough?

[pettythief]

More like I'm too interesting.

[ultimateleatherarmour]

That isn't helping to drive me off.

[pettythief]

Eh, it's not supposed to. That's what common sense is for.