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Jul 22, 2013 15:15:56 GMT -5
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Post by Richard de Calys on Sept 20, 2011 14:27:02 GMT -5
If there was one thing that unnerved Richard to the point of turning him into a bumbling fool it was women making unwanted advances. Somehow it always managed to happen to him. How did it always happen to him? Clearly he had a manner about him that shouted “Ladies! Please throw yourselves at me!” There was nothing about him that he could see as being particularly appealing to the opposite sex, but then what was appealing to the opposite sex was more than a mystery to him. It was something he wanted very much nothing to do with. Right now, however, that seemed to be out of the question. Whether Caitrin was actually making an advance or just having fun at his expense he didn’t know, or really care, he just wanted it to stop.
He was trying very hard to reach his happy place. It was filled with money and hats and cloaks and definitely no women, and especially no legs or undergarments. Failing that he just stared wide eyed at the wall and hoped she would get bored.
Oh God she was touching him again. Why, why would she do that? He was obviously showing signs on not wanting to be touched. This was just absurd. "I am not going to lighten up." He said and removed her hand from his person. Why was she not taking a hint? All he wanted to do was take her back to her uncle, was that really such a hardship for her? "And you are not going to find some other method." He knew fully well that his words weren't going to stop her. She seemed to be the only person in the world who was imune to them, a fact which was frustrating in itself, but made even worse by the circumstance. He just wanted to be left alone. She was invading his personal space and he didn't like it one bit.
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Jul 22, 2013 15:15:56 GMT -5
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Post by Richard de Calys on Sept 18, 2011 16:29:04 GMT -5
Richard did not much care for Oseya, although his threats were certainly proving to be entertaining. But he was not one to let his opions of people outweight their usefulness. If Oseya was indeed going to be an asset then Richard was more than capable of overlooking his personality.
He took a few moments to consider the man's proposal fully. Of cours he would be able to find this man lodging, that was perfectly easy to accomplish. No, the thing he couldn't quite make up his mind about was whether he should or not. The money was not an issue, Richard had more than enough customers, and his own slight of hand, which gave him the ability to consider turning Oseya's offer down now.
It was the principle that was bothering him. While he would normally overlook the personality or the person's usefulness, that was not the case here. Was Oseya actually that useful to him? He was quick with a sword, of that Richard was certain, but would he prove himself to be a liability? Richard couldn't be sure.
He sighed. He had no idea why, but he found himself inclined to take the young man up. "Very well. I shall find you lodgings and you shall be my mercenary. As for this payment you speak of," he smiled, "how much coin do you have?"
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Jul 22, 2013 15:15:56 GMT -5
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Post by Richard de Calys on Sept 18, 2011 15:29:24 GMT -5
OOC - this was more than worth the wait!
Richard had not been told who this new customer was, which irritated him rather a lot. His contact always told him who the customer was and what sort of thing they would be looking for. Richard liked to know what he was about to get himself into, that way he could fully prepare himself for whatever task would be set. This job could be anything, and while this would normally provide him with some interest, perhaps even excitement, but tonight it was just annoying. It was cold and dark and Richard was wearing inappropriate clothing for the circumstances. His cloak kept catching on branches, he would be very put out if it were to be ruined. He may have only stole it, but it was one of his favourites, and how he obtained it really wasn't the point.
He had been told this customer, whoever that may be, would be waiting for him in the forest. From the location and time of their meeting he assumed it was someone who wanted something magical, or something equally banned in Camelot. Those who wanted to meet in secret often had something to hide, some dark motive they wanted to keep well hidden from the city's authorities. Richard had no particular affiliations himself. His loyalty went to the highest bidder, regardless of whether they had good intentions or bad ones. As long as he was given his money, or his favour, he was happy.
Eventually he saw a figure, not too far into the distance, one that he took to be a woman. It wasn't often that his customers were women, and the revelation took him by surprise, but he managed to compose himself before striding forth and clearing his throat. "Richard de Calys, at your service. And you are...?"
