Is this a Set Up? [Caitrin]

[Deleted]

Rowan was rather pleased with herself. It wasn't often that she came up with such a clever plan all by herself and so she was allowing herself a moment, or several, to be smug. She looked up at her twin brother from where she was sat at her desk, arms folded across her chest and eyebrows raised - daring him to question her plan.

Ciaran, however, was not convinced of her genius. "And how do you propose this will work?"

Rowan rolled her eyes. "It's simple. I sent a message to Lady Caitrin de Archer, you know what she's like, asking to meet Iwan outside the blacksmith's at noon.

"Have you told Iwan yet?"

"I thought you would prefer to have that pleasure."

It was Ciaran's turn to roll his eyes. This was Rowan's plan - surely she should have to do the arranging herself? Personally, he didn't think it was going to work. It was a good idea, of course it was. There wasn't anyone who needed lightning up more than Iwan but Caitrin? Really? Talk about throwing yourself in at the deep end. It would be a miracle if Iwan escaped her alive. He ran a hand through his hair, going through the pros and cons of the plan in his mind. Pros: it was hilarious and would either irritate or unrepress his brother. Cons: if irritated Iwan would kill them. And tell Kay. And they'd be killed again. "Oh alright then."

"Excellent! Off you go then."

**

Ciaran found Iwan, as expected, at the training grounds in the castle. Unexpectedly however he was actually training instead of putting the swords in size order or trimming blades of grass or whatever it was he did with his time.

"Is everything alright?" Iwan eyed his brother suspiciously. Ciaran only came to the training grounds when he wanted something and usually it was something Iwan wouldn't approve of.

"Yes, why wouldn't I be?" Ciaran replied casually, walking over to inspect some of the weaponry. He could feel Iwan's eyes on him so of course had to start prodding things.

"Stop that. What do you want?"

"I have a message," he began, picking up a dagger and pressing the point of the blade into his finger tip. It was sharper than he'd expected so promptly put in back on the table and checked his finger for blood. "Apparantly Sir Leon wants to see you...where was it? Oh at the blacksmiths? At noon, I think."

To Iwan this made no sense. If Leon wanted to see him surely he would just find him in the castle? "Did he say what he wanted?"

"Probably." Ciaran said with a shrug.

Iwan had been expecting just such an answer. "Well...I'd better be off then."

"Probably."

The oldest d'Auber didn't reply, instead he just hastily made his way away from the training grounds and towards the city. If he hurried he would make it on time - he did so hate lateness, so as soon as he was out of Ciaran's sight he started running.


Tagged: Caitrin de Archer
Timeline: Series two

[Caitrin de Archer]

It wasn’t often that Caitrin was set up by anyone but her Uncle. After all, he wanted to throw various men at her all the time in the hope that she would take the hand of just one of them sometime soon. He would have to find her a husband eventually, or she would have to find one, and Camelot was running out of men for her to sample. She grinned to herself, she had already had her fair share of men, and it hadn’t gone unnoticed by many noble families just yet. Perhaps that was a good thing, after all it meant that the men knew what they were in for, well, sort of. Caitrin had seen Iwan around Camelot but she’d never spoken to him before. She never really got involved in any of the knights, mainly because they were too honourable to indulge in her games. If Rowan had put forwards her brother then perhaps she thought he was different somehow. Caitrin could live in hope after all.

It was quite a sunny and beautiful day, as it often was in Camelot. The weather still took her breath away; a lifetime of growing up in the north meant that she still appreciated these moments in the sun, where most of Camelot just took it for granted. Sighing to herself softly, Caitrin brushed down the silk green dress she was wearing, with dipped sleeves. She had made an effort of sorts, this wasn’t her best dress, but it hugged her figure and showed her off in the way she wanted it to. Her circlet tamed her hair somewhat, but it still fell around her shoulders, it just looked more organised than it usually did. She looked the part, and that was it. Hopefully this would be an interesting afternoon anyway, perhaps she and Iwan would have quite a lot in common. Who knew? She hadn’t had a knight before, and she could give Iwan the pleasure of being the first.

