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Vaughn was doing what he did best: nothing. The dullness of recent events was making him rather restless. He was bored. He needed a bit more excitement. Granted, he knew he wasn't going to find it here in this dump of a tavern. The only thing such a place was good for was watching men make bigger idiots of themselves than they already were. It was pathetic really. But when all else failed, raising a little hell was a good was to spend his time. Provoke their feeble minds into a fight, and then chuckle as everything unfolded. Perhaps that would be his master plan. Though hardly an original one.

Which, once again, added to the dullness of the plan. So all he did in the mean time was sit at a table in solitude, and drink his ale. As his eyes darted through the crowd, they managed to catch sight of something. Or someone. So vastly out of place in such a surrounding. A young woman. It was not such much the gender nor age that made her stand out. It was... perhaps the look on her face. Whatever it was, Vaughn was intrigued enough to keep his gaze on her until she vacated the area. Maybe he had found his source of entertainment tonight after all. He rose to his feet, deciding to follow her out. The tavern would be here in a few hours.

She may not be. As he exited, it did not take long to find her, though this time, she sat at the edge of the well. She looked, frazzled; to say the least. As if there was something that numbed her. He did not approach her right away but rather just watched her for a few moments. The contrast of her bright red hair in comparison to her white dress, under the light of the moon made her stand out in a way that Vaughn had never quite seen. It caused a smirk to form on his face, his eyes already leering over her figure. Even more so when she proceeded to pull a dagger out. Now what was the natural reaction to such a thing? Panic. Fear for the person's life? Run to them and claim that whatever wanted to make them end their own life was not worth it?

Vaughn did none of these things. He would not intervene for a woman to save her life by not taking it. The only thought that would enter his mind was that it was a damn shame to lose something so exquisite; such a waste. But, such thoughts didn't need to enter Vaughn's mind for soon enough, the purpose for the blade was revealed and it was to... chop off her hair? Now that was something certainly unexpected. It look as if she was having some sort of psychotic break down with the fury that she cut her hair and the tears that poured down her cheeks. Now, Vaughn decided the time had come to intervene. He stepped out form the concealed of the shadows, his arms folded across his chest. A smirk still firmly in place.

"You shouldn't sit so close to the edge," he commented, referring to her current seated position. He approached her more, until he was standing rather close to her. Enough to violate anyone's sense of personal space. He slightly leaned down to whisper in her ear. "A stranger may come along and push you." He cared not that she was already crying and that his words were meant to instill fear. She seemed like a fragile little thing, and Vaughn had ever intention of trying to make things worse for a woman in such a state.

Flogged? Really? He knew that was probably the best she could do. Considering Alistair would... 'protect' him. Son of a bitch. It made Vaughn despise this situation even more. He needed to get out of here. As soon as possible. Though she seemed to pay little attention to his lastly spoken words. Instead returning his insult towards her precious husband. Calling him a bastard. Even when she used the term brother, he inwardly cringed. She seemed no more pleased by this situation. And she best not provoke him right now. He wondered if threatening her and the baby's life would get Alistair to get rid of him. Hmm. That would be a possible solution.

One he would have to explore later. Right now, he had the rare opportunity to speaking to her alone. Usually, she was swarmed with guards. Or worse: Alistair. He kept a cold expression when she returned the insult. "A whore should not be one to talk." This time, he was not insulting her for the sheer amusement. He was doing so because he was angry with her. And her idiotic husband. He hoped she went crying back to Alistair and tattled on him. Just as she had done when Vaughn had broken into her chambers. Another way to slip from Alistair's favor. "As much as I enjoy your pathetic threats and insults, I come with another purpose."

He was not enjoying anything right now. This should be the ideal. Having her alone. Being able to provoke her. Threaten her with a child. But currently, he was far too consumed with anger and frustration. Emotions he had not experienced for many, many years. "To speak of the druid. And what he has asked of me." To be the godfather of his damn child. "I do not want this any more than you do." She was the only other person who didn't want him here. Surely, they could both think of a way to cross Alistair and thus, grant Vaughn his freedom.