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Jul 22, 2013 15:15:56 GMT -5
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Post by Richard de Calys on Sept 12, 2011 17:51:25 GMT -5
Richard was desperately trying to ignore her touching him. Women had touched him before, of course they had, but in those circumstances he'd always had somewhere to run away to, and James was always there laughing. This situation was distinctly escape-less. He was running out of bed and wondering why the hell he'd thought sitting down would be a good idea. Ah, yes. Because he'd been certain that nothing was going to happen, nothing he couldn't have handled, anyway. How wrong he had been. He definitely wasn't handling this. It was quite the opposite. Richard de Calys, Duke of Cantia, was not handling being touched by a girl. It was all horrible uncomfortable and horrible embarrassing and he really wished he could be anywhere else.
He no longer cared about the money because no matter how much he was offered it would not be enough to warrant this situation. No, now it had become a matter of pride. He was not going to allow himself to continue like this. It was pathetic. It wasn't him.
"Things will not get a lot more interesting, I assure you." He forced out, almost stuttering on a few of the words and one hand raised because he liked talking with his hands and it was just about the only thing he could do correctly right now. He had always been a flamboyant man, only now he was rather constricted and nervous and everything he prided himself on not being. Bloody women. "This is not ladylike behaviour!" He tried shuffling further away, but ended up sandwiched between Caitrin and the wall, not a position he had been trying to get into. Brilliant. How exactly was he going to get out of this one?
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Jul 22, 2013 15:15:56 GMT -5
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Post by Richard de Calys on Sept 7, 2011 17:47:51 GMT -5
Why was he being serious? Wasn't it obvious why? He'd only been explaining exactly that since he'd first spoken to her. "You know why." He replied, rather irritated. It was no wonder she was ignoring him, he was starting to repeat himself, but there was nothing else he could say. She was just being impossible.
Oh God. How had he even gotten himself into this situation? That was a stupid question. He knew how. He'd been being an idiot and Caitrin had - was still being highly inappropriate and very, very unladylike. He just wanted to leave now, and he would have done if that didn't mean losing his money and possibly damaging his reputation. How anyone put up with women he would never know, thankfully he wouldn't have to. Not in that way anyway. This was not the first time since meeting Caitrin that he was reminded how much better and simpler men were, and it probably wouldn't be the last.
He shuffled further away from her, feeling very self-conscious and wondering where the hell his confidence had gone. He could do with it right now, so obviously it was nowhere to be seen. Typical.
His hands were clasped together and rested on his lap, and that was where they were going to stay, unless he needed to run away of course. His thumbs tapped against each other as he tried to think about anything other than how uncomfortable he was feeling. Surely she would get bored soon? She would realise that her flirting and teasing wasn't working? God he hoped so. He'd never been in a situation like this with a woman before, he had no idea what to do.
And now she was touching him. Physical contact. Why was this happening? His hands tightened, because clearly that was going to help the situation. "I'd appreciate it if you could, erm, keep your hands to yourself." He shuffled further away again, he was running out of bed. This was not going to end well.
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Jul 22, 2013 15:15:56 GMT -5
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Post by Richard de Calys on Sept 7, 2011 5:55:07 GMT -5
For not the first time since meeting Caitrin, Richard found himself at a loss for words. This didn't happen to him, and he didn't like it one bit. It was, however, impossible for him to be anything else but frankly uncomfortable and slightly worried. "No, that is complete contradiction to my point." He replied and folded his arms across his chest tightly. "I'm telling you not to do that."
No, Richard was not much fun, but then he didn't really have much oppurtunity to do so, and especially not right now. His idea of fun would be finding some rare and much sought after ingredient, or showing the world just how good he was at what he did. Trying to stop some hormonal young woman from jumping on him was definitely not fun. "I'm not here to be fun, my lady." He said with more than a little irritation in his voice. He had been trying to keep a cool head, or at least appear to have one, but she was making it increasingly more difficult.
It was only after a few moments that Richard realised he had been staring at Caitrin's chest as a mouse would stare at a cat. She was doing this on purporse. With an awkward cough he averted his gaze, now staring pointedly at the floor. How did he get himself into situations like this? It was utterly ridiculous. What happened to all his nice customers, ones that just wanted someone bumped off? Those sorts of jobs were a hell of a lot easier, and allowed Richard to always be in control of the situation. He was very much not in control now. "I suggest we just sit and wait for you to behave properly."
