Stubbornness Can Only Get You So Far

[Caitrin de Archer]

Of course Caitrin didn’t listen to Richard as he told her that she wouldn’t be able to get the chain off. He probably just wanted to stop her trying to get the chain off anyway. She continued to try and pull it off her wrist and was becoming more and more annoyed when it wouldn’t budge. Caitrin wondered if she could use her magic to get the chain off, but she quickly dismissed that thought, even if she could she wouldn’t be able to do it now would she? She would have to wait until Richard was asleep or something like that to test that theory out. Caitrin pulled the hand with the chain on it outwards slightly and found it didn’t seem to stop in length, it just kept stretching. Furrowing her brows she set her hand down on her lap and just stared in front of her, unable to bear the humiliation of being beaten by a bit of string.

As Richard confirmed what his intentions were, she just felt herself falling into quite a foul mood. The last thing she wanted to do was look like she had been dragged back to Camelot like some naughty child who was being scolded. She had wanted to go back in her own time and show that she had some control over her life. But of course Richard had to ruin that little plan didn’t he? Did he even care why she had run off in the first place? He hadn’t asked so she presumed that he didn’t. Caitrin wondered what he would think if she did tell him, which she had no intention of doing right now anyway so it didn’t really matter. “Why couldn’t you have just left me alone?” She asked him angrily, not looking at him but looking down at the chain on her wrist once more, “I was perfectly fine until you came along!”

Though she was awake, she still felt slightly groggy, but she assumed that was an after effect of whatever he had given her. Caitrin felt slightly dizzy as she sat upright, and, as annoying as it was, let her head rest on Richard once more as it was the only way she could think to make herself feel less dizzy. His next words made her laugh, of course she’d try to escape. In fact, the intention to run off was still at the forefront of her mind if she got the chain off; she still had her coin purse in her pocket, or at least she assumed she did. She didn’t check, because that would only draw attention to the purse. “Run away? Now what would give you that idea?” She asked, half rolling her eyes and setting her eyes back on the scenery in front of her. She wondered just how far they had travelled while she had been sleeping.

He would make her walk? Was he being serious? “Are you this polite with all the women who you kidnap?” She snapped back at him, presuming he was used to doing this kind of thing for a living. Caitrin wondered for a moment whether he would actually make her walk, he’d already kidnapped her, surely that was enough. She raised her eyes to him and glared at him, “You wouldn’t dare.”

[Richard de Calys]

"I assure you it's nothing personal." Why did they always think it was personal? He wouldn't care either way if he wasn't bein paid. Apparently that wasn't good enough motivation for most people, they were convinced he had some sort of ulterior motive. He really was just doing this for the money. "I'm being paid for this, as I keep reminding you, that's why I couldn't just leave you alone."

He snorted. What could have possibly given him that impression? Well, could it be that she was probably the most stubborn of his clients and tried to seduce him rather than return to Camelot. That sort of behaviour did tend to send out a message, one that Richard interpreted to mean "You're going to need this girl attached to you." Richard had not gotten this far, and endured this much just for her to run away, no, if there was one thing he was going to do it was to get his damned money. He had more than earnt it. In fact, he had probably earnt more than double it. "I haven't a clue." He replied sarcastically. While he was more than accepting of the fact that she was annoyed, and yes, it was understandable, and yes, he would be the same, he couldn't help but feel like she could be being a tad more civil towards him. Richard was a man who liked to talk, and prided himself in that he did so quite well. At the moment, however, he was sure any conversation with Caitrin would be largely repetitive, and her shouting at him. This was going to be a long journey.

"Yes, I would make you walk, and yes, I am this polite." He thought he was being polite. After all, he had given her a fair warning and it was a pure safety issue rather than some malicious desire to make her walk. Her words earnt her a small chuckle from him. She really was naive if she thought he was too much of a gentleman to make her walk. Well, he was a gentleman, that was usually his point, but in this instance he was willing to ignore chivalry. "Wouldn't I?"

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin was now wondering just how much her Uncle had paid to get her back. It must have been a fair amount to encourage Richard to chase her all the way up to the Northern Lands, or perhaps he was just a proud man who liked to see a job done. She didn’t know, neither did she particularly care. Pressing her lips together she glanced ahead of her, the sun was still hanging low in the sky; it annoyed her as well that she had lost the best part of a day. Then again, it would have only been spent arguing in Richard’s company, so perhaps it had been for the best. “Don’t you want to know why my Uncle sent you all this way to get me?” She asked him finally, the words almost rolling around playfully on her tongue. Surely he must be curious to know why he had been sent all this way, or perhaps he was used to receiving such odd requests such as her Uncle’s.

His sarcasm wasn’t well received, not that anything he was saying was well received but still. She rolled her eyes at him, and was becoming incredibly annoyed that the only way she could stop her head spinning was to rest her head on his chest. Caitrin never liked to be dependent upon anyone, even for support, but she especially did not want to be dependent on Richard. However, this was the only way she could think straight and it would have to do for now. She had stopped shuffling about so much and just wanted to remain still for the time being until she fully settled.

