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Once again, Richard was finding himself really, really not enjoying himself. He was cold and tired and in pain and tired of Caitrin's advances. He had thought if he just ignored them, or made it clear that he was in no way interested she would get the message. But apparantly he'd been being too subtle, and then when he had been being obvious she'd become...huffy. Women. This, he reminded himself, is why he tried to avoid them. Especially ones like Caitrin who thought every man to be in love with them. He just sighed at her comment because she was being childish and he wasn't going to rise to it. He did glare at her though, just because he could and because it was one way to vent his irritation without giving her something to reply to.

And Caitrin was being irritating again. Was it necessary for her to have the last word in every conversation? Clearly it was. He rolled his eyes. How...hmm, he should really think of some more words to describe her. Annoying and irritating were perfectly good words, but they were getting a little repetitive. Bothersome was far too timid, and maddening would give her far too much credit. Grating - there was a word for Caitrin. It managed to describe her perfectly, including that horrendous accent of hers. "Well I'm glad you approve," he replied sarcastically, more just to say something rather than in order to prove a point. With that he closed his eyes again and within a few moments he was no longer pretending to sleep.

Of course she had met the Mercian princes, and of course she was all in favour of them. She was probably one of those ambitious noble women who were convinced they'd marry a prince and become queen. Irritatingly, she'd probably manage it. Richard didn't actually know anything about the two princes - he kept away from royalty as a general rule, but he was sure the very fact that they were of a higher status than her would surely be enough to turn her head. He struck her as someone who didn't approve of anyone being above her in status. "Trust me, I know enough about royals." He replied with a sigh. Yes, he knew plenty about royals. They were all the same, too concerned with their own power and wealth and reputations.

She genuinely wanted a list? Well, she probably didn't genuinely want a list, she just wanted to annoy him. What was it with de Archer women and annoying him? To do such a list justice he'd have to give it a proper think so Aoife would just have to wait. This implied he'd be meeting her again...no. He would say he'd work on a list for her, but he'd be leaving Mercia before she could have a chance to stalk him again. He congratulated himself on the fine plan. "Should we meet again, you will have such a list." He said, already deciding that he would be leaving Mercia as soon as an oppurtunity presented itself. As far as the job was concerned...well...he'd just make it up. His customer would be none the wiser.

Dancing with Aoife was something he really didn't want to be experiencing. He appeared to be irresistable to de Archer women which just landed him in horrible situations like this. Still, at least she wasn't as bad as her aunt and he still had his shirt. "Usually my partner is less annoying. And taller. And southern." The only similarity seemed to be that once again he was forced to dance with someone when he'd much rather be doing anything else. He had to twirl Aoife around before putting his hands back on her hips, rather hesititantly. Surely they were nearly at the end by now?

Richard just looked at her and raised his eyebrows slowly. From his experience there was nothing grand or impressive about being a royal. It was just something you were, like brunette or tall. Being royal had certainly not helped him and as a result he'd rather gone off the whole idea of royalty in general. He'd managed to build a reputation for himself using only his own talents, not his status, so if he could do it surely everyone else could. Yes, he used his title when it suited him but it wasn't anything to get too excited about. Unless you were a young Mercian girl of course, she seemed to find everything that he hated fascinating. "Have you met a royal before?" He asked with a definite tone. If she had then she'd understand they were nothing much to be celebrated. People were people - annoying and only as good as they could be exploited.

Did she actually want a list or was she just being a usual annoying self? Richard would have no trouble in producing such a thing, but he wasn't going to bother unless she was actually going to appreciate it. Writing a list would mean having to relive his time with Caitrin, and that was something he wasn't going to do without good cause. Maybe a list would finally be the thing to get rid of the girl. That would be a fine thing. "You really want a list?" He found himself laughing at her next words. She really had no idea about her aunt, did she? It was very easy to hate the woman. He'd been tortured because of her, and had his shirt stolen. That had not been an enjoyable night. All in all, Caitrin de Archer had caused a lot more trouble than she was worth, and he was starting to think the same could be said for her niece. "Let's just say the less time spent in your company, the better." He smiled at her, part of him hoping she'd be offended and leave him alone.

Richard outwardly groaned as he realised what the music was and what type of dancing would be required. Well this was depressingly predictable, as was her smirk. How did he manage to get himself into situations like this? With great skill, obviously. Reluctantly he placed his hands on her hips, lightly though, trying to keep as much distance between himself and her as possible. "I'll have you know I was one of the best dancers in Cantia." It was true, his mother had made him spend hour after hour practicing because obviously that was the best use of his time. And now he was dancing with a child. This was going to do wonders for his reputation.

Richard just stared at her incredulously. She didn't understand why he was being so defensive? Really? Really? She'd stolen his shirt! She'd had her hands all over him! He'd just wanted to be left alone, to just take her back to Camelot and receive his payment - which, he was beginning to realise, no matter how large a sum would be adequate - and then be on his merry way. But she'd gone and made everything so much more difficult. And painful. And cold. And now she was sat there not understanding why he was defensive? Surely she was just being facetious, just to wind him up more? He really hoped so, it was the only explanation he could think of. "Are you being serious?" He asked rather slowly, his expression unchanging. He was fully prepared to launch into a rant if she answered yes.