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Jul 22, 2013 15:15:56 GMT -5
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Post by Richard de Calys on Sept 6, 2011 10:16:33 GMT -5
It was safe to say that Richard was not expecting the situation to improve. Whenever he got Caitrin back to her uncle - and after all of this there was no way he was not going to - he would be negotiating for a larger pay. Richard often prided himself on his ability to do his work, it was how his reputation had been built so qucikly, to be in a situation now where he was being made uncomfortable by a young woman was rather embarrassing.
His words had clearly angered her, but at least that was a reaction he could cope with. He would rather she was shouting than flirting any day. "I understand how you feel," he said in his best reassuring tone. "You want to control your own life, have your independance, but this isn't the way to go about it, trust me. I felt exactly the same." Hopefully she would start to see reason, or at least appreciate the fact that he knew what he was talking about. He had left home - albeit not through choice - and he knew how hard it was. Caitrin was quickly becoming more than just a job for Richard, he genuinely wanted to help her, wanted her to see sense. Women did not survive as easily as men, especially not those born into nobility.
Alright, yes, he had biten his lip, but for completely different reasons than Caitrin. She was just wasting her time trying to be seductive, even if her actions could have worked on the young duke they were not going to, it would be the height of unprofessionalism. "That was out of frustration. You were just being inappropriate." He replied, slightly annoyed that she should imply otherwise.
With a frustrated sigh he followed her into her room. Right, this couldn't be that bad. Richard had been in far worse situations than this, what exactly was Caitrin going to do to him? Nothing that he couldn't prevent.
He tried to ignore her very unladylike manner of speaking, told himself not to be such an idiot and walked over to sit on the bed. He could cut the toughest of men with only his words, he could steal anything from anyone, he was a duke for goodness sake, yet leave him alone in a room with a women and he ceased to be able to function. He was going to sit on that damned bed and start behaving like himself again. He cleared his throat before speaking, "We could, yes, unless you are going to behave properly."
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Jul 22, 2013 15:15:56 GMT -5
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Post by Richard de Calys on Sept 4, 2011 16:40:47 GMT -5
Richard was certainly feeling more at ease now that they were sat down. It would be difficult for her to grab onto him again with a table between them. He had never been comfortable around women, and now it seemed like all those he met were headstrong and overly friendly and he just ended up feeling awkward, slightly unhinged and definitely not like Richard de Calys.
He was slightly surprised by the way she sat in the chair. He'd never seen a woman sit like that, but then women didn't usually wear trousers and try to steal from him either. He sank back further into his own chair, slinging on arm over the back and tried to make himself for comfortable, physically at least.
There was an awkward smile across his lips at her words. Normally he would dismiss such a comment, but he was already feeling unlike himself at present, and having the topic of conversation forced onto himself was not making him feel any better. He liked to keep to the shadows because he could go about his business unseen, regardless of his social standing, but he could hardly say that to Clarissa. That would only create more questions. "I like the privacy." He replied after a short pause. It was not a lie, just not the whole truth and hopefully would be enough of an answer, though he doubted that somewhat.
"Erm," he was considering her question quite carefully, which was unusual for him. Usually he did not drink at all, it clouded the mind and he needed his kept sharp, but then an ale would probably do him good, and even if this woman was a pickpocket he had little of interest to her. That was settled then. "I shall have an ale, what about you?"
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Jul 22, 2013 15:15:56 GMT -5
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Post by Richard de Calys on Sept 4, 2011 16:30:29 GMT -5
Richard was just becoming more frustrated as the situation continued. It seemed as though there was nothing he could say to her. He was usually so good with words, so persuasive, apparantly not today. Or maybe she just had some amazing ability to ignore logic and common sense. He hoped it was the latter, he really didn't want to be losing his touch. No, the problem was clearly her. "I cannot make you believe me, but I can speak from experience. The world is a cruel place, and even those with the keennest of wits will suffer, you will not be an exception." Perhaps he was speaking a little harshly, and over exaggerating the situation, but then perhaps that was what was needed to get through to her.
Her laughter just made him feel even worse. He knew what a fool he was being, he was embarrassing himself. Richard de Calys did not embarrass himself. He eventually had to look at her, because not doing so would only prove her point and that was something he was loathe to do. "What does or does not bother me is not important. I would be much obliged if you could please take this situation seriously." He replied firmly, and bit down on his lip as if to emphasis his seriousness.
