The Knight Is Still Young

[Vaughn Adeney]

::vaughn::

Vaughn was having great fun. The night was turning out to be far more amusing than he had initially predicted. Alegra never failed to provide him with that constant humor. His eyes went towards the general direction that she had instructed that her mother would be at. She was easy to recognize, since Vaughn had spent a rather significant time with her. And here he was again, with Alegra linked at his arm, and with what others thought to be, a rather romantic couple. Oh how very wrong they were.

"Now, be on your best behavior," he in a low voice barley above a whisper while leaning his head down a bit so that it was right near Alegra's ear. He kept his gaze forward and only seconds later, they were standing near her mother. "Lady Silvertongue," he greeted, allowing a smile to spread on his lips. This smile was not the kind of smirk he so often gave Alegra when it was just the two of them in private. It was a more charming, less perverted smile. "It is so wonderful to see you again," he added, his voice sounding genuinely excited.

[Alegra Silvertongue]

Be on her best behavior, he said? I'm always on my best behavior, she thought rather smugly. She was more than aware of all of the glances she was getting after he'd had his mouth so close to her ear - not that that was the first time such a thing had happened. Alegra recalled with no enjoyment the first night they'd met, in which she'd found herself in that position twice and had been no less than annoyed each time. But, whereas those times she had remained entirely impassive, this time she let a pleased little smile take over her face and a dash of color to her cheeks. "Only if you are," she murmured back.

They approached, and her mother looked over at them. The woman could not have appeared any more pleased to see them coming over together, arms latched and all, and her eyes belied a self-satisfied twinkle, as if they had paired up as a result of her extraordinary matchmaking skills. At his greeting and declaration of contentment at seeing her again, her face lit up in a blush much like her daughter's. Of course, in her case it was real, but to Alegra's credit, it looked no more authentic. "Oh, how you do go on," she chortled. "Yes, it is lovely to see you again, sir! And I see you've found my Alegra, as well. I trust the two of you are enjoying yourselves?"

[Vaughn Adeney]

::vaughn::

To see Alegra's mother beam was far too amusing to Vaughn. But he held back this amusement for it would be too random if he were to express it, as there would be no apparent reason for it. It was just so funny to see such a genuine reaction to him, and then a very fake reaction, but at the same time, both reactions were practically identical. "It did not take me long to find your daughter, for her beauty stands out in a room crowded with people who do not even remotely compare."

To flatter a parent, was to compliment their children. Usually, the child was their source of pride and joy and as her mother already had notions of him being a suitor for her, why not play up this role as much as he could. He looked at Alegra, acting as if he was lost in her beauty, his mind wandering in helpless romance; when in reality, he was just focusing on holding back his laughter. After a moments pause, he turned back to her mother.

"Of course, you are to credit for that beauty for it is clear to see where she has gotten it from." Now once one complimented the child, on to the parent. This was far too simple, and yet so complex at the same time. Bottom line, was that it was highly entertaining. "I am having a wonderful time indeed. Are you?" He acted as if he had legitimate concern for whether her mother was enjoying herself or not, when in reality, he could not care less. He was selfish enough to only make sure he was having fun, and he was. So very much.

[Alegra Silvertongue]

Her mother looked over to see how Alegra responded to the compliment and, noting that her daughter had smiled and looked away bashfully just as she'd taught her to, smiled even wider. "Yes," she sighed, somewhat dreamily. "She certainly does stand out, doesn't she? Yes, she certainly does."

Alegra shyly murmured, "Mother..." Of course, on the inside, she wasn't half as shy. She knew she was attractive, and it didn't really matter to her except in instances where she had to exploit the fact. Just as Vaughn was doing, her little charade was more for her mother's benefit than for anything else. In fact, the woman appeared incredibly delighted, no doubt noting that her daughter had yet to do anything frighteningly unladylike in front of her most affectionate suitor, as he still seemed to find her no less than the most lovely in the room. Alegra was hiding her own amusement at the very prospect. "Oh, if only you knew... she thought, and her mother mistook her amused smile for a sweet one.

Her mother was practically radiating her euphoria now, and quickly glanced to check and see if Catherine, who shared her namesake and had a daughter that was a friend of Alegra's, was watching. Noting in satisfaction that she was, and quite enviously at that, the woman seemed to puff her chest out a bit more, resembling a preening bird. "Yes, well, I've always been told she looks like me. Except for that hair. Goodness knows, she received that from her father..." To her credit, she really was a mildly attractive woman, and younger than most mothers. She stood quite a bit taller than Alegra with wheat-colored hair, and a bit stockier. "Oh, yes, I'm having a marvelous time! And it does me good to see the two of you enjoying yourselves so. Alegra has had many suitors, I'm sure you know, though I can't say I've ever seen her quite so content with one..." The older woman wryly thought that it was, in fact, the truth.