Rowan had said to meet Iwan at noon, so she was here, arriving just at noon, as she didn’t want to be late. That would leave the wrong impression altogether wouldn’t it? She ran her hand through her hair and looked around her, hmm, perhaps this was Rowan’s idea of a joke, to see how long Caitrin would last here by herself. She frowned slightly and walked forwards, looking around her. Eventually she saw a man running towards her, a small smile formed on her lips, she’d never had a man running after her that quickly before. As he slowed down, it was obvious he was a Knight of Camelot, and it would be too much of a coincidence for him to be anyone else but Iwan. “Sir Iwan?” Caitrin asked brightly before sweeping into a curtsey, “I’m Lady Caitrin de Archer; it’s a pleasure to meet you.” She was smiling, mainly as the man was quite good looking, and she stood up and stiffened up slightly as she looked on at the man. How on earth had Rowan kept her brother hidden all this time?

[Deleted]

Iwas was slightly out of breath by the time he reached his destination. He couldn't see Leon anywhere so he'd have time to catch his breath before the man made an appearance. He ran a hand over his face, trying not to look like he'd just had to run all that way.

“Sir Iwan? I’m Lady Caitrin de Archer; it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Iwan turned to look at the young woman whose voice had caught his attention. She was curtseying at him. He was confused. He looked around, wondering if there was someone else she was talking to until he remembered that she'd addressed him by name and it was rather unlikely there was another Sir Iwan lurking near him. His confusion wasn't decreasing, but there were manners to be observed so he dropped into a bow. "A pleasure to meet you too, I'm sure, milady, but you must forgive me, I am meeting someone."

The young knight turned away from her, trying to see if Leon was anywhere in sight. He wasn't. A sigh escaped his lips. He was going to absolutely kill his brother, and he was going to so in the most painful way possible. Ciaran was forever living through Iwan's embarrassment but now he'd gone this Lady Caitrin into the mess as well and- oh fantastic. Iwan looked back at the young woman - young, red hair, unfamiliar accent. He should have known straight away.

He closed his eyes, pinched the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger and took a deep breath. He was supposed to be training or catching up with some paperwork, not wasting his time being thrown into unwanted situations by his brother. Composing himself, he gave Caitrin his full attention. Maybe he could still get out of this. "As I say, I am waiting to meet someone so if you'll excuse me..." he shuffled a few steps away from her and looked straight ahead. Ciaran was definitely, completely and agonizingly dead.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin was just enjoying looking over Iwan as he bowed back to her. Well at least he had the formalities right, so many courtiers overlooked such simplicities nowadays. She was glad to see he was well mannered, and handsome of course. She pressed her lips together, trying to not let her mouth widen into a grin at her luck. His words did confuse her though; he was meeting her wasn’t he? Rowan had said to meet Iwan here, unless Iwan had made his own arrangements for the same spot at the same time. But that was incredibly coincidental and made next to no sense. She just paused for a moment but didn’t have chance to ask him what on earth he was getting at before he turned away. Perhaps he was just playing hard to get with her, that wasn’t a problem of course; Caitrin loved a challenge. She straightened out her hands on her dress before smiling brightly at Iwan as he turned back to her, once again insisting that he was meeting someone else.

Had Rowan not told her brother who he was meeting? He had looked quite surprised that she had spoken to him with such confidence, but surely not. Hmm, Caitrin hadn’t been set up in such a way before, and she wasn’t sure how she found the sensation. She would probably have been annoyed if Iwan wasn’t as good looking as he was. Well, Caitrin was always an expert of making the best out of a bad situation, and this was really no exception. She gave him a warm smile at him, even as he turned away from her. If he was playing hard to get then he was doing an excellent job, unfortunately for Iwan, Caitrin didn’t give up that easily, and she wasn’t about to let him slip through her fingers.

Caitrin took a few steps so she forced herself into Iwan’s eye line, “Well, perhaps we could wait for this person together, seeing as I too am waiting for someone.” She tucked a piece of hair behind her ear and grinned at Iwan, wondering how long he was going to last under her gaze before shifting away again, “But, are you sure you haven’t found who you’re looking for?” She teased softly, but she still had a warm smile on her face and gave him a soft wink just to finish her words off with. If she’d been thrown into this strange situation, she was at least going to have some fun with it.

[Deleted]

It seemed his theory had been confirmed. Brilliant. What was he supposed to do now? It was hardly gentlemanly behaviour to run away, but, if Caitrin's reputation was anything to go by, it was probably the only safe option. She certainly did seem keen. Why? Why did it have to be him, stuck here and forced to exchange pleasantries when he could be performing his duties. Or relaxing. Not that he actually relaxed much, but he might start if this was his only other option.

