This Isn't My Idea Of Fun

[Vortigern]

-------Vortigern did not know what was worse: going to a kingdom to engage in peace talks, or going to a kingdom for the sole purpose of making marriage arrangements. Of course, this was very premature, but he knew that his father was extremely keen on this one working out. Why? Because he had told him. "The kingdom of Gwent is a strong one, and Sorelia would only strength through this alliance, from marriage." That was what his father had told him, but Vortigern had a very different opinion. "I know nothing about her father." But that was just an excuse; he usually did not know much about the women his father proposed he consider marrying. After all, Vortigern was extremely picky. "I hear she is extremely beautiful." Well that was a perk. Vortigern refused to marry an ugly woman. Though, it did not help that it was his father saying that she was beautiful; there was something a bit unsettling about an old man saying that. Perhaps he had different taste.

-------"Did she not attend a nunnery?" Vortigern certainly did not want some over religious crazed wife! "She brought the kingdom back to order when her father was ill." How was that a good thing? Apparently his father saw it as such, but Vortigern's views on the apparent compliment greatly differed. "Right. That is what I want father. A woman who is too involved in the political affairs of her kingdom." He was being sarcastic. he did not want a woman like this; but then again, he was just making excuses and finding flaw where there should be none. "Besides, she is an only child." His father had looked at him curiously. "And?" An easy answer for him to give. "And that limits us. For if she had siblings, they would be married off to royals in other kingdoms. Thus, strengthening our allies." See! Vortigern was thinking politically...ish. "My son, they will make for a strong ally. Out of all the women I have asked you to consider, I ask you to consider this one the most. I am very keen on this match being a successful one. And I expect you to try your best."

-------That had been his weakness. Vortigern could say and do many things, but he could never disobey nor dishonor his father. When Gildas told him to do something, Vortigern had no choice but to comply. Which was why he was now venturing to Gwent. This time, it was not to discuss political matters...it was to directly deal with the possibility of obtaining a wife: Isadora de Caerleon. The journey went smoothly, and rather quickly as Vortigern was not looking forward to it. Strange how things tended to pass quickly when one dreaded the result. But alas, he had now arrived and he had promised his father to give this a try. He was dressed in his fine attire, void of any armor so that he could display his more expensive clothing; show off some wealth to his potential future family. The thought of that alone was once again, unsettling. But here he was and he could not quickly turn and make a run for it. He brought his horse to a halt once he was pass the castle gates. Swiftly dismounting, he handed off his reigns to a servant, expecting the trail of escorts behind him to follow suit, as he walked ahead. Soon to be greeted by his possible future wife.

Tag: Isadora de Caerleon

[isadora]

Isadora rolled her eyes at her father for what seemed like the millionth time over the last few weeks. Her father's latest prospective suitor was arriving today, and she was sick of this. So far, she'd found ways to get out of meeting most of the noblemen he managed to pick out, but this time, her father had arranged the meeting before she'd had a chance to intervene. Crafty old man. "Maybe you'll like him. You never know, the two of you might get along." He proposed that morning over breakfast.

"You've heard his reputation, Father. He rules through fear and intimidation. Is that really the sort of man you imagine I would like to settle down with?" Isadora made it her business to know about the neighboring countries and their rulers, time consuming though it was. And she didn't like anything she'd heard about Vortigern of Sorelia.

"You shouldn't put such stock in rumors...nor judge a man by his reputation alone. There are many reasons a man might make the decisions he does. Give him a chance." Not that she actually had a choice in the matter, since he would be arriving soon. She sighed and continued eating her breakfast in silence, defiantly. She couldn't tell her father the real reason why she wouldn't consider any of his choices was because she was in love with someone else...someone he would never approve of, nor should he. It was foolish to think that she could be with Alistair at all, and yet, she couldn't even imagine being with someone else. The thought made her stomach twist painfully. Finding no more desire to finish eating, she excused herself from the dining hall and went back to her room, to get ready for their visitor.

It didn't matter that Isadora had no intention of making a match today, she still had to put a smile on her face and act the gracious hostess to their guest. He was still the heir to the throne of a prominent kingdom, and to make an enemy out of him for petty reasons was simply unfathomable to the princess of Gwent. So she donned one of her finest dresses of pale green silk and hung delicate silver chain with an amethyst pendant about her throat. She let her dark hair hang loose around her shoulders, lacking the patience to pin it up today. The maid had just finished binding her up into the tight-fitting bodice of her dress when a messenger arrived to inform her that the prince had arrived. She nodded, and gave a final sigh, before she held her head high to go greet him.

