Flames to Dust [Caitrin]

[Romily de Braose]

She brushed out another tedril of hair as she tried to decide on what style to have that day. Bonnie was busy lying out her dress and talking about how her hair was just lovely down. Romily's father liked his daughter to wear her hair up, or at least half up when they were in company. She didn't know why but she did it all the same. As far as she knew, today they were not expecting to receive anyone, so she was free to wear her hair as she liked it.

"Keep it down my lady, you look just like your mother with it like that" Bonnie looked over from fussing with her clothes.
Romily rose from the vanity and fiddled with the hairbrush in her hands. "Then down it shall stay" she smiled at the older woman. "And if anyone does decide to spring a surprise visit on us, then I shall have to rush to change it."

"Visitors or not my lady, they will not mind how you wear your hair"

Romily dressed and sat down by her window, whilst Bonnie pottered about, straightening up things, fluffing the pillows and collecting the laundry. Breakfast was on the table, and Bonnie spied her mistress picking at it from time to time. The poor girl needed to eat more, otherwise she would hold a reminder of the late Lady de Braose in her last days. "What are you thinking Bonnie?" she asked, seeing the maid's expression.

"Nothing Miss..."

"That look is not one of 'Nothing' Bonnie and you and I know that..." She was vut off by Ryle, one of the servants knocking before poking his head around the door.

"Im sorry to disturb you my lady, but I could not find Lord de Braose - there is a man and young lady downstairs in the hall..."
Romily frowned, looking to Bonnie who mimicked the same expression. "Thankyou Ryle, I shall come down and meet them for myself. In the meantime, find my father and notify him of this."
Ryle bowed, "Yes my lady."

Romily headed out in the hallway and down the stairs which opened out into the entrance hall. There was indeed a man and woman standing there. He had a quizzical expression whereas the red haired lady beside him just looked confused. she headed down the last few steps, one hand sliding gently down the banister. "Im am sorry to keep you waiting..."

Tagged: Caitrin de Archer
Timeline: Pre S1
Setting: Wolfhall Manor - Carmelide

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin de Archer had found herself in yet another nobleman’s house, though this time her Uncle was at least not trying to marry her off in haste. No, this time it was more of a social visit. She wasn’t quite sure how she felt about that, after all, she was used to having to play with male attention, but apparently there was only one daughter here. She wasn’t as used to just conversing in situations like this. Of course her Uncle hadn’t asked her before dropping her in this situation with him, it was just expected because she was his ward, and she had to do what he said at least some of the time, even if it did annoy her.

It was quite a nice feeling, knowing that Rouland wasn’t trying to marry her off to some random nobleman; perhaps this would be quite a nice evening because she would just be herself. Well, to an extent. Rouland was currently walking around the solar, admiring it’s decoration. The journey from Camelot hadn’t been too eventful, though Caitrin had finished the book she had been reading. Her Uncle had told her she should have been embroidering or something equally as useful, but as per Caitrin had just ignored him; his opinion of what she did, and didn’t do, was of little consequence anyway.

Caitrin didn’t go out of her way to annoy her Uncle, after all she had more freedom in Camelot than she ever had done in Mercia. Her Uncle let her have a free reign for the most part, and only took that freedom away when he needed her by his side. There was only the two of them really. Though she had not been long in Camelot, she was already growing quite close towards her Uncle.

A woman began to descend down the stairs, and both Caitrin and Rouland’s attentions were grabbed straight away. From a quick glance, Caitrin could tell this woman was a few years older than she was. Her Uncle gave a slight cough, and Caitrin remembered to sweep down into a low curtsey. Rouland just gave a quick bow and was done with the formalities in a short period of time. She wasn’t the person he had come to see, so why should he show her the full extent to his respect. “It is no matter my Lady, we have only just arrived.” He didn’t smile, because it wasn’t his way, “I am Lord Rouland de Archer, and this is my niece, the Lady Caitrin.” As she was introduced, Caitrin finally raised herself and smiled at the lady in front of her, waiting for an introduction in return.

