Match Made In Hell

[Vortigern]

-------Deaf. Rude. These insults were getting tiresome! How could someone be so stupid as to insult him! Ridiculous woman that she was, and he wished for nothing more than to get rid of her. Even having told her to stop talking didn't seem to be working very well. She just kept going and going. Was there no end?! Oh of course not; she was cursed. Horribly unlucky. "There are plenty of other rooms. Ones that you will have to compromise to get into." Not his! NOT his! Great. Back to her flirtation and quite frankly, he was not in the mood. "Spare me," he snapped. Doubting that she would be anything that he would find interesting, even in that department. Though if it made her stop talking... no! He would never degrade himself to that level of being, intimate with just a noblewoman. The thought alone made him cringe.

-------As Vortigern made his way up the stairs, towards their room, he did not have to look behind him to realize that the man was blocking her passage. Did he care? No. He would throw coin at the man for just getting her off his hands. What he did hear, was her refer to him as her fiancee. Still walking forward, not even turning behind him, he responded to her statement. "She is not my fiancee," he called down to them, rather casually. "Do with her what you will." And with those words of finality, turned down the small narrow hallway to find which room was his. He did not know how she would resolve that, and hoped the man was of some use to him. What he did know, and all he cared about, was that she was out of his sight. She was gone!

-------Vortigern looked at each closed door, trying to find the number that would match the one on the key. It seemed to be the one furthest down the hallway. He was about to go when he suddenly heard a voice. That oh so familiar voice. He froze, and raised his head, looking directly above him in pure frustration. Why was it that the more he tried to get away from her, the closer she came to him?! If he flicked her, would she just go away? Vortigern lightly pushed her to the side. Lightly, because she was already frail that he did not need to shove her too hard. "Get away from me," he harshly spoke, not in a raised voice though. It was low as he did not want to attract the attention of those downstairs.

-------After having pushed her, he proceeded to the room, putting the key in and pausing before turning it in the lock. He looked at her, well aware that it was not going to be that easy to get rid of her. "Since you seem to be as attached to me as a leech would be, let us get a few things clear. You are not sleeping on the bed. You will sleep on the ground, or in another room. I do not care. And you will hold your tongue for I require rest. Not your irritating jabber that has not ceased since the moment I made your acquaintance." Yes. He was going to get this all straightened out indeed.

[Caitrin de Archer]

He threw away her flirtations, but that didn’t really put her off one bit. It had been an attempt to lighten the mood which clearly hadn’t worked. She could always try again later when the man’s mood was in a better place. Caitrin ran a hand through her wet hair again which was now starting to slightly dry at the ends. She hoped she would be able to get this dress dry here, but with her sharing a room with Vortigern, which she would be doing, how was she supposed to get it dry at all? If she had a room by herself it wouldn’t have mattered, but there was no way she was revealing any part of herself to this man.

The man who had been leering at her seemed slightly confused as Vortigern told them all that she was not her fiancé. Great, now more of the men in the room were looking at her. Her dagger was still poking at the man in front of her and he looked up at where Vortigern had just disappeared with a confused look on his face, “Arranged marriage.” She replied hotly and the man just raised his eye brows and nodded as she tore past him to find Vortigern upstairs.

Caitrin didn’t go anywhere when he told her to leave him alone, she didn’t even move for a few moments and she folded her arms to show her obvious defiance towards him. She shook her head, but he had already pushed past her; where was he going now. Caitrin then realised by a happy mistake, that she was standing right outside the door of their room.

“I’m not attached to you; you just happen to have the key to my room.” She bluntly pointed out, gesturing to the key in the door. Yes, it was her room as well and no matter how hard he wanted to shove her into someone elses room she was certain she would be sleeping here tonight. She had already paid for half the room, and she was going to get full use of it. She pulled a face at him as he told her that she would be sleeping on the floor or in someone else’s bed, “Perhaps I can persuade you otherwise,” She suggested softly, winking at him again, but in a more serious matter she was not sleeping on the floor; she had not paid half the room fee to sleep on the floor. She pressed her hand to her head slightly dramatically and looked over at him, “Speak for yourself, your constant arguing has given me even more of a headache than the sword which knocked me out.” She wasn’t sure how much of that was true but he had given her a headache, he had only stopped arguing back once they had got into a tavern, and it had been quite a long walk.

