A Wild Night

[Caitrin de Archer]

Esmae would just not stop crying. Caitrin couldn’t explain, or even understand why she was crying. She and her husband had planned an early night, a very early night, as they had thought they had got the twins settled even before they had sat down for dinner. However, Esmae had woken up, and now she seemed determined not to sleep. Caitrin had brought her down into the solar so she at least wouldn’t wake her brother up, as well as keeping Griff awake all night. God, it would probably wake Aoife up as well. The girl hadn't been Caitrin's ward for very long now, and she was almost just looking after her for her brother, but she hated the disrupted night sleeps which having twin cousins brought.

It wasn’t that late into the evening, but it was late enough for sensible folk to be asleep. Caitrin had found, since bearing twins, her sleeping pattern had become completely messed up. She often just slept whenever the twins were sleeping, it was simpler that way. They were only a few months old, but Jesu, she was so tired. Esmae was still crying, her red face was accompanied by small fists which were waving around as she wriggled in her blankets. “Shhh, shhh.” Caitrin tried and began to rock her daughter up and down. She sighed gently, as Esmae’s cries began to lessen. The girl wasn’t hungry, and didn’t need a change. She wasn’t ill either. Jesu, it was hard being a mother sometimes. Caitrin sat down, with Esmae still in her arms.

Her red hair settled around her shoulders and she closed her eyes for a few moments as Esmae began to quieten. She was only in her chemise and night gown, but she was presentable enough without leaving herself looking quite vulnerable should anyone walk in upon her. There was a knock at the solar door, and Caitrin groaned. If she had her way, she would have just lay there in the chair and slept with Esmae all night, though the child was still awake. She sighed though, and stood up, making sure she was still comfortably supporting her daughter. A young servant entered on cue, and dipped her head,

“Forgive me my Lady, but there’s a man at the door, should I let him in?” Caitrin blinked a few times, man? What on earth was a man calling upon their home at this hour for? Stifling a yawn, Caitrin nodded at the young woman,

“Show him though, though apologise for my state of undress, there is no one else up to receive guests. “ Rouland, Aoife and Griff were asleep, so it fell upon her, and her baby daughter of course, to see who this intruder was. When the servant disappeared, Caitrin whispered and with a flash of her eyes the candles around the solar were lit, so the room looked lively even if she didn’t feel like hosting. However, she wasn’t going to get any sleep anytime soon with Esmae in the state she had got herself into, so perhaps this stranger would prove a willing distraction. She could hear the wild wind of the night battering against the rafters in the solar, and Caitrin was grateful she didn’t have to venture anywhere.

Tags: Sebastian
Timeline: Series 4-5 gap
Time of Day: Evening

[Sebastian]

The storms had been closing in for a while, and as the first flash of lightning struck, the Prince had known he could not carry on for long. If nothing else, his horse would bolt out of fright. Not that he could blame it. Still, they were still someway before reaching Camelot, and though he felt awkard knocking on a stranger's door to ask for lodgings, he knew he could not put the animal through another night of this, let alone himself. As a servant opened the door and gestured for him to enter, before apologising for her mistress' state of being, the Prince swallowed once more, berating himself for intruding on this household.

"Please thank your mistress," he began, but it seemed he was to be led to her directly, for the maid soon brought him to a door, nodding with her head for him to go inside. Suddenly Sebastian was grateful he was wearing clothes that would signify he had some sort of coin, though none of them held his insignia. It was too dangerous to wear anything to announce him as Prince whilst travelling. This was something he'd learned a while ago. The Prince shook the thought aside, wishing he'd brought some small token to offer peace with, recoginising that money would have to be enough.

He was gestured through into a room lit by candles, and as his eyes adjusted to the sudden light, the brunette suddenly became aware of the young woman who was sitting, demurely, in a chair, holding a babe. Even more aware that he had probably disturbed the woman, Sebastian dipped into a graceful bow, to show his respect. "My lady, please apogise for my appearance here. I do not wish to disturb you and yours, and if you wish me to leave, then you have but to say the word," he hesitated. "I am on my way to Camelot, and when the lightning struck I saw your house. I... find myself rather stranded here, and would ask your lady if you might allow me to spend a few hours here to rest my horse."