Out of the corner of his eye he could see her move torwards him. He wasn't going to make eye contact because that would encourage her and there was still a small part of him hoping he was wrong and Leon was intending to meet him, but for whatever reason he was delayed. Leon would come and rescue him and all would be well and good with the world again. Only that wasn't going to happen. It was times like these - situations of desperation - that he wouldn't have entirely hated the possibility of Gwaine being here. As much as the man irritated him he was probably the best to save him. He and Caitrin could go off into the sunset or a tavern or whatever and he could stay unharrassed.

"Who are you waiting for?" He asked, eyes fixed firmly ahead of him. At this point he didn't care if he was being rude or ungentlemanly. Well, actually he did but he wasn't going to let his manners get the better of him. Her next words, however, prompted him to at least look at her, with a slightly shocked, slightly confused expression. There was a definite tone in her voice, a tone he didn't much care for. "I am quite certain, thank you. When I do I will be sure to let you know."

[Caitrin de Archer]

The more time Caitrin spent with Iwan, the more she just became interested in him, which probably wasn’t a good thing for him. She pressed her lips together, trying to stop herself laughing at his expression. He was either an incredibly good actor, or he was genuinely in the dark about this meeting. Caitrin would have to quiz Rowan on this the next time she saw her, however Caitrin wasn’t about to let this just slip though her fingers. Iwan was too good looking for her to just walk away. She would have him one way or another, she was Caitrin de Archer, and more than anything she had a reputation to maintain.

He still wasn’t looking at her, well this was slightly awkward, but the situation on the whole wasn’t unworkable. Caitrin was still smiling, and she forced herself into Iwan’s eye line. She couldn’t see what his problem was, most men wanted her to be in their eye line from time to time, and Iwan was the complete opposite, but maybe he didn’t want to seem like he was too keen. This was a different conquest altogether, but one she was sure she was succeed in. It was only a matter of time before Iwan fell for her charms.

Caitrin could have of course just answered Iwan directly, but perhaps it was just him fishing for compliments, or was he shy? Caitrin wasn’t sure, she was finding Iwan hard to figure out, but it wasn’t an altogether unpleasant situation. She was enjoying his company. “I’m waiting for someone to go riding with me... maybe you could help me with that.” She winked at him, she could be charming to an extent, but her intentions had been to go on a horse ride with Iwan this afternoon. She pressed her hands together and bit her lip slightly, “That is of course if you don’t have anyone else to wait for?” She was pressing her lips in an almost innocent sort of grin, or at least as innocent as she could manage, which wasn’t an incredible amount.

[Deleted]

Iwan was becoming increasingly uncomfortable. He was definitely going to kill Ciaran as soon as he saw him. What on earth made his brother think this was a good idea? Probably Rowan. Well they were both going to be killed then. They were forever making comments about how he was probably repressed or something, just because he wasn't running about the city making a fool of himself. He wasn't repressed, and even if he was this wasn't the best way to go about changing that. No, if anything this was just making him worse.

Caitrin's words were definitely not the words of a respectable noblewoman. The trouble Rowan would be in if he ever heard her say something like that! He found himself just staring at her in disbelief. How could she be so forward? They had only just met! And even if they were better acquaintances they would have to be at least betrothed before talk like that was appropriate. Maybe that was the sort of behaviour that was acceptable wherever she was from...where was it? Somewhere in the north...he remembered Rowan mentioning it but he hadn't been paying attention, not that the details were particularly important, his point was that she wasn't there now, she was in Camelot were certain behaviour was simply unacceptable.

"Well unfortunately, as I say, I do have someone to wait for." This was, he was having to eventually admit a lie, but he was going to keep up with the pretence. "I hope you find someone though." Someone who wasn't Iwan. And was far away. That would be nice. That way he could stop feeling so damned uncomfortable. He was trying to act with a sense of decorum, but Caitrin was grinning and winking and using inappropriate tones and it was rather hard to not comment. He wondered whether her uncle knew she behaved like this. He'd never met Lord Rouland, from what he'd heard he wasn't the happiest of men. Maybe he did know - maybe that was why he had such a reputation for being, well, miserable. Iwan certainly wouldn't be happy if his niece spent her time gallivanting about this way, but with siblings like Ciaran and Rowan it was very likely that his future niece would be a gallivanter. It was a worrying thought indeed, but at the moment neither here nor there. He had Caitrin to deal with first.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin de Archer felt like she was making the best of a bad situation. She couldn’t understand what Iwan’s problem, unless this sort of thing happened to him all the time. Caitrin’s Uncle, and not her friends, was usually the one to set her up with random noblemen in the Kingdom. Iwan was just another man she was being forced into close proximity with, but she didn’t mind that much. He was playing hard to get at the moment, and that he was doing incredibly well and incredibly convincingly, however it would only be a matter of time until she at least got a smile out of him. He seemed too gentlemanly to just let her go by herself, and maybe she could play on that at least for the time being.

