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). 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.

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[ Robin wears it naturally, if only because he forces himself to be comfortable in the clothing. It helps that he spent the majority of his life in such situations, though many of his later formative years were spent away from it all. It's like being caught in a strange middle-world. ]

I'm not sure if that's for or against your husband-wife's ability to throw parties. Usually you want them to stay the whole night, not get kicked out early.

[Will, despite his insistence that Robin act an earl, didn't want to really be seen as an earl's son, mostly for the fact he's still wanted for the murder of his father's steward and he just found himself more comfortable as a poor bandit-knight than the position he was born into. He is glad that they had found a red outfit for him to wear for the ball.]

My husband thinks it's a successful party when everything's gone to hell and he has to get everyone kicked out before his father's castle is ruined, so you may take that as you will. [He then frowns and looks at his uncle-cousin in annoyance.] And I do wish you would stop calling him that. Speaking of husbands and wife, how is your dear maid Marian? Have you asked for her hand in marriage yet?

[ Contrasting to Will's red, Robin's own outfit is a nice combination of greens, golds and whites. Something appropriate for "Robert's" station and quite like the sorts of things young Robin used to wear. His cousin's scarlet outfit brings back even more memories; maybe that's what makes it easier to pretend he's something that he has long since forsaken.

His mouth opens to reply flippantly to the request, then it snaps shut as Will continues. He takes a deep breath, face suddenly a little red, and gives Will a sour look. ]

You know that I haven't. Frankly, it's none of your concern.

It's my concern when it involves you, uncle. I only wish what's best for you and your future, especially after King Richard returns and takes his kingdom back.

Our future isn't nearly as important as our present. [ He shrugs. ] Right now I'm doing what's best for all of us. ... well, we're doing somebody a favor right now, but you know what I mean.

Despite your beliefs, the future is just as important as the present. What hope would we have if not for the prospect of the the future laying ahead in our path? [He smiles in an amused fashion.] I know exactly what you mean. It is your job to focus on the present, but allow me to continue to focus on the future in your stead. I am quite good at it.

If this includes telling me to go get married, I think you may need to start looking in other directions too, Gamwell.

[Fortunately, or unfortunately, James chooses that moment to intercept them. He's looking just a bit frazzled, but his smile as he bows is relieved, even though he addresses them both as if they're strangers.]

My lords. Thank you for coming.

[Of course, his bow is just a little bit deeper than it should be. He's still getting used to that. And while most of the nobles there would pass off any foibles as him being humble or having neglected his teachings for swordsmanship, the observant will notice that he in fact seems extremely uncomfortable--and his slip-ups are rather consistent.]

[Will doesn't get the chance to snap at Robin in response to that thanks to James' arrival, so he just smiles and bows politely to the prince, taking off his red hat has he bows, placing the hat back on when he stands. He notices something off with the bow, but he acts like he didn't notice it.]

We're honored that you extended an invitation to us. May I introduce you my esteemed uncle, the Earl of Huntington? I would not be surprised if you two had some common interests.

[And it's very noticeable that Will chose to deliberately not introduce himself to James.]

[ Robin returns the bow, almost showing off in his gracefulness. It's more of a way for James to learn from if he pays attention... and if not, then it's just another piece of evidence to Will that he doesn't need to act like an earl if he already knows how. ]

My name is Robert, Your Highness. This is my nephew, Gamwell, who has decided to accompany me. He seems to fear I would get lonely if I came by myself.

[ Sorry, Will. The lack of proper introduction only serves to give Robin the perfect chance to do it himself. ]

[James is a bit too distracted to really pay attention to that kind of thing, Robin. Luckily for Will, he's also too distracted to really care about the name; instead he turns to indicate the rest of the guests with his gaze--a gaze that seems tight and strangely on the edge.]

That seems unlikely. I wasn't ... quite expecting so many people to attend.

[Will is quite good at noticing little things being off about James' whole demeanor and he honestly cannot help but point it out.]

It's a time to celebrate, what with your upcoming marriage. Are you uncomfortable, Your Highness?

You sent out an invite. It would be silly to assume nobody would attend. [ Robin tilts his head, considering James for quite a long moment, almost too long. ] Gamwell is right. You seem nervous.

[ This would be funny were it not painful in its irony. ]

Nervous?

[He blinks at them, half startled, half worried.]

Why--why would I be nervous?

