[Open Post] ..only want to glean the purpose..

[lanselos_du_lac]

Since they learned of Shen Yuan's death, things have been subdued; rightly so, Lancelot reasons. He has done what he can to be a support for those he loves, and to keep his own worry and anxiety at bay. He worries about how they are all doing, about whether or not they are safe, about what he can do to make anything better -- which often feels like nothing. It's unsettling, and he wants to stay settled and present for them, so he determines to find a way to be so.

As has always been the case for him, being outside helps. The weather is warming and true spring is settling in. (He has difficulty keeping track of what time may be like back in Britain¹, but he suspects that it is early summer there. If so, then he supposes that means he is another year older, which is a strangely hopeful thought.) And so, after his lunch with Susan, he heads back out -- he might ride, or walk through the woods, or explore the lake. Whatever keeps him out in the sunshine, under the sky.



^{1: He has not quite realized this yet, but he has generally stopped thinking "at home" when he means Camelot, or Britain in general. That this place -- no, these people -- have become home in so short a span is something he has to take by degrees, lest he worry about what it means for his relationship with those he left behind there.}

Comments

[lanselos_du_lac]

"He's not-- he's terrible at it. He wouldn't work at it, would he?"

[futaille]

"Even if he did, there's no way he could have managed to find the time to put that much work into it without either of us finding out."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"How bad is it?"

[futaille]

"He managed to overtop Magnus, so... Bad."

[lanselos_du_lac]

He frowns thoughtfully. "Well-- should we attempt to learn how, or consider how to best him?"

[futaille]

"Ideally both, but besting that score is... unlikely."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"It's that bad?"

[futaille]

"I had already given up on the possibility of surpassing Magnus."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"I still have not surpassed thee," he grumbles.

[futaille]

He laughs. "I don't doubt you will eventually, though."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Very generous of thee," with a little eyeroll. "Not at this rate."

[futaille]

"I'm a bit out of practice now, and there's plenty of time. I put a notebook on top of the back of the machine to record our scores in case the actual high score list gets completely filled by others anyway."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Like Magnus, or Lan Wangji, or-- bloody hell, Sagramore. If Sagramore has done it, who knows who else will attempt it." He's starting to sound like this has heightened the challenge.

[futaille]

"Something is still very irregular about Sagramore, at least."

[lanselos_du_lac]

Much more dryly than is typical for Lancelot, he says, "What generally?"

[futaille]

And that is an entirely delighted laugh. "His score, specifically."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Let's go see. I want to know what we're up against."

[futaille]

"That's perfectly fair. Let's go."

[lanselos_du_lac]

Lancelot takes his hand as they head back towards the mansion. "Didst thou come seeking me?"

[futaille]

Grantaire walks hand in hand with Lancelot. "Of course. It's important news. You clearly needed to know as soon as I did."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"I appreciate thy thoughtfulness."

[futaille]

"Oh yes, it's what I'm most known for."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Mmm, so I thought," with a sage little nod. "Not thy looks, or thine ability to speak on any subject. Just simple thoughtfulness."

[futaille]

"Speak exhaustively on any subject," he is sure to amend with a grin. "By which I mean until it exhausts people."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"I have yet to see anyone tire of thee."