Every possible curse word that entered his mind, did. All directed towards the bastard in front of him. "I'm not a fool, Vaughn." Clearly he was if he was saying all this to him. "This lie I live can't hold up forever." True; because Vaughn was going to kill him. "I've made too many foes, and was too public in my actions." Exactly. Like Vaughn. He did not seem able to focus on anything else the druid said. Because he kept talking about his trust in him. Vaughn knew how protective the man was over his whore now wife, and his child. And what. Now he was asking him to take care of them? To bring them to safety should something happen to him? Vaughn was going to kill Alistair. That was what was going to happen. And then he would take the druid's head to his wife and throw it on her lap.

How the hell had Vaughn exuded kindness? What had he done to make Alistair trust him as such? Well, he knew what he did. But still. Shoving him was one thing, asking him to protect his family was another. Yet, family was a strong spot for him. Perhaps this was what Vaughn would do to lose his favor. Because he needed to get out of here. "Go to hell." His voice was blunt, cold, angry. Still void of any semblance of amusement. A rarity for him. "And take your family with you." Because he couldn't give two damns about what happened to them. He was not their protector. What was Mabon anyway?! He had traveled the ends of the earth, but had never heard of such a place. He wouldn't be surprised if it didn't even exist. He took a step towards Alistair. Despite the couple inch height difference, Vaughn was not the least bit intimidated. His size meant nothing, because he had become a soft pansy of a man. "I will never be godfather to your child." He took this not as an honor. But as a high insult.

Vaughn silently followed Alistair. His annoyance did not diminish in the slightest. If anything, it grew. To the point where he did not say a word during their stroll to wherever the hell Alistair was leading him. He did not plan to stay long. Or at least somehow convince Alistair to let him get out of here. It was easy enough to escape the man, but with is newly attained authoritative position... he had a bunch of lackeys to do his bidding. It was no longer about just escaping Alistair the man and druid; but Alistair the prince and future king. When they reached the room, Vaughn entered, barley taking notice to its surroundings. He was not going to deny the fact that it was indeed a nice chamber. But they were in a castle after all. Ordinarily, Vaughn would have self appointed himself this room. But right now, he just wanted to make his point and get out of here.

"I am going to make this very clear," he began, his voice indicating that he was not willing to mess around. "This will be the last time we speak. Once I leave Gwent, which will be very soon, you will not search for me. You will not send your minions after me." This was farewell; it was goodbye, and not a moment too soon. "So say whatever the hell it is you have to say. For this will be our final conversation." Whatever Alistair wished to tell him before, now was the opportunity to say it. It would not change Vaughn's mind about anything. He still planned to leave here as soon as the opportune moment presented itself.

Vaughn barley paid attention to the knights who had been approaching. Alistair's gesture had caused them to back off. But Vaughn knew that their eyes were on the both of them. Leaving Vaughn even more frustrated. As if he thought he could not get more angry, Alistair went on to give details about what happened. That day would forever be burned into his mind. Not for good reasons either. He knew he could try to justify his actions by saying that Alistair was of more use to him alive than dead... but it would not explain it. Vaughn's purpose for having access to Gwent had not solely been for the riches and gold; but to annoy Alistair. If Alistair had died, then there would have been not as much need to go to Gwent. Besides, Vaughn had never thought any man or woman was worth dying for. Yet, he stepped in the line of fire. Unsure of where the arrow would hit him. Knowing that it could have cost him his life.

Vaughn was haunted by this memory, rather than finding peace in it. It threatened to destroy him and everything he stood for. Everything he represented. It was a flicker of light in his dark heart. A moral in his lack of conscience. He hated it. He despised it! And he never wanted to hear it spoken of again. Yet Alistair heeded not to his warning and threat. He just kept going, causing Vaughn to clench his fists, yet stay firm in position. He may not get the opportunity to land another punch, for Gwent's knights were watching. Plus, it clearly was not having the effect that Vaughn wanted. He could not pull out his swords either. Not only because the men were watching and they would be less inclined to back away if they saw an armed threat to their sovereign. But because it would be an empty threat, and Alistair knew it. "I want nothing from you!" He stated, aware that he was doing a poor job of keeping his voice calm, as the fury was still there.

