Working the Charm...Sort Of [Elenora]

[Aidan d'Amory]

Aidan d'Amory was not a fan of formal events or court in general but it was the prince's birthday and he wanted to celebrate the event with his friend. Of course Arthur was busy being the perfect host and Aidan certainly didn't envy him for it. His worst nightmare consisted of endlessly making acquaintances and always having to be charming and polite and welcoming. Aidan was not a people person and he sometimes found himself wondering just how Arthur managed to do it. His leg certainly didn't help matters, but it did provide him with a wonderful excuse, and if he wasn't such good friends with Arthur then he certainly would have used it. Court life was not a comforting one for the young noble and with each new acquaintance made he was finding himself becoming less and less inclined to appreciate it.

He'd been given a goblet of wine about half an hour ago and was still to finish it. He wasn't one for drinking either - he was one for study and self-improvement and not having to talk to people. In an ideal world he would be left alone in his study and only have to venture outside when there was fun to be had with Arthur, tormenting servants who had fully functioning limbs, that sort of fun. As he watched the prince he couldn't help but feel slightly envious. Arthur had social skills and financial security, and yes, he would one day have the responsibility of ruling a kingdom but he would have friends and advisors. Aidan had dusty books, a disfigured leg and the inability to hold a conversation with someone he hadn't known for at least ten years. Nothing was in his favour for finding himself a nice rich wife (who, thinking about it didn't actually have to be that nice) and finally not having to care what Struan or his father thought because he would no longer be dependant on them.

His eyes scanned the room, he liked to know what was going on that way he was never surprised or taken off guard. He caught sight of a young woman who appeared to be on her own. She was certainly beautiful, that much was obvious even to Aidan who, to be honest, didn't actually get out that much. It took him a few moments to realise he was staring, and then another few moments to decide that he should probably stop. Staring at random women was probably not something he should make a habit of. Should he approach her? He bit his lip. Part of him wanted to just go over there and introduce himself, while the other part of him was telling him not to be so stupid because it wasn't going to end well. He probably should have listened to the latter, but he didn't, he found himself walking (or rather limping) over to her and, on reaching her, dropped into a bow. "My lady, I do not believe we have met before, may I introduce myself. I am Lord Aidan d'Amory." That was the easy bit, the rehearsed bit, it was just what came after.

Tagged: Lady Elenora
Timeline: Series one, a feast for Arthur's birthday
Notes: I was going to put it during the actual episode for Arthur's birthday but seeing as it's annual thing I didn't think it mattered that much Also, putting it earlier will give us oppurtunities to see how certain events in the series will affect them ^_^

[Lady Elenora]

Lady Elenora loves court life, especially formal events like the Prince's Birthday. She has no idea why she enjoys it so much, but she does. Though, she never considered herself to be very elegant or beautiful like the other ladies at court, she enjoyed watching the whole room come alive with joyous music, incredibly tasty food and wine and dancing! But dancing most of all because she loved to dance, though she wasn't very accomplished at it. She supposes this has to do with spending way too many hours struggling to teach her overly- enthusiastic younger sister to dance. Granted, it took many hours for her sister to stop stepping on her feet, but it was worth just to see the enjoyment on her sister's face.

She had just finished dancing with one of the knights, having decided that she had enough for the night. Her eyes begin to scan the room in search for her younger sister. Anne was finally of age and allowed to attend court, and boy was Elenora glad for whenever she returned home her sister would pester her to tell her everything about it. Finally she spots her younger sister happily conversing with a young man not much older than herself. She continues looking about the room when she sees that someone is staring at her. He has short brown curly hair and deep blue eyes, the brightest blue eyes she had ever seen. She certainly finds him quite good looking. She is a little surprised, however, when he begins making his way towards her, limping. Her surprise, however, is two fold for two reasons. The first one being that she never found herself that to be that attractive for her sister had inherited her mother's beauty. And secondly, she realizes that she had no idea how to not make a big deal of this man's aliment. For she has feeling that life has not been easy for this man and she doesn't want to make him feel uncomfortable.

