regency au } { of dishonorable knights and cursed families

[likely_evil]

Sam: [and he doesn't see her hiding there because of this huge pile of books he's carrying to a table and they all go flying!]

Patience: [was crying until she got tripped over and those emotions are pushed to the side for a moment as she swipes at her cheeks and gets up to try and help him] Are you alright?

Sam: [and the beanpole of a boy is now covered in dust, loose paper and a book on his head] I should be asking you that, M'lady. I did not see you there.

Patience: As I intended. [she gives a bit of a wry smirk] I didn't expect anyone to be in here this late. I thought everyone was at the feast.

Sam: So did I. [it's a hesitant smile back, more that he is awkward than anything else] I may have slipped out when my father and brother were not looking?

Patience: I see. [and she'll start gathering his books to get them up off the floor] I'm sorry for startling you.

Sam: No, you should not be. I should have been watching [goes to help her and totally knocks his head against hers as he turns]

Patience: [and being not a wolf, that hurts and she leans back with a wince]

Sam: [yeah, his head hurts too] Oh god, I'm sorry. I should just...

Patience: Perhaps I should go. My father is probably looking for me.

Sam: Yes, I mean no. No you don't have to go. I should be the one to leave.

Patience: You're the one who's actually using the library for it's intended purpose. And it's probably safer for both of us.

Sam: But it would be improper for my presence to cause you to leave a place you felt safe in. I will just take my books... and find a different corner?

Patience: [which is very considerate of him, and she has a feeling he's going to just keep arguing, so she nods] Alright. Thank you.

Sam: You're welcome, M'lady. Let me just…two trips. I promise I will be quick. [and he will take half of them, because that will let him see]

Patience: [and she will politely stack the rest of them so that he has an easy time getting them up when he gets back]

Sam: [and he will smile a bit as he returns] Thank you, m'lady.

Patience: Of course. [and with that she will grab a book off one of the shelves and go curl up in a chair on the opposite end and read until her father comes to find her or the knights who were harassing her decide to brave the sanctuary of the library. whichever comes first]

Sam: [the drunk knights aren't that hard to miss, and they are disturbing his studies, so he is going to go find them to shut them up]

Knight: [lewdly leaning into her space, drunk breath on her neck, generally being gross] ... Come now, Lady Hale. Are you trying to say you don't take after your mother?

Other Knight: [snorts as he takes another swig of his ale] Not like there's much good for you otherwise. Not much of a true lady, are ya?

Patience: [just glares at both of them, face in a stony expression she learned from her father] Can't you both just leave me in peace?

Knight: [leans in a little more, breath hot on her face as she tries to pull away] Where is the fun in that?

Sam: [clears his throat, trying to make himself as tall as he can] Excuse me, I believe you should leave the lady alone and leave. This is a library, not a brothel.

Patience: [both knights and Patience turn to look at him, and then the knights look at each other and burst into laughter. Patience actually feels her cheeks burn at Sam trying to defend her and she looks away]

Knight: Look at this little twig. Maybe we should let him have her instead.

Other Knight: [shakes his head before reaching forward to grab Patience's arm and yank her out of the chair] Maybe we should just let him clean up when we're finished.

Sam: [licks his lips, and walks forward, grabbing the wrist of the arm going to grab her] Let her go, and leave. You are both drunk and dishonoring yourselves.

Knight: Can't dishonor yourself on a girl with no honor.

Other Knight: [nods as he goes to shove Sam out of the way, and he's about to speak but before he can ...]

Patience: [punches him in the throat and he starts choking for air, which is much more effective at him letting her go. once she's free she takes off quickly, heading towards the back exit and out to the woods behind the library]

Sam: [and just…wow. He would smile and try to stop her, but the other knight is making motions to follow and so he puts his hand on the man's chest] Don't. Take him and go back to your lord and sober up.

Knight: [glares at the tiny Winchester and he could probably toss him to the side and keep going, but his friend is grasping at him and pulling him back so he nods] She'll regret that the next time we see her.

