An untimely arrival

[Rouland de Archer]

OOC I'd feel daft posting to myself, so here's family relations at their best!

Rouland sighed as he walked up the castle steps after his niece. She was checking back at him every few moments to see that he hadn't jumped on his horse and run back to his lands. It was an understatement to say that Rouland didn't want to be here. Caitrin had dragged him along to some feast to celebrate the creation of yet another knight of Camelot. He'd hardly been to any before and didn't see why he had to start now.

"Niece, I still do not see why I am here." Caitrin whipped around and rounded on her Uncle,

"Because Uncle, you owe me the favour." Rouland sighed and ran his hand through his hair. His niece had him there. She had been annoyed at him since his actions towards her following the dragon attack; he hadn't visited her and this had been a cause for complaint. Rouland was now wishing he had just bloody well visited her whilst she was unable to walk. Caitrin smiled sweetly at him, as was her way, and continued towards the main hall in the castle.

Rouland caught up with his niece, ignoring the guards whose gazes followed her up the coridoor. Tonight she was wearing a dark blue silk dress which he had bought her. The dress swept behind her and the body of her dress moulded to her figure, and she had a small silver circlet around her head. Needless to say Rouland knew his niece was beautiful, which made it more odd to him that she had not received a wedding proposal yet. However, he was becoming particularly interested in the man Caitrin had encountered around a month ago. At first of course, as was Caitrins way, she didn't want to speak about it, but the details had come out gradually as the weeks had dragged on.

"Will Griflet be there tonight?" He asked casually, looking sidewards at Caitrin but still continuing their brisk walk. She looked angrily at him but shrugged in an uncaring way,

"How should I know?" Rouland shrugged, Caitrin had hardly been to Camelot since she had met Griflet and when she did it was only to see Arthur or tend to matters of business on his behalf. They reached the doors to the hall and Rouland held out his arm for Caitrin to take it. The squire announced them and Rouland could see his niece scanning the room quickly,

"Settle niece, I'm sure if he desired you that badly he would have knocked down the doors to our home by now." He chuckled to himself, ignoring the glare Caitrin was giving him as he led her to their seats. He called a servant straight over and took a goblet for himself and Caitrin, "To help you relax, you need it." He added, nodding and taking a swig himself. Caitrin held the goblet in her small hands and looked around the room again silently. "So, this Griflet," Rouland mused, taking a small swig of wine, "Do you wish him to stop his advances?" He looked down at his niece who was staring him in the eyes,

"Of course." She replied briefly, taking some wine herself as Rouland let out a laugh,

"Come now niece, you cannot fool me. You have strong feelings for this man." He was sure in his answer because she couldn't have weak feelings for someone who had kept her from Camelot for nearly a month; he knew his niece was not that fickle so Griflet must have made a profound impression indeed,

"Strong feelings indeed Uncle but I think you will find they are not as he would like them." Was her quick reply and Rouland inclined his head towards her; she had a point, just because her feelings were strong did not mean they had sexual origins. Rouland looked around the room, following wherever his niece's gaze jumped to,

"So is he here then?" He asked bluntly and Caitrin shook her head quickly,

"I do not believe he his Uncle." Caitrin felt some relief, at least now she could get on and enjoy the feast; perhaps Griflet had left Camelot. After all, he had only just arrived when they had met. Rouland coughed huskily and brushed some hair off Caitrin's shoulder,

"Well please inform me when or if he does." He said, acting uninterested, "I would love a word with the man who managed to silence my niece for a whole week."

Timeline: About 4 months after the dragon attacked at the send of S2
Location: A feast in the Castle hall
Tags: Caitrin de Archer, Griflet

[Griff Aubert]

Griflet had had to beg Lucan to let him go to the feast at the castle. Since his brother was paying for his lodging, and as it happened most of his food, he was rather under his control. Not that Lucan would abuse that of course, but he was weary of allowing Griff to attend such public functions, especially when there were so many young women in attendance. He had promised to be on his best behaviour, although he had had his fingers crossed at the time so it didn’t count.

Surprisingly, Luc had left him to his own devices. So while it did give him a chance to introduce himself to several young women there none that particularly took his fancy so, without his brother for company, he was left by himself. He was bored. Of course he wasn’t going to vocalise this. Luc would only say that it was his own fault and he was the one that wanted to come, that begged to come so he should stop complaining.

With nothing else to do he wandered aimlessly around the room. Dinner had not yet been announced so the room was filled with nobles making small talk and making acquaintances. He might as well try and follow the crowd. But everyone looked so damn boring and not one of the young women were handsome enough to tempt him, and if they were they were heavily guarded by their male chaperone. It was all very disappointing. He was about to give up with the evening completely when he spotted a familiar face. With a grin he found himself walking towards her. When he reached her he gave small bow to the man stood next to her and then to her. “Lady Caitrin, what a pleasant surprise. I see you’ve kept your promise.”

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin knew her Uncle would be annoyed with her for dragging him to this feast, she knew he hated it but she hadn't wanted to go on her own. She had been on her own the last time she had met Griflet and that had happened. Her Uncle had spotted a noble he wanted to have a word with so he dragged Caitrin up out of her seat whilst he spoke. The conversation was short and Caitrin stood around awkwardly, constantly checking around her for the arrival of a certain gentleman. She wasn't scared of him, she just would prefer not to run into him altogether. She was sure her evening would be a lot better if he wasn't here.

Rouland turned his attentions back to his niece, "I wish they would hurry up and serve dinner." He voiced and Caitrin rolled her eyes; this was the price for dragging him along, he would either moan or tease, or even try both at the same time. She held her goblet firmly, taking another swig and nodding at her Uncle,

"Try to enjoy yourself Uncle," She replied dryly, "You might even surprise yourself." Rouland chuckled and inclined towards her, finishing off his goblet and exchanging it for a full one from a passing servant,

"At least the wine's good." He mumbled. Caitrin smiled, dusting off her dress with the back of her hand and went back to address her Uncle, but someone else had other ideas.

“Lady Caitrin, what a pleasant surprise. I see you’ve kept your promise.”

Caitrin spun around and her eyes widened, she thought about just walking away but her Uncle had already replied his bow so she swept into a deep majestic curtsey. As she drew herself up she didn't have the beaming face he probably expected her to have. They hadn't left on good terms and the months absence had done nothing to improve her mood towards him.

