regency au } { of challenges and worthy chases

[arbalete]

Issac: [and he will be waiting at the Duke's palace for her so that he could escort her in to be announced. He's fiddling with his mask nervously, trying not to act like he isn't actually nervous about finally getting to be Allison's escort to an event]

Allison: [she and Lydia arrive, only slightly late, and Lydia gets out first, giving Isaac a small nod before making her way inside. Allison climbs out after, wearing a silver dress that matches her mask and greeting him with a small smile and curtsy] Sir Lahey.

Issac: [and he knows Stiles is there to enter with Lydia and present her to the court before he slips out, so he just nods to Lydia before turning to Allison and his smile just grew] Lady Argent. You look beautiful.

Allison: Thank you. You look rather handsome yourself.

Issac: [grins, blushing just a bit. He wants to say more, but he looks at the people entering] Shall we? [he offered her his hand]

Allison: [nods as she takes his hand] Yes, let's.

Issac: [and with his free hand, he slides his mask on. They go to get announced, and then he carefully guides her down the stairs to the main floor] So, um... yeah, what would you like to do first?

Allison: [glances up at him with a small smirk] Usually dinner is first, is it not?

Issac: Usually. I mean, some people with to mingle before taking their seats. I did not want to assume... [yup, he's nervous]

Allison: [she sighs, before squeezing his hand, almost as though to silently say relax] I prefer not to mingle with most of these people.

Issac: Well, then I will be more than enough company for you. We can go sit with Lady Cora? I don't believe her escort is here just yet...

Allison: Yes, that would be lovely.

Issac: Okay. [and he smiles, heading over in that direction] I'm just... I had all these things I was going to say, but I can't think of a single one at the moment.

Allison: [she smiles softly before shaking her head] You don't have to say anything.

Issac: Well, that would lead us to a very silent night.

Allison: I mean, you don't have to worry so much. I would not be here if I didn't want to be here.

Issac: That is good to know. Because I do want you to want to be here. With me.

Allison: So relax. You don't have to worry about impressing me.

Issac: Does that mean you are already impressed with me? [relaxing a little]

Allison: [a look] Don't get ahead of yourself. I just want you to enjoy yourself.

Issac: [laughs softly] I will.

Allison: Good. Because this is supposed to be your victory, after all.

Issac: Well, yes, but that was getting you to say yes. I wasn't going to parade you around like a trophy.

Allison: [pauses, and glances down with a smile before nodding] I'd hope not.

Issac: [smiles at that] Plus, I mean you are one of the champions here. The Duke invited you personally.

Allison: [she nods] He's the only one who actually treats me with respect.

Issac: Well, I think Norway tends to be a lot more progressive in their thinking of women in power over France.

Allison: I agree. It is unfortunate that I live in France.

Issac: Perhaps you can come to stay in Norway for a while? Your Aunt is here, after all.

Allison: I would love to, but unfortunately I have things to attend to in France. My father is starting to teach me more of our family's traditions and I need to be there for that.

Issac: Oh, I see. [and that was his subtle way of trying to get to see her more often. He goes to pull the chair out for her so they can sit down to eat]

Allison: [settles into the chair because she realizes that, and as much as she would like that, her family obligations come first right now] You could always come visit me.

Issac: I could, if that is what you would like.

Allison: It would be a nice change, I think.

Issac: And I would not be shot on sight, I hope. [for what he was, or for trying to visit with the Argent heir... that could be debatable]

Allison: No, of course not.

Issac: Good, because blood is not really a good look on me.

Allison: And I prefer my friends without holes in them.

Issac: I feel the same way. Imagine that [grins]

Allison: [she laughs] Then I am glad we are on the same page.

Issac: So, may I ask what it is that you are learning from your family?

Allison: Our history and traditions. Some of them I'm changing but I have a lot to learn.

Issac: You're changing them?

Allison: I don't want the family to be about hunting. I want it to be about protecting. That's the ... spirit of the old code but not the practice.

Issac: .... Yeah, that sounds like a very positive change.

Allison: The men that have to report to me aren't that pleased with it. Save for my father anyway.

Issac: Do you think they will go to follow your Uncle Daniel?

Allison: I don't know. A lot of them aren't happy about what Kate did with Peter.

