The Queen and the Charmer [Maeve]

[Griff Aubert]

Griff Aubert was usually a happy soul, one with little cares and even those that were forced upon him were ignored. Responsibility was not a word he gave much heed. His older brother Lucan was all for responsibility, annoyingly so. The pair had not seen each other since Lucan had left to become a knight of Camelot many years before. Griff had been a young boy, but since almost being disowned by his father, Lucan was the only one he had left.

That was his reason for being on this road in the first place. He literally had nowhere else to go, and if he didn't find his brother he would have nowhere to live, no food, nothing. He had no idea what exactly he would do if he found Lucan. They had never been the closest of siblings even before Lucan left Glouchedon, and since he left Griff had heard nothing else ever since. Lucan was a knight. He was responsible and honourable. Griff couldn't be responsible or honourable even if he tried.

His thoughts were interrupted by his nearly tripping over and smacking into a tree. Luckily there was no one in sight to see that, it was hardly the behaviour of a man like Griff. As a noble he should have a horse, he did have a horse, only Demetrius was still in Glouchedon. Not only had his father turned him out of his home, but he'd kept Griff's horse, which Griff felt was a little on the extreme side. It meant his feet hurt and it took him days to get anywhere. He'd only been walking for an hour or so today but he was already tired and bored and really hoping something interesting was going to happen.


Tagged: Maeve
Timeline: (I'm not actually sure, in Griff's personal timeline it's set before "Slow and Steady Wins the Race" which happens at the beginning of series 3)
Setting: On the road to Camelot
Notes: About the title. Yeah, I know it's awful lol

[Maeve]

Maeve was enjoying the beautiful day! Without a set destination in mind, it made the journey so much more peaceful and enjoyable. They could take their time, despite the desperation to find aid to their people. There was no way she could rush this, so she may as well enjoy what beauties that this realm had to offer during their grander purpose. She had left her cloak back where Haldir and Mirshann were resting. The strong sun was far too glorious to be covered in layers. So instead, she clad herself in a lilac dress that covered her feet flowed freely in the back as a tail, yet was able to move gracefully in it. She allowed her hair to flow freely in the very light wind, and was simply enjoying everything that these woods had to offer.

She paused, only when realizing that she was not alone. Someone was near her, and it did not take long for a figure to come into sight to satisfy this curiosity. It was a young man, a long term traveler from the looks of it. She could feel the fatigue in him; how he was worn and....oh dear! How he tripped! Maeve's eyes slightly widened in alarm for his well being. She may not know him, but that did not make her less than concerned about his health. If need be, she could aid him in the ways that her race enabled her to. While he did not seem too badly injured she would of course have to check just to be sure! She rushed over to him, moving at an elegant pace yet she did not want to take her time. Practically gliding towards him, he did not seem to notice another lurking presence.

Which made sense as she approached him from the side. She quickly moved forward without a moment's hesitation so that she was now standing directly at his side, hoping her words would stop him from moving forward. Just to make sure, she gently put her hand on his arm as a further attempt to stop him. Kind Sir, are you alright? She asked with a voice filled with genuine concern and inquiry. I noticed you nearly fell and would like to make sure you are well. If he would let her of course. She could not force her aid upon others, so would never understand how people could withhold from offering assistance to those who may require it.

[Griff Aubert]

Griff would have jumped out of his skin as he felt someone touch his arm, and then he realised it was a young woman and his charm instincts kicked in, allowing him to not make a fool out of himself. She was certainly a beauty, and alone by herself. This was his lucky day. And she wanted to make sure he was not injured. Was there any downside to this situation?

He grinned at the woman, his signature flashy grin that showed all his teeth and generally made women swoon. "My lady, how touched I am at your concern." He wasn't that touched at all, he was expecting such a reaction. This would not be the first time a woman spoke to him under the pretence of making sure he had not injured himself. "I would be most grateful if you could, are you educated in medicine?" He was on form today, this one should be easy.

[Maeve]

Maeve found his smile practically contagious. His words were spoken with such friendliness, that she found herself smiling in return. What a kind man! She knew full well that Haldir would not be too approving of this, but he never objected to the point of defiance. He merely protected her yet, it was men like the one in front of her who did not take a kind offer for granted. While there was something she felt from him, it came clouded by the instinctive concern she felt from him. Her smile faded when he spoke of requiring her assistance. Oh perhaps it was more serious than she had thought! One should never assume such things, for he could have injured his foot, the pain simply numbed yet presence.