[Romily de Braose]

Romily nodded and gave a small curtsey in return to the pair who had introduced themselves as Lord Rouland de Archer and Lady Caitrin. Caitrin looked quite young - Romily estimated around 15-16 years of age. The look of boredom on her face suggested that she had been dragged to too many noblemen's houses. After all, she was of the right age and very pretty to be thrust under every mans nose. Something that her father did not dare do to her.

Did Lord Rouland know her father? If he did then this must be some kind of social visit. Her father had so many friends that she could neither remember nor keep up with them all. They all seemed to be dotted over the place, and of course were very high in places (the highest being King Leodegrance of course). "I am Lady Romily - Lord Durwin's daughter...I trust you are a friend of my father's if I am correct?" she glanced from Caitrin to Lord Rouland, who didn't look as though he was enjoying all the female company. "I have sent a servant to find him" she carried on, "I'm sure that he will not be long."

She hoped that he wasn't! "In the meantime, please, do come and be seated in the solar"
Romily led the pair through into the room, where she turned to Rouland. "I do hope that wine is not too early for you my lord?" she asked, gesturing for a servant to bring them something to drink.

"It is never too early for Lord Rouland my dear..." Durwin's voice sounded from the doorway. This was the first time Romily had seen him smile in a while. In a way it was nice to see another side of her father. Durwin looked to his old friend. "Rouland! It has been far too long! and you have brought...your neice?" Durwin frowned, "Sit down! Sit down!" he gestured to both Rouland and Caitrin. "I do hope that my daughter has made you welcome." Durwin's eyes glanced to Romily who was busy standing formally behind the chair that her father was now seated in.

She smiled weakly at Caitrin and looked to the floor awkwardly. It was bad enough having visitors, but when she was brought into the conversation, it made it feel all the more worse.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin supposed that this woman was only a couple of years older than she was. Maybe only two or so, but still, she carried herself with a lot of grace and suchlike. Caitrin remained silent as Romily spoke directly to her Uncle. “It is a pleasure to meet you Lady Romily.” Rouland half forced out, he knew his friend had longed for a son, yet his wife had only been able to give him a daughter. He on the other hand had a son, even if Dristan wasn’t always at home... “Yes, I am good friends with your father, it is quite observant of you to say so.” Again he didn’t smile, but Caitrin’s eyes whipped up to her Uncle right away. He didn’t have a reputation as the most sociable person ever, and he was living up to that title.

Caitrin resisted the urge to giggle as Romily asked if it was too early in the day for Rouland to drink. If she knew her Uncle at all, she would know that there was no time in the day which could be described as ‘too early’. There wasn’t a moment in the day Caitrin didn’t come upon her Uncle, and he didn’t have a goblet of wine nearby. Soon enough they were greeted with the Lord of the manor, and Caitrin quickly supposed that he did know her Uncle quite well. She didn’t say anything of course, she knew better than that straight away. “Durwin my friend, I agree, it has been too long.” Though Rouland did not notice the man’s frown at Caitrin, she certainly did, and didn’t appreciate it one bit. Caitrin smiled sweetly back at him in reply and Rouland looked across at her, slightly confused, “Yes, I brought my niece, Caitrin along with me. I hope that that isn’t an inconvenience?”

They both took up the seats they were offered, and Rouland shook his head and gave a soft smile, “She made us most welcome, do not worry about that.” He said, looking Romily up and down. From her age, Rouland wondered why she was not yet married. He wanted to have Caitrin at least betrothed by such an age, if not already wed. Caitrin bit her lip, and looked across at Romily and gave her a soft smile, she already felt like this was just going to be awkward. She wanted to say something, almost to provoke a reaction, but the words weren’t coming to her.

“Do you know my Uncle well, my Lord?” She finally settled on, and Rouland looked across to Caitrin with a nod of approval, he knew he couldn’t silence her, so he might as well make sure that anything she said was appropriate given their present company. Lord knows, a Mercian upbringing sometimes left a noblewoman with a rather crude outlook on life.

[Romily de Braose]

“Yes, I brought my niece, Caitrin along with me. I hope that that isn’t an inconvenience?”

"Of course not!" Durwin brushed this off, Romily could see Rouland looking her up and down but chose to ignore it. Obviously he wasn't impressed at the fact that she was actually still here in the room with them. The men tended to prefer the company of their own gender rather than talking about embroidery or dresses with women.

