[Closed Post] ..the plan means nothing stays the same..

[lanselos_du_lac]

In the few days since Dark ended, even Lancelot has noticed himself feeling easier. He had not thought himself much affected by Dark, aside from his concern for Susan and those he cares about who were facing their own struggles during the month; it's something of a surprise to find that his relief is also deep-set, for himself. There is a strange kind of hope that he doesn't recall feeling before, in anticipation of spring. He realizes that the pace will change, and that he is looking forward to spring and summer in this new place.

He's been considering whether he should move some of his things back to his own room. He has not stayed the night there since Susan asked him to stay with her during Dark, and he is happy to admit that this arrangement has been deeply pleasant. Lancelot has never experienced something so ... domestic as this. (He so rarely was able to wake up next to Guinever, that the first few times he woke up next to Susan after they began seeing each other, it felt like a very deep intimacy.) He doesn't, however, want to presume anything -- he knows Susan has appreciated having him close, he knows their relationship has grown deeper, but he isn't sure whether she wants him to stay with her at night on a more permanent basis. He suspects she might want her own space back, once she's recovered her equilibrium.

As ever, he has maintained his routine. He has also seen the invitation to Dionysus' party. It's this that was on his mind as he set out for the training yard this morning -- it was brisk and cold, but not so much the punishing cold of deep Dark -- and this he let himself idly consider while making his way through drills. (Thinking about it during drilling helps, because thinking about it otherwise has made him feel anxious -- he will never know what he ought to wear, or what to expect.)

By the time he has finished, he knows that there are several subjects that he needs to discuss with Susan when they meet for lunch.

Comments

[lanselos_du_lac]

He grins at her, "I shall supply it."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

Susan sighs, a happy sigh. She puts the frying pan on the stove and adds a healthy knob of butter, setting it to melt. "Remind me of the days you spar with others?" she says, as it sputters in the pan. "I should like to watch some day."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Wouldst thou?" Lancelot sounds only a little surprised.

[quote_gentle_unquote]

She gives him a pert look. "You know I would."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"It is only that I tend to assume it is dull for those who are not, themselves, working at swordplay."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

As Susan moves chopped onions from her pile of vegetables into the pan, she says serenely, "You know I like to see how you use your body."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Ah-- that is so. I do know that," chuckling a little. "Very well. I spar with Gideon twice weekly, in the late afternoon. With Laertes it is irregular -- just whenever the mood strikes us, or when there is something I am trying to solidify in my practice with the rapier and dagger."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Then I shall try to stumble upon you at opportune moments - sweetheart, would you fetch me a wooden spoon?"

[lanselos_du_lac]

Lancelot makes a mental note to, once the weather improves a little, encourage more of his practice sessions with Laertes to take place in the yard.

"Aye-- a wooden spoon, and a pot."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"And then I shall track you and Gideon down with more purpose," she says, thoughtfully, holding out her hand for the spoon. "Has she bested you again after that first bout?"

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Not yet, but it is a near thing," appreciatively. "Looking at her, I cannot see how anyone might underestimate her -- but no one should. She is formidable."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"She's got a good eye for knives," Susan offers; she still doesn't know terribly much about the girl.

[lanselos_du_lac]

He leans against the counter to watch her work. "She is very skilled, in the way that shows that her skill is vital, not only practiced but essential. I like her a great deal."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"I think she might look up to you," Susan says, thoughtfully, stirring the onions.

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Oh? Why thinkst thou so?"

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Oh, it's just a sense I get."

[lanselos_du_lac]

He makes a thoughtful sound.

[quote_gentle_unquote]

Susan scoops a pile of potatoes into the pan next. "Call it a woman's intuition."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Very well," chuckling. "Thou knowst I do not doubt thee."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"I know." Susan rests the spoon against the frying pan handle and turns to the bacon, taking her knife and deftly cubing the thick slices. These she deposits in the pot, and turns the flame underneath it on low. On her way to wash the bacon from her hands, she leans up to kiss his cheek.

[lanselos_du_lac]

Lancelot smiles and resists the urge to reel her in. Instead he watches her fondly.

"What else is on thy mind today?"

[quote_gentle_unquote]

Susan's smile grows lascivious. "This morning, for one," she says, wickedly, drying her hands.

[lanselos_du_lac]

He laughs, "Oh? It was pleasing to thee?"

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Oh, rather."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"I am glad, for it was very much pleasing to me."