[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]

He squeezes her hand, "Then that sounds like a plan. And perhaps after, I can show thee my room, humble as it is."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Color me intrigued," she says, and gives in to whim, rising up to kiss the corner of his mouth. She has an idea starting to percolate in the back of her mind, so she hovers there, thoughtful, for a moment.

[lanselos_du_lac]

He squeezes her shoulder gently, and gives her a questioning look.

[quote_gentle_unquote]

She comes back to herself. "Do you know draughts?" she asks. "Or did they bring that to England after your time?"

[lanselos_du_lac]

"I know it, though I admit I have not played it much of late."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Splendid! I should like to challenge you. Surely there's a set lying around somewhere here."

[lanselos_du_lac]

He laughs, "A challenge?"

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Yes, to draughts." Susan gives him quite the lingering once-over. It's definitely a little heated. "I'd challenge you to arm wrestling - I'm quite good at it - but I imagine I'd have to cheat miserably to beat you." She pats his bicep for emphasis.

[lanselos_du_lac]

This wins her another laugh. His answering look is bright and likewise a little heated. "Aye, I suppose-- draughts, though. Thou'rt at an advantage."

He pauses, "I do love a challenge."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"That's something we've got in common," Susan says, with a gleam in her eyes. "So I shan't go easy on you. Best spend this morning dredging your memory." She pauses, tilting her head back flirtatiously. "If you're an awful sore loser, you can pick the next game."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"I see. And if the next 'game' is bladework...?"

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Then you shall have the advantage, Sir Lancelot; I never got the hang of swords." She raises an eyebrow at him. She can't show her hand at darts - not with the plans she and Janet has - but perhaps one day she might find an actual bow lying around somewhere, so: "How are you with ranged weaponry?"

[lanselos_du_lac]

"I can shoot," he says, with the confidence of one who has had systematic training. "It is not my gift, but-- I can use a bow."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

To her own surprise, Susan laughs. "Draughts today," she says. "If I can find the necessary supplies? And then perhaps we can see about the rest... I suspect we've got time, here."

[lanselos_du_lac]

The laugh makes him want to gather her up into his arms again, so he does. He tugs her closer, an arm around her. "I agree, plenty of time."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

Susan goes easily into his touch; she's realizing she likes the way they fit together. "I hope you like a competitive woman, sir."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"I would have none other," grinning at her. "What needst thou, to put me in my place at draughts?"

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Just you, in the cafe, at lunch," says Susan. "I shall supply the rest. Though I suppose I could accept payment for my effort preemptively."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Ah. Another tax, it seems."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Nothing, I suspect, that you're not willing to pay," Susan says, tilting her face upward.

[lanselos_du_lac]

He touches her jaw, lightly, and kisses her, with focused intent.

[quote_gentle_unquote]

This kiss is returned eagerly and easily; it takes her a few long minutes to remember herself and pull away. "Well-paid," she observes, a little breathless.

[lanselos_du_lac]

"I do try," lingering close before he straightens. "The café, then?"

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Yes," says Susan, patting his cheek before withdrawing and recovering her cooling mug of tea. She smiles at him, impish. "I look forward to putting you in your place."

[lanselos_du_lac]

He grins, glancing down, "We shall see, my lady."