Fifty Shades Lighter

[Robin]

[OOC: Continued from "Fifty Shades of Green"...

This thread is taking place at the same time as Gretel and Salamanda's storyline, but since Robin and Serena are much further away from Wolfenden than Gretel and Salamanda, it's unlikely they will encounter each other unless rapid movement is made down the path in either direction by one set of characters at any point.]

*The long, cobbled path has been tread by various people as long as civilisation would care to remember, but the sections nearer Wolfenden certainly appear more worn. Where Robin currently is, it looks almost forgotten. Dirt tracks leading off to various places - he's just come from the Greenshades area, but he knows one leads to Holmgarth, several into various bits of the Forest, and goes on further than he'd care to consider. One day, he tells himself, one day I'll go down this path. Further than I've ever gone before. If it ends in Wolfenden, it must start somewhere. But today is not that day.

For Robin has just exited one of the dirt tracks and it standing once more on cobbled stone slightly rougher than the smooth, rounded ones nearer the town of Wolfenden. Robin scans the horizon with keen eyes, but can't make anything out through the haze on the horizon. For now, he'll just have to lead the way to Wolfenden down the path.*

Right... well... Wolfenden's this way. We'll have to see about finding you somewhere to stay now you're... well... free.

*He didn't want to say free, but he had no idea what else to say. Serena, his travelling companion, isn't listening anyway. Out in the sunlight, her blonde hair sparkles pleasantly in response to the sunlight, and the livery she wears - indicating her former status as a servant - may as well not bear the Count Brinkatore logo whatsoever, considering the surprising change in her attitudes since a good square meal in Warlock.*

I know of some places... there's the Wolf's Howl, and there's one called the Heifer; that might be an option. Uhm, there's this small place called the Gateway...

...and there's always the street. But don't say that.

Serena: "What's that way?"

*She hasn't been listening. She is, in fact, considering the same thing that Robin did... what is further away from Wolfenden?*

I... I'm afraid I don't know. Didn't you... didn't you want to go to Wolfenden?

Serena: "I wanted to go to your hut!"

Yes, well, that's... not really an option. Let's just get to a town. You might need to... to...

*And then a flash of inspiration hits him.*

...tell someone what's happened to the Brinkatore estate! Yes! There are these rumours floating around... you can tell Cossington. He's a librarian, of sorts; he'll be able to bring you up to speed on what's happening, and you can tell him what went on! That's why we need to go to Wolfenden... right?

*There are a few seconds' pause.*

Serena: "Okay!"

*She starts out down the path.*

Um, Serena...? It's this way...

*He also starts out down the path, in the opposite direction. Serena hurries along in his wake, grinning broadly.*

[Dinosaur Name]

*While Robin is talking, he doesn't appear to have noticed the slight rustle in the undergrowth by the side of the road. It would appear as if a bush is moving; trying to struggle, perhaps, out of the spot to which it is rooted, to become more than just a bush. That's unusual behaviour for plantlife, even in the Knightmare Realm. However, both Robin and Serena are too far away to notice this sort of thing.

Which suits Dinosaur Name perfectly. Since popping into existence completely unexpectedly with nothing to accompany him but random memories involving talking zebras and an asteroid in outer space with a farm on it, he has begun to realise his purpose in life. He is a dinosaur. He will bite people.*

Which, I think you'll agree, is a very good purpose for a dinosaur.

*Dinosaur Name looks around. The closest human he can detect happens to be the one whom he unwillingly accompanied when running from a crack in the ground which looked, from his angle, like the end of the world. He has no particular ill will towards Robin - he didn't like the girl he was with much, but he appears to be engaged in conversation with a different one now - nevertheless... if he's going to bite someone, it may as well be the muscular guy. And he can always run away, despite his stumpy little legs.*

Okay, now's as good a time as any. I'm certainly going to bite this guy. I can reach his shin if I jump high enough. It certainly is a good day to be a dinosa...

*Dinosaur Name has been toddling, with increased sense of purpose, towards his intended target for dental damage. Unfortunately, he's been so fixated on ways to avoid a well-placed kick that he's forgotten completely to notice the road on which he's travelling. Barely ten feet from where Robin and Serena are now strolling, his thoughts turn into a dumbfounded sense of confusion as he trips, falls, and instantly tumbles headfirst down a huge, dark hole in the middle of the path.

There was a sign that read ROAD UNSAFE... but he didn't notice that, either.*

[ModNote: Dinosaur Name is next seen in Dunshelm Ascending (formerly Arise).]

[Robin]

*Robin hasn't, of course, taken into account the fact that neither he nor Serena has any money in possession. Paying all he had for a meal and a flower was all well and good - it saves his having to forage for berries in the forest, and had the pleasant side-effect of lightening his costume somewhat - but although Rix Astor's food had a certain effect upon Serena, making her much better company for a while, Robin himself is uncertain, after a few moments of thought trudging down the path.*

I haven't got any money left. Neither has she. And, if neither of us have any money, then how are we going to rent a room somewhere in Wolfenden for her? I've already decided I don't want to have her in my hut, and I certainly don't want to leave her on the street.