She caught Caitrin's soft smile at her, this was already quite awkward and she really wished that she wasn't here to witness it. “Do you know my Uncle well, my Lord?” she heard the young woman ask her father. She seemed well educated in the art of making conversation - something Romily felt that she lacked in considering her father allowed her to talk to no one, or even join them during feasts that were held at their home. "Very well indeed - why...it's actually too many years for me to remember" Durwin answered, taking a goblet of wine that Romily had now offered him. Rouland was already set so it seemed like the two men were going to reminice about old times.
"Have you been staying with your uncle for long? Rouland, you should have sent a message to tell me you were visiting!" he turned to his friend on that, "At least then I would have been able to have something prepared for you to eat, and to have my daughter looking a bit more decent."

Romily's gaze kept fixed to the floor, as Durwin looked over his shoulder and up at her, patting her hand that was holding the back of the chair. She smiled down at her father, not saying anything. She was too tired to speak back and it would be improper in front of Lady Caitrin and Lord Rouland to do so. She had become so used to comments such as these that she no longer bothered letting them get to her. She knew she was a disappointment and so did he. That was the end of it.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin didn’t really care if Durwin wanted her here or not, because she couldn’t exactly go anywhere now could she? Her Uncle had been the one to bring her here anyway, it wasn’t as if she was a total stranger to the man. She continued to just smile quite sweetly though, it would probably annoy him more if she was so well disposed to him. Rouland just nodded at his friend’s reply, he hadn’t expected Caitrin’s being here to be a problem, as he wouldn’t have brought Caitrin if he had thought it would be a problem of any sort.

Though Rouland had not noticed, Caitrin was quite put out in a way that Romily was so quiet. She wouldn’t be able to stand being so quiet in company, even if it was what was expected. She always liked to be at the centre of the conversation, and she was well practised in her conversational skills. She had had to be a quick thinker, and a quick speaker, when she had first moved to Camelot as the acquaintances she had made were off her own back, rather than her families. Rouland smiled, “Indeed, too many years to count I daresay.” He gave a short chuckle, and Caitrin smiled as the conversation shifted back in her direction.

“I’ve been staying with my Uncle for just under a year now.” Caitrin replied politely, as she was her Uncle’s ward, she never expected to live anywhere but Camelot now. She loved the place a lot more than she loved Mercia, but she was allowed more freedom in Camelot. However, she still missed her homeland from time to time, and found herself rather homesick. At Durwin’s latter comment, Rouland just grinned,

“Are you suggesting you have anything in for dinner which isn’t up to my tastes?” He gave a small smirk, his friends standards were much like his own, so he knew there would be nothing amiss, “And as for your daughter, she is looking as well as can be expected.” He resisted the urge to shrug, really she should have a husband on her arm, that might make her look a bit livelier, “Do you have any serious suitors yet my Lady?” He asked rather bluntly and Caitrin raised her eye brows at the man’s comment. “My niece does not yet have much serious attention.” Rouland began to explain to Durwin, “But I hope to have her betrothed soon enough.”

[Romily de Braose]

Durwin grinned at Rouland's comment. "Too many that seem to just disappear far too quickly now" he sighed, "But anyway - the bottom line is that your uncle and I have known each other far longer than we can remember" he looked to Caitrin.
Both Romily and Durwin listened with intent as Caitrin explained how long she had been staying with Rouland. "I see..." Durwin replied, "Are you enjoying your time in Camelot?"

“Are you suggesting you have anything in for dinner which isn’t up to my tastes?”
"Only wine..." Durwin chuckled, "Then again you would drink my house dry - i'm sure that I can ask the servants to preapre something, should you and Caitrin wish to stay this evening?"

Romily didn't like where this conversation was heading one bit. Rouland seemed to be asking the most awkward question that anyone could. How was she supposed to reply? "Oh yes my daddy keeps me away from men and court?!" no no, she couldn't say that. In answer to Rouland's question she shook her head, "No my lord..." she answered quietly, "My father prefers to keep me from court life - it is too lively for me, and would not be good for my health, as it appears to already be bad enough." She looked at her father who patted her hand gently. "My daughter has not been in the best of health." A lie that was told at court in order to explain her absence and the fact that she had not been presented there at all, "Therefore all the excitement could make her ill...I do not wish for that to happen..." he explained.

