The Stranger [ Vaughn; Sasha ]

[nicolae]

It was a perfect day. At least in Nic's eyes. It was kind of cloudy, rain coming down very lightly. It was almost unnoticeable, except for when the coldness of the droplets began to soak into his hair. Though refreshing, it was a little annoying thinking that it might storm harshly at any moment and he'd be caught out in the rain. Not that that did not happen every rainstorm. But it was better Lady Sasha Tiberius, his mistress slash secret sister, was with him while out riding in the forest than alone. So he put up with the rain. Actually, on the other hand, it made it somewhat peaceful. Hearing it lightly hit the leaves and the ground. It seemed the deeper they traveled into the forest the harder the more there were puddles on the ground. “Are you enjoying yourself, Sasha?” Nicolae asked his sister with an affectionate smile. “Ever since we left Camelot after Lady Morgana took over, you seem to be... how should I say it... confident and happy.”

“You're right,” Sasha Tiberius grinned. “I am happy. I feel like the whole world has been lifted off my shoulders.”

“You don't miss Prince Arthur?”

Sasha hesitated. “I do, of course. But he's the reason I left... you know I don't want to come between him and Guinevère.”

“He must really love her.”

[Vaughn Adeney]

::vaughn::

People were idiots. There was a very good reason that Vaughn chose a life of solitude. A life where he did not have ties to anyone. A life on his own. And it was simply due to the fact that people were incompetent. Granted, he did not expect to find the wisest men in the places he searched. But it was shocking how some even managed to lack a semblance of common sense. When one needed something done; they had to do it themselves. This policy was something Vaughn lived by. Something that Vaughn had to put into effect right now. The light rain was having a cooling effect at least on the nomad, the drops of rain cooling his warm skin from having had to walk all this distance. He was not tired, as this was the life he had chosen, but traveling with so many people slowed him down.

Which was also why he had forced himself distance from them. He no longer wanted to be in their presence and hear their frivolous topics of conversation. He had hired them to do a job, and until they arrived at their intended destination, he would have to endure their company. Well, to some extent. If they truly pushed him then he would just kill them and find more people for hire. But as of right now, he started with distance. They fell way behind him, not even having been in sight anymore. Hopefully the idiots would not get lost. Though Vaughn would not put anything past them.

He continued to walk forward, clad how he always was. In dark armored attire, and with two swords strapped on his back. His hair was already starting to drip from the rain. But it was a welcomed state of nature. As a nomad, he was quite accustomed to all types of weather conditions, this being mild compared to some of the others. Despite the sound of the falling rain, the nomad paused when he heard something. It was heavier than footprints made from a human. So it was not difficult to tell that the approaching steps he heard, were from horses. Excellent. Perhaps he would find a more convenient and efficient mode of transportation after all. A speedier way to get out of the woods and to his intended destination.

He used the trees to conceal himself as he walked along the trail, hurrying his pace. It did not take long to catch sight of the riders. A young man and a woman woman. Vaughn's lips twisted upwards into a smile. Perhaps this would be more entertaining that he had initially thought. Stepping out of the concealment of the trees, he stood on front of the two riders, blocking there path. Since he was only one person compared to two people on horseback, he knew he would have to make his presence a bit more intimidating to get what he wanted. So he swiftly pulled out both swords from their crossed holders on his back, and held them out in front of him. His skills as an ambidextrous enabling him to use both swords with ease.

"Greetings," he stated, his voice far too pleasant; an exaggerated and practically mocking tone of friendliness in his voice. His expression held an amused smirk while his hands gripped two deadly weapons. Now, how foolish would these two travelers be. Vaughn hoped the answer was 'extremely foolish' for it would make this all the more fun. Looking between them his eyes rested on the woman. A rather alluring woman if he ever did see one. With her vibrant green colored eyes and a strong fairness and grace to her. To say she was ravishing, was a strong understatement. Vaughn's smirk only grew, purposely allowing his gaze to linger on the woman, rather than the man. The man who could very well be her husband. But what did that matter to Vaughn. All the more he could provoke him with.

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[Sasha]

When the strange man walked out in front of their two horses, she made sure her horse stopped. The man kind of looked uncleanly... perhaps that was the wrong word. He looked like a nomad, to be exact. Sasha had been a nomad for most of her life, so she knew how it felt. Many wouldn't agree, but she quite liked being alone. Now that her brother had come along with her, she couldn't always have that alone time. But she figured it was worth the company, as long as you liked the person.

Then the man pulled out two swords from the weapon sheathes on his back and held them both in front of him. Sasha felt threatened by this. Anyone would feel the same way about it. There was no need to hold them out of their holders when clearly Sasha and Nicolae were just strolling along innocently. And he was just staring at her, no words aside from his greeting. That was rude. But more than that. . . she didn't like the look in his eyes. Let's just say, she felt an uncomfortable air around the stranger.