Though, she did not sense any pain from him. He could very well be strong enough to hide it though. I am, she answered when he questioned her capability. It was of course a completely valid question, though she would not mention just how well versed she was in the ability to heal others. If need be though, she would indeed use more than natural remedy to aid him. He brought her hand from his arm and placed the palm of it on his forehead, as if trying to feel for something. She obviously felt no restriction when it came to offering a touch if only to aid another. She felt many things, mostly his exhaustion, which only made her more concerned for him. He must be hungry and thirsty, as well as tired. Did he have any food to fill the hunger cravings? Or any water to quench his thirst?

After a few moments she lowered her hand, looking into his eyes so that he would know her concern for him was genuine. You are so very tired, she said, vocally revealing that she recognized this. Of course, it did not take any powers to recognize such a thing, for it was apparent in his eyes. Please, you must rest. Come with me, she urged, wanting to take his hand and lead him to a more peaceful resting place. There was a lake nearby and it would be easier to help him if he found an appropriate place to sit, and nearby access to water. She did not however yet take his hand, as she knew from personal experience that some humans strongly objected to this action....some even went a little too far. This was where Maeve's naivety got the better of her. Instead, she just took a small step forward and turned to look at him, wondering if he was able to walk or if he had injured his foot as a result of his stumble.

[Griff Aubert]

The young woman certainly seemed keen to be assisting Griff, but then he couldn't really blame her. She was not the first to be taken in by his charm, and she certainly wouldn't be the last. He pressed his lips together, doing his best to look in need of sympathy and concern, without looking pitiful. It was a look that had taken quite a while to master, but he prided himself in thinking he had acheived it. After all, it had not let him down yet.

And she initiated first contact. All right, she was probably trying to check his temperature but even so. So far Griff had just stood there and said a few words. This was all going a lot better than he had first anticipated. Unsurprisingly, he decided to play up his injury and so gain more attention and sympathy. It wouldn't be a complete lie, as his ankle did hurt a little from his trip, but not nearly as much as he was going to pretend.

"I very tired." He replied, looking his most fatigued. His acting skills were on top form today, but then, so was everything else it seemed. As he stepped forward in order to "test" his ankle, he did briefly wonder whether he was overplaying his limp, but oh well. She had been the one to intiate physical contact, and suggest a change of location so there was obviously something working on her, he doubted she would care that much if he was putting on a limp purely for her benefit. She may even be impressed.

He put his foot down on the ground, barely touching it, but took a sharp intake of breath, bit his lip and clenched his fist before lifting it again. That should do it. "I don't think I can walk on my own." There was a small hint of self-pity in his voice, for in his experience women like Maeve - or at least what he assumed a woman like Maeve was - wanted to heal men not just physically, but emotionally as well. He'd come up with some angst-filled story about why he was wandering about by himself and then she would be completely taken in. The plan could not go wrong.

[Maeve]

Thepoor dear! His injuries sounded far worse than she had initially suspected. And now, he was tremendously injured from them! It was not a life threatening wound so Maeve knew she could avoid using her healing powers, but there was still something in terms of nurturing that she wished to help him with. Besides, it appeared he was all alone with no one to care for him. And no one should have to be like this. She looked so sad, so tired, so......so very many different things that it would be impossible for Maeve to turn a blind eye and walk away from him when he looked so.... in need of help. The concern filled her eyes, and she fought back the tears from forming in them. Out of genuine sympathy for the pain he was feeling.

If she was not so clouded with immediate concern, perhaps she would have recognized the inconsistency between his words and expressions and his emotions and aura. But she was not focusing on that right now. Besides, no one would lie about being wounded! And she had actually seen him trip so it was not as if he had made that up! She stopped walking immediately when she noticed his limp and furthermore, his admittance that he could not move. This only encouraged her to help him, not that she needed much more reason to say. Oh you poor dear! She stated so very worried about his well being. Here, allow me to help you, he offered, already at his side. She put one arm around his back and took his to drape it around her shoulder.

So this way, she could give him some more support when walking. She did not mind physical contact as she was never really restricted in this area. In fact, she tended to be a bit too friendly. Yet something else that Haldir often did not approve of, for he did not like how people reacted to it. Some less innocently than others. We will not go far. The river is over there and it will give you a place to rest. She explained before slightly turning her head so that she could look at him. Are you ready? Please take your time, so to avoid causing your foot further strain. She did not want him to rush for he could only injure it further and increase its severity.