She emerged into the bright sunlight of the castle courtyard, blinking against the light, and looking down she could see the prince and his entourage dismounting from their horses. Good, she'd be just in time to greet him. She descended the stairs gracefully, coming to a halt at the bottom as the prince, having handed his mount off to one of the attending grooms, approached her. She smiled welcomingly, belying her true feelings about his presence, and dipped into a respectful curtsey. It wasn't difficult to tell which of the approaching men was the prince, even though she'd never met him, he had that undeniable confidence that only royalty could pull off. "Welcome to Caerleon, Lord Vortigern."

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[Vortigern]

-------At least his father was right about one thing: she was indeed beautiful. She held the grace and elegance of a princess, with soft features and a rather appealing figure. So the rumors in this case had been true. But even someone as arrogant as Vortigern was not merely satisfied with the appearance of someone to determine whether he should wed them. The sibling factor, or in her case lack there of, was really a deal breaker for him. He should be marrying a woman with sisters or brothers, who would then marry into other royal families. Yes; Vortigern was trying to find fault, and this so far, was the first one he could determine. One that he did not even have to get to know her for. He gave a polite smile, walking towards her and removing his riding gloves in the process. He held them both together and with his bare hand, took her hand in his and gently kissed the top of it. He did not prolong the moment longer than need be. He was not going to hold her hand like an idiot. He was not that desperate.

-------"Lady Isadora," he greeted in return. "Gratitude, for opening your home to me and permitting me to remain here for the duration of my visit." Obviously, he did not have a choice. And neither did she. Where else was he going to go in a kingdom who's sole purpose he was visiting, was to see her and see if she was 'wife material' to him. But his father's words rung in his head, for they were what he was holding on to so that he could remain polite. Well, as polite as possible for now. He also noticed that the king was absent. Was he really that ill? Good god, would he only have this woman to talk to for the whole time? Having five sisters, there was only so much estrogen filled conversation he could have. They spoke too much, some where too bold and did not know their place, and they were far too sensitive. Having noticed King Alistair's lacking presence, Vortigern decided to question it. "How does your father, The King fare?"

[isadora]

Isadora nodded politely when he kissed her hand, before she let her hands fall, folding them together in front of her. She smiled graciously as he expressed his gratitude for having him as a guest here, not that she had any say in the matter. It was simply too late to turn him away now, and she had no desire to give him a reason to start a war. So she'd play nice, and be the gracious hostess, and try to make a good impression without giving him the idea that she would make an excellent wife. So much easier if he was the one who decided she wasn't suitable to be his queen, rather than trying to decline a proposal later on. "Of course, milord, you honor us with your presence." She responded pleasantly.

"He fares well, thank you for asking. Unfortunately, the affairs of state keep him occupied at present, however, he will be joining us for dinner this evening." He wasn't well, but Isadora kept that information quiet, particularly with envoys from other kingdoms. Hardly anyone was aware of just how much she handled in her father's stead, but if he rested today, he should be well enough to make an appearance at dinner, to dissipate any doubts the prince might have about his well-being. She feared that if her allies --or worse, her enemies-- knew that she was in charge, they would see it as a sign of weakness, and decide the time was ripe to declare war, or abandon their allies. She couldn't let that happen, and so she downplayed the severity of her father's condition whenever possible. "And what of King Gildas?" She inquired politely, she'd heard that Vortigern's father was also ill, but luckily for him, he has a son to claim his throne.

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[Vortigern]

-------Of course they should be honored. Though he did not want to be here it was fortunate for everyone that he was. But again, it was not something he had done by choice. When she spoke of her father, he concealed all irritation he felt. The king could not spare five minutes to greet his potential son in law? How rude. He was a prince, expected to be greeted by the entire royal family, or in this case, the father and daughter. But instead, they just send the princess out alone to do the greeting? That hardly seems formal. And it was hardly acceptable. But Vortigern forced a polite smile to remain. Of all the things he would find wrong with this meeting, that would not be the only one; or the worse one probably. But still, he was making a list in his head. "I look forward to making his acquaintance at dinner then." And hopefully he would indeed be present. Vortigern doubted he could get through a whole dinner with just her. Their conversation would probably be filled with Gwent gossip and what the latest fashion of the kingdom was. Gildas had said that Isadora was well versed in the politics of the kingdom, but Vortigern held very little belief in this. She was just a woman after all. Her idea of politics is probably which color scheme looks best in the castle.

-------"His health slowly declines," Vortigern said rather honestly. He did not think about his answer as carefully, and besides, it was no secret that Gildas was ill. It was why he sent his son rather than attend himself. As before, he used to be rather consistent with visiting potential allies and such. So to send Vortigern, who wanted nothing more than a war, truly was a last resort for him. Or it could be, as he would always say, 'an opportunity to learn something'. "I am certain that had he been well enough to travel, he would have wanted nothing more than to be here." And Vortigern would have wanted nothing more than... to not be here. Especially not standing out here making small chit chat. He extended his arm forward, holding out his hand motioned towards the doors. "Shall we go inside?" He asked. He was the male, she was probably waiting for him to take the leadership role and direct them into the castle... even though it was her home.