Surely he wouldn’t make her walk? She was still dizzy from whatever he had given her; surely no humane person would make someone who was suffering as she was walk beside the horse. She pulled her head from his chest and glared up at him. A small smirk pinched at the side of her lips, “No, you wouldn’t.” Caitrin could see no reason why she should be the one to walk anyway, she wasn’t moving about as much now she had settled in the situation. If he hadn’t wanted her to move about so much he shouldn’t have caused her to wake up in such an alarming situation. Basically, it was all Richard’s fault.

[Richard de Calys]

Richard considered her question, in truth he hadn't actually thought about it. For him, this was just a job. Caitrin was irritating, but she was just a job. Perhaps it was because of his lifestyle, but he'd developed a habit of forgetting to think of people as people. They were customers, or jobs, or hinderances. Did he even care of her story? It certainly wouldn't make him change his mind about taking her back, which he assumed was the reason why she was mentioning it. Presumably she felt hard done by and this was her chance of freedom. Hmm. No, he didn't think he did care. It might be interesting though, and it might pass a little of the time. They were still three days away from their destination, he could do with some entertainment. "Go on then, indule me. Just why are you desperate to escape?" Even if it wasn't that interesting a reason, it may help him get a better insight into her character, and whether he should take any further measures to keep her with him.

Hmm. That seemed to shut her up, for the moment at least. He would have no scruples about making her walk, it would be better for the horse and give her some excercise, and give him a break, so really it was probably the best scenario. It did amuse him that she was so sure he wouldn't, he cocked his head, it would be rather immature of him to make her walk just because she was daring him. But like he said, it would be better for the horse... With a grin, he stopped the horse and said, in a rather cheerful tone, "Yes, yes I would. Off you go."

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin raised an eye brow at Richard, part of her had just been expecting him to not care enough even to brace her with an answer. She was pleasantly surprised when he did though. Perhaps the answer might even change his opinion of her, it was a long shot but it might. Her story probably wasn’t even that interesting to him, as she supposed he must be incredibly well travelled. In comparison her day to day life must seem rather dull to him. Her head was still resting on him and she didn’t bother to move it as she spoke to him. “My Uncle tried to force a suitor on my hand, as my father did before him.” She said in a matter of fact tone. It seemed Caitrin’s entire life at the moment seemed to be dodging the fate of marriage. “He believes I should marry a man of his choice, rather than my own.” She continued and began to fiddle with the chain at her wrist again, she wasn’t trying to get it off, she was just fiddling with it in a rather absent minded way. “I disagreed, obviously and just ran away.” Now that she said it aloud, it sounded like a rather rash thing to do, but at the time it had seemed an incredibly logical thing to do. She pressed her lips together and fell silent, she just hadn’t wanted to get married to someone she didn’t care for. That was what it was down to really.

Now Richard was just being childish. Surely he knew she wouldn’t be able to manage the walk until nightfall, or until they reached somewhere they could sleep. He was being utterly ridiculous. As he stopped the horse she raised her eye brows at him and folded her arms in a stubborn, immature sort of way; two could play this game. Was he just expecting her to obediently jump off the horse and walk alongside? She sorted and glared up at him, “I’m not getting off the horse.” Was all she said, in her usual defiant manner. “If you make me get off, I swear you will regret it.” Now she was being serious, she could half understand his persistence, as irritating as it was, in getting her back to her Uncle, but there was no reason to get her off the horse. That was just Richard being immature.

[Richard de Calys]

Richard was actually quite disappointed with Caitrin's story. He'd been expecting something much more exciting, or at least more depressing. She'd ran away to avoid getting married. Well, wasn't that obvious? Now he thought about it, it made perfect sense. Although he'd only been in her company half a day, he could say with quite some confidence that she was not the marrying kind. No woman who was willing to marry whichever suitor was presented to her would try and seduce her would-be kidnapper.

As sad stories go, it was hardly worth remembering. His own was much more interesting, and even that was that brilliant. Unlike Caitrin, he didn't feel the need to make every person he met question him about his past. It was what it was, and now his life was different. He supposed Caitrin was someone who dwelled on the past, or at least tried to use it to their advantage. Well, Richard was not at all moved by the injustice she clearly felt she had suffered. No, he was just disappointed.

"That's it? Really? You just didn't want to get married?" There must be something more to it, or perhaps he just wanted there to be something more, something out of the ordinary to make it worth hearing, otherwise it was just dull, and if there was one thing Richard hated it was Dull.

He should have known she wasn't going to just get down from the horse. Doing so wouldn't have been a stubborn move at all, so it wouldn't have been a very Caitrin move either. He couldn't be bothered to force her off, although he was in no doubt that he could do so. He sighed, "Fine. Stay, but I'm warning you, if you annoy me I will make you walk. I managed to get you away from the tavern, which you doubted, don't doubt me now." He probably sounded more threatening than he was trying to be, but then that probably wouldn't be a bad thing.