[Griff Aubert]

She was certainly a naive little thing, Griff thought, not that he was complaining, mind. In fact, it was rather refreshing. Headstrong women are all very well and good, but normally they were more effort than they were worth. This girl was very sweet, and seemed to genuinely want to help him, which was something Griff wasn't all too familiar with. But he let her take his weight and he hobbled along because she looked as though she was enjoying helping him, and who was he to prevent such happiness?

"I was lucky that you should find me." He began with a smile, one that he had perfected over the years, and made him seem genuine and sincere. Well, he was lucky that she should find him, just not because he was injured. "But why is such a beautiful woman such as yourself travelling alone?" His tone of voice expressed an equal concern, and it was asked with real curiosity. It was a rare find, someone as naive and beautiful on their own, it was almost too easy, or maybe Griff was just that good.

They were walking slowly, Griff with an arm around her so she could help him, and him remembering to wince every now and then. In his experience, the more he played it up the less attention he got, so he walked like one with a wounded pride, embarrassed at the thought of needing help, but not so stupid as to refuse it. "You must tell me how I can repay such kindness."

[Maeve]

Once he started walking, or hobbling rather, Maeve held up as much strength as she could. She needed to be supportive to aid him, not topple over because she could not handle the weight. Thankfully, it was not too much of a strenuous task and they were slowly making their way to the near destination she had in mind. She could not help but smile in return to his, and his words of this being lucky. What a sweet man; to be filled with so much charm and possess such an amiable nature. She believed it was more than luck. As her people called it Minawe. Fate; destiny. To be on the right path and that there was a purpose to be there at that moment in time. It was indeed, she said softly.

She could of course not delve into the beliefs of her people for it would only arouse suspicion and perhaps endanger her life and those she traveled with. Where are you traveling to Sir? She asked, wondering what his actual destination was before he had suffered such a wound which would only hinder his progress. She felt a soft blush on her cheeks when he called her beautiful. She was a woman after all, and any words of compliments filled her with the utmost flattery. You are very kind, she said, feeling the necessity to comment upon his genuine kindness. I must confess, I am not entirely alone. I travel in the company of three others. Mirshann, Haldir, and his own steed. And yourself? She inquired, wondering if they would need to inform anyone of his current state.

She noticed him wince and felt so very terrible that he was in such pain. They had soon arrived at where she had intended for them too and slowly moved her arm a bit lower, more so on his lower back so that he could help ease him to a seated position, against a tree trunk so that he would have something to rest his back against. Oh, you do not have to repay me! She quickly assured. Reciprocity was something she never understood. She would do what she could to help others, only to see them prosper rather than be in pain or vanquish. Was that not motive enough; to want to see another person in good health and state of being and mind? I am more happy than I can say to aid you in whatever way possible. And she doubted anything would change that.

[Griff Aubert]

Griff couldn't actually remember when it had been this easy. This was relatively painless, apart from the slight ache he was getting in his hip from his fake limp. It was easily over-looked, however, and it worsened, well, he was sure he could use that to his advantage. He was, after all, Griflet Aubert. What he didn't know about seducing women wasn't worth knowing.

He had to stop himself from grinning quite so much when she asked where he was travelling to. Angst-filled backgrounds always worked wonders, and seeing as Griff's was actually true, there was no way it could no anything but improve his chances. He took a quick second to compose himself, he could hardly tell her all about his father with a smile on his face. "I'm on my way to Camelot, actually." He began, he had to pace this properly if it was going to acheieve full effect. "Looking for my brother, Sir Lucan." Another pause, allowing her to fully digest that information. Now this was the important bit, he had to say it exactly right if it was going to work as well as he hoped. "My father he...well, let's just say I don't really have a home, not anymore. So I need to find Lucan." There. That should do it, but he added a small sad smile, just to be on the save side.

Griff had never not notice a woman blush before, especially when he was the cause, and this time was no exception. He would have been more pleased with himself if he hadn't been listening to what she was saying - incidentally, that was very likely to happen - but he had and it wasn't something he was too pleased to be hearing. "Three companions? Three? As in...three?" Griff may be talented, but was he that good? Was it worth the risk? And where were these three companions of hers anyway? Deciding whether he could actually pull this off would be a lot easier if these companions were seen.

