In search of something ( Joscelin)

[Joscelin Trevalion]

She loosed her missile and Joscelin's eyes left her form to follow the arrow cut a swath through the air, and then...thwack...! The arrow struck too but off center of the proper target. Nonetheless, Aslinn was an impressive shot and Joscelin would daresay that she was better than him; after all, he wasn't much of a marksman whatsoever and favored a blade over any form of archery. He whistled at her target, smiling to himself and clapping his hands.

"Well done, Aslinn. It would have struck center if not for the wind, I saw," he said, complimenting her. He had been staring after the target when she offered the bow, and when she had, Joscelin looked to her with surprise and a semblance of amusement. Well, Joscelin wasn't one to cause insult, and truth be told, he wanted to see where he'd land in this friendly competition. So, Joscelin drew near and reached out, hands brushing over hers as he took the bow from her and an arrow thereafter as he took up her prior place.

He gauged the distance with his sight, and as the wind tousled his half-handbreadth of hair, Joscelin took a deep breath and drew the arrow with the drawstring of the arrow, at least for a moment when she suddenly spoke of making things...well, interesting. He lowered his rudimentary stance and looked over his shoulder to her, looking shocked.

"What are you wagering, my lady?" He asked, looking amused and perking a brow.

"No limit," he added suddenly. "I will meet your wager with mine own, and whatever you ask of me...if I should lose...you may have," he said. Yet, he idly wondered what she would ask for, and if what she did ask for would be in his power to give her without regret. Then again, what would she herself be willing to give up...? It made him smile.

[Lady Aslinn Draconis]

Aslinn could not hope but smile at her accomplishment. As small a feat as it was, she took great pride to celebrate it, of course with the upmost decorum. When she turned to Joscelin she felt her jaw tighten and her face grow warm due to his applaud. She bowed her head for a moment. Collected her composure and returned her sapphire gaze to Joscelin. “Thank you, now it’s your turn I believe.”

She waited a moment before offering the bow again. He was busy studying the target perhaps? She didn’t know for certain but she figured he was a man and therefore always thinking of ways to win. Out fox his prey. When he turned his attention back to her, she offered the bow. Closing the gap between them, hand extended to take hold of the shaft. Once he had taken it he moved to the very spot that she had been standing. With his back to her, he was unable to see her curl her hand under, then stretch it out. Trying to work the tiny tingles she had received upon his slight brush of his fingers across her’s.

She stood silent awaiting his shot. He read the target, the distance, even corrected his stance. He did everything perfectly. Would he hit the target, she figured he would hit it right on target. Fully in the centre then her slightly off the mark. She studied him carefully. His breathing altered, as he seemed to steel himself against any outside influences.

When his head cranked around to regard her. The expression of surprise graced his face. Had he never received the offer of a wager from a woman before? Something told her that it was possible that he had many. “Where is the fun in knowing the wager before it is won.” She stated as she clasped her hands neatly together.

She knew just what her wager was to be should she win. Though she was curious to learn what his wager would be. Though she would not be surprised by it, or so she didn’t think she would be.

[Joscelin Trevalion]

Joscelin had never been well versed in the art of archery. It's not that his father, Barquiel, had neglected to have the skill taught to him though; in fact, his father had brought in an instructor that had been more than able. So, no, it was never that, but more for the fact that Joscelin had simply never had a knack for it, much as one who was born without the proper voice for singing. Now, as for swordsmanship, that was a different story altogether. Yet, the moment was about that...unless the bow and arrow in his hand suddenly become a blade, of course, which they did not.

Joscelin took a deep breath and looked from the target once more and back to Aslinn. He smiled and shook his head at her. "You're mad, you know," he said and looked thoughtful. "Unlike you, I shall tell you what I wish from you," he said and watched her, gauging her.

"If I win this, then I wish for you to tell me more about Mercia, even if it's but a children's tale of valor and chivalry, where it's always summer and the women pretty," he said and smiled. It's with that, that Joscelin looked away and back to the target. He took a deep breath and lifted the bow and drew the string. His muscled reacted, tightening and adjusting. He took a deep breath, released it and took another, then released that. He willed his heart to calm, and he focused his eyes on one spot. He felt the wind cool his flesh and his heart slow...

