Robyn Moonsong

Carpe diem.

[nordicsublime]

Tulips in the grass. Evening sun.

[robyn-moonsong]

The Storm || Robyn & Robin

[robyn-moonsong]

Robyn raptly listened to the few words his companion offered. Robin still didn't look as healthy, but he was getting there. Remembering his time as Oberon's jester brought a chill to his spine.

He attempted a light-hearted chuckle.

"Oh I am as far as I can be from Roheim. Luckily the Silverbone-Crow wedding kept me occupied. And I recently fell further out of grace with my father, not wanting to marry some pompous Unseelie lady. Can't imagine he is sorry to see my back. But yes, I did not wish to remain in Belladonna. It seems were both running away from our personal ghosts."

He tapped lightly on the wood of the table, a remnant of a melody he once composed.

"Inns, of course. And a friend? That is good to hear. That there are still those who do not shy away from kindness. I will not push the subject, of course - I know you are in a precarious position. But trust me when I say that you will always be welcome in my home, wherever I decide to make it."

He still struggled to believe his former friend was in front of him. Life was so rapidly changing for all of them; much too fast for their long lifespans.

"I might have found a student," he continued, plastering a smile. To be true, it was easy enough to think of Hawk and smile. "She is a human, and one of fluttering interests, but she seemed eager enough. So I might actually do something worthwhile in this life."

Even as he rejoiced at the prospect, selfdeprecation crept into his voice. He was not nearly as broken as the robin across the table, but he had his own share of pain. The memory of the beating was fleeting slowly, but the fear of his former master remained.

"To be completely honest, I do not know if Wisteria was the smartest place to stay at - but I am done hiding."

The last part was said in a low, resolved voice. He fought his own flood of memories; memories that came back more acute and violent since the beating. He squared his jaw, hoping to go back to the relaxed disposition he was so used to. He tried to turn the subject back.

"I would very much like for us to stay in contact. I know I was a bad friend, but I want to amend it. And you and your mysterious friend are both welcome when I settle in. Albeit it will be a lot less grandious than the Moonsong residence, as I am working with a much smaller budget. Father pretty much have up on me at this point."

He offered a small, mocking smile, as if to show his own father's disapproval.

[quotemadness]

“I’m thinking the reason I’ve been so quiet all those years is only because he wasn’t around yet for me to tell everything to.”

— Jandy Nelson

[ryes-up]

Breaking Point || Open

[robyn-moonsong]

"We do not pull the strings of fate, no matter how much we like to think so. One could spend a lifetime ruling over their life, only to find out that everything was predestined. And while I do not think that every little thing was chosen by some unseen hand, I can't help but wonder how many chance meetings and occasions were no chance, but a fact in my life."

He followed Rye to the horse, a magnificent beast, no matter how little Robyn himself knew about the beings. He could see the gentle look Rye gave her, and the love he poured into caring for her. It made Robyn feel empty in comparison. His closest friend for too long was simply a piece of wood and strings, and even if it seemed he and it understood themselves, he did not hold the illusion it was more than an instrument.

His mind fluttered to his previous chance meeting outside Wisteria. Hawk - such a small and fragile thing, but real and beautiful and understanding. His heart thumped more joyously at the prospect of having her for a student. It gave him purpose.

"I would thank you for the simple time of respite, but clean bandages sound swell," he admitted, still admiring the horse. "She is so beautiful. You must love her so much."

At Rye's question to mount with him, he smiled, clutching lightly at his injured ribs.

"I do not think any sort of movement can deter me more than I already am. I hurts less if I don't joustle too much, but if it is close, I don't think it will cause me issues."

He did not mention the extent of his injuries, and the lightheadedness that still overcame him, dozen of days later. His body felt like something tender and easily breakable. Maybe walking all the way from Wisteria was not the smartest idea after all. But again, he was still muddled and out of his wits after the attack, and subsequent rescuing that he was far too paranoid to search for additional help. Balthazar provided him with enough food for the road, and he had walked the track numerous times before. He did not account for his injuries impeding him along the way.

He climbed to Nissa's back, clumsily trying to spare his ribs, but he still felt a stab of pain in his side.

He asserted himself behind Rye, arms holding tightly to the other's belt, so he did not slip.

Just be gentle with me. I am afraid my looks do not show the full extent of the damage done to me. Maybe a light trot?" he chuckled, inhaling the calming scent of Rye's hair - a mixture of the fae's own particular smell, a bit of horseflesh and hay, and the immense forest beyond and around them.