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin pressed her lips together, trying to stifle a yawn from passing. She hadn’t been expecting company tonight, they never really had visitors to the estate. Occasionally her Uncle received guests, and of course their extended family often called round. She wasn’t in the best state to receive anyone, but if the servant had come to fetch her then it was obvious that the man wasn’t just any fool in the foregate, this was probably a man of standing. Esmae was making occasional noises of protest but at least she had stopped crying, that was something. Caitrin shifted her daughter’s blankets around her, to keep the heat in, trying to lull the young baby into sleep. Esmae was shifting round, her little hands were waving around outside the warmth of her blankets. Caitrin kissed the top of Esmae’s head where her small strands of ginger hair were growing. She pressed her cheek against her daughter, and just held her there, just wanting her to settle.

Caitrin had been so wound up in her daughter, and getting her to sleep, she didn’t notice the man coming into the room. Her suspicions had been correct, and by the looks of the cloth on the man’s back, he was a man of standing. Caitrin stood up, making sure she was still supporting Esmae in her arms. The man’s accent wasn’t one that Caitrin recognised, and nothing he said surprised her much anyway. It made sense he would want lodgings, after all, the storm had been raging all evening. Now Caitrin thought about it, that was probably why Esmae wouldn’t settle. Perhaps she just didn’t like lightening. Awkwardly, Caitrin gave a small curtsey at the man in reply to his bow. Esmae didn’t seem to mind that much, and once Caitrin had stood back up, she gave the man a gentle smile. “No intrusion you press upon me could be inconvenient, this little one makes enough trouble by herself.” She didn’t want the man to think he was unwelcome. Caitrin would never turn anyone away from her door if they were in true need of aid.

Esmae began to shift again in her blankets, and Caitrin ran a finger over her daughters cheek, whilst looking back to the man. “My name is Lady Caitrin Aubert.” She introduced herself promptly, “This estate belongs to my Uncle, Lord Rouland de Archer, but everyone else is in bed aside for me and this little trouble.” She smiled fondly at her daughter, “And what can I call you? Please be seated, do you need anything to eat or drink? I do not envy you being out in this storm.”

[Sebastian]

The Albrethian nobleman nodded, inclining his head in thanks at her words. "I am deeply grateful for your hospitality," he said softly. "I will of course be willing to pay for my stay here." He glanced at the lady and her daughter, still feeling rather uncomfortable that he'd disturbed the woman and her babe. Having said such, it was far too late now to go strolling about trying to look for another place to rest; especially as he did not know how much further he had to walk until he reached Camelot. For all he knew, it could be quite a few many miles more.

As she gave him her name, he inclined his head, smiling softly. "It is indeed an honour to meet you, Lady Caitrin," he complimented softly. "My name is Sebastian Byron," he chose not to reveal he was a Prince, but of course if she asked, then he would not lie. From the Royal's experience, to reveal such a thing so soon was often to stab oneself in the foot, leaving the person in question with more enemies due to a title than friends. "A warm drink of some kind would be much appreciated, my lady," he said softly. "If it would not be too much trouble, of course."

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin just smiled warmly at the man as he thanked her. Offering a bed would of course be the least she could do given the present circumstances. No one should be out in such weather, Jesu, even the lowest servant in the house would not be expected to venture out tonight. She waved away the idea of payment, she didn’t need it. They had enough guest rooms, and they were all made up for just an occurrence. They never really had surprise guests, but it was always nice to be prepared. “You do not have to pay us, it would be my pleasure for you to stay.” It was no trouble for any of them to have an extra body in the house until morning. No one would really notice until breakfast anyway. “I will see your horse is brought to our stables as well, are you travelling alone?” it would be quite unusual if he was, but if he had servants or an entourage then they would have to be housed as well for the night.

Esmae was starting to fall asleep again, and her little eyes were starting to droop. Caitrin almost let out a sigh of relief as she looked back to the man who was now introducing himself. “It is nice to meet you my lord.” She said back to him pleasantly, “Oh, this is my daughter, Esmae. Without her I probably would still be in bed.” She shrugged slightly, the strange sleeping patterns were all part of being a mother at the end of the day, “But as long as her twin doesn’t wake up then we’ll be fine.” Jesu if both were up at once she would be beyond exhausted, and it would hardly be fair on her guest. As Sebastian said he would like a warm drink, she nodded brightly, and stood up to make her way to the maid who had brought him through. “Could you bring two warm drinks, whatever you can find will be fine.” The young maid curtseyed and scurried off to complete her duties. Caitrin sat down once more, and gestured for Sebastian to join her, “Come, you must be tired after your journey. Where were you heading to?”

