Pleasured Distractions

[thegwaine]

Gwaine had found himself in Cantia. The place had such a nice ring about it that he couldn’t help but feel that this would go well. He had been travelling around the various Kingdoms for long enough now to know when a Kingdom just had the right feel about it. As long as this Kingdom had free flowing ale, and good looking women, Gwaine would be more than satisfied. The road had quickly turned into the free flowing society of a small town. It was quite picturesque, and the stalls in the market were already open for business, even this early in the morning. Hmm. It was probably too early to head for the nearest tavern, so Gwaine continued to walk around, trying to find something to distract his attention. Usually, it didn’t take much to distract Gwaine, but this morning it was hard to rebuke his thoughts from a glass of ale. The tavern probably wasn’t even open yet. One day Gwaine would have to get his own tavern, and it would be open all day every day. Then again, he would end up drinking his own wares. That wouldn’t go well. He could just get someone else to do the business side of things for him, he could just enjoy the free ale.

Taking a rose out of a passing maidens woven basket, Gwaine tried to motivate himself to think up some sort of antic to take his morning in a new direction. It had been a while since he had tried out his charms in a serious sort of way. The last few taverns he had stayed in had been dry of female company, and it had generally just been the local drunks he had to share the company of. That had been alright, but there was nothing like the company of a woman was there? Gwaine winked at the maiden who had turned round as if to protest at his stealing one of her wares. However, she then just proceeded to blush and walked off in the opposite direction. Gwaine smiled to himself, Cantia was already looking promising. He continued upon his way, not really giving the woman a second thought. His attentions had already been taken by a pretty young blonde who was crooning her neck over one of the stalls. Casually, and looking as if he’d practiced the move a hundred times, he slid rather smoothly so he was now leaning on the stall, and looking up at the woman. How could that fail to grab her attentions? He held up the rose and observed it slightly, and then extended it towards the woman, “Forgive the intrusion my Lady, but is this yours? If not then I insist you take it, as it compliments your beautiful eyes.” That was probably a bit cheesy for Gwaine, but it was first thing in the morning, and he was a bit rusty. It would do for now though, he just needed her attention, and then he could work his charms.

Tags: Isabel de Massard
Timeline: Pre series 3
Time of Day: Morning

[Isabel de Massard]

Isabel, deciding it was a rather nice day, had decided on a morning walk to occupy herself with until she found something more interesting. That was the only downside to finally acheiving her goal, she often found herself rather unoccupied and in need of some amusement. Maybe she should find herself a jester, she had heard they were rather fun. She sighed, there must be something of interest. Cantia was always a busy place and as it was on the coast there were often foreigners she could amuse herself with. Many simply passed through but many took the markets as oppurtunities to sell their strange wares.

Even though it had been a few years since she became a Lady, there was still nothing that sounded quite so sweet as the peasants greeting her by her title. It was a reminder of how she had achieved everything she had always wanted. Even as a child she had known she was destined for a better life and now she was living it, and enjoying every second, well, apart from those times when she found herself rather bored but she would rather boredom than poverty. If only her mother could see her now, see how far her daughter had come. Isabel would love to see her mother's face as she watched her daughter enjoy a life she could only dream of. It was all the hag deserved. But this was not a time to think of her mother, Isabel told herself, she was looking for something to occupy herself with, not something to complain about. She was about to leave the current stall and find something else when she heard a voice and a rose found its way into her line of sight.

“Forgive the intrusion my Lady, but is this yours? If not then I insist you take it, as it compliments your beautiful eyes.”

She looked at the flower and tilted her head slightly, considering it for a moment before turning to see who the speaker was. She should have guessed he would look like that - poor and probably with a far too high opinion of herself. "Is that the best you can do? A single flower?" She looked him up and down, yes, he was definitely a peasant. Why was he even talking to her? "I'm afraid my tastes are far too expensive for a man like you. Come and find me again when you can offer me something more than a silly flower."

[thegwaine]

It certainly was quite a beautiful day. Gwaine had missed days like this when he had been up in Mercia and the northern lands. Though the culture up there was quite enjoyable, as everyone just seemed to be in the tavern all the time, he hadn’t enjoyed the weather. It had rained most of the time, and he had gone through a cloak a week which was no good. He was now dressed in his usual clothes, though he was a bit neater than usual and was wearing a green cloak he’d charmed off the stall manned by a pretty young Mercian Lady.

