Archers All [Caitrin]

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

It was really just a small wound. Edmund’s sword had barely even sliced through meat when it grazed his chest, just near his left shoulder, but their mother had insisted that Oliver take the rest of the day easy. So here was Oliver now, all alone in his room, sitting on his bed with a book about geography on his lap. It was open to a page about a certain country outside Albion and across the seas, about Ailantha.

He tried his best to concentrate on his reading, but his mind kept wandering to what had happened earlier in the day when he and Edmund had dueled in the training grounds. Or to be exact, to what happened after that. Edmund had gone into quite a rampage over something Oliver had said, and had brandished his sword with all his might at his younger brother. With Edmund’s skill at the sword and Oliver’s minimal knowledge of it, the older Strathmore was a shoo-in for a win. Except that it really wasn’t much of a victory, because Edmund had let his temper get the better of him before he could stop himself from slicing a wound on Oliver’s chest. He got quite a mouthful from their mother when they had come earlier. Edmund was quick to apologize, and Oliver just laughed it off and brushed it aside. He knew his brother too well to know that Edmund hadn’t meant to hurt him.

But perhaps, it was a blessing in disguise? Oliver couldn’t stop asking himself. Yassia had rushed to his aid when he had fallen to the ground, letting her healer side take over, forgetting all the animosity that had existed between them since their meeting in Camelot. Oliver couldn’t help but forget it as well. Who wouldn’t? It felt nice to be fussed over by someone not your mother or the court physician. His traitorous heart was only too willing to have Yassia fuss over him and his condition. When he was past caring about what Edmund would think about Yassia’s behavior towards him, Yassia’s concern felt strangely good. And it unavoidably brought back the warm and wonderful memories they’ve had together in the Forest of Balor. It was much too powerful that it easily overshadowed all the hurt and angry feelings he had harbored towards her. Perhaps, she had felt the same way, too? The thought made Oliver feel unusually warm and tingly all over.

[Caitrin de Archer]

The fact that Caitrin was now residing within Mercia still felt odd to her. To look out the window, and not see Camelot was still confusing her somewhat. After all, she had been in Camelot for years without a single thought of Mercia. She had thought often, since arriving, that she and Griff should move to the de Archer estate, but this hadn’t come to anything yet. For one, her father hadn’t invited them to stay, and she hadn’t got in contact with him. So really they were just as bad as each other. Caitrin wasn’t exactly sure how she would feel about returning to her estate; it would just bring back all the memories of her childhood and adolescence. She wasn’t sure she wanted to drag that up. Perhaps she would pay her family a small visit, but that wasn’t going to happen just yet. She was still settling in after all. Griff had been complaining to her about how cold it was in Mercia. Personally she couldn’t understand what his problem was. It wasn’t that cold anyway.

She had left him in front of the fire in their room, and the nature of leaving him was one of some urgency. She had heard that Oliver had been wounded in a fight this morning, and although she knew it couldn’t be anything too serious, she still wanted to see how he was. Plus, it was either that or listen to Griff complain about the weather some more. Caitrin turned the corner to Oliver’s chambers and held a breath in, wondering if Yassia had already been to see him. Caitrin didn’t really know the details, she just knew Oliver had been wounded and she wanted to check if he was ok. She could hear it from many other lips, but only when Oliver had told her himself that he was fine would she be happy.

She found herself standing in front of Oliver’s door and knocked on it quickly. She hadn’t really had a chance to speak to him properly since they had arrived in Mercia. Last night had been all about the formalities and suchlike, but perhaps today she would finally have a conversation with her friend. After all, this was away from prying eyes and suchlike. “Oliver, it’s Caitrin. Can I come in?” She said softly, wondering if he would want to be disturbed or not if he was indeed injured. She bit her lip softly and rubbed her arms with her palms, waiting for Oliver to answer.

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

It hadn't even been a full day since they have arrived from Camelot, and yet so many  things had already happened. Could the day still get any more interesting? Oliver wondered to himself as a smile lingered on his lips at the thought residing there, of his interesting afternoon with Yassia. It was fortunate and convenient that Yassia had easily convinced his mother and Edmund of her healing prowess else he would probably have been answering a loadful of queries as to why Yassia had suddenly rushed to his aid when Edmund's sword sliced him. He surely wouldn't know what to say to them for he himself wasn't quite sure what was going on just yet.

Oliver was about to resume his reading when a knock sounded on his door. He hoped it wasn't Edmund or his mother coming to visit him again. He was just not in the mood for more inquisition. When Caitrin's voice floated from the other side of the door, his smile lit up and he slowly stood from his bed and made his way to the door. Caitrin he would gladly speak to tonight. She wouldn't imposed on him and talking easy with her would surely be a good way to end the night.

"Only if you brought me gifts," he greeted Caitrin with a wide grin as be pulled the door open. He winced at the slight biting pain that sliced through his chest at the movement but he easily ignored it. He opened the door wide for her to get in, glad that she had come. They didn't really had a chance to talk since arriving in Mercia and he wanted to know how she and Griff were doing so far.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin was still finding the fact she was back in her homeland quite hard to comprehend. She had never really thought that she would return home after staying away so long. The only reason to go back would have been to go and see friends such as Oliver, but she had never really had much time. Camelot was quite a diverting kingdom. She had never expected to find it as welcoming as she had. However, now she was back in her homeland it felt like she was the visitor rather than the native. It was quite a strange thing to feel. She snapped from her thoughts however when Oliver opened the door to his chambers.

Caitrin grinned up at Oliver and raised an eye brow at him, but a small burst of laughter gave away her game all too quickly. "Tut tut, is the gift of my smile and beauty not enough?" She winked at him, as it was merely a friendly comment. Any ideas of flirtations between them had been left in her fathers estate on that afternoon. Funnily enough she had never got around to sharing what had passed between herself and Oliver years ago to Griff. Yassia knew to an extent, but what Griff didn't know wouldn't hurt him. He had been just as bad in his youth anyway.

As Oliver had opened the door, she walked into the chambers with ease and turned around to face him. Well if he was standing up then he surly wasn't that injured. Already just coming to see Oliver had brought her some comfort. "How are you? I heard about the accident." If you could count it as an accident. Honestly there were some times when Caitrin was glad that Griff wasn't well practiced with a sword.

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

"Tut tut, is the gift of my smile and beauty not enough?"

Oliver puckered his lips and made a show of thinking over her offer. "Hmmm...let's consider it half of a gift. I want food," he replied as seriously as he could muster, and then broke into a grin a couple of seconds later. Oliver loved his banters, more so when he was making them with people who are just as lighthearted and carefree as he was. Caitrin was one. He had certainly known that since that time years ago in her father's estate. Yassia was another, back when things had been nice and beautiful between them. He had missed that time, and wished there was some way to bring it back somehow.

He closed the door when Caitrin stepped in and then motioned her towards a cushioned sofa by the fire. He gave her a warm smile as he grabbed an apple from a basket of fruits at a nearby table and gently tossed it her way. Then he took another one for himself before sinking on the cushioned seat. "I'm better. Yassia could give our court physician a run for his money in the healing department," he replied, his eyes twinkling from the blazing fire in the hearth. He wasn't sure if Caitrin knew that Yassia was a healer, and he didn't want to give away anything about his past with Yassia until he knew exactly how much Caitrin knew.