“Can we help you?” She queried uncomfortably. She only included her brother servant in that question because of the strange air she was feeling. But maybe. . . maybe she was being dramatic? Perhaps she was just mistaking it for the way he looked. After all, many nomads looked kind of dark thus giving off a bad aura. Or maybe he really wasn't a good man. They'd find out soon, she supposed. On the other hand, she could tell Nicolae didn't seem very comfortable either.

[nicolae]

This man... the stranger... Nicolae did not like a thing about him. What really got his attention was that the man was staring at Sasha and not him at all. It was obvious he was attracted to her, and there was nothing wrong with the general idea. But it was the way the man looked at her. It was kind of... dark. Something that really made Nicolae irritated. Who did he think he was? He was the one with the weapons, but Nic knew magic. And Sasha knew he did, for she herself possessed magic... even if she was horrible at it.

Who was this man to look at his sister like that? “Excuse me, good sir,” he began, letting a bit of his irritation be known through his voice. “What is your name?”

[Vaughn Adeney]

::vaughn::

Vaughn had to hand it to them, they were rather calm. Uncomfortable, yes. But calm none the less. He expected the to panic, to abruptly pull the reigns on their horse and their eyes widen with fear. But no. They both for the most part, seemed to maintain composure. Impressive. It made it all the more of a challenge for Vaughn. He smirked when she first asked if they could help him. Indeed they could. He did not answer right away, but rather, allowed his gaze to linger on her for a few more moments before a male voice broke the silence. Vaughn finally turned his head to look at him. He was irritated. So perhaps it was her husband after all.

When he asked for his name, Vaughn smirked. "I don't believe you are the one who should be making demands right now," he stated. As Vaughn was currently the one holding the weapons. He casually strolled up to them, getting closer, his swords firmly in hand ready to swing if need be. "But you can indeed help me," he said, going back to the woman’s question. Though the word 'help' was spoken with some sarcasm and robbing two people was not exactly receiving help. "I will be requiring your horses." Perhaps it was said a bit too nonchalantly, but oh well. Such was the way of Vaughn. "And maybe I will take your woman while I'm at it," he added, now looking at Sasha once again and giving her a wink.

[Sasha]

“I don't believe you are the one who should be making demands right now.”

When the stranger said that to her brother, her belief that this man was dangerous only increased. He said it like he had the upper hand, which he did, kind of. . . then he came closer, which only made her even more uncomfortable around him.

“But you can indeed help me. I will be requiring your horses.”

They weren't dealing with a show-off who pulled swords out to give himself an impressive look, Not a showoff at all. He was trying to steal their horses! On their part it would not be good, stuck out in the rain in an unfamiliar kingdom. In fact, as of a couple of days ago Nicolae and Sasha hadn't come across anyone so it was hard to tell if they were even in a kingdom at all. But if they lost their horses, were they really expected to walk out this place? That would be just great! She wanted to defend herself and Nicolae, but what could she possibly say to a man who held two sharp, deadly sword out in front of him? Quite frankly, she was kind of intimidated by him.

“And maybe I will take your woman while I'm at it.”

Oh... damn. That was not a good thing. She felt quite helpless at that moment.

[nicolae]

What? Had he heard him right? That the stranger might steal his sister along with the horses? Nicolae would not allow that to happen. He wouldn't act like a coward while he rode away with Sasha and their horses. Though he did not believe Sasha would allow him to take her, men – particularly the stranger – were usually stronger in the muscles than women. And Sasha didn't practice magic that well. It was vital that Nicolae was there with her today, and on this traveling spree.

It was time he said something to the man. Despite the evident dangers of speaking against him. He had to do what he could, though. “I'm sorry, sir, but I will not allow you to take her,” he told him quickly, fearing that the stranger might turn on him at any moment while he spoke. “You see, we are very protective of each other. I would not want to have to fight you.” Oh, and he still had that sword from a few months ago. It was a very nice sword indeed, sharp and shiny... just waiting for the perfect fight. And he would use it if need be.

[Vaughn Adeney]

Vaughn had been watching the woman carefully and so it was not difficult to detect the fear, however subtle or slight, in her. It was there. And he planned to use that small spark of it, to ignite the fire. When the man apologized and then simply said 'no', Vaughn turned to him and laughed. He found his defiance quite humorous. It was spoken with confidence, but right now Vaughn was the one with the weapon. Or weapons rather. "I fail to see the point in which I granted you the liberty to decide." Because it was not a question of 'can I take the horses and the girl' it was a 'I will be taking the horses and the girl'. Even if the latter was said just to provoke her male traveling companion. So they were protective of each other were they?