Gwaine wasn’t that put out that the Lady didn’t seem that impressed with his flower initially, after all, every woman was different. Most would melt at the knees at such an offer, and a smile from him, but not this woman it would seem. How irritating. He had been quite looking forwards to an easy pursuit, but the fun was in the chase, not the capture, so perhaps this was just what he needed to pass the time. She looked like quite a fine woman, and though Gwaine wasn’t fond of nobility in any sense, if he could wrap them around his finger then it felt like he was getting one up on them in a way. She was a woman at the end of the day, and every woman could succumb to women’s weaknesses, and Gwaine knew exactly how to play them.

He began to twiddle the rose around in his fingers, and chuckled at the woman’s words, he mustn’t look like such a catch to her, but he could make himself seem better than he was. He ran a hand through his hair and sighed softly, “But there is nothing I could possibly buy to equal your looks.” He pointed out, biting the rose softly inbetween his lips. He enjoyed playing the romantic a bit too much sometimes. “Of course my Lady, there are many things I could indulge you in, which money could never purchase.” He pressed his lips together into a suggestive grin, the rose was now in his hand again. He put it on the table, and looked around the market ground, “But I’m sure you aren’t interested in hearing any of that My Lady.” He was leaning up against the market stall again with one of his eye brows raised suggestively, “Are you?”

[Isabel de Massard]

The man was persistant, but persistance did not make up for his lack of coinage and only the sweet, melodious sound of clinking coins was enough to tempt Isabel. She was a simple woman, really, or at least simple in her desires; if a man was rich he had her attention. This man was not and so he was starting to bore her. Unfortunately for Isabel he didn't seem to understand the concept of personal space. She shuffled a few steps away from him. The only thing that made this little encounter slightly better was the fact that he didn't smell quite as bad as the average peasant so she supposed she should be grateful for that.

She certainly wasn't grateful for his "charm". If he thought that was the way to a girl like her then he was seriously mistaken as well as seriously stupid. She was nobility, she had an estate and servants and she dined with royals, what on earth made him think she wanted to waste her time with the likes of him? Oh yes, he was "handsome" and had what was presumably quite a nice smile, if she was interested. She would have probably thought it a very nice smile if it came with a title, but, it did not so she did not care for it.

"Perhaps a mirror?" She suggested, not in the least impressed by his attempts at paying her a compliment. She wondered how many women he managed to win over with comments like that. Well, if they were stupid enough to fall for them, she supposed.

The suggestiveness in his tone was not missed by Isabel and it wasn't appreciated either. Did he not know who was speaking to? Well, he didn't because she hadn't told him, but he must be aware of her standing and therefore aware that his comments and tone of voice were not appropriate at all. "You are quite correct, I am not. Frankly I'm surprised anyone is - do these lines often work for you?"

[thegwaine]

Frankly, Gwaine couldn’t understand how the woman wasn’t already falling at his feet. He hadn’t encountered these sorts of problems in a long while. That was the problem with aiming for the nobility, and so far this woman was proving very keen to cling onto the stereotypes her kind produced. Though Gwaine couldn’t obviously blame this woman for the injustice the nobility had caused his family, she was part of the problem, they all were. The nobility were so caught up in their own little worlds of affluence that they didn’t see the world for what it really was. Gwaine doubted this woman had ever known hardship, and it made him slightly sick to think she was in such a high position whilst others in Cantia, and beyond, were starving. He wasn’t going to stand here and waste his voice lecturing her though, because she wouldn’t listen or wouldn’t care, both were one and the same to Gwaine. He hadn’t yet come across as selfless noble, and he had been travelling for years now. Perhaps the trend would never be broken, and his theory would always be correct.

