Sobering [COMPLETE]

[Joscelin Trevalion]

"Every man has a price, Joscelin; from coin to that of blood. There are things men will do to one another that's sobering to the soul. There will always be a way to persuade another to what you wish for. You must learn when to use your tools of the mind. Then when all else fails exhaust that of the physical. Sometimes, Joscelin, you must do things that you would otherwise not wish to. It's for the better of the world as a whole. I trust you will be discreet in your dealings. I trust that you will not muss up what you must do when you hear the clarion call of duty."

The words echo through eternity and settle deep within the depths of his mind. It's a memory that continues to haunt him even to this day. Regret. It's the word that comes to mind but refuses to flit from the swell of his tongue feeling like leather. That first kill had been the catalyst of all that happened thereafter. It had been what solidified him as the spy and diplomatic assassin he had become; the shade of Trevalion.

With honed wit and knowledge; charm and clever tongue, even. Joscelin had cut a swath within court as able diplomat between nations and a lover of foreign female nobility. He had become somewhat of what the bards sing of and write of. He had become what most men wanted to be. He had become a man who could saunter the halls of foreign palaces and bed the gossamer haired beauties that commanded poems. He stood beside royalty as overseer and fought beside barbarians; bartered with them, even.

He knew foreign tongues and variations of pidgin; the trader's common tongue. He knew songs belonging to other nations and history beyond one's imagining. He had spoken with the oldest known civilizations and had studied under the most devout of scholars. He had, had, had...

Now he's here within Camelot's keep; hands clasped before his mouth and fingers laced. His thumbs brush against the purse of his mouth as brows knit. His hands shift and fingers work the weariness from his eyes. How long had he been up? Far too long. The missives garnered from his web of intrigue had already been burned within the hearth. All the while the flames clamber for fuel and alight the walls of the library with a sobering dance of life and destruction.

How much longer could he live this life? He's unsure, truly. Yet, he never had a reason to stop. He never met a person who had given him much reason to settle. He couldn't. He had an appetite for the finer things; for gala events and wine, and even women. He had an appetite for all sorts of knowledge, too. Now, though...It may be the first time he had been sent to another nation to assure the livelihood of a budding country coming to the forefront of power.

He comes to his feet from the table set across from the hearth. With that he leaves the library without a hitch and allows the door to shut behind him. He wore little beyond his leathers then; trousers, high boots and a silk shirt undone at the collar to bare his chest and sleeves curled to his elbows. He wanders the halls then; seeking a semblance of solace as his mind works.

What could a lordling do at such a time?

Oh, blessed night...

[Lady Aslinn Draconis]

Upon coming to Camelot Aslinn had been subjected to the harsh winter winds, the freeze cold snow, and men that could not complete the simplest of tasks, such a repair a carriage and get her to Camelot. Having been in Camelot now these few days, or was a week, perhaps it was two she was not sure. Having lost count or desire to care, upon the third day. She had yet to meet with the King, upon advisement of her father. Calen had been more help upon getting to Camelot. Setting up her men in the armory and then seeing that her carriage was repaired so that if she needed or wanted to leave Camelot she could.

The coming spring was indeed something she was waiting for. The small green buds that donned the trees outside her window told her that spring was not too far off. Her room; her room was her new best friend. As much as she enjoyed the company of her ladies, she mostly enjoyed her time she held for herself. Though these days those hours were unseemly kept. Awake when others slept. She was growing rather exhausted by her wakeful mind. She had thought reading would cure it.

The library was a floor below, and along one of the long corridors. Dressed in a dressing gown. Her dark locks loosely braid and settled about her shoulder in a rather casually fashion. A look she often donned when sleeping or simply milling her chambers alone. Soft wisps of hair curled about the base of her neck, same for a few along her brow. Her dress robes were not the usual deep crimson robes of her house, but a subtler colour of pale blue. A pair of soft shoes upon her feet, which covered up any sound that she made, that would alert the castle guard to her, or anyone else for that matter.

She could not help but feel an ominous feeling when walking the halls of Camelot. Was it that Camelot was not the place that all regale it to be? She had only been here for a short time and still she felt at a lost within the walls of the castle. She would prefer to be home with her own family in Mercia, not here, but that likely wasn’t going to happen any time soon.

