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]

"Not me," Landon admitted. "I've never had the head for it, and power holds no appeal."

[goodfellow]

"Power is overrates," Robin agreed. "It makes you too much of a target, for one." He smiled. "My survival instincts are too good for that."

[landon_rivers]

Landon nodded in agreement, rubbing his face and resting his chin in his pal as he leaned on the table.

"It makes me miss the village. It was simple there. Peaceful. Have you ever spent time in an elven village?"

[goodfellow]

"Only passed through," Robin said. "May years ago. Tell me about yours?"

[landon_rivers]

"It's small, far north in the fae lands. There's not much to do, but it's beautiful. There are gardens everywhere, fruit, vegetables, flowers... Everything. The buildings aren't grand, but the wood work is intricate, carefully crafted..."

He spoke at length about the beauty of his home, how the trees kept it shady and cool all summer long...

"You should come sometime. It's a place like no other in the realm."

[goodfellow]

It actually was very nice, how Landon talked about his home. Robin listened, and then teased, "This date must be going better than I thought, if you want to take me home already." But then teased, "But seriously, it sounds lovely."

[landon_rivers]

Landon wasn't one to get flustered, but he went a bit pink at that.

"I just- I think... I just think it's a special place, and you seem like you might enjoy it," he said.

[goodfellow]

"I'm sorry, I'm only teasing," said Robin. "It really does sound lovely. I'd like to visit someday."

[landon_rivers]

Landon was silent for a moment, then said. "I would be pleased to take you."

[goodfellow]

Robin smiled gently, then reached across the table to brush his fingers against Landon's hand. "You don't think your kin would find a puck objectionable?"

[landon_rivers]

"Possibly," Landon admitted. "But you would be my guest. ...They would respect that. I'd like to think my kin are warm and kind."

Though he knew they could be anything but sometimes.

[goodfellow]

Certainly more than Robin could say for his.

Robin's fingers slid over Landon's as he pulled his hand away. "I am always interested in exploring new places and meeting new people."

[landon_rivers]

"Truly?" Landon asked, smiling at that. "Do you travel much then?"

[goodfellow]

"I do," said Robin. "There hasn't really been a particular place I've called home in quite some time."

[landon_rivers]

"That sounds lonely," Landon noted. "While I wasn't always at ease there, I did consider the castle my home. My fellow guards my family..."

[goodfellow]

Robin looked at him for a moment, and then quirked one side of his mouth up ever so slightly. "You must have figured out by now that lonely is practically my defining feature."

[landon_rivers]

"But are you lonely by choice, or by fate?" Landon asked gently. "I am lonely too, but- I chose this. I wanted to be a guard, I knew what I was giving up to be one, and now that I've left that life I fear it's not so easy to welcome people near again."

Even Jack, who he'd taken to right away- He kept the man at a distance.

[goodfellow]

"It's hard to say by now," Robin admitted. "Though does it really matter? It is what it is, I suppose. You though, you seem like someone who shouldn't be lonely."

[landon_rivers]

"Do I?" Landon asked. "I've always been one to keep my own company though. I'm not exactly good at making connections. I'd like to think I have a good heart, one with room to hold others, but I also- I don't like being surprised or caught off-guard. I'm not always receptive to impulsive behaviour. I like order and structure, and that sometimes leaves little space for others," he admitted.

[goodfellow]

Robin considered this for a moment and then said lightly, "I'm afraid I can be somewhat impulsive."

Though not for the first time he was wondering why Landon seemed to like him, since he wasn't sure he was... his type.

[landon_rivers]

"I've gathered as much," Landon replied with a faint smile and a nervous laugh. "I'll not lie and pretend it doesn't put me a bit on edge, but- You're nice to speak with too. When you listen I feel like you are truly listening. Does that make sense?" he asked, unsure if he was expressing himself properly.

[goodfellow]

"No, that... I mean, yes that makes sense. And I'm glad you feel that way, because I am. Listening." He shrugged, looking a little embarrassed.

[landon_rivers]

"It is nice to be heard," Landon said softly. "And I hope you know you have my ear as well."

[goodfellow]

"I might talk it off if you let me," Robin teased, just as the barmaid returned with their food.

[landon_rivers]

"I wouldn't mind,' Landon assured him, offering a polite nod when the food arrived. "I like to listen," he admitted once they were alone again.