``I SIGNED UP FOR THIS GAME ; VAUGHN

[Alegra Silvertongue]

As with most people, Alegra did not tend to be fond of people who got on her nerves, but what bugged her all the more about this particular instance was the fact that he was the one on her nerves; or rather, trampling all over them. There were not many people capable of getting under her skin, but his arrogance and sarcasm seemed to be just the right mix. She insisted to herself that he could not really judge her since his words were based on the lie she told, but it still made her bristle to hear that someone even considered that there was something she wouldn't do for the people she loved. And, of course, she had to grin and bear it, if only because his taunting meant that he believed her (or was at least willing to let it go), and the alternative was not something she wanted to face.

When he stated that money would be "satisfactory," she lifted a brow but nodded and did not comment. However, when he added that he wanted to "ration it out," she could not help but grimace a bit. "What great news," she said flatly, her voice nearly dripping with sarcasm. "Once a month, then. Where shall we meet? And I'm assuming you'll want the first share now?"

[Vaughn Adeney]

::vaughn::

No argument. Disappointing, but oh well. This would definitely not be the last time he saw this woman. He would have to figure out where they would meet. He would have to be creative in choosing locations. "Yes. I would expect such." Really, Vaughn just wanted to see her estate and see exactly how wealthy the noble woman he was blackmailing really was. It would help give him incentive to take some money from her. Then again, Vaughn did not need any more encouragement. His amusement in the matter was more than enough.

"I will escort you back to your estate." This way, he would not have to meet her elsewhere and he could just see the place for himself, and then furthermore, he would know where to find her in the future. "We would not want you getting ambushed by another group of bandits now would we." Not that he helped the first time, and not that he cared about that. "A woman such as yourself should not be lurking around alone in the woods. It is far too dangerous," he added, just for further mockery. "As for the other locations, I will choose them when the time comes."

[Alegra Silvertongue]

He was wretched, there was no other word for it, though she did not dare tell him that in fear that he would take it as a compliment. She stared at him for nearly a full minute after he claimed he would "escort" her back to her estate, considering. Her initial reaction was to vehemently tell him to sod off; however, considering that he was the one with all of the power here, she decided that was probably not a good idea. Never the less, she did not much fancy the idea of him knowing where she lived... But then, he could find out on his own, couldn't he? And perhaps he would have less reason to raid the place if she showed him willingly. That left only one problem: she could not very well traipse into her home in armor, she would have to get changed at some point along the way - and she most certainly did not trust him to be anywhere near her when she did. Not that she really another option. Perhaps she'd risk it and not change at all.

She fought the urge to repeat his words in a rather childish voice, biting down hard on her tongue to make sure that she didn't slip. Best not to give him something else to make fun of you for. Still, she could not help but add, "Yes, helpless women like myself are in great need of a noble knight like yourself to protect us." She walked back over to Iron, who was by now shuffling his hooves restlessly, and stroked his cheek. "I don't want him to ride you, either," she informed him sympathetically.

[Vaughn Adeney]

::vaughn::

"I am no noble knight," he said with a sinister smile. He knew that she was of course being sarcastic, but he could not help himself from saying it. His actions this far were clear that he was anything but noble, and he was anything but a knight for a knight did not display such selfish and cruel qualities, and Vaughn had no problem admitting it. When she spoke to her horse, he smiled. At first he had thought he would ride his own horse there, but this was probably better. He could keep a closer eye on her and, well, just be closer to her, hoping the mere prospect of it would make her feel less than thrilled.

"Well, we should be on our way then," he informed, standing near the horse. "After you My Lady." He gestured, referring to her mounting the horse first. As if he could ever portray any ounce of polite manners at this point. He had proven to be the opposite in far too many instances for manners to mean anything now. Still, he just had far too much fun saying it.

[Alegra Silvertongue]

"I realized," she said dryly, but couldn't help but make an expression halfway between a grin and a smirk. That was the first time he'd corrected her to, in a manner, "defend" himself; ironic, really, that he should feel the need to correct only incorrectly positive allegations against himself. He clearly gets an ego boost out of being the bad guy. There wasn't anything she could do with the information, of course, but just knowing it was good enough for the moment.