[Vaughn Adeney]

::vaughn::

Her mother indeed for she seemed to enjoy being showered with compliments about her and her daughter. And she had no reason not to enjoy it. She was even encouraging them; Alegra was a clear sign of extreme pride and that was why Vaughn had decided to use her to gain the favor of her mother. Vaughn chuckled but this time his small laughter was more out of politeness than sheer cynical amusement. Her mother had made a bit of a joke and just as Alegra was acting appropriately, he was also required to do so. "Well whether it is from her mother or father, it is beautiful. You must show me portraits sometime of when you were a young daughter in the Silvertongue family. I would really enjoy comparing two very ravishing women." Now, he was working on getting an invitation to her house from her mother since the first time he went, he had gone uninvited.

"Really?" Vaughn asked in mock shock when her mother spoke about how Alegra was not more content with anyone else. "I am honored. But I am undeserving of her affection; any man would be. I feel it is luck, and fate that brought us together and why change this if a man is truly destined to be with a woman that fate has chosen." He took Alegra's hand and gently kissed the top of it again, smiling 'affectionately' at her before looking at her mother, still giving that charming smile that was no more than an act.

[Alegra Silvertongue]

He was playing her like a fiddle! How utterly obnoxious; Alegra was supposed to be the only one who could do that. Briefly, she wondered what Vaughn would do when her mother began hinting at marriage. How long did he intend to drag this out for? After all, eventually the woman would begin to wonder why he had not offered but remained a suitor; propriety only allowed for so much time. Perhaps at that point he would simply take a large sum of money and be done with her? It was the most likely option, Alegra supposed, though even then she could not decide just how likely it was.

She listened as he continued to spew nonsense, which, of course, engaged the older woman. "Yes," she responded enthusiastically, "you absolutely must! Why, I think I have one from when I was Alegra's very age, in fact. Indeed, just after I married her father..." She continued murmuring to herself, attempting to remember where she had placed it, when she looked back up as Vaughn began talking. Alegra's smile was, in truth, rueful, though it did not appear to be such. She didn't like the idea of his mouth on her skin any more now than she had earlier. Insufferable! Not to mention that he was almost playing the role a bit too well. Soon, her mother would be convinced he was a prince come to sweep her daughter away, just like in the old tales. After all, other men had been just as charming, but most of them had an elitist quality about them - one which Vaughn really did have, but was not showing.

[Vaughn Adeney]

::vaughn::

Vaughn was rather pleased to have gotten his invitation. That was what he had been fishing for, and now he had it. "That would be a great honor to see. I am certain the pictures will not have done you justice but seeing as how I was not fortunate to have been in your presence then, they will have to suffice." He was enjoying this too much. And he noticed Alegra's silence. Of course, she was doing what was expected of her; remaining polite, courteous, prim and proper. What an oddity. It was as odd for her to be so quiet as it was for him to be so kind.

"So will you and your family be remaining in Camelot for the entire duration of the festival?" It was five days, and with them here, it would be a very interesting five days. "If you are staying, I would like to ask your permission to escort your daughter to the royal ball which is to take place the day after tomorrow." Why was he not asking Alegra? Because he wanted to portray the image of a more respectful individual. After asking for that permission, he turned to Alegra. "That is, if my Lady would allow me to." How would she react in the company of her mother right now, and with perhaps a few other people glancing there way? Vaughn had to restrain yet again, from laughing.

[Alegra Silvertongue]

Lady Catherine blushed deeply once more, but her face was lit with a rather elated smile. "Yes, well," she commented, "it will have to suffice, indeed." Alegra's urge to roll her eyes was growing to such proportions that nothing but sheer self control was preventing it from happening of its own accord. When was the last time she had heard her mother babbling, repeating what the person said like a common idiot? Though it was dirty play indeed, Alegra resolved to satisfy her annoyance by bringing up this instance the next time the woman decided to scold her for unladylike behavior.

He wanted to know if they would be staying in Camelot? If it were Alegra alone, her response would have been a sour "yes, unfortunately," but she supposed it was her mother's duty to answer as it was her mother who was being spoken to. "We will be," she responded immediately, with a touch too much enthusiasm. He went on to request Alegra's company at the ball, and she could not stifle in time the sharp gasp of air she drew it, though it was far too quiet for her mother to have heard. What an ass! Oh, how he did love to play, didn't he? Very well, then, she'd play to his heart's content. Alegra never resisted a challenge. "I would love to," she responded breathily, her face almost perfect: embarrassed, charmed, excited, bashful. Her mother looked about to cry for joy. "Oh, yes, absolutely!" she trilled.