[robyn-moonsong]

"A lack of contact doesn't mean you should deny yourself," Robyn muttered. Even as he said the words he understood Edmund's point. He himself was terminally afraid of being touched for a time after his hazy escape. He gave up on life, lying among the leaves and mud in the forest when he was found and nursed back from the edge of death. As soon as he was conscious he denied anyone's approach or touch, feeling he could not bear it. It took a lot of time and gentle coaxing to get him to acquiesce to the nurturing touch of his saviours.

"I understand that it is something different and new and scary. But Edmund, if you never relinquish it, if you do not to get past the terror, you will never know what you are missing on."

He raised his hand slowly, gently, in front of the composer's face.

"My attempt was a dragon in scale - maybe I could try helping you with a lot less."

He positioned his hand inches from Edmund's cheek, all the while looking at his friend's expression.

"I am going to touch you, but I will not do so until you give me permission. Let's make this an excercise, small as it may be, it could mean such a large stop for you."

"Unless you would rather I do not, and I will defer to your word in it," he said finally, a sad look in his eyes.

Edmund was so much like him from back in the days - but a very similar excercise broke his stupor and fear. He hoped he could do the same for Edmund.

[guardofcitadel]

request: Old soul aesthetic (x)

[robyn-moonsong]

The Storm || Robyn & Robin

[robyn-moonsong]

His tears flowed much more as Robin professed his forgiveness. It was a knot that was tied deep inside him, one that was unseen and ignored - until now. The relief he felt was incomparable. He took a few minutes to compose himself, willing the tears to stop, although they still glistened down his cheeks where he cared not to wipe them away.

"I am glad to see you. And you look less like a ghost, indeed. I can not even imagine how it had felt, being back there..." he gave an involuntary shrug, terror creeping up his spine.

While he had not suffered Robin's fate at the hands of Oberon, he himself knew much about suffering. He tried to stifle the fragmented memories into the back of his mind, but they were floating at the top, and his face reached a pallid, haunted look.

He shook it off enough to continue the conversation.

"I see you are much better now. How in the world you managed to escape I can't even begin to guess, but I will respect if you don't trust me enough to share it. You are safe now, and I am happy enough for that."

His own bitter conversation with Rye a while back floated at the front of his mind. It seemed everyone was becoming less and less inclined towards the Unseelie ruler, even those who previously saw him less like a monster.

Robyn himself was shaken to the core by the cruelty he heard of, and with the news of the fighting pit and the glorified violence of the Ironclaw arena Oberon had built, he was no longer alright with ignoring the obvious.

Gone was the merry and oblivious bard who sang rowdy songs at the Unseelie court; Robyn was thinking more and more that his own position would sooner bring him bad fortune, rather than a stroke of good luck.

It was good that the Silverbone wedding was there as a convenient cover for him to look into possibly switching to permanent residence in Wisteria. Well, permanent as his own wandering life allowed him to.

"I am actually searching for a house to purchase here in Wisteria. It would be my honour to invite you when everything is settled."

He gazed back at Robin with a small smile.

"I would offer you lodging, but I do not want to imply upon your situation. You are not sleeping outside, are you?" he gave another cursory glance at the former Knight, but Robin looked much better than he ever was at Roheim - a diet of a beggar would not have sustained him.

[robyn-moonsong]

"I am sorry for forcing that on you my friend. It was a stupid idea. I should have guessed it would have made you uncomfortable," Robyn said quietly.

Guilt wracked him brain, his own foolishness a stark reminder how rarely he actually thought about other people's feelings. He was still as selfish as ever; his oversights blocking the obvious.

"You have not ruined a thing. I was the one who brought you here without preparing you. This whole evening was my idea. I am sorry for putting you through this."

He sat next to his Seelie friend, making sure not to touch him. His own idea of bodily contact did noting to help him here. He who had easily given his body, just to devalue the initial taint that resided over his skin...

"If so can just ask... Why? Why do they terrify you so much? You know I would have never brought someone bad to you. Is it the fact that they are courtesans? Or is it the physical contact itself? I want to understand you Edmund, so I don't make these mistakes again."

He looked wistfully at the composer, almost willing him to speak with the questing look in his eyes.

[robyn-moonsong]

Robyn’s mouth gaped as his friend bolted through the chamber and out of it. The three girls were frozen in shocked silence, and the music stopped as the composer dashed outside.

Giving a brief apology to the girls, Robyn stood up and rushed towards Edmund, more afraid that the clumsy fae would tumble down the stairs.

Of course he needn’t have worried about that; Edmund was easily noticeable sitting at the far side of the courtyard, face shell-shocked, body convulsing.

Robyn inwardly swore to himself. 

And here I thought it was such a good idea.