"I'm glad you came, Cait. I'm sorry we haven't really talked much since we arrived yesterday. How are you? How's Griff?" he asked before taking a bite from his apple. He thought it imperative and courteous to inquire about them. Caitrin may be a daughter of Mercia, but he had invited her and Griff back to her homeland in the first place. A gracious host ought to see to the comfort of his guests.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin tried to put on a look of mock annoyance at Oliver's words, but the smile which was creeping in at the side of her lips was giving her away somewhat. Of course he would want food because he was a man, and Caitrin knew that men usually were more concerned with their stomachs rather than anything else. "You prefer food over beauty?" She jested lightly. Of course she didn't take Oliver's words seriously at all; she knew his playful nature too well to take offence at his words with ease. Instead she was opting to return his jests, and keep the mood going. "I shall make sure that I bring a fruit basket with me next time, as then you will have the perfect mix of food and beauty." She winked lightly at him and then made her way into the room. It was probably unseemly for a woman of her status to be alone with another man, but Caitrin never really cared much for conventions. Oliver was an old friend, and they both knew there was nothing in it. She took up the seat by the sofa as he motioned to it and skillfully caught the apple, and was probably a bit too pleased at her athletic abilities. "Thanks." She said softly before taking a bite of the fruit. She shifted on the sofa so that her legs were drawn up under her skirts, as she made herself comfortable. If Oliver had gestred for her to sit down, it meant that this wasn't to be a fleeting visit; not that Caitrin was complaining about that.

She was still quite concerned over Oliver's injury, and listened to him as he told her that Yassia had come to his aid. She nodded politely, after all she knew that Yassia was a healer. Caitrin herself knew the healing powers of herbs, but she was sure that Yassia was much more skilled than she was. However, it worried Caitrin slightly that Yassia had come to Oliver's aid. Not because she didn't think her friend capable of helping him, but because she knew how Yassia felt about Oliver, and vice versa to an extent. However, she didn't let these concernes show on her features and she forced herself to break the silence. "I'm sure Yassia did a fine job, she is quite a skilled healer after all." Caitrin agreed softly and took another bite of her apple, throwing Oliver a quick smile.

Caitrin waved away Oliver’s concerns that he had not come to see them, as in their own way, Caitrin and Griff had been busy as well. It was the first time they had been alone without worrying about her Uncle being in close proximity. It was freedom that they were both enjoying entirely. However, it was short lived, so they were enjoying it as much as they could whilst it was possible to. “I think Griff would be enjoying himself a little more if it was a bit warmer.” Caitrin chuckled and took another bite of her apple thoughtfully, “But I think he likes what he sees so far, I have told him that we might visit my family’s estate before returning back to Camelot.” Caitrin was gaining no particular inclination to stay in Mercia, and would be returning home to Camelot whenever the time arose. However, it would be nice to see her childhood home once more, after all, she had no idea when she would be returning to Mercia again. “I think I am finding it harder to settle into the Mercian way of life than I thought I would.” She replied thoughtfully and truthfully. Although most of her life had been spent in Mercia, her adult life had been dominated by the court in Camelot. “But I am enjoying myself, it’s nice to be back.” Caitrin gave Oliver a soft smile, after all, she didn’t want him to think that she wasn’t enjoying her stay. She was of course, it just felt odd to be back.

Framing her mind away from her family, Caitrin looked into the fire that was burning beside them thoughtfully. There were more pressing matters at hand of course rather than her own family issues. The main one of course concerned Oliver and Yassia. Caitrin never fancied herself a match maker, but she just wanted to see Oliver speak of Yassia without prying eyes. Here, they could speak as friends, and not worry about the judgemental world. “Have you spoke much with Yassia?” She asked rather innocently, but quickly back tracked, “Only I am yet to catch up with her myself since arriving. Me and Griff have been a little...preoccupied.”

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

Oliver was having the time of his life trading retorts with Caitrin. He knew she would easily rise to his challenge, and would not mind throwing his own jibes back at him. When she asked him if he preferred food over beauty, he only shrugged until she said she'd bring a fruit basket next time so he'd have both food and beauty. "Fine, I'll make do with whatever you can offer your prince," Oliver replied with feigned boredom, and then eased a smile on his face when Caitrin winked at him. He was much too tempted to tell her that the perfect offering would be if she'd send her friend, Yassia, with some fruits to his room. But of course, that was only wishful thinking now, would it? And one that he'd rather keep to himself if he didn't want to stir any hornet's nest namely Edmund's.

"I'm sure Yassia did a fine job, she is quite a skilled healer after all."

"That she is! You should have seen the look on Edmund and mother's faces when Yassia rushed to help me out. Well, I didn't see it myself. My servant Lot did, and he said it was priceless. Nobody thought she was a healer," Oliver replied, a little too enthusiastically he belatedly realized. Apprehensive that Catrin might pick up on it, he cleared his throat and moved to grab the rod from the fireplace to stoke the fire, anything just to keep himself from looking straight at his friend. He knew how Caitrin could easily read him back when she was still living with her family here in Mercia, and he wondered if she could still do that now after years of them not seeing each other.

Oliver chuckled about Caitrin's comment concerning Griff and the cold temperature of Mercia. He wasn't anymore surprised as Griff did a good job of warning him about it before they had started their journey in Camelot. "I'm glad that Griff could at least see what it's like where you grew up. I know it wouldn't change his feelings about you, but perhaps it would give him some perspective on things even though you're more a Camelotian than Mercian now," he replied with a wink. He didn't take offense in that. Even when she was already in Camelot, he had seen that Caitrin still had not forgotten her Mercian roots. "I'm just happy to see you again, Cait. It's been...how many years since you disappeared on me?" Oliver said teasingly. Not that there was anything going on between him and Caitrin, he just didn't have the chance to say a proper goodbye before she was being carted off to live with her uncle in Camelot years ago.

“Have you spoke much with Yassia? Only I am yet to catch up with her myself since arriving. Me and Griff have been a little...preoccupied.”

Just when Oliver thought he had conveniently shifted the discussion away from Yassia by talking about Caitrin's family, Caitrin brought the subject back up. He leaned back on the other end of the seat and laughed at the thought of a preoccupied Caitrin and Griff, hoping it would give the illusion that he really didn't care much about the subject concerning Yassia. "I'm glad you and Griff got yourself some alone time here in Mercia," Oliver replied with a knowing smirk as he bit from his apple again. Honestly though, he had to admit that he envied his friend and what she had found with Griff. And wondered if he himself would ever find that one person whom he would spend the rest of his life with. Fat chance that. "I spoke with Yassia at the infirmary, yes. She visited me for a bit earlier here as well. She's probably spending the evening with Edmund. He invited her here in the first place," he replied as he turned to the fire again, trying to avoid Caitrin's eyes once more. He had to mentally kick himself realizing that his voice had taken on a rather defensive tone, one he hoped Caitrin hadn't caught on but can never be too sure.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin pulled a face at Oliver and crossed her arms at him. It was quite hard to feign irritation at such a close friend. For the time being, she thought that she was doing quite a splendid job of acting annoyed at his words. After all, why should the gift of her beauty not be enough for any man? However, Caitrin couldn’t help her lips curling up into a smile. Oliver was one friend she knew she could jest with and get as good as she was given. “Well, that’s settled at least.” She grinned at him, and took up the seat he offered. Caitrin knew of so many women who, years ago, would have wanted so badly to be in the position which Caitrin was in now with Oliver. When Caitrin had been a teenager, practically all the young girls of her age had been swooning for either Oliver or his older brother. Caitrin was sure that many women still batted their eye lids at Oliver, but she had not had the chance to prove that theory just yet.

