A Song to Warm the Heart? (Tybalt)

[Caitrin de Archer]

Today was one of those rare occasions when Caitrin de Archer had managed to persuade her Uncle to take some air, and accompany her on a walk. Usually she would have gone walking alone, as it was her way, however today she was feeling uncommonly sociable, and she needed some company. Her Uncle was walking alongside her, looking as if the air was having some sort of allergic reaction on him; in short he really didn’t want to be there. Caitrin cast a sideward glance to him and couldn’t help but laugh,

“Smile Uncle, you never know, you might enjoy yourself.” Rouland just raised an eye brow at his young niece but didn’t give her the satisfaction of an answer. He had already made his mind up that he wasn’t going to enjoy this walk, so he wasn’t going to enjoy it no matter what. To him it didn’t matter that it was quite a beautiful day as the sun was out, and it was only mid-morning so they had the rest of the day at their disposal. No, the only thing which mattered to Rouland was the fact that they were already too far away from his usual goblet of wine for him to feel comfortable. He needed his wine, and that was the end of it, especially seeing as the man who seemed intent on courting Caitrin had decided to move in with them most of the time. The only upside of this was the fact that Caitrin was preoccupied with Griff half the time, so Rouland didn’t have to bother with her. However, when Griff went back to Camelot, he found that Caitrin sought her Uncle’s company more and more. He would much rather just be left alone in his study with his wine. Was it really too much to ask?

Caitrin on the other hand was enjoying the walk no end, and it was partly to do with the fact she knew her Uncle hated it so much. He really was too cynical for his own good. It wouldn’t kill him to lighten up once in a while and become slightly cheery. Life was too short to waste it being miserable in Caitrin’s opinion, so she usually made the most of each day she had. Plus, the introduction of a certain gentleman into her life had almost given her a new spring in her step. She was almost seeing things in a different way, but it wasn’t love. Jesu no, she had only just met Griff really. It couldn’t be love yet could it? She felt slightly flustered and put a hand through her hair. She was just wearing one of her fitted dresses today, as even though she and her Uncle were only out walking, she still wanted to look her best. She coughed awkwardly as she tried to divert her thoughts from her rather vague relationship with Griff and focussed on the task at hand, which was her walk.

She and her Uncle had walked quite far away from the estate now, and they were on the forest roads which bucked the de Archer manor. It was quite breath-taking really that they lived quite close to such beauty. Of course Caitrin was the only one of the two who was enjoying it, as Rouland’s mind was still with his goblet of wine back at the estate. Caitrin wasn’t really paying attention to her Uncle, instead she was listening intently to footsteps in the distance. She could have sworn she could hear someone coming in their direction. Weary as ever, Caitrin began to walk slightly slower. After all, you never knew quite what could jump out at you on the Camelotian roads.

Tags: Tybalt
Timeline: In the series 2-3 gap
Time of day: Mid Morning
Notes: Let me know if you need anything editing!

[Tybalt]

What a gloriously beautiful day! The sun was shining, the air was warm... what better conditions could a nomad ask for?! It put Tybalt in a fantastic mood! Well, not that he was ever in a foul mood. He was just in a more jovial one now. Call him a fool, or overly happy but he found no fault in it. What was life if not to take all the enjoyments from it and see the positive rather than dwell in the negativity. This was often his frame of mind and what gave that little extra bounce into his step. He knew he was in Camelot, as he had just stopped at a nearby village to question his location. They were rather kind there he decided. For they let him stay for the night, and in exchange he entertained the guests in the tavern below the rooms, with dance and song. What a wonderful night it had been!

And now, with his instrument strapped to his back, Tybalt as just enjoying the countryside of this beautiful kingdom of Camelot! He had heard a great deal about it, both good and bad. But he decided that based on his experience thus far it was more the former rather than the latter. During his walk he heard approaching footsteps in the distance. Rather than being weary of other travelers he often welcomed them. Enjoying the company and socializing with others. As they came more into view, Tybalt wore a big smile. One that caused his entire face expression to brighten on his face. For he was walking toward a young rather exquisite looking woman! A noble, no doubt about that. It was evident in the way they carried themselves and their selected attire. A young woman who radiated beauty and... a man who looked a little sullen.

Tybalt knew what to do to change that! He stopped walking when he was in front of them and lowered himself in a dramatic bow, extending both his arms to the side. "A good day to you both!" He greeted enthusiastically as he straightened his posture once more. His eyes went between the two but as he spoke, rested on the man. It was after all the respectful thing to do, not wanting to be suggestive to the young woman. As beautiful as she was, Tybalt did not consider himself crude nor a pervert. "On this beautiful day, I wonder if I could perhaps interest you and your-" Wife? Daughter? Sister? Cousin? Niece? Friend? ... Mistress? "Lady friend, in a song!" Lady friend! That was the safe word to use. And of course, that was not the purpose of his sentence. It was to offer a song to further brighten this already sunny day!

[Caitrin de Archer]

Although Caitrin knew she had been right to be on her guard, it seemed this time that her worries might have been for nothing. There was a man approaching them, who looked like he was unarmed which was only encouraging. Caitrin didn’t really pay him much thought further than that, as her Uncle was still making comments about going back to the house. She couldn’t see what his problem was, after all, it was a beautiful day and it should be enjoyed out of doors. Although Caitrin had been expecting the man to walk straight past her, he stopped right in front of her and Rouland and swept into a bow. Caitrin couldn’t hide her surprise, as Rouland couldn’t hide his irritation.

Rouland considered this new man with careful intent. No one should be that cheerful this early in the morning, and without wine. It was safe to say that Rouland wasn’t happy with this new face, and he would have gladly walked on and left the man, as he was probably a beggar or something anyway. He went to just ignore the man, but Caitrin wasn’t following him, instead she seemed rather taken with this new acquaintance. She looked on at her Uncle, rather irritated that he just wanted to run off. After all, this man was just being friendly, and it wasn’t as if anything this interesting was going to happen this morning was it?

She did however let out a small laugh as the man addressed her as her Uncle’s ‘Lady friend’. She’d never been addressed like that before, and she doubted that she ever would again. Caitrin shrugged it off though, and her Uncle just looked irritated at her immaturity. “I’m his niece.” Caitrin explained in a friendly way to the man. It was certainly a shock to meet someone so friendly on the roads of Camelot, and though Caitrin wasn’t that naive as to let her guard down straight away, it made a nice change. That wasn’t to say that Camelot was any more dangerous than the other any kingdom in Albion, but everyone knew the risks of walking alone along the roads.

But so far this man looked like he didn’t have any dishonest intent, after all, what issue was there with a song? Well, Rouland could think of many issues with it, but Caitrin on the other hand was quite excited at this prospect and she raised her eye brows at the man, but there was a small smile forming on her lips. “What kind of song?” She asked softly and Rouland just looked even more annoyed that Caitrin wasn’t leaving with him. Therefore he just stayed rather awkwardly to the side of his niece, almost willing her to see sense.