She too needed rest, she had been up since quite early as she had wanted to make the most of the day. Well, she could hardly call the day uneventful now could she? All in all she had been active for most of the day without rest, and after her disorientation it was really starting to take its toll. She followed Vortigern into the room and found a chair to sit down on, she didn’t want to go to the bed straight away because she didn’t want to have that argument right now. She would be sleeping comfortably tonight, she was sure of that. The room wasn’t that small, it was a decent size for the two of them with a double bed in the centre of the side wall; lovely. “Well isn’t this cosy.” She put in, raising her eyes to him quickly. She only then realised how hungry she was and pressed a hand to her stomach, wondering if they did food in this place.

[Vortigern]

-------The key to who's room? Her room? Is that what she said? No no no. It was his room and she would do well to remember that. "It is not your room," he corrected bluntly. But he knew that this argument was futile. They would never reach a mutual understanding about any aspect of their lives. They had argued about everything, from respect, to her virtue, to his intelligence... everything. And now the room was just another point of debate to add on to the tremendously long list. How was he going to last an entire night with her? Would they actually get sleep? Or would they spend the entire night simply arguing with each other? The thought alone made Vortigern want to groan, though he managed to suppress this sign of annoyance and dread. "You can not persuade me of anything, so do not bother even trying." Whether it be about the room, or any other little flirtatious remarks she was throwing his way, only to get him more furious. It was working.

-------She was not the only one with a horrible headache and all this bickering had only intensified it. "Well then it is unfortunate," he began to say in a calm voice. "That it was only the hilt of the sword that hit your head and not the damn blade!" His voice had clearly become less calm near the end of his sentence, for he was saying he wished the sword had just slit her skull open. With those words, he turned the key and entered the room. It was... disgustingly small. This was not even big enough for one person; how would they accommodate two people?! It was a horrid room. Even dingier than the downstairs. And he was expected to remain here for the night? He, crown prince of Sorelia, future king, ruthless general of the Sorelian army, was expected to sleep in this room? There was something so very wrong about this.

-------Never the less he entered, closing the door behind him, looking around with pure repulsion. He noticed her sit on the chair. Good! At least she did not leap for the bed. Vortigern made his way to the bed that basically took up majority of the room and sat at the edge of it. The bed... his bed. He took off his black vest and through it on the side table. The weight of the wet leather felt less burdening, for it had grown heavy from the rain. And now, it was just lying there, hopefully able to dry by morning. "This room is far from cozy," he argued, once again. "It is horrendously small." And... just ... unsuitable for him. He deserved far better than this; he was entitled to far better than this. Unable to stand it, he angrily rose to his feet, grabbed his vest, and stormed out. Throwing the door open, and then slamming it shut when he was outside. There was one thing and one thing only that would make this night remotely bearable: and that was alcohol... lots and lots of alcohol.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin pulled a face at him as he told her it was not her room. She was about to protest but stopped herself, it was clear he wasn’t going to give in verbally, but the fact she was let into the room physically showed that he had given in a tiny bit, and that was all she needed to gain access to the room really wasn’t it? She raised her eye brows as he told her she could convince him of nothing, and scoffed slightly, “I’m sure I can.” She said confidently and her lips curled into a smile, she knew how to get to men, that was one of the many graces she had been brought up with. “Had the sword cracked my head you would still be stumbling about lost in the forest!” She reminded him hotly and stormed past him into the room.

Of course he didn’t like the room, Caitrin wondered if that was because she had already expressed she found it cosy, or it was his snobbish behaviour revealing itself to her once more. She gave another small shudder but then took off the cloak she was wearing and threw it over the back of another chair. She wished that she had another dress to change into but no, she had to stay in this wet garment all night didn’t she? And he was angry again, for gods sake, did he do anything but complain? Caitrin pressed a hand to her forehead as he stormed out of the room to god knows where. She had half a mind not to follow him, after all she now had the room key, and that was what she had wanted all along wasn’t it? However, the rumbling in her stomach told her she was going to have to get something to eat or else she would faint. She rose and opened the door, taking the key from the lock and decided to try her luck at getting some food downstairs.

Once she was actually downstairs she spied Vortigern sitting alone at the table; the only empty table in the room. She groaned, what had she done that was so wrong that had led to her constant misfortune today? She inquired with the inn keepers wife about food, who said that she would bring Caitrin something in a moment, in the meantime Caitrin took a goblet of wine; maybe a state of tipsiness might even improve her mood. She sat down at Vortigern’s table, “Before you complain all the other table’s are full,” Caitrin didn’t care she was snapping first, and she took a swig of her wine, finally feeling slightly relaxed.