Romily looked at Caitrin as Rouland expressed his desire to see her betrothed and then back to the man himself. "I am sure that she shall find a suitor within time my lord...i'm sure that the men of the Carmelide court would approve, father?" she looked to Durwin, not knowing whether the men would or not. Durwin nodded - Romily shot a subtle glance at Caitrin, as if to say 'you are not alone in this.'

"Sweetheart, would you inform the servants to prepare the dining hall for this evening, and that Lord Rouland and Lady Caitrin will be joining us?" Durwin looked up at Romily who nodded.

"Yes father" With a nod of her head towards Caitrin and Rouland, she could finally break free of the suffocation that the conversation had caused.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Rouland grinned at thoughts of time gone by, the years had truly flown by a lot sooner than he would have liked. After all, he could still remember when his niece had been a spec of red hair in the crib in Mercia. He hadn’t paid much attention to Caitrin when she had been growing up, and her company had been somewhat forced upon him by her wardship. In his own way he enjoyed having the company in the house again, especially after Dristan had taken off.

Caitrin nodded in answer to Durwin’s question. She was after all enjoying her time in Camelot, even if she did miss Mercia from time to time, “I am my Lord, the company of the Camelotian court is quite diverting and friendly.” Caitrin then looked at Romily and back to her father, “You would enjoy the court in Camelot. So would the Lady Romily, the court is very diverse.” She grinned, hoping it would inspire the woman to talk with more inspiration. It almost felt like Romily wasn’t in the room, and it made Caitrin feel quite uncomfortable. Rouland just looked from his niece to the company they now shared. In his opinion she hadn’t said anything out of order, but he had no idea how Durwin would take to his young niece. He wasn’t as used to her ways as Rouland was after all.

Rouland nodded in answer to Durwin’s latest question, “So long as we are not intruding.” He said more courteously than anything. He knew his friend would have no objections to them staying the night, “You should always have your wine cellar well stocked, because I am only a horse ride away.” He said with a soft chuckle. Caitrin cocked a grin, but was incredibly disappointed when Durwin went on to explain about Romily’s health. She didn’t look that ill to Caitrin.

“Well you must come to court soon my Lady.” Caitrin insisted, and her enthusiasm took Rouland by slight surprise. He couldn’t understand the interest in court, but then again, he wasn’t a young woman. Caitrin pouted slightly as Romily left the conversation, mainly because she didn’t want to sit here while men, many years her senior, sat here and spoke of days gone by. Caitrin looked up at her Uncle, who seemed to know what was going through the young girls mind, “Perhaps I could help the Lady Romily prepare matters for dinner?” She suggested lightly, with a nod of approval from her Uncle.

[Romily de Braose]

Romily held her breath as Caitrin mentioned Camelotian court life to her father. She knew that he wouldn't approve of her being presented at any court - let alone one that wasn't her own. Durwin shook his head at this. "I do not think that, that is a very good idea my lady" he smiled all the same, "and even if my Millie wanted to go to court, then she would tire herself from the journey, wouldn't you sweetheart?" he looked to his daughter.
Romily looked down at him and nodded silently. She had no opinion on the subject - she'd been through it so much with her father that she found that she had no more thoughts about it left.

“Well you must come to court soon my Lady.” Romily looked from her father to Lady Caitrin, who appeared far more than enthusiastic about her coming to court. After all, she really wasn't giving up on the subject. "I...I don't think that court life would be suited to me..." she replied - her voice barely audiable to the group in the room.

She was glad to be out of the room and was now discussing with Hannah about the dinner that evening for Lord Rouland, Lady Caitrin and her father. "Make sure that the two guest rooms are prepared. Lord Rouland is a very good friend to my father and I won't see either he or the Lady Caitrin be made to feel uncomfortable." she was now telling Martha, who at once sped off upstairs. "Now Hannah...about the dinner..." she began turning towards the older woman and starting to explain about what would be suitable. Had her mother been alive, it would have been she who would have sorted all of this, but now as the only Lady of the manor, it was up to her when it came to household management.