Issac: Even if it has been good for her?

Allison: [she rolls her eyes] They don't care about that. They've never cared about that. All they see is Peter getting the upper hand in the deal by taking something of theirs.

Issac: As opposed to Daniel getting the upper hand by taking Laura?

Allison: [she smirks] My uncle doesn't really have a grasp on what it means to be taken as a mate by an alpha werewolf. It doesn't make her any less of an alpha, but he doesn't value women enough to see it that way.

Isaac; Well, maybe this is just setting up things for e better future.

Allison: I hope so.

Issac: [he looked out at the floor of people] I will admit, I don't know the pressures that come from leading a family.

Allison: [she reaches for her drink before glancing at him curiously] I admit, I don't know much about your family.

Issac: [takes a sip of his own drink] They were killed, m'lady.

Allison: [her face softens and she closes her eyes] I'm sorry. That was insensitive of me.

Issac: No, it's fine. It's not like you knew, m'lady, which is why you asked. [he shrugged] My mother died in childbirth, my father in a drunken fight. My brother went to war and never returned. The Hales took me in a few years back when Sir Derek saw me begging on the streets.

Allison: Then they became your family, I take it.

Issac: Yes, m'lady. They are responsible for the man I have become, in most ways.

Allison: Then it seems they have done well.

Issac: [smiles at that] Thank you. I am sure they will pleased to hear that someone thinks so.

Allison: [there's a small smile before she looks over the to the rest of the room]

Issac: Some people don't understand things that you develop when you are left to be raised by the streets.

Allison: I'm afraid I am one of those people. I haven't had that experience.

Issac: [he turns to look at her] You do what you need to survive. You develop a lot of sins on your soul trying to feed your body. My father used to... well, he was an angry man. When he died after my brother went to war... I had to rely on my charm.

Allison: [looks back at him for a moment, before reaching over and letting her hand rest on top of his] Sins can be forgiven, if you seek it.

Issac: [he looks at her hand and nods] I am still working on that part.

Allison: Good.

Issac: I know that people see me as being very arrogant and boastful. I don't deny that. It's easier. I'd rather be seen that way that for what I know I have been.

Allison: [she tips her head to the side] Why not just be who you are?

Issac: [there's a forced half smile] When I know who that is, I will let you know.

Allison: Well, you have plenty of time to figure that out.

Issac: That I do. I'm still young, after all.

Allison: Exactly.

Issac: And I'm extremely attractive. [grins]

Allison: [there's a half-laugh] Though your ego could leave something to be desired.

Issac: Too much confidence?

Allison: It can be a bit off-putting.

Issac: My apologies. I can try and tone it down.

Allison: It's just hard to impress when you already believe you're impressive.

Issac: Me impressing you, or you impressing me? Because m'lady, you already impress me.

Allison: The former.

Issac: Oh.

Allison: You don't need to bolster. At least not with me. I know you are skilled, and I have eyes of my own. As I said - be yourself.

Issac: [he nods] I will do my best, m'lady.

Allison: Good.

Issac: [and hey look, food being served]

Allison: [mmmmm food. She will eat quietly for a moment and chat with Cora when she sits next to her]

Issac: [and he is trying to think up something witty to say, but he's not really witty]

Allison: [she doesn't really need him to be witty. She just wants him to be Isaac. And eventually they will finish dinner, before she'll turn to him with a small smile] Do you wish to dance?

Issac: Yes, I would like that a lot, actually.

Allison: [her smile widens before she extends her hand]

Issac: [and he stands, helping her up and then escorting her to the dance floor where other couples were preparing for the next dance]

Allison: [and off they go to dance away, which could go good or bad depending on how graceful a dancer Isaac is.]

Issac: [he is not really the smoothest dancer ever. it could be nerves. it is definitely the roll of 3 on the d20]

Allison: [Allison only rolled an average, which is fine, but after a while she laughs and stops him, pulling him off to the side so that they don't collide with the other dancers] I know you have more grace than that.

Issac: I do, but I may not really be all that good at the actual dances that have specific steps.

Allison: I know how quickly your kind can pick things up. Is this truly a matter of experience, or is it a matter of confidence?