[isadora]

If he were a king, Isadora knew her father would have made whatever efforts were necessary to greet him in person. But since he was simply the heir to his kingdom, as Isadora was, he had allowed his daughter to convince him to rest until dinner. Especially since the point of his visit was to kindle some kind of relationship between the pair of them, and he didn't feel the need to watch a man court his daughter...if courting was what he had in mind. "I am truly sorry to hear that. I'll be sure to pray for him." She replied quite honestly, she knew how difficult it was to live with an ailing parent, and she didn't wish it on anyone. If by some grace of God she could help provide some peace to them, she would do all she could.

"I would have liked to meet him. My father tells me that he is a man of great honor." She answered honestly, despite the rumors about Vortigern's warmongering, her father had nothing but good things to say about his father, who considered King Gildas to be a strong and resolute king. She hoped that the rumors about his son were nothing more than the words of bitter rivals, for while she had no intention of marrying him, she didn't want him as an enemy, either. She had to force a smile when he gestured to go inside, wondering if he was always so pushy. He was probably just tired from his journey, she told herself, as she nodded. "Of course. There are refreshments for you and your men laid out in the main hall, as I'm sure you must be tired from your journey." She explained, before she led the way up into the castle. The servants were already working to move the possessions of him and his men up to their quarters for the duration of their stay.

As they made their way towards the hall, Isadora knew she ought to at least make it look as though she were interested in...getting to know this man, as her father wanted. "I have heard that you've traveled much of Albion, Lord Vortigern. Would you tell me of your journeys?" Men usually liked to talk, and more than that, they liked to talk about themselves. Sometimes the best way to keep them happy and occupied was to keep them talking. She didn't know if Vortigern would be that sort of man, but she wouldn't know unless she tried.

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[Vortigern]

-------Vortigern was not the kind of man who felt gratitude of honor from the offer of a prayer towards his father. Hell, his father needed all the prayers he could get. But he cared not if this woman offered to pray for him. He supposed that was what she would do, having been brought up in a nunnery and all. However, Gildas' words were in the front of his mind. Which was what caused him to give a bit of a smile and short nod. "He will appreciate that." Because Vortigern sure as hell did not. When she went on to say that she would have liked to meet him, Vortigern was not sure if she was being sincere in this desire or not. Perhaps after they had a conversation of a longer nature, she would wish it was his father who came instead of him. But there was nothing he could do about it now. And he was not going to invite her to Soleria to visit him.

-------Even if he was trying to be 'nice'. He did not want to encourage another visit between them. Which was also why he was desperately hoping this would not work out. That both their fathers would let go of this possibility and allow them to move on. For the time being, they would have to be civil towards each other. "Your father is not misinformed then," he told her. If there was anything Vortigern could speak about with ease, it was his father. But he did not want to praise the king and make himself sound like a little pansy of a son. He did not like saying too many nice things for it destroyed the reputation he had tried so hard to build. He could be polite but not offer too many words of kindness... maybe. "Refreshements will be good." And obviously expected considering who he was. "The journey was indeed quite long." Not really.

-------In actuality it was quite short for when one dreaded the destination, the journey seemed to speed by. "But I am certain it will be easy to recover from." Hopefully. If her castle was actually fit for a prince. He followed her before positioning himself alongside her when they were walking towards the hall. He did not want to walk behind for that was degrading, but he could not walk too far ahead because he had no idea where he was going. This would seem like a suitable balance. Her question did not surprise him. She must have lived a dreadfully sheltered life. "Once again, you were not misinformed." Though he did not know where to begin. "I have ventured far and wide throughout the realm of Albion. Mostly as a representative of the Solerian Royal family. And to visit allies and family, some categories of which overlap."

-------Good god. Why was he talking about this right now? He doubted she cared, because he certainly did not care about such menial chit chat. "What is it exactly that you would like to know?" He questioned, wondering where her interests lie. "I imagine you do not get out of Gwent a lot. There must be much you wish to learn of the world." In a bit of an indirect way, he was calling her sheltered; perhaps even naive for not being able to experience a world beyond Gwent. Of course, these were all assumptions. He knew no details of her life. But what his father found admirable in her, having stayed here to help King Alistair, Vortigern found weakness. Which really was not a rarity for the prince of Soleria. He tended to focus on the more negative traits of a person rather than the positive ones.

[isadora]

Vortigern seemed to be a man of few words, his replies short and to the point, but the few words he did say were said with a tone of tolerance; like he was putting up with her for now because he had to. Isadora had yet to decide whether or not that was truly a good thing; she supposed all she could do now was attempt to keep up the conversation. She gave a nod when he pointed out that it had been a rather long journey, and she wondered if he wasn't exaggerating just a bit. Not that she would say that; if he wanted to make it out like he had just crossed hell and high water to get here, she wasn't going to argue.