[Sebastian]

He nodded, inclining his head as she refused payment. "Then I am once more in your gratitude, my lady. If ever I can assist you or your family in any matter, I will be pleased to do so." of course, he would have done so even if he was not owing to her, but for her to have shown him such kindness made him feel as though he should repay the debt somehow, even if it were not a debt of physical means. "I would be truly grateful, madam," he said softly. "I have ridden him hard this past day, and for him to be properly stabled would be a great relief." He hesitated briefly as she asked if he was travelling alone, then shrugged his unease aside; she had offered him shelter, why then would she have need to harm him? "Yes, I'm afraid I do." he said with a slight smile. "It is easier and quicker to travel alone than with a hordle of men, I have found." And, though he would not add it out loud, the company was not always entirely welcome or chosen.

"Please, I would rather you call me by my given name rather than a title," he stated softly, honestly. "Your daughter must have greater strength than most men and women alive, to still be up at such an hour," he said with a soft smile, though he wasn't sure if the comment would be welcomed or not. As she gestured for him to sit, he did so, gratefully. "If I keep you from sleep, please, tell me, and I'll do so no more," he assured softly. But then she asked him where he was going to, and the Prince sighed softly. "I am expected in Camelot within the next few days," he revealed softly. "but I confess I do not know my path very well."

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin couldn’t ever imagine a time when Sebastian would be able to help her or her family out, but it was still nice of him to offer the promise. Caitrin supposed if she ever needed a favour then at least it was owed now. That wasn’t her reason for letting him stay the night of course, but it was a nice little afterthought for the young noblewoman. “I shall instruct my servants to make sure your horse is well looked after, have no fear, he will be in the best of hands.” Caitrin’s own mare, Lily, was her pride and joy, so the servants who worked in the stables were well used to treating the animals with the upmost care. “And I shall make sure one of the spare rooms is made up for you.” That would all be seen to in due course, there was no rush as they were hardly going anywhere tonight were they? Though Caitrin was quite tired, she didn’t feel like she was tired enough to sleep yet, and she didn’t want to sleep in case her daughter decided to have another little fit at her. She was quite worried to hear that he travelled alone, it wasn’t exactly the safest thing to do, but she wasn’t about to sit here and lecture him about it. She hardly knew him after all. “You have travelled all this way by yourself then?” She asked, blinking slightly.

She nodded as he asked to be called by name, and not by title. She was the same way inclined, but it was always safer to use titles first, and then the guest could offer their way of being addressed. It made sense really. Caitrin let out a short laugh, “Well, she certainly has lungs of steel when she’s upset.” Esmae was now just staring up at her mother, gently sucking on her fingers thoughtfully, “She’s the elder of twins you see, but her brother is much quieter.” She was so grateful of that fact, at least one of them slept right through until morning.

Caitrin shook her head at Sebastian lightly, “You are not keeping me up, don’t worry. If anyone keeps me up, it will be my daughter.” She smiled gently, and her head raised as the servant came back in, and handed Sebastian his drink, while she just set Caitrin’s down on the table beside her, “Will you see to it that Sebastian’s horse is well looked after, and get someone to check the guest room please?” The maid nodded with a gentle smile and rushed off to complete her chores. Caitrin turned back to Sebastian with a knowing smile, “Camelot is not too far a ride from this estate, if you wish, I can take you there tomorrow.”

[Sebastian]

The Albrethian smiled in gratitude as the lady promised to take care of his horse, nodding softly. "Thankyou, your kindness is much appreciated," he assured softly. He chuckled softly at the woman's amazement, nodding softly. "The roads from my country are not exactly safe," he explained quietly. "To leave with others would only endanger them. I would not allow for that to happen. If I were to be attacked, then better it be just my life that is taken, rather than others."

He nodded softly as she spoke of her daughter, smiling a little. "I have heard it said that twins are either as like as peas or as different as the direction of the wind," he agreed softly. "Sadly I have no sibling with which to test this theory, but for your sake I am glad it is so at least with your children."

The Prince smiled softly at the servant as the drink was passed to him. "thankyou," he murmured, taking a sip of the warm liquid, smiling in appreciation. He turned to Caitrin as she spoke of Camelot, hesitating a little. "I would not wish to take you from your family if they are in need of you," he stated softly. "Though admittedly the company and guide would be much appreciated."