She drew a deep breath in as she held up a holder in order to cast the amber glow of the candle she held along the hall. She had thought she heard someone along the end of the hall, but quickly dismissed it. Thinking that it was just her mind playing tricks on her. She had paused to glance behind her, just to make sure that no one was behind her, possibly hoping to frighten her. But then who would be up at this hour. Her lack of sleep seemed to be out weighted by her constant wandering within her thoughts. She had thought many times to try and figure a way to get her father to send for her to return home, but nothing came forth.

She turned back around, only to have the candlelight flash across a reflection of herself in the glass bowl that sat upon a pillar. A small cry escaped her lips, eyes widen, as her hand rose to her chest. She was not the bravest of people. She shook her head, as she slightly scolded herself. Her lack of control over her emotions was unnerving. Why did this place have such an adverse affect on her? Sleepless nights due to a restless mind, was that truly the reason for her lack of sleep. She continued along the corridor to the library.
Perhaps a dull book is what is needed to get to sleep.”
“She told herself, or tried to convince herself that it would be that thing to get her to sleep. Upon turning the corner that would lead her to the library she collided with someone.~

[Joscelin Trevalion]

There were a number of things Joscelin had never expected to find that night. One was a semblance of solace and the other someone actually awake. That, and much less that being Lady Aslinn Draconis, whom Lord Joscelin had helped to Camelot upon finding her stranded. Truth be told, Joscelin had not seen her since the faithful day they had parted ways upon entering Camelot side-by-side, and Joscelin had parted ways with her from then on with a smile and touch to her hand.

Yet, the moment Joscelin felt someone's form collide with his own, there was a jolt of fear.

He half-expected a blade to follow afterward and find a home betwixt his ribs. Instead, Joscelin only felt the warmth of a womanly frame and breasts brushing upon his chest. She was smothered by his body more out of reflex than anything as Joscelin's hands held her firmly against himself as they collided, and he held her there almost roughly until her scent filled his nostrils and danced upon his tongue. Then he recalled the young lady from the road by scent, and of course, by sight.

The candelight spilled over her features, and his own, of course. He lifted a hand to grasp her own and steady the candleholder lest she drop such onto the floor. That, and Joscelin's hand was upon the small of her back to hold her against the hard line of his own body. He looked down onto her face and continued to hold her still with very little shame as Joscelin was wont to do. Fortunately, no one had seen and wouldn't mark him as her consort within the moment. Although, truth be told, the bestial needs of himself wouldn't have minded that overly much.

"Lady Aslinn," Joscelin breathes out as he meets her gaze squarely and lifts his brows with clear surprise. Perhaps Joscelin would find a semblance of solace after all. It made him smile; that generous mouth of his curling at the corners and baring white teeth beneath. Mindfully, Joscelin's fingers stroke down the back of her hand as he releases his grasp upon her and the other, at the small of her back, smooths to her side and reluctantly off of her. He could still feel her warmth there. Yet, Joscelin grasps her free hand and lifts her digits between them to kiss tenderly.

"My apologies. I do hope that I did not do you any harm. If I have...well, I'd be more than honored to appease you for my wrongdoings," Joscelin assures her and looks up from her hand to meet her gaze evenly once more. They was standing so close that one could easily think the worst of their situation. Yet, Joscelin made no move to draw away as he held her hand firmly with his.

[Lady Aslinn Draconis]

Her mother often told her that those that wander at night tend to be up to no good. But Aslinn figured her woman never to really know just what people were up to. Having plans and dealings of her own that could rival the worst rogue. Her mother was always trying to gain favor where she felt it could serve her best. Aslinn had wandered from her bedchamber in the middle of the night simply enough due to lack of sleep. How that could be seen as underhanded was beyond her. But she was certain that someone would cast her activities into shadows and think the worst of her.

Having changed her direction to head to the library she had collided with someone. A someone much taller and broader then she. Her brow actually struck their chest. In a flurry of movements she was caught. Her gaze quickly looked to the face of the person she had come up against. There looking down at her was the very man that was responsible for aiding her to Camelot, while stranded in the snow, Joscelin Trevalion.

She had been startled at first thinking him to be the night guard. She would more then likely get into serious trouble for wandering the castle halls. It was just not right for a lady to do so. It would leave others to question her character should she be found. But it was not the being found that had her wits stripped of her. His hands had moved to catch her, or so she was lead to believe. Steadying her against his strong torso. Her thoughts were a blur as she tried her best to clear her thoughts and right herself. Which should place her at a respectable distance from Joscelin.