Alegra watched him as he offered for her to mount first. She had a hard time believing he was actually being polite, but that didn't necessarily mean he had an ulterior motive; it was very possible, in fact, that he'd only let her get on first so that he could say that. Well, no matter, she decided. She didn't like the idea of him steering her horse, anyway. Setting her helmet on the saddle off the horn of it, she placed her hands on either side of the horse's back and hoisted herself up and over, moving the helmet to the crook of her elbow again and grabbing the reins before she quarter-turned back to look at him, her head tilting backwards slightly. "Coming?" she asked, arching a brow.

[Vaughn Adeney]

::vaughn::

Vaughn noticed how quickly she had grabbed the reigns. He had to have expected it. People got attached to their horses way too much, and she was not exception. Vaughn on the other hand, only used the animal for transportation. He altered them frequently, just to keep things interesting. He mounted himself up behind her but instead of keeping his hands to himself, he put them around her. If she wanted to steer, he was going to stay as close to her as possible. Just for the fun of it all.

"My, this is rather cozy," he said, smirking to himself since she could not see his face right now. "Are you sure you can maintain control? Such a small woman should not be steering such a large animal." He was poking fun at her size. She was so petite and Vaughn could not get over it. It was just so funny to see such a small person inside so much armor and then to see her fight men twice her size.

[Alegra Silvertongue]

She grumbled a bit to herself as he put his arms around her, though she admittedly had expected it; but it was better than her having to put hers around him. Under normal circumstances, she would not have done so at all, but she had the feeling that if she had sat behind him and kept her arms to herself, he'd have gone as fast as he possibly could to try and force her to. So, if she had to either way, it was better that it was of her own choice; but that made it no more pleasant. Perhaps God had put him there for the sole purpose of vexing her - that would certainly explain a lot, after all.

Alegra made a face at his cozy comment, but was facing forward to avoid him noticing. She snorted at his mention of her size. Oh, she'd heard that one before, and others. Of course, most of the time they were out of concern, not out of amusement. How many men had watched her mount the large horse and immediately insisted that such a little thing should not go unaccompanied, or offered to trade him in for a smaller mare? She found it more amusing than anything else, really, but the fact that she was small enough to tease her for it still annoyed her. What she wouldn't give to grow another half a foot... but obviously that wasn't something she could hope to attain, in which case it was better to get whatever joy she could from the size she was at. And, of course, that came from shocking the hell out of people who thought her incapable of certain things. Without even granting him with a response, she flicked her wrists and dug her heel gently but quickly into Iron's flank, and he took off at a dead gallop.

[Vaughn Adeney]

::vaughn::

She had ignored his comments, but he did not care. He had no expectations get a comment back from her. As they galloped through the Balor forest, Vaughn was growing more and more curious to see her estate. And to see all that she would have to offer him, in term of money of course. He was not going to ask how far it was. He would just enjoy the ride, and enjoying it he was. "Are you planning on removing your armor before entering?" He asked, wondering if she had the liberty of going in dressed in her uniform. Did the guards know about this? Or was it just her immediate family, and now him, who knew.

Vaughn was debating whether he wanted to go in with her. He did not want her to try anything, so he would have to find out as much information as he could so that he could make an informed decision. If only her mother and brother knew, then she would not risk anyone else finding out.

[Alegra Silvertongue]

She cringed at the reminder that she had to change, but did not immediately answer. There was no way around it, though - all of the entrances to the house were guarded, and even if she managed to distract them to get in, the clink of the armor would no doubt call attention. But the idea of changing near him was becoming less and less appealing by the moment. He clearly had no code of decency, no morals to stick to; he would do whatever he felt like, and that was that. Suppose at the moment she was changing, he decided he felt like having a heart-warming face-to-face conversation? She wouldn't put it past him. Of course, there was always brush that she could change behind, but that wasn't very secure at all. She briefly considered just saying to hell with it and changing in front of him anyway; it wasn't like she was ashamed of her body, and if anything she could tease him. However, she imagined he would enjoy that just a bit too much, and he might not agree that it was best to leave it at teasing.