[Vortigern]

-------He had been too caught up in the process of storming out, to stop and reply to her remark. But that did not mean it didn't anger him further. It did. Everything about her did. He needed to get away from her, and damn her for taking over his room! With a furious stride he went down the stairs, having to tone down his display of rage when he noticed all eyes fall on him. Thank god there was an empty table. Relatively close to the fire place too. He put out his vest on the side of the table so that it would be able to dry by morning. Now what. He was not hungry. Caitrin had made him lost his appetite. But, he was going to need something to make this night remotely bearable. "Get me mead, or ale, or whatever it is you have in this place." In this dump of a place. Vortigern was used to having wine of the most expensive taste. Now, he would have to drink disgusting tasting, lower class beverages. "And lots of it!" He finished off.

-------He did not turn his head to see who was coming down the stairs. He knew. But not only had she come down here... she was now sitting at the table? Telling him that there were no others? He was convinced more than ever that she was simply bad luck. A woman cursed by some sort of magic. And whoever was in her presence, would also fall victim to this bad luck. He said nothing. He was just so irritated and angry, that he was beyond words. When his drink arrived, in a rather large mug, he waited for the bar maid to leave before looking at Caitrin. Or, glaring at Caitrin rather. "Then as soon as your food comes, take it upstairs and eat in the room," he said in a low, yet intensely infuriated and warning voice. He decided he was not going to sleep tonight. He'd rather stay up all night drinking, then share a room with her. After a few silent moments of just intense glaring, he picked up his drink and took a large swig of it. It was absolutely revolting! By far one of the most disgusting drinks he had ever had! His face displayed a portion of this disgust, for if he showed it all, he would have ended up spitting it right out. Never the less, once he heavily swallowed it, he looked down into the mug. And took another large sip.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin had to sit down next to Vortigern because it was the only seat; she was arms reach away but that was close enough for her; it always would be. She sipped her drink carefully, not looking at him for a few moments because he was irritating her that much. Would it honestly kill him to give a smile? He hadn’t changed from his scowl since she had encountered him in the road, though she supposed he had little to be happy about. Caitrin looked about the room, that guy was still there, and she noticed he was still watching her. She was slightly disgusted, how had a dagger in the gut not put him off?

She blinked back into reality as a large jug of ale was placed beside her in front of Vortigern. Caitrin had never had a thirst for ale, she preferred wine which was a trait she got from her Uncle. The wine was bitter but she hoped, that in the right quantity, it would lull her into some sort of sleep. Her eyes rose to the fire that Vortigern had sat himself by, even though he was in-between her and the warmth she could still feel it. Her hair was all but dry, but her dress was still drenched. She gave a short shiver, it was all very well for him, he could dry his leather vest, but she was only wearing her dress and undergarments, and she wasn’t removing them anytime soon, especially not if she was sharing a room with him. She would take the cold her actions would surely bring her, it would be less irritating. “I’ll eat my food wherever I want; it’s warmer down here anyway.” She muttered at him and rubbed her hands on the sleeve of her dress, trying to warm up the skin beneath. He was staring at her, well it was more like glaring and she decided to glare back, mainly to make the point that she was staying put. She wasn’t going to be sent to her room like some dutiful little woman. Had he not learnt that by now?

Caitrin watched as he gulped back the ale, musing that she might be spending the night in the bed after all if he drunk himself under the table. The bar maid was back and set some bread and cheese in front of Caitrin, her heart sunk a bit, she had been expecting warm food at least.

“Cook’s gone to bed.” Was all the inn keepers wife said to her before scurrying off again. Caitrin hadn’t paid that much for the food anyway, and she was really too hungry to care. She began to tuck into her food, half wolfing it down, and then washing it down with the wine. As a bar maid came past she requested another wine, it had hardly been a large goblet anyway, and the more she drank the nicer it was starting to taste, “Do you want any?” She asked Vortigern, knowing his answer already, but she was going to offer at least.

[Vortigern]

-------He was frustrated by her answer but why should he have expected any differently? It would have been too easy for her to comply, and then skip up to the room happily and merrily with a plate of food in her hands. "First you whined, complained, and sulked about wanting to say in room. Now, you are not even taking full advantage of it." His voice was low but they were not far enough from each other for her to not have heard it. Unfortunately. He just shook his head finding that no matter which topic filled their conversation, it would never be one of agreement. So with that certainty in mind, he took another large gulp of the beverage. Liquid tolerance. Yes. That was how he would be spending the night. If he was forced to be around this insane woman, then he needed something other than the virtue of patience, to avoid killing her. There were far too many witnesses here. He would have to pick a more secluded location, should he desire to do such a thing.