Sam: No, you will leave her alone, or I will make sure all know you couldn't find a woman to entertain you so you had to prey on a woman who was simply reading a book and force yourselves upon her instead, and to be drunk to have the courage to do so. [and there is something in his eyes that promises he can do that]

Knight: [stares and spits before hauling his friend out of there. he makes no promises]

Sam: [and he sighs, looking now at the door she had escaped out of. He grabs both his cloak and the one she had left behind and goes to track her through the woods easily.]

Patience: [she's sitting behind a tree and crying again as she tries to catch her breath. she's not a wolf but she's learned to listen out of necessity more than anything else and her head whips around when she hears footsteps, but she stays quiet in hope that they'll go away]

Sam: [and Sam may not be a warrior, but he had the same lessons as Dean in hunting and he holds up his hands, one with her cloak draped over his arm] I just came to bring you your cloak, m'lady. It's cold out here.

Patience: [she relaxes slightly when she sees it's Sam, before pushing up from where she's sitting, but not revealing herself until she can dry her face some] I'm from Norway. I'm used to cold.

Sam: Still, i would get yelled at anytime I lost a glove. I don't want to think of you being yelled at for losing such an expensive cloak.

Patience: [once she feels she's suitably put together again, she steps out from behind the tree to take the cloak from him] Thank you. For this, and for earlier.

Sam: I did nothing really. You seem to be more than capable of taking care of those two yourself. [but he looks down, blushing a bit]

Patience: You did more than you think. Most would have ignored it and gone on as though nothing was happening. [she slips the cloak over her shoulders with a small smile] I'm not accustomed to people standing up for me.

Sam: Well, they were making a lot of noise and disturbing my reading. [he looks back up at her, his bangs hanging over his eyes in such a puppy way] But no one deserves that kind of treatment. They were dishonorable.

Patience: They're not the first to act like this with me, and I'm sure they won't be the last. [it's become a fact of her life at this point, and her father talks about leaving the circuit, more for her sake than anything, but that almost feels like giving in, and she's too stubborn to allow them that victory]

Sam: Yeah, well knights can be jerks.

Patience: It's not that. [she looks up for a moment, before conceding] Well, it's partially that. The other part of it is something much harder to fix.

Sam: Well I hope that you are able to fix it one day. No one deserves to deal with that kind of treatment.

Patience: [there's a small, weak smile at that before she goes to move past him] I should go and find my father. I'm sure he's certainly looking for me by now.

Sam: I could escort you back to your tent, if you wish?

Patience: No, it's fine. It's not far. I'll be alright, and I've taken up enough of your time for one evening. [and once she gets close enough, all of the wolves will be able to hear if she gets into trouble again.]

Sam: Oh. Okay, well then, have a good evening then.

Patience: You as well. [and with that she will flee back to the safety of family ... without actually giving him her name. whoops.]

Sam: [he didn't give her his either, so double whoops]

Derek: [waiting nervously because where was she]

Patience: [eventually slips in the tent, with the lingering scents of fear and anxiety mixed with the woods and tears, so this is probably so pleasant for him, sorry Dad]

Derek: [catches her scent and goes to check on her] Patience?

Patience: [her head whips around and she shakes her head] I'm fine.

Derek: Are you sure? [worried dad face]

Patience: [she nods as she takes off her cloak and moves to sit on her cot] Just knights being knights. Nothing I haven't heard before.

Derek: [sighs] I'm sorry. [because it is in the end, his fault]

Patience: [she glances up at him because she doesn't see it that way] It's not your fault. You didn't make them awful.

Derek: No, and if you tell me who their Lord is, I will make sure they learn to be more respectful of noblewomen.

Patience: I don't know. I had never seen them before - but their colors were green and gold, I think. [a beat] I may have punched one of them in the throat.

Derek: [his eyebrows went up] You punched one?