While he was still completely about the situation and Caitrin in general, he was going to have to accept that it wouldn't be changing any time soon, and to give up now would lose him money. That money was far more important than his current wellbeing. He clearly wasn't pretending to be asleep well enough because she was still talking to him. For a moment he just stayed completely still, wondering whether he could just continue pretending, so of course he started getting an itch in his leg. Wasn't that just brilliant timing? Trying to ignore it just made it worse, so eventually he had to move. With a sigh he opened his eyes and scratched his leg, only this meant he had to reply to Caitrin's question. He closed his eyes again before speaking, "Yes, yes we can." Of course he wasn't taking into account the fact that he didn't have enough money to stay in said tavern when they found one but that didn't matter right now. A tavern could provide them with seperate beds. He would sell his favourite hat for that luxury.

That was an excellent question and one he didn't have an answer for. That was annoying, and slightly embarrassing. He usually had an answer prepared for any such question but he hadn't been expected to be interrogated by a small girl. This was meant to be a strictly no contact job, just finding information and reporting back. It was supposed to be a nice, easy job too before he'd gone and found himself a stalker. "I don't want to talk to him." He replied, trying to wave her away. It wasn't a lie, he really didn't want to find himself face to face with the king. He probably knew what had happened in Cantia and therefore probably wouldn't approve of Richard's being in his kingdom. In fairness, Richard was only there to find information for Mercia's enemies and that was the sort of thing that didn't tend to make a good impression on kings.

Richard snorted at Aoife's comment. He wasn't usually one to snort - it wasn't the most attractive thing to be doing - but it was the only appropriate response. Richard knew enough about the de Archers, especially the female ones to argue his case quite effectively. He'd learnt they were annoying, stubborn and asked too many questions. Not exactly a great catch, and certainly not anything to tempt him, and that was before he took into account their sex. "Would you like a list?" He asked. It would be an awfully long list, maybe it would bore her so much she'd finally leave him alone. It wasn't a very likely scenario, but a man can dream.

His comment about ribbons seemed to have hit a nerve. Good. He wasn't usually in the habit of trying to upset children, but for Aoife he'd make the exception. She was certainly in the habit of annoying him so she couldn't complain when he proposed to do the same thing.

He hadn't noticed the music starting until he was being dragged into the middle of the room. His face fell, he stared at Aoife. This was not going to end well. Oh, she was sneaky. He couldn't exactly run off now, not without anyone noticing, and knowing her she'd make a show of it. "Of course I can dance." He said through gritted teeth. His mother had made sure that he could dance - how else was he going to tempt the young women of Cantia? Not with enthusiasm, anyway. He sighed, "Will you leave me alone if I do?" The answer was probably obvious, but, like he'd thought before a man can dream.

Richard de Calys wasn't entirely sure where he was. He'd just jumped on a horse and skedaddled. It didn't particularly matter though. He was in Albion, that much he was certain and that was all he really needed to know. As long as he could find a place to rest his head that night all would be well, and finding somewhere to sleep was something Richard was rather good at. The plan, not that he reall had one at the moment, was just to find some kind of building and see who was there. It wasn't a very complicated plan but it did really on his ability to con anyone he came across. Luckily, he kept two things with him at all times: his hat and a small satchel filled with necklaces that looked like they contained diamonds, rubies and other such precious stones when in actual fact they were little more than coloured glass. To the untrained eye, they were worth up to fifty gold coins - but Richard would take thirty as he needed to get rid of them quick, or so he'd explain to the unsuspecting noble. Of course once they were sold and Richard made his official departure, said necklace would do mysteriously missing.

He couldn't count the amount of nobles who fell for that one - usually vain women, desperate to retain some of the beauty of their youth, or young nobles trying to woo fair maidens, hoping a pretty trinket or two would turn their heads. Whatever their motive, it didn't matter to Richard. He just wanted their money and then to move on to the next place, the next people, the next con. It was a rather good life, he thought, doing what he pleased and not having to care what anyone thought about him. He'd spent the majority of his life trying to live by other people's rules and expectations but now it just him.

He was becoming rather hungry by the time his horse approached a rather large house, or manor rather. It looked like a pleasant enough place, hopefully with equally pleasant residences. The more trusting the person, the easier the con - not that he usually had much trouble. He could be rather persuasive when he wanted to be. When he reached the entrance he dismounted and made his presence known, waiting somewhat impatiently before a young girl appeared.

"I request to see the lady of the house."

"What is your name, my lord?"

"That is not important, go and tell your mistress I need to speak to her and urgently." With a small bow the girl disappeared and Richard started waiting again.

Richard shouldn't have been surprised when Caitrin put his shirt on. In fact, he should have been expecting it. He was rather accepting of the fact - she wasn't going to just give it back to him, although thinking about it, maybe putting it on was a mistake. He only wanted it to preserve his modesty. It was probably sweaty and dirty and covered in blood. Well that would be lovely experience for her. At least that was a comforting thought. It wasn't making him any warmer though, so he shivered slightly in attempt to make Caitrin see that she wasn't helping at all. "Fine, enjoy my sweaty shirt." He said, managing a grin.