He was a selfish bastard once again. He could speak about how he wanted to elevate Edmund to carnal arts and pleasure as much as he wanted, but the simple fact of the matter was that Edmund had a deeper problem that was not to be fixed with a simple tumble in the sheets.

Robyn approached the composer slowly, as if going towards a spooked animal, hand stretched out half-way as if to calm him.

“I am sorry Edmund,” he simply said. He maneuvered next to the Seelie, placing his hand gently over Edmund’s shoulder. “I was such an idiot.” 

[ryes-up]

Breaking Point || Open

[robyn-moonsong]

Robyn frowned. It was cutting to close to home now, this confession of Rye’s. The world’s turned upside down for people all the time, but it was always made sound as if it was just someone else’s story. It cut deep into his subconscious and Robyn could again feel the sharp sting of betrayal, a memory buried inside of him that he ran from daily.

“I know how it feels, friend. I will do anything in my power to help,” he replied. “And of course, I will stay. Grief needs solitude, but more so it needs compassion. I know I do not sound as the type, but maybe meeting you here was an important lesson for you as well as for me.”

He stood up, shaking off the remains of dirt and leaves from his travel clothes. He offered a hand to Rye to pull him up as he spoke:

“I do not have anything of import to do. I am more on a relay track between the Courts in preparation for the wedding. I will accept your invitation gladly, if it involves warm tea and a fire. I do think my own injuries are starting to hinder my progress.”

He offered a mocking smile, as if to show how despite this pains, it was nothing to worry about. He did not mention the worry that took up root inside of him since he heard those dreaded words.

It seemed that everybody’s past came back to push them into the dirt at some point. It was just a strange coincidence that he and Rye have experienced a shattering of illusion of their lives so close in time.

Maybe the Ancients did know how to guide and bring comfort to those who shared grief.

@ryes-up

[robyn-moonsong]

The Storm || Robyn & Robin

[robyn-moonsong]

As the stranger sat a familiar voice run in his ears. Robyn’s eyes widened in genuine surprise, the talkative fae stunned to silence in the moment of recognition.

A long lost friend, someone he dared not associate with while he still cared about the Unseelie Court, Robin, his namesake, renamed to Puck as if the mockery of his being at Court was not enough. Robyn stifled a murmur, staring at the ex-lord.

“I... I can not believe my eyes and ears!” finally his voice came back to him and the bard’s face turned into a smile once more. He almost wished to hug the man, but knowing how they parted ways stopped him from acting upon the notion.

He couldn’t ignore the obvious signs of frailty and undernourishment that Robin sported. Robin was always a somewhat slender figure, but his once strong knightly frame decayed over the years of mistreatment at the hands of King Oberon and the nobles alike, until all that was left was a shade named Puck.

“I am not one of those, no matter what you might think,” he finally replied to the fae, taking his drink. He could see Robin again, not just the withered husk of a person that Puck was the last time they met at the castle. It warmed his heart, but it also led his mind in another direction.

He had escaped. Robin escaped and reclaimed himself in tidbits, but Puck still lurked from the fae’s guarded gaze. How he had managed was anyone’s guess, and Robyn was itching to ask about it. 

The guilt of their last meeting had to take precedence, though.

“Robin... I am really happy to see you, I really am. I never in my life expected you here. But I know that you most likely would rather not be caught in my company. Unfortunately it seems we are stuck in here right now, “ he pointed at the window awash in a curtain of pouring rain. “And I owe you an apology.”

He dropped his head low, hair covering his face, an awkward sitting bow in asking forgiveness, where forgiveness was not deserved.

“I was an young and capricious idiot, more afraid of my own standing, and blind to the agony you were going through. I should not have shunned you.”

“I know I do not deserve it, but please, if this really is the Robin I knew, maybe he would find a spark left of our old friendship to forgive a foolish child.”

When he raised his head there were tears gathering in the corners of his eyes. This one moment, where Robyn allowed himself to acknowledge the shame that he was hiding from himself; a moment where happiness for his lost friend and sadness over his own cruelty mingled and made the air thick and too heavy to breathe.

[robyn-moonsong]

The Storm || Robyn & Robin

It hasn’t rained for a thousand years or so Oh, and it won’t, for a thousand years or more I sit in the blazing heat and I long for a song Now even more, now even more When does the storm come? Wash it away Today please, I can’t sleep (Shireen - Storm)

The warm day in Wisteria turned dark and chilly suddenly. Robyn was not one to much care about changes in weather, but the uncomfortable breeze turned into a chilling gale and rain droplets that were gently quenching the earth transformed into freezing blades cutting away his body warmth.