He was ready to loose it between beats of his heart. They were so slowed that he could feel it...hear it in his ears; calling with each thump. His arm held steady, firm and correct. Then...he was fingers had begun to loosen; ready to release the missile.

[Lady Aslinn Draconis]

Aslinn offered a lighthearted smile. Her gaze drifted from him to the target. Thinking that perhaps she should have made him use the target that was much further. Second guessing herself was not new to her. Often she found herself doing so thank to her mother’s influence. She tilted her head back a little and shook it. Her dark locks moved gently against her back and across her shoulders, as if this rid her mind of her thoughts.

Her eyes brightened at his jest to him calling her mad. Perhaps she was. She didn’t know Joscelin all that well and yet here they were sharing conversation further more easily then she had ever shared with her mother. Okay, perhaps that was an untruth, but she felt at ease in his company at the moment. She listened as he explained his wager, unlike her. Wishing to keep it to herself for the moment.

His wager had surprised her. And it was possibly that her expression revealed just how surprised she was. She had figured him for the type of man that would steal a kiss. But he proved to be more of a gent then she first thought him to be. Of course that had been unfair for her to do. She would have to rethink her position now, for it was possible that she just might lose this wager.

She watched as he moved back into position. His stance once again perfect as his gaze locked back upon the target. The distance was only fifteen feet from where he stood. She watched as every muscle of his engaged itself. The bow was raised, the arrow ready to take aim. The perfect time to shoot was about to occur and he would be the victor and she vanished. Oh what a blow to one’s ego. She could not have it, or could she. Was it so terrible to talk about home? She paused for a moment, and then thought to have a little fun with it.


Carefully she took a few steps closer. She would make sure to make as little noise as possible. She watched as his gaze was trained upon the target and she was forgotten about. She would wait until absolutely the last second, when he was aimed to release the arrow. When she saw the moment come. It was then that she leaned her form toward him. Her left hand poised behind her back to provide balance, while her right hand moved toward his ear. With a soft caress she tucked his hair neatly behind his ear. Her head had moved forward as well. Whispering in his ear now as she was inches away. “Careful.”

[Joscelin Trevalion]

The touch sent a shiver down his spine, and as she spoke, her breath tickled the sense of his ear. He lost everything then as his fingers loosened and his mouth fell open. He gaped as he watched his arrow cut through the air the moment his aim shifted completely. His shot, which might have been true and entirely accurate, skittered and didn't even touch the target. Instead, it hit the base of the bale of hay. He continued to stare now as he watched his arrow sink in place and settle there.

"Bugger," he groaned underneath his breath, but still felt the faint tingling that ran the length of his spine. He couldn't believe Aslinn had...well, cheated. Yet, he couldn't find himself angry with the woman, instead, Joscelin laughed. He laughed so hard that it nearly brought tears to his eyes as he looked over his shoulder to her. She was standing so close, and part of him wanted to kiss her for her act. They certainly close for that.

His face nearly brushed her own; nose near hers, mouth close and only inches away. He could smell her hair, and the notion of her fingers brushing his hair made him ache as he thought of her questing hand elsewhere. He gnawed on his lower lip and ran his tongue across it thereafter. With that, Joscelin shook his head as he searched her face.

"You are a daring woman, Aslinn, but I must admit that you did best me," he said, infinitely curious of what she wanted from him. He turned more toward her, face near her own still.

"What do you want from me...?" He asked of her, brow perked.

[Lady Aslinn Draconis]

His reaction was one she had already figured. Gnawing upon her bottom lip as she watched his arrow take fight the moment she brushed his ear with the tip of her finger. Her head turned to watch it strike with little force into the base of the bale. Shame really, for he looked so full of promise in his skill. Perhaps he was not meant for archery. He was best to leave that skill to the women.

She stifled her chuckle upon hearing his curse. When he laughed she felt the need to laugh along, but she remained composed before him. His mood was definitely altered. A smile upon his lips, brightness returned to his eyes she had witnessed upon coming to Camelot. The way they lit up against the snowy background. Her gaze dropped to study the collar of his collar for a moment as these thoughts presented themselves.

When his face brushed against her own, her attention was brought to those eyes she had been recently thinking about. Holding it for what felt to be a long time. She held her breath, only to slowly exhale as she looked down the tip of her nose to his, then to his lips. Her eyes slowly lifted to his eyes once again. She was surprised by his choice of words. A daring woman, was that a good thing? She figured coming from him it must be. She could only imagine Calen’s thoughts. She didn’t dare look behind them.