As Oliver began to tell his story about Yassia rushing to his aid, it was hard to miss the twinkle in his eye and the enthusiasm in his voice. Caitrin was certain Yassia had left some sort of impression on Oliver, and it would be her mission to discover to what extent she had touched his emotions. To Caitrin, it almost sounded like Oliver had become like an over-excited child. Caitrin could only beam at him really, it was quite refreshing to get this reaction from another person. She was quite proud that she was still able to read Oliver’s emotions. After their years apart she had feared that she wouldn’t know her friend as well as she had once done. However, Oliver still felt like he was an open book to her. “I am sure that Yassia did a fine job.” Caitrin agreed, though she was more interested in the way Oliver was speaking to her about Yassia, rather than the details of the conversation. She wondered if it would be easy to gain anything from him about his feelings about Yassia. Well there was only one way to find out really wasn’t there?

As Oliver expressed that he believed that Caitrin was more Camelotian than Mercian, she wasn’t quite sure how to take it, or what to think. On the one hand, she was quite glad as Camelot was her home now, and she had no inclination to leave it. On the other hand, Caitrin almost felt like she was rejecting her former self. However, she was happy in Camelot, and surely that was all that mattered? “I will never forget my roots, not the people there.” No, Caitrin would never forget those who had made her life in Mercia special; especially those like Oliver. “I’m happy to see you too, and I’m sorry as I should not have left it so long before coming to visit you.” She had always meant to come back, but things always seemed to get in the way. However, Caitrin did pull a small face at Oliver’s later jest, “I didn’t disappear!” She protested strongly, but ruined it with a soft laugh. Caitrin had been carted off rather quickly to Camelot as her father had wanted to ride out to some war or another. “How could any woman disappear from you Oliver?” She grinned; of course this was not meant in total reference to herself, as Yassia had all but disappeared from Oliver once before as well.

Caitrin had no doubt in her mind that Oliver knew exactly what kind of privacy herself and Griff had craved. It was something that they wouldn’t be having anytime in the future as they would be residing with her Uncle for the foreseeable future. Mainly as Griff had no land, and Caitrin didn’t either. Perhaps when they were married, the ties between Griff and his family could be healed to an extent, but for now he was having none of it, “So am I.” She admitted softly. It had been such a wonderful night alone with her betrothed, and they had certainly kept themselves warm.

As Oliver spoke of Edmund and Yassia dining together, his tone all but slapped Caitrin in the face. She just looked on at her friend, convinced now to an extent that Oliver did have feelings for Yassia. However, a few words and the odd tone of voice weren’t enough to satisfy Caitrin “That’s not like you Oliver, to let Edmund get to the fair maiden before you.” She was trying to jest her way into this topic, as that would probably be the best way to get Oliver to open up, “Usually you have the woman on your arm before Edmund has had the chance to look at her twice.”

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

Caitrin's presence was making him forget the deal that he had struck with Yassia back in Camelot. While things seem to be cordial now between them, the agreement was still in effect. But talking about Yassia...it was not like anything. For over a year now, Oliver had kept his meeting with Yassia a secret, his feelings even more hidden. He wouldn't even talk about her to his servant or to his friends who had been hunting with him, who had met Yassia as well. While it was an unparalleled memory, it was a painful one, too, knowing he can never have her then. But fate has a funny way of sneaking up on you, and Oliver knew he had reacted the wrong way when he found out Yassia's true identity. If only Edmund hadn't staked his claim on her first...if only he hadn't been so angry when he found out... To be able to talk about her now, even though not about their very first meeting, was honestly quite liberating. It seemed like all that he wanted to say about Yassia was eager to burst forth. Hence, he tried his best to watch himself even after the few exclamations he had already unconsciously let slip.

“I will never forget my roots, not the people there.”

"I know you will not," Oliver replied with a rather cheeky smile. "We, Mercians, are quite an eccentric lot, are we not? We are an aggressive and proud people, not like any other. With a power-hungry King like Bayard who isn't always on the edge?" Oliver said, mocking his own father. Lord Bayard's endless hunger for dominion and power is infamous among Mercians. Proof of which was the long-standing war between Camelot which had only been put to an end a couple of years ago. "How did Griff react when he found out you were Mercian?" Oliver was genuinely curious. When Griff had voiced out his southern sensibilities to him, Oliver wondered how he got around to the fact that his lady love was born and bred in the North. Or did it even matter to him at all?

He dismissed Caitrin's apology and laughed when she protested that she had not disappeared. Of course, she didn't. Oliver just wished he had bid her goodbye. He smiled and shook his head when she teased him yet again. "Funny enough, women always do disappear from me. There must be something about me that makes them just want to get a quick taste and then move on," he chuckled, but his smile didn't reach his eyes. Truth be told, he wished the women in his life wouldn't pass him by so fast, that they stay for a while and see more of what he can offer. But maybe he was right. He and his rebellious, sometimes devil-may-care, nature are probably not what women want in a life partner.

He finished the rest of his apple and then stood up to pour two goblets of red wine. "Please allow me this," he said as he handed one to Caitrin, this time with a warm and sincere smile on his face. He held his goblet up for a toast. "To you and Griff. May your alone time here in Mercia prove to be a fruitful and productive one." There was that hint of a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, but Oliver meant every word he said. He did wish the soon-to-be-married couple as many offsprings as they can make.

“Usually you have the woman on your arm before Edmund has had the chance to look at her twice.”

Oliver settled himself beside Caitrin again and turned a little too preoccupied with the contents of his goblet. He was stalling. He didn't know what to answer to that. If only Caitrin knew the battle that was raging inside him right now. He did have Yassia first, for a night, a year ago. And she had him. They had each other for that one perfect night. But...but what? Oliver asked himself now. What was he going to tell his friend? Sure, he could just as easily lie and joke his way out of it, but somehow he couldn't. Not to Caitrin. He managed a small chuckle before replying, "In case you haven't noticed, Edmund is serious about Yassia. And it seems Yassia has slowy taken a liking to my brother as well," he replied, not outrightly denying or confirming anything. That was the safest route, was it? But then he doubt that was enough for Caitrin. The thought of Yassia liking Edmund brought a piercing pain to his chest, and he knew it wasn't caused by the wound there. "Their union will be good for Mercia. For Ailantha, too. Yassia needed help in taking Ailantha back from her uncle, Edmund can give her that."

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin was sure that her childhood in Mercia would always feature quite heavily in her life. There were still those at the court of Camelot who chose to see her as the Mercian noblewoman rather than a woman of Camelot. However, they tended to be the older more traditional types. Those like Arthur just saw her for who she was, without all the political boundaries. Caitrin liked that though, she enjoyed not having to worry about her allegiances so much. At the moment her loyalties lay firmly with Camelot because that was the Kingdom her home was in, and because she was such good friends with Arthur. Mercia didn’t inspire the same loyalty as it did when she was younger, but that didn’t mean that she didn’t hold her homeland in the same regard.