Alegra debated over it for a solid minute or so before eventually concluding, "Yes, I'll have to change. I'll do it behind the horse." After all, he was tall enough (and she was short enough) that his body would cover all necessary parts, and he was long enough that if she heard him walking around, she would hopefully have time to throw something on. She didn't plan on taking very long to dress, anyway. Of course, he could always duck under the horse... if he wanted a ripe kick to the face, that was. She'd change her boots last, just in case. A smile broke out on her face as she realized it was like she was planning an attack maneuver. Who would've thought she'd ever end up in this position?

[Vaughn Adeney]

::vaughn::

Vaughn thought it was very funny that she felt the need to explain where she would be changing. Of course, she was right in doing so. In emphasizing that she would be changing behind the horse, therefore making it difficult for him to see her. Of course, just because she said that did not mean he was going to be discouraged from making jokes about it. He had been doing so all along, why on earth would he stop now. "You would deprive a man from allow him to stop imagining and satisfy his curiosity?" He was referring to something he had first said to her. How her armor did not suit her, and how he wondered what was underneath all that metal. Apparently, he was going to find out.

"That is indeed cruel to disallow him of such a thing. Especially since he has been wondering for quite some time." He paused, in a false pensive moment. "Then again, imagining it can be more fun," he said in a bit of a perverted way, acting like he was actually imagining it and picturing it in his mind. Of course all his comments were verging on perverted, and his tone would not imply any differently as he did not mean it any other way.

[Alegra Silvertongue]

Alegra was trying very desperately not to be exasperated as she slowed the horse, looking for a good place to pull over and change. She was quite certain that his imagination would do her justice; and if not, well, she didn't plan on losing sleep on it. "Are you more gracious to the whores you sleep with?" she wondered aloud. "Or do they give you what you want too easily?" Her own language didn't bother her. Even as she spoke, she was squinting, trying to find a good place; one with either a large tree or a bush or something that could act as the other wall of the little area she wanted to make for herself. It would be just her luck to choose an open space only to find that she was directly in front of the other guy creeping around in the forest.

She had no sympathy for him, nor would she have even if he'd been speaking seriously. "You'll just have to keep wondering," she announced, and when he commented that imagining could be more fun, she grinned again. "It probably is. I'm very boring." She snickered. "Besides, this way you can fill your head with all sorts of fantasies. I recommend imagining me with exotic piercings," she suggested helpfully. "I would hate for your mind to portray me as the usual sort of girl." Spotting a large bush up ahead, she slowed down to a walk so that they wouldn't miss it.

[Vaughn Adeney]

::vaughn::

Vaughn laughed. She always had something to say in response, and there was really not end to just how entertained he was by it. "If they gave in too easily, where is the fun in that. I do like a challenge." And that was what she was to him as well: a challenge. While he did not condone rape, or even paying for such things, he did like being persistent through words. Some went for it, some did not but either way, Vaughn was the non committal type. He did not create ties to people. He would do what he had initially intended and be on his way. Alegra might be one of the few people that he would see on a regular basis, other than Alistair.

Vaughn pictured the image in his head. "No. Not piercings. That would not do you justice." The slowed pace made him aware that she had an idea of where to go to transform herself from knight to lady. "Trust me dear Alegra, I would not dare imagine you as a usual sort of girl." He did not mean that in a good way, or bad way. He meant it however she would take it. "But you do leave a man hungry for more. What of your other suitors who have wondered who the woman beneath the dress is."

[Alegra Silvertongue]

She couldn't help but be a little startled at his laughed. After all, it was the first time he'd really done so all night. "Leave it to a man to only be amused when the talk gets sexual," she declared wryly, shaking her head. "I don't think it's the challenge itself you like, I think it's beating it." She couldn't be sure, but he didn't seem like the kind of guy who would enjoy a losing a battle, which she still technically counted as a challenge. However, when he refuted her suggestion about piercings, she smiled quirkily. "Tsk, what a shame," she admonished. "I suppose I'll have to remove them when I get home, then."

She pulled the horse to a stop and hopped off - literally - bending her knees slightly as she hit the ground to avoid tumbling. Hungry for more, was he? And he wanted to know of her other suitors? She looked up at him and shot him a dangerously dazzling smile, one she'd no doubt used on poor, unsuspecting menfolk before. "Even the hungriest wolf will back off if there's a bigger predator nearby." Of course, she didn't mean size-wise, but it was clear that she was implying her superiority to the so-called suitors. She'd had plenty, more than average even, and not one had lasted more than a month; she was like an explosive, small but vicious, and had yet to encounter a man capable of handling her. She quickly opened the leather saddlebag to retrieve her garments.