He was so close to her. “What I want of you sir….” She stated, as she looked to the bow in his hands. She curled her own about the shaft so that two fingers overlapped the bottom ones of his. “Is that you take this bow, and practice. I wish from you to become a better archery. So one day you might best me.”

With that said she looked to the bow and then back at Joscelin as she drew back from him. She would sidestep him only to glance back to Calen. He was busy talking with Aemon. Her attention returned to where Joscelin was. Hoping that he didn’t take it as an insult to his skill. She smiled.

[Joscelin Trevalion]

They were so close to eachother that Joscelin could nearly taste her. He felt his heart hammer beneath his chest and his pulse quicken, and every part of him was humming as they stood there so near to one another. Then as her hand lowered to the bow and her fingers settled over two of his own, Joscelin's breath rushed out and he nearly closed the distance to kiss her when she suddenly spoke of what she wanted.

She wanted him to practice with her bow.

He searched her face with clear, genuine surprise; shock, even. He stared at her and licked his lower lip, lolling his head and furrowing his brow. Then Joscelin smiled...he smiled and he laughed. This woman...this one woman was full of so many surprises, twists and turns, that Joscelin found himself more than a little attracted to her.

"You cheated, you know," he said with a wry smile. "Just so you know that I could have had you," he added. He could have and would have, but the past was now the past, and unfortunately for Joscelin, they lived in the present. He bit his lower lip and shook his head. "Nonetheless," Joscelin started, "I will practice, my lady, and I will learn and earn that story from you," he said with a grin. Joscelin looked away from her and looked to the target before swallowing and looking back to her. His smile faded then, at least somewhat, before he looked away. It was hard to believe he had so much fun then.

"I...I can't remember the last time I've had so much fun," he admitted. "I never knew any children, you know, at least when I was young. I don't have any brothers or sisters either," he said and lifted his shoulders in a shrug before laughing. "This, though...ah, I love it," he admitted. "I wouldn't trade this for the world, my lady...I...thank you," he murmured. With that, Joscelin shook the thoughts free of his mind and mastered himself. He forced a grin and looked over to her.

"Now, would you dare to go double or nothing...?" He asked and watched her, proffering her the bow. "Or are you afraid?"

[Lady Aslinn Draconis]

Gauging his response to her claim, she would have to say he was surprised that she didn’t ask for something far more intimate. She was a lady and she would remain a lady. To act responsible, to bring shame to her family, well her mother…it was thought upon for a faction of a second before she forbade the thought to even register. She wouldn’t do that to her father, or her brothers for that matter.

She wanted to remain focused. To lose all her sense at once would not bode well for her. Joscelin seemed a very skilled marksman, the type that got what he was after. It was frightening and yet exciting being able to converse in such a manner with a man. She allowed her gaze to glance back to Calen. Had he seem what transpired between them? She took note that Calen was still in deep conversation with Aemon. What did they have to talk about, she wondered.

She steadied herself when she handed the bow over to him. Of course she offered the bow to him out of friendship or an extension of it, a gift, perhaps. She had not thought upon it then merely acting on impulse. It was all that she had to offer. Shame it had been a gift to her from her eldest brother, Belis. She smiled as her fingers uncurled from the bow allowing him to take possession of it.

She offered a smile as she attempted to draw back a step. Only to stop when he smiled at her, and then laughed. Had she done something foolish? She cocked her head to the side and furrowed her brow. Why was he laughing? When he finally stated that she had cheated she could not help but smile. She did not take offense to it, for he had not. When he very well could have. Who knew what she had truly cheated him out of?

She chuckled, quickly covering her mouth and regaining her composure. “Surely you jest. I have seen your skill…. with practice you may…” She thought to continue the tease. It was like the playful banter with one of her brothers. It was a nice change then moping around the castle friendless. It was also a comfort in his desire to learn more about Mercia. Perhaps they mind be friends, and she could show him Mercia.

It was in that moment after he composed himself from his laughter that she felt a twinge in her chest. What on earth was that? He had spoken of it being a long time since he had such fun. Had she been its cause? She didn’t know what to say but your welcome, as if to take credit for his mood change. Perhaps they had cheered one another. She smiled, raising a hand to the side of her face before tucking a loose strand of hair from her face.

