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Rouland sat back and took another sip of his wine, mulling over the situation. He wasn’t sure how Griff would be feeling right now, Rouland never had been one for reading the feelings of others, he’d never really had to, so he didn’t feel any great need to. He did feel a twinge of déjà vu though, because Rouland had been in a very similar situation, at a young age, in terms of inheritance. It was always hard being the youngest son in a family, or just anything apart from the eldest son because you were always expected to just fend for yourself. It was always a sink or swim situation. He frowned slightly as he polished off his goblet of wine with ease. There had been so many times in Rouland’s youth that he had felt like he had been in his brother’s shadow, and that that was such a bad thing. Now he actually, properly thought upon it, it hadn’t been a bad place to be in at all. Payton had been a brute, even as a child, and while he had been out in the fields training, Rouland had been reading his books, and getting a grasp of the histories of Albion and it’s kingdoms. He had become his own person rather than trying to be his brother, and now he was an adult, he could see that he was probably the better person for it. Why on earth would he have wanted to be like Payton anyway? This was besides the point, at least he and Griff were in some agreement that the proposed arrangement wouldn’t really be that ideal. “It isn’t ideal, no. I’m sure you wouldn’t want to share your home with another set of newly weds?” He didn’t want to sound like he was reprimanding Griff like he was some sort of naughty child, no, he was just trying to reason with him.

Rouland couldn’t see how such an arrangement could have stood up at all. He knew that although Caitrin, self righteous as she was, would still want to be the Lady of the Manor, and he was sure Griff would want some command in his own house. He did not mind taking a back seat for them to do that at this estate. He would probably enjoy the break. The fact that Griff was being quite accommodating and thinking of Caitrin’s security and happiness, as well of his own. It was quite nice to see, and made Rouland quite sure that Griff would make a suitable husband for his niece. “I am sure, and the estate would be in your name.” In truth, Rouland had a small gain in all of this as well, because his brother would not be able to place any claim on the estate if it was in the Aubert’s hands. “Griff,” He pressed his lips together, not really sure how he was going to word this. Suddenly Rouland felt like had gained a son, in a strange and weird way that he really didn’t want to even think about. Rouland didn’t want to patronise Griff, but neither did he want him to think that he was alienating him and seeing this as an amusing situation. “You don’t have anything to feel ashamed, or bothered about in terms of how you will gain the lands you will pass onto your children. I didn’t have an estate to inherit either, these were my wives lands, they were mine, and now they are yours. Not everyone is fortunate enough to be born to great fortunes.” He shrugged and stood up, feeling slightly uncomfortable. He hadn’t given advice that honest and sincerely in a long time. Jesu, he really was getting old.

Pouring some more wine into his goblet, he brought the wine back with him as he sat opposite Griff. If they were going to live together then it was better that they got along. Well, Rouland wouldn’t stop teasing and jesting with the man. He needed some sort of entertainment didn’t he? He looked over the man, wondering what to say. “Does Caitrin know of your intentions to marry yet?” He asked curiously, for some reason he doubted that he had come here first before asking for Caitrin’s hand himself.

Rouland couldn’t really understand how Griff was processing this situation. After all, Rouland couldn’t have imagined anything worse than having to share the home with his new bride with his brother. Alright, Payton was a psychopath, or at least in Rouland’s opinion he was, but the point still stood. Who wanted their siblings under the same roof whilst married? As well as this, it would mean that Caitrin would have little to do, as Camila would be Lady of the house, not her. Rouland was trying incredibly hard not to be patronising, but Griff was making this harder and harder to achieve. It was unfair that Lucan would inherit both estates, but that was the way of the world. Payton had inherited all the family lands in Mercia. Had it not been for their mother then Rouland would be a beggar under Payton’s guidance, but instead he had married a rich woman in Camelot, and this was all he had to show for his life now. A son who hated him, and a wife he’d buried many moons ago. Though the estate was important, Rouland was trying to make this easy for Griff, so it wouldn’t be the cornerstone to his and Caitrin’s relationship. Caitrin was used to a reasonable amount of comfort and income, and if Griff couldn’t supply that then one thing would probably lead to another. Plus, they needed money and land if they were to have children. “I see.” Was all he could think to say. Really this wasn’t an ideal match from the financial side of things, both Griff and Caitrin were the youngest siblings in their family, therefore the last in line to inherit everything.