He shifted uncomfortably as her fingers were still running along his leg. What was wrong with the girl? Couldn't she see he didn't particularly want any physical contact between the two of them? It had been an unpleasant enough experience back at the tavern - Jesu, that seemed like years ago, before he knew just how annoying Caitrin actually was. Surely she was picking up on his signals? Unless she just thought this was him being incredibly hard to get, in which case she was stupid as well as annoying. Despite the pain caused by his movement, he caught her hand and pushed it away, not thinking that this would stop her, but at least stopping her for now. He didn't know how to be anymore obvious. She obviously wasn't used to a man not wanting her hands all over his legs. Well, it was just something she was going to have to get used to. Not every man she came across was going to jump on her. "I'm not missing out, I'm just not interested." There, if in doubt - be blunt. And then, if still in doubt, run away and ignore the pain because it was either that or sexual harrassment but hopefully it wouldn't come to that.

Apparantly his hand gestures hadn't been fully understood. He had been saying "Go away" but Caitrin had interpreted this as "Please, do come closer. I'd love to be in closer proximity." Women. Needless to say, Richard wasn't happy. Then again, he hadn't been happy about most things in Caitrin's company. "By all means, come closer." He muttered sarcastically, and tried to shuffle away a bit. That was a mistake - moving was not something he should be contemplating at the moment. He sighed at her words, yes, he probably should be getting some rest but he was rather on edge at the moment and cold. "Well I'll do my best." He said and closed his eyes, hoping if she thought he was going to sleep he'd be left alone.

Richard was definitely not enjoying himself. This was supposed to be his nice, easy job, and what was he doing? Wrestling some made woman for his own clothes. It was a ridiculous situation to find himself in, and quite the taint on his otherwise wonderful reputation. This is why he shouldn’t work with women. They just got in the way. What had Caitrin done to actually help? Apart from rescue him from bandits, but he only needed help because she’d gone and got herself kidnapped first, so really, that was just another thing she’d done wrong. Why did she even want his shirt anyway? It’s not like she was going to wear it. It was probably just the fact that it was something he wanted and she had. He was not impressed. “I don’t want to think of something.” He said, knowing full well that Caitrin was being inappropriate again.

He jumped when Caitrin’s fingers started tracing along his leg (something that, incidentally, didn’t do any favours for his back). “Stop that now!” Physical contact was definitely not something he found acceptable. It was bad enough she had his shirt, but that was just going too far, very much too far. “I know exactly what I’m missing.” He glared at her, expecting her to start touching him again and wondering just how much it would hurt to run away. Probably quite a fair bit, but it would be better than this assault.

”Do you think we’re safe here?”

The nobleman shrugged, nowhere was particularly safe, especially as they weren’t very well equipped to protect themselves, but they were as safe as they were going to be anywhere else so there was probably no point in worrying about it. Besides, they had already survived one group of bandits. “It’s all relative. You’re safe enough to go to sleep.” He paused, “Over there.” He waved his hand at her as if shooing her off. “Away from me.” She already had his shirt, he wasn’t taking any more chances.

Why didn't he want to tell her? Well aside from the fact that what he had found out would compromise her kingdom's safety he didn't particularly care much for her and didn't want to tell her anything, let alone something important. Shouldn't she have a chaperone or something to stop her speaking with strange young men? He looked around, trying to see if there was someone who looked like she was supposed to be with her. With any luck some over protective old nurse would come and tell her that young ladies weren't supposed to be talking to men on their own, but something told him that was just wishful thinking. She was probably too old for a nurse anyway. Oh, why wasn't there someone?

"Yes, it's a secret. And I'm not telling you." She could protest and be as immature as she wanted, it wasn't going to work. Richard was very good at keeping his mouth shut at the right time, or maybe he wasn't good at physically keeping his mouth shut, but he was good at not saying what he wasn't supposed to. Aoife wasn't going to get anything out of him so she might as well save him the bother of having to talk to her.

He really wasn't enjoying talking to another de Archer and he certainly wasn't enjoying talking to another de Archer about a previous de Archer. It seemed he couldn't escape the damn family. He could go to the furthest stretchess of the world and he'd still manage to find an annoying ginger women who was intent on stalking him. What had he done to deserve this? Apart from the thievery and blackmail and helping murderers, kidnappers and other unsavoury people of course. He was only trying to make an unhonest living. "Because I'm irresistable to women, obviously." Richard replied in a sarcastic tone. There had clearly been something about his person that had made Caitrin quite so keen to remove his clothing, or maybe it was just his reluctance that had spurred her on. Either way, it was not something he remembered fondly.

Aoife was now standing in front of him so he couldn't escape her - well wasn't that grand? She couldn't possibly find him quite so entertaining, could she? Surely there was someone much more interesting for her to go and annoy. Obviously not. "What ever makes you say that?" He asked in reply to her question, already finding that smug expression of hers far more irritating than was probably reasonable. Damn girl. Why couldn't she just leave him alone?