[Caitrin de Archer]

What else did he expect? Had he ever been forced into a marriage he didn’t want? Now she thought about it, seriously thought about it, her running away had been a bit of a knee jerk reaction to her Uncle’s suggestions. She hadn’t even met the man in question, neither did she ever want to. Caitrin could not ignore the feelings of loneliness and betrayal she’d felt the first time she had been betrothed by her father; there was no way she was going through that again. She had just about made Camelot her home, she was happy there and wanted things to just remain as they were. “Well I’m not exactly the marrying kind.” She pointed out with a grin, though he probably knew that already.

Her head was still resting on Richard’s chest and she just ignored that for the moment and stared down at the chain once more. “There are a few families trying for my hand back in Camelot. I’m not from there you see, strictly speaking if you were taking me home we would be going east rather than south. I’m a Mercian noblewoman, but I was sent to live in Camelot a few years ago.” She wasn’t making her story sound incredibly depressing, but she had nothing to prove to Richard. She wasn’t even feeling sorry for herself, she just felt like a back story was needed in a way. After all, it was these things which had led her and Richard to where they currently were. “A lot of people want the advantage of an inter kingdom alliance.” She muttered bitterly. Why had she been born into this? To be used as a pawn for the advances of men; why couldn’t they all just leave her alone in peace?

Caitrin physically flinched at the harshness of Richard’s tone, but remained smug in a way that she had half won this little battle, and that he had not got her off the horse. She did not voice her smugness however, the quick change in Richard’s tone told her to perhaps not push him as far as she had done in the tavern, after all she was tied to him now and would have to face the consequences of her actions for the next three days if she did annoy him. “Fine.” She replied snappily and crossed her arms across her lap and altogether felt rather useless; she couldn’t even bother to support herself. “Are you going to be this nice to me the whole way back?” She asked in a sarcastic tone, she already felt bad enough without him grinding salt into the wound.

Caitrin, as women go, was easily distracted and was replaying what had exactly happened before she had wound up here. She wondered how he had done it, but she wasn’t about to ask him. She could do without his stupid smug looks for the time being. She let out a small laugh and looked up at Richard, “You kissed me.” Altogether that was an amusing image, she let out a small giggle and looked back up to him, he would probably be unimpressed that she remembered it, but that was half the fun in bringing it up.

[Richard de Calys]

Caitrin’s revelation hardly came as a shock, of course she was not the marrying type. She didn’t appear to be nobility type, well, apart from her obviously high opinion of herself. That had nobility written all over it, Richard should know, he had plenty of it himself. Her grin, Richard supposed, was presumably lighten the mood, perhaps even to endear herself to him. Well, that wasn’t going to work. It was very likely he was just being over cautious with her now, but he’d never lost money for such behaviour. He had, however, lost more than enough through being too trusting of others. That was a long time ago, when he was new to the game, and something he certainly wasn’t going to allow now. Especially not at the hands of a woman, and especially not at the hands of this woman. “You don’t say.” He mused. “I suppose you see yourself brave for this.” His tone was patronising, but he felt he had the right to be just that. After all, he was taking her back to the safety of her uncle, and whether she liked it or not, it was to her benefit as well.

Her story continued, but Richard was only half-listening, and not only because he was concentrating on where they were going. It seemed to him that people like Caitrin always liked to have some sort of angst-filled past, which, quite frankly, was just irritating. Richard was just as justified to be angry at the world as she was, yet he had not said one thing about his own predicament. He had learnt to simply get on with life, and to make an advantage out of a disadvantage. To him, it was entirely her own fault if she was unhappy with her life, and if she really wanted to break free, well, she should learn to run away properly.

“Why are you telling me this?” He asked after a moment or two, one that he hadn’t actually realised existed, until he remembered he was meant to be listening to her. In his mind, there was no reason for Caitrin to be giving him such information. No amount of self-history was going to make Richard change his mind about taking her back, and he had been sure she was aware of that. Maybe she was trying anyway, or maybe she just felt her past was genuinely interesting. Richard didn’t really care.

At her question he sighed and rolled his eyes. Now she was just being childish, and he personally couldn’t be bothered with it. He had no problem with being pleasant towards her, he had been trying to do just that when they had first met, now, however, Caitrin’s attitude was hardly deserving of him being nice to her. But, they did have another three days ride ahead of them and it was going to be a very tedious three days if he didn’t make the effort. “Why, do you think I should be nicer?” He asked, eyebrows raised and a small smile across his lips. “Alright, I’ll be nice if you do, deal?”

What was she laughing at now?

“You kissed me.”

Oh. That. He just stared at her for a moment, biting the inside of his lip while trying to think of something suitable to say. Surely she was aware it was just away to make her take the sleeping draught, and that he’d never kiss her under normal circumstances? The last thing he needed was for her doing that again. He was beginning to feel uncomfortable again, just thinking about what had happened in that room. It had certainly been a morning of firsts, and lasts for that matter. “Only to get to take the sleeping draught.” He said, as clearly as he thought was necessary in order to make sure she didn’t think he’d actually enjoyed it, or worse, wanted to do it again.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin raised an eye brow at Richard, since when did he get so high and mighty? Who was he to stand in judgement of her; what had given him that right? Caitrin had never really considered herself brave for running away, to the world it looked like she was a coward, but she had done it to prove a point to her Uncle, and hopefully even her premature return would cement the point to him to never again bring a suitor to her again with the suggestion of marriage. “Did I say I thought I was brave?” She retorted with an air of annoyance. “I was proving a point; bravery doesn’t come into it.”