He was not close to his tavern and thus decided that any closed off space would do, until the storm blew out. A small bar, not much more than a forty feet wide room with a single bar and less than a dozen tables was what he found. The dilapidated sign out front stated the name of the establishment; “The Hearth”. It was more than enough for him, and the warm glow from the inside made it all the more appealing.

He shed the soaking coat from his back and nodded to the barmaid with a smile. She showed him to the last available table in the corner nearest to the hearth that blazed steadily, keeping the whole chamber warm. Robyn order a mug of mulled wine and fresh bread and stretched his limbs before reaching over to check his violin case. Good thing that the wood was coated to protect the insides, otherwise his old instrument would have been ruined. He spread his coat over one of the available chairs and hummed a tune under his breath, watching the fire crackle, the closeness to the flame warming him in minutes.

The barmaid returned with the order and a hunched figure behind her.

“Pardon me Sire, but we have no other room today. Would you mind sharing your table with this young man?” she asked in an apologetic voice. Robyn, who was always ready to please smiled to her.

“Why of course. Come over friend, we can share this warmth and wine.”

He only glanced over the hooded figure, beckoning, before turning to face the maid. 

“A mug for the gentleman as well!” he offered her a nod of thanks as she backed away in a rush, and turned to face the figure that was still standing. He noticed the eyes under the heavy hood, staring at him in shock.

His brows furrowed in confusion.

“It is alright friend. We just have to wait out the storm. I promise I do not bite,” he offered jovially. 

[robyn-moonsong]

Robyn was enjoying himself, watching the dancers spin their elaborate circles around him and his friend. What was disconcerting was Edmund - the musician had his head lowered and turned away from the spectacle. A stab of pain went through Robyn, a bit irrational perhaps, but still evident.

“You do not like my present, Edmund?” he asked softly. Sylth, the redhead was inching closer to Edmund now, smiling graciously. Her eyes on the other hand told a different story. Smoldering orbs of lust were grazing Edmund, and the girl has obviously found her target for the evening. The raven haired Alephsa dared touch Edmund shoulder, but his timid demeanor obviously did not amuse her. In her eyes one could read easily that she preferred to be adored openly, not set upon a challenge. She turned towards Robyn, who gave her a beaming smile, offering his hand to lower her into his lap.

“My dear friend, I only sought to show you art in its purest form. It is unabated and unrestrained, and all here for you and me. Would you not indulge me, at least a tiny bit?”

He hoped his prodding would rouse Edmund, that the Seelie would at least raise his head. The two girls dancing around him could have been intimidating, but they were just that - girls. They gave their bodies for a fee, but they were also proud of their work. The small blonde, Rael, dared to caress Edmund’s hair, fingers dipping through his black locks. Robyn could see she was tentatively caressing Edmund’s neck, hoping to rouse his body faster.

Alephsa, spread on his lap, hair spilling on the couch slowly straddled Robyn, arms gently encircling his neck. He turned his attention to her immediately.

“Ah, such joy in this art! Edmund, dare look and experience the most wondrous of what world has to offer.”

[littleliar-hawk-blog]

Some Enchanted Evening // Hawk & Robyn

[robyn-moonsong]

Robyn nonchalantly wiped the tears, beaming at Hawk. Her words were too kind, too sweet. She was perfect, a perfect candidate to pass on his knowledge. pride swelled in him like a wave washing the shores of Sapphire Bay. Her hand was a soft breeze caressing his cheek.

“Oh please, do not think this is because of you. I’ve just... Had it rough for a while. Sometimes feelings are confusing to me, and instead of smiling I find myself tearing up.”

He gave her one of his most foppish over the top bows, hoping to erase the memory of sadness he accidentally allowed himself.

“No one ever learnt anything in one go. Do not worry my little Hawk, I will not push you or trap you. Come to me when you wish, and I will impart on you anything you wish to know. I am simply very glad that you said yes.”

His eyes shone in the dimming forest, remains of tears giving them a liquid quality. Yet, the giddiness in his chest was real. She had stumbled upon him, and from a welcome distraction turned into something greater in the space of a heartbeat.

“Just come and find me. Follow the sound of laughter and music and you will not miss me.”

With a flourish he reached into one of his inner pockets and fished out a small ruby pendant. It was a simple ear drop shape, unadorned and fitted on a silver chain. He took her hand in his, opening her palm.

“Take this little Hawk. It is another way to find me. If the ruby warms, you will know I am close to you.”

His face was once more so close to hers. He looked into her eyes, searching for answers. She was so lovely and wonderful and sweet. A stranger who offered him respite when he most needed it.

His lids lowered sensuously, lips parted. Did he dare? A parting kiss was not much in the way of his life, but it was all he dared with this fascinating creature he was gazing upon now.