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin felt rather hypocritical worrying about Sebastian, and him travelling alone without an escort. After all, she had hardly ever ridden out to explore the scenery, she had never been with an escort. She had never really seen the point in it, after all, she had always been well protected. Then again, she had always ridden within Camelot, but this man was going across the kingdoms, so it was completely different. She bit her lip out of concern, but she was sure the man was perfectly capable of looking after himself. “It must be quite lonely.” She finally commented with a small smile, as she began to rock her daughter against her slightly. Esmae was starting to droop into sleep, but Caitrin knew her daughter well enough to not get her hopes up just yet.

The man’s second theory towards the twins was certainly true. She wouldn’t have thought that her children could possibly be so different, but they had proven her wrong. “Well, the latter is certainly true.” Arthur was always the quieter of the two, though he enjoyed being held a bit more than Esmae did. Esmae, Caitrin suspected, would be the one who would want to be up and about sooner rather than later; though they were both too young for her to even worry about things like that now. Caitrin gave him a warm smile, “You could have had some of my siblings, I certainly had enough of them.” It was the de Archer trend to have large families, and Caitrin didn’t want to prove an exception to it, as she already had twins, and she expected she would have another little one on the way before long. She and her husband hadn’t lost the heat of the wedding bed after all.

She smiled as Sebastian accepted her company, or he was at least mostly accepting of it. “As long as the twin’s are settled, I will be more than happy to accompany you.” Caitrin said softly, “It will be nice to have a ride out anyway.” She supported her daughter with one arm and picked up her drink with her spare hand and drained half of it straight away. Smiling at Sebastian she shifted so she was holding Esmae with both her arms again, “What brings you to Camelot?” She asked curiously, as it wasn’t everyday that a visitor arrived in the middle of the night.

[Sebastian]

The Prince sighed softly as Caitrin stated that the journey must be lonely, and managed a soft smile. "I have learned in my time that lonliness is better than the fear of death," he said quietly. "One cannot always trust those that one rides with, my Lady."

He chuckled softly. "I would have loved to have had siblings, but alas I would not have implimented upon them the shame of having my parents as those they call mother and father," he admitted. "It is the only reason I am grateful for being an only child, I-" he paused, realising he was saying too much, shaking his head. "Forgive me, I am burdening you with truths that are not yours to bear."

Sebastian nodded gratefully. "I would welcome your company, Lady Caitrin," he assured softly. "Although I warn you that the weather out there is quite chilled." As she asked him what brought him to Camelot, the Prince studied her for a moment, before risking the truth. "I seek an audience with the King," he stated quietly, wondering how she would respond. "In regards to... my Kingdom's wellbeing." There. He had told her. Now he only prayed she would not either attempt to follay her with lies and irritating falsities, or throw him from her house.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin almost felt a shudder run down her spine at Sebastian’s words. Perhaps she was just naive in her trust of others, but she had never had a reason to doubt or fear the loyalty of those around her. It had never occurred to her to worry, but as she had pointed out, there was no reason for her to be afraid. She self consciously held her daughter closer to her chest, almost protectively. She wanted to ask him what had happened, to make him so weary, because she figured that something must have happened to cause him to be so cautious. Caitrin ran her fingers through her hair and gave him a soft sort of smile, “I shall take your word for it, though I should count myself fortunate that I have never been in such a position to test the loyalty of others in such a way.” She knew her upbringing and current lifestyle was quite sheltered, and sometimes she was probably a bit too naive about matters of the world, but that was just who she was.

She shook her head at his concern, “It is fine, don’t worry yourself about it.” She reassured him with a soft smile. Caitrin knew what it was like to grow up with parents who didn’t care either way, though she didn’t know how much of that applied to Sebastian, “My parents weren’t exactly amazing either, but I’ll hopefully give my children a better home than my parents gave me.” She shrugged, “Now look at who is burdening who.” She said with a light smile and tried to soften the mood somewhat. Esmae was shifting round in her blankets, making small pouts at her mother as she shifted her weight. She shifted back into a comfortable position so Esmae could snuggle into the warmth of her chemise and she smiled warmly down at her daughter. Jesu, she did love her.