Issac: [shrugs] Truth be told, most banquets I usually and talking, not dancing.

Allison: Then would you rather go back to the table?

Issac: No, I just need a little more practice. If you want to dance, I will get better as I go along.

Allison: Alright. Just relax, Sir Lahey. Dancing is an art, not a science. It doesn't need to be incredibly precise.

Issac: [nods] I will do better this time.

Allison: [and they get back into things again, and Isaac does marginally better than before, up until he steps on her foot and she darts back, slamming into one of the couples behind her and it's like a domino effect of the next few couples ... which leads to her laughing through her apology. Not her most convincing, but who could blame her?]

Issac: [and he's apologizing as well, turning a bit red with embarrassment. Scott and Boyd laughing off to the side isn't helping. And then to Allison] I'm so sorry, did I hurt you?

Allison: [still laughing a bit as she shakes her head] No, I'm fine. But I'm thinking we should make our escape before they get any ideas. [and she's just going to grab his hand as back into the crowd they go]

Issac: Do you want to take a walk perhaps? The gardens outside are very nice.

Allison: [she glances back and nods] That sounds lovely.

Issac: [and he will offer her his arm to take her outside to walk]

Allison: [and out they will go, amusement still on their face from the disaster they caused]

Issac: [once they are outside, he will allow himself to really laugh] I will have to make sure I take better dancing lessons before the next banquet.

Allison: It would probably be for the best. I think they'll only let us get away with something like that once.

Issac: I will have to ask Lady Caroline then for help. I'm sure it will distract her properly.

Allison: [tips her head to the side] Is Lady Caroline frequently in need of distractions?

Issac: She misses her homeland. Little things she can do sometime take her mind off it.

Allison: I take it she can't go home?

Issac: I don't know the specifics. Derek was very vague on them, but said that a prominent man in the town took advantage of her, and has dishonored her. And since no one in the town will disrepute a man...

Allison: [scowls, before shaking her head] Cowards.

Issac: That is why Derek brought her back Elena. He felt she would be safer with us and would be able to find some peace to heal with.

Allison: But in the end she only wants to go home.

Issac: Yes.

Allison: It's a shame that she can't.

Issac: Maybe one day. Though I would not be surprised if the people she cares for just move to us.

Allison: Do you think they will?

Issac: Well, Lady Elena and Derek are married. Young Lord Gilbert is probably going to come and stay with us for a while come winter. And Sir Tyler is, well... he is escorting her tonight and they seem quite happy.

Allison: What about her family?

Issac: I think she only has a mother? I'm not sure on that. I know Lady Caroline misses her. I think she is coming this winter as well with Young Lord Gilbert.

Allison: That's good. At least she'll get to see her.

Issac: Yes. It will be good for her for sure.

Allison: [nods] Still, that isn't right. If anything, he should be banished, not her.

Issac: I don't know what happened to the man. You could ask Sir Derek.

Allison: [shakes her head] It is not my business. Though if I would like to know what her home town is so I can avoid it.

Issac: That is probably a smart plan. It is called Mystic Falls.

Allison: I've never heard of it.

Issac: It's a very small town. Lady Elena, Sir Tyler... their parents were the ones who founded the city I believe. I could be wrong though.

Allison: I will have to ask her about it.

Issac: Good idea. [and he's going to just take her on a walk in the garden] It's a beautiful night. You can see all the stars.

Issac: Good idea. [and he's going to just take her on a walk in the garden] It's a beautiful night. You can see all the stars.

Issac: Me too. Shows that the world is bigger than just what it is you're dealing with.

Allison: [she nods] It's ... hopeful, in a way.

Issac: Lord Stilinski is studying them currently with Derek. Though I think Derek's nights are going to be a bit more taken now, if you know what I mean.

Allison: [she rolls her eyes in his direction] There's no saying he can't watch them with his wife.

Issac: I'm sure he will. I'm also sure Lord Stilinski is probably night invited to those star gazing moment.

Allison: No, I'm sure he's not. Though I think if all goes well tonight, he will have a new star gazing partner to watch with.

Issac: I see you've heard about Sir Fox then?

Allison: [she nods] Cora told me when she first received the letters and Lydia told me the other half.

Issac: I will admit very romantic.