The man finally stops in front of her and gives her a bow before introducing himself, "My lady, I do not believe we have met before, may I introduce myself. I am Lord Aidan d'Amory." Elenora gives him a little smile before she does a low curtsy and greets him, "No Lord Aidan, I believe we have not met before. I'm Lady Elenora" Now they have gotten the formalities out of the way by introducing themselves, they both stare nervously at each other in silence. Now what, Elenora thinks.

[Aidan d'Amory]

Well that was the easy part done with, now he had to think of a way to hold a conversation. It would be so much easier if he could just ask her to dance, that would relive the tension quite easily whereas just standing here could quickly become awkward. After a moment or two he spoke again, "Lady Elenora...it is a pleasure to meet you." Well that was original. He didn't know how to talk to new acquaintances, especially not when those new acquaintances were female. He was just going to have to improvise here and that was something he wasn't particularly good at.

"So," he cleared his throat, "how are you enjoying the celebrations?" Even Aidan knew that was a pathetic start but it was the best he could acheive at the moment. Things were almost so much simpler in the stories he spent his life reading. Men just went around doings things and being impressive and getting everything done. But then there was his problem - he couldn't just go around doing things, he had to sit around thinking about things and that wasn't nearly as impressive. Still, if all else failed he could probably remember a few lines of poetry to impress her with, women liked that sort of thing, didn't they?

[Lady Elenora]

Elenora continues to stare at Lord Aidan, at a loss as to what to say. Or do, for that matter. For she would love to dance with him, but she isn't sure whether he is able to. That, and it's up to the gentleman to ask for a lady for a dance. Thinking this makes her feel worse, and now she's afraid that she may be coming across a little awkward. She hates that her heroines in her books are more courageous and would know what to do in this type of situation. Unlike her, a nervous, anxious mess!

After a few more nervous beats, he speaks again, "Lady Elenora...it is a pleasure to meet you." Elenora gives him a shy smile in response, "It's a pleasure to meet you too, Lord Aidan." Now what, Elenora thinks. If only I had some experience with people with ailments I would know what to say or do. Instead I'm most likely coming across as nervous idiot!

She then hears Aidan begin to speak again, "So", then he clear his throat a little nervously, "how are you enjoying the celebrations?" Finally, Elenora thinks, something to start a proper conversation. "I'm having quite a pleasant and enjoyable evening, Milord. There is nothing better than a Birthday celebration for an excuse to eat incredible food and wine and indulge in dancing, don't you agree. Milord?"

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[Aidan d'Amory]

Aidan gave a small smile at Elenora’s words; it was probably painstakingly obvious just how nervous he was. Deciding to talk her had definitely been a bad move – he may be in search of a wife but that didn’t mean he was actually good at doing anything about it. If he had his way he’d just disappear and find himself somewhere nice and quiet but he couldn’t exactly do that, firstly because it would be the height of bad manners and secondly because he was supposed to be celebrating his friend’s birthday, not running away.

“Yes, I do agree.” He replied, in actual fact he hadn’t given the food or wine much thought, he’d been too busy trying to avoid eye contact with people and as for the dancing...well, it was best to the indulging to those who were able to. There was something about the way Elenora spoke that made him think she was hinting and wanted to dance – it would certainly give them something to do, that was, if he was any good. He’d never learnt to dance before his accident and afterwards he’d never wanted to for fear that it was something that he simply wasn’t going to be able to do or something that would only embarrass. He did have some pride though and he didn’t want to admit to Elenora that he couldn’t dance because he was scared of embarrassment.

“Except for indulging in dancing – I find no pleasure in the pastime.” Well, that was true. “Merely excessive frivolity.” Right...he should have probably stopped as “pastime” – he was trying to get her to like him, not think he was some pompous noble who was too rigid to dance. Well, this was certainly going well.”