Patience: They were distracted and there were two of them. It was the only way I could get them to let me go of my own accord. [she didn't want to tell him that she was getting manhandled but if he's going to confront them she wants him to know about her ... unladylike behavior in case they try to use it against him]

Derek: Still, I will find their Lord and speak with him. You should go to bed. [and he will run a gentle hand along her cheek]

Patience: [she leans into his hand a bit, before nodding] How much longer is the tournament?

Derek: Sir Boyd is the only remaining in the combats, and his ends tomorrow. We can leave the next morning.

Patience: [she nods] Good. I miss home. [mostly in that she misses feeling safe, but she's also the one who puts herself in these positions, so she knows she shouldn't complain]

Derek: You know you don't have to come with me to these, right?

Patience: I know. But not all of it is terrible. And I can't just hide away at the manor. If I do that, then I'm admitting they're right and there is something wrong with me.

Derek: There is nothing wrong with you, Patience. This sin is mine, not yours.

Patience: I know. Which is why I need to keep coming. Eventually ... hopefully ... things will change.

Derek: [he gives a soft smile, leaning in to kiss her forehead] I am proud of you, you know.

Patience: [closes her eyes at the touch as she leans into him] I haven't done much to be proud of.

Derek: No, you have. You are a strong, independent young woman. And you take after your mother more than if you were her own blood.

Patience: [she nods a bit, and won't vocalize that she wishes she was. She doesn't have to say that for Derek to know it]

Derek: [leans down to kiss her forehead] And you are the most precious thing I have ever had given to me in my life, Patience. You are a blessing, and those boys who can't see that are not worthy of your time or attention.

Patience: [glances up at him and nods] I really am glad you kept me. I know I might not have been so lucky.

Derek: I fell in love with you the moment you wrapped your tiny fingers around mine. I'm the one who was lucky to have you.

Patience: [she smiles softly] Thank you.

Derek: Now go to sleep. Tomorrow perhaps we can take a walk together through the gardens and have some nice memories to take from this tournament before we leave?

Patience: [she nods] I'd like that.

Derek: Good. Sleep well.

Patience: [nods and goes to curl up on her cot]

Derek: [and he will go to his, worried father less worried]

Patience: [and he will be going to be glarey at knights later]

Derek: [oh yeah. Hell hath no fury like an angry Hale]

Patience: [yeah, well, the knight she punched is still angry, and so is his buddy, and they probably got to their lord before he did]

Derek: [yes, but Derek, Peter, Parrish and Stiles have been making friends with the Lords in the tournaments back when the knights were still pups, which he will be quick to remind any Lord who wants to try and disparage the reputation of the House of Hale.]

Lord: It's their word against hers, Derek. I wasn't going to say anything, but one of them was going to fight today and now he can't. You understand how that looks.

Derek: That your knight is unable to fight because he claims he was hit by a woman. Yes, I'm sure I understand how that looks.

Lord: [gives him a look] Does she deny it?

Derek: Her strike was in self defense from their forcing themselves upon her. How else would such a vital place be close and open to be struck by a young lady?

Lord: Self-defense, or using her charms to take advantage of their drunken state?

Derek: Do you have children, m'lord? Daughters?

Lord: I have two sons. One of which your daughter assaulted last night.

Derek: Then I would suggest you talk with your son, because I know my daughter, and I know what rumors she has to deal with because of my actions in my youth. Best your son learn from my mistakes or one day your granddaughter will have to learn to bear the same unfounded rumors that my daughter does. Then you and he will both know the anger that comes from when you are unable to protect your child from those who prefer to listen to rumors and judge others instead of acting with honor and treating those the way they themselves wish to be treated. My daughter acted in self-defense, m’lord. And the next time he comes within reach of my daughter, it will not be her fury he faces. [and he turns to go]

Lord: [rolls his eyes before heading back to his box for the tournament]

Derek: [and he will just go and check on Sir Boyd before going to his box, debating on leaving the tourney rotation for other reasons now]

Patience: [will eventually come up to sit with him] Why are you stewing?

Derek: One of them from last night was the Lord's son. And if he is like his father, I wish you had punched him harder.

