[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

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Are thy limitations to be mine as well?"

[futaille]

"Oh, you can make all the good points you'd like."

[lanselos_du_lac]

He laughs, "Thou'rt increasingly distracting."

[futaille]

"It is my goal, so you bring good tidings. Of course, you very much chose that complication when you decided you wanted me to see your ultimate victory."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"So I did, but that victory is, alas, out of reach."

[futaille]

He laughs. "There's nothing but time, at least, even if you don't get there now."

[lanselos_du_lac]

Lancelot gives it one last shot, but his overreach for the mutliball is his final undoing, and the game ends. He says, "Ach-- there. I have only increased my own challenge."

[futaille]

"It was a valiant effort, and I commend you for it even though it fell short." He grins. "I will admit I was worried at the start."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Is that so?"

[futaille]

"Of course it is. It was an excellent beginning."

[lanselos_du_lac]

He looks very pleased, "Well. I shall take it as advancement. It's no hardship to continue practicing."

[futaille]

He laughs at that. "I would hope it's no hardship. I would not in general recommend putting yourself through hardship for the cause of recreation."

[lanselos_du_lac]

Lancelot grins, "Why sir, that is my profession."

This is, of course, not strictly true, though arguably tourneys are a part of his job.

[futaille]

He grins back. "Then you are formed of sterner stuff than I, for certain." He says this, of course, as if he's not a fair hand at a handful of combat sports himself, but of course he doesn't generally consider that a hardship.

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Perhaps," he says, grinning. "Well, I feel no sting of defeat. 'Tis a gift, of a kind, to have something I must work toward. I shall just have to work to impress thee the next time."

[futaille]

"You impress me already in your determination, but I still look forward to the next attempt. Unlike Sisyphus, I think you eventually will summit the hill with your boulder."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Sir, I am not accustomed to losing. I do not mind being fairly bested, but--"

[futaille]

"But you will work until you are not. As I said, I'm impressed by your determination."

[lanselos_du_lac]

He steps a little closer, "I enjoy competition."

[futaille]

He casts a glance up at Lancelot and smiles. "I have noticed."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Thou'rt perceptive, aye." He reaches for Grantaire's hand, drawing him into a kiss.

[futaille]

He kisses back, squeezing Lancelot's hand a bit. "An excellent reward for retaining my title."

[lanselos_du_lac]

Almost coyly, he says, "Isn't it?"

[futaille]

"I certainly have no complaints."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"I should think not."