"Sir Griflet, what an unexpected surprise." She said cooly and then turned to her Uncle, "May I present my Uncle: Lord Rouland de Archer, Uncle, this is Sir Griflet." Now the formalities had been established and finished she turned back to Griflet, deciding polite conversation was the only way to go, "Have you been keeping busy?" She directed at Griflet. Rouland had decided to watch the conversation for now and chip in whenever Caitrin needed to be either calmed down or brought back to earth.

[Griff Aubert]

Caitrin was being civil, that could only be a good thing. Whilst they hadn’t parted as a result of argument, as he had assumed they would at the time, they hadn’t exactly parted as friends either. He would have picked up where they left off, but the presence of her uncle made that rather impossible. Griff was quite an accomplished cad and bounder, but he wasn’t that good he could seduce a woman right under her chaperone’s nose. But it was definitely something he should work towards...

Griff snapped himself out of those thoughts. They were neither here nor there and in no way helping the present situation. He inclined his head slightly in answer to her question, he would have nodded, but that would make him look far too eager, and that was never attractive in a man. He was acutely aware of Lord Rouland’s presence and was trying to make a good impression, while still working the charm with the man’s niece. It was no easy task but he would endeavour. “I’ve found my love for poetry.” He replied, “You have no idea how little rhymes with Caitrin.” He grinned; he was, of course, not being serious. But he had been thinking about her, a lot. That wasn’t to say that she was the only thing that occupied his mind, that would be absurd. And she wasn’t the only woman he’s thought about, but she had certainly been present in his thoughts. “Yourself? How has the riding been coming along?” He inquired, innocently enough, but with enough emphasis on ‘riding’ to warrant a suppressed smirk.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin smiled courteously at Griflet as he spoke, there was no point in making an argument with Griflet out of nothing, and she certainly didn't want to embarrass herself in front of her Uncle and Griflet. The situation was more formal and she wished they'd met like this in the first place because she probably would have got a completely different view of Griflet altogether.

Caitrin was not as overt as showing her opinion of Griflet's new found love for poetry as Rouland was. Of course neither was fooled but Caitrin remained composed, whereas Rouland raised his eye brows and looked at his niece as if to ask if the man was serious or not. She was surprised he was trying the charm so early in the conversation and so overtly in front of her Uncle; it was more embarrassing than anything because it gave her Uncle something to tease her with when they got home. "I am sure your rhyme's have kept you puzzled for many an hour." She gave a brief smile and Rouland managed to suppress a snort by turning it into a cough and turning away from the pair for a moment.

"What are you doing spending your time with words?" Rouland cut in, "A man like you should surely be out hunting on your lands, or training surely?" Caitrin had not told Rouland an amazing amount about this man so he was still incredibly interested in Griflet; nosiness was a trait which ran in the family. Rouland had been observing the man, he hadn't presented himself as an impolite sort of man, merely a hopeless charmer; well hopeless where Caitrin was concerned at least.

Caitrin didn't believe Griflet had thought about her much in their absence, their encounter had been so short there hadn't been much to dwell on overall. She had thought about him a bit, but not that much as a month was a long time and she couldn't stay throttled with anger for him for a month.

She caught his eye with the emphasis on his words as he spoke; Rouland noticed it too but let it slide, thinking it was a mistake on the boys part. Caitrin inclined her head, "I have been very busy on my Uncle's lands," Rouland nodded to confirm her words as the focus turned back to Caitrin, "But my riding has been coming along well, even my Uncle now cannot keep up with me." She gave a small smirk and cast her eyes to her Uncle who half laughed and half chocked on the wine he had just taken in,

"That is because you are out every day Caitrin, whereas I only ride out when it is needed." Of course Rouland was going to justify why his niece could beat him to markers in the road when they went out riding. Her mare was also a lot younger than his horse and he wasted no trouble in telling her every time they went on their rides.

"True Uncle, but you should not feel too ashamed, Sir Griflet also failed to beat me at riding." She gave Griflet a grin as Rouland nodded, inclining his head towards Griflet,

"I am sure sir, that you meant to let her win, as a gentleman should."

[Griff Aubert]

Their first meeting had taken place mainly in a forest, where they were both at liberty to express themselves exactly how they wished. Now, however, they were in a much more formal setting and so Caitrin had been given little choice but to acknowledge Griff’s presence, something he was glad about. He had been hoping for a situation such as this. They were both expected to follow the rules of decorum, so whether she liked it or not she was going to have to be at least civil towards him, and he could work with that.

Griff would have replied to her, saying something about how any time puzzling over his rhymes was surely time well spent, but her uncle was quick to jump in with his own thoughts on the matter. At present, with so little to go on of Rouland’s character, he couldn’t tell if the man was speaking in jest or not. He severely hoped so, just as he hoped Caitrin’s quick temper was inherited from the other side of her family. It would not do to have a lord angered by him when he was trying to seduce his niece, afterwards would be perfectly acceptably, but before would be inconvenient.

"What are you doing spending your time with words? A man like you should surely be out hunting on your lands, or training surely?"

“Chance would be a fine thing.” He muttered and quickly took a sip from his drink. It had been rather a long time since he had gone hunting, it had been with his father if he recalled correctly. But what with his distinct lack of lands it was a luxury he could no longer afford. “I would much prefer to be praising your niece than killing innocent creatures.” Here he turned to Caitrin, “Unless my lady would prefer a deer carcass over a well penned verse?”

"But my riding has been coming along well, even my Uncle now cannot keep up with me."

As inappropriate and immature as it was, Griff couldn’t help but almost burst out laughing. He was, after all, rather narrow minded and could make most things inappropriate and immature, especially when they were as obvious as this. Luckily he was able to disguise his outburst as a coughing fit and, on making a first, pressed his hand against his mouth. It would be the height of bad manners to cough any other way. Hopefully he was playing it well enough to convince them both and they had not noticed his initial laugh. He really didn’t want to explain why he had found Caitrin’s words so funny, although she probably knew he would, and chose them deliberately.

After managing to compose himself rather quickly, Griff nodded politely, to show he was taking an interest in all that Rouland had to say. He had only just met the man, so hardly had a thing against him, apart from the fact that he was present and therefore stopping any further advancement of Griff’s where Caitrin was concerned. “Naturally, it would be the height of bad manners if I were to win. Especially as Hector was a far inferior horse so my riding skills would have been all the more emphasised, a true gentleman knows when modesty is called for.” Griff, on the other hand, usually ignored it.