Allison: It is. And probably the only way he would have managed to woo her.

Issac: I just hope that moving forward she will be more receptive.

Allison: I don't think she wasn't, really. She just ... didn't understand it. She needed a little time.

Issac: They were also getting back to being good before tonight too.

Allison: [nods] I think they'll be better for this.

Issac: I hope so. He's been hopelessly in love with her since Lord Peter bought him originally.

Allison: Cora must have seen something in him then, or I can't say she would go to such lengths.

Issac: Well, it was more she saw Lord Whittemore being an abusive, pompous ass, but that's beyond the point.

Allison: [she nods] That is true.

Issac: But he is a good man. And he will be good to her.

Allison: Which is all that matters.

Issac: [nods, looking back up a moment, then at her] So is part of your training also going to include finding you a proper husband?

Allison: [makes a face at that] Eventually.

Issac: [chuckles] Will you get to choose on your own, or will your family make it for you?

Allison: That depends on my father.

Issac: I'm sorry.

Allison: [she shrugs] I at least know my father cares enough not to marry me to someone like Kate's first husband. I also could have easily been forced to marry Peter or Derek. I know he'll make a good choice for me, I just wish it would be mine.

Issac: I don't think I know of Lady Kate's first husband.

Allison: There isn't much worth mentioning. That and he's dead.

Issac: Oh.

Allison: It was a long time ago.

Issac: I should not have asked. I'm sorry.

Allison: [she shakes her head] I don't even know much of the story really. I was a child at the time. Kate never wished to talk about it so I didn't ask.

Issac: [nods] Then best respect her wishes. We probably should find a new topic.

Allison: Yes, we should. [she nods] Are you preparing for any upcoming tournaments?

Issac: Not really. Winter brings deep snow here so once it starts to gather, we don't leave the manor. But come spring we will probably be going to the one in Austria that will be held for Lord Stilinski's birthday.

Allison: [she nods] I'm going to have to find a way to sneak in again. I have a record to reclaim, after all.

Issac: I'm sure if you wish, Lord Stilinski would allow you to enter without needing to hide.

Allison: Even though his uncle is the one throwing it?

Issac: His uncle understands that his nephew is involved with a family that has strong women leading it. I'm sure he will understand. [tilts his head] It'll be the werewolf part that will probably undo him.

Allison: [she hums softly] Well, I will talk to Lord Stilinski and see if I can push my luck.

Issac: I would love to see Lady Cora enter the sword fighting competition.

Allison: Do you think she would?

Issac: No, she doesn't feel she needs to prove herself.

Allison: But if she did she would wipe the floor with all of them.

Issac: It would come down to her and her brother. And that would be a very interesting fight we don't want to know how it ends.

Allison: That would be an interesting fight.

Issac: It would. He is the one who helped train her.

Allison: Certainly worth seeing if the student would surpass the teacher.

Issac: I don't know if I want to see that.

Allison: I'm pretty sure I would.

Issac: Well, you would need to convince her to compete.

Allison: I don't think I ever will. She was never that interested.

Issac: [nods] But it would be good.

Allison: It would.

Issac: [he looked over at her and just squeezed her hand] I do enjoy competing against you.

Allison: [she glances over with a smile] You're not intimidated by me? Don't want to tell me that the field of competition is not my place?

Issac: I'm intimidated by you for other reasons. I respect your love for the bow.

Allison: Why do I intimidate you?

Issac: [smiles a bit] You are smart, beautiful, and very talented. Who wouldn't be?

Allison: Most people consider that threatening, considering I use it in ways they don't like.

Issac: I don't find it threatening. Maybe a challenge, but not threatening. I just worry I'm not worth your time.

Allison: I believe that's my decision to make.

Issac: Well, if this was not my reward for beating your record... would you still have wanted to come with me?

Allison: [she pulls from his arm as they reach a grove of trees, her hands clasped behind her back as she turns to face him, walking backwards towards one of them as she glances back to him with a teasing smirk] Maybe.

Issac: [smiles, going to follow her] Is there a way I can convince the Lady to perhaps let me escort her to another banquet?

Allison: Maybe. [her hand finds the side of the tree before starting to duck around it] If you earn it.