Pulling a face at how Oliver described the Mercian people, she let out a small chuckle, “Well eccentric suits me quite well, so I can confirm that I am a true Mercian.” She took the last bite of her apple and then disregarded it. She did like to think that she was quite an unconventional noblewoman. From a young age Caitrin had been quite sure that she wouldn’t be like the other women of the court, and she was sure that she had achieved that to an extent. “I think Griff already knew me quite well enough to not be surprised when he learned of my roots.” She let out a sharp laugh, but it was totally true. She had been stubborn, quick witted and quite irritated when Griff had first met her, so to learn that she was from quite a ruthless Kingdom hadn’t come as a shock to him.

Although she had been seeking some sort of reaction, Caitrin hadn’t been expecting Oliver to be so open with her. She settled herself next to him and sighed softly, “But we all come back in the end.” She pointed out. After all, she hadn’t been expecting to be acquainted with her friend at such a time, but perhaps fate had decided that they should meet again, in the same way that fate had determined that Oliver and Yassia should meet once more. Caitrin watched then as Oliver got up and proceeded to pour out two goblets of wine, handing her one of them.

Caitrin took the goblet, holding it out to clink it with Oliver’s as she grinned at his toast. The topic of children was still quite a touchy one for Caitrin. It was not that long since she had been locked up for her insolence at Morgana’s rule, and the effects that had left Caitrin with, well, she felt foolish enough following her actions without keep replaying them in her mind. She wanted to change everything about that time, but she knew that she never could. The physician had told her that the stress of her experience in the dungeon had caused the miscarriage, but it was something which no one but him, Griff and possibly Celyn could ever know about. She wanted to hide that aspect of her life, as it was unseemly enough that as an unmarried woman she had allowed herself to fall pregnant. However, that hadn’t stopped hers and Griff’s intimacies, they had just taken extra precaution to guarantee that any children would be born after their union. “I think we’ll be leaving the fruitfulness until after we are wed.” She said softly, a sparkle in her eye as she gave Oliver a quick wink. It was hard to pretend that everything was ok in front of Oliver, as he was such a close friend, however she wasn’t going to ruin the mood because of her past experiences. “But thank you, I’m sure mine and Griff’s time here will be eventful, one way or another.” She gave Oliver a playful smile and took a small sip from her goblet. She saw her time with Griff being quite an intimate one as they were finally away from prying eyes.

Although Oliver continued to speak of Yassia and Edmund as a more serious item, Caitrin couldn’t really take his words seriously. This was mainly because she had heard Yassia’s side to the story as well, and she was in a rather privileged position in terms of this little crisis. Caitrin was sure that Yassia’s feelings lay with Oliver rather than Edmund, however she didn’t assume to know Yassia’s feelings completely. She could only hope that Yassia preferred Oliver over Edmund, though was sure that this was the case. “Union?” Caitrin repeated, rather taken aback. She blinked a few times, “Isn’t it a bit soon for talks of such things?” She asked, almost trying to jest the situation away. It was certainly too quick to be thinking of marriage in Caitrin’s opinion. After all, they had only spoken to each other for the first time at the coronation really. Caitrin wasn’t one for rushing into things, so perhaps this was more about her own perception than anything else. “Come on Oliver, you know you can’t lie to me.” She gave him a soft wink, if Oliver did have something to hide then hopefully that would convince him to open up a little to her. Caitrin knew that there was more to this story than everyone was letting on to, and if she could fan the flames then it was all good.

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

"Indeed you are, Caitrin de Archer, or should I say Caitrin Aubert," he replied with a wide grin. Funny how Oliver liked the sound of her eventual married name. It seemed like it was definitely meant to be. To know that Griff wasn't at all surprised when he learned of her roots was quite a pleasant thought. It goes to show that Griff had known Caitrin as herself, not of her family or of her background. The thought didn't stop Oliver from pulling a parallelism in his own experience with Yassia. He didn't know who Yassia really was when they first met, and yet he felt like he had already known her forever. While there was a veil that shrouded his perception Yassia upon knowing that she was a princess, it was so thin for him to know that the Yassia he knew now was still every bit the Yassia he had met then. There was no question of that. "When you love someone, you really do love someone, right?" he remarked feeling truly proud and happy of what his friend had found in Griff. "But I bet it was your stubbornness that drew him in? It seems Griff is the type who is easily challenged by a challenge. Is he?" He could only imagine what their first meeting must have been like knowing Caitrin and from what little he had learned about Griff since he met him in Camelot.

“But we all come back in the end.”

Oliver gave Caitrin a grateful little smile. He reached a hand out and gave her chin a quick little pinch. "You do. But I know you will leave again," he teased. There was one woman he hoped wouldn't leave though. Yassia. How he wanted her to stay, whether as Edmund's wife or something else, was another question. "But I will take comfort in the knowledge that I know where to find you should I do come looking." Yes, Caitrin may be leaving Mercia again soon, but it wasn't like before. This time, it was for more happier reasons--to get married to the man she loves.

He noticed the shadow that briefly fell over Caitrin's face at his allusion to offsprings, and he hoped he hadn't said something that might have offended her. When she spoke about leaving the fruitfulness until after they are wed, Oliver surmised something must have happened to make her be cautious like that. "Is everything okay, Cait? I don't mean to offend or bring up sad or bad thoughts or memories. I'm sorry," Oliver apologized as he sat back down beside his friend. That was the downside to all this. Oliver and Caitrin badly need to catch up. Oliver was completely clueless as to what had happened to Caitrin all this time.

Trust Caitrin to pick up on the union part. Perhaps, a soon-to-be-wed woman like her would be so keen on catching stuff related to weddings and marriages. "Too soon for you maybe, but to Edmund, it isn't. Actually, his time is running out. The moment he met Yassia in Camelot, he practically staked his claim on her...with father as witness even," Oliver said, an angry edge to his voice which he didn't notice at all. No, he was not angry at Edmund. He was angry at himself for missing out on the opportunity and for eventually turning Yassia away. Then he turned to Caitrin, seriousness written all over his face. He took one long swig from his goblet, feeling the wine burn down his throat in a good way. "Yassia told me you two are good friends, that you helped her settle into Camelot. What exactly do you know about us, Cait?" He may have assumed too much, assumed that Yassia spoke about him to Caitrin. But he won't lose anything by asking that question now anyway. If Caitrin says she knows knowing, Oliver will leave it at that.

[Caitrin de Archer]

No one had ever really addressed her as Caitrin Aubert before, mainly as she wasn't yet married. In her head, Caitrin had often mulled over the new name that she would be taking on, but she hadn't expected anyone else to even consider it. She grinned at Oliver and took a sip of her wine. She did like the sound of the name, but she liked even more what it represented. It showed that she and Griff would be living out their days together, and that they had committed themselves to one another and no one else. It didn't matter what anyone else thought of the union, as long as they were both happy that was all that mattered to Caitrin, and she was sure Griff felt the same. "Caitrin Aubert." She repeated, mulling over the words, "It has a nice ring to it don't you think?" She asked Oliver with a wink. She had always supposed that leaving her family name would be quite a hard thing to do, however she could feel nothing but excitement when she thought about becoming Griff's wife.