She could feel heat rush to her cheeks, as he seemed to easily maneuver his hands about her. She drew in a much-needed breath, but only managed to gasp when she exhaled. His brass surprised her. He was not at all quick to release her neither. When they gaze meet, it seemed then did he recall just who she was. She knew that she had been rather tense that day on the snowy road to Camelot. Perhaps she had not even been polite, but could he blame her. Her carriage had a broken wheel and it was cold and her people were at a loss. It just so happened that he, along with his caravan of folk had come along when they had and saved them all from freezing. Aslinn had offered her thanks and payment for his good deed, but was declined. Given a smile and a handshake.

His movements were fluent when he quickly steadied her hand and the holder within it. She felt each digit of his rest upon her knuckles, but her mind was upon the hand that pressed against the small of her back, brushing each vertebra. She could feel her cheeks heat as he looked at her, therefore causing her to bow her head a bit, collect herself before returning his gaze. When he had spoken her name though she replied sharply, her head snapping up and a quick ~yes~ when he said her name. She quickly cleared her throat, as if this would regain her composure.

It was as if he realized whom he was holding and released her. Steadying her away from her frame, while he kissed the back of her hand. “You did not sir.” She said, then paused recalling that he did not like to be referred, “Joscelin…I mean.” She corrected herself, only then did her brow furrow and her deep blue held his gaze. “Appease me? I am fine, you need not worry.”

His gaze lifted from her hand to her face. She could not help but blush further. It was unseemly for a man and woman to be so close when either is courting the other. She was most certain that should a guard or anyone else for that matter, come along, the rumors would start. The simplest of words could ruin a lady’s reputation. And by the looks and mannerisms of Joscelin’s she could not help but think it might be true in his case.

She found it hard to breath in his presence, the look upon his face as he looked at her. The lack of space provided between them. It was unnerving. She pondered for a moment thinking that perhaps that had been his intentions. “Please don’t do that?” She asked him, as she glanced to the way he held her hand. It was sincere, not at all abrupt. Her gaze glancing up at him, yet unable to hold his gaze as they stood there.

[Joscelin Trevalion]

Joscelin had lingered within a number courts throughout the known world from the humblest of steadings to the most high esteemed forums, and truth be told, should have known better than to stand there and grasp her tight to himself. Yet, Joscelin had a weakness for women; a soft spot, so to speak. He longed for their company and longed for their attention. Idly Joscelin wondered whether or not that seed had been planted when he was taken away from his lady mother. It made sense. Joscelin made no complaints though. At least not at that moment.

He found himself smiling at her with that spread of teeth bearing down upon his lower lip. Joscelin's nose, too, wrinkled and the corners of his eyes crinkled as they gleamed. There was clear amusement there; amusement from the situation as a whole, and pleasure, too. It's all for the fact that he had her within his grasp once more, and not only that, but the fact that she called him by his name: Joscelin. There was no formality here. There shouldn't be.

"I am glad then. If I had...ah, well..." Joscelin trails off. "I'm not certain what I'd do; after all, I'd be shamed if I had done you harm," he admits before looking down at their hands touching and that lantern. If she had lost her grip then they would have been knee deep within a mess. Fortunately, Joscelin had assured she did not lose her touch upon such. Then he caught her words and Joscelin found himself meeting her gaze evenly...well, at least he tried, but she was looking to their hands.

"What...?" He asked suddenly and pitched his voice for her ears only, and rather intimately at that. He even dared to tip his face to draw his mouth near her ear as he spoke. All the while his hand tightened over hers. "This...?" He questions suddenly and his thumb strokes along the back of her hand. He smiled then and gnawed on his lower lip. There was amusement there, too, within his eyes before lolling his head until their brows were nearly touching.

"I suppose that I should," he admits. "I'm certain I'd still be able to follow you without a hitch anyway. Like a moth to a flame," he adds matter-of-factly and looks down at their fingers so tangled and hands brushing. He seemed so nonchalant and far from bothered by the situation. It was a risk that Joscelin was willing to take to say the very least.

Then suddenly Joscelin was changing the subject.

"May I accompany you, my lady?" He asks suddenly of her and peers down onto her face. "Unfortunately, I seem to be unable to find a semblance of solace this night, and so you seem to be the same, unless..." He trails then. "Were you heading off to your bedchambers?"

He didn't think that she was. In fact, Joscelin could see that she hadn't, and considering the lay of the castle, she was heading away from the wing of rooms for nobility. So, she must have been wandering as Joscelin had been, and that made the most sense to him. Joscelin wasn't surprised either. So far, Joscelin had begun to realize that a lot of people of Camelot were restless.