[Rouland de Archer]

Rouland had of course been merely jesting with Griflet, he wanted to get a snapshot of the boys’ personality. It was an incredibly hard thing to do in such a formal situation because it was so formal. In an informal setting, when it didn’t matter as much who upset who it was easier to get a grasp of a persons personality. Griflet was hiding behind his words, Rouland felt, and he was becoming as irritated with it as he supposed his niece was. She was being very curt and throwing in the odd witty remark; he had grinned when she had teased Griflet about his rhymes. It had been a result of living under Rouland’s roof that Caitrin had developed her sense of humour, however dry it was. Rouland didn’t catch Griflets’ first remark and he was sure if it was nothing he wanted to say loudly it was nothing Rouland wanted to hear. It would probably just fuel Caitrins’ irritation anyway. He merely took a swig of his wine as Griflet continued and nearly chocked on his wine once again with Griflets’ reply. He couldn’t believe Griflets reply, and although the mans gaze was now fixed on Caitrin, Roulands was fixed on Griflet. His reply of not killing innocent beasts was obviously Griflets way of feeling superior in this conversation; hunting was a way of displaying masculinity and status; either Griflet had neither or he compensated for it with something else.

“It would be hard to compare the effect of either my Lord, as at present you have neither to present to me.” She cocked her head to the side and Rouland suppressed a grin; the de Archer streak often showed itself within Caitrin and he was less than disappointed at her retort to Griflet. Caitrin was trying to toy with Griflet, she knew he could not make any advance on her whilst her Uncle remained at her side so she could jab and tease him all she desired and he was powerless to do much than rise to it. Caitrin continued, “Hunting is not a pastime I indulge in, I prefer practising archery rather than putting it to use.” Her words were airy and thoughtful and she smiled at her Uncle who was shaking his head at his niece’s disapproval at his pastimes.

Rouland was surprised Griflet found jest with Caitrin’s words, it was bad form for the man to act polite and chivalrous and then to laugh at such immature remarks. He ignored it but Caitrin was staring at Griflet in disbelief, pursing her lips together and sipping her wine angrily. Rouland nodded as Griflet agreed that he had let Caitrin win; he didn’t expect anything other than that if the man had half a wit about him.

“A true gentleman indeed,” Rouland agreed, “Caitrin’s mare was a gift of mine to her when I accepted her wardship.” He was still keeping formal but he may have become too personal for his niece’s liking, she loved to keep men in the dark and keep them guessing but he was determined to irritate Caitrin; after all he didn’t want to be here.

Caitrin nodded at her Uncle’s words and turned her attentions back to Griflet, “And of course I am grateful to my Uncle.” She case Rouland a sidewards glance then returned to Griflet, “Have you not got your own horse yet?” She asked curiously then decided to bring in a fresh topic as well, she was tired of Griflet’s childish laughs at her riding comments, “What are your plans for the evening Sir?” She asked curiously; she was sure her Uncle’s plans were to eat and be on their way as soon as was humanly possible. Caitrin just wanted to enjoy the evening, but usually nobles came to these functions to fulfil their own agendas and she wanted to hear Griflets.

[Griff Aubert]

Caitrin’s answer certainly amused Griflet, and further cemented his liking of her. She had cocked her head, an action which resulted in – Griff noticed much to his own irritation – her hair flicking in the same direction. It was utterly ridiculous that he should be noticing the slightest movement of her hair, although at least he wasn’t staring at her lips again. “Then I shall give you both at our next meeting and you can decide. I confess that I am a master at neither skill, but my heart is stronger than my arm.” He took another sip of his drink before adding, “Especially when I am given such a muse.”

Griff inclined his head, accepting Rouland’s comment of his being a gentleman, or at least acting as one. Again, he would have returned the compliment but he was stopped by Caitrin voicing her own thoughts.

“And of course I am grateful to my Uncle. Have you not got your own horse yet?”

He didn’t even have Hector, let alone his own horse. He was still in Glouchedon, with his money – or what little was actually his and not his father’s – and all his best clothes, it was all very traumatic for him. The absence of a horse was certainly felt, a lot more than he had thought it would. There was a distinct lack of freedom without a horse, he could not simply take an afternoon ride or escape to pastures new – not that he particularly wanted to, what with his brother paying for most of his upkeep. “Alas I do not.” He replied simply, he would prefer not to mention too much on the subject, after all, the full truth about his leaving home had not been fully explained and he rather desired to keep it that way. It was a blunt answer, and perhaps sounded rude to Caitrin and Rouland, but there was not much to be said about the matter.

Luckily the topic of conversation was quickly changed. Griflet did not have any plans for the evening, except trying to stay in the company of Lady Caitrin, hopefully without Rouland present. That, however, was not nearly an impressive enough answer, and one that, once vocalised, would surely be thwarted by the young woman in front of him. Instead of answering her truthfully he shrugged and replied rather casually. “My plans are to enjoy myself. And make sure my brother isn’t so drunk he can’t find his bed.” He gestured vaguely in the direction of Lucan, or at least where he was when they had departed. He could be anywhere by now. As a rule, Luc was the more sensible of the two, but alcohol was involved and Griff has no idea how his brother fared with its inclusion. Not that that really mattered at the moment, Griff was much too concerned with Caitrin than his brother’s sobriety, or lack of it. “And you? Do you have any plans? Other than teasing me, I mean.”

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin pushed her lips into a small smile at Griflet’s reply. It was hard to believe this was the same man she had encountered. If they had met like this in the first place she would probably have been a lot more pleasant towards him, and felt more positively towards his actions. Being in such a formal situation played to Caitrins’ strengths. She was used to these types of situations as similar things happened at most feasts which she attended. She supposed Griflet was out of his comfort zone, probably preferring the forest to such a formal feast but she was actually enjoying herself now, even if it was at his expense.

Caitrin thought about her answer, she didn’t blush or even beam at Griflet’s words. Rouland gave her a quick glance to check her stance, she hadn’t changed it much and it certainly didn’t scream that she was head over heels in love with this man. He was glad in a way, it was unwise to let love dictate your head, and Caitrin was in a fortunate financial position at the moment and so would have to find a suitable match when the time came instead of falling for just anyone. Caitrin however was just suprised to be called a muse. "I look forwards to it." She said softly but at the same time hoped he did not produce a corpse for her, "Hopefully you will have less trouble with your rhymes in future."