Why was she making him follow her up to her room? Alright, he knew exactly why she was making him follow her up to her room, but that didn't mean he liked it. He'd never been in a situation like this before. Of course there had been women who had flirted with him, mainly when he was at home in Cantia and they were looking for a rich husband. He had resigned himself to the fate of having to marry, regardless of the fact that he didn't want to. But since losing his fortune, and therefore his eligibility, he had gained a freedom of another kind. The freedom to like who he wanted, and not have to be in any uncomfortable situations with women again, until now.
Very reluctantly, he followed her up the steps and once again tried to reason with her, although he was quite certain it wasn't going to work. "Lady Caitrin, I am not leaving you until you agree to come back with me. I have a contract with your uncle." It was not by any stretch his greatest argument, but even that would not be enough. From what he had seen of Caitrin she was not one to have orders dictated to her, and she was not one to suddenly back down. He was probably going to have to resort to some...unsavoury methods if he wanted to get his money.
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Jul 22, 2013 15:15:56 GMT -5
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Post by Richard de Calys on Sept 4, 2011 16:17:29 GMT -5
Oseya's words were more than entertaining. Kill him? He would love to see the man try. Richard had, as all boys of his standing, been brought up with the knowledge of fighting. His father would have not allowed anything else, and so since the age of five Richard had been taught how to handle himself. Oseya's threat was laughable at best, still, had to give the boy at least some admiration for his courage, but only some.
Richard was not one for squirming, although it happened, but certainly not in these circumstances and certainly not in front of someone he could better with his hands tied behind his back.
He watched Oseya for a few months, thumb and index finger stroking his chin as he considered the boy in front of him. So many issues...not that Richard cared that much, it was more amusing than anything else. "Better men than you have tried to make me "squirm" and so far none have succeeded." Men were easy, men were simple, it was the women he had to be wary of.
"Cantia." Richard replied with a forced smile. It may be a small kingdom clinging onto Albion with all its might, but it was a proud one. "My uncle is the king of Cantia. And as to my "unfortunate life" I find it is none of your business." Oseya had managed to touch a nerve, Richard did not like to speak of his life before poverty, and certainly not about his uncle. This was his life now, there was no point dwelling on the past.
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Jul 22, 2013 15:15:56 GMT -5
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Post by Richard de Calys on Sept 3, 2011 7:01:30 GMT -5
"Not when your father lost all your money." Richard said with a shrug. It was a subject he didn't like to discuss so openly with near strangers, well, he didn't discuss much of his personal life with near strangers and especially not when he was working. He was not there to tell Caitrin all about his life and how he ended up here so she was just going to have to settle for that as an answer.
The loss of his fortune, through no fault of his own, was rather a touchy subject for the young duke. He had been forced onto the streets with nothing but a name, and yet he had managed to turn it into an advantage. Now he had a reputation, one that had taken nothing but hard work and patience to build up. He was therefore reluctant to spend any time discussing his life before with this woman. It had nothing to do with her, so he was going to keep it that way.
Now she was just being stubborn and annoying for the sake of it. Why couldn't she just cooperate, could she? No, because then she wouldn't be being all independent or whatever. He sighed, he couldn't be bothered to argue with her. "I didn't actually. Look, I know you are trying to be rebellious and everything but I don't really have the time. You're not going to last in the wide world by yourself so just come back with me." Obviously he would prefer to persuade her verbally, but he was more than prepared to use other methods to get her back to her uncle, anything to get paid after all.
He was still staring at the table. Before it had been irritating that she was being so stubborn, now it was irritating that she was enjoying this so much. If it was up to him he would just leave her there, surely she wasn't worth this much hassle. But it wasn't so he was forced to put with her and ignore her teasing in the hopes that she would soon get bored and go back with him.
"No," he replied firmly, still not looking at her. "It does not bother me. It just proves you are not taking this seriously." It was like trying to speak to a small child.
Oh brilliant. Now she was walking off and he had to follow her. He'd never in his life followed a woman up to her room. He stood up sharly, almost knocking over his chair and started after her. "Lady Caitrin! I really do insist that you come with me!"
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Jul 22, 2013 15:15:56 GMT -5
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Post by Richard de Calys on Sept 2, 2011 19:00:47 GMT -5
"I am making a living." He replied casually, he hadn't been looking at her when she had biten her lip, which was fortunate as he wouldn't have known what to do and would have only embarrassed himself, instead he could just talk about himself and remain confident and in control. He pulled at the lapels on his coat before continuing, "Fine clothes like these do not come cheap." Well, they do when you steal them, which was exactly what Richard had done, but Caitrin did not need to know that.