In all honesty, Caitrin wasn't even sure if Griff had heard much about the Mercians prior to coming to Camelot. Perhaps his reaction to her would have been different if he had prior knowledge of the Kingdom and its sentimentalities to the other Kingdom's of Albion. However, as Griff had began to learn about Camelot, she supposed that her behaviour seemed less unusual once he gained the popular opinion about Mercia. "I think I am glad that he got to know me for being me, before the Mercian aspect was added in." Caitrin said softly, "There were those at court in Camelot when I was first there who were quite weary of me." Caitrin laughed at the memory. It had been so silly, a bunch of nobles scared of what a fifteen year old girl was capable of. She did however smile at Oliver's later words and ran a hand though her hair, "If he did not like the challenge then I would not be marrying him." That much was true. If Griff had given up the chase then there was no way that Caitrin would have fallen for him. The fact that he was so persistent and charming had eventually drawn her in.

Caitrin giggled playfully as Oliver pinched her chin and cast him a knowing look. Now that she had rekindled her friendship with him it would make leaving Mercia a lot harder than it had been the first time. This time she was going back to Camelot because she wanted to, and not because she was being forced. "I will come and visit you more often; I promise." Caitrin meant it, she was not going to let her friendship with Oliver wane in the slightest because of the distance anymore. She was more determined this time to come back more often, even if Griff was going to complain about it. "And you will of course always be welcomed to visit." Her Uncle would never say no to the Prince of Mercia, even if he wasn't the first to inherit. Caitrin hoped that Oliver would one day take the offer up, then she could show him Camelot as she experienced it.

Although Caitrin had donned her best smile to put on an illusion that everything was fine, she knew that Oliver could see past that. It had only been a matter of weeks since she had lost the child, so the topic was one which was raw in her mind, the hurt was still there and Caitrin doubted that it would ever leave her. "I'm fine, why wouldn't I be?" She asked, and took another swig of her wine. She doubted that would be enough for Oliver, but she could at least try that approach. He was being defensive, so why couldn't she be on this one matter, "You didn't offend me in the slightest, so do not worry." She didn't want Oliver to think that the shift in the mood was his fault no, he had just been being friendly and optimistic about her future, and right now she needed that.

Caitrin was still shocked that Edmund had a claim on Yassia so early in their relationship. Perhaps things worked differently in the Royal courts, but it had been quite a long time before Griff had even thought gain permission from Caitrin's Uncle to marry her. The wedding would of course have to be planned when they got back to Camelot; that was just one more thing to do. "Does your father support the match?" Caitrin asked, biting her lip softly. She knew if the King wanted Edmund to marry Yassia then Oliver would find it harder to express his own feelings for her.

Her head raised sharply as Oliver asked her exactly what she knew about himself and Yassia. In truth, Caitrin probably knew too much, even as a close friend to both she felt like she knew too much. She knew most things about the in's and out's of the relationship apart from the fine details. "Yassia told me what happened a year ago." She said rather slowly, "But she didn't know that you were a Prince, and I therefore had no idea who she was talking about until recently." She shrugged softly, "Then she told me what happened at the feast, but that is all I know." She held her hands up, although she felt like she was slightly going behind Yassia's back with telling Oliver all of this, and knew that she had to gain Oliver's confidence in the matter, "Swear to me that you will not tell her that I have told you these things."

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

Oliver smiled with sheer amusement and happiness as he watched and listened to Caitrin try out her soon-to-be new name. It was clear on the look on her face how much she loved it, and by extension, the man who was going to give it to her. Oliver had feared that Caitrin would also succumb to the same fate as her other sisters, and marry for family and not for love. He couldn't be any happier that she was following the call of her heart, not of her father. "It does," Oliver replied with a chuckle. "It fits you to a tee, like you were born to carry it."

His own laugh mixed with Caitrin's at the thought of Camelotians fearing a little girl. He couldn't blame them really. She came from a kingdom that had been at war with Camelot for decades. The peace may have been signed and sealed by both kingdoms, but the feelings of contempt among its people would take long to heal and erase. Oliver was just glad that Caitrin eventually acclimated herself to life in Camelot, and that the people there were not giving her a hard time. In fact, Camelot had been nice enough to give her a husband instead. "What a great loss it would have been for Griff had he not been persistent in wooing you," he said with a smile.

"Of course, I will visit. And maybe by the next time we see each other, I'd be happily married as well...or at least about to get myself a wife." Oliver was still getting used to the idea that Caitrin was marrying ahead of him. She was years younger, and yet she had been blessed to have found love so true and strong enough to bind herself to it forever. Oliver could only wish he would find such everlasting love. Well, he thought he already did with Yassia, but of course, it seems fate had other plans for them.

"I'm fine, why wouldn't I be?"

"I really hope you are, Cait. If it's all in the past and it's behind you now, no need to bring it back up," Oliver replied with a warm smile. With a bright and happy future ahead of Caitrin, Oliver indeed had no wish to bring up whatever sad or bad memories there was to set her back. He just hoped there was some way he could help his friend and comfort her should there be a need. "If you need to talk or just vent out, you know I'm just here, all right?"

Caitrin can certainly be forgiven for not believing how Edmund could claim Yassia like that. "Does my father support the match?" Oliver repeated her question. "He practically endorses it! My father very much likes Yassia. Question is would Yassia like it, too. But I doubt she will not. Edmund is a great guy, and she'd be Queen here." Lord Bayard was as invested as Edmund was in the union, maybe even more. His brother have had quite a number of dalliances with women both in the courts and outside it, but none had taken his fancy that much as to make him settle down. Now that Edmund was smitten with Yassia, Lord Bayard wasn't going to let him off the hook anymore.

It didn't surprise Oliver to know that Caitrin knew about him and Yassia, she actually knew too much. He just didn't know whether he would be happy about it or not. "Don't worry, I will not tell her," Oliver said rather softly. He leaned back against the couch and stared long and hard into the fire, not really sure how to proceed now. "No one else can know, Cait. It would not do anybody any good. Yassia and I...it's all in the past now." Yes, it was. Even if Yassia had given him another chance to redeem himself from what he had done to her in Camelot, there was no way they could bring their relationship back to what it had been in the Forest of Balor. He can't. He must not. The union's going to be for the good of Mercia, and as a dutiful prince, Oliver can never stand in the way no matter how much he wanted to.

[Caitrin de Archer]

The day that Caitrin could finally call herself Caitrin Aubert really couldn’t come quick enough. She was glad of course that she was being given the liberty by her Uncle to choose her own husband. Of course he had tried to get her to marry a man of his choice once, but that had turned out to be an isolated incident, and though Caitrin knew that Rouland would never admit it, he was fond of Griff, even if he did spend most of his time trying to wind her future husband up. Caitrin knew they were a rather odd family at best, but she loved them both. “I’m glad you think so.” She replied with a wide grin. Oliver’s opinion was of course very important to her, as he was such an old friend.

She was glad that Oliver joined in her laughter, as the situation had been completely ridiculous. She had been a mere girl of fifteen, and yet still nobles of twice her age and stature looked upon her with weariness. Of course not all had done that, Arthur had welcomed her with open arms, he had even taken her out for a horse ride following her arrival in Camelot. Arthur was such a dear friend to her now that she could not imagine having it any other way. Oliver’s next words just caused her to grin and Caitrin nodded softly. At the time Caitrin had just wanted Griff to leave her alone, she had just wanted to be on her own, but he hadn’t given up, and he’d just followed her. She was glad now that he had made the effort, more glad than she supposed she would ever be. “A great shame for both of us I am sure.” Caitrin agreed with a smile, “I can’t imagine what my life would be like if he hadn’t made the effort.”