Caitrin was not surprised to find that Griflet was still without a horse, seeing as he had been disowned by his family. She didn’t know what on earth she would do without her mare; it would feel like a part of her had been cut off. Caitrin nodded politely and smiled, “What a pity, you would find it hard to catch up with noblewomen without a horse.” She didn’t make it personal because she didn’t think she was the object of Griflet’s desires. From their last conversation she knew he would have his eyes on many women at the same time, or at least that was the impression she had been given. After a few moments had passed Rouland, after swallowing his wine piped up, “You must be inconvenienced without a horse?” He enquired, wondering how the man got about without his own horse. He turned back to Caitrin, “I’m sure you would agree niece that if your mare were to suffer some injury it would be a turn for the worse for us both; my head and your temper.” He chuckled to himself, helping himself to more wine quickly.

As Caitrin knew Griflet had been disowned by his family she was surprised to hear his brother was in close proximity, “I did not know you had a brother my Lord,” she said quickly, “You cannot leave us hanging, is he here?” She wondered why he had not mentioned his brother before, she hoped he was more courteous upon first introductions than Griflet had been. Rouland too perked up and looked around the room for anyone who resembled the man in front of him, but Rouland had never been particularly good at matching faces. He had only known who Caitrin was when he had met her for the first time because of her flaming red hair.

"I plan to enjoy myself as well my Lord, and if that involves teasing you, which I am not aware was occurring, then so be it." It was a quick and courteous answer as she wanted to hurry the conversation along a tad and not stay in territory which Griflet could control.

Rouland was enjoying the conversation, perhaps his niece was right about getting out more. However, he was probably only enjoying it at Caitrin’s expense. As dinner was taking longer than expected to prepare the musicians had began to play softly to dancers who were itching to get up. Rouland scratched his neck, he had never been one for dancing and was glad his wife had not accompanied them here tonight. He felt a tap on his shoulder and found it was a friendly face; the noble he had been engaged with earlier, “Rouland I must finalise the arrangements for our trade.” The man said briefly and Rouland nodded. He turned back to Caitrin and Griflet, bowing at the latter and excusing himself,

“I shouldn’t be long.” Caitrin had whispered ‘uncle don’t’ as he had lowered his bow. She knew he had heard but it was said so Griflet could not here so she knew his excusing was for her benefit rather than Griflets. She was stunned he had just left her alone with Griflet; here we go again.

[Griff Aubert]

To say that Griflet was surprised by Caitrin’s reply was an understatement. He had expected some witty comeback, or at least to be told that they would not be seeing each other again. But no, maybe she was just being courteous because of where they were – she could hardly be so freely with her feelings as she had been in the forest and neither could he, rather irritatingly. Still, it caught him by surprise and he was quite unsure how to respond. The feeling, however, could only have lasted a few seconds as he quickly realised that this is what he had wanted to happen in the first place, and he was quickly back to playing the charmer, completely ignoring Rouland’s presence as he did so. “I could always substitute your name for something more fitting – Venus perhaps, or Circe.” There was a slight pause before he continued, “You have certainly enchanted me.”

Unfortunately for Griff, but probably fortunately for Caitrin, Rouland was still very much involved in the conversation, and he could hardly ignore the man. The subject of his horse, or lack thereof, was terribly dull in comparison to that of Caitrin but it was one that must be acknowledged – decorum dictated so. “Indeed it is not. I travelled here on foot, and while I was inconvenienced at the time, I find myself having no need to travel any further. Besides, I could not afford one no matter how much it would improve matters.” He tried to reply as fully and politely as he could so they could move on and talk about more pressing matters. Like how he could woo Caitrin.

Alas, it was not to be. He should not have mentioned his brother, and he certainly should not have made him sound so interesting. Hopefully Caitrin was enquiring more out of politeness than genuine interest, in which case he could answer swiftly and only once. “Yes, Sir Lucan. He is ten years my senior, and yes he is here although I do not know where. If I see him I shall introduce you.” Surely that was a satisfactory answer.

Again, Griflet was surprised by Caitrin’s answer. She appeared to be a lot happier conversing with him now than she had been during their first meeting. It was probably because of Rouland’s presence, and the formality of the occasion that was preventing him from being overly familiar, and therefore keeping her in her in her depth. “Well then I shall gladly accept any teasing. Far be it from me to deprive a woman from happiness.”

Before anything else was said by any of the party a man Griff did not recognised approached Rouland and called him away. Griff was not sorry to see the man leave. No sooner had Rouland left the pair did the musician’s start playing – as if the whole situation had been planned by the universe solely in order to help him. They were no longer mere acquaintances, and it would be the height of bad manners not to ask Caitrin for a dance. He looked around the room; it seemed several of the young men had had similar thoughts. He held out his hand towards her, hoping she would take it and said, “May I have this dance?”

[Caitrin de Archer]

Irritatingly Caitrin found Griflet trying to be more charming in a formal setting than an informal one. Before it had been about physical contact, which was no way to start a relationship, but now it was a battle of wits and charms. It killed Caitirn to admit she was actually enjoying Griflets’ conversation, not really because she was charmed by him, but because he gave her chances to be witty and playful. It felt like a less serious conversation than the one they had had in the forest, despite it taking place in one of the most formal settings imaginable. As Griflet announced Caitrin had enchanted him her eyes widened fiercely and a slightly smug grin found its way onto her lips. “You must tell me what I did to enchant you,” She replied enthusiastically and waited a few moments before continuing, “I could use it on every man I encounter then.” Caitrin was starting to see why she and Griflet could converse so easily, most noblemen could not keep up with her but both were used to being the object of desire so knew how to handle it. Griflet was probably more experienced than Caitrin was, but Caitrin knew she was proving a challenge to him on many different levels.

Caitrin did not intend to let up her teasing towards Griflet because this time he was actually rising to it and having to retort to her. There was no silence where he tried to seduce her, nor could he just turn the question back at her because it was bad manners, especially in front of her Uncle. Rouland was nodding along with the conversation, losing interest fast in the young people. He did feel he needed to chip in on the topic of families,

“You must be on good terms with your brother then?” Rouland directed at Griflet, “I have not seen my brother since Caitrin was but four years old.” Caitrins cheeks began to hold a slight pink within them and she gave a small cough, “He is the elder as well; married after me of course. By the time I was Caitrin’s age I was already married.” He gave his niece a sideward’s knowing glance; many a time they had conversations about Caitrins lack of serious suitors. Whilst Rouland did not expect Griflet to do much but flirt with Caitrin he still confided the information in him; he could take it however he wanted to. Giving Griflet enough time to reply to her Uncle, Caitrin finally piped up,

“I think I have seen your brother at court, but a formal introduction would be perfect, thank you my Lord.” She was now itching with curiosity to meet Griflets brother. She wondered if they were much alike; perhaps Lucan was a flirt as well; that would be a disaster, two Griflets!