His shock at her words didn’t surprise her, and perhaps they had been ill-judged given his personality already. Caitrin frowned, she would have to recoil her words somehow if she had any chance at clawing back this afternoon. She hadn’t come out here and got dressed up for nothing. She was even had a dress on which would mean she could ride her mare astride with some ease at least. From Iwan’s accent she could tell he was from Camelot, and Rowan had never said anything about moving from another kingdom so she had to assume he was born and bred here. Her Mercian accent couldn’t be ignored of course, neither could her flame red hair which harked back to her northern roots.

She let her eyes trail over Iwan, trying to decide whether she needed to change her tactics somewhat. Some men were easy to figure out, but she could always befriend Iwan first, and then lead onto other things later. That was always a possibility. It was probably going to work better than being suggestive anyway. He looked like a gentleman, now to see if he could act like one. She tried her best to look disappointed and downcast, brushing some hair behind her ears. “Well the thing is, I was told that you wished to spend the afternoon with me.” She pressed her lips together, playing on her womanly charms, she hadn’t done this for years. The men in Camelot were usually easier to play than this, “And I do have two horses saddled already, it would be a pity to waste such a lovely afternoon after all...” That had to work, surely? Iwan was clearly lying about meeting someone else because his sister had set this up hadn’t she? She gave a small smile up at Iwan, he might even think her earlier words were innocent now, she had no idea, but she wanted to spend the afternoon with Iwan, it was just a matter of catching him first.

[Deleted]

Iwan was pretty sure Caitrin was trying something. He looked down at her suspiciously. No one goes from overtly confident with undertones of inappropriateness to shy and slightly embarrassed because the handsome young knight didn't want to go riding with them. She was up to something. Well, of course she was up to something, that was the whole point of this. But, against his will, Iwan was forced into the role of a gentleman. His conscience would not allow him to just leave her. She'd probably end up kidnapped by ferocious bandits and it would be his fault for leaving a helpless young woman alone in the middle of the city. "I did not." He said simply. If she wanted to play this silly game then she could go ahead, but Iwan was not going to quite so easily tricked. They both knew why they were here and it had nothing to do with riding. Or at least not in the way Caitrin was speaking of.

There was a pause before he continued because he really could not believe he was having to do this, and he was already making a mental list of all the ways he could make Ciaran and Rowan suffer as a result. It was going to end up being a rather long list. "I came here under the impression that I was to meet Sir Leon. That does not seem to be the case." Another pause. He really was going to regret this, but, annoyingly, he was going to regret being rude more. "It seems we have been set up, and it would be rather ungallant of me to leave you alone." His hands moved towards each other slightly, ready to interlock his fingers but he stopped them, forcing them to stay by his side. He was going to do this, and properly. It was the only thing he could do. "I would very much like to go riding. With you." There, he'd said it. And he was absolutely going to make Ciaran suffer.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin thought she was doing quite a good job in acting like she was a helpless, innocent woman, and she was almost enjoying the sensation. Almost. She was always quite confident, so it took more effort to act like she was just like every other woman than it did to just charm Iwan as she usually would. However this was working somewhat, at least better than her first attempt, because now Iwan was talking to her. She looked down at the floor, realising that feigning a blush was probably beyond her, and tucked some of her hair behind her ear and just smiled sweetly up at Iwan. It amused her that Iwan had fallen for it, but he was a knight wasn’t he? So he had to act like it she supposed. Well his words confirmed that they had both been set up, depending on how well this went she was going to have to have words with Rowan about this. “Well I hope I am a suitable alternative to Sir Leon, my Lord.” She kept her sweet smile on her face, and stepped towards him, though she took care not to step too close as to keep up her little pretence for the moment. She could bring in her full personality later.

