[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

[lightbearinglord]

Lan Wangji attempts to picture this, quiet for some moments as they walk. "What attributes make a skilled jouster?" It sounds almost like a matter of brute force.

[lanselos_du_lac]

At this, he perks up further. He looks clearly glad to explain something he knows well.

"There are several skills and strategies needed. Good horsemanship is a necessary skill, and further, the skill of riding for war. That is the foundation," Lancelot says. "One must have the ability and the skill to ride well, to direct one's horse such that it does not slow or flinch. War horses are well trained for such things, but if the rider is uncomfortable, much can go awry. To be successful, one cannot slow before the impact, so any flinch or hesitation on the rider's part can translate to the mount. There is also the matter of steadiness with the lance, which is quite heavy. In sport, they are made mostly of wood and somewhat blunted, but they are quite long and it can be a challenge to keep it properly balanced and pointed straight, on target. If it glances, it's no good. If it hits squarely, and your opponent isn't fully prepared or lacks the skill or strength to bear up, or to deflect, they may be unhorsed. If they are skilled, they may deflect the lance -- which... good for them. If you are skilled enough, and your lance steady and well-aimed, it should shatter on their shield. In this case, even if they keep their seat, you will earn a point. Typically, there is a set number of tilts to run. In the event that neither rider is unhorsed, the rider with the most points is the victor."

[lightbearinglord]

Lan Wangji is immediately certain that this is the longest speech he has ever heard Lancelot give, with very little competition for the title. He is obscurely pleased with himself for having prompted it, and he attends to every word, his gaze turning from their path to Lancelot at intervals. "Thank you," he says, firstly, because he does sincerely appreciate the explanation. "So it is partly a matter of controlling one's nerves."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Aye, partly--" He makes a thoughtful face. "Part of the point is less sport than readiness for battle. I don't doubt you understand that hesitation in battle is a disadvantage. But it is also a matter of strength, precision. One has to read one's opponent, as in any martial effort."

[lightbearinglord]

"Mn," Lan Wangji says, in general agreement with Lancelot's assessment as he imagines what this particular sport must be like. "I can ride, but perhaps not well enough." The rest, he imagines he could do; strength, precision, and calm nerves are within his abilities.

[lanselos_du_lac]

"I would be happy to show you, though we really haven't enough horses, properly trained, to ever have a true demonstration."

[lightbearinglord]

Inasmuch as such a thing is possible, Lan Wangji perks up. "I would like that."

[lanselos_du_lac]

He looks thoughtful, "When I first learned, it was largely with targets. I suppose I can find a way to set something like that up. I think there are lances in the armory."

[lightbearinglord]

There is such a wide variety of weaponry in the armory that this certainly seems plausible. "If it becomes possible, I will attend."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"I will do my best to arrange it. I shall let you know, when it is ready."