“Well,” Caitrin dragged out her words slowly, looking straight into Griflets eyes, “What kind of a man would you be to deprive a woman of her happiness?” She raised her eye brows, showing that she was not really jesting with him, but teasing. Behind his goblet Rouland was beaming at his niece, glad she was not taking this man on his words. Rouland had always been jealous of men who could charm women, all Roulands words were good for was making gripes at other nobles, his niece however had a healthy balance of both charm and gripes.

Caitrin watched her Uncle leave, stubbornly finishing her wine and refusing to commence the conversation with Griflet until he chose the topic. This hadn’t been the plan, her Uncle was supposed to stay with her so that Griflet remained proper throughout their meeting. Caitrin supposed now was his chance to prove he could act courteous whilst they were alone; she would be impressed if he could handle it. As she had no reason to prevent her from dancing she thought for a moment, “I did not know you danced my Lord.” She said confidently without smiling but then set down her goblet on the table behind her and slipped her slender fingers into his much larger hand and felt his fingers close around hers, “You may.” Was her simple reply, made with a tiny smile whilst staring Griflet square in the eyes. She listened to the music, the musicans were conjuring up quite a fast jig Caitrin was well acquainted with. However this particular dance meant a lot of physical contact, including the males having to lift their partner up and set them down on the opposite side in the middle of the dance. Her smile faultered but she looked back up at Griflet, waiting for him to lead her into their first dance together.

OOC 1. Im going for something like the Merryton ball from P&P but with more physical contact. Just imagine that music, its what im going for.
2. How is the post that long? O.o

[Griff Aubert]

Griff noticed – as he had been noticing many things about the young woman in front of him – that when he told her how ‘enchanted’ he was her eyes widened, which he immediately took to be a compliment. “Well in that case I’m not going to tell you anything.” Griff replied, even if she was speaking in jest he was not going to take any chances. And anyway, he hadn’t been ‘enchanted’; it had just been something to say. All of his compliments had been so it didn’t matter. Quite frankly he didn’t care what she did to men she encountered. It was not an issue. At all. Well. He certainly wasn’t convincing himself, but that was only because he was a self proclaimed cad and his intentions towards Caitrin were entirely dishonourable. Right. That was settled then.

Griff would rather not get into the ins and outs with his relationship with his brother. It really was a tedious subject. Yes, he was on good terms, but that was probably only because they hadn’t been around each other long enough to remember how much they didn’t like each other. It probably helped that they both shared a mutual aversion towards their father, and both knew that they were the only real family either of them had left. He suppressed a sigh and an eye roll, he would really rather not end up in a long conversation about anyone in his family especially when said member happened to be a dashing and heroic knight. Well, a knight, at least. Still, decorum – that stupid bloody thing – dictated that he smile politely and reply as eloquently as he could. “Yes, I am, despite certain...fundamental differences.” He left it like that, not particularly wanting to divulge anything else. Lucan was a boring subject, especially as it took attention away from Griff.

He was unsure how to reply to the latter part of Rouland’s speech. He was sure there was some double meaning in that, what with the man’s glance at Caitrin. He decided upon flattery, it was his default reply after all. “Your wife is a lucky woman to have such a man as you for her husband. Is she in Camelot?” Griff didn’t care either way, but there was decorum again, irritating him once more.

Turning his attention back to Caitrin as she spoke, he was rather disappointed to find that the conversation was still on his brother. “My pleasure.” He replied courteously, hoping they could now all move on.

She was raising her eyebrows, and he was rather annoyed that he kept noticing these things, and then telling himself she was doing it. What on earth was he doing? Giving himself a mental slap in the face he firmly shouted at himself – mentally, of course – to focus and stop being so...so...indescribable for one thing, but mainly not himself. “Exactly, my lady.” He replied, “If there is one thing I pride myself on it is just that, considering that I have never had any complaints.” There. He was back to being his inappropriate self and all was righted.

Of course he danced! Events such as this were the perfect way to attract the attention of noble women, being able to dance was essential to his philandering, and something else he rather prided himself on. “There is a lot you don’t know about me.” He replied simply, waiting for her hand. It was small and warm and felt rather nice in his and he held onto it perhaps a little too firmly as he lead her to the middle of the room. This was their first dance together and he wanted to make a good impression. He had noticed over the conversation that she appeared to be warming up to him, which was a good start, but this dance would surely escalate matters.

Several other couples had made their way into the centre of the room, waiting for the point in the music where the dancing started. As it was a dance that involved a separation between the men and women at first he let go of Caitrin’s hand with some reluctance – though he tried not to show it, and joined the other men. It felt like an awfully long wait, stood in a line, looking at Caitrin and wondering why he couldn’t take his eyes away from her, and then his sightline dropped a few inches and everything made sense.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin was a little annoyed her Uncle had brought up the topic of her father. She hadn’tbeen on good terms with her family since her removal from Mercia to Camelot. She much regarded her closest family to be her uncle and Aunt who she resided with; after all she had been in close proximity with them for three years so she couldn’t help but feel some sort of loyalty to them. Her sisters had wrote her a few times, but not much beyond how they loved marriage life so and how they would be happy to see their beloved sister reconciled in marriage. Her father expected her to marry advantageously within Camelot so he had alliances beyond his brother. It made sense but Caitrin did not like being tossed about from hand to hand and made to feel like an object,“My Uncle is indeed lucky,” Caitrin said quickly and turned her attentions back to Rouland, “And I hope to be so lucky when the time comes, instead of my father constantly reminding me how scandalous it is I do not even have a suitor yet.” Rouland inclined his head to his niece, her words were of course a reply to a letter her father had sent her a few months ago, and Rouland’s constant jabbing at her status. As it was, Caitrin enjoyed being casual and flirty with as many men as she could.

Rouland, allowing Griflet time to reply to Caitrin’s rant finally answered the mans question, “Alas, she is at home tonight as she has a migrane.” Truth was Rouland’s wife hated society even more than he did, which was why they got on so well.
Caitrin was glad her Uncle took his leave in a way, but hated the fact that he had left her alone with Griflet. The ideal situation would have been if Rouland was still here but silent; then she could continue to be courteous but she wouldn’t have her Uncle’s words to have to contend with as well as Griflets.

