[Open Post] ..Tuesday afternoon..

[lanselos_du_lac]

Lancelot feels that things have been a strange mix of tumult and routine. This is probably because they have. But today, so far, is routine in all respects. His day has proceeded apace through his usual steps -- drills, tending to Rivelin, coffee, lunch with Susan -- and the afternoon is now stretching out before him in a very satisfying way. He feels good, settled.

And so it is that he's in the café, reading (or mostly reading), with more coffee at hand. Given that he seems to be splitting time equally between having his eyes on his book and gazing out the window, he will not be bothered if anyone comes to chat.

Comments

[futaille]

He promptly takes Lancelot's hand and shakes his head, laughing a little. "First, don't apologize for excellent strategy. Second, you had better best me at some point. It's much more entertaining when you're not only trying to beat yourself."

[lanselos_du_lac]

Lancelot laughs as well, "Very well. The challenge stands." Then he tugs him in for a quick, congratulatory kiss.

[futaille]

He smiles around the kiss as he returns it. "Good. And that takes the sting from a near-miss. Although it does make me wonder what the reward for victory would have been."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"I suppose thou'lt discover it eventually," a grin, "if I don't discover it first."

[futaille]

He laughs. "True enough. I believe it's your turn for the next attempt." He schools his expression to innocent inquiry. "Should I stand by the other end of the table? I recall you wanted to see my face when you overcome me."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Hmm," consideringly. He refills his glass and downs most of it. "Aye. Though make certain my technique is visible. I would help thee learn."

[futaille]

And that's a somewhat surprised laugh. "Oh, of course." He moves and leans lightly against the backbox of the machine. "I await your tutelage, sir."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Very well." He grins, settles in, and starts, a little looser this time though no less focused.

[futaille]

Grantaire looks down at the playing surface, which is a very interesting backward perspective. "So is this the best way to start a game, then?"

[lanselos_du_lac]

Lancelot answers calmly, "What, focused?"

[futaille]

"Oh, is that what it is? I knew I was missing something with my game starts."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Oh, indeed-- one must pay close attention."

[futaille]

"Already I'm learning so much. I'm quite grateful."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"I am very glad for thee," laughing -- he narrowly avoids losing this first ball.

[futaille]

He looks over. "Oh, and was that a strategic near-miss? I admit I'm unfamiliar with that gambit."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"I seek to hold thy interest," lightly, though he does flush a little.

[futaille]

He grins at that. "Oh, you very much have that."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"That's well," though now his tone is less focused on Grantaire -- he's locked into what's happening on the table.

He manages, after a minute or two, to start up multiball, which produces a bright grin.

[futaille]

He glances down and watches those several balls careening around the table. "Ah, look, it's the music of the spheres."

[lanselos_du_lac]

This time he doesn't respond -- he stays locked in on making the multiball last as long as possible, as his score rises.

[futaille]

He leans to the side a bit to glance at the score counter, careful not to obscure Lancelot's view of the playing surface, before returning to his position. "Impressive showing for a first ball. So far, anyway. It is a bit of a juggling act right now."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Oh, aye--" a little distractedly, as all his focus is on the balls careening around the table. He manages to maintain it for a couple of minutes before things start to feel a little out of control and he's back down to one, which he also loses a moment after that. He makes a little sound like ugh, though he's laughing.

[futaille]

He looks over at Lancelot, overly earnest. "Is that part of your strategy, too? Letting the ball join its fellows?"

[lanselos_du_lac]

"That? Ah, no-- that was error."

[futaille]

"Ah," he says, nodding sagely. "In that case, thank you for providing me a fine example of what to avoid."