[Lady Aslinn Draconis]

Aslinn held not experience against such rogues. For that was what this man was, a rogue. He took what he wished without thought to the aftermath. Not that she had to worry that he was after her heart. She figured there was something he was after, and it wasn’t her smiles, or the tilt of her head. None of these things gained his interest more then she was female. She figured that he was testing her. Pushing little by little, inch by inch. Trying to figure a way to unravel her senses and bewitch her. Was that his ploy? She did not know.

A perfect smile faced her now. There was something at work behind those eyes and that smile, something that could possibly undo her. He seemed to be working something over in his head. He was trying to make her feel uncomfortable, that much was seen. She should have reframed from calling him by his name. They had been in each another’s company for but a few hours. It possibly was not proper to allow such informalities.

She looked at her hands as he held the one. Asking that he reframe from touching her in the manner that he seemed accustom to. She should know better then to allow this behavior. For that was just what it was, behavior. He was trying to get a rise out of her. Or perhaps he was trying to see just how far things would lapse. When he asked her to what she was referring to her faze dropped to her hand that he held. She cocked her head to the side as she felt his breath against her cheek. She would angle her head back enough that she would see his face still. “Yes, that.”

She felt his hand tense over her own. A strange sensation occurred through the centre of her hand. She wished to draw it back, but his hold was firm and he did not wish this game to be over yet. Her brow tense as she looked to him, “follow me? Why?” That was her question, why follow her? She knew better then this.

“Accompany me?” she asked, thinking upon what she had been up to at that moment. Her dark blue gaze trying to assess just what it was that Joscelin was up to. His question caused her head to spin. “I was only wishing to retrieve a book in order to sleep.” Which could only mean that she was heading to the library, then possibly to her bedchamber. But with Joscelin in her company she would defer returning to her room for the time being.

She was still trying to draw her hand back from him. Was he laying claim to it? “Can I have my hand back?”

[Joscelin Trevalion]

Joscelin had no shame when charming women. In fact, Joscelin was far from proper when compared to the subtle and traditional ways most nobles would seek to charm another. Joscelin was far different and often did the unexpected with a clever touch here and there. It's what he had learned within his youth and when he had come of age; after all, his people were of the loving sort and saw nothing dishonorable about such things. Yet, Joscelin had to consider Camelot as the nation was. It was different with a set of rules unlike his own.

Nonetheless, the game of courtship and flirtation was one he was an adept at.

...and a skill he wouldn't abandon.

He never thought that a little flirting would hurt someone. At least Joscelin didn't think so, but there was a moment then that he thought Aslinn was truly peeved with him and somewhat upset. It nearly upended him and made him feel like he had done wrong. Mayhap he had. He should have been more mindful of her honor and have granted her a semblance of more respect. After all, Aslinn was a noble lady and not some common doxy to be played with. He looked apologetic for the moment and finally for once released her hand.

"I am sorry," he says suddenly and looked to have sobered somewhat.

It felt strange to have released her hand then and there. It's more for the fact that Joscelin hadn't touched a woman properly for what seemed like an eternity. Although Joscelin shouldn't exactly tempt himself with her. Mayhap he should step aside and allow her past him. He should return to his chambers and lay there staring up at the frescoes above his bed until his eyes sag shut.

Joscelin knew that he couldn't.

"I'd still like to accompany you," Joscelin says and looks to his empty hand that unfurls and then curls back to a fist. He offers her another one of those smiles. "I truly cannot sleep and I'd love your company. Yet, only if you'd have me, of course," Joscelin adds thereafter. "There's a wide collection of literature. Mayhap we could find somethin--" Joscelin trailed when the sound of boots scuffing upon the floor of the hall flitted to his ears.

How long had they been standing there and talking without worry...?

"Come," Joscelin says suddenly and reaches for her hand once more to grasp. He wastes not even a moment of time when he suddenly tugs her along and turns the corner toward the wide doors of the library. Quietly Joscelin opens the door and leads her within before pushing the door shut thereafter. He lifts his freehand to his mouth to gesture for silence. It's then that footfalls make their passage past the library door. He waited a moment longer before allowing a heavy sigh and releasing her hand then.

"Well, that was certainly close," Joscelin admits and laughs into the palm of his hand.