Her wide quickly widened to his challenge, " double or nothing….” She asked, knowing what he was trying to do. He would try to best her in the best way he knew how. She was certain that he would attempt the same trickery. Her dark gaze narrows as if to tell him she knew what he was up to. Her hand moved to take a firm hold of the bow. She gave it a gentle tug so that Joscelin could release it to her.

“I fear nothing.” She told him as she made her way passed him. Taking her place a few paces back from the original spot. She would look to the target and eye it carefully. Her legs shoulder width apart, knees slight bent, though they were staggered, right in front of left. Her back straight and hips tilted forward. Straighten her arm while her right bent. Two fingers return to their place upon the string, arrow neatly clutched between the two as she drew it back. Her paused a moment and shook her hair about her shoulders. The strands that she had tucked behind her ears came forward. Protecting them against a repeat of what she had done to him. A gave a soft smirk, thinking about what he could possibly be thinking to challenge her again.

Holding her breath she closed her eyes. Thinking for a moment of where the target was. How far the distance was? She even tilted her head in the direction of a soft breeze as it came over her. Her eyes opening slowly as her focus was clear. The target was possibly 18ft away. Joscelin was way least and more likely to try something. Her fingers remained steady as they held the string. Drawing it slowly back. In a matter of seconds she would release the arrow with the grace and skill that her god allot her, and her brother sharpened.

But just before releasing it. Her head turned to the side that Joscelin stood. Her dark sapphire eyes locked upon his face. A smirk then followed. “You forget sir. I have five brothers. I am use to distractions.” She told him; though one was now past she would not correct herself in that moment. And she had yet to learn of the second death. Her eyes remained trained upon him as she released the arrow.

[Joscelin Trevalion]

He found so much pleasure with simply talking to her and having her company, and the truth was, was that Joscelin wanted more. He knew that he wanted to see her on the morrow and the day after, and he wanted to see her in a fortnight and in a month. He wanted to see her in a year and beyond. Idly Joscelin wondered how far would their friendship carry and whether or not they would be parted due to politics or an untimely death. Yet, the moment the notion of his own mortality came to mind, Joscelin tossed his head to shake himself free of such thoughts. He could not afford to be bogged down by them.

"I assure you that I could best you at this, my lady Aslinn...now, if only you will stop attempting to best me by cheating..." He said, smiling at her and watching her. He took notes with the way she adjusted herself and held her stance, and idly he applied that to his own rudimentary style that he had taken up. Then she took up his challenge...well, somewhat. He held an easy smile, eyes gleaming with amusement as he watched her.

"If you fear nothing then you will have no fear of losing to me, my lady." He said and watched her, eying her constantly and without a hitch. Would she land a perfect blow...? He wondered whether or not she would, and if she would land square in the center, what of him...? If he lost, that would certainly make him look horrid, and attempting to go for triple or nothing seemed rather silly. Nonetheless, as she spoke of her family, which he was rather envious of her numerous brothers as he was a single child, Joscelin smiled and shook his head.

"I am an entirely different distraction, love," he assured her, "and you know that."

What it meant...well, Joscelin didn't say. He simply watched her and smiled as his hands lingered clasped before him. His eyes flitted to the target as he drew closer to her, taking slow and measured steps. There was no doubt she would feel his presence drawn close to her own, as he stood merely in arm's reach of her. If Calen had not been there, Joscelin would have caught her elbow and turned her to him, and he would have even kissed her as he would have in his youth for he found her challenge attractive and exciting. It made his pulse quicken and heart hammer. Instead, he stood there, watching over her shoulder with a smile that bared his teeth. Then the thought came...

He had only one life to live.

He drew closer and lifted his hand to the small of her back, fingers smoothing upward gently.

How he wanted to hold her waist between his hands; to pin and embrace her.

He watched her arrow fly...

[Lady Aslinn Draconis]

She was certain her could best her. Most men could best a lady for they were stronger, and trained to hit a target a greater distance then 10 or twenty feet. Joscelin was large frame and therefore had stronger arms. His shot would therefore go further, faster and be far more deadly then her’s ever could be. Not that Aslinn wished to take anyone’s life. Though if it came to her family, even the life of her mother, at were threatened she would not think twice upon it. In fact she didn’t think she would even have to give thought to it.