-------When the food arrived he looked at it. He was just as disgusted by the appearance of this so called 'bread and cheese', as he was with the taste of the beverage he was chugging down. Furthermore, she offered him some. Instead of taking this as a nice gesture, he was offended that she would even consider this food was suitable for a prince. "Are you mad?!" He questioned, appalled by the mere offer. "I would rather not have a flea infested, disgustingly dry, piece of, what they try to pass of as, bread and cheese." The disdain was clear in his voice. He did not care of anyone overheard him, even if he was not shouting it out to the world. "It looks revolting! As if putting it in ones mouth would be poisonous!" To avoid the very thought, he continued to drink his drink, finding the heavy dose of alcohol beginning to take effect. Only in the slightest way, for he leaned back in his seat a bit, still looking nauseated by the food in front of him. How could she eat that?! Even a noble would be accustomed to better food. But then again, she was not like most nobles. Which was what made her presence immensely undesirable.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin already knew that her actions were incredibly hypocritical because she had been moaning about sharing the room, and now she wasn’t even going up there. She didn’t care she was being hypocritical, she wasn’t down here because she particularly wanted his company, but the fire was here and it would keep her warm. After all, she had the key so it didn’t matter that they were both down here now anyway; she had the upper hand. “I’m cold and I’m still wet, so I’ll sit down here and take full advantage of the fire for as long as I could.” On cue she shivered, just for the effect. She rolled the sleeves of her dress back slightly to let some of the warmth onto the flesh on her arms and rubbed her arms, trying to generate some heat at least. “I have the key anyway.”

The bread was not so bad, but she made the decision to stay as far away from the cheese as she could. She raised her eye brows at the Prince’s reaction to her words; for god’s sake, she had only offered him a bit of her meal. “A simply no would have done.” She snapped back and took another bite of her bread, “More for me.” Was all she finished with, as if he could actually irritate her more than he was already doing.

Her next goblet of wine arrived and she took it gratefully and began to drink it rather faster than she probably should be doing. She didn’t care anymore, she was in the middle of nowhere with the most arrogant man in the world and if the wine was going to numb the evening then it was the only thing for it really. She looked up at Vortigern who she suspected was feeling the effects of his ale and gave a half laugh, resting her hand on her cheek, “Do you ever smile?” She asked him seriously, taking another swig of wine and watching his reaction, no doubt it would be humorous and give her some amusement at least.

[Vortigern]

-------He did not care if she was cold and wet. Hell, he did not even care if she was dying! He hoped she got a chill and would be too weak to travel from here. That way, he could just leave with ease, getting directions from one of the people here. Though, they all seemed utterly incompetent. Not that she was much better than them. "Good for you," he grumbled, with a sarcastic 'congratulations' type of tone. "It is of no consequence to me, for I refuse to go in such a closed room with you." Because she was just so bloody annoying! If he had his own room, he would have been able to rest on the undoubtedly uncomfortable, pathetic excuse for a bed; but at least he would have had peace and quiet. Well, maybe just quiet. The bad bed would have made his sleep more restless than what he was used to. But no; he had resorted to drinking. And that was how it shall remain. A simple no? "Do not ask stupid questions if you will not like the answer." Did she really expect him to have said a simple 'no thank you' and moved on? Really?

-------He could not understand how she could eat such.. stale looking bread. Nor was he going to ask. He just held the mug of ale in his hand, finding the effects of the alcohol making the taste of the actual beverage far more bearable and easier to stomach. Her next question was, a bit out of the ordinary. He did not find himself as annoyed when she asked it though. Again, perhaps that was thanks to the alcohol. "Seeing your face certainly does not have that effect of wanting to smile," he insulted, before taking another large sip. He felt his head lighten a bit. Alcohol. Yes. Surely it must be the alcohol. For if it was not, then his next words were just obscurely uncharacteristic of him. He leaned forward a bit, a small smirk on his face, as he rested his arms on the table, crossed over one another. "Why? Do you want me to smile?" Was he... no no. Dear god. He certainly was not trying to sound, charming and flirtatious. Yet, when his ears heard the words once they escaped his lips, that is sure as hell what it sounded like. And, he made no effort to remedy it.