A mirror? There was a novel thought, and Gwaine chuckled, not showing an ounce of what he was thinking. He was used to hiding his own feelings, and masking them with a barrage of flirts and teases. Well, perhaps if he couldn’t get this woman to come round to his way of thinking, which of course would be a great shame, he could irritate her instead. Maybe if he had more respect for her he would just leave her alone, make his excuses and go and find the nearest other thing in a skirt to occupy his thoughts with. However, irritating this woman, however he chose to do so, would, Gwaine though, prove the best idea for this morning. He had nothing better to do, and his reputation wasn’t known in Cantia yet. It was time to make a name for himself. “But a mirror is a rather impractical object to give such a delicate young Lady.” He winked at her, she would either be insulted at that or bow to his superior knowledge of such things. She had stepped away from him, an action which did not slide unnoticed, but Gwaine stepped back up to her and grinned down at her, as she was slightly smaller than he was. “A jewel would suit you more, as it would compliment your beauty, rather than trying to imitate it.” Yes, she was probably a woman who enjoyed the finer things in life; it didn’t take a genius to figure that out.

Well that was disappointing, a Lady of honour was of little use to Gwaine after all, they were usually the most boring anyway. Gwaine shrugged, “I don’t know what you mean my Lady.” He said with feigned innocence, trying to think of how he could prolong this meeting. He was sure he could bring her round to his way of thinking. “Allow me to introduce myself, forgive me, I was being rude.” He swept into a rather over exaggerated bow, and flashed the woman a grin, “And what can I call you?”

[Isabel de Massard]

Delicate? Isabel had been called many things in her life but never that. Delicate suggested frail and that was something she most definitely was not. Did he mean that as a compliment? She hoped not. If he did then he clearly didn’t understand women at all. Who wanted to be delicate? Who wanted people to think you couldn’t look after yourself or cope with the world? Isabel arched an eyebrow at him. She wasn’t even sure if it was worth her time to try and explain just what was wrong with his words. If he seriously thought she would appreciate being called delicate then he probably wouldn’t understand even if she did try to explain. “I would advise you never to call me “delicate”.” She said firmly, before adding, in her former tone, “But this jewel you speak of, do you actually have one or are just another waste of my time?”

Of course he didn’t know what she meant, how convenient for him. Men like him had far too much arrogance for her liking. At least she had something to actually be proud of – what did he have? A few frivolous, over-used lines and far too much facial hair, something that was rather unfortunate as he could have been quite nice to look at.

As he bowed she inclined her head, just because he was being irritating didn’t mean she was going to ignore the rules of decorum. She sighed, his inquiry of her name meant he wasn’t going to leave her alone in the near future. She was just going to have to accept this. “My name is Isabel de Massard. Happy now?”

[thegwaine]

Gwaine never usually had this problem with women. Either this woman was impossibly stubborn, and blind, or he was losing his touch. It certainly wasn’t the latter, he could have any woman at this market eating out of the palm of his hands within moments. When he had wanted a challenge, he wanted one which would at least have some sort of achievement by the end of it. He didn’t want to waste his time and efforts with a woman who wouldn’t even smile at him. What would be the point in that? This was the problems with trying to charm noblewomen, they just confirmed his own opinions about nobility on the whole. This woman had probably never known hardship, no, he could see it in her eyes. So she didn’t like being called delicate, that was fine, she was clearly the independent sort, and Gwaine should have realised that from the off really. “Would you prefer it if I called you beautiful then? Or charming? Or how about elegant?” He winked at her, compliments came as easy to him as leaves grew on trees. It was a fact of nature, sort of. She probably thought she was important, even unique. She wasn’t really, or more he wasn’t from what Gwaine could see.

Gosh, she was impatient as well. She clearly appreciated the finer things in life, which befitted her status, but it wasn’t very... fun. If he had offered a jewel to another woman, just any woman, their eyes would have lit up, and he would have got a buzz from just knowing he had caused that reaction. Even if he had the jewel he probably wouldn’t waste it on this woman. “Are you this impatient all the time?” He asked quizzically, with a grin. Isabel, what a pretty little name. He cocked a grin at her, even though he had got a name that was only half the bother really. There was no point in getting a name and simply leaving it at that was there? He continued to grin, and leant on the stall in front of him, “I would be happier if you smiled at me, my Lady. A frown doesn’t suit you.” It would probably irritate her more if she grew to like him, and Gwaine’s pride wouldn’t just let him walk away.