She felt rather smug as Iwan agreed that he would go riding with her. She knew he didn’t mean in the context she would have preferred but there was time for that later. Well at least she wasn’t going to be stood up, that was the main thing for the moment. Her smile increased and she nodded eagerly at him. “Then I shall be more than glad to spend the afternoon with you my Lord.” She was still trying to act the innocent, like a young woman should. Gosh how did they cope with being so fragile and airy all the time? “The horses are just by the city gates, I had the stable hand bring them down earlier.” She explained, all the time trying to look completely grateful that Iwan was accompanying her this afternoon, she was even starting to convince herself. God he was good sometimes. She began to lead Iwan down to the city gates, hoping that wasn’t too bold as to give her away. As they approached the gate, the stable hand was there with two horses, a fine stallion for Iwan, and Caitrin’s mare Lily for her. She stopped and looked back at Iwan with a small smile, “I hope he is to your liking my Lord.” Was all she could think to say before she moved to her own mare, she looked across at Iwan, because she had to keep up this pretence a while longer he was going to have to help her onto the horse. Well this was a first.

[Deleted]

Iwan was still suspicious of Caitrin's behaviour. Perhaps she thought this would make her seem more appealing to him, but there was not much he could do about that now. He'd already agreed to accompany her on her ride and so could hardly go back on his word now. He was, first and foremost, a man of his word. Iwan returned her smile, but unlike her frankly suspiciously sweet one, his was a little more forced and rather awkward. Just because he'd agreed to go riding with her didn't mean he was going to make a point of enjoying himself, or being overly enthusiastic towards Caitrin. In truth, she was not a suitable alternative to Sir Leon but of course he wasn't going to say that to her. He was treading the fine line between being begrudgingly polite and running away. "Oh I am sure." He forced out, trying to look like he was enjoying himself and probably failing. He kept asking himself what was the worst thing that could happen, which was a rather good plan, until his brain kept reminding him just what Caitrin de Archer had a reputation for.

He nodded as she told him where the horses were. This was something he really wasn't looking forward to, but, he told himself firmly, the sooner they just got on with it the sooner he could return to the castle and not have to talk to Caitrin again. He could cope in her company for a few hours - that was the plan anyway, and the plan would be fine as long as she didn't try anything. If that were the case he would not be held responsible should his behaviour be anything less than gentlemanly, and no, he didn't mean like that - he meant running away.

Caitrin was leading the way, so he followed rather dutifully. If this was how the rest of their time together was going to be spent then he could probably cope. He'd just keep a safe, sensible distance and all would be fine. When they reached the horses, Iwan found his own to be rather fine beast indeed. "He will do," he replied, not wanting to sound enthusiastic about anything, not even the animal, in case Caitrin thought he was enjoying himself. "Does he have a name?"

[Caitrin de Archer]

Right, honestly how hard could this be? It was clear that Iwan was already sure that he wasn’t going to like her, and that he didn’t want to like her. That was unfair, they’d only just met after all. Caitrin smiled to herself, it was only a matter of time before Iwan was literally falling at her feet. Some men tried to pretend that it wasn’t the case, but he couldn’t hold out forever. If he did it would be absolutely amazing. At least he was acting the gentleman, because that gave Caitrin something to work with. She smiled back at Iwan, “I’m glad,” Was all she could think to say. She was trying to be a simple, sweet noblewoman. It was starting to hurt.

His reaction to the horse wasn’t quite what she was going for. He just sounded very bored, and uninterested. Hmm, she’d have to do something to change that. She was however slightly insulted that he wasn’t already showing a keen interest in her. After all, she hardly ever had to wait this long for a man to make his mind up. She had the whole afternoon to change Iwan’s mind, so she would endeavour to do so. How hard could it be after all? She didn’t reply to him, she just bowed her head a little at him, waiting for his next words. It was hard to remember to keep up this little act, because she hadn’t to change practically everything about how she would usually handle this situation.

Caitrin hadn’t really asked if the horse she had supplied Iwan with had a name. She hadn’t been expecting him to ask in all truth. Caitrin hadn’t really met many men who had been that bothered about the names a horse bore. She was incredibly interested in the personalities and names of horses, it was just one little interest she had. “I was not told his name, perhaps we could come up with a name together my Lord. Something which would fit his personality perhaps?” Walking around to face her mare, she brushed her hand through her mane. “My mare is called Lily.” She informed him softly and then moved back over to her saddle, as she supposed he would have to help her onto the horse. She would still be riding astride the horse, rather than side saddle. Perhaps Iwan would respect that, hmm, it couldn’t be helped. “Would you like to set off my Lord?” She asked rather sweetly, Jesu this was an act and a half. She was trying to make a mental note to never try this again. She wasn’t the sweetest flower at court, but neither did she want to be.