She inclined her head at Griflet’s words as he told her she did not know a lot about him. She wasn’t sure she wanted to know any more than she already did; their last meeting had told her more than she needed to know. She was sure she was being unfair and she should give him the benefit of the doubt in some respects. “And there is of course much you do not know about me my Lord, but I like to keep men guessing.” She smiled, knowing she was flirting but actually enjoying it. Usually she only flirted to irritated men with her flirting but tonight it felt different.

As Griflet led her to the dance floor she felt a twinge of regret, with dancing and other social activities it led her and Griflet out of being acquaintances and would probably lead to friendship; and probably more if Griflet had his way. His grip was quite firm and she was surprised for a moment that he seemed quite eager about the dance on the whole. As the dance was getting underway she caught his gaze on her chest and felt a small amount of pink colour her cheeks before deciding to ignore it altogether.

The dance began and the ladies curtseyed low to their partners before swapping places in the dance floor; passing their partners back to back. The same move was repeated but this time the women took the hands of their partners, pulling them close and then repelling them, returning to where they had origionally begun the dance. She grinned as she and Griflet had come closer together, “Enjoying yourself?” She whispered softly to him, sweeping backwards into a spin and facing him once more; the music quickened and so did the pace of the dance. As she and Griflet swept past each other she felt the energy from him, revelling in it and enjoying it. She smiled at him at every close encounter, finding it amazing that she was actually enjoying his company; her moves and feelings were caught up in the dance and were at their mercy.

[Griff Aubert]

OOC – I’m really lazy, so I’m skipping to the dancing. Because it’s DANCING and BONDING.

While this was not the first time he had danced with a young woman it was probably the first time he had danced with a young woman and not noticed any other young women within a five mile radius. Or at least he wasn’t noticing them as much, which was practically the same thing. And he was being subtle about it, so really it didn’t count. He paused in thought, reflecting on what his brain was doing at the moment and became rather confused. It was utterly ridiculous that he was caring about whether or not Caitrin would notice him looking at other women. He was perfectly entitled to. And he definitely shouldn’t be trying to justify it to himself. It was all rather frustrating. Before he could dwell on it too much his thoughts were cut by the very person who was causing it all.

“Enjoying yourself?”

“Yes.” He replied simply because he was enjoying himself; despite not quite understanding what his brain was doing. It didn’t make any sort of sense, and he didn’t like it, but he was going to ignore it because at present dancing with Caitrin was much more important than exploring the inner depths of his psyche.

She disappeared again, finding a temporary partner to circle, as Griff was receiving the same treatment from a rather pretty brunette. When Caitrin returned he had time for a quick “And yourself?” after which he was left with the brunette once more. He gave her a wink and a grin before the dance dictated a change of moves and he found himself standing rather close to Caitrin, and somewhat enjoying it. With the slightly slower tempo Griff was able to continue his speech “You were so enthusiastic, after all.”

[Caitrin de Archer]

To say that Caitrin found Griflet enchanting, or charming was barking up the wrong tree. She instead found him completely different. Other courtiers were content with her flashing a grin at them, or even a promise of a dance. Griflet was incredibly forwards with her, he challenged her and made her think on her feet. He kept her on her feet and almost made Caitrin want to play up to his opinion. That annoyed her because she had been much resigned to hate him for all eternity and have done with it. She doubted, now she thought on it, that Griflet would ever have just left her alone that easily. She had yielded a kiss to him before, but he would have to work harder if he wanted another; he wasn’t going to make a fool out of her, she was sure of it.

Caitrin always felt superiorly elegant during a dance. Since a child she had always enjoyed dancing, imaging the music in her head and making up steps for herself. As a young woman she always found it advantageous to match and sometimes even dance better than the other women at court. It made her stand out and she revelled in attention as much as she hated to admit it. Caitrin smiled as Griflet said he was enjoying himself and nodded, matching his steps and circling a stranger before returning to her partner to answer his question “I am surprisingly enjoying myself,” She said half breathlessly and the words rolled off her tongue into a smile as she same moves were repeated. She shrugged in time with the music at his latter response, “You gave me no cause to be enthusiastic.” It was true, Griflet confused her and prevented her for being overly enthusiastic at his appearance as she was never quite sure how he would handle her. She preferred this version of his personality to the one she had encountered in the forest.

The dance continued and now the steps were such that she was torn between Griflet and a young nobleman who she swapped partners with occasionally. She swept past him, spinning then slowing down as the music dictated, as she did, he raised his hand, sweeping it along her cheek and through her hair, winking at her, and she could have sworn he was catching Griflet’s eye with a smug grin. She circled Griflet again, moving back to the nobleman who this time caught Caitrin’s waist between his hands as she spun around him, helping her along, keeping her close to him and then letting her go back to Griflet with some reluctance. She smiled at Griflet, not thinking he would mind; why would he anyway? As she had thought before she was sure she wasn’t the object of his desire and probably never would be. But she could enjoy this time with him. The music changed and a slower pace was adopted, she swung her hips in time with the music, moving around Griflet slowly, then she extended her arms as the dance told her she must and waited for him to take them, “Let’s see what moves you really have.” She whispered to him, grinning knowingly as the music continued.

[Griff Aubert]

As the dance continued Griff found himself enjoying it more and more. It probably had something to do with Caitrin, but he was hardly going to admit that. The brunette was still looking at him, and it made him feel a lot better. He just needed to get his head back and then everything would be normal again and he could stop doing whatever it was he was doing. He really, really could do with a slap in the face right now.

He became far happier than he should have done when Caitrin told him that she was enjoying herself. Why shouldn’t she? It was impossible for a woman not to enjoy herself when she was in his company. He was certainly used to be told just that, so it was quite unknown to Griff why it came as such a surprise, and why he felt relieved at the same time. He put it down to the fact that his first encounter with Caitrin hadn’t gone nearly so well, and he’d worked out a way to get to her, so his plan was working. There. That was the only reason why he was glad. His plan was working.

“I gave you every cause to be enthusiastic.” He replied, it was possible that this was said for his own benefit than hers. “You are dancing with me.” He felt a lot better now that his narcissism was shining through again.

At this point in the dancing Griff was happily absorbed in the attentions of the brunette – just as he should be – and didn’t notice much of Caitrin’s movement when it didn’t concern him. She was not the only woman present, after all, and he had no obligation to only dance with her. It was only when the woman spoke that his attentions were drawn back to Caitrin.