[He needs a drink. He beckons to one of the servants and automatically picks up a glass for each of his companions, handing them over, before taking one himself--this instead of merely waving the servant on to offer the tray to them herself.]

[Will takes the glass given to him and studies James calmly in his way that he does when he's gathering information. Be very afraid, James. Thankfully, he doesn't speak until the servant's left, and when he does he's speaking softly so no one besides James and Robin can here.]

There could be any number of reasons why you're nervous, but I believe it may have something to do with either the party or possibly you hiding something.

Surely nothing to do with the reason for our invitations. [ Robin sips at the offered wine, his eyes narrowed in consideration. His voice remains as low as his nephew's, lips beginning to quirk sarcastically. ] Right?

[Now James is focussing on them, looking a bit like a deer in the torchlight. Then he shakes his head, draws in a breath and seems to gather his composure somewhat.]

I'm just not ... quite used to parties such as this. That's all, truly.

[He manages a smile, but it's a weak one, a guarded one.]

[There isn't much of a response from Will at first, who had decided to drink some of the wine from his glass, glancing around calmly as he doesn't.]

Do remember that we're on your side if you ever need to share something, princeling. We are your friends and allies, after all.

You're not used to grand balls.

[ Robin snorts, hiding it in the wineglass. He says nothing to contradict Will's statement, however, and even smiles and nods along in agreement. Their completely-unlikely friendship is just all the more reason for him to tease James. ]

I--

[James blinks, at first startled by the assertion, but then finding it necessary to swallow a bit to keep his composure. Will wasn't exactly the type for sentimentalities; a statement like that meant a lot from him. The prince takes a deep breath and manages a smile, this one strangely sincere and free compared to the others.]

I heard you enjoy artwork, Lord Gamwell. There are some magnificent tapestries in the antechamber; would you like to see them? Your uncle is welcome to join us, of course.

[The antechamber, not far enough from the ballroom for the king to claim James is neglecting his other guests, but private enough for a ... chat. This is probably an awful idea, but Will's remark had hit home. James had kept this secret for what already felt like forever. He doesn't want to keep it from friends.]

[Will knows what James is getting at and glances at Robin to have him play along, knowing his uncle is smart enough to pick up on it. He takes a sip from his drink before he responds with a slight smile.]

Why I would love to see these tapestries, Your Highness. If my esteemed uncle does not have important business to attend to, I am sure he would love to join us. Isn't that right, Uncle?

[ No signal is even necessary. Robin's own curiosity lends quite well to the hints James is dropping; if Will hadn't started it, Robin would have. ]

Why, I've been known to appreciate a few good tapestries in my day. Let's take the prince up on his offer, Nephew.

[James's smile is just a tad too relieved and he sets his wine-glass down, raising his arm toward the door as if gesturing for them to precede him.]

This way.

[Then he realises what he did and lets his arm drop, moving to lead them instead. The antechamber really is that--just off the ballroom, out of the way enough that it's private. The room is round with a couple of windows looking outward, some comfortable chairs, and some beautiful tapestries on the walls. James strides right in to the opposite wall and stops at the farthest tapestry, taking a deep breath. His skin was buzzing with adrenaline; his fingers even tremble with it, and he closed them in a fist. They can't close the door because that would be suspicious, but they should still keep an eye on it.]

Someone should stay by the door to make sure no one comes close enough to overhear.

[The mixups are making Will somewhat confused, but he follows James to the antechamber, wearing an expression of vague interest as they move to the tapestry. Once they're there though, he seems to ignore it all together for paranoia mode activating and Will looks very much on his guard.]

I will stay by the door. I'm sure you wish for my uncle to hear what you say more than I.

[ It's all rather strange, and a lesser man would have been outright disoriented by the misconduct. Robin simply sees it as a challenge, a curiosity (an unknown factor, something to be secretly suspicious and wary over) and keeps pace with the prince. What are you hiding, James?

There's no hesitation in his movements when Will volunteers to stay by the door. Robin expects it; his nephew is far too cautious (and, dare he say, paranoid) to not be the one to keep an eye out. This is how their team works. Will keeps overt watch, Robin focuses on the problems at hand, and Little John often acts as the barrier in between. None of them let their guard down, it's just in differing places and to varying degrees. ]

Gamwell must have seen copies of these somewhere back home. [ He shakes his head, allowing for the charade to drop a few notches. ] Why don't you tell me what's on your mind, Your Majesty?

[ event: Flashback ]

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