[Vaughn Adeney]

::vaughn::

Yes, Vaughn was amused, and she was right in assuming that when the conversation took this turn, it would only strengthen his amusement."I never lose a challenge I am determined to win," he told her bluntly. It was not done in a falsely cocky tone, he meant every word of it. She would be his most recent one, and so far, he was getting what he wanted as far as the money was concerned. "You would remove them, interesting," he said with a suggestive smile. "Interesting to know that you would remove them because I said they would not do you justice. That you would change yourself to be more appealing to me. I did not know you valued my opinion so greatly." He was teasing her of course, as he had been doing so from the moment he first saw her remove her helmet from her head.

He too dismounted from her horse, from the same side she was on, conveniently. He watched her smile, which increased his own. There was no denying it was a beautiful smile indeed. "Most men must grovel at your feet when they see you smile in such a way," he said chuckling. "Yet how many of those men have the pleasure of helping you remove your armor." Vaughn knew it was difficult to remove armor. Not the entire thing, but the small latches and clasps that kept it in place. It was why knights had servants, or women, to help them do so. Unfortunately for her, he was all that was around at this moment.

[Alegra Silvertongue]

"Am I a challenge? Just what is it you want?" she wanted to know, not even bothering to make the air of innocence with which she spoke realistic. Her voice was nothing more than a purr now; this was a game she was good at, though she didn't often play it. "Of course I value your opinion." Nearly crooning. "After all, if you win, you'll be the first to see me." Her sarcasm was blunter than if she'd smacked him in the forehead with it, but sounded entirely sincere, her voice not wavering at all. Then the look transformed as she snickered a second time and continued fishing out her clothing until she had it all over her arm. He was correct; she got most anything her heart desired with that smile, though she'd more than once used it for humorous purposes. Telling a guy who fancied himself your future husband to please remove his hand from your lap was much more rewarding when you could see the effects of the smile on his face as well. Alegra was not above such things.

However, Vaughn's words posed a problem she had not thought of: removing her armor. It was difficult, of course. Twice as difficult as putting it on, which in and of itself was quite the task and generally took her twice as long as it would a normal knight. Normally, Drake was the one to help her with the removal of it, but twice before she'd had her female servant assist her. The girl didn't have any idea what the armor was for, and Alegra had told her that she was used as practice for the knights to maneuver armor on and off quickly. Knowing nothing of the way it all worked, the girl had accepted this, and Alegra had failed to account for the fact that she might be out so late. "I don't need help," she insisted stubbornly. It was a blatant lie, but she'd figure it out somehow... right?

[Vaughn Adeney]

::vaughn::

There were so many ways to answer that question, Vaughn was having a hard time deciding which one to go with. "Have I not made it rather obvious?" He asked smiling. While he knew she was not serious, he still lightly chuckled at her admittance of valuing his opinion. "As you should. You never know what could happen in the future." He was just entertaining the idea, without giving any specifics. He did not think long term. He lived in the moment, and right now, the moment was great. "Which means that you still have your virtue. That no man has taken it in the past." That it would be more fun if Vaughn would be that man. "Now why is that. Such a gorgeous woman as yourself, and no man to please her. You must have high standards Lady Alegra."

She claimed she did not need help, but Vaughn knew differently. Her tone was convincing of course, but Vaughn was a knight. He had worn the armor and taken it off, all with assistance. There was a reason he wore it majority of the time: because it was such a nuisance to remove. "Very well then," he said, amused. "I have all day to stand here and watch you struggle as you attempt to remove the armor on your own, and fail each and every time." He took a couple of steps towards a nearby tree and leaned against it, folding his arms across his chest, and just watched her. His position was more comfortable than having just been standing there, as he was literally implying that he was not the one who was in a rush. "I have no where else to be. Do you?" He asked sarcastically, already knowing the answer to his question.

