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*practically barrels into her, before falling backwards and letting his hand fall to his sword* You should watch were you're going. *tersely*

[Her hand shoots to his arm when she stumbles, nearly falling as he barrels into her but she manages to keep her head down, the hood of her cape hiding most of her features. She doesn't dare look up because she's sure he'll have something to say about her running around unescorted] Excuse me. [She murmurs, starting to turn away]

*the voice is female which is enough to cause him to pause, tries to peer under the hood* Forgive me...I did not know my lady...

*notices her eagerness to leave- but doesn't see her face* Where are you off to in such a hurry?

[She pauses as he starts speaking again, clearly torn between hurrying off and staying to talk] I was taking a walk to the lake, m'lord.

The woods aren't safe. Especially for a lady...

*tilts his head* You needn't fear me. I mean you no harm.

[There is the briefest of sighs before she lifts a hand to peel back the hood, looking up at him] I didn't figure that you did, Uther.

*frowns* Igraine.

Where is your guard, why are you out alone? *his temper bleeds into the words as he steps closer to her and begins to scan the area- there's no danger about nor does there appear to be any hint of it but still he seems unwilling to take the chance*

What were you thinking running off? You are a Princess.

[She doesn't cower at the hint of his temper, choosing instead to lift her chin as she watches him step closer to her as though he's going to protect her from some unseen threat] I'm not running off. I'm taking a walk.

And if you're so concerned about my safety, then you can be my escort. [She nods once, starting to walk again without waiting for a rebuttal or a confirmation]

*blinks and watches as she runs off* Igraine! *hurries forward, reaching over to take her hand* Does your brother know you're gone?

*seems suddenly aware he has her hand and drops it as if it burns* Forgive me, my lady. I meant no disrespect.

[She's surprised by him grabbing her hand and she turns back to blink at him. It's like being touched by a lightning bolt, she imagines. Sharp tingles fly up her arm, blazing her nerve endings with heat as she finds it hard to focus till he lets go of her so suddenly. Then she seems somewhat offended.] Does touching me bother you, Uther?

Oh never mind. [She cuts him off before he can answer, waving a hand] Forget it.

...you are princess of Camelot. A member of the royal family. There should be no stain upon your character or reputation...

and to have a Knight with no Kingdom, no fealty snatch at you as a dog would go after a bone is beneath you. *watching her* Pendragon is a shamed House, I won't have rumors sullying your name on account of my impulses.

We are alone, Uther. [She looks at the shadows around them before turning her gaze back] Here, we're not a princess nor a supposedly shamed Knight. You only grabbed my hand, nothing more than that. My name is intact, so there's no need to worry.

But if you're worried about our reputations, you can go if you wish. [She waves a hand towards the path, as though giving her blessing for him to leave] Though, truthfully, I never figured you to be the type to care so much.

Do you think me so cold then? *hissed out* I may command armies but I would never bring harm to you or Camelot. Not by choice. I'm a warrior- and I'm good at it- that doesn't mean I'm a brute.

*unsure why he's so bothered by the idea she might think him cruel* My reputation is of little concern. *a half bitter smile* Uther Pendragon, the Conqueror. I wage war because I'm bored. Nothing else.

Aren't you? Isn't that exactly what you'd wish everyone to think? [She keeps her voice low and even] Better for them to think you cruel than weak, right?

[She steps closer to him, leaving very little space left between them as she tilts her head back so that she can see clear into his features] Is that true, Uther? Do you wage war because you are bored?

*she's able to stop him cold because for better or worst- it is true. It's just never bothered him until now and he really wishes he understood why*

It must be so easy for a member of a Royal house with a Kingdom still in tact to pass judgment on those of us who must earn our place and respect. Perhaps if my father's kingdom had lasted I would have had the luxury of being as thoughtful as the Lady is. As it is, there is only my name, my sword and the Lady Nimueh that carves me a place here.

*as for the last question- he simply turns away- studying the lake*

[For awhile, she's silent as she stands there, watching him. Then she gathers enough courage to reach out and touch his arm, her soft voice wrapping around him again]

I did not mean to insult you, Uther. It seems we're both quick to pass judgment on each other. You once thought me nothing but an empty-headed Princess and... [She trails off]

I just see you being capable of more.

*tenses under her touch, before very gingerly putting his hand over hers* *and quietly as if he's unaccustomed to hearing his voice say it* I grow weary of war. Of constant battle. I long for peace.

*as if ashamed of himself laughs gently* Not that it matters. As it's been said, I'm only good for the war. *glances back to Camelot* ...your kingdom is very beautiful. You must be proud.

[She watches his hand cover her own, the heat of his touch seeping into her skin before she nods] Most would. I often long for peace as well.

Uther. [She says his name to call his attention back to her so that she can meet his gaze quite seriously] I don't believe that that's the only thing you're good for.

Edited 2010-02-21 04:59 (UTC)