It still made him wince slightly that Griff was pursuing this line of thought, because it was incredibly impractical. “But Lucan would still inherit both estates.” Rouland mused, because he needed to stress that point, or at least he felt like he needed to stress it. “Do you really think it ideal for you all to be living under the same roof? I know yourself and Lucan are close, but I wonder about how Lady Camila and my niece will get on, what with cohabiting.” He finished with a raised eye brow and began to sip his wine again. Rouland couldn’t see how that would work, and he couldn’t see Caitrin agreeing to it either. Of course if Allard’s estate was to pass to them once Allard had died and Lucan and Camila had gone back home, then that would be fine. However, in the short term it really wasn’t going to work. Or at least not in Rouland’s opinion.

Well of course Rouland didn’t go around bragging about Dristan. There wasn’t that much to brag about, and by any stretch of the imagination it was a boring tale. Well, it was to Rouland anyway. However, they were going to have to have this conversation, because there was no way that his estate was going to pass to his brother, Payton, or any of his sons. Jesu only knows what they were like. At least Rouland knew Caitrin was semi-normal compared with her kin. “Well, he’s my only child, but he’s been estranged for years now, and he has no interest in my estate.” Griff probably hadn’t caught on to what he was going on about yet, Rouland was just starting to accept these things now. “So I have been considering now to gift the estate to my youngest niece, on the occasion of her marriage.” That should be simple enough for Griff to understand. Rouland would of course still be living in the estate, and aiding in its running, but he could at least take a back seat then. Caitrin was practically the Lady of the house anyway, and all that would remain would be for Griff to aid Rouland in the running of the estate. “That would mean that you and Caitrin would run the estate for the most part, I will of course still be here.” And probably still doing most of the work. “But it should give you some aspect of independence, that is, unless you want to live with your brother, his wife, and his Uncle.”

Rouland de Archer was sure that the spirits would guide Caitrin in whichever path she chose to take. He knew that no matter how much Griff had hurt her, she would take him back if he turned up on the doorstep. He couldn’t say he would agree with her, but he wasn’t going to sit here and judge. It wasn’t his life after all. He would give his opinion if Caitrin asked for it, but she never did, so he never gave it. Instead he just prayed to the spirits, in the hope that Caitrin would gain counsel from somewhere. After all Rouland still kept the old God’s and prayed to the spirits back in Mercia. It was probably one of the only connections that he still had with his native Mercia, even his accent wasn’t that strong anymore. Well, it wasn’t strong when it was compared with Caitrin’s. He hadn’t been back to Mercia since he had been sent here to marry all those years ago, but he had no reason to return. Both his parents were dead, and he hated his brother. Caitrin was the only link he had to Mercia now really, and even she didn’t really like the kingdom that much. “She is, and she’ll get the help she needs when she learns to ask for it.” That was the problem with his niece. She never asked for help, and never admitted that she needed it. Rouland did just go along with her wishes most of the time. After all, if you told Caitrin that she needed help then she would go on the defensive and then no one would get any help through to her.

Rouland felt rather smug that he had got Yassia to apologise to him. With the way she had spoken to him in the first place, she had expected her to be the one demanding a respect. Well, she might be of Royal blood and call herself a Princess but she didn’t have a kingdom at the moment in which to rule over. Of course Rouland wouldn’t point this out, neither did he hold it against her. But this was his house and he demanded respect of all his guests, not just her. He did feel like he had won a victory somewhat. However, Rouland wasn’t going to point out that, as it wasn’t very gentlemanly was it? He just nodded at Yassia, without even the slightest bit of a smile. He always did have quite a good poker face. “I accept your apology Princess, I do after all have quite high standards that not many in Camelot keep anymore.” That was an unfortunate truth, but Rouland did demand respect from those who came into his home, no matter who they were. He had to admit he was quite taken aback by how quickly Yassia had apologised to him, but he wasn’t going to bother about this, she had apologised, that was all he cared about.

Taking another sip of his wine, Rouland sat back in his chair and began to wonder just how long Caitrin would be occupied for. The ride had been his suggestion, but now he wished that he hadn’t said anything at all. After all, it meant he was forced into this socialisation which wasn’t exactly becoming of him. Rouland looked across at Yassia and managed a small smile, right, small talk. He could do this. “How long have you been in Camelot?”

“You suppose?” Rouland repeated with raised eye brows. Was the man being serious? He had just given the ownership of his ward over to him (in the crudest way of putting it) and he ‘supposed’ he was thankful. “Shall we try that again?” He asked Griff almost too casually. He was going to enjoy this moment for all it was worth, because he only had one ward, and this wouldn’t be happening again.