[Caitrin de Archer]

At least Caitrin’s dress was starting to dry, she still felt soaked but she knew that was just because her skin was still damp. She was sure sitting here a while longer would warm her up to avoid getting a chill; even if she did fall ill she had plenty of remedies at home which would fend off serious cold. You didn’t die of a chill anyway, and she shoved the thoughts from her mind and just focussed on the fire for a moment, blocking out everyone else. She had had a hell of a day, and this was her reward, some stale bread and an evening in someone’s company who had tried to give her off to bandits to save his own skin; wonderful. She wasn’t really listening as he was wittering away in her ear, she probably wouldn’t like what he was saying anyway. Instead she opted for the easy option, which was another swig of wine which went straight to her head.

She sat back in her seat, then leant forwards as he answered her question. She raised her eye brows and even managed a small laugh she realised she honestly didn’t care what he thought of her looks. He was good looking, there was no denying it, but she was never going to reveal that fact to him so it didn’t matter what she thought either. She leant forwards as he did and kept close eye contact with him when he spoke. Was he flirting with her? She gave a grin, now she was getting somewhere. The fact they had now leant both forwards had led to their faces now being only inches apart, “I might.” Was all she said at first, not moving her face but raised her eye brows slowly at him, “But as I have smiled at you, surely it would be rude not to return the favour.” She finished with giving a small grin, just to reiterate the point and just kept leaning forwards. The alcohol was certainly taking an effect as her head was starting to feel a bit lighter, but that wasn’t important right now, he had finally spoken to her without causing an argument, and that was interesting.

[Vortigern]

-------Yes; the alcohol was definitely getting to him. Perhaps to her too. And what was worse, was that he didn't mind. Not in the slightest. Back in Soleria, getting drunk in a local tavern was a definite no. He had his duties to occupy his time, and as previously established, he would never drink lower class beverages. But everything seemed different now. It felt different. And again, not in a bad way. But ale had a tendency of shifting his perceptions, of course. He often thought that he would be a mean drunk... one who would be throwing things and yelling in anger. But clearly, from the drinking, it had the opposite effect. He was, dare he say, calmer. More composed. And... strangely attracted to the woman sitting across from him. Their faces were mere inches apart, but he would not yet be the one to make the first move. May as well get a little tease out of it.

-------He ever so slightly moved forward, the distance getting smaller, but it was still existent. And it felt, for some strange reason, like such a grand space. Was it because he was drunk and as he knew before, his perception was skewed? Or was it because he wanted to just close the distance. The second was probably because of the first. Yes. That was it. "Well then perhaps you should give me a reason to smile," he said suggestively. The only suggestion that his words could possibly hold meaning to. He did not know what he was doing. And quite frankly, in this moment, he did not care. All he seemed to be aware of was that Lady Caitrin de Archer looked far more desirable than she ever had since he met her. And that he doubted he would let this opportunity pass him by. "Unless you can not think of a way," he added in teasing. But a teasing of flirtation, rather than insult.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Probably unwisely Caitrin took another swig of her drink, she didn’t usually drink in large quantities so this probably would end badly either way. She wasn’t sure she cared that much, she would take the headache in the morning if it meant blurring out parts of this evening and hurried the morning along. Then again, the constant bickering had stopped, and she was almost glad of it as she found herself relaxing into her seat without worrying about getting her retorts out to Vortigern as quickly and as sharply as possible. Now however, with their faces resting just inches apart, she wasn’t quite sure what she was feeling. The mans features were softening in her eyes, and even though she had already stated he was good looking, the fact seemed to be increasing as she continued to just watch him.

Caitrin didn’t move as he inched slightly closer to her. She could feel his breath on her lips and for a moment she felt incredibly attracted to the man sitting in front of her. She was still resting her head on her hand and with her spare hand she traced a small line down his arm from his elbow down to the warm flesh of his hands. She traced small circles on his hand with her finger, watching what she was doing before raising her eyes to him, “Perhaps I can come up with something.” She said softly, not really sure why he had suddenly become all the more desirable in her eyes; perhaps it was the wine, yes, probably. But she wasn’t thinking about that now, she was using all her energy to focus on the man in front of her. She let her face raise itself slightly towards his, closing the gap almost entirely. “Unless you can suggest something?” She said teasingly and raised her finger from his hand, giving him the choice of letting him make the first move.