[Deleted]

Iwan's attempt at trying to be civil had not ended well. In fact, it had done worse than that. It had given Caitrin some other way to try and get him round to her way of thinking. "Perhaps." he replied bluntly, really not wanting to thin of a name together. He didn't want to do anything together. He wanted to go back to the castle, but as that wasn't going to happen he was just going to have to endure Caitrin's company.

He nodded as Caitrin informed him what her horse was called, trying to feign interest. She hadn't mounted yet, Iwan was rather certain that a woman such as Caitrin would be able to mount a horse on her own, and yet her feet were still firmly on the ground. Was this another one of her tricks? Probably, but, once again, his sense of propriety was getting the better of him. He pressed the tip of his thumbs together, and just looked at her. Maybe she was going to make him help her then. Brilliant. He gestured towards Lily, "Would like some," he coughed, "assisstance?"

He really wished Caitrin would stop looking at him quite so innocently. He was far too aware of her reputation to believe this was anything more than an act. But he smiled at her, despite himself because it wouldn't do to be rude.

Yes, he would like to set off. He'd like to set off in the opposite direction and be away from Caitrin and this very unwanted situation. Obviously this opinion wasn't voiced. "Very well." He gave his horse a gentle nudge with his foot to make it move. "Will the woods outside the city be to your liking?" He asked, genuinely interested in whether she wanted to go there or not. The alternative was the fields and meadows outside the city, but he personally preferred the woods. It was easier to get lost in them.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Even if Iwan had backed himself into a corner, and had convinced himself he was never going to like Caitrin, she was going to convince him otherwise. It was her talent after all, and she wasn’t going to let Iwan just slip by her, especially not after she had already put this much effort into trying to court him. It was taking most of her efforts just to remain sweet, Jesu, it didn’t take much to tell this wasn’t her real nature. It was just so much hard work, but she was going to keep it up, though once they started the ride she was sure she could relax a little more. The gentleman inside Iwan wouldn’t leave her, surely. “Do you have a name in mind my Lord? Or should we name him once you have tried him out, and got a feel for his personality?” Her words were still said with a sweet smile, as she tucked some hair behind her ear.

Eventually he did offer to help her onto the horse, which Caitrin had been expecting him to do. After all, that was what gentlemen did wasn’t it? She nodded softly, her smile still on her lips, “I would, thank you my Lord.” Iwan swiftly helped her onto the horse, and she mounted Lily side saddle, as she usually would. Really, it would be silly if Iwan was surprised at the way she was riding today, as the saddle wasn’t built to ride side saddle, it was just an ordinary saddle. Luckily she was wearing quite a long riding dress, so her hose and modesty were covered. That could only work in her favour with Iwan. With any other man, the sight of her hose would drive them to the brink of insanity with their desires, Iwan was completely different, and if she was flashing her hose then he would probably turn the horse around and run for the stables. It was hardly a flattering thought.

Well, Iwan was smiling at her, so that was something. Even if he wasn’t enjoying himself he was still smiling, and she could work with that. It would be so much harder if he had just gone back up to the castle, and left her here. That would have made this courtship almost impossible, but only almost. Caitrin was quite a determined woman after all. She nudged Lily so she was now seated parallel to Iwan, and she grinned across at him. “The woods’ sounds like an excellent idea my Lord.” She nudged her horse forwards a little bit, really she was getting tired of this pretence. “Shall we race there my Lord? Being a knight, I am sure you are quite an accomplished horseman, and I enjoy a challenge.” There, her personality was starting to come out, but the little smile was there, because she knew she could easily lose this.

[Deleted]

Caitrin should really stop smiling at him. He was sure it was done to relax him, or to make herself seem more attractive but it wasn't having either of those effects. It was just unnerving him more. He looked straight ahead and told himself to stop behaving like this. There was nothing he could do to get himself out of this situation so he could either try and ignore Caitrin's obvious flirtations and focus on enjoying this ride, or he could get stressed about every little thing she did and hate every second of it. He really did want to go with the former suggestion, but he knew himself too well. "That seems like a logical suggestion." he replied, trying to turn the conversation or just stop it altogether. It would be so much easier to ignore the woman if he wasn't forced to communicate.