This merited another burst of laughter from him. Oh how amusing this all way. He took a small step back, not because he was warned off. And his next words would show this. "Well then by all means, protect her." His words were highly mocking, ridiculing the man's inaction thus far. He was practically encouraging him to fight him. "Or maybe you need a bit more incentive," he added. He then moved to the side of the woman, grabbed her and pulled her down off of the horse. "Now is this really how you protect your woman?" He asked against with mockery and amusement, as he stood next to Sasha. He firmly gripped her wrist, it being small and thin enough to fit in along with one of his hands that gripped the handle of his sword. He had to make sure she did not run off somewhere.

[Sasha]

Vaughn pulled her off her horse, which took her by surprise. But she made sure no whining sounds came from her mouth, for her pride's sake. It was only by her agility that she kept her balance almost perfectly as he forced her to dismount her horse so awkwardly. Sasha was feeling fear now, but of course she'd try to never show it. What if Nicolae didn't survive? Then she'd loose her brother! And also be stuck with this... this, whatever you might call him! Bandit, whatever.

She prayed he'd be careful, and that if he'd ever watched Arthur practice swordsmanship that he'd remember those skills. “Nicolae, be careful,” she gave him a firm look, but her voice carried a deep concern for her older brother. “Please.” She was so scared for him... the stranger did not seem to be an amateur, while Nicolae as far as she knew was just that... an amateur swordsman. At this moment she was forgetting his years as a bandit in Mercia... if she'd been thinking about it, then she might not have been as worried.

[nicolae]

In less than a second, it seemed Nicolae was off his horse and about 7 feet from the man. That was the last he'd watch of the cruel stranger posing as a threat for his younger sister. He would not take it anymore. He wasn't exactly who this man suspected him to be; he was a former criminal himself. Working as a bandit. He'd once even kidnapped the Princess of Mercia! Not to mention the magic. So perhaps... the agility and reflexes he'd gotten used to back then would help him during the fight yet to come?

He held out his sword immediately, pointing it's tip straight at the stranger. “Nicolae, be careful, please,” he heard Sasha warn him with a concerned yet very firm voice. Clearly she didn't want him to get hurt just as much as he didn't want her to be hurt. That did not surprise him, they were very close. They'd been through so much together; to finding out who was the real murderer of Sasha's father, to Morgana's betrayal and that one horrible week... Nicolae would make sure this day would just be another terrible memory, for both him and his sister.

“Well?” Nicolae pressured the man impatiently. “Are you ready to fight me or not?”

[Vaughn Adeney]

This was hilarious. To Vaughn, everything was more a joke. He did not often take anything seriously. So to see just how serious one took his actions and threats, was positively hysterical. Hearing people warn others they cared about. Knowing that he was the reason they were so afraid and worried. It just added further amusement to the entire situation. This, was how Vaughn had fun; at the expense of others. Vaughn watched the sword, just grinning. So he had a weapon. Now, did he know how to use it? He seemed confident enough. "Yes Nicoale. Please be careful," he warned, his tone completely mocking the woman's. May as well add in a bit more laughter. It was too hard not to. At least for him. He obviously could not speak for the other two whose lives he was currently threatening.

When the now revealed name of the man, Nicolae, questioned if he was going to fight him, Vaughn did not move. "You challenged me," he reminded, in a completely nonchalant tone. "If you want to fight me, act like a man and come and fight mean." Meaning, give him a reason to not just stand there and grip his woman's wrist. Otherwise, Vaughn would just have to keep finding ways to provoke the man. "Is he always like this?" He asked tauntingly to the woman. Obviously, he was just making fun of the man. Not caring for her answer. Not caring to learn about what was common in Nicolae's personality. Vaughn was just enjoying the moment.

[Sasha]

She was beginning to truly dislike this man. When he made fun of her brother she shot him an unhappy glare. Sasha wished she could help Nicolae or prevent him from having to fight this man. If the stranger was all he appeared to be, then her sibling may be in trouble. If worst came to worst she'd try her best to use her magic abilities on the aggressive man.

She didn't like it at all when he mocked her voice. That was one of the most embarrassing things she'd ever had to listen to, for herself anyway. This man must really be proud of himself. And her wrist was starting to feel a little uncomfortable in his grasp. Sasha shifted her hand a bit, trying to find a better position for it.

[nicolae]

So the man wanted Nicolae to give him a reason to fight him? Well, he'd give him a reason to fight... a damn good reason. “May I remind you, sir, that you challenged us first by meddling with us,” he growled aggressively, and then his voice stronger and louder on the next sentence. “But I will give you a damn good reason to fight me!” Then, he rushed forward, attempting to bring his sharp sword down on the stranger's shoulder.

If it was successful, he'd leap backward out of range just like Arthur had taught his knights. He'd watched him train for more than a year, so he'd had enough time to practice it alone. He wanted so badly to inflict a wound on this man, to protect Sasha. Nicolae hoped he was strong enough, and skilled enough for this type of thing. Vaughn seemed to know a lot about sword fighting, but of course you could never tell by appearance, right? Chances were, though, the stranger was far from an amateur swordsman.