He let her help him sit down so he ended up resting against a tree with one leg stretched out, the other bent with his knee touching his chest. The dull ache in his hip had subsided, and the pain in his ankle had long since vanished, but she didn't need to know that. After she dismissed the idea of payment he took her hand, and looking up at her replied, "I feel a payment is necessary, to show you just how grateful I am." His grip on her hand was loose and she would easily be able to pull it away, but he kept hold of it, just to see if she would or not.

[Maeve]

Maeve listened attentively to when he spoke about his reasons for journeying to Camelot and leaving his home, wherever that may be. Her heart felt so saddened for him! And she made not attempt to conceal this, nor the sympathy she felt for him upon hearing such sad news! Oh my!" She stated, the sadness in her voice and eyes clearly evident. It did not draw tears, though it was still rather disheartening to hear. I am so sorry to hear that! The common and most obvious assumption was that he was forced to leave due to being on poor terms with his father. It was so regrettable to hear families being torn about in such a way. She truly wished she could do more for him rather than just offer her condolence. I can not even begin to imagine how difficult this journey must be for you.

Alone; torn from his family; in search of his brother... no one should have to face such obstacles on their own! If you should desire, I would be extremely happy in aiding you find your brother. Or offer you some company on your way to Camelot to make your journey seem less, solitary and lonely? Maeve often meant her comments in complete innocence but her naivety and over trust in people often made it easy for others to misunderstand her offers... taking them more as propositions. Sometimes people took it quite the wrong away, and her innocent mind seldom clued in until it was too late. When he questioned the number of companions she traveled with, she was slightly confused as to his tone. Yes, three, she answered simply with a soft smile, still finding it distressing to hear that he had been forced from his home. I am certain they would not mind traveling with you either. If you do wish to take me up on my offer, she added. Oh she hoped he would!

Not only to ensure that should another injury inflict him, he would have people around to help. But because surely this was not an easy venture for him! And Maeve wanted to help, whether it be with a listening ear, with words of comfort, or just another presence. She knew she felt comforted in having others surrounding her, as there was great consolation in being surrounded by friends. Once he was seated, she was about to move for a moment, when he felt her gently take hold of her hand. She remained knelt, looking into his eyes as he spoke with such sincerity. She smiled, this one being more bright and appreciative. She put her free hand on top of his that held hers. You truly owe me nothing. You have already been through a great deal, and I wish only to see you well and healthy; both physically and emotionally. These words were true, for Maeve would never vocalize such desires without being entirely honest and genuine in saying them.

[Griff Aubert]

OOC – I was reading this and as well as laughing I was feeling bad about Griff’s behaviour. And then I remembered how fun it is to write

Griff was on top form today! But then, he did have the perfect sob story, and it was true. His father had almost disinherited and alright, he wasn’t telling her the exact reason why, but that wasn’t important. The point was that he was suffering through almost no fault of his own. He deserved sympathy, something he was definitely getting from Maeve. “It has been difficult, yes.” He replied with more than a hint of self-pity. If she was going to believe every word he said then he was going to play it up. “That is why your kindness means so much to me, to have someone to talk to, to listen to me; you cannot imagine how grateful I am.” Even he was surprised he’d managed to say all of that with a straight face.

Again, he had to stop himself from laughing. This was just too, too easy. A sudden feeling of paranoia came over him. Was this too easy, or was he just being really stupid? The young woman seemed genuine enough, and even if this was some kind of trick he had nothing worth taking. And besides, he had met enough naive young women to know one when he saw one. He was just being paranoid for no reason. His quick success really shouldn’t be that much of a surprise to him, after all, he was Griflet Aubert and one didn’t get a reputation like his through over-caution. It was with this in mind that he decided to accept so generous an offer with a grateful smile – a genuine smile no less. “I would love your company. Besides, I would only get myself lost.” This was true, Griff had never been to Camelot, or anywhere on his own before and while he knew which general direction he wanted to go in there was still ample opportunity to get lost in a wood such as this. Perhaps Maeve would be able to offer direction as well as distraction.

He felt her hand atop his, warm and soft and oddly comforting. Maeve really was making him feel better, and he would be more grateful to her, if he wasn’t already preoccupied. “I shall not take no for an answer.” He said firmly, raising an eyebrow, almost challenging her to argue. “Once I am fit you shall be rewarded for your kindness. Anything you like.” He added with a grin.