Allowing Hannah to go and prepare the dinner, Romily made her way upstairs and went to check on Martha, before heading to her own room to do the same to Bonnie. The maid was busy arranging Romily's dresses in her cupboard, looking up as her mistress came in. "We have guests my lady?" she enquired.

"Yes Bonnie, an old friend of my father's and his niece. A very nice girl." she smiled and picked up the dress, studying the material. "I think this will be suitable for dinner this evening" she smiled.

"He's actually letting you have dinner with guests?" Bonnie looked surprised. "My, my..."

"He's already notified them that I am ill" Romily grinned and shook her head. "I don't know why he goes to all that trouble to keep me away."

Bonnie patted her arm, "Because he loves you a little too much my lady - whether he shows it or not." Romily hoped that Bonnie was right about this, and that it wasn't her father just being plain cruel.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin had finally got away from the gaze of her Uncle and Durwin, she didn’t mind either man that much, heck she lived with her Uncle all the time, but she didn’t want to sit there and listen to them going on about the good old days. She hated being cooped up like this anyway, she wanted to be at home, surrounded by the countryside and her books, oh and her mare, Lily. She was already missing the mare, even though she had only taken her out yesterday. A quick glance into the dining room told her Romily had obviously moved on. Caitrin bit her lip, there was no way she was going back to her Uncle, perhaps she could find Romily herself. There was no worry of her getting lost after all, it wasn’t that big an estate.

Deciding upstairs was the best place to start, Caitrin hitched her skirts up and took the stairs in a few quick steps with a grin to herself. She was far too active today to stay still and listen to polite conversation. She often had days like this, but she knew she would have to put up with it for now, it was her Uncle’s way after all. Caitrin felt rather lost as she was not being paraded in front of some eligible young nobleman, there was only Romily to divert her attentions. It was nice though, not being the centre of attention for once. Caitrin could hear voices coming from a room along the landing, so she decided that was her best bet. Even if it was a couple of servants slacking off from the lunch duty, they would probably know where to find Romily, and she could take her excursion from there. It truly was a fine house, and Caitrin could already see why Durwin was friends with her Uncle. Rouland always had an eye for the finer things in life as well, though that always seemed to start and end with wine.

Finally Caitrin arrived at the said room, and pressed her ear to the door, and could hear the gentle murmer of voices. She was sure that one of them belonged to Romily, though she couldn’t just assume such things straight away. Clearing her throat, she knocked on the door and opened it quickly, because if it was just servants inside she wasn’t going to be greeted with them. As she had expected, Romily was inside so Caitrin bobbed her head in respect towards the older woman, “Forgive the intrusion my Lady, I wondered if there was anything I could assist you with for dinner?” She looked around the room, trying to think what to say, “Or with just anything.” She just really, really didn’t want to go back into the room downstairs. She couldn’t stand just sitting there politely nodding as her Uncle caught up with his friend. She couldn’t really understand why she had been brought here, but she was just going to make this as successful a journey as she could manage.

[Romily de Braose]

“Forgive the intrusion my Lady, I wondered if there was anything I could assist you with for dinner?”
The voice made Romily jump slightly. She hadn't been expecting anyone to listen in - let alone it being Lady Caitrin. Putting down the dress she smiled a little shyly at the younger girl, feeling a little guilty at leaving her with her father and Lord Rouland. "Oh" was all she could really say to Caitrin's offer. It was unlike anyone to offer to help Romily to do anything - Unless it was Bonnie of course, but even then she only assisted her mistress when it was crucial. "I, erm...well, I suppose you could tell me as to whether this is a suitable dress for the evening" she smiled, beckoning Caitrin into her room.

"That will be all for now Bonnie" she smiled, as the older woman rose and headed out of the room. Once the door was closed Romily turned to Caitrin. "Forgive me for my hasty exit earlier - I did not mean to be so inconsiderate as to leave you with my father and your uncle. It was most ingracious of me." After all a hostess should treat her guests far better than she had done so far.

"I am always wary of new people my lady...until I get to know them that is." she admitted quietly, "I very rarely get to be in their company, so I suppose I should feel priviledged to have this opportunity."
Studying the dress, she turned to Caitrin, "What do you think?" It would be nice to have someone elses opinion for once, other than Bonnie always stating that she looked fine.