[Lady Aslinn Draconis]

There was a moment that Aslinn felt her chest tighten. That was when his fingers slipped away from her’s. She had been knowledgeable of them as he held her hand, but when he released it. Her hand felt strangely naked. She would curl it toward her torso and alter her steps in order to distance herself from him. Even if it was just a few steps, she felt the need for air just then. He wished to accompany her to …to where exactly? She pondered for a moment. The library had been her destination at first. Did he truly wish to come along? She thought that books would bore someone like him. Simply having read them all. She did not mean any slight against him, especially when she asked the return of her hand.

She was about to protest his apology. To tell him it was not needed. But she stopped herself. Not wishing to seem indecisive or a scatterbrain. Of course she did not wish for him to think she was a simpleton neither. She was sure that many woman enjoyed his company, and why not. He was a handsome man. She could not fault him that. She noticed the change in demeanor as it swept across his face. Only she could sober a man’s thinking. She drew in a deep breath and sighed as it slowly was exhaled. She took a step to his right knowing that he would dismiss himself from her presence as quickly as he could.

~I'd still like to accompany you~

Aslinn turned to look at him as he spoke again. “I have to admit that I have carved company while here in Camelot. Thought it would be proper to seek company during the day, then at night.” She told him, offering a coy smile, as her bright deep eyes look to him. She was about to accept his company when he turned abruptly to a sound that reverberated off the far wall and along the hall they were within.

Before she could say anything her hand is grasped and she is tugged along behind Joscelin along the corridor. Where they heading to the library? In such a hurry she could only wonder to the reason. Had the night patrol started through rounds? Surely it was not that ungodly hour of night. Had she been in the hall all that time speaking with him?

She had to quickly gather the hem of her skirt. She tripped over it twice, which caused her to bump up against Joscelin’s back before righting herself and carrying onward. His hold on her hand was strong, in fact she thought he had crushed her pinky he held it so tightly. They turned down the next hall. It was then she saw the familiar library doors. With one hand he quickly drew them wide and hurried her within. He would then proceed to close the doors behind them. A single candle upon a desk close by was their only light. Amongst the shadows and pale glow of candlelight she saw his gesture to be silent. Her gaze turned to the door when she heard the soft scuffing of boots against the stones beyond their safe haven.

She was too busy to take note that he still held her hand. She looked at it as he released it and stood looking at the door. Possibly pondering how to get past the guard, if that was indeed the night watch. She turned her head when she spoke. “Close?” She stated, “Was that the night watch?” She knew it had to be and therefore her question was purely silly. She looked to Joscelin with a questioning look. “What are we to do now?”

There was little else to do then out wait the watch.

[Joscelin Trevalion]

"More than likely," Joscelin admits. "That, or mayhap another awake at this ungodly hour." Joscelin adds and looks amused. Nonetheless, Joscelin knew that the two should not be caught together alone. If they had been then her reputation would undoubtedly be stained. That, and Joscelin's own, too. He should be more mindful and careful. He should think things through before shamelessly flirting with a woman of nobility. Yet, Joscelin couldn't help that.

He was so far from home and took what comfort he could find within others. Whether that would be the touch of a woman or conversing with them. That, or simply making comrades amidst the men of Camelot. It was something that Joscelin craved, and not only that, but this was Joscelin's task.

He was meant to place himself amidst the nobility and royalty of foreign nations. He was meant to establish ties and espy all that they do. He's a diplomat within the eyes of others, a spy for his nation, and an instrument of assassination to be wielded by his sovereign. He's entire Joscelin William Trevalion. Yet, Joscelin's a man as well and a man with weaknesses as any other.

It did not mean Joscelin could not find his pleasure though.

Nonetheless, Joscelin turns from Aslinn and overlooks the library for the moment. "I suppose we savor one another's company...?" Joscelin asks of her and looks over his shoulder to her with a slight smile. It was then that Joscelin returned to her side but for only a moment. He sought her the lamp she held, and when Joscelin had taken such, had gone off to light a brazier with the flame.

It filled the room with warmth and light both. It left shadows dancing across the walls and shelves, and alighted the center of the library to leave Joscelin bathed, too, within the firelight. He held the lamp aloft then and breathed out heavily. "Do you frequent the library often, Aslinn?"