[Vaughn Adeney]

::vaughn::

Oh how wonderful this was. He could over play his relationship with Alegra, just for her mothers benefit, get her hopes up and then shatter them completely. He was building this up indeed, to great heights and was not sure when he would finally admit that he is not interested in being a suitor, but he would enjoy this charade while it lasted. He also knew that it could not go on for too long. Her mother was probably looking for a suitor and would not wait forever for Vaughn to initiate a formal proposal. Not that he wanted her to. Just long enough to build the hope, and then destroy it.

"I am indeed honored then. My Lady Catherine, I will make my leave and enjoy the rest of the evening with your daughter." He had to put that bit in there, just so that Alegra knew he did plan to spend the rest of the evening with her, perhaps meet her brother in the process. "I am certain I will see you again. And perhaps, I can escort you and your family back to your estate. These are dangerous times. One can never be too careful as to what dangers can befall them during their travels." Really, he could not care less. He was just trying to 'do the honorable and respectful' thing. And be a little ironic since being in his company was not the exactly. the safest, most secure and assuring thing.

[Alegra Silvertongue]

To her credit, Alegra managed to avoid sticking her tongue out, making a face or even rolling her eyes when Vaughn made the declaration that he planned to spend the remainder of the night in her company. The situation frustrated her to no end, but she had to admit that it was much more interesting tonight than usual because of it. She absolutely loathed these ridiculous social gatherings, despite that (or perhaps because) she had been attending them for years and years. They were all the same - all blurred memories of colorful dresses, intoxicated citizens, and being forced to dance with men she didn't like until her feet were sore, and even then being expected to smile and be charming. Though she was equally annoyed and amused with the way things were going, she had to admit that tonight was out of the usual, and that in and of itself made it better.

"Of course, of course," Lady Catherine said with a knowing smile and a nonchalant sweep of her hand. "You two have fun, now." As soon as he made known the possibility of escorting them home, the older women took a flustered air about her with a wide smile. "What a thoughtful young man you are," she commented. Alegra turned her head to the side so that she could roll her eyes without her mother noticing. Thoughtful, indeed, she thought dryly. Thoughtful of himself, that is.

[Vaughn Adeney]

::vaughn::

By offering to escort them back, he was also fishing for an invitation to their residence. Of course, he knew he and Alistair had plans, but it was something flexible and Vaughn could manage being at Alegra's estate for a night or two. It was a far too entertaining opportunity to pass by and Vaughn had no intention of doing so. "Thank you My Lady. I look forward to making your acquittance again." He lowered himself in a polite bow and began to walk away, ensuring that Alegra was still at his side. Of course, if she was not, surely her mother would urge her to join his company.

When they turned to leave, Vaughn smiled. He was rather proud of himself for setting up this entire situation. From blackmailing the woman that he had convinced her mother he was a suitor of. Oh it was too funny. Too bad his name would not be noted down in history anywhere. "I do think that your mother likes me. I made a rather good impression I believe." No, he did not believe. He knew he did because it was all a farce.

[Alegra Silvertongue]

Alegra allowed her mother to kiss her cheek before going with Vaughn, fairly seething as she did so. There was nothing she wanted more than to pull her fist back and punch the arrogant man in the jaw. For a crazy moment, she actually considered it. He could hardly strike her back in front of people, and she could be discreet... But quickly she acknowledged the stupidity of such a plan. She had much more too lose by his hand than he by hers; much, much more, and she wasn't at all eager to test his limits, at least when it came to physical action. And, by all accounts, he was being incredibly mild, unlike his usual character. Of course, it was only because of their company, but she would take what she could get - it just annoyed her incessantly that her mother was so taken with him!

She rolled her eyes at his comment, but even so, her lips quirked upwards in a smile. "Yes," she said wryly, "I believe you did." Alegra shook her head, wondering if she should perhaps just become a boring, cowering woman and deplete his interest in her so he'd go away - but that was the second plan to be dismissed without being given even a fair shot at life. She would never submit to him, not in this lifetime. Alegra Silvertongue submitted to no man.

[Vaughn Adeney]

::vaughn::

The fact that she agreed only made it most amusing to him. While Vaughn seldom kept ties to other, Alegra was someone that he could see himself meeting rather frequently. There was no dire need for the money he was extorting from her. It was more so the demonstration of power and control. And the fact that she was unlike many other noblewoman. Indeed, if she was more meek, vain and timid as the others, then his interest in her would not had lasted this long. Lucky for him, and unfortunately for her, this was not the case. "What is the matter?" He asked rhetorically as he was fully aware that from her perspective, it was not a good thing that he had conned her mother into liking him so.

"I thought it would make you happy that your mother gets along rather well with your suitor," he said with false innocence. He was more so gloating above all else, for he was still successfully blackmailing her, and while he would never take it so far as to actually marry her, it was fun to build it up. Besides, gossip and rumors were never scarce inside the social circle of nobility.