“I thank you for your concern, but it is misplaced. I can manage just fine thank you.”
He pressed his lips together, had he been inconsiderate? He wasn't entirely sure if she had been offended but was hiding it through politeness. Richard may be a thief and more than happy to provide the most evil of men with anything they needed for their dastardly plots, but he was always in favour of good manners. "Please forgive me if that was rude." However, at the same time this was his job, he wasn't being paid to have a pleasant talk in an inn. He was being paid to bring her home. "But I urge you to at least consider what I said."
Oh good God. Richard just stared at her. How the hell was he going to get himself out of this? All he wanted was to find her, take her back to Camelot and get his lovely money. This was going against his carefully constructed plan and he did not like it one bit. Right, focus. He could think himself out of any situation. This one should be easy.
He made a fist, pressed it to his mouth and cleared his throat. Throats should always be clear, he had learnt, it was rather difficult to talk your way out of trouble without a clear throat. He shuffled backwards, chair and all, and then spoke slowly and consideringly. "My lady, I think you misunderstand me." Just looking at her was making him feel out of his comfort zone so he resorted to staring with an almost-vehemence at the table. "My job is to take you back to uncle." He made the mistake of glancing up at her. She was biting her lip. Bloody woman. He was more than aware how his behaviour looked. It looked as though she was having an effect on him, well she was, but not the sort of effect she was hoping for. "Sorry but could you please take this seriously? Your uncle is worried and- stop biting your lip!"
Where the hell had the owner gone? He needed a drink.
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Jul 22, 2013 15:15:56 GMT -5
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Post by Richard de Calys on Sept 2, 2011 18:39:31 GMT -5
Richard was becomming less and less impressed the more he spoke to Oseya. But at least he understood him now. The boy clearly had a few issues, to say the least. Well Richard had no time for issues, especially the ones belonging to someone as irritating as Oseya. The boy wasn't even listening to him now. He sighed angrily and said firmly, "My uncle is the king of Cantia and you will show me the respect my status deserves." So what if he hadn't actually had any contact with his uncle since his father died, so what if he had been reduced to thievery and his dealings, Oseya was not aware of that, and would remain ignorant. It was, after all, hardly any of his business. All the boy needed to know was that he was not treating Richard as he should.
Richard laughed at Oseya's words. He supposed his acquaintance was trying to be impressive. It wasn't working. "Gosh, one and twenty years, how very impressive of you. Would you like a reward? Some gold coins, perhaps? And how exactly will you "prove your worth"?" He cocked his head to one side. "Are you threatening me, in front of all these witnesses?" He spread his hands apart, gesturing to the large crowd, busying themselves in the street. "Come now, boy, surely you can do something better."
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Jul 22, 2013 15:15:56 GMT -5
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Post by Richard de Calys on Sept 2, 2011 18:09:19 GMT -5
He was rather surprised when Caitrin copied his actions of standing up to introduce herself. Most people were just surprised, or unconvinced when he told them who he was. Caitrin was neither, perhaps she was just amused. At least now he knew that she was who he thought and that he wasn't wasting his time. Now he just had to get her back to Camelot. That shouldn't be too difficult...
Hmm, that was interesting. Money appeared to be a touchy subject, so she must not have taken that much. That was good, it meant he had something to win her over with. A woman of her standing would surely prefer to be in the comfort of her own home rather than penniless in an unknown land. "Forgive me, my lady. I am merely thinking of your comfort and wellbeing. I wonder how long you will be able to manage without your uncle for financial stability? Surely you can see the advantages of returning with me."
Well now. This was an interesting turn of events. Was she...flirting with him? This was not good, not good in the slightest. Richard was not one to become easily flustered - even with a sword at his throat he was calm and collected and always thinking of something to get himself out of danger. Women, however, women were different. They were something he would never understand and always managed to make him feel quite uncomfortable. He knew men obsessed with the fairer sex, men who thought of nothing else, who spend their entire lives trying to find a woman to call their own. Richard did not feel the same need.