Caitrin just looked on at Oliver as he casually dropped in that he might be married by the next time they met. Caitrin just bit her lip, unsure of what to say. She probably wouldn’t be able to comment on this topic in a completely unbiased manner as she already knew about him and Yassia. She was quite surprised he had brought it into the conversation so casually but she managed a small grin at him, “I can’t imagine you settled down Oliver, but then again, could you ever have imagined me being quite so enthusiastic about marriage?” She winked at him, even in her early teenage years she had been a little free with her attitude to men and relationships.

It was safe to say that Caitrin didn’t think for one second that Oliver believed that she was fine. The miscarriage still upset her, because the raw emotion was still there which bit at her, and reminded her every day that it could have been her and Griff’s first child. They could be on the way to becoming parents now, they could be looking forwards to their little family together. It was harder still because she didn’t like to bring it up in front of him, because she knew it hurt him as well. “It’s just hard to talk about.” She finally said in a small, quiet sort of voice. She wasn’t going to let herself get upset, but it was too soon for her to be able to look beyond it.

Caitrin was surprised that Bayard accepted the match with such ease. But there was something that stuck Caitrin, how could Yassia be the Queen of Mercia when she was supposed to be the Queen of Ailanthia? Or maybe Caitrin was missing something. Pressing her lips together she looked at Oliver with an air of confusion, “Can she be the Queen of Mercia and Ailanthia?” Caitrin still wasn’t convinced that Oliver was alright with handing Yassia over to his brother with such ease. Even his words didn’t really convince her. How could it all be in the past? She didn’t believe either of them felt that way, but she couldn’t really dispute Oliver’s words without good cause. “So long as you are sure.” She said in a completely unconvinced voice, as she believed that this wouldn’t be the end of this matter at all.

Looking across at Oliver, Caitrin smiled softly at him. She just wanted him to be honest with her about his feelings towards Yassia. Perhaps he was being honest and Caitrin just wanted to see more into this situation than there actually was. That of course was possible, but she was sure that there was more to this than anyone was letting on. “Will Yassia be joining in the upcoming celebrations?” She asked curiously with a smile. By celebrations she was referring to the feast Oliver had promised to lay on in honour of hers and Griff’s engagement. Of course she wanted Yassia to be there, but she wanted to know whether Oliver wanted her to be there as well.

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

“I can’t imagine what my life would be like if he hadn’t made the effort.”

An amused chuckle escaped Oliver as he tried to imagine what Caitrin would have been like had she not met Griff, had Griff not made the effort. "An old maid, more like," he teased with a wide cheeky grin, raising his hands up between him and Caitrin, just in case she gets the urge to claw his eyes out at his jibe. Truth be told though, it seems Caitrin was made to be with Griff, and Griff with Caitrin. He didn't know Griff that well, but from what little he knew about the man, he seemed to be exactly the type who can put up well with Caitrin, who can be her match. And she his, as well. "I'm just kidding, but I can't imagine you with anybody else," he said with a warm smile.

She was right about Oliver not being the marrying type. Caitrin knew all too well about his ways with women to know that he flit and flew through them like a bird in the forest. Of course, that was until Oliver met Yassia. In a year's time, a lot had changed in him that even Oliver couldn't believe it himself. He only gave her a small smile. Yes, he was never really the marrying type, but he knew he wasn't getting any younger. Sooner or later, he would have to find that one person who he would spend the rest of his life with, grow old with. He thought he already found her, until he let her slip through his fingers in Camelot.

“It’s just hard to talk about.” It must have been difficult whatever it was that Caitrin had gone through to not even want to speak about it. Oliver had not wished to bring up the pains of the past, so he just gave Caitrin's hand a gentle and reassuring squeeze. "Then let's not talk about it. Let's bury it in the past, and look at the bright future ahead of you." Whatever it was that Caitrin had been through, Oliver hoped that it wouldn't stop her from being happy with her future with Griff.

“Can she be the Queen of Mercia and Ailanthia?”

Oliver looked at Caitrin with a bemused expression on his face. "She can be Queen of Mercia. I don't know about Ailantha though," he replied casually, not even thinking twice about what Caitrin said. Women don't rule over kingdoms, that much Oliver knew from Mercian rules of succession. Yassia was only going to take Ailantha back from her greedy uncle. She owes it to her deceased family, and then she would find a less scrupulous relative to rule over it. He grabbed a handful of grapes from the fruit bowl and chugged one down his mouth not really knowing what he was talking about.

When Caitrin asked if Yassia would be joining the upcoming celebrations, Oliver gave her a nod. "I don't think she would miss it for the world," he replied. Realizing now the depth of Caitrin and Yassia's friendship, Oliver knew that Yassia would want to be there for her friend as much as Caitrin would want Yassia to be there. Then a sudden knock came at the door, and Oliver looked at Caitrin wondering who it might be. He couldn't remember expecting anyone else tonight so he just shrugged at her and stood up from the couch to make his way towards the door. "It's going to be a grand pre-wedding celebration. I would love for everyone to be there," he enthused just as he turned the knob on the door. When he saw who was standing outside, he stopped short, speechless. Perhaps it was because of all the stress and excitement of the day that he had completely forgotten about this particular meeting.

[Caitrin de Archer]

As Oliver mentioned her becoming an old maid, she hit his arm with the back of her palm, not hard enough to hurt, but hard enough to make the point. She raised her eye brows at him, to show just how unimpressed at that comment she truly was. He did quickly excuse himself, and Caitrin gave a short smile, “No, I suppose we are stuck with each other now.” She teased softly, of course it was no torment that she and Griff were to be married, after all, they were in love and the bond of marriage would publically show their love to the world.

Although the pain of her miscarriage still hurt whenever her thoughts rested on the topic, as Oliver squeezed her hand she almost began to lighten up, and granted him a small smile of gratitude. She knew it would be people like him, and Griff, that would help her over this period in her life. She did still want children, just not yet. She didn’t feel quite ready to bear them again, but that didn’t mean that one day she didn’t want to have a large family, no, that dream was still firmly in her mind. “You’re right.” She said softly, “After all, there is so much to look forwards to; this pre-wedding feast for one.” Caitrin knew she just needed to distract herself and see past all of this, and she squeezed Oliver’s hand back to show him that she was ok.

As Oliver dismissed her worries about Yassia being Queen of two countries, and the logistics of that, she fell silent. Had she missed something? She had thought it had been Yassia’s intention all along to rule Ailantha in her own name. She furrowed her brows, feeling slightly stupid, perhaps she had just got the wrong end of the stick. After all, if it was something to be worried about then surely Oliver would be more concerned as well? After all, you couldn’t really rule two countries that were so far apart could you? Caitrin figured that she was just probably missing something, Oliver was better versed in foreign policy and politics than she ever would be. She did however make a note to enquire to Yassia about this particular issue though at a later date; perhaps she could clear it up for her. “Oh, well at least she is destined to be Queen of somewhere.” Caitrin observed fondly. Yassia did have all the qualities of someone who would make a fantastic royal. Caitrin had never really coveted that kind of lifestyle, but it suited Yassia, and she would be happy to one day see her friend on the throne of wherever, because she believed that it was where she belonged.