[Vortigern]

-------He kept his eyes fixated on her, and only her. Even when he felt her soft hand touch his arm, to his hand. He never longed for her to touch him in any way, but now, he felt nothing that he wanted more. Did alcohol really possess the power to change all of your opinions and perspectives? Vortigern was a man who saw himself far more superior than anyone in a lower class, and now here he was, feeling that longing for a woman who was far beneath his station. This was so very wrong and perhaps he would realize it in the morning. But tonight was theirs. He moved his hand towards her, taking a lock of her hair and moving it forward so it fell closer to her cheek. He then began to lightly twist the bottom of the lock around his finger. Playing with her strikingly red hair. A unique color. It was so soft too! Oh god, he was so drunk.

-------Which was an even worse state to be in when she asked such questions that begged for answers. Then again, she was probably only asking because he was in this state... because they were both in this state of intoxication. He tucked her hair behind her ear allowing his thumb to graze her perfectly soft and warm cheek. "I have many suggestions," he answered confidently. The way her head was directed to him, it would be so easy to just turn his a little to the side, at the perfect angle, and lean forward... which he did. He indeed did lean forward as if it kiss her but purposely paused the moment before their lips would have touched. "But none are appropriate for such a public setting," he finished off, the suggestion becoming stronger in his voice. As did his desires, and his dare he say... passion for her.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Perhaps earlier in the day, or to be more specific before they had started drinking, she probably would have felt uncomfortable underneath his gaze. However now she just found herself returning it, keeping their eyes locked together. She wasn’t quite sure what was happening, but something was stirring deep within her which just wanted the man in front of her. She didn’t move as he began to curl her hair around his fingers, she never usually let anyone touch her in any way, but now she felt like she didn’t care, like she wanted his touch. A part of her was crying out for her to stop, but it was swiftly silenced as she felt his fingers caress her cheek. She let her cheek fall into the embrace and let out a soft sigh; she wanted this. Only when she straightened her head back up did she notice how hard she had to focus just to keep the world in one vision; she had defiantly already had too many to drink.

She turned her head to him as he spoke and did nothing but grin at him because he was inching towards her again. She kept her eyes focussed on him, but closed her eyes as she expected their lips to meet. They never met, but a mixture of the suggestion in his voice and his breath upon her lips made Caitrin’s stomach turn. She opened her eyes, and didn’t reply to his words right away. Instead, she raised her hand to the side of his cheek and ran it down gently, then used one of her fingers to trace his top lip carefully. She then traced her fingers down past his neck and let her hand just rest on his shoulder for a moment; keeping him close, not wanting this to end. “Perhaps then we should proceed in private.” She suggested softly, “After all I am dying to hear your suggestions.” As she continued to watch him, every part of him felt like it was just longing for him, and his touch.

[Vortigern]

-------There were many signs and sounds that convinced a man that a woman was... interested. Even in his clear state of drunkenness, he did not forget these things. The way she sighed into his touch, the way her eyes closed in anticipation. Even the words she said that only encouraged the less than, decent thoughts that were entering his mind. And then there was her touch. Soft, gentle, filled with a strange warmness that countered all the cold aura their interactions had previously hand. Everything about her right now was just mesmerizing. How many gulps of ale had it taken to notice all of these things? Clearly, quite a lot if the hours before were filled with nothing but loathing of her. Now, there was none of that. Odd. But, it was a welcome change. When her hand rested on his lip, he gave a slight smile before the grace of her touch trailed all the way down to his shoulder.

-------He found himself already missing that sensation of the contact between her skin. He knew he would not be sleeping tonight, but now, it was for entirely different reasons. Well, thoughts of such things is what currently flooded his mind. And from the sounds of it, maybe even hers too. In order to lean any further he had to slightly raise himself from the seat, though his posture remained the same. Instead of leaning towards her lips, though he wanted nothing more than that right now, his lips trailed to her cheek. They remained there, a lingering kiss making its way along her rosy and fair skin before they came to rest near her ear. So that his deep whispers of suggestion could be heard only by her. "I am a man of action," he began to say. "It is not so much hearing them, as it is seeing them." His 'suggestions'. They had spent the entire evening and part of the night arguing; now, it was time for less talk and more action.

[Caitrin de Archer]

As her fingers lingered over his lips she didn’t miss the small smile he gave her. Even in her current state she was still quick enough to notice things like that. She traced small circles on the exposed skin of his neck for a few moments before resting her hand on his shoulder again. “I knew I could make you smile.” She teased softly and just stayed as she was. The warmth of his skin could even be felt through the shirt covering his shoulder, it felt comforting and inviting. Caitrin couldn’t pinpoint the moment she had decided to stop bickering with Vortigern, but she had to say that this was a happy alternative; she was certainly enjoying the experience so far. This was a man who she had been fighting with all afternoon and most of the evening, he had fought her every inch of the way, and it seemed at last they had found their compromise; and it seemed neither of them was about to give it up in a hurry.

