storybroken | [event: flashback]

Entry tags:

!flashback

[event: flashback]

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.

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You'd be surprised how much he can... or can't... hold.

[James shoots him an amused, semi-disbelieving look.]

How much can't he hold?

It's better to see for yourself. [ That said, Robin finally removes his bow and quiver, setting them aside with another man as they pass with a friendly word. He turns back to the prince. ] I'm afraid our own stocks likely won't match up to the royal quality.

I'm sure it can't be any worse than some of what I've tasted in the taverns on my way here.

[ Robin just grins in response. ]

That bad?

[James grimaces, making a bit of an exaggerated face.]

Given who you choose to steal from, it's got to be better.

Maybe you haven't heard, but we tend to give away most of the good stuff.

Even the dregs would be an improvement.

[ James earns some laughter from Robin. ]

In that case, I suppose you'll have your fill of our dregs.

If I recall, you also said I'd get your hospitality. I'm not sure if your dregs count as that.

[But he's grinning while he says it, clearly more of a tease than a complain.]

We all have the dregs. [ He raises a pointed brow. He's not going to give you special treatment, James, in either direction. Hospitality is the same as a form of equality, as far as he's concerned. ]

[He's not looking for 'special' treatment. You can't blame him for half-expecting to be tricked with something as awful as they can muster.]

At least in that we will be on equal grounds.

[ Robin's a sore loser, but he's not cruel. He doesn't intend to be very forceful in changing James' opinion, however, perfectly content to let the man draw his own conclusions. ]

Here, we're almost there.

[ As if on cue, there's a small chorus of greetings where a large group of men, the largest group they've seen thus far, huddle around a fire with large cups (or sturdy facsimiles thereof) at various states of fullness. Off behind them, hidden in the darkness, is a cart weighed down by two large barrels turned on their side. ]

[James nods at the men, his eyes scanning them with interest and just a bit of wariness, his hand instinctively on his sword. He follows Robin while the man finds a seat, taking one at Robin's indication--a bit gingerly, given he's in the company of such strangers. The fact that Robin vanishes for a few moments didn't help the prince's nerves, but he still manages a sincere enough smile at those looking at him.]

[ Robin returns only a moment later, not long enough for the men to do much more than greet James with varying forms of respect (though none really take Robin's tact and go for derogatory). A mug appears in front of James' face as Robin sits down next to him, a grin apparent. ]

Relax.

[James lifts an eyebrow and accepts the mug, though not without a wry little twist of his lips. He speaks teasingly, only half serious. Half.]

Easy for you to say. For all I know you're going to get me blind drunk and dump me back on the path without even the clothes on my back.

Now there's an idea.

[ Robin smirks into his mug as he takes a large swig. Relax, James. This bandit, at the least, has no intention to set you out on your way 'til morning. (He's still trying to think of a way to come out on top in their competition, you see.) ]

[James just throws him an amused Look and takes a swig himself. He doesn't choke or cough, but he does grimace a bit as he swallows.]

You're right; they're dregs.

[And then he grins a bit.]

But still better than what I've had at many of the taverns around here.

Think for a moment why that might be.

[ His expression is mild, but there's a glint of something serious and extremely intent in his eyes. The request is genuine. ]

[James takes a breath as he realises what he said, and then lets it out as a rueful huff, looking down into his cup.]

This may surprise you, but we're not ... unaware of how matters stand here. It's one of the reasons I chose to travel through the kingdom. Prince John extended overtures and ... well, I wanted to be certain Prince John is a regent we would want to deal with before my father entered into any negotiations.

[He glances up and away, gaze travelling over the men around them. He's speaking quietly enough, just to Robin, and the men are too busy chatting and laughing with one another to listen. So many of these men, hale and from what he's heard honourable; men who serve the people because their prince refuses to.]

From what I've seen and heard, I'm not very encouraged.

Don't be. Don't be in the slightest, Your Highness.

[ He'll allow the proper terminology now, as it's appropriate and comes almost naturally. Robin served with the King during the war; even if he's enemies with Prince John, that doesn't mean he's without respect for all nobility. Just the ones he hasn't had the chance to trust personally. ]

Prince John wishes for his father's place on the throne and lavishes himself in the comfort of his peoples' suffering. The sheriff is no better, begging at his master's feet for the scraps — scraps that are ten times better than what Nottingham's people are left to take. If your kingdom were to ally with him, then you'd be making a very unwise choice.

[The title does lend weight to the seriousness of the situation, and James turns to give Robin his full attention, his brow slightly furrowed as he listens.]

I've met such men before.

[He sighs, glancing out at the trees.]

Just not usually in such a prominent position. Of course, my father isn't likely to take the word of outlaws.

[The look he throws Robin then is ironic, but it makes it clear that while the king might not, James isn't above taking what knowledge Robin gives him under consideration.]

[ His lips quirk, a sardonic twist. In the firelight and darkness, Robin looks older than his twenty years would suggest. ]

Ironic, but I knew taking this position meant losing the weight of my words where it counted. [ He shakes his head, taking another long drink. ] Thankfully, this is the time for action, not words.

Perhaps. Perhaps not. Often actions alone speak loudly enough.

[And if all that James has heard is true, Robin's actions will speak loudly indeed. The prince hasn't seen enough to make a firm judgement yet--he'll need to meet with Prince John himself for that--but he does know which way his instincts are beginning to lean. And they're not with Prince John.

[Which is why he ends his words with a soft, sincere smile in Robin's direction before taking another mouthful of his drink.]

[ Robin's smile expands into something more jovial. That sounds like the best he's going to get out of the prince's favor for now, and there's nothing left to do but let the night pass. ]

Speaking of actions... we still haven't figured a way to deal with our little tie.

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