She had given Joscelin little reason to remain in her company. Though she had to admit that he was possible the only person, other then Calen that tolerated her. Of course she had yet to endear herself to the other ladies of court. Perhaps she had no desire to. Hoping her stay in Camelot was short. So far she had kept to her studies as Calen saw to. Though her needlepoint work was suffering, her archery was thriving.

She could not help but be coy at his accusing her of cheating. Had she cheated or merely used her assets as a woman to better the odds in her favor. She had glanced over at him to see he was smiling. A good sign that his pride was not wounded nor insult was taken by her actions. She would have told him that he had needed to steel his nerves when in the presence of a lady. But so far he had done well against her, until now.

She had returned to watching her target. Getting her set for taking her shot. For this one would have to be perfect if she was to win the wager. Oh what the wager would be should she lose. She had been genuine in her offering of her brother’s gift. She wondered if he would be equally as genuine. These thoughts raced her mind before she blocked them out.

She had turned her head to the side to offer him words of encouragement. Well, more in her own favor then for his. Her gaze lingered upon where he stood before she returned her gaze forward. Her attention was locked upon her target. A good 18ft away, a good test of skill it sure was. Could she do it? She hoped that she could. A sudden flicker of thoughts altered her feeling of triumph when she thought about losing to Joscelin. Her stomach twisted about as she wondered, no worried about what his wager would be.

Every emotion seemed to stir within her at that moment. Why was that? She found no comfort in his words either. Her brow furrowed as she gave thought to their meaning. She was about to turn and ask him when she felt a hand, no his hand upon the small of her back. How had he approached her without giving away that he was even in motion? She only managed to partially exhale a breath. Had her thoughts been so unfocused that she never noticed even the slightest of movements from him?

There was a spike in her emotions. Not that they reach unbelievable high levels, but that the twisting in her gut. The uneasiness in her seemed to wash away the moment that he touched her. She held her breath, and closed her eyes, hands that were once trembling, ever now still. She drew her elbow back and whispered a carefree Gaelic phrase as she released the bow and let the arrow fly.

The arrow made its mark, dead centre.

[Joscelin Trevalion]

Joscelin had hoped to distract her and force her hand to a losing position. Unfortunately, Aslinn had loosed her missile and had struck true and square upon the center of the target. It was a shock to say the very least and Joscelin could only stare for a few moments, eying the target from afar and running his tongue along his lower lip. Joscelin couldn't help but to wonder over the situation...did this mean he was weak? Well, yes; after all, she made him miss terribly just from one soft touch. So, now Joscelin stared at her accurate shot.

"Well then," Joscelin said, hand falling from her back as he stared at the bale of hay. "I certainly didn't expect that, Aslinn! I suppose you are better than I had previously thought," he admitted and with a laugh at that. He wrinkled his nose, and drew up at her side; hand reaching for the bow. He took a deep breath as he waited for her to hand it over, and when she had, he offered his other hand for another arrow. He waited for Aslinn to step aside as he took his own place.

"This will not exactly be an easy one to best," he admitted, laughing at the notion of the odds. "Even if I land square, we will have to go another round to see who will truly best the other, unless you're fine with a draw," he said playfully and wrinkled his nose. Nonethless, he waited for her to draw away and focused his mind solely on the target and saved a portion for the woman as well; assuring he wouldn't be distracted by her when he did loose his missile. So, he took the bow and took his stance; stretching the draw string and testing its give before settling the arrow in place. He took aim and stared, eyes set firmly on the target. From this distance...

...well, he shouldn't miss...

He loosed the arrow before she could even consider interfering; the arrow cut a swath through the air, whistling and then land to crack into place right beside Aslinn's own. The arrow heads were buried deep in the target, side-by-side and dead center with Aslinn's own. It would have taken a mere inch over to split the arriw in two, but the shot itself was still well enough. He released a heav ysigh and lowered the bow as he stared and offered it to Aslinn without looking to her.

"If I win you will teach me much about Mercia," he said suddenly.

He heard of father's voice then...

All knowledge is worth having.