Caitrin turned her head slightly as he leaned in towards her, expecting him this time to merge with her lips. But no, he kept her guessing and she flashed him a quick smile before his lips sunk into her cheek. She closed her eyes gently, just focussing on how his lips felt on her flesh. Every touch he gave her just increased her desires for him and she felt it burn through her; wanting some form of release. He was resting just next to her ear and she gave a small shudder of anticipation as he spoke. She knew her head should not be flooded with such thoughts of him, she knew that she should never have been in this situation in the first place but again she decided against reason as she was still burning for his touch. She turned her head to him, which meant that her lips were hovering quite close to his. Instead of merging their lips together she rested her forehead on his for a moment and then raised her hand opening up the palm and indicating for him to take it. “Then I think you have little choice but to show me.” Her voice was little more than a whisper, and she was sure of one thing, she desired him now, and through his actions she knew he desired her as well.

[Vortigern]

-------Yes. She could make him smile, just as she could make him feel other things; desire and passion being the strongest right now. To think that moments ago, he could not stand her and now, he felt he could not stand to be apart from her. But of course, he did not think too hard on it. He did not care to control his actions. Though, he knew he was slipping. For every touch she gave him and every word she spoke filled him with a strong impatience to just be elsewhere so that he could have her. Vortigern was obviously used to getting what he wanted. And right now, he wanted her. Though his desire to kiss her was immense, he was well aware of the fact that once their lips met, he would fast control of his actions. Would he even be able to stop? They were around people right now and even in his inebriated mind, he seemed well aware of that.

-------He non verbal as well as vocal invitation was all the encouragement he needed. Feeling her forehead rested on his, and her warm breath, and her alluring scent... everything about her was just so sensual right now. He pulled back a bit, taking her hand in his and getting to his feet. Or staggering to his feet rather. The sudden movement made him feel even more light headed as everything seemed to spin around him. He took a couple of moments to orientate and balance himself. When he felt less impaired he looked at Caitrin. "Shall we go to our room then?" He asked, already taking a step towards the stairs. Not his room, not her room... their room. When he took a step forward, he managed to run into the side of the table. His empty mug fell over but what did he care.

-------It did however capture the attention of the man who had been intently focused on Caitrin. Vortigern looked at him, rapidly blinking a couple of times to clear the blurriness in his vision. "You," he began to say, pointing a finger at him with his hand that was not occupied with hers. "Are not invited." What was it, a warning? A flaunt over the fact that she was his and only his for the night? Or just foolish jargon spoken from the lips of a drunk man. Whatever it was, Vortigern looked away, finding the sight of Caitrin a far more desirable and pleasurable one. "Lets go," he added eagerly, not wanting to waste any more time in this less than private setting.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin had quite forgotten where they were, or even the fact they were in company as she rested her forehead against Vortigern’s. She was so caught up in him, his everything, his touch, his scent and his warm breath upon her lips that the rest of the world had disappeared, there was just this moment. She would never have thought she would have got into this sort of situation with this man when they had been bickering on the way here; thoughts like that had been a million mile away. But now, though all the arguing, the despair and the stubbornness they were both just tied up with each other; just for the night. She could feel her desire for him increasing, she had no idea if it was because of him or if it was just a side effect of the alcohol, then again, did she really care?

She grinned as he took her slender fingers in his much larger hand and she too jumped to her feet with him as he had half dragged her up by her hand anyway. It took her a few moments to steady herself, and only now could she feel the full effects of the wine; had she even drunk that much of it? The room wasn’t spinning at least and once she had found her feet she was satisfied, it was only a short journey to the room anyway. She couldn’t help but grin as he said ‘our’ room. They would be sharing it, not as a noblewoman and a Prince, but it was as if they were equals, just for the night; just for tonight. She only nodded at his words because he was already walking towards the stairs.

She noticed the man who had been fixated on her earlier was once again running his eyes over her body. She squeezed Vortigern’s hand slightly but he had already noticed him. What was he doing? Warning the man off her? She wasn’t complaining, and it was certainly a change from earlier. She couldn’t do anything but giggle at the man’s reaction to Vortigern’s warning. She nodded again at his words and now walked equally with him up the stairs. She slipped her hand out of his at the top of the stairs and missed the warmth of his touch immediately. She shook it off, trying to focus on getting the key into the lock on the first go. She managed to slot it in miraculously and sighed out in a slight relief as a small click was heard and she pushed the door open; taking the key back out of the door. She went in first and, stood in the middle of the room rather awkwardly, just waiting for Vortigern to join her, and to put these feelings, this desire she was experiencing, to good use.