[Lady Aslinn Draconis]

Aslinn’s hand moved to her cheek. Her gaze widened at his answer to her question about it being the night watch outside. Should she panic she might just alert them to their presence. And she did not wish to have to face Calen and his look of disappointment. She managed that look well from her mother. She glanced from the door to Joscelin. He was enjoying this far too much. Glancing at the door as she backed away from it. She could hide in the isles. Pretend that she fell asleep in an old leather bound book, simply lost track of time. But how would she explain Joscelin’s presence. That answer she would have to ponder on some more.

Calen would undoubtedly send a letter home to Mercia to her parents explaining the situation that befell their poor daughter. A smirk came to her lips as she came to the realization that if it came to her reputation being tarnished therefore making her unsuitable for any man. She would be free of the impending doom of marriage that her mother was so hoping for. She would turn back to the door. A brief thought to barraging out and calling for the watch, but then she realized that it was not just her in this, Joscelin’s reputation would suffer as well.

A deep sigh escaped her lips as she turned to give the library a once over. She had come here on several occasions. In fact, the first day in which she arrived in Camelot. She had found her spirits down and her heart in tatters. She wanted to go home. Calen suggested that she take a long walk. A walk that brought her to the library doors, with the scent of leather filtering through the air. Reminding her of her father’s study. She sat amongst the books for hours. Running a finger along the binds, drawing in the scent of the leather and thinking of home.

She turned her attention back around to Joscelin as he turned from her and looked about. Shadows dancing about them, as the tiniest shards of candlelight flickered across their faces. “And just what was it that you had in mind, good sir?” She asked in his regard to savoring one another’s company. Her gaze locked with his as he came back to her side and took the candle that she held. Within moments the room was lit in a soft amber glow. “I dare ask, is that wise? Would the guards not see the lit through the window or under the door and come in?”

She thought her question a good one. But that alterative was something she was not so sure she wished to experience either, alone in the dark with a man. “Most days I spend hours amongst the written word.” She told him, her tones soothing as she spoke. She was tired, and yet beyond sleep. But it was apparent in her voice when she spoke. She could not help but glance back to the door. As if any moment they would be discovered. She was actually surprised that he recalled her name. But something about him told her that he remember everyone’s name, and possibly a few things about them. “What about yourself?”

She furrowed her brow at her answer and then her choice of question. How silly did she sound? She drew her hand up along the edge of the neckline of her gown. Tracing the edge with her fingers before she found a few strands of hair. Twisting them about her finger, a nervous habit of her’s while in the company of others, especially men it would seem.

[Joscelin Trevalion]

"Aye, normally, but the guard won't be returning for nigh an hour or so," Joscelin uttered but offered no semblance of explanation. Truth be told, Joscelin risked himself then and there with his knowledge of the guard's routine. It was something he often learned within foreign courts. It allowed him to venture through the castle without worry of being found out or witnessed performing any...well, unsavory doings. Fortunately, Joscelin didn't do anything horrid beyond the constant stream of letters he sent off and received, and thereafter burned within the privacy of his room or the library. Nonetheless, Joscelin's reflex of learning every guard's routine and path was something he would not forget to do.

It was then, after Joscelin had lit the brazier, that he had sought the windows and unwinded the draperies so that they may fall heavily before the window and blot out any light from within. That, as Aslinn had mentioned, would have been unwise to leave. Aslinn was speaking all the while.

He turns from the covered windows and looked to her with a smile.

"There's only one thing better than the written word, and that's the experience of the outside world, Aslinn." Joscelin murmurs and muses. He looked like a content and pleasant cat within those moments as he drew nearer to her. "I had a tutor once," Joscelin admits. "One man by the name of Anafiel Courcel. He was a scholar and taught me well of philosophy. I've never been so intimate with books than I was when under his tutelage," Joscelin confesses, and when finally at her side, lifted his hand to touch her hair without shame, and her hand too.

"Yet," Joscelin breathes out then and smiles. "There's much to learn from the written word too. Much one cannot learn from the outside world, I suppose." He looked thoughtful and lolled his head to look over his shoulder. "Such as tales of lovely women, chivalrous knights and magnificent odds of the few standing against many. Such tales could not easily be learned through experience but through tales," Joscelin murmurs and released her hand.

"Shall we look and see what we may find?" He asked of her genuinely.