She was still smiling, and he was feeling even more uncomfortable. He wasn't used to being alone with a woman, well, apart from Rowan but she didn't count. What, exactly, was he supposed to say to Caitrin? This would be so much easier if he was actually looking for her attentions - she seemed to be throwing them at him - but he wasn't, far from it, he was trying to head for the hills as far as attentions were concerned. Either she was ignoring him, or he was somehow managing to give off the impression that they were appreciated. He just wanted to know how to stop, how to make her leave him alone. But, if her rather colourful reputation was anything to go by, this would not be an easy thing to do.

The woods it was then. Excellent. He could easily lose her. Everything was going to be alright. This wasn't the most chivalrous of thoughts, but Iwan was thinking ahead. If he didn't lose Caitrin quickly he could easily find himself in an even more uncomfortable and unwanted position. Literally. The woods were his best chance of escape; her next words only confirming this thought. He wouldn't have thought it possible, but he was actually glad for her suggestion. It was an excellent idea. She would try to win and he wouldn't and they would then be seperated. This was a fool-proof plan. He smile increased - it was almost genuine. "What a good idea, my lady."

[Caitrin de Archer]

Really Caitrin just wanted to shake off this entire charade, and act as she usually did around men. Surely Iwan would find her irresistible anyway, so she would get what she wanted. She’d never been rejected by a man, well as long as they weren’t including Richard, but that had been strange circumstances, so she often thought it best that he wasn’t included in her little tally of men she had had in her time. He was an anomaly and not the norm. Iwan would be the norm though, she was practically sure of it, how could he resist her charms? No one else could. He was probably just trying to appear noble, and respectful, which was admirable but Caitrin wasn’t interested in that in the slightest. “It does, after all, the woods boasts some spectacular scenery.” Well the woods were always better to walk or take a slow ride in, so perhaps the suggestion of a race wasn’t the best way to go after all. Hmm, she would have time to decide anyway.

Caitrin of course continued to just smile at Iwan, and pressed her chest out ever so slightly as she drew her horse alongside his. She cocked her head towards him, she knew that he would take up her offer of a race, but in hindsight it had been a rather silly thing to propose. They could hardly get to know each other if the wind was ripping through them, and they were just focussed on the task at hand. Perhaps Iwan wanted that so he didn’t have to speak to her. She wasn’t stupid enough as to realise he was a bit uncomfortable with the situation at hand, but still she could help him to enjoy himself.

“Actually, forgive me my Lord, but I think we should leave our competition until later in the day. After all, we hardly know anything about each other. It would hardly be fitting for us to be racing after each other when only pleasantries had been passed, don’t you think?” She smiled sweetly at him, and he was smiling back at her earlier suggestion, but she thought this little change of plan was probably for the best. After all, she wanted to get to know Iwan, genuinely, because she wouldn’t be able to charm him and convince him she could show him how to enjoy himself if she knew nothing of him. She could always play on his pleasantries and his gentlemanly manner, with that she was sure he wouldn’t deny her much, because he needed to play the part as much as she did. Caitrin de Archer had the upper hand, and she was going to take full advantage of this situation. “Perhaps we could ride in the fields instead, it will give us a larger range of land, and the countryside is beautiful this time of year.” She was still smiling at him, nudging her horse alongside his. She couldn’t understand how he wasn’t falling for her yet, her ego was large at the best of times, but still, it was justifiable.

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Ah yes, scenary, they could just discuss the lovely trees and nothing could be made inappropriate about that. He would be fine. Jesu, he was a grown man. He was a knight and here he was being completely unnerved by a woman. It was a good thing she wasn't trying to take over Camelot. Having said that, if she was trying to take over the kingdom, at least he'd know what he was supposed to do. As it happened, he was just unsure of everything at the moment and it wasn't a pleasant feeling. "They do indeed, my lady." He replied, torn between basic civility and progressing the conversation. Maybe if he just didn't seem interested she would become bored and mysteriously wander off? It was the only plan he had at the moment, so he was going to throw himself into it and hope for the best.

It wasn't working. She was...she was...pressing her chest out. Right in front of him. For all the world to see, or at least all the world would see if they weren't alone. What was wrong with the woman? This was not how members of her sex were supposed to behave. His hands tensed against the reigns. He wanted to be out of this situation right this second. He didn't care how ungallant that was. This was horrible. And now he couldn't even escape her during their race. How wonderful. He forced a smile because that was the done thing and nodded. "Of course, my lady. How right you are."