[Isabel de Massard]

Was this man stupid? Isabel exhaled sharply. She had a feeling he wasn't actually stupid at all, but rather enjoying annoying her so. She wasn't used to a man being quite so forward with her and especially not when that man was of lower status than her. He should know his place and leave her alone. Alternatively, he could wink at her. Was that supposed to have some effect on her? Honestly? Even if he was intent on annoying her he should have realised it would take a lot more than that to keep her interest. "I would prefer you left me alone." She replied bluntly. Maybe if she just ignored him he'd get bored and find some other woman to harrass? She looked about her...hmm...she supposed he didn't really have any other choice, not really. How tiresome it was to be the best woman in Cantia.

Why was he still grinning? Isabel didn't like this man one bit, although even she had to admit that his grin was quite nice. But no matter how nice it was it wouldn't change the fact that he was lacking both money and status. He was clearly used to charming young women with a few compliments and that grin, hoping they would ignore his low birth. Well Isabel wasn't most women. She knew exactly what it was to have nothing and she wouldn't live like that again for anything, or even associate with those who did if she could help it.

"As a general rule, yes." She replied and raised her eyebrows at him and wondering what his answer would be. From their brief conversation she could see he was a man who liked to have an answer for everything so this should be interesting.

His next words caused her to roll his eyes. What did he want from her? Well, apart from the obvious and that was something he was never getting. No amount of flattery or grinning was going to change that. With a sigh she flashed him a quick grin before returning to her expression of annoyance. "Happy now?"

[thegwaine]

As much as Gwaine wanted a challenge, and he did relish in a good challenge, he wanted there to at least be an end in sight. Perhaps the fact Isabel was still talking to him, and hadn’t called the guards or whoever she had at her disposal at him was probably showing he wasn’t annoying her as much as she said he was. She told him that she wanted him to leave her alone, however she hadn’t run off, or got someone to drag him away. She couldn’t hold out against his charms for long, hardly any women were capable of evading his charms for longer than a few retorts. Isabel would prove no different, or at least he hoped not. She had a natural beauty about her, which was only ruined by the fact she was currently scowling at him. He would have to change that, and quickly because it didn’t suit her at all. He wondered if she just scowled at everyone, really that was no way for a woman to live out her life. Weren’t women supposed to be elegant and beautiful? Then again, most of the women he had met recently seemed to have a venom tongue, or were intent of going out against the crowd and refused to fall for his charms. It must be something in the air at the moment.

Leaving her alone would hardly be fun, so Gwaine continued to grin on at her and shook his head. “What would be the fun in me leaving?” He asked her gently, continuing to stand in her way. She hadn’t left just yet, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t going to leave anytime soon. Gwaine ran his hand through his hair and shrugged at her, “I could join you on your walk my Lady, you look like you need some company after all.” Company that could stop her scowling so much, because it didn’t become her and it confused him slightly. How could she still be holding out against him?

Well, as long as he knew she was usually impatient, and it wasn’t just because of him, that was all fine then wasn’t it. She should learn patience though, because it was an unattractive trait at best. Of course Gwaine wasn’t that bothered about the formalities and suchlike, but she was just confirming his own views on the nobility, they were only interested in their own assets. “Patience is a virtue.” He chirped with a quick wink, surely Isabel, as a Lady, should know that already. He was quite impressed that he got her to smile, of course she couldn’t resist his charms, “You know you look beautiful when you smile.” He charmed gently, “Perhaps you could grace me with another?”

[Isabel de Massard]

Well he was a persistant man, she had to give him that, and she supposed this was a mildly more interesting way to spend her time than she had planned. But, he was ruining those plans - something she never liked - and he was a peasant - again, something she never liked. Just his mere presence was enough to remind her that she was once like him, worse even, and if she didn't keep her wits about her she could be that person again.

When his company was offered Isabel couldn't help but laugh. He really wasn't going to leave her alone, was he? Well, he had a nice enough face and she supposed he wasn't entirely unpleasant company. She could probably endure a few more hours or so of his company, as long as he didn't go around getting ideas. Of course that didn't mean that she was now going to give in and make it easier for him. Where would be the fun in that? "And what makes you think yourself worthy of the task? As we have discovered, my tastes are rather above your standard."

Unsurprisingly, he was not the first man to call her beautiful. Was he expecting her to blush? To be so flattered she'd just give in? Clearly his time was spent with much simpler women than her. Maybe his charms, such as they were, would work on a number of her servants, but she was looking for someone a bit more...refined, and certainly richer. Maybe he should try again when he'd inherited a title. "You know you look handsome when your back is turned," she "graced" him with a smile, before adding, "Getting farther and farther away..."