Had he forgotten that he had asked her why she had run away in the first place? True she had spurred the question on but she had hoped in a way that it would change his opinion of her. But no, his attitude was just impossible and he seemed to want to stay that way. She wondered if his own past was as interesting as hers, well, it was a long journey and she needed something to entertain herself with. “What about you? Surely a Duke could think of better ways to get money than kidnapping women.” It was a fair point, Richard had told her earlier his father had lost his money, but surely as Richard was a Duke he could come up with different ways of raising money. Didn’t Duke’s have land and things like that to raise an income from?

As angry as Caitrin was, she had to face the reality that Richard had got one over on her, as irritating as it was, and she would have to deal with the consequences of it. She couldn’t remain angry for the next three days, and to be honest she didn’t want to remain in a completely foul mood for the next three days. Perhaps they could come to some sort of compromise for the next three days, after all, Caitrin did not want to walk. She raised her hand, gesturing for Richard to shake it, “Fine, deal.” She was prepared to compromise with him, after all who knows, they could get along quite well when they both weren’t at each others throats.

She laughed again, he looked a bit like he had done in the tavern when she had been flirting with him. She liked that feeling of control and she pressed her lips together. “Well you weren’t half bad, you need a bit of practice though.” She smirked again and patted his shoulder gently, slightly patronisingly but not totally as she had made a promise to be a lot more pleasant towards Richard. With this in mind she looked back up at the sun which was dwelling closer to the hills and she frowned slightly, wondering where Richard would risk another inn, or whether they would just make camp along the way. “How long was I asleep for?”

[Richard de Calys]

Alright, maybe that had been unfair, after all, Richard hardly knew the woman. He had clearly annoyed her, which he supposed was fair enough. If someone had been making presumptions about him and his life he would have acted in the same way. "I'm sorry." He gave a small smile, he normally wasn't one to apologise, but for some reason he thought it was the only course of action to take.

"What about you? Surely a duke could think of better ways to get money than kidnapping women."

Yes, perhaps a duke could think of better ways, but Richard happened to enjoy his life and his work so "better ways" had never been something he thought about. He assumed, however, that that wasn't quite what Caitrin was getting at. She'd shared her story with him, and now, presumably, she wanted his. It really wasn't that interesting and he didn't care much for sympathy. He sighed. "Fine, fine, it's not that interesting but you seem determined to find out. My father lost all our money through gambling debts and died. My step-mother now lives with her family and my younger brother. I'm on my own, but I like it." If she wanted anything more detailed than that she was going to be disappointed, as that was all she was getting out of him.

"Well you weren't half bad, you need a bit of practice."

He laughed awkwardly, this had the potential to turn into a lovely awkward conversation, one that he was usually so good at avoiding. Having said that, he usually didn't kiss women either. He was giving out mixed signals here, and Caitrin did not seem like one to miss them. "Heh heh, no." He did not need practice anyway, thank you very much, and he certainly didn't need them from her. "And," he held up a hand now that he was making A Point, "I think you'll find I am more not half bad."

What made her such an expert any- he stopped himself, this was not the time. Right now he had other things to think about, and even if he didn't, he wasn't one to think about that sort of thing anyway.

Hopefully Caitrin was just joking, but then from previous experience she could be being deadly serious. Surely drugging someone with a sleeping draught would put someone off wanting to kiss you? Hmm, but then this was Caitrin. She'd probably enjoy it more, just to be different.

"How long was I asleep for?"

He shrugged, it seemed like days but that wasn't a very helpful answer. He looked around, the sun would soon be setting, and they left before lunch. "A few hours? Maybe more than a few." Thinking about it, it would be getting dark soon, he should start trying to find somewhere to stay. Unfortunately, he hadn't seen anywhere to stay yet, so it was unlikely he'd find anywhere soon. The most likely scenario probably ended up with them sleeping outside. Well this was going to be interesting.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin was rather surprised when Richard apologised to her and she fell quiet for a few moments and furrowed her brow at him. She knew that he was probably being genuine; she had no reason to doubt him after all. “Thanks.” She said softly, perhaps he had known that he had gone too far with her and she was quite grateful that he had apologised. After all, she hadn’t given him much reason to apologise to her, perhaps he wasn’t that bad after all. “I’m sorry as well.” She said softly, of course she was referring to the way she had acted that morning, she hadn’t exactly been civil towards him, but now perhaps they could start over.

She felt genuinely sorry for Richard as he told her his story. So he did have some sort of dark past then? Slightly understandingly, Caitrin just nodded to his words, surprised at how he could just so simply make light of such an awful situation. “Why do you prefer to be on your own?” That surely wasn’t too invasive of his personal story was it? Caitrin could not understand why anyone would want to be on their own through choice, she had been isolated in her childhood and never really wanted to go back to that sort of frame of mind.