"Not your gold, nor your riches, not your loyalty or gratitude." Vaughn could not believe he was actually rejecting the opportunity for the riches a prince could provide; but it was not worth it. It was too easy this way. The price was too high. Vaughn would not have argued if someone accused him of selling his soul to the devil. But in this case, he was being paid for what was perceived as heroic and noble actions. And Vaughn would accept no such payment, no matter how high it was. "What you must do is forget about that day." He knew it was easier said than done, since clearly Alistair was no where near forgetting. "Move on with your life. And let me move on with mine." It was not a request; but a demand. "For whatever you want from me, you will not get." Whatever it was Alistair was going to ask of him; however he thought Vaughn would act towards him when he dragged him here... it would not be with kindness. It would not be the common behavior between two friends.

Vaughn did indeed stop walking. When he heard that Alistair was going to be a father. It did not come as a big shock. Vaughn had often made jokes about the two of them and their nighttime activities. Hell, he had even teased Isadora the last time he saw her, saying that he was the father of her unborn child. Granted, she was not pregnant at the time. Vaughn was just suggesting otherwise. But now; it seemed that she was pregnant. And at a time when Alistair was her husband. Which came first, Vaughn did not care. He did not care about anything that Alistair was telling him. Not that he was going to be a father; not that he wanted Vaughn to be here to share the moment. It was pathetic! He turned his head to look at Alistair. His expression completely void of any reaction to this news.

Friend. Brother. The words may as well have rung out as insults and jibes. For Vaughn took no comfort nor honor in these titles. What struck his nerve even more was that Alistair wanted Vaughn here, around his child. He knew the druid well enough to know how protective the man was over those he cared about. The princess being a prime example. And now his unborn child. Vaughn did not re-approach Alistair. He just stood there, looking at him inexpressively. "I am not your friend. I am not your brother." Alistair needed to be clear about this. "I came here as neither. And I will leave here as neither." He did not even bother congratulating Alistair on his baby. Even if it was sarcastic, he feared the meaning that the druid would take to his words.

"Go do something better with your time. Like coddle your woman. For you are wasting your time right now." Truth be told, Vaughn was a bit curious to here what Alistair was going to ask of him. What now?! What the hell did he want from him! He had ordered him to come, he came [against his will]. What more could Alistair possibly request, or command, of Vaughn. Whatever it was, he knew it would not be good. So he braced himself. Even though Vaughn did not ask what it was, he was fairly certain Alistair was going to tell him.

Vaughn was not a man of thought. It was true, that he had strong analytical moments, but seldom were they long term. He acted in the impulsiveness of the moment, consequence of his action only being a fleeting thought. He also spoke, finding strength in words for it was words and phrases that struck nerves in people. It was what provoked them, sometimes better than threatening gestures. These two things were Vaughn's specialty. Which was why, right now, he was unsure about the present situation. For while Kory did respond to his words, it was evident that there was a great deal of thought behind them. That her mind was working with every gaze she gave him, every word she spoke, every gesture she made. There seemed to be a deeply rooted purpose for it. And it made Vaughn want to be able to read what thoughts were behind her striking eyes. Interesting. So it seemed her pride was not so great as to prevent her from doing something she may fail.

He supposed there were people out there like that. Vaughn could relate to one thing and that was he never held any regret. Mostly because he did whatever came to mind in that moment. "Then fail you will. And you may indeed regret making yourself look so ridiculous in your attempt." He was just mocking her of course, only to see if he could elicit another reaction out of her. Apart from the unwavering smile and soft laughter. Was there truly nothing that would bring her spirits down? Was she always this seemingly... jovial. And accepting of strangers in the night? When she said that it was not something that she just normally did, he was unsure if he believed her. But decided to question it. "Now I find that hard to believe," he said amused, and teasingly. "Since I did nothing to raise such a reaction in you." Meaning, if she had done it for sensual purposes, then he had not overly encouraged it. Or was it something she just detected?