[thegwaine]

This really was taking a lot longer than it usually was. If Gwaine were of a more impatient manner, and if Isabel was just an ordinary, plain woman, then he would have been more annoyed. Isabel struck him as quite a strange woman though. She professed she did not want to speak to him, yet she was still here, and she had not walked off yet. She certainly was a pretty, feisty little thing, but that didn’t mean that she was completely immune to his charms. Most women usually let him into their hearts, even just a little, who knows, a little love could just liven her up. That happened sometimes as well. She did seem like a typical noblewoman, which was incredibly disappointing, he was hoping for something a little more different than some snobby, stuck up woman. They were less interesting, because all they wanted to do was perfect their looks and go on about how noble, and pretty they were. Gwaine wasn’t interested in any of that, he just wanted to know that his charms still worked.

It wasn’t exactly above his capabilities to accompany a young woman on a walk. It would be a walk in the a park, literally. Her words did make him grin though, mainly because she was still maintaining that her standards and tastes were so above him. Did she really think that she was the first woman to come up with such things? She really was more average than she knew, but she couldn’t see that. Gwaine could see it of course because he had knowledge of many different kinds of women, and he had already sussed Isabel out in many ways. “I believe I exceed your tastes and standards my Lady, just not in the way you would expect.” He winked at her, because he couldn’t ever say he was a nobleman (despite the fact he technically was) but he live up her expectations in ways she probably couldn’t even imagine.

He smirked at Isabel’s words, well at least she had wit. That was at least one redeeming feature that she did have going for her, “Then I am afraid you will have to put up with me the way I appear to you now.” He grinned and ran his hand through his hair, “As I have no intention of turning my back on you for quite some time my Lady.”

[Isabel de Massard]

Surely he didn't seriously believe he exceeded her standards? He was confident, she would give him that, but he was also wrong. She was humouring him nothing more, and was only doing that because she was so bored. If there was anything remotely interesting to do she wouldn't dream of speaking to someone quite so below her station. It made her questions whether lines like that actually worked. She would be rather surprised if they did, then again, he did have that confidence that could only come with positive reactions from women.

Well, despite what he might think, Isabel was not an ordinary noble woman. She hadn't made it this far in life without having her wits about her. Gwaine wasn't going to tempt her no matter what lines he came out with. He might as well just give up...but he was rather amusing. It couldn't hurt to let him carry on for a little bit longer. She could do without the winking though. Arrogance was never an attractive trait. "Oh you do? I'm afraid it takes more than a few rehearsed lines to impress me." She arched an eyebrow. "Or did you really think I would be that easy?"

Annoyingly, part of her wanted him to think she was easy and that he'd soon have her exactly where he wanted. She wanted to surprise him and be seen as a challenge. The men she usually conversed with her so plain and boring, so full of manners whereas Gwaine needed taking down a peg or two, probably more actually. "Well that is a shame," she said, looking him up and down and tapping her chin with her index finger. She started circling him, inspecting his appearance. "You really could do with a shave...and a hair cut...and honestly, when was the last time you had a new shirt?" Coming full circle, she was once again facing him, her expression still rather unimpressed. Unfortunately he was right and his current appearance would just have to do.

[thegwaine]

Did Gwaine really think it was going to be that easy? No, not in the slightest. He’d met noblewomen like this before, so he didn’t expect to say a few words and for her to be within his grasp. No, women of high birth often took a lot more work than that. Women of lower standing could often prove difficult to mould into his way of thinking as well. They could be more stubborn sometimes, because they were expected to be easier. Whereas some women of high birth were just silly little fools who believed every little word which was said to them. Gwaine treated all women with respect by a rule, and he never took advantage of women at all. However, he didn’t have to worry about taking advantage of Isabel, he was trying hard to do anything with her. She just wouldn’t budge, and though it was admirable in one sense, it was incredibly annoying. She must have had a good tutor, or perhaps she just wanted to keep him guessing.