As Richard laughed awkwardly she found herself laughing as well, this was territory that she could understand and control. Richard had his way of controlling the situation, this was her way of controlling it, and that possibly would never change. “Not with me.” She said mockingly, pulling a face at him, “Unless you wanted to that is.” No, he would probably never want to kiss her ever again, but she didn’t care, she could still tease him couldn’t she? She frowned slightly as he said he was more than half bad and shook her head, “No, you were alright, that is about as much as I am giving you.” It had been a rather awkward kiss at best, and it wasn’t the best she had ever had.

Caitrin nodded as he had said she had only been out for a few hours. Well at least her day hadn’t been totally wasted yet. She still had the rest of the afternoon and evening to make her own; or at least attempt to she supposed. Caitrin shrugged softly into his chest and pressed her lips together. She wondered if she would be able to sleep that evening, seeing as she had slept artificially for the past few hours. She would have to force herself to though, the last thing she wanted to do was face Richard when she was tired. Her stomach grumbled and she placed a hand on it, then realising she had never got her breakfast that morning during her little situation with Richard. That meant of course that she had not eaten since last night, which probably explained why she was hungry right now.

She looked up at Richard and pressed her lips together into a grin and let out a small laugh, “Are we risking a tavern tonight?” She asked with a slight tease, she had not seen anywhere to stop so far, and it seemed like they were in the middle of nowhere. Wait, would that mean they would have to sleep under the stars and make camp together? Because of course nothing would go wrong there would it? Would she even get any food if they couldn’t stop anywhere along the way?

[Richard de Calys]

When her own apology was said, Richard felt like they had managed to at last come to some sort of understanding between them. No matter what Caitrin may think of him, his interest in her was entirely professional. He rather thought they had managed to handle that rather well, especially as they were both as stubborn as each other. Any argument between them could no doubt last days, and while they did have days to spare, Richard would much rather spend the time enjoying himself.

Why would he rather be on his own? Well, that was simple: it was easier. And no, this wasn’t the build up for some angst filled past. His life literally was easier. He had no one to care about but himself, no one to look after but himself. He had the freedom and liberty to go wherever he wanted, whenever he wanted. Sure, there was the emotional downside, there was always going to be. There were times when he found himself feeling lonely and rejected by the world, so he left and went to new places and met new people. The only people Richard cared about could not be with him, and so he had become an expert at the passing acquaintance. Besides, he made his own money, and made his own life. Why would he ruin that by becoming attached to people? “I prefer it that way.” He said simply, his tone neither enthusiastic nor self-pitying. He doubted that would be a satisfactory answer for Caitrin, she clearly came from a heavily family orientated background – why else would her uncle have commissioned his services? She was probably hoping for a better explanation, a story of how he was abandoned and forced to make his own life, which, alright, now that he was thinking about it did actually happen, but even so, his life before had been dull. He’d had to hide who he was, and yes, he was still hiding part of himself, but that was a lot easier to do when you weren’t having several hundred young women thrust at you every week. Since leaving Cantia he’d learnt to survive by himself, it was his life now, he wouldn’t want anything different.

Surprisingly, he was beginning to feel less uncomfortable during her mocking. Whereas when they were in the room there was the possibility that something might actually happen, or be expected to happen, the same action was rather more difficult to carry out in their present situation. Nevertheless, he would rather not talk about that sort of thing anyway, especially not with Caitrin. “I can assure you I do not.” He’d had quite enough of kissing women to last more than a lifetime. Although there was still part of him slightly irritated that he was being described as “alright”, it was something he was trying to avoid discussing. He was sure it would be brought up again in some capacity or other during their journey, but for now he could just ignore her. He knew he was more than alright, and that was the main thing.

He had been hoping that he would have seen a tavern by now, and that he could answer her question with a rather confident yes. Unfortunately, they seemed to be on the only stretch of road which housed none. That was irritating. Unless they managed to find one relatively quickly they would be forced to sleep outside…brilliant While Richard was more than used to sleeping outside, it was not something he particularly enjoyed. Dukes were supposed to sleep in beds. Having said that, they probably weren’t meant to go around kidnapping young women either, ah well, each to their own. “We might not be able to, is that a problem?” His question was asked with complete sincerity. She may only be a contract to him, but that didn’t mean he wanted her to be uncomfortable.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin was glad in a way that she and Richard had reached some sort of understanding. Even she could not keep up a constant strain of anger for a few days, and neither did she particularly want to. He was taking her back, and although she didn’t like that fact, it was what was happening and she had to accept it. She could just imagine her Uncle’s smug face when she finally did return, well, at least he may drop the idea of a suitor pretty sharply.