Rouland felt like celebrating, perhaps his best vintage was in order. No, such finery would be wasted on Griff, he was sure. He looked over the man, still not sure what his niece saw in him. He didn’t really care anymore though. In his head this was him finally getting rid of his niece. Rouland did love Caitrin very much so, but it was about time she found herself a husband. It didn’t do for a woman to be so free, and he had heard about how she treated the men at court. Perhaps Griff would be able to rein her in a little bit. This was a win win situation. Griff did finally think to take his hand, and Rouland gave a small grin. “Well, welcome to the family.” His hand swiftly left Griff’s as he took hold of his wine glass once more. Draining it, which was obviously in celebration, he stood up again and went to pour himself a glass. He looked back at his guest, and groaned inwardly. This was a necessary evil of course. He poured another glass for Griff, this wasn’t his best vintage after all, and he handed it to the man swiftly. “I won’t be making a habit of this.” He pointed out very quickly. He didn’t care if Griff was soon going to be his nephew in law, he wasn’t getting wine every time he visited. This was a rare occasion, and a rare situation.

Though Griff might speak of love and such things, there was an element of business which came with marriages, especially on the female side. He wondered exactly what sort of husband Griff would make. “I assume you would like to speak about the business side of matter as well?” He asked, crossing his legs and leaning back in his chair. Caitrin’s dowry had been sitting rather idly in his accounts, and of course he would have to settle some sum on her as well to support her through her marriage, should she ever become widowed. That would probably be cheaper than keeping her at the moment though, because Rouland was the one funding her gowns, and nights out and suchlike at the moment, and it would be nice to pass that responsibility along.

Rouland knew that marriage was more used as a political tool than a love one most of the time. It never really bothered him, though his niece had always fought him in that particular fact. She had always wanted to marry for love, and had refused every suitor he had found for her. Now even the love match was starting to turn sour. He pulled his face slightly and shifted in his seat and just nodded at Yassia’s words as the topic was much exhausted.

It took all of Rouland’s strength to not raise an eye brow at Yassia’s mention of the stars. He had been brought up in Mercia where they were taught to pray to the spirits, and those who had passed. The stars were mere things of childish dreams, something to use to inspire stories around the fires in the evening. He still kept the traditions of praying to spirits in times of trouble because that was what he believed, and it had worked for him in the past. He smiled inwardly to himself and just nodded at Yassia’s words, “The spirits will guide her, as they always have, and always will.” He took another sip of his wine, he knew that whenever he wasn’t here to see over his niece then the spirits would watch over her, and Griff if he ever did come back.

Rouland would have thought that a Princess, and heir to a throne, would have known how to play the conversation a little better than she currently was. He just raised an eye brow at her and took a sip of his wine, “I would watch your manners Princess, I am not my niece.” He was not her friend, he was her aquantances, and he was a Lord in Camelot in his own rights, so he did not appreciate a woman from a different Kingdom, who he had the decency to be hospitable towards, to come into his home and speak to him in such a manner. His words were not harsh, if anything they were just advising her, because he wouldn’t take kindly if she carried on in that tone. He didn’t expect women to be silent, or just make pleasantries, he just expected a little familiarity before he was treated in such a way. Rouland looked over Yassia and pressed his lips together, “Caitrin is strong, she’s a Mercian, and she has faced a lot worse than this, and she probably will again. I don’t want to make it harder for her by giving her false hope. Unfortunately foreseeing into the future is outlawed in this kingdom, or I would tell my niece with certainty if her fiancée is ever going to come back to claim her hand.” He looked sharply at Yassia, “I might be sure of myself, but I will never give Caitrin false hope.” God knows, she had enough on her plate, and Rouland didn’t want to upset Caitrin more. He was just a voice in the background for her, someone who could nod in the right places and hope to get it right some of the time. Caitrin was the closest family he had, and he didn’t want to hurt her anymore than Griff already had.

It probably wasn’t possible to express how much Rouland was enjoying this situation. Though he hated socialisation, he enjoyed the effect he had on others; especially Griff. Caitrin didn’t rise to his bait anymore, and she could be rather dull at times, but she’d brought him this man to size up instead. Well, he was sure that wasn’t her actual intent, but still it was a bi-product of her bringing Griff back with her. He was quite surprised that Griff had lasted this long really, Caitrin kicked most men to the side, much to Rouland’s annoyance. He had been worrying about getting her a husband, but perhaps now that was another problem that had sorted itself. He took a long swig of his wine, watching the man as he sat down, looking like a bag of nerves. Rouland couldn’t have ever imagined being this nervous over...well anything really.