Patience: [sighs as she buries her face in her hands] I'm sorry.

Derek: No, you are not to be sorry for this. You are not in the wrong here. I just wish there was someone who could substantiate the story to prove your innocence to others.

Patience: [blinks then her eyes widen] There is. There was a boy in the library - he's the reason they got distracted and I could punch him.

Derek: You did not mention this boy before. What is his name?

Patience: ... I don't know. He didn't tell me.

Derek: Well, be on the lookout for him as we walk today. I would like to talk to him.

Patience: [she nods] I will.

Derek: [looks down at the field] How about we take that walk? I'm not much in the mood for the joust today.

Patience: [she nods and gets up so that they can head somewhere quieter]

Derek: [and they can take their walk]

Sam: [and he will be standing board at the archery range, holding his brother's gear while he is off.... being Dean]

Patience: [and she's looking around, as she was told, and when she spots him she'll stop and ... squint because human eyes aren't as good from a distance as wolf eyes] I think that's him.

Derek: [looks in the direction] The beanpole with the arrows?

Patience: [she nods] Yes.

Derek: Would you like to introduce us?

Patience: I can't do that if I don't know his name.

Derek: His colors are from the House of Winchester.

Patience: Is that good or bad?

Derek: Depends on which son that is.

Patience: [her brow furrows] Isn't Dean Winchester participating in the tournament? Because he is not.

Derek: He is, in archery I know.

Patience: Then I would assume that it is the other son.

Derek: Then that is Young Samuel. He is a scholar more than a fighter.

Patience: Makes sense. He was carrying a stack of books taller than he was.

Derek: And while we both know rumors tend to be unfounded, there is one of him that he is cursed.

Patience: [her eyebrows just go up] Cursed?

Derek: Yes. His mother died of unknown causes in his nursery when he was a babe. The servants said they saw a demon.

Patience: Are they sure it wasn't Lord Salvatore?

Derek: [chuckles] That would involve him leaving their small town and being invited in.

Patience: [and she gives him a look like "you don't think he can do it?"]

Derek: We don't even know if they believe creatures beyond humans exist, except for those of their faith.

Patience: [she sighs] Do you still wish to speak to him?

Derek: Yes, to give him my thanks for aiding you, if not to ask for his word if the other Lord tries to tarnish your reputation with his recount of the evening.

Patience: [she nods, before leaving her father's side and making her way over to Sam, giving him a small smile as she gets close] Hello.

Sam: Oh, hello m'Lady. [bows his head] Has today treated you better?

Patience: So far so good. [she glances back over her shoulder] My father would like to speak with you, if that's alright.

Sam: [looks over and sees Derek, his eyes widening a bit] Your father is Lord Hale?

Patience: Yes. [a beat] Is that a problem?

Sam: No. He is just... he's a very imposing person.

Patience: [she laughs] He's not that bad. So long as you haven't made him angry.

Sam: I've seen how hard you can punch. I don't want to think what he is capable of.

Patience: Well, he is not angry with you.

Sam: That is good. [shifts the gear to his back] Sure, I have time until my brother returns.

Patience: [nods and starts to turn to go before she stops and turns back to him] Your name?

Sam: Samuel. But you can call me Sam. And yours, m'Lady?

Patience: Patience. Your last name?

Sam: Winchester.

Patience: [she nods, and they go back to her father] Father, this is Lord Samuel Winchester.

Derek: Lord Winchester.

Sam: Please, my father is Lord Winchester. I really just prefer people call me Sam, m'Lord.

Derek: [smiles a bit] If that is your wish. My daughter spoke of your assistance to her last evening, and I wanted to personally give you my thanks and gratitude.

Sam: I didn't really do much, m'Lord. Lady Patience is very capable of taking care of herself.

Patience: [her head ducks a bit, looking away]

Derek: Well, thank you still. Though I do have a favor to ask of you.

Sam: M'Lord?