Eventually Gwaine shook his head. “No, but I’ve met more stubborn women in my time than you my Lady.” He pointed out with a smirk. She might think she was so individual, and breaking the mould by working against him, but she was really quite typical. It was sweet though for her to imagine such. Perhaps she really did want to protect her virtue for some rich husband. The mere thought was enough to make Gwaine shudder. He couldn’t imagine just lying with one woman for the rest of his life without having sampled a few before that. How could you know true pleasure without practice.

Now she was sizing him up? Well, this was a first, well the first from a suitor. The only people who usually told him that he needed to change or get a hair cut were old women who usually felt like they had to play mother to him. Gwaine merely chuckled at Isabel’s words as he circled her, he just let her do as she willed, because in his eyes while she was pointing out all his flaws, she had to acknowledge all his good points as well. Perhaps she even liked what she saw. “You should balance your argument with some positives, my Lady.” He winked at her, well she wouldn’t have a proper argument if she didn’t have a counter argument would she?

[Isabel de Massard]

Was he smirking at her? First it was winking, now it was smirking. He had an overly expressive face, and quite frankly Isabel didn't much care or it. Clearly he was trying to sound impresssive, telling her about all these other women that he knew. Well, couldn't he go and find them and leave her alone? After all, if these women were so much better than her he was obviously wasting his time now, wasn't he? "Is that supposed to sound impressive?" She asked him, completely straight faced. She didn't want him incorrectly thinking she actually was impressed. She did want him to stop smirking at her though. It was rather off putting.

Should she know? And who was he to dictate what she should and should be doing? Hmm, well, alright, she supposed it couldn't hurt. It might prove a problem though, where were these positives that were supposed to be balancing her argument? He was poor, had no social standing, was wearing dirty clothes and was in desperate need of a shave. The only positive thing about him was his confidence, and even that had its flaws. "Maybe you should provide me with some," she replied and tilted her head to the side, looking him up and down again. She chewed on her bottom lip as she thought. No, nothing of any interest to her. "And then I shall comment." No doubt he would list off several qualities he perceived as impressive, and Isabel would disagree with all of them. But then what did he expect?

[thegwaine]

Gwaine continued to just grin, and smirk and wink at the woman in front of him. All his tricks and charms had never let him down in the past so why should they now? He was enjoying himself too much and he knew that, but he loved the simple effect he could have on women like this. “What do you mean, was it supposed to sound impressive?” He asked her, raising an eye brow in jest, “It did sound impressive my Lady.” He changed his stance so he was now grinning at her. If nothing else, Gwaine had his confidence, and his charming good looks of course. Gwaine couldn’t understand why the lady in question had such an aversion to him, it wasn’t just that he was below her status, no, he was sure it went deeper than that. It was almost like she was too stubborn to send him away or to admit that she was enjoying herself. Gwaine wouldn’t usually complain, but he liked a little more clarity with the women he was trying to woo. If she did want him gone she would have called her guards. As of yet she had just jested and tried to send him away herself, though she had made no real effort to leave and that was what Gwaine found most intriguing. He must have been doing something right, or he would have had a palm at his cheek, or a guard hauling him to the floor.

Gwaine usually could admit when he was losing a battle like this, but he was having difficulty tearing him away from this particular parry. He merely found himself grinning at Isabel, quite unable to do much else. It was the way in which she thought her words made her sound so above him, and so in control of the situation, when in reality she was neither. If Gwaine had remained a noble he would probably be looking down on women like Isabel, funny, she might have even been the one trying to jump on him if things had worked out differently. But Gwaine liked the man he was now, and nothing would change that. “You do me a disservice my Lady.” He pointed out, only jesting with his scolding words, “Is it not a woman’s job to find beauty even where others cannot see it?” Ah, poetic words he had stolen from a young troubadour on the road from Mercia. No one would know that here though would they?

[Isabel de Massard]

If he wanted to believe that he sounded impressive then Isabel wasn't going to be one to stop him. The only objection she had was him trying to enforce such beliefs onto her. It seemed his confidence a facade, why else would be so...so...obsessed with her being amazed by him? If he truly was as confidence as his mannerisms suggested he would have no trouble with her remaining unimpressed, he would simply brush it aside. No, Gwaine must have some sort of low confidence issues. Wasn't that just wonderful? Well, she wasn't going to be stuck here nursing his ego, of that she was certain. He could find some other woman for that sort of thing. They could make a much better job of it and it would just be better for everyone.