The weather had been none too friendly for some time now, and well they knew it. Therefore Sebastian’s words came as no shock to her at all. She brushed his words away with a flick of her hair, “We’re used to the weather being like this, but I’ll be sure to wrap up warm.” She said softly, “And I shall be defiantly wearing more than I am wearing tonight.” Her thin chemise was hardly the best thing to be wearing in company, “I’m sorry for my state again, I wasn’t expecting visitors you see.” As Sebastian began to speak of gaining an audience with the King, Caitrin smiled, she knew the King quite well after all, “I’m sure the King will aid you in whatever you need. What is the nature of your Kingdom’s wellbeing?” She couldn’t bite back her curiosity any longer, and felt like she had to ask something; anything.

[Sebastian]

The young Prince felt a little guilty as he saw the lady holding her daughter closer, realising he had frightened her with his words. "I am sorry if I have startled you with my words," he stated quietly, looking to the ground slightly, before raising his eyes to meet hers once more.

As she spoke of desiring to be a better mother than her own, Sebastian smiled a little. "From what I can see, my lady, you are already giving your children the home I am sure all children would love to have," he assured her softly. "Even as little as I know you, I can see how clearly you love your children from your tone of voice." Perhaps he was wrongfooting himself, speaking so openly, but it was true. IF only his own parents had spoken of him so... but all that was only a dream. The Prince cast the thought aside, taking another sip of the warm drink. "And you are not burdening me, my lady," he assured softly.

"The weather has gone through all seasons on my journey here, but I admit I have not yet encountered such cold winds," he admitted softly. As she apologisied for her dress, the Prince shook his head. "Please, no apologies. The fault is my own for disturbing you at such a time; and I apologise for doing so."

He sighed softly, nodding. "I truly hope so," he admitted softly. As she asked after his kingdom, the brunette gave a soft smile. "It is... slowly recovering. My father was... well, let us say he was not a diplomatic ruler. All he cared for were glory and blood. He would murder just for the so-called pleasure of it," the Prince shook his head. "His death has been a deliverance to the people. I am trying to earn their respect, and to gain allegance from other countries is a step toward that respect."

[Caitrin de Archer]

Though Sebastian’s words had shocked Caitrin, she knew it was nothing she shouldn’t know already. She knew the roads weren’t safe, Jesu, she’d had enough experiences over the years to make her positively terrified of even leaving the house. She always bounced back though, even if it did take her a while to do so. She relaxed her grip on Esmae, who was staring up at her mother in quiet wonder. She ran a finger through the small scraps of ginger hair at the top of her head and smiled back at Sebastian, though it was a sad sort of smile. “Sorry, I suppose it is my naivety, but it is quite hard to hear this things sometimes, though I know they are true.” She shrugged slightly as Esmae began to shuffled in her arms. She laid her daughter out on her legs, so the child was lying on them, and she took her small fists in her hands, “The roads can be quite dangerous after all.”

She beamed rather proudly as Sebastian complimented her, though she hadn’t known him for long, she had no reason to suspect that he was lying to her. It was nice to receive the compliment anyway, and it was well received to say the least. Caitrin looked down at her daughter, all she wanted was for her, and her son, to know just how much they were loved by both their parents, and how they would always be loved. That fact would never change. “I’m still learning, though I suppose I will always be learning how to be a good mother.” She said with a soft chuckle. There were things she was yet to face with her children, things she was looking forwards to experiencing with them, but that was yet to be seen. For now she was just enjoying them being small, so she could hold them and just feel like everything was fine, and that they were all safe. “I think she is finally starting to settle.” She said softly, crooning her neck down so she could look over her daughter who was finally giving soft yawns of surrender to her oncoming sleep.

Caitrin chuckled, if Sebastian had not had such harsh winds before, he can’t have gone through Mercia, after all, the Kingdom was famed for having quite harsh weather conditions. “The weather is more pleasant here than in my native Mercia.” She said with a gentle smile, “So that is some consolation at least.” Though Sebastian dismissed her state of undress, she still felt rather self conscious about it. She was never received by others in anything less than what she was seen in court wearing. It was her way and she never changed that really.

Caitrin was sure Sebastian would find little protest with Arthur, though she wouldn’t assume so much authority as to voice that opinion. She never assumed anything on her friendship with the King, and it was a personal and private sort of friendship. She enjoyed his company immensely, and wished she could share it more often. However, they both had their own families now, and their own priorities. “Was he the ruler of your people?” She asked rather sharply with raised eye brows, from the sounds of it he was, but Caitrin often jumped to the wrong conclusions with these sorts of things.

