[Semi-Closed Post] Sadmas Aftermath

[lanselos_du_lac]

Rather suddenly, after this latest mansion event or incursion of unexpected visitors, Lancelot will not be seen around and about as has come to be usual for him. He is not drilling in the field in the mornings. He is not in the café seeking pastries or companionship. He is not around the kitchens or libraries or, seemingly, anywhere.

Lancelot keeps to his room. If he bathes or shaves or uses the bathroom, he does so carefully and avoiding anyone he might meet. If Laertes leaves food outside his door, folk will find it still there later in the day. If anyone knocks, he will not call them in. He lets the mansion provision him with bread, cheese, water-- sometimes wine or whiskey -- but he doesn't much want any of it.

He cannot bring himself to speak to anyone. He cannot bring himself to do much of anything at all. The best concession he will make, with the understanding that there are those who will worry, is that he does not lock or bolt the door.

[Typist note: Anyone who might be really worried about Lancelot's sudden disappearance or withdrawal is welcome! Post is "semi-closed" really only because a character would have to deliberately decide to enter, and no one will stumble across Lancelot by accident.]

Comments

[lanselos_du_lac]

He laughs, flushing again, and says lightly, "Why, lady-- you shock me."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Do I?"

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Terribly," grinning at her. "I could be both distracted and directed. I am very capable."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"You are," she says, warmly, gazing up at him through her lashes and then tilting her face up, too, in case he decides he should like to kiss her again. "Would you like to walk me to my room?"

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Aye, lady, so I would." And he does kiss her again, sweet and heated.

[quote_gentle_unquote]

She matches his heat and his sweetness with her own, hand drifting from his cheek to the back of his head, where she strokes her fingers lightly through his hair. But she has an objective now, a clear next step, so she pulls away reluctantly altogether too soon.

[lanselos_du_lac]

He is a little breathless, but he clasps her hand and says, "Shall we, then?"

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Yes," says Susan. She'd set rather a meandering pace when she dragged him out of his room - she'd been more focused on getting him outside than leading him to any particular destination. Now, she's a little more focused. Not walking overly quickly - there is a joy in his company, and she likes the idea of a walk also being a tease - but with purpose.

[lanselos_du_lac]

Lancelot keeps her hand, rubbing his thumb across her skin. He seems more at ease now, if not fully restored.

[quote_gentle_unquote]

Lancelot seems quieter than normal. Well, Susan can understand that! She glances at him, sideways, and decides against teasing him the whole of their walk back to her room. She decides, too, against asking him what he loves most about Arthur, though if he wants to tell her, she's happy to listen.

Instead, since they're big and warm around her own and she enjoys the feeling, she says, "I rather like your hands."

[lanselos_du_lac]

He glances over at her, smiling, "Dost thou? Why so?"

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Do you know, I do believe you enjoy a compliment, sir," says Susan, bringing her other hand across so that she can run her fingertips along the length of his own fingers, thoughtfully feeling the shape of them. Then she tilts her head - if her hair was down, she would toss it back playfully, but since it's pinned in place as usual, she resigns herself to merely giving him a flirtatious look. "How detailed would you like your answer?"

[lanselos_du_lac]

He laughs, "Thou'rt well aware, I think, 'tis so. I would hear whatever details thou carest to offer."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

Susan hums a little, thoughtfully. "I like how big they are," she says. "And how warm, and strong. And how they feel when you're touching me." She pauses, flicking her gaze back to his face before adding, a little wickedly, "...however you're touching me. Your calluses are quite fun."

[lanselos_du_lac]

Lancelot laughs softly, flushing again, but his tone is confident and teasing as he says, "Oh, aye? I suspected so. Though I do try to be thoughtful about how I touch thee."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Yes, that much is clear," says Susan, running her fingers over Lancelot's knuckles. "You're very clever with your hands, as well."

[lanselos_du_lac]

The flush deepens, "I am glad to hear it. I wish to please thee." He keeps walking but says, casually, "'Tis very nice to please thee."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"It's very nice to be pleased!" Susan says, only partially teasing. The mansion looms in front of them; as they approach the doors, she tucks her hand more firmly in the crook of his arm.

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Thou bringest me great joy," as they go inside. "I would give thee all thou asked of me."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Sir Lancelot, giving little old me a blank check," says Susan, teasing again. "You should know I'm accustomed to being very demanding and particular."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Ah, no, I can't believe that," lightly, "But, should it be true--"

[quote_gentle_unquote]

Oh, Susan so wants to kiss that silly face of his! "My dear little friend," she says, fondly, as they start to make their way up the stairs. His look has improved greatly since she dragged him out of his room, and she is relieved to see it. "You are rather a sweetheart, aren't you?" He needn't reply; the answer is plain to see.

[lanselos_du_lac]

"I have heard it said," with faux-pride.

[quote_gentle_unquote]

As they finally reach the correct floor and start their way down the hall to Susan's room, she smiles up at him, easy and genuine. It's a bigger smile than usual, because it's easier to smile around him. "Finally some accurate rumors," she says, primly.

[lanselos_du_lac]

"I do believe thou mayst have started those rumors."