[Lady Elenora]

God, Elenora thinks after Aidan gives her a small smile at her words, wondering if she had said the right thing or just offended him. “Yes, I do agree.” Great, she thinks, maybe it wasn't that bad. However then he adds, “Except for indulging in dancing – I find no pleasure in the pastime.” God, Elenora what am I thinking saying that? Elenora abolishes herself, getting the sense that in all likeness he probably doesn't dance due to his ailment preventing him from doing so. “Merely excessive frivolity.” Excessive frivolity! Well, Elenora admits it is a bit frivolousness, but surely its better to be doing something active and disctracting to take away some of the nervousness than standing here in complete awkwardness. That, and there is one particular dance that Elenora loves dancing that always manages to make her feel more confident.

Now Elenora doesn't know what to think of this gentleman. Because it seems unlikely that he is going to ask her for a dance, so what now? Which makes her wonder, why did he approach her in the first place? If not to ask for a dance. Leaving her feeling very confused at this man's actions.

It is at this moment, that her younger sister decides to interrupt them and Elenora is glad of it. After introducing her sister to Aidan, her sister informs her that she wants to introduce her to a nobleman from Gawaint.

"Forgive us, Lord Aidan," both Elenora and Anne bend down to curtsy, "But you must excuse us while we partake in some 'excessive frivolity'" And with that they take their leave.

[Aidan d'Amory]

Elenora's silence made it quite clear to Aidan that he'd said the wrong thing. How wonderful. It seemed he always managed to say the wrong thing, so this shouldn't really be that much of a surprise to him. But he'd wanted to say the right thing, not only because it would make a nice change, but also because it was such a rarity for him to actually be making conversation with a member of the opposite sex who wasn't either his mother or a servant. He'd never find himself a wife at this rate, and be stuck with his damned brother forever. He could hear Struan's voice, or rather, Struan's laugh and a very unhelpful comment and tried to push it to the back of his mind. That was not going to help at all, not that many things could salvage the situation.

Before he had a chance to say something - not that he had anything to say, but before he could even think of something, a young girl had appeared and requested Elenora leave with her - something about some nobleman from Gawaint, Aidan notes with irritation. As the girls both curtsey, Aidan bows, catching Elenora's comment. So she was annoyed about that then, brilliant. And then off she goes, and Aidan's left standing there wondering what to do with himself.

Rather unfortunately, Struan had been watching the whole thing and was now at his brother's side.

"What?"

"Nothing."

"Well there's obviously something."

Struan merely shrugs. "I do hope you weren't attempting to woo that young lady, if so, that was an appalling display." There was a pause and the older man looked rather pityingly at his brother. "She might come back you know...once she's done talking to someone far more charming...wouldn't count on it though."

Aidan was that close to punching him in the face, but years of such conversations and taught him to control himself. Instead he just pressed his lips together into a forced smile and wished he could just leave.

[Lady Elenora]

God, oh god, Nora couldn't stop complaining in her head while Anne and Fredrick -- the gentleman she had introduced to her a few moments ago-- continue talking animatedly. She just could not make any sense of her interaction with Sir Aidan and it was driving her mad. What was worse was she couldn't stop herself from stealing glances at him and she sees that he isn't alone anymore, for there is a slightly older, handsome man speaking to him. Or teasing him by the way the gentleman was speaking. Perhaps he was his brother, Nora thought. For the gentleman looked similar to Aidan, but more agile and friendly.

"Ahemm" she hears her sister hum to get her attention. Nora turns her head and looks into her sister's eyes, "I was just..." she stutters out, but her sister interrupts her before she can continue, "Never mind him, Fredrick has a friend who is dying for a partner to dance with. So why don't you indulge him?"

Elenora nods her head in agreement before she follows both Anne and Fredrick to the dance floor where Fredrick's friend Sir Richard is waiting. "Evening, Sir Richard!" Elenora curtsies before giving the gentleman a smile. Then the musicians begin playing their instruments, and everyone starts to join hands and form a circle. Sir Richard grabs her hand and holds it firmly and Nora looks up to see Sir Richard looking intently into her eyes. Yet Elenora can't help but feel distracted by the sense that they are a pair of eyes staring through the back of her, making her cheeks blush and her heart beat a little furiously. For she has a feeling of who these eyes belong to and it confuses her greatly.