[Alegra Silvertongue]

It was true, admittedly, she didn't know what could happen in the future - but she had a fair guess it wouldn't involve what he wanted it to. Of course, her abilities were of the transportation sort, not future-seeing, so she entertained the idea that she could never quite be sure; and nearly laughed out loud at it. She was unpredictable, but as of yet, nothing much on a grander scale of her life had been. Perhaps if it had, she'd be more content than she was with it all. She noted, not for the first time, that his questions were very direct. "What makes you think that just because my virtue is intact, I've not been pleased?" she quizzed devilishly. "My standards are impeccably high. No one's come close."

She sent him a rather nasty glare. He automatically assumes I will fail? she thought indignantly. Of course, it was a fair assumption, as to her knowledge no one was capable of it, but she was too proud to have thought of that. When he leaned against a tree and made no motion as if to move, however, she narrowed her eyes at him. Did he think she was going to change right in front of him? "I'm not quite ready to satisfy your imagination," she informed him, and gestured to Iron. "Other side!"

[Vaughn Adeney]

::vaughn::

"Your pleasure has only been minimal if your virtue is indeed in tact." Vaughn's was not. Not at all. "I suppose that most men see who you are, and are immediately attracted as it is only natural to be drawn to such a charming and elegant young woman." Vaughn did not compliment others to make them feel good about themselves; he only spoke what his perception deemed to be true. And in this case, he believed it was. "However, if you act this vocal and defensive with them, then I am not surprised they have turned the other way, thus keeping your virtue in tact." He was joking, mocking her aggressive personality. He knew full well that it was he who had provoked that side of her, but still. He had to at least make fun of her as much as he could before their paths went opposite ways, temporarily.

Vaughn did not move from his position. "You are going to be asking for my assistance soon enough. Why not save your pride and accept my offer to help you." Though it would be fun to see her struggle, it would be even more fun to see her admit she needed his help.

[Alegra Silvertongue]

"If you think there are not other methods of attaining pleasure, you are sadly deprived," she informed him, and snorted at his compliments. Yes, she seemed charming and elegant when she wanted to be - or rather, when it was required for her to be. Thankfully, that was not terribly often. "If you act this vocal and defensive with them, I'm not surprised that they turned the other way." "Oh, I am," she supplied willingly. "Even more so if they need a bit more of a kick. I've yet to meet anyone deserving, and I won't settle for second best." She knew she was blunt, fiery, even harsh at times, and she was proud of it. She didn't want a guy who would try to change her or, worse, ignore it.

"I don't need help," she repeated in exasperation. Seeing that he would not move, however, she decided to go with her original plan; to hell with it. And once she'd gotten the armor off, she'd move to the other side. She removed the chain mail gloves and her fingers began working at the larger, easier clasps. She managed to get most of them undone, even, after several minutes and a lot of effort, and then she got to the harder ones; the buckles that were supposed to keep the plates together even under the blow of a sword. They would be difficult no matter what, and at the angle she was at with her small hands, she didn't have a hope in the world of managing them. After several more tries and aching fingers, she paused to consider her options. She had to ask for help, of course... and, knowing him, he'd ask her to beg. Well, she wouldn't. If he agreed, so be it, but she would sooner be caught by her mother than beg him for assistance. "Would you mind?" she asked, turning around to face him with a faulty sweet tone.

[Vaughn Adeney]

::vaughn::

"Oh there certainly are, but this is one of the most satisfying." Vaughn of course that there were more satisfying things in life; like blackmailing a noble. But he was just playing up the idea of sleeping with someone as one of the more satisfying desires. "I would not have expected you to," he said, giving her another suggestive smile. "A woman such as yourself should indeed have suitable standards. As must your mother, despite what I am sure is a difficulty in finding someone for her daughter to wed." Marriage was a concept that Vaughn would never understand. Committing to one person for the rest of your life; settling with that one person. It was just too, permanent. "After all, what man would marry a woman who runs out in the middle of the night. One who has a secret identity." Now, he was mocking her late night activities rather than her personality.

Vaughn did not move when she asked if he minded. He had watched her fully entertained as she had begun to remove the clasps and armor, and now the inevitable had come, and Vaughn had expected it. He remained leaning against the tree. "Would I mind what?" He asked, just wanting her to say what he had known she was going to.