[Caitrin de Archer]

The fact she realised she must have scared Romily somewhat made Caitrin feel a little guilty. She didn’t want the older noblewoman to think she was spying on her after all, she’d just wanted to come and offer her assistance. It was better than sitting next to her Uncle go on about his life anyway, she got just about enough of that at home. Caitrin just continued to smile at her though, because if Romily didn’t want or need her help then that was fine, at least she had offered. She was sure she could occupy herself until dinner anyway. When Romily said she could help by giving her opinion on her dress, Caitrin wasn’t quite sure what to think. It was such a delicate task, and one her sisters probably would have enjoyed more than she would. “Of course my Lady.” She replied dutifully, after all Romily was the Lady of the house, and Caitrin had her manners if nothing else. She wasn’t about to offend Romily at any rate, even if she had been expecting a more upbeat suggestion.

Caitrin hadn’t even been paying attention ot the other woman in the room until Romily sent her away. She just watched her go, again feeling like she was intruding. “Oh, there is nothing to forgive my Lady.” Caitrin replied, taking a seat near Romily and brushing some hair behind her ear. Caitrin hadn’t been in intimate female company like this before, usually the only time she spoke to other women was at balls, she didn’t even have her own maid. Though Romily did look older than Caitrin, she couldn’t imagine her being that much older, but Caitrin always loved playing the host when anyone came to visit. She was the Lady of the house back home after all, and she loved having people over, though Romily perhaps didn’t share her enthusiasm in that respect.

Caitrin could understand where Romily was coming from. She often just blindly went in with her confidence and loudness and hoped for the best, Romily seemed a little more reserved, which was fine of course. It wouldn’t do for them all to be the same after all. She was starting to wonder how well she would get on with this noblewoman, she hoped they would get on. “I must admit, that is quite the opposite to me.” She smiled at Romily, hoping she would see the jesting tone to her words. Then came the task of the dress, it was a beautiful piece to behold, “You will look beautiful tonight my Lady, make no mistake of it.”

[Romily de Braose]

Romily felt a little uneasy at their guest referring to her as 'my lady' in such a situation - even if it was a standard custom. "Please, call me Romily" she told her, "I really do not care for formalities and titles when my father isn't around." A small smirk spread across her lips.

She suspected Caitrin was 'quite the opposite', as she was far more confident and sociable than Romily was or could ever be. "I suspected as much - but then again compared to me it isn't hard to be" giving a slight chuckle she toyed with the dress in her hands, looking down shyly at the fabric when Caitrin said that she would look beautiful. "Thankyou" she replied quietly, "I am glad to see that I at least have the approval of one person here." Ok Bonnie had approved to but guest-wise? Caitrin would most likely be the only one, and her father would probably deem the garment 'satisfactory', then again he was a hard man to please.

Settling herself down on the edge of the bed, Romily put the dress down by the side of her. "You must get bored of your Uncle bringing you to places like this - and all for the sake of fidning you a husband" she stated. "My father sees differently and keeps me away from any kind of events as much as possible - which is probably why I don't have any friends." the last part came out in a small mumble when she realised that she was actually ashamed of admitting this.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin felt like she was making this more awkward rather than easier. “Oh, I’m sorry.” She said rather quickly, shifting her feet. She hadn’t been sure how formal Romily was, but it was obvious that they agreed on this, “You can call me Caitrin as well if it pleases you, or Cait, most people call me Cait.” Well, she had lots of nicknames, some which shouldn’t be repeated in decent company but she loved them all the same. She breathed out slowly, thinking that at least this possibly couldn’t get any more awkward, Caitrin felt like she kept putting her foot in it every few moments and it was starting to grate at her. She wasn’t used to shy nobles at all.

The dress certainly was beautiful, as was the Lady. Caitrin couldn’t understand why she wasn’t more confident or enthusiastic. She was better looking than half the women at court, but she was half as confident as them. “It’s not a bad thing to be weary of other, I am probably too forwards.” It was true, she often acted without thinking, and one day it would probably get her into trouble. It hadn’t so far though, and she clung onto that fact. “But surely your father will like the dress? It is hard to imagine how he possible couldn’t.”