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[Aidan d'Amory]

Struan, being Struan, wasn't helping the situation and while Aidan was trying to stand nonchalantly, his brother kept making comments. The youngest d'Amory was trying to ingore him because he was using most of his concentration of looking nonplussed, rather than responding. He was almost certain he'd offended Elenora in some way as she'd practically ran off. Well, alright, she'd been dragged off by her sister, but even so. She kept looking back at him though, so he kept having to avert his gaze and pretend he was't looking at her and ended up making it horribly obvious that he was.

At least Struan was enjoying himself. "You, brother, are a master of subtlety."

Aidan glared at him. He'd only gone over so he didn't have to stand by himself but now he was seriously regretting that. Standing alone was a much more attractive prospect now. "I'm not trying to be subtle."

"Evidently." Struan was watching Elenora as well, only he wasn't pretending he wasn't. He cocked his head, trying to work out what was going on between her and the man she's talking to. "Ooh, there's been a development."

Aidan tries a casual "Oh?" like he doesn't care either way. Well, he does. The one time he actually tries to talk to a girl and she just goes off and finds someone more interesting. This was why he didn't like social events. He didn't like people.

As he watched Elenora made her way into the centre of the room with her sister and the man, and Struan starts pulling faces. "Looks like she's found someone more...equipped for such events." He says, looking on while a circle is formed and Elenora ends up holdings hands with a secnd man.

"Be quiet, Struan."

"Or what?" Struan teased, evidentally enjoying his brother's reaction. "You'll march over there and demand she dance with you instead? Slight problem with that: you can't dance."

No, he can't dance (and even if he could the likelihood of him "marching over and demanding she dance with him instead" was very slim). He could elbow his brother though.

"Ow."

Aidan just smiles before turning his attention back to Elenora.

[Lady Elenora]

Nora spend the next quarter of an hour dancing with Sir Richard and various other gentlemen. And while she had a rather good time, it wasn't enough of a distraction as she kept feeling like Aidan was looking at her. Though every-time she would look to see if if was indeed doing so, he would turn away. At one point Sir Richard even noticed what she was doing -- which made her blush -- and he explained to her that the gentleman next to Aidan was his older brother, Struan. What didn't help was the fact that Aidan's older brother was teasing him, which annoyed her for she didn't want to like this man. But she couldn't help but feel sympathy for him because she knew that having a sibling that was more out-going and confident was hard, for you would always be compared to them. Yes, Elenora knew that well.

Eventually they finished dancing and Elenora dropped a curtsy to both Sir Richard and Sir Fredrick before she decided she needed another drink for dancing was very tiring indeed and made one thirsty. She began walking towards the table spread when someone stepped on her foot-- hard, very hard causing her to yelp a little in pain! She looked to see who had walked into her, only to discover that it was Sir Aidan! "Oh God! I'm so sorry..." Nora began apologizing profusely.

[Aidan d'Amory]

Havins successfully shut Struan up for at least a minute, Aidan took his oppurtunity to escape his brother's rather unnecessary comments and ever so subtley made his way across the hall. He kept glancing at Elenora, despite trying not to. The best thing to distract himself with seemed to be a drink - and hopefully he'd find someone else to talk to while he was at it. Only he didn't have such luck. No, he had to go and step on the foot of Lady Elenora. Because obviously he hadn't made a fool of himself enough.

"It was my fault entirely, please forgive me." His words were a little rushed, but he was eager to get his apology out. He didn't want her thinking of him any worse than she already did, only he was at a complete loss as to why exactly that was.

He had been trying to find someone to talk to, and to save him from another conversation with Struan, but he'd been rather hoping to find someone that wasn't Elenora. He'd only say the wrong thing again. "I saw you dancing," he began, feeling slightly like a stalker. "Did you...enjoy?" It seemed this conversation was going as well as their last one. Wonderful.

[Lady Elenora]

Nora watched as Aidan spoke a very rushed apology and asked for her to forgive him. Which she of course did, "Of course I forgive you, Lord Aidan. It could have happened to anyone." For some reason Nora felt compelled to try and make him feel better about the accident, though she had no idea why. Especially after their previous awkward and strange interlude that left her feeling very confused.