[Lady Aslinn Draconis]

Having landed her arrow step handed the bow over to Joscelin and stepped to the side. Knowing he would be leery to her tricks she remained silent and behaved as he lined his shot and took it. His arrow landed its mark nice and snug against her arrow. It was a tie thus far. Should they go another round she would surely be out done. Something she did not take too kindly to. But she was learning to a humble person these last few months. Thanks to Calen’s constant ever-watchful eye. Which had turned in their direction from time to time.

She had to admit that when his hand had fallen away she felt an unease envelope her. Perhaps he did it out of spite of what she had done. But his touch had proved to be soothing. Of course it was not upon naked flesh, but through layers of fabric. No man had ever approached her in such a manner as he had. It was strange that she would like to call him friend. If anything were lacking in Camelot for her, it was such a person. Was it possible they were working toward becoming friends? It was a pleasing thought. She could easily count her friends on one hand, her five brothers taking up all spots. At least her ladies-in-waiting would not badger Joscelin this day. Having managed this time to herself, then having them tag along and make things annoyingly embarrassing her.

She would step to the wayside to allow him space. He worked quickly this time in order to avoid any trick he figured that she would bring herself to. She would smile at his strike. He had skill, and she figured it was possible more skill then she could wager her own against again. Surely her luck had run its course for the day. Now would be a perfect time to call a draw, but she didn’t wish to. She was enjoying the friendly manner in which she found so easily with Joscelin. Bowing her head slight as she felt it best to concede to him. “A draw then it shall be. No winner and no loser.”

She did not know if he would be fine with a draw being called. But it was best that she had for she felt a hand upon her shoulder. When she turned she found Calen at her back. Her dark eyes narrowed at his disruption. “Calen can it not wait.” She asked as she turned about to face him, her brow rose as she gave him a look along with a gesture that she was actually enjoying herself. There was a strange look to his face as if he had something important to say.

“Miss it is getting late. It would be best to call this and take up another time. There are pressing matters to tend to this eve.” Calen told her, his gaze lingering for a time on Aslinn. Briefly did they move to Joscelin and then to the side to Aemon has he joined them. He held Aemon’s gaze exchanging a knowing glance before Calen returned his attention to Aslinn. “Miss?” His hand tensed at his side before slipping behind his back.
Aslinn tilted her head to the side, eyeing Calen. Was it her or was he acting strange. It was then that her gaze dropped to his hand that moved behind his back. He appeared to be trying to hide the letter from her mother. Perhaps she would wait until they were alone to inquire after it. NO, demand to see it. He was holding something back from her. Sure what he had told her earlier about her mother’s plans for her, but now she figured there was something else. He had only distracted her with that news. Her gaze returned to Joscelin.

“It seems it is getting late.” She told him, “Perhaps we can see to the draw declaring an actual victory next time.”

[Joscelin Trevalion]

It was unfortunate that their friendly competition wouldn't come to a decisive end. Instead, they would end at a draw, and mayhap that was for the best for at this range he was certain that the two would land accurate strikes once more, and Joscelin wasn't willing to press his luck and risk Aslinn touching him once more for a distraction. Nonetheless, Joscelin considered the draw as he kept his eyes on the target before he looked to her, blinking as he saw Calen drawn up to Aslinn's elbow. Even Aemon was nearby, looking ready to escort Joscelin once more.

It was getting late apparently, and mayhap Calen was right...Joscelin looked to the sky and looked thoughtful before he nodded. "I must agree with Calen," Joscelin admitted. "It's late, and looks like it will be rain today, don't you think, Aemon?" He asked, whom looked up and nodded, sucking his teeth. "I think so, my lord." He said and smiled, looking somewht amused as he uttered those words. They looked from one another then to both lady and chaperone.

As Aslinn spoke, Joscelin nodded.

"Yes, my lady. I would like that," Joscelin admitted and reached for her hand, taking it up and kissing her knuckles; bowing over her hand respectfully. "I still hope to earn tales of your land from your own lips, my lady. So, do not think I will let up so soon still," he said and smiled at her, brows lifting somewhat. He drew back somewhat and held out the bow to her. "Shall I return this, or are you still giving it to me to practice with?" He asked with a lift to his brow.

"I do hope you know that if you allow me to become acquainted with the bow that you will have no chance..." He added, looking amused at the whole of her, laughing somewhat at that as he took a slight step back. "Do call on me though, Aslinn...I wish to see you again."