"Surely the very fact that you are having to tell me just how impressive you negates your point?" Questions were not something she should be using - he'd only answer them and then the conversation would progress, but she had a point to get across and at the moment that was more important than being away from him. Isabel was nothing without her pride. She wasn't about to let some commoner thing he had got the best of her. That would not do at all.

Oh, it was a "woman's job" was it? She was doing well to resist the desire to slap him. What made his comment worse was the fact that he seemed to think this would be flattering. Ah yes, all women could - how had he put it? Oh yes - "find beauty". That was their role in life, obviously, to be thought of as beautiful and to see it in the world. Anything else would be far too taxing for their small, dainty little heads. How good it was then, that a man was acknowledging this universal female skill. How he understood the "fairer" sex! How overcome she was with a desire to throw herself at him. "I thought a woman's job was to sit in the corner and produce heirs, but how happy I am to see you have found another use for my sex. What on earth would a woman do without a man to tell her what the world expects of her." Perhaps she was being unfair, but Isabel had spent her life being told her place whether that was because of her birth or her sex. She did not appreciate such comments from a man, especially one who thought such comments would entice her.

[thegwaine]

Again, though the woman was pretty, she was not as witty as she probably believed. He had met many women like her, and he would probably meet many after her who had the same amount of humour and wit. Well, hopefully they would be a little more cheerful than she was, because even though it was very like Gwaine to see the positives and enjoyment in a conversation, this woman seemed intent on ruining all his fun. He just shrugged at her, almost feeling like his talents were being wasted. What he needed was a barmaid, a young pretty one who would be taken in by his words. Yet, he was still here, fighting this little battle. “If you say so my Lady, though I must ask you, are you always this fiercely tempered, or is it just the effect I have upon you?”

Typical that Gwaine had to run into a self righteous woman. Now, by no means did Gwaine believe that women were supposed to be quiet and just do what was expected of them, mainly because voicing that view would get him hit and brutally hurt most of the time, but mostly because he actually believed it. Gwaine knew there was so much more to women than their beauty, and their reproductive capabilities of course. Children had never been of much interest to Gwaine anyway, so funnily enough it was never the first thought which popped into his head when faced with a beautiful woman. Perhaps this was a woman who was constantly reminded of her sex and status, because that really wouldn’t surprise Gwaine, because she was a noblewoman after all, so she was probably used to it. Gwaine wasn’t that bothered about her status, in case she hadn’t noticed that already. To him, she was a woman just like everyone else, she was just donned in silks and perfumes. “You seem quite keen to seek the fault in all my words, my Lady.” Gwaine replied, folding his arms, “I can’t think what I have done to offend you so.” Even if he wasn’t going to get anything out of this, he was curious to know why she hated him so much, but would not just leave or have him removed. Most nobles would have left by now, or have had him dragged off by the guards. Isabel had done neither, so this was a strange situation to say the least. Gwaine liked to at least know where he stood with the women he was trying to charm and befriend. “Perhaps you could show me round this charming little place, I must say, I’m getting bored of standing by the same stall.” They had been dancing around these pieces of wood for too long, and now he wanted some sort of tour, or at least the opportunity to get to know this woman better. Perhaps she was just like every other stuck up noblewoman, and he was wrong to suppose otherwise, but Gwaine wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt for the time being.

[Isabel de Massard]

She wasn't fiercely tempered at all! She just didn't like time wasters, and Gwaine seemed to be determined to do just that. Besides, there was nothing wrong with being fiercely tempered, especially if it was something he didn't like. Annoyingly, her current temper probably was because of him. Usually she was too bisy looking down her nose at the smelly peasant to bother being annoyed, but Gwaine was incredibly good at being irritating. She wasn't going to tell him that though, he'd probably take that as a compliment. But then that would mean saying she was always angry. So, seeing as neither outcome was desired, she was just going to argue against both insinuations.

It hadn't occurred to her that by asking his question he was conviniently ignoring hers. If she had noticed this, she would have made a comment about how this just proved her point. Unfortunately, his plan seemed to have worked. Again, if she had noticed this, she would have been even more irritated - and further proving his point. So, really, it was only a good thing that her previous question had been long since forgotten.