It was hard to comprehend why anyone would want to be on their own really. Although Caitrin had spent the last few days on her own, that side of it hadn’t been particularly enjoyable. She was far too sociable to enjoy being in her own company for long periods of time, that was why she went to Camelot so much. Having grown up in such a big family Caitrin had never really had the luxury of wondering what it would be like to be on her own until her teenage years, when her father had left her alone to ride out for war as she was the only unmarried child. That hadn’t worked out, so she had been sent to Camelot instead. She furrowed her brow at Richard and raised her eyes to him. “But don’t you have anyone? Not even friends?” She wasn’t talking about sweethearts, or even family, but everyone had to have friends of some sort. How else would you get by in this life? Then again, she supposed Richard’s line of work seemed a little bit dodgy at best, who on earth had heard of making a living from kidnapping noblewomen?

Caitrin gave out a small laugh as Richard told her he defiantly did not want to practise on her. She hadn’t expected anything else, and was now completely convinced his little act this morning had been nothing more than business, well to him anyway. She was still annoyed she had been sucked into it, but that was always her weakness she supposed, she never really knew when to stop. She knew that she should probably work on improving that at some point, after all she didn’t want to make a name for herself did she? Caitrin was still however sticking to her first opinion that Richard had only been alright because in her experience, that was all he had been.

Caitrin was still on the look out for a tavern, almost desperate to find one. But then Richard spoke, and it confirmed the worst scenario to be honest. Wait, did that mean that they would have to sleep outside? She had only slept outside once before, and that had been on her journey to Camelot. Although the prospect of a bed was so much better, she was a noblewoman after all, there was no point in kicking up a fuss. It wasn’t as if Richard had gone past a tavern on purpose. Caitrin shook her head softly, “No, its fine.” Was her short reply, and she hoped that Richard had some sort of back-up plan, or else neither of them would be eating until tomorrow at the earliest. “But how will this work?” She asked, raising an eye brow and then raised the hand with the small silver chain attached to it. Unless he had quickly forgotten, they were still tied to each other so how on earth would making some sort of make shift camp work?

[Richard de Calys]

In response to Caitrin's question Richard merely shrugged. Until she starting taking an interest he hadn't given his situation much thought. His life simply was. He didn't spent much time deeply analysing it, there was never any time, really. Besides that, there were only two people he'd ever really been close to - James and his younger brother, Ector. Apart from that, he was quite happy on his own. Maybe if he'd had more people he'd cared about in Cantia he'd feel differently, he'd miss the company, but that simply wasn't his life, so there was no point in dwelling on it. "I'm happy by myself, honestly I am."

Perhaps his life was an odd one. He had no particular home, he hadn't seen any of his family for years and most of his time was spent stealing or making deals with people. But he enjoyed it, and couldn't see why Caitrin couldn't understand that. For someone who was quite sure he'd never needed anyone in his life, or alright, that wasn't precisely true but whatever, he couldn't understand this need to constantly be around people. In his opinion - and this was coming from someone who made a living knowing people - they were irritating. Even if he did have actual friends he'd probably only find them annoying, so there wasn't really any point in trying to get any.

The likelihood of the pair of them sleeping outside was becoming an ever increasing one. That was irritating. From what he understood of Caitrin's character, she was probably not going to spend all night whining about not having a bed and scream every time she saw a spider, which could only be a good thing. Making a camp outside would mean that they would have to sleep in shifts, just in case they were at any risk. Oh, this was such a lot of hassle.

"The chain? It stretches, I mentioned before." That was the least of their worries. Firstly they had to find somewhere relatively safe, hopefully somewhere off the main road but not too far away, and then there was the problem of keeping warm. A fire would be an obvious choice, but it could attract unwanted attention. It seemed, unless he managed to come up with a brilliant plan, it was going to be a cold night.

"You're sleeping at least three feet away from me." He added with a grin. He didn't actually think Caitrin would try something, but he was going to make the point anyway. No matter how cold it got, he was quite determined that they never found themselves in that particular position again.

[Caitrin de Archer]

It was still hard for Caitrin to even start to comprehend why Richard would just want to be on his own all the time. Caitrin could not imagine being without the thrills that court life brought with it, she was never one for just living on the edge of society. No, now that she was in Camelot she was exploiting the fact she was allowed at court more often as much as she could. It was everything she had expected it to be, most of the time she had men trying for her hand, trying to pull her for the next dance. They were all always amiable, but none of them were just right for her. It always seemed like there was something missing. None of them really knew how to handle her, they were either too charming or just really too shy. Caitrin needed something totally different in her life to even tempt her, but what were the chances of that happening anytime soon? “Well, luckily you have me for company for the next few days.” She said playfully, giving him a quick wink before falling quiet again and just watching the scenery roll past.

She was glad to finally say that her dizziness and queasiness had all but vanished. She could only be glad about that, and would defiantly be on her guard in case Richard tried anything like that again. Caitrin felt now like she was fully awake which really was no fun when you were practically being supported by someone else and being taken home. She was sure she would not sleep tonight at all, but she would have to get on with it.

So they were defiantly making camp then? Well this would certainly be interesting to say the least. Oh, she had forgotten about the chain stretching, she had been worried he was going to just perhaps tie her to a tree or something like that, which would have been no fun. She couldn’t help but laugh at Richard’s latter words and she looked up to him in a mock seriousness. “Why? Are you afraid something will happen?” She winked at him, but the effect was ruined as she bubbled into a fit of laughter, honestly she would not be trying anything with Richard, she was still slightly annoyed at the whole situation so why would she try to flirt with him?