[Lady Aslinn Draconis]

Aslinn could not help but make notice of Joscelin’s knowledge of the watch. To know when they come and go, or how long their patrol was, was indeed strange. Had he studied them? If he had, why? She could not help but allow her thoughts to race. The only people that knew the route of guards were those wishing to go unnoticed by them. It was in that moment that she thought to his reasons for slipping pass them, undetected. A blush crept to her cheeks. He was a handsome man; she could not fault him for that. In fact she was sure there were many that would not fault him. She figured that he had many admirers and therefore many invitations. It was in that second she cleared her throat and turned her gaze and attention elsewhere.

She would busy herself for the time being with thoughts of home. That was always a good distraction for her. To think upon what her family was doing without her. When he closed the curtain to aid in concealing the fact that anyone was within the library at this ungodly hour. She could not help but feel a little righteous that he took her warding. He feared the guards a little it seemed. But if he knew the length of their patrol he had little to worry about. In fact she figured he was doing this for her benefit.

His voice was inviting. He appeared intelligent, as did most men of court. Though most wore it like a banner of entitlement. Her gaze had returned to Joscelin as he spoke. It was true what he said. She had many tutors; none had treated her in the same light that Joscelin appeared to have been treated. Given the benefit of knowledge to do and see as he pleased. “You are lucky it would seem. I have had tutors but never did they take a liking to teaching the likes of me.” She had thought it because she was a woman, rather then her barbed tongue.

She had turned just as he returned to her side. His soft tones directed to her as she came to look him in the eye. Her own glancing at his hand as it touched the strand of hair she had been twisting about her finger. It then brushed against her hand, lingering upon each finger as a painter on his canvas. She could only hold her breath for the moment before blinking a couple times and trying to think of her last thought.

“In…deed.” Breathlessly she uttered, before clearing her throat and stepping back. She would press a hand to her brow and turn to the side. Questioning herself and him as she did so. Was he trying to cause strife within her? She figured that he was. Quickly she righted herself and started toward the shelves. “yes…lets.”

She would make her way toward the shelves and start her search for something to read. Anything to read.

[Joscelin Trevalion]

"Mayhap." He looked thoughtful then. Perhaps Joscelin had been fortunate to have had tutors that seemed taken by him and eager to teach him. Yet, there were obvious reasons for such a thing. Joscelin had been taught and groomed specifically for the art of covertcy. He had been taught the history of his land and a dozen other nations, and even thensome. He had been taught countless languages and had a grasp on the pidgin trade tongue. He had been honed by men and women alike for one reason only and that being a diplomatic spy.

It was something that Joscelin could not tell Aslinn.

How would his life turn out if he did tell her though...?

It would change everything. It would change the way she looked at him and she would undoubtedly tell someone. Perhaps even report such a thing to the king and then Joscelin would find himself within the dungeons tortured, beaten and coaxed toward uttering all that he knew. It was something that wasn't foreign to him. In fact, Joscelin had been a captive once. It had been how he had earned a number of scars. It's because of his extended stay under a warlord that Joscelin had learned a number of clever ways to harm others.

It wasn't long until Joscelin lifted himself from his reverie though as she had begun to saunter toward the shelves. He watched her and soon after followed without a hitch. Joscelin wasn't certain what he would find or even what he had been looking for then and there. He needed to think though but that was hard enough with Aslinn here with him. Nonetheless, Joscelin reached out with his calloused and hard fingers to brush them against one leather spine after the other.

"You were sent her for marriage, weren't you?" He asked of her suddenly.

Joscelin wasn't certain why he had come out so...well, blunt then and there. Normally Joscelin would have been more subtle. Yet, he couldn't then and there. He lolled his head to look at her and with a shaky breath at that. "Your mother's idea?" He asked thereafter and kept his gaze upon the books; looking away from her.

[Lady Aslinn Draconis]

Aslinn busied herself with looking for a book. She figured that Joscelin’s silence suggested that he was doing the same. She placed a hand to one tome to the next. Angling it so she could read the tilted embroidered across the front. She had been raised with the best tutors that money could buy. Thanks to her mother’s badgering, her father could not win the constant debates upon the matter. Aslinn figured that her mother’s search for the richest house came at a cost to their own. She felt sorry for her father most of the time. But it was his bed, and therefore had had to lay in it. Though Aslinn was sure he wished another woman lay next to him.

Love did not rule the Draconis house. Aslinn figured that it never had. Her mother was a cold calculating and callous woman. She had landed Aslinn’s father namely because his family was one of the richest in Mercia. Her own family having connection in distance lands. When her brothers were born Aslinn’s mother had them shipped off to her homeland to learn the skills they would need to gain a proper place in society, and a proper wife. Money it was to be that Aslinn’s mother carved. And in order to gain more she pretty much sold off her offspring to the highest bidder. It was a sad existence for the Draconis children.