And now she was suggesting the fields instead of the woods...this was not going to be pleasant, of this he was certain. He was still smiling though, because anything else would be impolite, despite how much he wanted to just leave. He could sort of justify it...but only because lying to a woman, and smiling at a woman when he wanted to be anywhere she was not, was probably not gentlemanly. How did he always manage to get himself into such situations as this? Oh yes, because he strived for decorum and valued manners. How stupid of him. "The fields are equally agreeable. We are fortunate to have such pleasant weather." He remarked, hopefully in a casual tone, he couldn't really tell. Weather was always something to be discussed when there was either nothing else, or in this case, when a distraction was needed. Iwan really, really needed a distraction. Oh what he wouldn't give for a sudden afanc attack or...just something.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin wasn’t quite sure how she felt about Iwan just yet. He was holding back from her, that much was certain. Though why he was acting like that was a completely different matter. Caitrin wondered if he was put out at the fact he had been set up. That was almost understandable in a way, but Rowan had failed to mention that her brother was so quiet and sullen. She should have, by all accounts, have been put off by it, but she saw it as more of a challenge to bring Iwan out of himself. She certainly had no intention of leaving anytime soon. She wondered just how long it would take Iwan to just let loose and enjoy himself. It was after all a beautiful day and the company was not bad at all, if she did say so herself. “You must see a lot of the countryside whilst out on patrol my Lord? I always see knights out riding when I venture out of the estate.” The knights of Camelot were defiantly a dedicated lot, and Camelot was better because of it.

She kept her chest pressed out slightly, and grinned at him as she did. She was really surprised at how much self control Iwan was showing; it was almost admirable. Almost. He couldn’t resist her for much longer, surely? Better men than him had tried and failed. Caitrin always got what she wanted in the end, no matter how hard the seduction was. She was glad that Iwan had taken to her suggestion so quickly, she had thought he would press the woods upon her, but in the fields she could work her charms to her advantage. Iwan, she had decided, required more of a hands on approach. “I am glad you approve my Lord.” He was still smiling, which Caitrin had decided could only be a good thing. Clearly his manners were controlling his judgement, and she could take advantage of that.

Caitrin doubted that Iwan was used to her type of women, so she continued to ride alongside him in the fields, waiting until they were about to pass a rather large oak which stood on its own, surrounded by the grass and open air. Caitrin slowed her mare to a halt and looked across at Iwan, “Could we stop a while my Lord? I wish to enjoy this view.” Caitrin then dismounted her horse to let Iwan know exactly where this was going and she tied her mare on one of the lower branches round the back of the tree, and sat herself down by the trunk of the tree, “Will you join me my Lord?” She asked him with an innocent smile and wide eyes, hoping once again his manners would take over.

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Iwan nodded, still trying to keep up the pretence of feeling casual, almost enjoying himself, which was no mean feat. He just wanted to leave, was that so much to ask for? He’d never wanted to be in this situation in the first place – it had been thrust upon him by his bloody siblings who thought forcing him into the company of Caitrin de Archer would be hilarious. Well, he was sure it was hilarious. For them. For him it was anything but. It was unnerving and uncomfortable and various other words with an ‘un’ prefix. He cleared his throat, a rather pathetic attempt at trying to relax. This was a situation that he could handle. Honestly, what was the worst that could ha- it was actually probably best if he didn’t go there.

“Indeed,” he agreed, not feeling any less uncomfortable, “But in the midst of a patrol is not the best time to appreciate it. The mind is otherwise engaged.” He had no doubt that she always saw knights; she probably went actively seeking them out.

Fortunately, he was starting to get used to the way she was...positioning herself. Instead of feeling flustered, he was starting to just feel annoyed. Did this usually work? Well, to be fair to her he could think of plenty of people on whom it would work, but he wasn’t plenty of people. He was Iwan d’Auber and he wouldn’t give into temptation so easily, or rather he wouldn’t if there was any.

He followed suit, slowing down his horse despite the desire to just leave her to it. That would have been the far easier option, but also go against his sense of decorum and that would never do. He gave a small nod. She would probably insist if he tried to argue anyway. He dismounted easily before again copying her action and securing the horse’s reigns. He might be having to join her, but he could still keep his distance. She could try all she liked; he had a lot more self control than she was giving him credit for. He wasn’t about to have his head turned by someone like her.

He should probably be saying something, anything to progress the conversation along, but he was rather enjoying the silence. He could just look the other way and pretend he was alone. Unfortunately, if he didn’t say something, Caitrin would and he didn’t trust her to pick a suitable topic. He pressed his lips together. “It is fortunate the weather is so pleasant.” He offered, aware it was a terrible way to continue but it was the best he could do.