Landon

[goodfellow]

In all honesty, Robin hadn't expected to see Landon again. One, because he'd long ago decided that it was easier to just assume he'd be disappointed rather than getting his hope up. And second, because he actually liked Landon, and well, that rarely worked out for him these days.

... oh also, the king had been murdered, and Robin was pretty preoccupied with making sure that his position here was secured. Fortunately he'd managed to meet Harry Hart very quickly, and found the man entirely reasonable, if a bit preoccupied. In any case, Robin didn't think he'd be kicked out or his head separated from his shoulders in the immediate future.

He was outside the castle, speaking with one of the guard, when suddenly he saw a familiar face. Looking surprised, he took his leave of the guard and approached Landon. "... well there you are," he said.

Comments

[landon_rivers]

"I'm afraid so, yes. He remains with his love though," Landon assured him.

[goodfellow]

"It seems like that would be quite a challenge for you," Robin said.

[landon_rivers]

"Yes, but until I learn if I will be paid what I hoped, I have few other options. ...And it would be nice to have a proper home. Something on land that is mine..." Landon noted.

[goodfellow]

"I can understand that," said Robin. "But you should... be careful of your heart. That's not trivial. As important as land."

[landon_rivers]

"I know, I just fear I can't afford to decline such an offer," Landon confessed.

[goodfellow]

It was on the tip of Robin's tongue to tell him that if it was just about money, he could always find money. But that was a ridiculous thing to offer.

So all he said was, "I'm sorry." And turned a corner towards the inn. "I can offer you the opportunity to not think about it for a while, at least," he said.

[landon_rivers]

"A very kind offer, I accept," Landon smiled softly, walking along with him.

[goodfellow]

Robin opened the door for him, into the inn - which seemed like the best spot for decent food and a drink both. Robin was also fond of Nyx. After spending the one night with him, he was content to see a friendly face occasionally. He also figured there was less chance anyone here would have problems with an elf.

"Have you been here?" Robin asked, as they sat at a table in the corner. "The food's good... there's an exceptionally hearty stew."

[landon_rivers]

"I have, a few times," Landon nodded, having tracked Alwyn down here once, having shared a meal with Jack, and being well aware it was where the missing prince had been hiding out- Something he'd turned a blind eye to over and over again. "It's a nice place, they sell good mead."

[goodfellow]

"Mead," Robin said fondly. "Perfect."

Sitting across from Landon, he put his elbows on the table and rested his head on his hands, looking at him. "I know it's been a rough week," he said. "But can you tell me something that made you happy?"

[landon_rivers]

Landon was quiet and thoughtful for a long moment, then smiled and nodded. "A friend of mine stopped by the other day with what was meant to be a gift for my retirement. A blanket his sister had made for me. It's lovely. I felt very cared for sleeping beneath it."

[goodfellow]

Robin smiled at him. "Perfect," he said. "Is it warm?"

[landon_rivers]

"And soft," Landon nodded. "What about you? What good things graced your week?"

[goodfellow]

Robin considered this for a moment, trying to genuinely think of flashes of good moments. "I stood in front of a man I thought might kill me and didn't flinch," he said. "I kissed a pretty girl in the rain. I drank most of a bottle of very good sweet wine while remembering something from my past."

[landon_rivers]

"Sounds like a busy week," Landon chuckled, nodding a bit. "I'm glad it had nice moments."

[goodfellow]

Robin smiled at him, just as the barmaid came over. "Two pints of mead," he said. "And I think... whatever the kitchen says is best tonight." He glanced at Landon to make sure he was okay with that. "And if Nyx is here tell him Robin says hello."

[landon_rivers]

Landon raised a brow at the mention of Nyx, but said nothing.

"Just mead is enough," he assured Robin. "I don't expect more than a drink."

[goodfellow]

"Aren't you hungry?" Robin asked. "Well. I'm hungry. Please, join me for a meal." He looked at the barmaid, and smiled. "Go along then, if he isn't hungry I may eat it all."

[landon_rivers]

Landon offered a small nod of thanks, but it was obvious that while he was grateful, he was also a bit uncomfortable accepting the meal.

[goodfellow]

Robin could tell he was uncomfortable, and finally said, "You came all this way to see me," he said. "It's fine, and... I'm not expecting anything in return. Okay?"

[landon_rivers]

Landon nodded, making himself relax a bit. He didn't want to be a damper on the mood just because he was feeling sorry for himself.

"I'm sorry, I don't mean to be awkward. I really was looking forward to spending time together again," he said.

[goodfellow]

“I’ve had many, many people but me meals in my life,” said Robin. “I assure you, I was only interested in seeing you again.”

[landon_rivers]

"I just have a strong desire to be independent, that's all," Landon assured him. "But I am glad we can spend this time together. I would like to know you better."

[goodfellow]

"Well you will find me quite like an onion," Robin said. Then grinned. "That I have layers. Not that I will make you cry."

[landon_rivers]

"What matters most to you in life?" Landon asked. "For me it's loyalty. Loyalty to my kin, my friends, my family..."