She was about to cutesy to the gentleman and take her leave for she was still indeed thirsty and was need of a refreshment, when Lord Aidan began talking to her, a little self consciously. "I saw you dancing," Pause. Then he asked her awkwardly -- as if he wanted to try and have another conversation with her, "Did you...enjoy?"

"Yes, indeed My lord. Although, I do not have my sister's level of energy to participate in a several dances in a row before needing a rest and a drink..."Nora answered a little nervously, before adding, "Which is why I decided to take a rest and get a drink. Perhaps you would like one too, My lord?" Nora couldn't believe she had just asked him that, but for some reason she was compelled to, like a moth to a flame. It was an indescribable feeling, nothing she had ever experienced before as she never found herself getting much attention from the opposite sex. Unlike her sister who was always beating suitors away with a stick.

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[Aidan d'Amory]

Aidan nodded at her words, trying to look like he was interested. He was interested, he just wasn't always that good at looking like it. He'd been told, by Struan, naturally, that most of the time he just looked confused or slightly annoyed. Neither was an expression he particuarly cared for in this instance. "Well you have acheived more than I. I lack the energy for just one dance." And the knowledge of how to dance in the first place but he wasn't going to say that. He'd already made a bad enough impression whilst talking of dancing. Hmm, hopefully that meant it couldn't get any worse, but with Aidan worse was always a possibility.

He too had wanted a drink, if only to escape his brother, but would not accept her offer. It was hardly gentlemanly behaviour to sit around while a woman fetched his drink. And, of course, there was the old impression to be thought about. Not dancing and making Elenora get him a drink? Definitely not a good start. "Yes, but please, allow me." He said with a smile, hoping this offer could salvage her opinion of him.

[Lady Elenora]

Nora watched curiously as Aidan nodded his head at her words -- unsure at whether it was meant in a good way or a negative way. For Aidan always had an confused or a "I'm slight annoyed" look about him. No wonder he confused her.

"Well you have acheived more than I. I lack the energy for just one dance." He told her, or rather complimented her. But to be honest it was hard to say if it was one or the other, seeing as he showed a disdain and dislike of activities that displayed frivolity such as dancing earlier in the night.

"Thank you, Milord for saying so," Nora smiled back up at him rather nervously. For he was several inches taller than her.

She was anxious to hear his response to her offer of getting a drink together and was not disappointed when he smiled and offered instead to go and fetch them drinks. Nora's heart could not help but flutter a little at his smile for it was different than the others. It was sincere and for a moment he did not look annoyed or uncertain. It was refreshing and if she was honest, it made her feel a little weak in the knees.

"I would like that very much, My lord." Nora flashed him what she hoped was a "I'm very flattered and pleased" smile, before he left to fetch their drinks.

[Aidan d'Amory]

Elenora had smiled up at him, and he couldn't help but notice just how beautiful a smile it was. In truth he hadn't seen the smile of all that many women, but even if he had he could say with some certainty it was probably of the most beautiful. It just had a lightness about it, and he couldn't help but smile back. He was glad she'd enjoyed herself, which was strange because it didn't make a matter to him. Similarly, he couldn't help but feel...something as yet indescrible when she accepted his offer to get her drink. Useful was definitely a word that sprang to mind, and one that was so seldom used when describing Aidan, but it wasn't simply that. He'd only just met the woman, and all of a sudden he was smiling because he was about to get a drink for her. It was all rather mad.

"Then I shall not keep you waiting," he replied, still smiling and gave her a quick bow before going to find a servant. As much as he wanted to, he didn't look back at her. Something told him that would be appearing a little too keen. He wanted to make a good impression, not look like he was a stalker of some kind, or just over excited about speaking to a woman. No, he was trying to be cool and collected, and hopefully charming but that wasn't very likely to happen.

When he returned to her it was with two goblet in his hand, one that he passed to Elenora and one he kept for himself. He hadn't asked her what she'd wanted and suddenly he was paranoid he'd chosen the wrong thing. He decided not to say anything though, and just hoped she wouldn't notice if it wasn't right. "What shall we drink to?" He asked, that smile still on his face.