He knew his comments and gazes were rather suggestive. Maybe she was just playing off that. Laughter seemed to be her general reaction to things. Whether it be his phrases, or thoughts that remained unspoken and thus unrevealed. While he chuckled at her words, his was more done in mocking and of a sadistic and inappropriately amused nature. Her laughter was soft, amused, genuine... quite the opposite of how he expressed his own amusement. Speaking of chuckling, he smiled with dark humor when she questioned what was life without a little danger. Now that was something else he could relate to. He was not liking the fact that he was finding these few things in common with this woman. "If you consider that dangerous, then you have not encountered true danger." This was a huge assumption on his part, one that he knew outright was false. For she had fought the beast and he supposed some would consider that dangerous.

Furthermore, he knew it was wrong because she held the stance and the combat skills of a warrior. Meaning, she had encountered far more threats in her life than a menial beast. Vaughn did not doubt this; but nor did he question it. In fact, he did not have the opportunity to do so for in one swift motion, a dagger flew past him. Just missing his eye. He was unsure if she did that on purpose. But he remained completely still. His reflexes were sharp but made no move for his sword, his eyes fixated onto her. "Fascinating," he said with condescension. He finally turned his head to look at the dagger now behind him and smirked. "Either you throw with precision." He looked at her once more. "Or you have terrible aim." Judging from what she did next, he was going to go with the first assumption. For her actions suggested that she held no malice towards him. Quite the opposite. And Vaughn was not sure he liked that.

His eyes watched her carefully. She too had sharp reflexes so while his guard was never lowered, he was not about to make it anything less than sharp right now. She was playing with the swords, but Vaughn felt no intimidation. He kept his eyes locked on to hers, seeing her come closer and closer to him while he remained firm in position. If he reacted now, it would make him seem subordinate. It would make him predictable. And he was neither. Not even when she touched his cheek. He smirked, slightly cocking his head to the side as if to establish what it was she was trying to do. It felt as if she was foreign to men of Albion. As she looked like a foreigner herself. When her touch lingered on his cheek, her eyes on his lips, he took advantage of this distraction. With sudden abruptness and without warning, he grabbed hold of her wrist with forceful manner. He did not like allowing people to think that he could just be touched when they so desired.

His grip around her slender wrist was tight, meant to cause her discomfort as he leaned in towards her. Their faces were mere inches apart but he did not close the distance between them. "Perhaps an unnerving silence is better suited than screaming." This could be taken in a couple of ways. Silence due to her death; or silence due to his forced intimacy on her. He enjoyed putting women in awkward positions, though for some reason, she did not seem to feel the slightest unease around him. If she did, she would not have voluntarily caressed his cheek and stood so close to him. He released his hold on her, throwing down her wrist harshly, while the smirk still played on him. His emotions never gave way through his facial features for they would forever be implanted with looks of amusement, sinister gleams, and sadistic or crude smiles.

Her words suggesting that he cared about her made him laugh. Of course, he could not let her think such things. Things that could not be further from the truth. "Do not flatter yourself. I do not care about you." His voice was honest, but still evident of finding humor in her accusation. Or well, words that Vaughn took as accusation. "I was merely stating fact. It was not said out of consideration, nor warning. But rather, simple indisputable fact," he justified. Far be it from him to permit anyone to think the better of him. "Your foolishness is fact, supported by the evidence of your words and actions." Ones that had probably gotten her in trouble before. Though again, he cared not enough to ask. And now, he did not want to give her the impression that he did by questioning such things. Speaking of her past, she spoke of previous betrayals. "Pity you did not learn your lesson. For such forgiveness is undoubtedly a weakness." Vaughn did not care about forgiveness; though others were the one who usually expected him to seek forgiveness.