Caitrin’s features lit up as Oliver pointed out he didn’t believe that Yassia would miss the feast for the world. She was glad to hear it, although she had been expecting that as well. Caitrin knew that Yassia would be leaving for her home as soon as she could, and as such, it meant that she would probably miss her actual wedding. Therefore the pre-wedding feast would serve a true purpose, as it would allow them all to celebrate in good company that might be missed at the time of their actual wedding. Caitrin felt incredibly spoilt to have such friends who wanted to lay on such an event for her. She jumped as there was a knock on the door and looked across to Oliver in confusion. Her first thought was that it would be Yassia at the door, or perhaps it would be Griff trying to find out where his fiancée had disappeared to. She lay back, and watched Oliver lazily as he went to answer the door.

Jeffrey de Archer was late, but what was new? He had finally got around to knocking on his friends door though which was a start. He had been so bored really with Oliver leaving him to go to some coronation in Camelot. He had been spending a lot more time around the house, and it was safe to say that his father was driving him insane. Of course he had sent word to Oliver yesterday that he would be visiting, he never liked to just barge in. After all, Oliver could be entertaining the latest woman he had on his arm, and Jeffrey didn’t want to interrupt that did he?

It was clear that there was someone else in the room with Oliver, as he was shouting something about a marriage feast. Jeffrey chocked a little bit; marriage feast? Oliver had only been gone a week or so, and Bayard already had him ready to throw down the aisle? Well not on Jeffrey’s watch. As Oliver opened the door, Jeffrey grinned at his friend and clapped him on the shoulder fondly, “A pre-wedding celebration? You leave me for a matter of weeks this happens?” He blurted out quickly, not really giving his friend time to speak, or answer, “When do I get to meet the lucky woman, or is she here right now?” He asked, nodding towards the interior of the room. He couldn’t see past his friend, as Oliver was still blocking the doorway.

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

When Caitrin expressed her enthusiasm about the upcoming pre-wedding feast, Oliver couldn't help feeling the excitement himself. It had been a long time since the halls of Mercia played host to a grand party. Even the Lady Adelaide was ecstatic when Oliver told him about the party. Of course, Bayard himself was not opposed to the plan, Caitrin's father being a good friend of his. "I want it to be grand. I want to announce to the entire kingdom that Lady Caitrin de Archer is now off the marriage market," Oliver remarked with a laugh. "I, for one, know that there was a certain knight who was deeply heartbroken when you left. I don't think he has moved on just yet." Oliver couldn't help teasing Caitrin. Back when Caitrin was still in Mercia, she was quite the heartbreaker with her breathtaking good looks and amazingly gorgeous fiery red hair. If she weren't his bestfriend's little sister, Oliver knew he would have hit on her. Well, for a brief time, he did get into a little flirtation with her. Actually, they both hit on each other, but it really was all for fun. And Oliver was just glad to be a very good friend of hers now.

“Oh, well at least she is destined to be Queen of somewhere.”

Oliver chanced a glance at Caitrin, and tried to ignore the nagging sensation at the back of his head. Does Caitrin knew something he doesn't? Did Yassia tell her something with regards to this matter? He couldn't help but agree that Yassia was indeed destined to be Queen someday. She just has that quality about her that exudes confidence and wisdom even at her young age. Well, she's not really getting any younger. As a princess, Yassia would never settle for anything less. This much Oliver knew. And she really has no reason to anymore now that his brother Edmund was going to make her rule Mercia beside him when his time comes. What more could she ask for? Again, there was that confused look that flitted across her face that Oliver would have missed had he blinked, and it somehow disturbed him. He should ask Caitrin, but then the unexpected knock on the door had distracted him.

“A pre-wedding celebration? You leave me for a matter of weeks this happens?”

For a moment there, Oliver tried to find his bearings. What was his best friend talking about? Does he not know that his sister was getting married?

“When do I get to meet the lucky woman, or is she here right now?”

Oliver couldn't help but let out a laugh. Heavens! Jeffrey de Archer was totally clueless. And it seems Caitrin has been quite tight-lipped about it as well. Jeffrey is in for the surprise of his life when he finds out that his little sister is getting hitched.

"Of course, she's here." Oliver opened the door wide for his friend, not really realizing what he just did. Apparently, Oliver had been too caught up on his conversation with Caitrin about Yassia that he didn't realize that Jeffrey thought it was he, Oliver, who was getting married. Since Oliver wasn't entertaining such thoughts at the moment, he just took Jeffrey's words to mean that he just wanted to see who it was who was the lucky woman who getting married. And so the totally clueless prince showed his best friend in, and practically showed him to his little sister Caitrin. Oliver didn't realize yet what a mess he had just created among them.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin was still quite honoured that there was a feast to be held in honour of hers and Griff’s wedding. Only she was Mercian, but she supposed that having friends in the nobility in Mercia did have its advantages. She wondered if those in the Mercian courts would still remember her, after all, it had been six years since she had left Mercia to journey to live in Camelot. Those young girls she often saw around court were probably already married, with children running around their feet. Caitrin had been slow in coming round to that way of thinking, but now she had she was gladly settled in her new way of life. She wouldn’t be becoming a dutiful housewife, that was something Griff already knew. However, she quite enjoyed the thought of having a man to warm her bed. Caitrin giggled at Olivers words, Jesu she almost felt drunk with laughter. “Just how many in the kingdom are you expecting to be there?” She asked, her lips still alive with her laughter. She wasn’t quite sure how many Oliver intended to be at this gathering, but she was quite interested to see how many he wanted to be there. This was almost a foreign kingdom to Caitrin now, but she would still appreciate anybody that Oliver thought to invite. Caitrin pressed her lips together at Oliver’s tease, and slapped his arm with the back of her hand playfully, “And who exactly would this knight be?” She asked him confidently, wondering if he was in fact referring to himself. Now that had been a long time ago for Caitrin, well for Oliver as well. She had been on the brink of womanhood, and Oliver had just proven a quick fix for her flirtatious advances. He had been more than willing of course, but since then her advances with men had almost been like a drug. One which she had constantly fed during her time in Camelot.

The silence which followed her words about Yassia being Queen of somewhere surprised Caitrin somewhat. She just expected Oliver to agree with her, as Caitrin was now completely confused about the way of the dynastic succession. She just assumed that Yassia would be able to rule Ailantha in her own name, seeing as she was the one who would be winning it back. But perhaps it wasn’t that easy? Caitrin was not versed in politics, or dynastic succession. Her knowledge on the subject was merely what she had experienced, but Morgana had tried to rule in her own name, had she not? She would have voiced this to Oliver, but she didn’t want to feel any sillier than she already did. Oliver probably knew best in these matters anyway.

Jeffrey de Archer was glad his friend didn’t keep him waiting, although his worry that he had been late had now been replaced with the shock that his friend was going to tie the knot. After all, it was a bit more than a shock. He and Oliver had always been self proclaimed bachelors, and Jeffrey himself had been steadily working his way around the court, even in Oliver’s absence. He knew how to charm and toy with women, and how to get them to play into his hands. He knew Oliver preferred a free spirit, but Jeffrey always went for the more conventional noblewoman, so he had always supposed he would marry first, especially with his father breathing down his neck.