[Lady Elenora]

"Then I shall not keep you waiting," Aidan replied and smiled at Nora who returned his smile and said rather cheekily, "I hope not. For I'm incredibly flamished." And with that he gave her a quick bow and went to find a servant. Which gave Nora time to gush a little at the smile he gave her before -- it was so unlike the others, it was sincere. Not only that but Nora swore she could see little stars in his eyes, like he was genuinely happy to be conversing with her. It just made him a little more attractive and agreeable in her eyes.

Finally he returned with their drinks and gave her hers and she smiled, "Thank you." She could not help but notice that he started to look nervous again and she had no idea why. All she did know was that it made her feel more nervous and anxious wondering why he was feeling so. She just wished that she had experience with the opposite sex so she might be able to deduce what his expressions and actions meant.

Aidan broke her out of her reverie when he asked with the same smile on his face, "What shall we drink to?"

Nora held her goblet up towards his and said happily --well she hoped it sounded so and not nervous and rabble-y, "To the Prince's Birthday and to new acquaintances."

[Aidan d'Amory]

Aidan held up his own goblet before repeating her words, "To the prince's birthday," he looked at Elenora, that small smile finding its way onto his lips again, "And to new acquaintances." Somehow that seemed like the better part of the toast to him. Of course he and Arthur were good friends and had been since childhood and he was pleased to celebrate his birthday but, well, he had one every year and would continue to do for a fair few more years to come. Whereas Elenora...she was someone new and therefore far more important than celebrating a friend being older without said friend being there.

His eyes briefly scanned the room, trying to see if he could spot Arthur but didn't manage to. He was probably off speaking to various nobles without standing there looking awkward and/or annoyed. Aidan had always envied Arthur in that respect - he was always so good at talking people, then again, he was the future King of Camelot. Talking to people was required. Aidan, on the other hand, he just shuffled about or spoke about mundane things.

He turned his attention back to Elenora and tried to think of something to say but found the ability to do that had completely escaped him. How wonderful that was. "So...I see you are a fan of dancing," he took a sip of his goblet, trying to buy himself some time, "Is there anything else...you...enjoy?" Well that was as smooth as ever...

[Lady Elenora]

Nora felt her face blushing as Aidan held up his goblet and repeated her toast, a small smile finding his way on his face again! She wished that he would smile more often for he certainly looked way more handsome and dashing when smiling. Rather than his usual slightly stand-offish and uncomfortable manner.

Not only that, but she hoped that she was the cause of it. Though Nora had not idea whether it was her and if so, what she had done to cause this side of him to come to the surface. Because honestly when it came to the opposite sex, most of the time she was completely nervous, awkward and had the tendency to speak things that she shouldn't -- which did not end well.

Then she noticed that Aidan eyes began to scan the room and she wondered why. Was it because she was being dull and boring? Was he looking for some other noblewoman who was far more beautiful and interesting than her? Nora could not stop these thoughts, or rather doubts, from rushing into her head and her smile began to falter. Though she tried hard to prevent it.

Eventually Aidan turned his attention back to Elenora and began speaking "So...I see you are a fan of dancing," Aidan took another sip of his goblet -- as if at a loss as to what to say next, "Is there anything else...you...enjoy?"

Nora giggled at his question light-heartily, "Yes, I do rather enjoy dancing. Anything to keep me active and occupied. I enjoy many things; like reading books -- anything from history to politics and the occasional novel. I also enjoy horse riding, though my sister is far better at it than I am. Sewing and embroidery..." For some reason Nora's voice faltered, "That type of thing..." And for a moment she looked into in his eyes intently, wondering how he was responding to her. But she ended up looking for way too long. She could not stop herself; however, she found herself getting lost in looking into the bright blue orbs in his eyes. His beautiful eyes!

She needed to say something, anything to end the prolonged silence -- perhaps she could ask him what he enjoys. Yes she could ask him that! She was about to do so when she heard someone "Umhm" behind her. Turning she saw that it was Sir Richard, the gentleman with whom she had danced with earlier. "My lord?" Nora asked him, slightly a little annoyed with the interruption.