Caitrin shrugged, she did get tired of her Uncle trying to matchmake for her, but it wasn’t anything she wasn’t used to. He wasn’t as forceful as her father, and he made that quite clear on a regular basis. He wanted to be seen as the opposite to her father, so he often just let her do as she willed. Caitrin had her fair share of men anyway, but she doubted that was a conversation to be having with Romily, after all she seemed quite shy anyway, she didn’t want to make her feel uncomfortable. “I enjoy the change of scenery, though I would prefer to be back in court.” She realised what she had said a few moments too late, “That is not to say I am not enjoying myself here, but I am rather fond of the Camelotian courts.” Smooth. She frowned a little as Romily said she didn’t have that many friends, Caitrin had quite a few friends, but not many she often confided in, “Good friends are hard to come by.” She replied thoughtfully. It had been hard for her to make friends initially as relations between Mercia and Camelot were still shaky. “Why does he keep you away from events? You should just go anyway.” Caitrin remarked rather suddenly, that would be what she would do. She often snuck away from the home to go to visit on friends and such in Mercia, though her father had made sure she paid the price everytime she was caught.

[Romily de Braose]

"You have no reason to apologise Caitrin" Romily replied, noting the look and tone of Caitrin's voice as though she thought she was doing something wrong. "Im just not used to having someone other than my father or maid to talk to". It was a miracle that Caitrin was still in the room, let alone listening to her.

Romily smiled, "I would rather be forwards than meek" she said quietly and looked at the dress again, "my father has particular preferances and standards when it comes to me being fit enough to be presented to people - it's very rare , but hopefully tonight he should approve." Probably not, but then again this was her father who always made things difficult. "I do so like your dress - Did you have it made in...Camelot was it?" she asked, trying to remember the name of the Kingdom where Caitrin now lived with her Uncle.

She nodded when Caitrin mentioned about the Camelotian court. "It sounds marvelous." She had yet to experiance the Carmelidian Court, "and indeed they are - but really. I have none" she gave a small laugh at this, not caring what Caitrin thought. "I've wished it, but I am not one to go against my father - Im not ashamed to admit that he holds a tight leash onto me. So i've never actually been to court or anything. I've never been outside of Carmelide nor have I ever made any real friends. He does it to protect me though - which I suppose is fair enough, but there's only so much that one can take of the same place before they become a little suffocated."
Her smile did not fade, but covered all the sadness she felt once she realised that just keeping to one house was her life, and would be until the day her father died. He wouldn't marry her off - even if he always said that she should find herself a husband it would never happen. All because he apparently 'cared' too much.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin still felt a little bad that she had snuck up on Romily somewhat. She had only wanted to offer her help after all, but it would do no good to debate with the woman about whether she had or had not caused offence. She already knew enough about Romily to know that she was too polite to say if she didn’t want her to be there. She didn’t suspect that Romily was lying though so she just smiled at the older woman and shrugged a little, “Well I’m sorry all the same.” She finally excused herself, happy then that no offence was done.

Caitrin couldn’t ever imagine being meek, so she couldn’t ever see herself being happy with being such. She liked being loud and she wouldn’t be changing her ways anytime soon. Caitrin wasn’t sure what to say to Romily, she could see the woman wasn’t that happy with herself in some ways. “But it is right that some of us are meek, and some are loud. If we were all loud then no one would be.” Caitrin said insightfully with a wide smile, hoping she had said the right thing. Caitrin then found herself just looking down at her dress. It was satin, as were most of her dresses, but she was kept warm through her underclothes, she had made those, but she was well used to the cold weather. She had grown up in Mercia after all. “It was made by a seamstress in Camelot, but I did the detailed embroider.” She gesture to the swirls and patterns on her bodice, those had been by her own hand. In truth Caitrin could have probably made the dress herself, after all she had made dresses for herself before. She had a green dress at the moment she was working on as well. “Do you make your own dresses, or do you have someone to make them?” She asked curiously.

She didn’t like the fact Romily was so accepting about the fact that her father kept a tight leash on her. Caitrin’s own father had been the same, and now she couldn’t be happier because she was free and out of his control. She hated her father with a passion, and she never wanted to go back to Mercia. “You should go to court more often, if just to see what is on offer.” She winked at her friend, hoping that she got her meaning. It was terribly embarrassing when she found herself, “Or just come to the Camelotian court, we would teach you the ways of the court.”