[littleliar-hawk-blog]

Some Enchanted Evening // Hawk & Robyn

[littleliar-hawk-blog]

robyn-moonsong:

She was so infinitely amusing, Robyn was of a mind to smooch her right there and then. Restraint was a new art form for him.

“Do not belittle your skill, little Hawk. I sincerely admit that it was wonderful. Blank flattery would get me nowhere, thus I have no use of it. Or do you wish me convince you in another way?”

His smirk was playful, but he could swear he saw a hint of interest in the set of her brow.

When she explained the vision of their joint performance, Robyn could vividly see it. It was a strange, but welcome thought.

Indeed, why hadn’t he ever thought of taking an apprentice? It would keep him busy, it would help him stay focused and it would be a joyous sharing of his gift with another. God’s knew he needed the distraction.

He wondered if Hawk was serious about it.

“I dare say I would welcome you under my wing gladly. Restraints are fun, when used correctly, but I feel you would simply wither in a gilded cage. Thankfully, a bard’s job takes her to different places. There are days of sitting at inns, singing for supper; there are days pouring over books to find just the right references and words for a play; and then there are days of solitude on the roads, travelling Midsummer, marvelling the beauty of the world around us, and drawing inspiration from it.”

The vivid words invoked startlingly realistic images soaked in his warm timbre voice. It would be a gift unasked if she would accept. Mysterious were the ways of destiny, and Hawk a path he never though he would thread.

“Would those restrains suffice?” Robyn asked, smile wide and honest. He reached his hand towards her, offering it and much more.

Though she had only just come to know him, Hawk could see plainly Robyn’s skill with pretty words. Already with only a simple offer and a smile he had her insides twisting into an infuriating knot. He’d make a fine addition to their Flock, though she knew he had no inclinations to leave his bard life behind. So then, it seemed she must be the one to sacrifice should she wish to see more of him.

The fact that she was even considering his offer was dangerous, but Hawk found herself positively enchanted by the handsome fae. Though she knew it was unwise to trust him, or to swear herself to someone outside of her Flock, Robyn’s way of life appealed to her sensibilities. His was a life that she would have sought for herself had she not come across Nihm and his followers.

Which was why it was so hard to turn him down. She doubted he would hold any ill will towards her if he did. But if she did so, wouldn’t that mean goodbye? Wouldn’t Robyn become nothing but a passing acquaintance if she turned him away?

She was nervous, uncharacteristically so, as she stared down at his extended hand. Her lips pursed, traitorous words just at the tip of her tongue, she knew she must ask one last question before she threw all caution to the wind.

“Your words themselves are quite convincing,” she said with a shy little smile. “I fear my self-control would all but vanish if you were to try any other methods of persuasion. But before I might allow myself to succumb to your sweet words, I must ask…is an apprenticeship as all-consuming as you suggest? I have a…a family. They rely on me. They need me. I could never abandon them for more than a few days at a time.”

She bit her lip then, fearing her lack of commitment would see him revoking his offer. “I promise that I would be the most diligent student in the time we might share together. But I’m afraid…I could not shackle myself to you alone, pretty Robyn.”

[robyn-moonsong]

Hawk’s words woke in Robyn a strange, uncomfortable sensation. He was one to plunge deep into any art he enjoyed, but not everyone was as obligation free as he.

And her words riled him up, his gut wrenching in the wake of a forgotten memory surfacing.

When a stranger with kind smile offered him all the wonders of music on a platter, everything his young mind could imagine and more, if only he gave his all into the endeavour. And he did, his mother glad he found purpose in life. Not everything was as he imagined it would be.

He shivered now, memories flooding him; the untold hours of solitude, practice, lack of sunlight… And the more violent ones, the damp cell under the mansion, the sound and sting od the flogger punishing him for a minor transgression. It was so hard not to surrender.

He vowed he would never be that man again.

And now, he thought, random chance offered him to take his master’s place.

An errant tear slid down his cheek, his face struggling against the surge of emotion in him. He would never be that man. Never.

“I would never take you away from your loved ones little Hawk. I would only seek to teach you, and show you what I know.”

His face turned gentle, eyes sad, a hint of a smile barely visible.

“You are a free bird. I’d never imagine to enclose you in a gilded cage. If you wish, come and find me, and I will gladly give you all I know.”

Even with the sadness, he managed to chuckle. He’d give that, and more if she asked. She was a fascinating being indeed.

“So, what will you dear?”

[quotemadness]

“And love is when someone who even knows your scars, stays to kiss them.”

— Benjamin Griss

[bartekborowiecc]