[Sebastian]

The young Prince viewed Caitrin curiously, as she spoke of naivity. Personally, he had to admit he found it almost... endearing. And somewhat reassuring; that someone had not expierienced the horrors that travel could bring with it. Still, he was certainly not going to insult her by saying such things, so instead he simply shook his head. "There is nothing to forgive, my lady," he promised softly."I am glad to hear that you have had a good experience with travel."

He sighed softly as she spoke of parenting, feeling a little out of his depth, though he did not say as much. "I have not yet had the privalage of being a father," stated Sebastian. "But I believe, from what those around me have said, that you are right - one is always learning. If I may be so bold, though, I would dare to say that from what I can see, you barely need lessons in being a 'good' mother, for from the way that your daughter interacts with you, you have already excelled."

As the lady spoke sharply of his father, the noble hesitated, not liking the sudden change in her voice, wondering where it had come from. He bit his lip, taking a sip of the warm drink to give himself a moment, before eventually answering after he had swallowed. "If you are referring to my father, than yes," he stated quietly. "And sadly, his interests were not vested in the people. They were... made to suffer unnecessarily; and now that he no longer taints the world, I wish to try and restore some peace to them."

[Caitrin de Archer]

Though Caitrin had, in the past, travelled without an escort, now she had her children she would make sure that she would always be as safe as possible on the roads. It was her duty now to look after these two little lives and she would never let anything happen to either of them. She crooned her neck over Esmae, as the little girl began to gurgle, and babble to herself. Caitrin brushed her sleeve around her daughter’s mouth to wipe her skin clean. “I can just hope that my good luck with travelling continues.” She could handle threats to her own person, but she wouldn’t be able to stand anything that involved threatening her children. She knew that she would bend at the knees right away. She would have once perhaps been more stubborn about such things, but she cared too much about her children to just gamble with their safety.

She felt slightly flushed as Sebastian complimented her skills as a mother. She knew she would always be learning, and she wasn’t naive enough to believe she would always have everything perfect. She loved her children, and she hoped that that would get her through most things. Her daughter began to curl her hands out of her blankets, and kicked her legs almost to show that she was still there, and not going to sleep anytime soon. She was already as stubborn as her mother. “Thank you.” She grinned at Sebastian, “I am sure you will have no problems when you become a father.” Caitrin could already tell the man had a warm heart, and that was the first step really.

The way Sebastian worded it, it sounded like his father was more important than just the average nobleman, or land owner. He almost sounded like, well, a King, or something like that. “Who is your father exactly?” She bit her lip softly, “Sorry, I don’t wish to appear rude.” She was just curious to what sort of man she was letting into her home, she wondered if he was something more than what he was letting on.

[Sebastian]

The Prince raised his glass as she spoke of her luck holding, agreeing with her wholeheartedly. "I share your hopes, my Lady," he agreed softly, before taking another drink. "Where the unknown is concerned, we are all in need of luck."

Sebastian chuckled a little as Caitrin mentioned him becoming a father, and shook his head. "Alas, my destiny is for the battlefield; it was never my family's intention for me to have my own family," A fact he deeply regretted, for he would have once liked to have a wife, children, a home that meant more than belittling someone. But no, that would not happen, for no one would marry someone with the reputation his family had cast about for him. He sighed softly, shrugging. "It is probably just as well; it is unfair for me to wish for such things when uncertainty is all I can promise."

Ah, the inevitable question. Sebastian swallowed, praying to whatever Gods were listening that the woman would not turn him away, or worse, act ridiculously proper, once he told her. He would not refuse her knowledge, however, for she had refused him none. "My father was the King of Albrethia," he stated quietly, watching her eyes to see her reaction. "And please, there is no need to apologise. I do not find your question rude at all."

[Caitrin de Archer]

Sebastian was quite a strange man, in a way, she’d never met anyone quite like him before. He seemed incredibly thoughtful, where Caitrin knew she was the complete opposite. Or at least she had been in her youth. She had always been the one to do things and think about them afterwards even though that was an incredibly dangerous way to live. “Indeed we are.” Camelot was always in danger from the unknown, everyone who lived there knew that. Caitrin hated the fact that it was usually sorcery which was the evil that people feared. As a sorceress herself, she knew not all magic was to be feared, there were much worse things out there.

Caitrin furrowed her brow at Sebastian’s reply. She knew of many warriors back in Mercia who had still had families despite them also fighting in wars. It wasn’t impossible for someone to have a family and still hold a sword in battles. “There is still time, surely?” Caitrin asked rather brightly, it wasn’t exactly a fantastic prospect, thinking that you would spend the rest of your life on your own really was it? She hadn’t thought any problem with it in her youth, but now she couldn’t imagine being apart from her little family.