[Lady Aslinn Draconis]

Aslinn stood poised before Joscelin. She glanced at he bow held firmly in his
hand. She would allow her gaze to transfer to his handsome features. He was very
charming and very much a handsome man. He even seemed to have a sense of humor, or did he find her humorous? That was a question she did not wish an answer to;
at least she didn’t think she did. Her hands rested neatly before her. When he asked about the bow. She would smile briefly and extend a hand thinking to take it, but pausing and drawing her hand back. “I will take your challenge then sir.” She told him, which would tell him that he was to keep the bow.

She would then acknowledge Calen. She didn’t think it late but she understood
that it would be seen as improper for a lady to be out training with a bow and
arrow along side a man in the dusky hours of twilight. Calen’s etiquette always aspired to go above and beyond what was needed. Aslinn could never fault him for he meant well. Though this night he was acting strangely. Her gaze would drift to the side that his hand was angled behind his back. The letter her mother wrote hidden behind it. There was something in the letter he was holding back. Perhaps he did not wish Lord Trevalion to know of.

Her attention turned back to Joscelin and offered a pleasant smile. When he reached for her hand and took it into his own she felt that strange sensation yet again. She wanted to pull it back but that would be seen as rude. Joscelin was fast becoming a friend; she did not wish to jeopardize it. “Perhaps a history lesson between our lands will be a fair trade, as it was a draw. You wish tales of Mercia and I shall get my reward of hearing of your own. If that is a fair trade?” She asked as she caught his gaze and then his question regarding the bow. “I look to seeing you improve sir.”

She smiled and turned her gaze to the side as she pondered whether she should leave him in that moment. She lingered a moment longer then she should have. His playfulness seemed to wash over to her. “We will see upon the next meeting then Lord Trevalion. But something tells me that you might have your work cut out for you.”

Calen would clear his throat. Which would cause Aslinn to curtsey to Joscelin and then turn to leave his presence. He wished to see her again. Was that a good omen? She wondered as she made her way back along the path that would take them back into the centre of the city and back to the castle grounds.

“He seems like a rather pleasant man.” Calen stated as they strolled along. His grey eyes studied the structure of the homes before them. Noting the aging wood and the crumbling mortar upon some of the oldest of the homes. His hand tensed and he heard the crisp crumpling of paper between his fingers. Uncurling his arm he looked to the parchment there. Knowing he had to show her sooner or later.

Aslinn had continued on in silence. Her gaze was raised toward the sky. Taking note of the fading sunlight and the oncoming of the evening. She took note of the soft and subtle twinkling of a single star in the shy. She smiled as she turned to hear Calen repeat himself. “Aye…its is….”

“What is?” Calen asked, one brow rose in question.

“What you asked?” She returned, her steps increasing as they walked along.

“I stated that the young man was pleasant.”

“That is what I agreed upon.” She stated, her cheeks reddening. She was getting a little agitated.

“Well I’ll be.” He stated as he stopped and looked at her. A smile brightens up his weathered features, as chuckle escaping through his thin lips.

Aslinn stopped abruptly and looked at Calen. “What?”

“You, you like him.”

She felt her face grow heated by the second. “Oh Calen, please.” She said as she turned quickly. A flare of skirts and she was off like a shot. Leaving Calen to trail behind her. “Did you hit your head.”

“My Lady I have eyes and a keen sense about these things.”

“Calen, stop. I will not have you see something where there is nothing.” She told him, her hands press against her stomach to ease the butterflies that seemed to be swirling about. “Now on to more serious and pressing matters. Give me the letter that you’ve been hiding from me. I know its form my mother; you have all but read it to me. By the way that you have been holding it, I can tell your hiding something.”

In that moment of brief laughter it stopped. Calen’s entire body tensed and stopped abruptly when she turned. Her hand extended to him. She wanted the letter. How could he allow her to read it? It was not right for a man to be responsible for bring sadness to a lady, least of all the death of a beloved family member. “My lady, please wait until she get back to the castle.”

“Calen, hand it over now.” She demanded, her hand firmly gesturing before him to hand it over. She would not budge until he did so.

Shaking his head Calen was reluctant to hand the latter over. When he watched her turn and takes a few good strides away from him he was quick to follow. He did not know how well this would go over.