[Open Post] ..like the bird that you can't see..

[lanselos_du_lac]

Lancelot is in a very good mood indeed. He feels settled, assured. He feels as he did, he thinks, back when he first found his feet at court -- he is someplace he belongs, he can be assured that people will treat him with respect, if not kindness or welcoming. He lets himself revel in it, a little, as it's been a long while since he felt anywhere near as nice as this.

The weather is good: sunny, crisp, the familiar feeling of autumn as winter is hovering close by. He goes to his own room and fetches his sword. He runs his usual drills, though with a kind of ease and almost carelessness he hasn't had since he was young. (Perhaps he is young enough, still. He can't be sure. He has already lived past the age his father was when he died, but that means almost nothing. His father died in battle and Lancelot is, now, no longer likely to ever see such a fate.)

Afterwards, he showers and decides he might as well find breakfast. So he's now heading toward one of the kitchens, looking cheerful for once.

Comments

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Nay, lady-- I'd take as much of thy time as thou'llt give me."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Then I shall prolong your suffering," says Susan, and only takes one of his pieces.

[lanselos_du_lac]

Lancelot laughs and teases, "'Tis a shame you're all the way over there." He moves another piece, this time actually forestalling the next lost point.

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Another burden for you to bear," says Susan, visibly pleased at this countermove Lancelot has presented her with. She moves a piece away from immediate danger.

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Aye, when thou lookst as thou does," another quick move which offers her no opportunity.

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Do you hustle me, sir?" Susan asks, quickly moving to set up her next offense. She leans forward as she does so, shifting minutely so that her dress gets trapped underneath her leg and pulls against her front. As if she didn't notice that, she props her elbow on the table and taps the corner of her mouth with her little finger, gaze concentrated more on Lancelot's hands than the board.

[lanselos_du_lac]

"What meanst thou by this?" He chuckles, but the question is sincere. He lets himself be tempted into touching her wrist, lightly.

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Pretending to play poorly until you have thoroughly ensnared me," says Susan, now sliding her hand down his forearm.

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Mmm, I see," watching her warmly. "No, I have been sincerely playing poorly."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

Susan gazes back for a moment, fond. It surprises her, how much she likes him. "Well then," she says, and manages to fight down the bluster she tends to default to and just let the moment unfurl. "It's your move. Impress me."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"An that is possible, I shall try," laughing again. He considers seriously this time before moving. Unfortunately, this move is not particularly impressive and opens him up for another lost piece.

[quote_gentle_unquote]

Susan, who has committed not to go easy on the man, takes it. "Do you know chess?" she asks, as she sets the piece to the side of the board.

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Aye, I do." Frowning at the board -- it seems unlikely that there's a way for him to win.

[quote_gentle_unquote]

Teasing, "Are you better at it than checkers?"

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Christ, I hope so."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Then we shall add it to the rota," says Susan. "I'm no slouch, but I'm much better at draughts."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Better than I am, that is apparent."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Perhaps not, at chess."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Thou'rt sharper than I in nost things, I think, though I am happy to find out for certain."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"You sell yourself short," says Susan, even as she takes his second-to-last piece.

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Ah, perhaps." He has few options left, so he just makes a move. "I leave that for thee to judge."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

Susan takes pity on him then, and captures his last piece before pushing the board to the side and taking his hands in hers. "Thank you for indulging me," she says.

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Mm, I am happy to do so," smiling at her, squeezing her fingers gently.

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"You're sweet," says Susan, leaning forward. "What would you like to do now?"

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Kiss thee," lightly, "though I'm certain thou hast other tasks that call to thee."