"I'm glad to hear that. We wouldn't want you too tired out when you've only just arrived," although wouldn't it be so much more agreeable if he were to spend the majority of his visit resting in his quarters? No, she shouldn't think that, it was rude to think that way about an honored guest. She gave a slight smirk but held in the laugh that threatened to burst forth when he pointed out that, yet again, that she wasn't misinformed. She was starting to think that was one of his favorite phrases.

She gave a genuine smile when he confirmed what she had already known about his travels; yes, when nobles traveled it was usually for the purpose of family or politics, and often both. But Isadora had led a sheltered life, and she liked to hear about places besides the ones she's been to. "I'm afraid that's true, unfortunately. I would like to see more of the world for myself, but my duties keep me close to home." She answered his inquiry about her sheltered life, before she continued to answer the more important question. "I've heard the people of the northern plains are an interesting sort. Have you ever ventured into that area? If you would care to tell me." She didn't want to make her questions too specific, but at least this wasn't a topic she would have to feign interest in. Isadora was a sucker for a good story, and she hoped that he would have some entertaining stories that might help to pass the time.

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[Vortigern]

-------Vortigern wished he was tired. Or that he was doing a better job of pretending he was tired. Then he could just retire to his chambers and not have to deal with this. But, he supposed, the sooner they got this over with the sooner he could return to Sorelia and forget this entire proposal. And hopefully, he would return as an unengaged man. His attempt at a subtle insult had backfired. She was accepting that she had not been out much? Not only that but she was asking him to tell her of his 'adventures' outside the kingdom. The northern plains people to be more specific. "I have been to many parts of the world, yes." He began by generally answering her first question. He did not want to tel her stories and speak of such things to someone who would have no idea about them. "I doubt it is anything of interest or comprehension to you." Again, an insult but slightly less subtle.

-------As he was suggesting she did not have the mental capacity to understand such things. Which she probably did not. She was just a woman after all. "Tell me of Gwent." Hopefully that would be something she knew about. He wanted to have better knowledge of the kingdom. His father perceived this as a strong ally, strong enough to solidify an alliance through marriage. So he wanted to know its strengths, and inevitable weaknesses. The first was obviously that there was no heir to the throne. No real heir, for all King Alistair had was a little daughter. That would be the first benefit to him. And yet a disadvantage as well. Benefit, because then he would be king of this land. Downfall, because as he had tried to make the argument with his father, she had no siblings and thus, there was no further expansion of land through marital alliances. Regardless, he waited for her to answer his 'question.

[isadora]

"I doubt it is anything of interest or comprehension to you."

Isadora blinked, her expression falling for a fraction of a second before she caught herself, purposely forcing her face to be neutral despite the rising fury. The implication behind his words was hard to miss, and Isadora found herself at a loss for words momentarily. Beyond her comprehension? Did he think her a simpleton? Clearly. She wished she could say this was the first time she had encountered a man like this, but unfortunately, it was an attitude that prevailed amongst noble men. It was hardly any wonder the only man she'd ever felt more than a passing attraction to wasn't a noble.

She forced a pleasant smile, her tone sweet to mask the bitterness she felt at his words. "I had thought I made my interest clear, and you may find that my powers of comprehension surprise you." It was a struggle not to be outwardly hostile towards the man; a struggle he did not share, clearly, by his willingness to openly insult his host. But, if he did not wish to speak on that subject...well, Isadora wasn't going to mirror his behavior. "But of course, if you do not wish to speak on that subject, I'm sure we can find something else to discuss." The next few days were going to be dreadfully boring otherwise.

He asked to hear about Gwent. At least that was a topic Isadora knew well, and once she didn't mind speaking on. A bit of her genuine smile returned as she thought of her beloved homeland. "Of course, Lord Vortigern, it is a subject I'm well versed on. We're not a large kingdom, but what we lack in land, we make up for in trade. Our ports are always busy, and we have goods passing through from all over Albion constantly. And of course, plenty of travelers as well." Gwent had never been a military nation, nor a breadbasket. They had farmlands, certainly, but the majority of the people of Gwent lived in the cities, mainly Caerleon, and were tradesmen or merchants. Or fishermen, of course.

"The city is named for the Roman fortress that once stood here, once called Isca Augusta, Caerleon means city of the legion." The history wasn't really pertinent; but bringing up Caerleon's past as a military power would associate that past with the present, giving an illusions of strength that wasn't necessarily true, without her having to lie. Isadora wanted him to think of Gwent as a powerful ally...or a formidable opponent, if it came to that. Bringing up its past might help with that. "My people are tenacious, very proud of who they are and where they're from. My father and I always strive to rule fairly and justly, and to act in their best interest."

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