[Romily de Braose]

“But it is right that some of us are meek, and some are loud. If we were all loud then no one would be.” Romily smiled sadly. "I do not wish to offend anyone when I say this, but I would rather be neither." she replied honestly, "However when I believe it is right to, I do speak my mind - something that my father does no approve of. It is rather unbecoming of a young woman apparently, especially when she is not yet married." Her fathers words, not hers.

Romily studied the details on Caitrin's dresses. She was a very talented embroiderer , she had to admit. The patterns and styles were simple and elegant so as they wouldnt make the dress appear to bold. "You have a very steady hand" she nodded in approval, "and a very fine talent on saying that." “Do you make your own dresses, or do you have someone to make them?”, Romily shook her head. "When I have the time, I've only ever made two - but most my father allows a seamstress to make for me, perhaps he does not trust my judgement when it comes to designing a gown." Walking to her cupboard, she retrieved a dress with a white bodice and undergown, embroided with flowers, where as the puffed out sleeves and overgown were a dark green. "This is one that I made, probably the only decent one in my opinion." she smirked, "and this..." she pulled out her bright pink one with gold stitching and bell sleeves, "was a gift from my father, now compare the two and tell me what you think to be the most practical" a playful smirk form on her lips. The pink dress was her favourite, it made her stand out - even though she hated standing out in a crowd (whenever there was one) she found that there was something about this dress that she loved.

Romily shook her head at Caitrin's suggestion. "My father would not allow it, let alone have me travel to Camelot. I've never gone as far as this house, so for him to allow me to leave the Kingdom would be most unusual of him to allow." She answered, "as much as I would like to experiance court life, I sometimes hear things that go on, the scandal and gossip - I would be like a lamb to the slaughter should I be presented to the Carmdelide court now. Gossip spreads like wildfire, and with all the pride, envy and scorn that appears to be present, many things would be said or made up that my father would not like."

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin was about to speak straight away but stopped herself. She was rather put out by Romily’s words on the whole, because in that short sentence she had insulted her probably more than the woman had intended. Caitrin wasn’t married, neither did she intend to, but she would speak her mind before marriage and during it. She couldn’t understand where the comment had come from and she just stayed silent and furrowed her brows at the older woman, “You don’t really believe that do you?” She asked cautiously, weary not to insult everything that Romily was about. She couldn’t really believe that speaking her mind was wrong, in fact Caitrin’s Uncle encouraged it where she was concerned. He always said he would prefer her to have a quick tongue than a maid’s brain.

It usually took Caitrin days to finish a dress because she couldn’t stand to be sat in one place for too long. It was incredibly grating on her nerves to stay sat down for too long, but when she concentrated she could embroider like an expert. This gown was probably one of her finest efforts, as of late she had been lacking in concentration somewhat. Camelot had knighted some more men, and Caitrin had been taking full advantage of the attention they had been giving her. “Thank you, I do not embroider as much as I should, but I am glad my efforts are appreciated.” She looked on at Romily’s dresses, they weren’t to Caitrin’s personal taste, but they were very pretty. Caitrin preferred much more figure hugging dresses, but these were quite decorative, Caitrin just had dipped sleeves, she didn’t really liked the puffed out effect; it didn’t suit her. “You should make more dresses, they are beautiful.” She smiled back at Romily, she wouldn’t personally wear them, but she could tell the Lady in question would look quite stunning in them.

Caitrin couldn’t explain it, but it seemed like every suggestion she came up with, Romily seemed to have a negative light to place on it. Caitrin wasn’t in the habit of thinking about the consequence of her actions, her liberal attitude in court had led to gossip, but she didn’t care that much. She wasn’t the worst, and she wasn’t the only one. She was nothing but a little rock in a large pool, no one wanted to talk about the Mercian anyway. “Everyone gossips, you just learn to ignore it after a while.” She replied with a knowing smile. She couldn’t believe Romily was alright with her father having such a tight regime over her, Caitrin had always defied her father at every turn. She still carried the scars of those experiences but they had made her what she was today. “Anyway, it is never too late to join the court.”