Issac: [grins, going to duck around on the other side of it] Are you going to make me work for it, my lady?

Allison: [stops short when she sees him coming, keeping the tree somewhat between them] Every step of the way.

Issac: [grins] Well, most of what I have, I have spent my time trying to earn it.

Allison: Then you should have no trouble doing the same here.

Issac: Well, I guess it all comes down to if the lady will allow me to kiss her if I can catch her.

Allison: [she pauses, considering for a moment, before a coy smile crosses her face] That does sound fair - provided the knight doesn't use his supernatural talents to cheat.

Issac: [aaaaand he was just about to do that, and pouts just a bit]

Allison: You can't get what you want by cheating, Sir Lahey.

Issac: Is it really cheating if it is a skill I have?

Allison: Not if it rigs the game in your favor. [she takes a small step back and raises her eyebrows] Are the terms acceptable?

Issac: [he licked his lips, fingers playing through his curls] I will accept the terms.

Allison: Good. [she grins, before she turns, lifting her skirts to dart off into the gardens] Catch me if you can!

Issac: [bites his lips, and he is going to control his speed and go to chase her]

Allison: [it's only fair, really. Her skirts slow her down because she keeps having to lift them to run well, but she's still agile enough to try and stay ahead of him as she weaves through the gardens]

Issac: [and there is a part of his wolf that just enjoys the chase as much as catching the prey]

Allison: [which means he probably lets her run for a bit and let her think she's winning]

Issac: [but giving her opportunities to get away just before he's able to get her]

Allison: [which makes her laugh and keep running, waiting for him to actually catch her]

Issac: [and when he does. it will be against a tree, smiling as he looks down at her, panting even] You are very hard to catch, my lady.

Allison: [she grins up at him, her hands landing against his shoulders as she catches her breath] I wanted to make sure it was a challenge.

Issac: I will always step up to the challenge.

Allison: I'd hoped so.

Issac: So my reward?

Allison: It is yours to take.

Issac: [he grinned, leaning in to kiss her gently]

Allison: [she closes her eyes into the kiss, hesitant at first, before she kisses him back in return, hands moving to rest against his chest]

Issac: [smiles into the kiss, pulling her in a bit more]

Allison: [will let him continue that kiss for a moment. She doesn't mind the kissing but if it feels like she's getting a little too carried away, the hands against his chest will be a little more firm, pushing him back]

Issac: [he will be good, since while kissing girls isn't new, kissing a girl he likes is and he doesn't want to ruin the moment]

Allison: [pauses for a moment, before looking up at him with a small smile] Was it worth the chase?

Issac: [smiles back] Your smile at me alone is worth the chase. Your kiss is the thing of my dreams.

Allison: [her head ducks a bit, her smile widening] Good answer.

Issac: It is only the truth. [smiles more]

Allison: [and that may even get him a bit of a blush. Good job Isaac]

Issac: I'm curious though what I will have to do to be able to earn another one.

Allison: [that regains some of her usual confidence, and she tips her head to the side] I suppose we will just have to see where the course of things takes us.

Issac: It is a journey I am looking forward to.

Allison: As am I.

Issac: [just smiles, and then reluctantly pulled away a bit] We should go back before your father wonders where you have gone. Are you cold at all?

Allison: [shakes her head] No, I'm fine. But thank you.

Issac: [holds out his arm to her] Then shall we?

Allison: [nods as she takes his arm] We shall.

Issac: [and back they go to the party, and he looks at her] One more dance?

Allison: Do you think they will let us after the last one?

Issac: We can try?

Allison: [she nods] Then let's.

Issac: [and he got a 12 this time, and so much more confident now in his steps]

Allison: [which goes very well with Allison's 18, so yay for no more dance floor destruction]

Issac: [yay!]

Allison: [so they will keep dancing until her father comes to retrieve her?]

Issac: [yup, and he will wish her a good night with a kiss on her hand]

Allison: [which will make her smile and her father glare probably]

Argent: [oh yes, so much glaring. Little curly haired knight trying to steal his daughter’s affections. GLARE]

Issac: Sleep well, Lady Allison.

Allison: You as well, Sir Lahey. [and she will turn back to her father with a smile before turning and heading to the carriage]