"Heh," he let out a nervous laugh to accompany that embarrassingly nervous noise. "I'm sure we could...erm...come to an understanding. To get you home. To your uncle." He stopped speaking abruptly, aware he was rambling. This is why he didn't like women. He didn't know what to do when they started winking and saying words in an inappropriate manner. Men were much better; they were simple and easy to understand and didn't make Richard ramble at all.
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Post by Richard de Calys on Sept 2, 2011 17:02:06 GMT -5
This Lady Caitrin was certainly stubborn, and over confident, irritatingly so. Still, she was keeping Richard on his toes, so it couldn't be all bad. He hadn't actually realised that he had not yet introduced himself, which was highly unusual for Richard, normally it was the first thing he did. Introducing oneself was quite an art, one that he felt he excelled at.
"You are quite right, how rude of me." He stood up and took a step back from the table, after tucking his chair in of course. He gave a flourished bow, one that made the tail of his coat flick out slightly and remained bent for a second before raising his head and saying, "My name is Richard de Calys," he straightened up, "Duke of Cantia." He remained posed for a few seconds before returning to his chair - introductions were important after all. "Now we both know each other."
There was a moment or two's pause before he answered her previous question. Why would she go with him? Well, because he wanted her to probably wasn't a good enough answer. He leant back further into his chair and folded his arms across his chest in a casual gesture. "Would you prefer to stay here? How much money do you have?"
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Post by Richard de Calys on Sept 2, 2011 16:25:32 GMT -5
Of course she would have an attitude, Richard should have assumed as such. Normally such a reply would amuse him, but spending three nights without hot water was starting to take its toll. All he wanted now was to find out if this really was Caitrin de Archer - and he suspected she was - and then take her back to Camelot.
He let a small smile appear on his lips as he pulled up a chair and sat down next to her. One arm leant on the table while the other hung over the back of the chair. "Shall I take that as a yes, then?" He raised his eyebrows, almost as an adult would while reprimanding a small child. He was in no mood for silly games with this girl, he just wanted to be paid. Ignoring her request for a nice smile he began to explain his reason for inquiring after her identity. "I have been sent to find you, to take you back to Camelot. Are you going to come nicely? I haven't got all day."
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Post by Richard de Calys on Sept 2, 2011 15:41:08 GMT -5
Thankfully Richard did not have to wait long until the girl with the red hair appeared. Hmm...she could be Caitrin, but then there were plenty of young red haired women in Albion. She could be anyone. His eyes stayed on her, seeing if he could learn her identity through observation alone, but the man did not address her by her name, which was irritating.
When she turned around and looked straight at him he gave a forced, but seemingly pleasant smile. Clearly the idiot man had said something to her. Interesting, now she was ignoring him. He had been expecting her to approach, surely that would be a natural reaction. Well, not if you were on the run, he thought as he watched her sit down away from everyone else, like himself.
He remained seated, just watching her and trying to decide whether it was possible she was Caitrin. She certainly carried herself like nobility. After a few moments he decided the easiest way to determine either way would be to simply approach her.
"Excuse me, hello, please forgive my abruptness, but you wouldn't happen to be Lady Caitrin de Archer?"
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Post by Richard de Calys on Sept 2, 2011 12:15:13 GMT -5
OOC - eh, this will get better when they start interacting.
There was something better about searching for people, rather than objects. When trying to find an object the only hardship was finding a seller, or in some rare cases finding the root. People were much more fun. They thought, planned, were unpredictable, and, more importantly, they provided Richard with a challenge. From what he had been told by Rouland de Archer, his niece, and Richard's current job, Lady Caitrin, was certainly a challenge. He had not inquired as to why the woman had run away, he didn't need to know and it was not his place to find out, but it must have come as a shock to Rouland, why else would he call for the best?
Richard de Calys was more than used to his reputation preceeding him, what else would be the point in having one, but it was not usually known by someone such as Rouland de Archer. Normally those who knew of Richard were the sort to keep to the shadows, or powerful rulers in need of discretion and professionalism. From what Richard had heard Rouland was neither of these. He was powerful yes, but no more so than most nobles, and he was not a shady character, otherwise Richard would know a lot more about him. But, whatever sort of man he was, he clearly cared greatly about his niece - or she was very useful to him - and so Richard had been hired to find her.
He had been trying to find her for three days now. She already had a day's head start, and any more delay was only likely to cause the distance between them to widen. It was not the easiest job to find someone when all you had was a name and a passing description. But he would remain vigilant - otherwise he wouldn't get paid.