"Such naivety will only land you in more never ceasing trouble." To first think the better in everyone, rather than be on guard for the worst. This was why he had called her foolish for his mind set was completely different from hers. However; it also explained why she was able to smile and laugh in his presence. Because she was one of those glass half full kind of people. "And for the record, that is not a warning," he added, patronizing her in her previous questioning of why he would warn her. He gave no such advice nor warnings out of the kindness of his heart. "Perhaps you will have to learn your lesson one more time, before you finally come to realize how great a weakness your values are." Values of easy forgiveness; values of thinking the best in people. It was also another threat, implying he would be the one to make her learn that final lesson to sway her mind. Clearly, he was arrogant enough to belief he could have this effect. Who knows. Vaughn planned for nothing, but simply acted in what the moment provided him with.

"Really?" Vaughn said, slightly raising an eyebrow as she made claim to his remark about loneliness. His eyes followed her as the moved towards her dagger; picking it up from the ground. "Then enlighten me. As to how a woman so shameless and alluring, finds herself void of the company of men." Shameless and alluring was a deadly combination. He had encountered women of this mixture before; ones who were rather forward in their actions. Her having lifted her dress and licked her arm. And alluring in how they held their appearance. Beautiful and lethal all the same. For if there was anything that could bring a man to his knees, it was a woman. Vaughn stood strong, avoiding himself from developing such feelings of attachment, for he had seen the undoings of a great many men for the sake of a woman. It was without a doubt a weakness; one of the most powerful ones out there. Vaughn was not blind to it, but nor did he, nor would he, ever succumb to it.

Ah, finally! When Alistair started walking, Vaughn took an extra few moments; the pain in his ribcage intensifying with all this movement. He put his hand over it for a moment, before lowering it and walking forward. While he felt a smirk on his face, the pain was immense. He forced himself to walk with straightened posture, not even giving the slightest indication that there was a limp there. It hurt even more to do that. Of all days for Vaughn to not be wearing his armor. At least the good part of it was that his nose was not broken. It was just bloody sore. But his consolation in bearing with both these injuries, was that he was about to get something well worth it. Something that would put him in a position to freely drive Alistair and his squeeze mad.

When Alistair said that they should look as if they were on good terms, Vaughn chuckled. "Easy for me to do," he said as he moved to now stand next to Alistair, rather than trail behind. "You on the other hand, may have more difficulty doing this." For so many reasons. "You really need to smile more. You tend to look rather unwelcoming and cold to other people." Vaughn knew he was not one to talk. For even if Vaughn smiled, it was always in that sinister or amused way. It was not meant to make others feel comfortable in his presence. Alistair on the other hand just had his glare and silent tongue. Something that Vaughn was now mocking for him, when in the past it had been a helpful asset to getting done whatever job or kidnapping they were doing.

Vaughn prided himself in a particular skill he had. And that was, the ability to annoy the hell out of someone. In order to do this, one had to know the exact words to say that would hit a nerve in the other person. For example: with Alistair, he had spoken of his disregard for his druid people; and that had landed Vaughn with a broken rib and a nearly broken nose. Now, it seemed Alistair was the one who knew precisely what to say to anger Vaughn. Only it was worse; because he was being serious. Because he was being genuine in the words he was speaking to him. And because Vaughn hated every single one. Speaking of which, the damn druid was calling him brother again! Vaughn had no brother nor was he a brother to anyone! Especially not Alistair.

Vaughn did not even have a sarcastic retort to offer. He was not in the mood for making jokes; he just wanted to get out of here as soon as possible. Alistair's words held truth... no; they held truth. Vaughn envisioned his next arrival at Gwent being something dreaded by Alistair. After all, is that not why he had tried to kill him at the end of their plan? "I should be able to come on my own accord. Not be dragged here by your posse of knights. So stop avoiding my question, and tell me why you have brought me here." He was not going to beat around the bush; another rare occurrence for Vaughn. He was not going to talk about how he felt, or provide false happiness for being here. He was just irritated beyond belief. "I have absolutely no desire to be here," he added, a subtle tone of bitterness in his voice.