So this was about Caitrin, well that was hardly a surprise was it? Rouland continued to sip on his wine, trying not to grin and show how much he was enjoying this. He wasn’t very surprised when Griff finally finished off his words, confirming what Rouland had already suspected. So Griff did want to marry Caitrin. A part of Rouland wanted to start dancing, or sing happily, or something more him... He stood up without saying a word and went over to the table the wine was on and topped himself up. That was an expression of his undying happiness at what Griff was proposing. He had been waiting for this moment for years, when he could finally sign away his responsibility for his ward. It wasn’t that he didn’t love Caitrin, no, as a niece she would remain close to him and rely on him for whatever she wanted, but he had his life to live as well, and he wanted his wine store back to have by himself. Caitrin could go off and become a housewife... Rouland stopped himself laughing at the thought, he couldn’t imagine Caitrin as a housewife, or anything similar, but she would have to learn in some respects of course.

Rouland was getting ahead of himself of course. With his freshly poured wine, Rouland rejoined Griff and still didn’t offer him a drink. Perhaps he would when the deal was sealed, but not just yet. “Let me get this completely right.” Rouland began, and swallowed some more wine, “You want to marry my niece, Caitrin de Archer, and you expect me to sign my permission here and now?” He was resisting the urge of looking too happy about the whole situation, of course he couldn’t think of any reason why Caitrin shouldn’t be married to Griff. She was wealthy of course, but it wasn’t anything to brag about. She was the last daughter of a Mercian nobleman, and Griff was the second son of a duke, it was a good match from all angles. Especially seeing as he wouldn’t have to convince Caitrin to take his hand at the altar, “Why her?” It was a simple enough question, and Rouland’s fun wasn’t quite finished yet, “What future can you offer my niece?” Griff had done this correctly of course, he was sure, but Rouland had to make sure he was completely satisfied as well.

Well, Rouland wasn’t quite sure what he would have done if Yassia had said that the wine wasn’t good enough for her. After all, he didn’t have anything else to offer her. He had his wine, and so did Caitrin though hers wasn’t as good as his. Apart from that they just drunk the water and that was it. They couldn’t really afford much else. Though Rouland loved his vintage, he was a man who very much lived within his means. He wasn’t extravagant, though he lived comfortably compared to most. Looking back at Yassia he managed a sort of grin before taking in some more wine. If she hadn’t have wanted water then she would have had to just cope with not having a drink, unless she wanted some watered down wine. Honestly, he couldn’t see the problem with drinking this early in the day. You only live once after all, and it was his life and his home.

Rouland just nodded as she explained about her Uncle’s home. He couldn’t remember ever going to the place himself, but he rarely left the manor for social visits. Occasionally Caitrin dragged him to court, and that was usually his dose of socialisation for the year over and done with for the year. He was sure she only made him go to court to prove to everyone that he hadn’t died yet. He just didn’t like going to court, why was that so difficult for her, and the other courtiers to grasp? What was there for him to have at court, well apart from free wine and food. Hmm, he hadn’t thought about it like that before. Free wine. Then again, it wouldn’t be as good as his, so he’d probably not end up drinking it anyway and would end up draining his own stores when he got home. It was a slightly depressing thought at best. “Well as long as he loves the place, that’s all one can ask.” Urgh, did that sound too cheerful for him? It didn’t feel like him saying things like that, “Does he have a son to inherit?” He asked rather casually, that was more like Rouland. Rouland had a son of course, though only a few knew that. Jesu knows where Dristan was now. Rouland occasionally got letters from his son assuring him that he wasn’t dead, or married yet. Rouland wasn’t sure which of those would be worst to stomach. He could imagine the sort of woman Dristan would bring home with him. If he ever came home that was.

Perhaps he shouldn’t have brought Caitrin’s condition up, but it was hard not to. After all, she was the only other occupant of the house, so it was hard for him to really speak about much else. Well, apart from wine, but Yassia clearly wouldn’t appreciate his extensive knowledge on the wines of Albion, so he would rather save his breath. He shook his head at her question, “No, she has not.” It was annoying having her in such a state, because she was usually the one who brightened the place up, now there was an atmosphere about the house that was hard to disperse. “She will appreciate your company.” Rouland said with a soft smile, perhaps it would cheer Caitrin up somewhat. Of course Rouland should be the one caring for Caitrin right now, but he wasn’t about to say that to Yassia. His pride was too strong for him to admit that so freely. “He’ll be back.” Rouland agreed and took a swig of his wine. He was a good judge of character, and in a way he felt like he knew Griff in ways Caitrin didn’t. She was blinded by love and affection, a disadvantage that Rouland wasn’t cursed with, “But not for some time I think.”