He was quite shocked that Oliver’s new bride was so casually in his room. As unconventional as it was, Jeffrey wasn’t that surprised. Perhaps Oliver was just trying out his new bride before he got her up the aisle. It wasn’t really for Jeffrey to judge, but now he could at least observe whether his friend was at least marrying a girl with a pretty face. As Oliver opened the door, he stepped through the door, and his eyes set on a young red haired woman, who wasn’t looking at them, instead she was looking away, almost in a day dream. Jeffrey gave a short bow, but kept his head up so he could look at the young woman as she turned around,

“My Lady, what a pleasure it is-“ At that moment, Jeffrey found himself unable to continue, as the woman had turned round and he just felt himself freeze. The woman, for her part, jumped out of her seat in shock and looked at him wide eyed,

“Jeffrey?” Jeffrey realised that he was still bowing, so he quickly, and slightly awkwardly, stiffened up, but he found himself just staring at the woman in front of him,

“Cait?” He hadn’t seen his sister in over six years, since she had gone to live with their Uncle Rouland in Camelot. She was much changed since then, when she had left she had been nothing more than a girl, but now she was a woman in every sense. Now he was incredibly confused, what on earth was Oliver playing at? Proposing to his sister! Was that why Caitrin was suddenly back in Mercia? Their father had mentioned nothing of her coming back, which made him even more confused, if Payton de Archer had managed to engage one of his children to Royalty then all of Mercia would hear about it. He turned back to Oliver, “Please tell me you aren’t marrying my sister.”

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

“Just how many in the kingdom are you expecting to be there?”

"Well, all of Mercia's nobility for one, and then some of our old friends. Is there a particular person you want or don't want to be there?" For his part, Oliver wanted all the nobility in Mercia to be there to see the Lady Caitrin for themselves. Quite a news it had been within the noble circles when young Cait was carted off to Camelot six years ago. Since not much stories of her had come to Mercia since then, all kinds of tales have swirled around the courts as to what had happened to her or how she had turned out. And like most tales that revolve around the courts, some of those about Caitrin were not exactly pleasing to the ear. As her friend, Oliver was hoping to silence all those wagging tongues with this pre-wedding feast. If any, they would all leave the castle bearing news of the Lady Caitrin all happy and ready to tie the knot with the young and handsome Griff Aubert from Glouchedon, a son of the Duke, in fact. Oliver just couldn't help feeling like a very proud father showing his daughter off to society for the first time.

And then of course, there is the crazy matter of Caitrin's former suitors or dalliances, so to speak. He knew for certain she had left quite a trail of broken hearts in her wake when she moved to Camelot. Oliver would love to see the look on those men's faces when they see little Cait all grown up into a fine and beautiful lady. He knew their reaction wouldn't be any different from his own when he had first chanced upon her in Camelot. "I prefer to keep his identify a secret until the party. I am pretty sure he would reveal himself then," Oliver teased with a wink. There was really no one person in mind. Not one, but maybe a dozen, he thought with amusement.

Oliver was mighty glad to see his good friend Jeffrey. While he had completely forgotten about their meeting tonight, perhaps it was more than happenstance that Caitrin was here as well. Remembering what Caitrin had said to him back in Camelot, the siblings hadn't really been in constant contact since she left. He hoped that no ill feelings had come between the two.

“Please tell me you aren’t marrying my sister.”

Oliver had been keen on watching the reaction on Jeffrey and Caitrin's faces at this unexpected reunion. Both of them are such dear friends of his, and he sincerely hoped that this would turn out good. He was actually expecting them to run into each other's arms or something. But when Jeffrey turned to him instead with a look of disbelief on his face, Oliver was caught offguard as well. "What?" he expressed, meeting Jeffrey's look with confusion. Did Jeffrey just-- It took a few seconds before Oliver realized what just happened, and he let out a laugh before throwing an arm over his friend's shoulder and leading him towards where Caitrin was standing just as surprised as his brother was.

"I wish!" Oliver expressed with a huge grin on his face. "But no, I'm not marrying anybody just yet. Caitrin, however, is engaged to a much better man." When Oliver spoke, he stepped back from Jeffrey and somehow positioned himself between the two siblings, ready to spring into action depending on how the two react to the news or to seeing each other. He hoped Caitrin didn't mind him telling Jeffrey her news. "I completely forgot Jeffrey was coming over tonight, Cait. I'm so sorry. This is a good thing right? Family meeting family after a long time?" he said carefully, a smile still on his face as he hoped to lighten the moment up.



[ooc: kill me now for taking forever to get here. so sorry. ]

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin could have pointed out there were various members of her family that she didn’t want at the celebration, but she didn’t and just smiled sweetly at Oliver. She didn’t want to bring the occasion down with her family problems. “I’m sure most of my family will want to attend.” Perhaps to just see who she had finally got to agree to marry her. She knew her father would come to see her before her visit was over, and it would probably be to threaten to cut her off, and to disapprove of Griff. Griff wasn’t his choice, therefore in Payton’s eyes, he shouldn’t be her choice either. She loved Griff, and she was going to marry him no matter what her father, or the rest of her family, thought. She doubted that she would get on with Griff’s family either, hmm, well as long as Rouland put up with them then everything was fine.

Caitrin pouted, wondering if Oliver was teasing her or whether there was an old suitor who was going to rear his head. There were never many men who seemed seriously interested in her when she had been a young girl in Mercia. The Camelotian noblemen were a lot more obliging. That was of little consequence though, as she was now engaged to Griff. It would be nice to think that she had once had suitors though, who would rather not see her married. It was quite a fun thought, and a self indulged one at that. “Well, you shall have to point him out on the night. I insist.” She said playfully with a warm smile on her face.

Jeffrey’s features lightened from shock somewhat at Oliver’s reaction. His first thoughts had been anger, mainly as he couldn’t bear to think of Oliver taking advantage of his little sister in such a way. However, when Oliver said he wasn’t marrying Caitrin, he just felt confused. Right, so who was Caitrin marrying? His first thoughts jumped to their father, and looking at his sister, she seemed to be thinking the same thing. He didn’t blame her keeping such news a secret, after all, it was well known how strict their father was, but he couldn’t help thinking that this wasn’t going to go well. He just stared at his sister, who was uncharacteristically quiet. Maybe some time with their Uncle had done her some good after all.

Eventually Caitrin remembered her manners, and she dipped into a curtsey, “Brother.” She said very quickly and raised herself up to his gaze. Jeffrey was quite taken aback straight away, what on earth had Camelot done to his little sister? Inclining his head towards Caitrin he finally managed a smile,

“Sister.” Jeffrey was still in shock, what on earth was Caitrin doing here in the first place? He wasn’t quite sure what to do or say, but then Oliver broke the silence, trying to lighten the mood. Both siblings managed a small sort of smile, “Indeed, I have not seen my sister for so long after all.” It wasn’t said as a criticism, but more of fondness, though he hadn’t visited Caitrin in Camelot either so it was fair enough.

Jeffrey looked back to Caitrin with a warm smile, now he’d actually got over the shock of her being here, one other thing was yet to be answered. “Who are you marrying?” Caitrin shifted slightly and bit her lip,

“Griff Aubert.” The fact the name didn’t ring a bell with Jeffrey slightly worried him,

“Does father know?” Caitrin gave him a look as if to say ‘what do you think’ and Jeffrey just nodded and he looked back to his friend, “Have you met him yet? Griff, not our father.”