"You do seem to regard yourself very highly," she replied, an almost confused expression on her face, as though she couldn't understand how this could have happened. How could anyone of his status regard themselves highly. "But I'm afraid you will have to work a lot harder to have any effect on me." With any luck he wouldn't take this as a challenge.

Ah yes, because he was being offensive, it was her fault. How...male of him to think such a way. It wasn't him who was at fault, it was her for being so sensitive. Typical. She bit her lip, she wasn't going to answer that. He would probably just see that as proof of whatever stupid point he was trying to make. Instead she just glared at him.

Well, if he was so bored, why didn't he go away? Then again, if he did go away Isabel would be left by herself again. That could be worse than the current situation, if only slightly. It was a tough decision to make. Well, she could always tell him to go away when she was tired of him. "And how would I be repaid for such a kindness?" She asked, eyebrows raised. Isabel de Massard did not do anything for nothing. If he really wanted to be shown around such a "charming" place, he was going to offer her something in return. She wasn't stupid.

[thegwaine]

Gwaine was, dare he say it, becoming bored with the conversation at present. This woman was very amusing, yes, but she seemed hell-bent on just insulting him and trying to get rid of him. The worst bit was she probably meant it as well. This wasn’t very encouraging. All Gwaine wanted was for Isabel to return a few of his flirts and to lighten up a little. She seemed incapable of doing either, which to Gwaine was incredibly irritating. He usually didn’t mind a challenge, but he knew when there was little point in continuing a pursuit. He wasn’t going to waste time with a woman who seemed intent on insulting and annoying him. If he had the effort, he could just stand here and return the annoyance, but he had already tried that, and it was becoming an incredibly trying affair.

He considered Isabel for a moment. No doubt she had ever known poverty, and she never would. She would probably just stay in her fancy house, looking down on all those didn’t live up to her expectations. There was probably nothing wrong with that in her eyes, but Gwaine hated everything about it. What claim did this woman have to think she was better than everyone else around her? She certainly had that air about her, and made no mistake in hiding it. Gwaine wasn’t a fan of the nobility, and never would be; this was exactly why he didn’t like them. “I doubt I could think any highly of myself than the opinion you hold of yourself.” He pointed out sharply. His tone was not provocative, it was scarily cool and calm, even though that didn’t reflect his mood or how the words were meant.

He wasn’t even that sure if he could stand her company much more to endure a little show of the town. As pretty as it was, he could probably find a barmaid who would do the job a lot more willingly than the woman standing in front of him. He shrugged, probably ungentlemanly but still, he was really past caring. He had tried to be nice, he had tried to flirt and gently tease her and she had just fought him at every turn. He pressed his lips together, and looked back up at Isabel, “I can’t reward you for a service I haven’t been given yet, until I have I can’t determined what form that reward should take either.”

[Isabel de Massard]

Was he annoyed? Good. Finally he would understand how she had been feeling ever since he had first spoken to her and she could be smug about it. It was rather a good feeling. Isabel should make it a habit to annoy him more often, it was quite empowering. And quite sweet as he was obviously trying to remain calm. It wasn't his best insult, his irritation was clearly getting the better of his wit. "Well naturally." Isabel agreed with a nod. Why shouldn't she have a high opinion of herself? She happened to be very proud of her achievements, and it was a completely justified feeling. After all, what had Gwaine done? What had he accomplished? She doubted his accomplishments would be anything of consequence.

She tilted her head slightly, "Why, are you suggesting I have no reason to think highly of myself?" She knew exactly what he was suggesting, or had a good idea at any rate. She also knew exactly how wrong he was, which was another rather nice feeling. Of course she wasn't going to tell him just how much she had to be proud of - no, that would involve telling him everything - but she could remain content with the knowledge.

Ooh, he was annoyed. Isabel hadn't realised quite how much. She would have to hold her tongue - he'd only started to become interesting and now it seemed the feeling was not mutual. "I'm sure you have some ideas? No?" She pressed her lips together thoughtfully, "Well, shall we see where the mood takes us?" Now that she had decided Gwaine was probably her only form of entertainment today, she was determined that he wouldn't leave so quickly. Unfortunately this meant being a little nicer. He'd better be worth it.