*He reflects.*

And I certainly don't want to have to pawn any of my belongings. I doubt I'd get anything at all from Trusty Seldam, considering how I bought most of my stuff from him in the first place.

*As they come to the hole in the path, Robin pauses slightly. A memory of his journey down the hole - of dark, corridors, huge pits, falling rocks, rotating rooms and bats - leaps through his mind. He doesn't feel the need to revisit any of those again. Holding out a hand, he steadies his companion.*

Hang on...

*He picks up a stone from the side of the road and tosses it lightly. It touches the path next to the hole, which doesn't crumble away. Robin confidently puts his foot out to continue around it; however, a split-second later, another (heavier) stone suddenly appears right next to the one he threw. Instantly, the dust and dirt give way to make the hole into the Dungeon much bigger.*

What the...?

*He turns around to notice Serena standing in the "I've just thrown a rock" position.*

Right. So we're going to have to get across this.

Serena: "Couldn't we just jump?"

Probably, but I'm not going to risk it.

Serena: "Why not? What's the worst that could happen?"

Bats. But I'm not going to say that. We don't know how much of this path is hole, even it's not the whole path. Let's just go around it.

*He looks left and right. To his left is a wall of trees, beyond which the forest is thick enough to show a bit of danger. To the right is a field of long grass, which looks as if it may belong to a farmer - it's clearly lying fallow. That may be their best bet.

He indicates to the right and traipses off into the field, Serena scuttling along behind him.*

[Robin]

*Serena is giggling happily. It takes a while for Robin to realise that her legs are being tickled by the long grass, which his boots are preventing him from feeling. The thin material covering her legs clearly allow her more sensitivity in this department.*

You know, I could get used to this. I'm more used to danger and excitement, true - but nevertheless, THIS is not that bad. Peaceful. I quite like that.

*They reach the end of the field and veer back onto the path.*

[Robin]

Feb 13, 2014 23:50:06 GMT Salamanda said:

"A pleasure to meet you too, Señorita..."

*This is audible to Robin's keen hearing after a few moments of relative silence on the path (something uncharacteristic, he will admit, considering how talkative Serena was becoming; a quick glance back at her reveals her loping along with a faint smile on her face, apparently taking in all that this day has to offer. Robin will also admit that it's a pleasant day.

Not that the accent he's just heard is at all pleasant. Robin isn't much of a linguist, but he knows enough about voices to detect the fact that this is far removed from anything he's heard in these realms before. It also sounds like an untrustworthy voice, although Robin isn't sure whether that's to do with the oily quality the voice has or his natural mistrust for the unknown.

He also just travelled through underground worlds with the unknown, fought off hordes of demons to save a floating unknown, and is looking to find lodgings for another unknown, but he pushes that to the back of his mind right now.*

Hey... um... I think this path is occupied.

*He indicates the indistinct shapes in the distance that are Gretel and Salamanda. Robin isn't averse to a little company, but there's only so many new faces he can take in for one day. And he doesn't really like massive amounts of unknown accents. While he's thinking all this, he will also concede that the path being occupied isn't a new thing. It's used by travellers and traffic a lot. But there's no actual traffic right now. He'd been enjoying the path's emptiness.*

Serena: "So what? I'm sure we're allowed to walk past someone."

Okay, well, good point, let's try...

And hope that neither figure cares to trade words or fisticuffs with two who may well look out of place right here and now, he thinks to himself.

[Salamanda]

(OOC: for convenience's sake this post is taking place at a point where Gretel has told Salamander her name.)


*Salamanda looked up from his conversation with Gretel noticing the two new approaching 'potential' customers.*


"Ahhh do please excuse a me Senorita Gretel, but it look a like The Great Salamanda he has other possible customers. Do please how you say...pursue my wears while I see to this a gentleman and a young lady."


*Gretel smiled and did indeed start looking over Salamanda's stock. Salamanda meanwhile stepped slightly more out into the Path and began his sales pitch.*


"Saludos Senor and Senora. Tis a Beautiful day no? Perhaps you would like to have a look at a trader's how you call it...a Merchandise perhaps you find something that catch a your eye? Maybe senor some fragrant arabic perfume or some persian silk for your lady freind? Or how about some of the finest arrow heads this side of the Angar rift, as I see from your clothes you are a man of the forest yes."

[Robin]

*Robin and Serena continue down the path and...*

Mar 31, 2014 18:57:22 GMT Salamanda said:

Saludos, Señor and Señora. 'Tis a Beautiful day, no? Perhaps you would like to have a look at a trader's... how you call it...a Merchandise! Perhaps you find something that catch-a your eye?