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Notes: ZOMG Post #200

[Vortigern]

-------The stairs were a nuisance. Vortigern had to watch each one very carefully to make sure he did not fall and trip. Caitrin could have gone down with him too, for he was still holding on to her hand, every step of the way. About halfway his gaze found the man's again, still finding he was watching them too carefully. Perhaps it was confusion. For before, Vortigern had been offering her to him, and now, he was dissuading him from even thinking about it. Vortigern held out two fingers, pointing them to his own eyes and then pointing them towards the man, as if to say I'm keeping my eye on you. And he had better heed to that warning! It seemed enough for the man to turn away. Or maybe that was because they had already reached the top of the stairs and were now out of sight.

-------Who cared! Vortigern was just far too anxious to get inside. He felt an instant coldness consume his hand and he realized, it was because she had let go of it. But only to get the key into the lock. Surely that was a reasonable excuse. He stood very closely behind her, waiting like an eager little child for the door to be opened. And finally, it was! She stepped side first and he followed suit, but as soon as he was over the threshold, he poked his head out looking up and down the hall. He was not sure what he was expecting, but something inside of him compelled him to do this. Satisfied that no one was about, after looking both ways a couple of times, he closed the door and locked it, spinning around to look at her.

-------She was just standing there, in all her beauty and grace; a figure of utter perfection. He did not even know where to begin. He felt he was at a feast, and his appetite was substantial, yet he knew not where to commence. After a few moments of silently trying to determine where to start, he began to walk towards her, somehow managing not to fall or stagger. The room was rather small to begin with yet it felt like such a long walk towards her. And now, she was right in front of him. He lowered his head, the height difference causing him to have to look down. Yet there was no strain. He was far too delirious to find any pain or discomfort right now. Instead of just finally allowing their lips to meet, he abruptly pulled her towards him, and turned himself, so that she was pressed against the wall.

-------Both of his hands were braced against the wall, on either side of her, just a little above her shoulders. He slouched a bit so that he could be on the same eye level, as he smiled. Or smirked. Or whatever expression could be described as the desire behind his eyes. "Let's play a game," he proposed, his words coming out perfectly, without so much as a slur. Yet the content behind them would convince anyone who knew him, that he was completely drunk. "Let us pretend that I am a bandit, ready to steal what I did not take." Meaning, her virtue. Even in his drunken mind he had not totally forgotten the events of earlier today. In fact, he was just turning it into a game.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin was surprised she could keep on her feet, the alcohol had made her light headed and she felt as if she stopped concentrating that she would fall over. She didn’t though, much to her surprise she managed to keep on her own two feet, and even managed to just stay still instead of swaying which was a small sort of achievement. The room was only lit by a few candles on the wall, so it was for the most part rather dark in the room, but it was light enough for Caitrin to see Vortigern as he looked outside the door. What on earth was he looking for? She decided it would be better not to ask, and he was soon back inside the door and she heard the soft click of the lock. Now they were alone.

She watched him silently as he just looked at her, she still stood strong, waiting for wherever he chose to take their conversation next. As he lowered his head, she raised hers to meet him until their lips were at the point where they should merge. She could feel her heart beat in her chest, it wasn’t with fear, it was with the passion and anticipation for what was going to happen next. She gasped slightly as his arms took hold of her and spun her around until her back hit the wall. Caitrin felt no pain; she hadn’t been slammed into it after all.

His hands were now resting above her shoulders and she caught his eye line again, watching him carefully as he grinned at her. She wasn’t so drunk as to miss what his words meant, and for a moment she was quite nervous. Did he intend to have her virtue by the end of the night? At the moment she felt such a burning desire for his touch she didn’t care, but she was relatively new to this game. She didn’t falter though, she probably would have been distressed at anything like this if she was in her right frame of mind, but she wasn’t, so all she did was nod in agreement. To get into role she smirked back at him and raised one of her arms to rest diagonally across her chest, hiding it from his view; she knew her dress was leaving little to the imagination anyway. She then looked back up to Vortigern and raised her lips so that they were the closest they had been without yet meeting and smirked at him, “And how exactly do you intend to steal it?” She shouldn’t be talking about her virtue with such liberty, but she was already too far into this now to want it to stop. She yearned for his touch, even though a few hours ago it would have repulsed her.