“He seems keen.” The brunette woman said and looked behind Griff in rather exaggerated way to make sure he knew he was supposed to look behind him. And that’s when he saw his arch enemy, or at least his new arch enemy (he had had many of the years and all of them because of the affections of some young woman). The nobleman, who was immediately nicknamed Sir Smug Git was looking directly at Griff as he as near as molested Caitrin. For his part, Griff merely raised his eyebrows, trying to keep a pretence of nonchalance. Why should he care? There were plenty of women in the general vicinity, a handful of them who were very attractive and lacking partners, so Griff didn’t care one bit if Sir Smug Git was dancing with Caitrin because it didn’t make one bit of difference to him. At all. Never would.

And then his hands were on her waist and Griff stopped thinking with his brain completely and his fists clenched and his teeth bit hard against each other and his breathing became very deep and very, very controlled. He took a step forward, and another, and then another just for good measure but a hand grabbed his arm and an irritating voice told him that he wasn’t dancing properly and he should be moving to the left, and so, with reluctance he looked back at the brunette and decided that he shouldn’t start a fight, or at least not yet and not inside, and definitely not in that shirt. He let out a slow, steady breath, closed his eyes, and when he opened them again Caitrin was there, behaving as though everything was perfectly normal. Nothing was perfectly normal. He’d almost got into a fight with a woman he hadn’t even bedded.

She said something, but he wasn’t really listening because he was far too busy shouting at himself and deciding rather firmly that only he was going to dance with Caitrin. And, as if the universe heard him and agreed that it was a very good idea, the music slowed down. He glanced once at Sir Smug Git, trying to imagine what he would look like with blood covering his face, and then turned his attention solely onto Caitrin just in time for the dancing to alter slightly and he was forced into much closer proximity, which was really quite nice. And he noticed something else about her – she smelt rather nice.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin was well practised in the art of courting and dancing was one of the ways you were taught from an early age how to enchant men to dance to your tune. She had no intention of making Griflet fall in love with her because she didn’t feel as if she could ever be more as a playful flirt to him. She didn’t think he would want more either. She remembered her sisters taught her how to use her dance moves, to throw her head back and move her hips in time with her partner; this all apparently enabled her to gain whichever man she wanted. It hadn’t worked with her sisters because they had never really been given the opportunity for it to make a difference; they had been married off in haste. Caitrin was the first to try it out, and she was enjoying trying to get men to follow her tune.

It was certainly working with the nobleman who she was swapping partners with. His partner seemed quite interested in Griflet so it seemed like a fair trade in Caitrin’s opinion; Griflet wouldn’t mind anyway, he would probably enjoy having as many women on his arm as possible anyway. It was odd, but the mans touch didn’t feel the same as Griflets’; it didn’t have the same exciting energy which rippled straight through and left her nearly gasping for breath. She put it down to the fact she knew Griflet, therefore she could be more at ease with him in a way. Caitrin threw her head back slowly as the man had grabbed her waist. He’d tried to push his head closer to hers but she hadn’t given him the chance; she was more one to let men see what they could have rather than sample it. When she had left him for Griflet she threw him back a small smile, quickly ignoring him in favour of Griflet.

He seemed, to put it in its most basic terms, preoccupied when she arrived back with him. Caitrin watched the brunette he had been dancing with over his shoulders and felt something in her stomach shift uncomfortably. She was sure Griflet was probably thinking of that woman, but she didn’t care; why would she? As Griflet took her hands and the feeling she had waited for when the nobleman had taken her waist came back, she couldn’t help a smile emerging on her face. They danced in close proximity, their moves in perfect harmony, their eyes locked in one another’s. It was an odd moment for two people who seemed to be at each others throats with teasing and flirting every few moments.

Then, as if she had been awakened from an odd dream she was moving backwards, towards her other nobleman again. The brunette danced past her and Caitrin was sure the evil look she had intended to stay in her head erupted into her eyes. She took the hands of the other nobleman who held her closely, catching her taking a look back at Griflet and smiled smugly as he spun her around, “I wouldn’t worry,” He whispered, his head resting against hers, “You’re too good for him anyway.” Caitrin remained silent, bewildered at why the man would say that in the first place; she was not interested in Griflet in that way was she? She shook those thoughts out of her head but was overtly glad when she could return back to her original partner. The dance was such now that the partners took each other’s waist then the male partner had to lift the lady up and set her down on the opposite side to which she had been facing. She set her hands at Griflet’s waist and looked up at him expectantly; smiling genuinely at him. This didn’t feel like the same man who had been incredibly intent to annoy her and try to flirt with her. Although both had been true previously in their meeting, now it seemed to be just about their feelings towards each other and Caitrin didn’t know how to take it. Her sisters must have been right; dancing was the way to gain suitors. “Not afraid you’ll drop me are you?” Although her words were strong and cocky there were twinges of softness and a gentle knowing which told Griflet she trusted him, in this aspect of the dance at least.

[Griff Aubert]

To say Griff was unhappy with the current situation was gross understatement, and there should certainly be several expletives when describing Griff’s mindset at present. Not only was he doing all in power – which really wasn’t a lot – to mentally inflict any sort of pain on Smug Git (hopefully something that would result in mutilation, paralysation, or both.) He didn’t care that he was overreacting because there was an obstacle in his path so he was going to do something about it.

As his brother was so wont to point out, Griff had never been very good at controlling himself, but, as he had previously decided, this was no place to start a fight and so there was nothing Griff could do about the situation apart from try and distract himself. It was a surprisingly easy task, what with the presence of the brunette and her lip biting. There. He was having just as much fun, if not more, by dancing with someone else and not caring for one moment whether Smug Git was talking to Caitrin...why was he talking to her? What the hell was he doing? He was staring, he couldn’t help it, and it was ridiculous but he was going to continue because there was a part of him convinced that something worse would happen if he looked away.

Another mental slap. They weren’t helping. His brain was struggling to comprehend the situation. Here he was: young, good-looking, not as rich as he would like to be but still a noble, and more than an accomplished dancer with the ability to have any woman he wanted, and what was he doing with all his talent? He was staring at the back of Smug Git’s head and willing him to trip over and humiliate himself. Griff was not a malicious person by nature, he was far too busy flirting with any woman he could find, but he found himself hoping for Smug Git to at least break his leg and then for it to not heal properly so he lost the use of it for the rest of his life, and then no woman would want him – being a cripple – and he would live the rest of his days begging on the streets, constantly at the mercy of others and certainly, never, never ever dancing with Caitrin again.