*The trader's sudden, uninterrupted repartee would be alarming to a less seasoned traveller. Robin doesn't like it, nor does he like the tone in Salamanda's voice. Serena, although Robin can't speak for her, immediately lapses into silence. For a moment, she seems to be (for the while, at least) the scared little girl he found in the ruins again. Robin puts this down to her meeting an unfamiliar face... wait, two unfamiliar faces. He hadn't paid much attention to the girl this trader was with, but now he looks at her, she seems vaguely familiar to him.*

If this is how she acts when we meet someone new, how am I going to get her to talk to anyone in Wolfenden?

Mar 31, 2014 18:57:22 GMT Salamanda said:

Maybe, Señor, some fragrant Arabic perfume or some Persian silk for your ladyfriend?

Oh no, she's not my ladyfri...

Mar 31, 2014 18:57:22 GMT Salamanda said:

Or how about some of the finest arrow heads this side of the Angar Rift, as I see from your clothes you are a man of the forest, yes?

Well, yes I am, but I already have some arrows. You know, we're quite busy...

...and we don't have any money, but I'm not sure he'd like that information. I don't think this guy accepts flowers, to be fair...

...so could we, uhm... could we just get past, please?

*Serena vigorously nods, from a distance.*

[Salamanda]

*Salamanda smiles and shrugs*

"As a you a wish Senor..."


*He says stepping slightly to one side*


"The Great Salamanda he no wishes to inconvenience you."


*Salamanda subtly scrutinises Robin....*


"Mmmmmmm" *he thinks to himself* "I think that this is a that woodsman that my benefactor Lord Fear, tell me about...but just to be a sure."


*Out loud*


"Excuse a me a senor but would I be right in a thinking that your are the one they call Robin?"

[Robin]

*Robin has started to lead the way past Salamanda with a courteous nod. He gives a small start when he hears his own name; it is a hesitation, perhaps, for a fraction of a second, but he instinctively knows that it's that fraction of a second too long.

He may not be particularly trustful of Salamanda, but then again, that may be because he didn't like the accent much. Whether or not he wants Salamanda knowing his name is of no question now - his reaction is as good as a confession.

It may as well be time to say yes.*

Serena: "Ye..."

*Robin turns around and jumps over Serena's bright speech.*

Yes, it is. I am Robin. I'm probably not the only one, but that is my name. It's been my name for... you know, a long time. Why do you ask?

Well, that didn't go too badly.

[Salamanda]

*Salamanda smiled, it was an oily duplicitous smile*


"Ahhh I thought so, just a friend of mine he talk to me about a Woodsman called Robin. He say you make a quite an impression on him with your how you say....deeds."

[Robin]

*Robin hadn't been expecting this - he had been expecting a confrontation. It's not often he meets a fan; this naturally makes him suspicious. Something about the smile isn't right. But he just can't help returning one - he does love a bit of attention*

Well, my deeds are somewhat exciting. Do tell me more?

[Robin]

Serena: "You rescued me. Why don't you tell me more?"

I wasn't asking you. *But he can't say that. It would be rude to his travelling companion. Serena, he notices, has developed a rather sudden assumption that nearly everything that is said is being said to her, even if Robin is in discussion with a trader who uses a very unusual voice.*

I think you'll find that you rescued yourself! All I did was buy you scrapings and goat's milk. I suppose I did use up all my money. Now...

*He turns back to the trader, but Salamanda appears incredibly distracted, fussing over the maid Gretel, as opposed to answering Robin's question, to which Serena provided an answer instead. It's not clear why Salamanda appears to be uncomfortable - although maybe that's how Robin assumes him to look. It occurs to him after a few seconds that he did let slip (out loud) that he has no money in his possession, which may not make him the best of company for somebody wishing to trade.

He listens for a while to what Salamanda may be saying to Gretel, but it's unintelligible.*

Now may be the time to slip away. I don't want to buy or sell, and even if I did, I'd prefer to do it on my own. I have company.

*He begins a brisk walk off the path towards Wolfenden itself, and doesn't look back. After a while, the patter of the trader has faded into the distance.*

[Robin]

Serena: "Sooooo... what do we do now?"

*Robin thinks.*

I suppose we should just try and get you bed and board. Wolfenden's the best place to do that, really.

*He isn't overly confident about that, but he already wasn't keen on showing her his own house, and besides, he still needs to find out what happens to a Brinkatore servant once "they" - whoever "they" are - find out she's alive. He is, for the main part, glad the trader with the odd voice didn't venture to ask anything about her. Robin's fame - if you could call it fame - has its perks.*

Not that I could pay for a room for her - all I've got is a flower. And weaponry. But I'm not trading them.

Serena: "Well, we'd better hurry up! I'm getting tired and it's also getting late!"

*She's right. Robin hadn't noticed yet, but there's a slight chill in the air and the sky is dimming from blue to... well, still blue, but a darker shade thereof. Before dusk hits, they had better get to Wolfenden. He doesn't fancy dealing with the night watchman. If there is a night watchman, that is. He hadn't considered that before now.*

Agreed. On we go, as they say?

*And they tread what's left of the path to the town itself.*

[OOC: On we go...]