Eventually he came to small inn, which a rather old and possibly delusional (she had kept calling him Cerys) woman had said a young redhaired woman was staying. While the likelihood that this woman was Caitrin de Archer was horribly slim, it was all Richard had to go on so far, so he had taken his chances.
It was still morning, so the inn was not as busy as he was used to, and it was a little strange to be alone and not to automatically make his way to the darkest corner he could find. Instead he strode confidentally over to a man who he presumed was the owner, or at least the official table cleaner and asked, "Excuse me, but I don't suppose you have seen a young woman, red hair, about this (he gestured with his hand) high? She is travelling alone, I am her brother, you see, we're all terribly worried about her."
The man thought for a moment, and did not question Richard's lie before replying, "There is a young woman staying here. She has not woken yet, but I shan't disturb her. Would you care for a drink while you wait?"
Richard smiled politely and after a short pause replied, "I'd best not, it is still the morning."
The man simply shrugged and went back to his work, leaving Richard to sit by himself and wait. He wasn't even going to be shown a seat, which he didn't think was terribly good service. Reluctantly he sat down as far away from the drunk - it seemed all inns had a constant resident - and hoped the mysterious red haired woman would appear shortly, and that she would indeed be Caitrin. He would be most annoyed to find out he was wasting his time.
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Jul 22, 2013 15:15:56 GMT -5
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Post by Richard de Calys on Sept 2, 2011 11:52:41 GMT -5
Whenever Richard told new acquaintances about his title he was almost met by surprise, and in some cases admiration. This man was just refusing to play along. Richard was his better and should be treated with respect. He glared at the man, since losing his fortune his title was the only thing he had to cling onto and he was therefore very protective of it. "I care not for what you believe, boy. I am your better and you shall treat me with the respect I deserve. Now kindly sheath your sword." It was highly unusual for Richard to become angry, or even a little annoyed, but this stranger had been insulting not only himself, but his title as well. "And what do you know about titles, boy? I doubt you hold one yourself."
Well, clearly he did not, otherwise he would show the correct respect of one noble to another. This "Oseya" was not even clever enough to show the respect of one man to his better. Well, Richard was more than capable of making sure that would not happen again. Like all royalty, he had friends in very high - and very low - places, friends that owed him.
Very briefly, it had occurred to Richard that perhaps this Oseya would be useful to him. Richard was a collector of people, a collector of promises and favours, but any thoughts of Oseya's usefulness had quickly been banished. The man was too hot, too easily offended and too quick to resort to violence. Richard preferred his allies to be thinkers, Oseya would only be a hinderance. "I should let you know, boy, as it is only fair, that I am a good friend of the king's. I could have you punished for your behaviour." Of course it was a lie, but Oseya would not know that, and even though he wasn't acquainted at all with the king he certainly was with others who would be only too happy to teach Oseya some manners.
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Jul 22, 2013 15:15:56 GMT -5
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Post by Richard de Calys on Sept 1, 2011 16:33:40 GMT -5
After being released from the man's grip Richard took a step back and folded his arms against his chest. This should be interesting. Having been released there was, of course, nothing from stopping him running away, but where would the fun be in that? No, watching this man make a fool out of himself would be far more entertaining.
Richard tilted his head, observing the man as he addressed the crowd. He certainly enjoyed a show, so who was Richard to take away from his enjoyment. Well, he was the duke of Cantia, that's who, but it was only fair to let the lad have his few minutes of attention before Richard put an end to this nonsense.
Only a few people stopped to listen, which was hardly surprising. The people of Camelot were far too busy with their own affairs to care about anyone elses, not even when that someone else was some sword wielding lunatic. It was just another day in Camelot city.
When the man's words were directed at Richard, he narrowed his eyes, trying to tell if the man was bluffing or not. Well, whether he was or not it made no matter. There were plenty more people to take advantage of if this man proved to be useless. "I think I shall take my chances." He said simply, not believing that the man had enough wits about him to protect himself from a thief such as Richard.
He found himself laughing as the man spoke again. How authorative he was! But then he was unaware that he was addressing royalty. Well, he would be quickly informed. Richard gave a flourished bow, one that had been perfect through countless introductions. "I am the duke of Cantia. Is it worth my while discovering your name?"
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