No amount of reading, learning and speaking languages would make the Draconis family a happy one. Aslinn loved her father dearly, as well as her brothers. But hardly any of them stood up to their mother when it came to dealing with Aslinn. Perhaps it was why she acted out so much. Perhaps it was the true rest for her being here. To learn the proper way to behave, become the lady that she should be. Calen was there to make sure that her mother’s plans did not get off track. If her mother had her way Aslinn would be married to some bore of a man, double her age and ill on the eyes. These thoughts came to her more often since her arrival in Camelot.

Her gaze would lift and turn to where Joscelin had gone to venture his search for a dull book. She could not help but note the way he stood. The tilt of his head, the angle of his brow as he looked over the selection before him. Was he having as much trouble as she was? She didn’t think so. He was a male, the right to anything and anyone. He seemed to be contemplating something. When he turned about to acknowledge her again she had been startled. Seeing that she had been staring at him. She had been in the process of taking a book out when he asked his question. The book slipped from her hand and fell to the floor with a loud thud. She gasped at the echo that reverberated between the shelves and then out into the rest of the library. She cringed as she tucked herself into a crouch in order to pick the book up and return it to the shelf.

How did he know that she had been thinking about her mother and her endeavors? Why should she dignify him with a reply? She knew why, because he wasn’t being rude. He was making conversation. He didn’t really care as to the reason she was in Camelot. He was just drawing on the sad conclusion that she was forced her, under the watchful eye of Calen to be wed.

“My mother…” she tried to speak with little distain for the woman, but it was hard. “Thinks that marriage will bring our house glory. As if any marriage could aid a house in turmoil.” The latter of her words were said to herself. “Is that not what all are here for. Camelot is the grandest of places, miracle occur here, or so my mother hopes. Marrying me off would be a blessing to her. I am sure your parents hope the same for you.” She said as she stood once again. Her first thought had been to slash out at him. But that would be rude on her part. The last thing she needed was for Joscelin to talk to Calen about her.

[Joscelin Trevalion]

The knowledge had been gleaned from a bit of sand from one of his many spiders; the ears within the walls of Camelot. Yet, Joscelin played such off easily as a hunch of his own. Although there were very little other reasons why female nobility ventured to Camelot beyond looking for a proper marriage and binding. What he hadn't expected, though, was the fact that Aslinn did not care much for that nor her lady mother. He could make such out easily enough with the way she spoke of the woman and of the notion of marriage. Truth be told, Joscelin couldn't agree more.

Joscelin was upon her then within moments and stooping to help with the book. Unfortunately, Aslinn was already standing. So, Joscelin stood there quietly with that book she held between them like a shield. That, and he looked utterly thoughtful and genuine at that.

"Marriage will not change anything for your household," Joscelin agreed with her. Then he had shook his head at her last words. Joscelin even smiled and nearly laughed. Yet, he didn't. "Yes," he breathed out. "My step mother longs for me to find someone and settle down finally. Yet, I cannot. At least not yet. I..." He trailed. "I'm a diplomat, Aslinn, and being here..." He uttered and gestured all around. "It's my task and the calling of my sovereign." He told her.

"Yet," Joscelin trailed and breathed out heavily. "I do long for marriage myself personally. I want to find someone to settle with." He confessed and smiled somewhat. He knew that she didn't feel the same way. She saw that as...well, somewhat like being restricted and limited. Joscelin himself saw that as a semblance of freedom for himself. It's not that he didn't like what he did though. In fact, he loved being able to venture about and see other nations; to see the places he has studied within his youth. Except, Joscelin didn't want to always do this. He wanted somewhat else.

He shook his head and met her gaze evenly.

"We are different there I think, eh?" He asked of her and looked amused.

Joscelin wasn't certain what else to say, truly. In fact, that's all Joscelin really could say to her. Yet, Joscelin stood there near her and looked down between them and furrowed his brows. He realized then that he wasn't entirely certain what he wanted personally. Yes, he wanted to settle down and marry, and to have that reason to linger home and discharge himself from his Grace's service, but would he truly want that in the end? Mayhap he'd end up longing for this once more; being able to travel around the world and become the hand that influences a nation unknowingly.

"Mayhap you'll meet a man that will change your stance on things, Aslinn," Joscelin uttered.