Her eyes were focussed on Sebastian as he answered her question. Again Caitrin was just confused, “What do you mean he was the King?” She asked quickly without thinking, well of course she knew what he meant, sort of, but she wondered what had happened, and why this had led Sebastian here. She was being nosy, and she knew she was, but if this man was being hunted, or if he was a threat to her family she had a right to know. She knew that dynastic lines were wrought with violence. In her arms, Esmae was finally starting to settle, and gave a soft yawn as her eye lids began to droop, “Well at least one of us will get some sleep.” Caitrin chuckled slightly and held her daughter close as she began to drift off to sleep.

[Sebastian]

The Albrethian gave a rueful chuckle as Caitrin spoke of there being time for him to create a family, shaking his head. " I have seen families ruined by men built for battle, my Lady," he stated quietly. "I would place no woman in that situation. Better she be free than to be tied to a man who must consistantly be in battle."

As she asked what he had meant, Sebastian sighed, taking another sip from the drink which was slowly turning tepid, biting his lip. "My father passed away, some time ago." he prayed she would not ask for more details, but if she did, he would not withold it from her. He paused, leaning forward slightly, able to see a twinge of... was that worry?... crossing her features. "Please, do not be concerned," he stated, taking the initiative and praying he was not wrong. "I have not placed you and your family in danger being here. I would not have asked for shelter this night if I were in any danger."

The brunette smiled a little as she spoke of her daughter, nodding. "She seems a lot like you, my Lady," he complimented softly. "She is a very content child, from what I can see...?"

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin still felt quite sorry for Sebastian if he thought he should never be destined to have a family because he wouldn’t want to ruin the little family. She bit her lip and just kept her daughter close again. She knew too well how such a man could ruin a family, her own father had been a warlord in Mercia, he had made his fortunes in the wars and there was no love between the two. However, Sebastian didn’t seem anything like her father. “My father was one such man, but trust me my Lord, you seem nothing like him.” She shrugged, “And even out of situations like that, good can come out of it.” She gestured down to her daughter who was flexing her hand in and out of her blanket softly. Of course without her father wanting a family then she wouldn’t be here and she wouldn’t have this fantastic little family that she had here.

But if his father had passed away then surely that meant he was the heir? Or maybe he had an older brother, that made sense of course wouldn’t it. She did believe him when he said that he wasn’t putting her family in danger, she had no problem with that, but now she was just curious and that was dangerous for her. “Does that make you...well...heir?” She asked quietly and bit her lip. She didn’t want to appear rude, but still. Having a stranger call upon your home wasn’t that normal.

“How so?” She mused gently, testing out Sebastian’s words, perhaps he only meant in looks as her child already had red hair as well. Caitrin nodded and smiled, “I’d like to think she is.” Of course Caitrin wanted to think she was doing this right, and that she was getting everything right about being a mother even though she knew that would be impossible. If her daughter looked happy and content then that was all she could ask for really. Caitrin held Esmae close to her as the child was quite dozy in her arms, “Would you like to hold her?” She asked Sebastian rather casually, but if the man was never to have children then maybe he would like this opportunity. However, if Sebastian didn’t feel comfortable with it then she would understand as well.

[Sebastian]

The Alberthian noble gave a slight smile, bowing his head in silent thanks as Caitrin commented regarding her father, and then adding that Sebastian was nothing like him, and that good could sometimes come out of such a situation. "Even so, I would not want to start a family only to deprive them later," he stated quietly. "Family politics is... a messy thing, my lady, and I would not ask anyone to undergo it who did not have to."

At her question, the Prince sighed, taking another sip of the now cold drink he held, pausing. "Only in technicality, but I will not bore you, my lady." He said, hoping he would not offend her, but simply wishing not to burden her with his family's history. "To my family I am simply diplomat, and I am quite happy to stay that way for some time."

Sebastian shrugged, "She seems as content as you, my lady, though that may be her age, for I do not know much of children, and from what i can see, she has your features." He paused as she offered him the chance to hold her daughter, holding up a hand. "Please, no. Do not take my words as an offence, but rather as a fear that I might... drop her," he laughed awkwardly. "Alas, I have not much experience wiht chidren, and I would not forgive myself if I were to harm yours, my lady."