Derek: It seems that Lord O'Doyle's men, including his son, were the two men in the library and their Lord has stated he does not believe my daughter's side of the story. If needed, would you be willing to speak on her behalf -

Sam: [before he even finishes] Of course, m'Lord. What they did was dishonorable and not the way a man should treat a lady ever.

Patience: [looks up with a small smile] Thank you.

Derek: Yes, thank you. Why don't you and your family come join us for dinner tonight? We'll be leaving in the morning, but we can get to know each other a bit better.

Sam: I…I can speak with my father on that?

Patience: There are a lot of us, if that is any help. Plenty of people for them to talk to.

Sam: I'm sure they will say yes, but it's only proper I ask him first.

Patience: Of course.

Derek: Then I look forward to meeting your family tonight. Until then, Sam. [there is a nod, and he will hold his arm out for Patience]

Patience: [and she will take his arm and off they go to continue their walk]

Sam: [and he will try not to smile too stupidly while waiting for his brother]

Derek: He's a nice boy.

Patience: He is.

Derek: I don't think I would mind you spending time with him. If you felt the need to have a companion to avoid the other knights who don't have proper manners.

Patience: Maybe. He doesn't really like tournaments.

Derek: If his father and brother are competing, he's probably dragged along. God knows your aunts were dragged to many of these because of me.

Patience: I don't think they complained. Didn't Aunt Laura meet Uncle Jordan at a tournament?

Derek: Yes, though your Aunt Laura was promised to another man at the time.

Patience: Oh, right.

Derek: I also met your mother here, while your uncle Jeremy was in the archery tournaments

Patience: [she smirks] I remember that story. You stole her from Uncle Jordan.

Derek: That I did, and neither of us regret it.

Patience: I'd assume not.

Derek: And you helped, you know. Your cute little face and my hopelessness in knowing what to do...

Patience: See? You would have been lost without me.

Derek: Always. [chuckles]

Patience: [smiles a bit as she leans closer, resting her head on his shoulder]

Derek: [and off they go to have their nice walk in the gardens]

Patience: [yep, and eventually someone will get back to them about the Winchesters coming to dinner?]

Sam: [and he will tell his father who is... amazed that his youngest son talked to a girl. Until he mentions that it's a Hale since John was well aware of what the Hales were. He hasn't told Sam yet, but it would be rude not to accept the offer]

Patience: [good, because she would be sad if he refused]

Sam: [and he will have to dress up, which he dislikes and feels awkward in it]

Patience: [she, on the other hand, loves to dress up and will be adjusting eleven year-old Ben's squire attire when the Winchesters approach]

Sam: [and he will see her and walk over, still very awkward] Lady Hale?

Patience: [she looks up and when she sees him she smiles] Lord Winchester. I'm pleased you and your family could attend. [she glances over and slides her arm around Ben's shoulders] This is my cousin, Lord Benjamin Stilinski.

Ben: [grins up at the new person with a bright, curious look] Hello!

Sam: Hello. Pleasure to meet you.

Ben: You're really tall. You must eat a lot of vegetables.

Patience: [s i g h] Ben, why don't you go tell my father that the Winchesters are here?

Ben: Okay! [and he will take off running] UNCLE DEREK!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sam: [chuckles, trying to hide it behind his hand]

Patience: [sighs, before glancing up to John. As much as she is considered less than, she still has perfect manners and has no problem addressing those above her with the etiquette required, almost as though she wasn't] I want to thank you for coming, Lord Winchester. My father will be pleased you could attend.

John: [both hands on Sam's shoulders, putting on an easy smile] We appreciate the offer, Lady Hale. It's not often a house such as yours wants to spend time with the smaller houses.

Patience: [smiles in return] We happen to be rather fond of smaller houses. Please come in. [and she'll gesture to the door]

John: [and he will push Sam forward, looking back over his shoulder] My older son Dean will be along shortly. He had a few invitations for the evening he had to settle.

Patience: [she nods] Of course. It was a bit spur of the moment. [and with that she will lead them inside]