This was the reason Rouland stayed away from court, he didn’t like other people’s company, bar his own family, and he only put up with them because he was obliged to. In hindsight, he was glad that he had taken on Caitrin’s wardship, because she at least brightened up the estate. It also meant he had someone to call upon to deal with visitors so that he didn’t have to most of the time. She attended all the functions in his honour as well. However, that idea didn’t work when she wasn’t bloody well here. Rouland took another swig of his wine, and only realised then that he was being rude. Once Yassia was seated in the solar he coughed slightly and looked across at his guest. “Would you like something to drink?” He wouldn’t be offering her his best vintage... maybe just one of the lesser ones. That stuff was expensive after all, so he wouldn’t be just dishing it out whenever to whoever happened to walk through the door. His stores had been lacking recently, and he wondered if Caitrin was the blame, or maybe he had just drunk it and couldn’t remember it. That’s why he wouldn’t ask her, because if the latter was true, she’d probably just lecture him about it. Sometimes he wondered who was who’s ward with her.

He grinned inwardly as Yassia complimented his home. If there was one thing he prided himself upon it was his surroundings. He had an incredible eye for detail, and his home was always up to date with the latest fashions. After all, he spent the vast majority of his time here, so he had to find some pleasure in it. “Thank you Princess.” He managed a small smile at least, and took another sip on his wine. He supposed he should probably say something, after all, they were probably going to be here for a while. Knowing Caitrin she had probably arranged this on purpose to force him to have his daily dose of socialisation. Damn her. “I have never visited the manor myself, but I have heard it is quite grand.” Was it? Or was it derelict? Rouland had no idea, he was just trying to be polite, probably failing. He wondered how much Yassia knew about Caitrin and Griff’s current argument. Honestly, everything seemed to be a drama all the time with those two. One day Caitrin would get married and settled, and then Rouland would drink less, “How are you today Princess? I trust your ride over here was not too tiring.” Urgh, formalities.

Rouland often found himself in the middle of his niece’s problems, or certainly a part of them. This time was no different of course, and once again Rouland was expected to do and say everything perfectly as to avoid a confrontation with his niece. None of this was his fault, so he couldn’t see why he was being forced to play this part. But, despite what might come across, he did care for his niece, and he just wanted the best for her. Maybe, at first, when they had just been getting to know each other he had just wanted rid of her, but now he was more after her comfort than anything. Right now, nothing seemed right. He didn’t know exactly why Griff had gone, but Caitrin had been a hormonal wreck ever since, and the only details Rouland got were when she was shouting at him for not understanding her, and that he wouldn’t understand what she was going through. Rouland had never wanted a daughter, because of how hormonal he had heard they could be, and though his niece was more than capable of standing on her own two feet, she still seemed to adhere to the stereotypes.

He hoped she and Griff made up their differences soon. He had thought that this was it, and that she would just get married and that would be the end of that story. He’d hoped for it in a sense, because she was getting older and Griff had been her first serious suitor after all. He’d even given the wedding his blessing. Rouland groaned, this wasn’t how it was all supposed to be. He expected Celyn to come round at some point as well, to offer his own brand of comfort. He quite liked the man, and had come to understand that he would just turn up unannounced at the estate to surprise Caitrin. Rouland was slowly coming to realise that Caitrin was turning his house into her house, and if she thought she was living here once she was married then she had another thing coming. The worst bit was, Rouland knew all she would have to do was to bat an eye lid at him, and she and whatever husband she had would have residence here for as long as they wanted.

A knock came on his study door. Great. Rouland got up and opened the door swiftly. Why couldn’t the world just leave him alone? He just wanted some peace. “Yes?” The servant swiftly curtseyed towards him, and her cheeks flushed. Years of working under Rouland hadn’t settled her one bit,

“Princess Yassia is here to see the Lady Caitrin.” Rouland knew that Caitrin was out riding for the morning, because he had suggested it. He’d sent one of his men to keep an eye on her, because frankly in her state she could end up anywhere at the moment. If it had been some other woman or noble he would have just sent them away, but the Princess was another matter. He supposed he could at least gesture a few words to her. It didn’t have to be a long conversation. Rouland just nodded at the woman, and took his wine out of the study and descended down the stairs. The young woman in question was stood just inside of the entrance to the manor. Rouland bowed curly to her,

“Princess Yassia, I regret to inform you my niece is out riding at the moment.” He was itching to take a swig of wine, but resisted the urge just yet, “But you are welcome to wait inside, as she will not be long.”