The sun was now well and truly falling in the sky and she looked up with slight concern and then back to Richard. She didn’t need to tell him that it would soon be dark because he had probably figured that much out already. “Do you have any idea where to stop?” She now asked him, Caitrin had never really had to make camp by herself, so she had no idea how to even pick a spot out.

[Richard de Calys]

No, he was not afraid. Of course he was not afraid. Richard de Calys was never afraid of anything. He usuall had some trick up his sleeve, some words to get himself out of trouble. He had a feeling, however, that this was not one of those times. Caitrin was laughing at him, irritatingly. She'd been doing that rather a lot lately and he wasn't really appreciating it. He had another feeling, and that was that she wasn't going to stop doing so.

His usual kidnappings were less vocal than Caitrin. They'd just sit and glare, or sit and look scared, but whatever they did it wouldn't be half as annoying. But then they weren't half as interesting either. No matter what else he might think about Caitrin she was certainly interesting. Not many young noblewomen would have the courage - or the stupidity - to just runaway and assume everything was going to be alright.

In response to her question he just shook his head with an amused expression. While it would be a lie to say that her advances had been welcomed and that he had not felt uncomfortable, they were hardly the stuff of nightmares. He had certainly been unhinged, but it would take a lot more than that to frighten Richard de Calys. "I'm not afraid of anything." He replied simply, and waited for some kind of mockery from her.

A thought occurred to him, one which, surprisingly, was only choosing now to appear. Normally it would be at the forefront of his mind. Perhaps Caitrin being attached to his wrist had pushed it aside. Anyway. The fact was he was going to have to sleep in his clothes. His favourite trousers were going to get muddy and probably covered in leaves. Oh how wonderful. He was beginning to feel as though this whole ordeal was just one thing after another. He'd better get a damn good payout for this.

He slowed the horse down, trying to find somewhere suitable. The forest, he decided, was a quiet one, but even then there was still the possibility of trouble. It would be nothing that he couldn't handle, but he would much rather avoid it, especially with Caitrin. While she might be enthusiastic, she might not necessarily be much use if the situation called for it. They left the road, and after a few feet came to a small clearing. It was far enough away to not be seen, and as clearings go, it would probably be comfortable enough. "This is as good as you're going to get, milady." He dismounted the horse and held out his hand to help her down. Caitrin ignored this, he had a feeling she would.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin could not help but be amused at how one of the main priorities on Richard's list for tonight had been to tell her they were sleeping a few feet apart. Well, she certainly had made an impression on him this morning, but he had not been unwilling for a bit of encounter anyway. The fact she had been led on by Richard still annoyed her but she didn't let it show. It would only feed his smugness really wouldn't it?

She suppressed a laugh at Richard's next words. Had he truly just said that? She was sure that her advances this morning had scared him, or at the very least she had unnerved him. "You seemed pretty afraid of me this morning." She said casually and smiled up at him in an almost smug way; finishing it off with a grin. Caitrin had been pretty satisfied with the reaction she had got out Richard this morning, she had enjoyed herself even if it had led to this situation. Of course she would not be pursing the same level of flirtation with Richard, but a bit of casual flirting from time to time during their next few days together wouldn't hurt would it?

Caitrin looked around her as Richard began to slow down the horse. Was this where they were staying then? She spotted the clearing in the forest around the same time as Richard did and she just looked around it, not really sure what to make of it. She'd be sleeping in the same dress she had been in all day, and the only cover would probably be her cloak. That was hardly reassuring. Of course she ignored Richard's hand as he extended it to her. She pushed herself off the horse and landed quite neatly next to Richard. She had got off a horse enough times by herself, why would she need Richard's help, even if she did have a silly chain wrapped around her wrist.

She looked around at the clearing; it was hardly inspiring to think that she would be spending the night here. Her legs felt a bit wobbly at first but she soon steadied herself and ran a hand through her hair. She sighed out softly, well this was all well and good but what happened next? Caitrin took the reigns of the horse, which were now just hanging rather uselessly and moved so that she could tie her horse to a nearby tree. After all, she hardly wanted the mare to run off.

She then, having secured the mare she walked back towards Richard. Caitrin was glad to see that the chain did indeed stretch. At least that meant that she wouldn't have to be side by side with Richard all night long. The sun was already setting in the sky and she brushed her sides with her hands, trying to keep herself warm. "Should we start a fire or something?" She asked, rubbing her hands together. "It'll be dark soon after all."

[Richard de Calys]

It was a well known fact that Richard de Calys could do just about anything, and in a hat. Hats, in his opinion, were marvellous things and he stole any that he could. He stole lots of things. It was how he made his living and it was how he amused himself. Sometimes he stole people, which was how this bizarre acquaintance with Lady Caitrin de Archer first came about. And now he was going to spend the night with her. Not like that. Good heavens no. Caitrin was purely a contract, and even if she wasn’t he didn’t...appreciate women. No, nothing was going to happen tonight apart from a tedious and cold watch and possible pneumonia. If he didn’t get a very handsome sum from Rouland de Archer he was not going to be best pleased.