"Lady Elenora, you sister wished me to escort you onto the dance floor once again!" Though Nora did not wish to leave her conversation with Aidan, she had trouble when it came to her sister and denying her anything. So she nodded her head politely towards Sir Richard, before she turned back to look at Aidan, "I'm sorry Sir Aidan. But it seems that what my sister wants she gets." She laughed, for she knew that everyone who knew her sister knew this. "But I hope to..." But before Nora could complete her farewell, she was abruptly stopped as Sir Richard took her arm, "I believe the music is starting, Milday." Before he began escorting her towards the other couples that were already in formation.

[Aidan d'Amory]

Did she say she enjoyed reading? Aidan's attention was caught far more than it had been before. He had been trying to find something, anything that he could discuss with her - as dancing was not an option for him - but he'd been far too awkward, as usual. If she enjoyed reading though...well, that was something he could talk about at great length. Ever since his injury he would spend days in his room with nothing but books to keep him company. That was probably the reason why he was quite so socially awkward. He didn't talk to people, he just read about them. "Reading? What a coincidence," his smile grew, "I am an avid reader myself."

He frowned slightly, noticing the falter in her voice. Had he managed to upset her? That would be just his luck. He had finally landed upon a topic he could discuss with confidence and readiness but before they could get to the actual discussion he'd somehow managed to offend her. This was very smoothly done.

Elenora was now looking straight into his eyes, something he found rather unnerving, but also rather pleasant at the same time. It was all rather confusing. Maybe he should say something? But, of course the words weren't coming and it was soon too late as they were interrupted. Aidan looked at the man, eyes narrowing slightly. They had been in the middle of a conversation and now the very man she had been dancing with had come to take her away again. He didn't bother acknowledging the man, he wasn't paying Aidan any attention so it wouldn't have made a difference anyway.

Maybe it was just wishful thinking on his part, but Elenora didn't seem particularly enthused about leaving. It probably was just wishful thinking - dancing was no doubt a much more enjoyable past time, but her last words made him question that thought. Hoped to? Hoped to what? What did she hope to do? The damned man - tearing her away before she could finish her sentence. Aidan just stood there, watching as she left, so of course the next voice he heard had to be Struan's because anyone else might have gone and done something like said something useful.

"Well this is all going well."

"Yes, thank you, Struan."

"Come on," Struan put an arm around his brother's shoulder, "We can go now."

[Lady Elenora]

Six Months Later....

"Aha!" Nora sighed happily as she finally found the book she had spent the last 10 minutes looking for. Though she wondered why it took her so long seeing as Geoffrey of Mammoth was supposedly renowned for his knowledge of where every single book was kept in the library. But maybe it was his age that was affecting his memory, Nora thought idly as she made her way back down the long aisle.

Then she caught a glimpse of a book on the politics and history of the Celtics and well she couldn't help but pick that book up as well. Her family was always teasing her about her reading habits for she always said that she was going to borrow one book. However, hours later she always ended up coming back with ten or so more books than originally intended. She could not help it though. She had a real love for reading and immersing herself into the Author's world -- whether it be a historical book or a novel did not matter to her. And Camelot's Castle had the best books and archives in the Five Kingdoms so of course she was going to take advantage of it while she was visiting.

Finally --after spending far too many minutes then she intended to and gathering far too many books that she was lucky she could just mange holding -- Nora made her way towards the exit. What she did not expect or see was that someone was walking straight towards her. She did not know till it was too late and she banged into him, books flying everywhere!

"Oh God! I'm so sorry!"Nora mumbled out very nervously as she bent down to pick up the books that she dropped. Way too nervous to actually see that it was Aidan d'Amory -- the gentleman that she met six months earlier -- that she had collided with.

Nora felt a hand brush across hers as she went to pick up the last book. "Really. You don't need to..." Nora began to tell the person, then looked up only to realize who it was. Blushing furiously Nora continued babbling very quickly, "..to help me Ai-- I mean My Lord. I'm truly sorry. I was too occupied when I should have been looking where I was going." Nora stopped her rambling, before she stood up and looked up at Aidan who was staring at her quite intensely, no doubt thinking what a complete klutz and silly girl she was.