It was a comforting thought and managed to make him feel slightly better about the situation, safe in the knowledge that in the not too distant future Smug Git would be hobbling about while Griff would be doing what he always did, and rather enjoying it too. But what he wouldn’t be was caring about any of this, because, and this was crucially important: Griff did not care about anything. Except himself, he cared himself a lot, but other than that, nothing.

Or at least that used to be the case. Now he found himself caring that Smug Git was dancing with Caitrin, and he found himself caring that he wasn’t, and he found himself caring even more now that she was in front of him, and her hands were at his waist, and she was smiling at him, and his brain forgot to tell him to breathe and he didn’t quite understand what she was talking about, so his eyebrows creased together.

“Oh yes, the dance.” He replied after a moment or two, when his brain was finally behaving itself and in one fluid movement she was picked up, turned her and set her down, and his hands remained on her for longer than necessary.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin wasn’t altogether sure what was happening. The dance was to her all happening in slow motion, like an odd dream that finally all held together when she remembered what she was doing. The nobleman who had whispered in her ear was still staring at her but as Caitrin was well practised she didn’t blush or stare back which meant she had to stare at Griflet, showing her emotions to only him. It wasn’t the best situation to be in, she had promised herself she wouldn’t be charmed or won over by Griflet but this was different. He hadn’t charmed her, they’d been at each others throats since he engaged her at the start of the evening so why should the situation have changed so much? Maybe it had already changed but both of them had been blind to see it; she wasn’t sure. Griflet would never think of Caitrin as more as a flirt, and it should remain that way because she couldn’t allow herself to fall for him.

When she was dancing with the nobleman it left her with a problem because she wasn’t dancing with Griflet so it meant that the brunette was. Whilst she kept telling herself that she didn’t like Griflet in that way or vice versa she didn’t like seeing the woman flaunting herself in front of Griflet; it forced her to accept her own thoughts that Griflet would only be happy when he had every woman in the room on his arm. She wasn’t some kind of special woman who’d caught his attentions; she was sure of it. No one could mistake the smile she was wearing as she danced back towards Griflet, glad to be in his company rather than the other nobleman’s. His hands finally found her waist and her stomach moved again, feeling as though it were doing somersaults and for a moment she felt quite dizzy before Griflet finally remembered to lift her up. It was an odd feeling as she was set back down, the other couples had moved onto the next set of moves but Griflet’s hands were still about her waist. She moved her hands to his waist, quite forgetting the next dance move and instinctively inclined her head towards his.

The music changed tempo and half woke her up from her dream, dancing away from Griflet to where she had originally started the dance. It was nearly over and as the lute played its last tune the ladies swept their curtseys low and Caitrin was no exception; the other women kept their eyes on the floor, Caitrin’s swept hers upwards towards her partner and gave him a soft smile. The hall erupted into applause at the players and Caitrin joined in dutifully, half watching Griflet to check if he hadn’t already tried to catch the name of the brunette who she had constantly swapped places with. Caitrin’s temper often let her down, but in this respect if he wanted to go and have whichever woman he chose she would return to her Uncle and they would leave; even before dinner. She wasn’t going to stick around and be made a fool out of.

She half jumped as she felt a cold hand on her shoulder and spun around with a small yelp. It was the nobleman again, her head hadn’t kicked into gear quick enough to think that moving and leaving the man would have been the best idea. He took her hand from her side, “My Lady I did not catch your name.” Caitrin pulled her hand from his swiftly,

“That is because my Lord I did not offer it,” Was her cold reply. He chuckled at her but didn’t leave,

“Would you grace me with the next dance?” He asked, bowing his head and offering her his hand again, “Don’t worry, I’ll take better care of you than some nobles you have encountered.”

[/blockquote]

[Griff Aubert]

Rather worryingly, or perhaps not at all, Griff was unsure whether it should be or not, but whatever he should be feeling, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief and happiness when he was dancing with Caitrin. It felt good, and yes, it also felt good to be depriving Smug Git of the pleasure, he wasn’t going to deny that.

It felt entirely natural that their hands should be at each other’s waists, and no, that wasn’t because it was a feeling he was used to. It was an entirely different feeling – it was wonderful and confusing and irritating all at the same time and he didn’t know what to do. But he did know that he didn’t want it to stop. And, (and this had nothing to do with his own narcissism) it felt like Caitrin didn’t want it to either.

He could have sworn she was going to kiss him, but then the universe decided that it had been far too giving already and he probably didn’t deserve it anyway so the music changed and the dance progressed so she was taken away from him, and when he looked at her everything was completely different. And he felt different, or rather, not as much as himself as he’d like to be, not like the self-proclaimed ladies man that he liked to pretend to be. He felt like his actual self and it was terrifying.

The music eventually came to an end. It was certainly a relief, it had been messing with his head but he was quite sure that without it he would feel much better, like himself again. He began to walk over to her, rather unconsciously, until his anger flared up again, his thoughts screamed inside his head and all he could do was stand and look on.

He watched Caitrin and Smug Git with far more intensity than he would have wanted. Not for the first time that evening he was angry at himself for allowing such feelings to present themselves in the first place. He had never been so jealous in all his life and was therefore quite unsure what to do about it. He wanted to make his anger known, he wanted to show the entire room exactly what he thought about Smug Git, and for some reason, quite unknown to himself, he wanted to sweep Caitrin off her feet and...well, he wasn’t sure what to do after that but he was sure if he were to find himself in that situation he would improvise and all would be well.

But he didn’t. He conducted himself with as much indifference as he could muster and tried to unclench his fists. His nails were beginning to dig into his palm, which just made him even angrier at the nobleman – and he used the term extremely lightly – for causing him pain. This was not the first time he had acknowledged the utter ridiculousness of the situation, but simply acknowledging it wasn’t making it any better. He couldn’t do anything because even if attempted to be civil it would not end well, but he couldn’t not do anything either.

There was only one thing for it. And that was to ignore it altogether. He was good at ignoring things. But then the nobleman went and ruined that as well by asking Caitrin for another dance and Griff was no longer uncaring or not doing anything and he went over – fists still clenched and trying like hell to control himself. He looked at Caitrin, stood next to her, almost protectively and, without looking at the nobleman at all, asked, as calmly as he possibly good, “Is this man bothering you?”