He deserved double the agreed price just for her teasing. Whilst he would be the first person to admit that Caitrin had unnerved him and made him feel horrible uncomfortable and rather unlike himself – something he was determined would never happen again – he was hardly afraid of her. He could handle himself. Just as long as she didn’t start biting her lip again. “I beg to differ.” He replied firmly, determined that this whole matter should be cleared up swiftly. The last thing he wanted was to inflate her ego by making her think she had that sort of power over him. Quite simply: she did not. And besides, his ego was quite big enough for the both of them. “I was never afraid.” He paused before admitting, “Slightly...concerned perhaps. It’s not the same thing.”

As Caitrin tied the horse to a tree Richard took a few steps to fully assess their location. It seemed alright to him and he had a feeling Caitrin would say something if she had a problem so he went and assumed she didn’t. And, well, even if she did there wasn’t anything he was going to do about it. He took a moment to stretch his arms and legs properly, long journeys on horseback where never the most comfortable of experiences. “Hmm.” His initial response to Caitrin’s question was not a particularly helpful one. He was trying to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages a fire would bring. It did not take long for him to reach a suitable conclusion. “We’ll have a fire, but not for long. I don’t want to draw attention to us. We’ll also sleep in shifts. I don’t mind who goes first.”

[Caitrin de Archer]

To say that Caitrin wasn’t convinced by Richard’s words was the biggest understatement of the year. She raised her eye brows at him and let out a small chuckle. She shouldn’t see why she should stop teasing and jesting with him, after all she had to spend the next few days with him. He had kidnapped her and that came with consequences, and it just happened that Caitrin de Archer’s idea of fun came in the form of teasing and jesting with men. Of course she wasn’t flirting with Richard anymore, she wasn’t an idiot after all and she could do without being knocked unconscious again. No, now she was just teasing him because she could. She needed some amusement after all.

“So that was why you were edging up the bed away from me?” She asked him with a wink, “Because you were concerned?” The sarcasm ran through her words but that was intended so she hoped Richard received it in such a way. Caitrin then turned her attentions back to the small clearing which Richard had chosen. It was quite a good spot, Caitrin could already see some of the first stars peeking through the setting sky. It was quite picturesque in a way. The clearing was also quite quiet and private, you couldn’t really see the road even though they were only a few minutes or so from it. Although she wouldn’t admit it to Richard, he had done a good job in picking the spot with what little time he had had.

Caitrin didn’t really need to put much thought into Richard’s proposal. It made sense that he should sleep first because she had only really just woken up and she was anything but tired. Plus she was still eager to get the stupid chain off her wrist as soon as possible. If he was asleep she might be able to try again; there had to be some way of getting it off! Caitrin knew that she could start the fire as well, of course Richard didn’t have to know exactly how she would be starting the fire, but it would be keeping both of them warm so it didn’t matter really did it? “You can sleep first, I’ve only just woken up after all.” She shrugged softly, she did still feel a bit groggy but she had no intention of sleeping just yet; she had lost enough of her day to contemplate sleep just yet. “I can start the fire too if you wanted to rest?” He had said the chain would stretch, so surely it would stretch far enough for her to grab some firewood and start a small fire. If not well then he would just have to help her gather firewood before he went to sleep.

[Richard de Calys]

Richard was going to ignore that comment and try and wait until she was bored of teasing him. Somehow though he couldn't see that happening. He let out a deep breath. This was not going to be fun, especially not for three days. There were only so many times he could say that he hadn't been scared. Was it really that amusing anyway? Surely she had flirted with hundreds of men - she was certainly keen to do so with him - he couldn't be the most amusing of the bunch. "I think you'll find, I edged away not out of fear, but out of gentlemanly decorum." Even if he had wanted to he would not have gone along with it. It simply wasn't the done thing, or at least in Cantia it wasn't. In Cantia men and women did not know each other like that until after marriage, he had thought the same rules applied in Camelot too, but it didn't surprise him that Caitrin ignored them.

He didn't argue with her, he didn't care either way who slept first and he supposed it made sense that she would take the first watch. She had spent all afternoon asleep. "Well wake me up when you become too tired." He actually had no intention of going to sleep at all, or at least not of being completely asleep. He never slept that deeply, even when he had the oppurtunity to do. There was always something going on inside his head, and tonight was no exception. He didn't fully trust Caitrin not to try and escape - he would do the exact same after all, yet he could hardly make that mistrust clear. He would simply pretend to be asleep and if she did try anything he would be in a position to stop her. Despite the fact that he was still completely intent on getting his money, running away now would be an incredibly stupid thing to do. It was dangerous enough for a young woman alone in the middle of the day, let alone at night in a forest. "And," he took his cloak of, planning on using it as a blanket and found what looked like a reasonable comfortable place to "sleep", "I'll point out now that it won't be a good idea to try and run off. So don't get any ideas." Of course if Caitrin was going to do anything she wouldn't be put off by that, but at least he'd said something.