[Closed Post: En Garde]

[timebethine]

Just as Laertes has developed his own routine here--the regular rounds of breakfasts and dinners do much to give shape to his otherwise formless days--he's observed others' routines. Lancelot, for one, always trains at the same time every morning. At times, as he's shuttled back and forth between the clay bed by the lakeside and his kiln, Laertes has ridden Fenyes past the training yard while Lancelot has been practicing, and he'd reviewed the other man's swordplay with a critical eye. Watching him wheel and thrust in the cool grey light of morning, a part of him has craved the challenge of a second duel.

Today, he sates that craving. He strolls up on Lancelot with a thin, sheathed blade in one hand and his rapier buckled at his waist. "Hallo," he calls. "Wouldst thou like to try a rapier?"

Comments

[timebethine]

Laertes flaps a hand at him. "Go to--there's bread in the box. Do thou put it in the toaster" and here Laertes indicates the stainless steel toaster on the counter "and push down the lever, and we'll have toast with cheese and jam for breakfast."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Aye, very well." He immediately and rather cheerfully sets to his task.

[timebethine]

Soon enough, Laertes has a pot of coffee ready; he pours it out into a pair of small, intricately painted blue ceramic cups, then fetches out the herbed chèvre and a jar of marmalade from the refrigerator for the toast. "I take sugar in my coffee," he says, "but Sagramore likes his plain. Wouldst thou have sweet, or bitter?"

[lanselos_du_lac]

Lancelot considers, "Bitter-- an I like it not, I will add in sugar."

[timebethine]

Then Laertes passes him a cup, and doctors his own with half a spoonful of sugar before cupping it in both hands and sipping.

[lanselos_du_lac]

Lancelot takes his and sips -- he finds he likes it just as well as the coffee that is sometimes in the café. He settles onto a stool near the counter, looking pleased & tousled.

[timebethine]

Laertes can't help sneaking grins at him as he begins spreading cheese and marmalade over the toast that Lancelot has made. "Thy humor's improved in the last weeks," he says. "I'm heartily glad for it."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Is it so noticeable?" This is, largely, a joke. He sips his coffee.

[timebethine]

"It is. Ought I to lay this miraculous recovery at Susan's feet?"

[lanselos_du_lac]

Lancelot smiles, bright and immediate, which is as good a confirmation as any. But he says, "Susan, yes. But not only Susan. Thou hast been a good friend to me. Thy husband has, as well, in ways that never fail to surprise me."

[timebethine]

"He hath an instinct for what's needful, and the generosity to answer that need," Laertes agrees, grinning. "A thousand times, I've found myself wanting some small thing--sugar, or my coat, or a good scent for the bath--only to find that he's seen my need before I did, and provided it."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"I do not think I have earned his friendship," a little more quietly, "but I am grateful for it. He is a good man."

[timebethine]

"Friendship isn't earned--it's a gift, freely given," says Laertes firmly.

[lanselos_du_lac]

"That's as may be," with a kind of gentleness. "I know I was unkind to him at court. I did nothing to endear myself even in my own time. I can only imagine I was worse, later on. He has been generous in letting me be someone different, here. He had no cause to help me, except that he is a fine man, who loves people as best he can."

[timebethine]

"He is, and I love him for it. There was never a finer." Another long sip of his coffee; he slides a plate of finished toast over toward Lancelot. "Thou couldst do worse than to take his example."

[lanselos_du_lac]

Lancelot takes up the toast, "I have been taking his example. Worry not."

[timebethine]

"Oh?"

[lanselos_du_lac]

He flushes, chuckling a little, "Aye. He has counseled me well."

[timebethine]

Laertes laughs and finishes his coffee. "Then I'm glad of it. It does my heart good to see thee flourishing, and I hope that his advice will only speed thee to happiness."

[lanselos_du_lac]

Lancelot sips his own coffee, covering a pause, and then says, "May I ask thee a question?"

[timebethine]

"Ask," says Laertes at once. "I'll answer."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Thou'rt a good friend to me," he says, with a frank look, "and I am grateful. I had few friends at court and here it is different. But I did say to Sagramore that I think I try thy patience. He said 'twas not so-- I doubt him in that. Is it so?"

[timebethine]

"No more than any other man," says Laertes, after a moment's pause. He looks down at his empty cup. "I fear there is little patience in my heart, and at times I'm cruel because of it. I always repent it when I am. I'm sorry that I've been cruel to thee, sir. I like thee very well, and thou deservest better of me."

[lanselos_du_lac]

He smiles softly, "Thou hast been nothing but kind to me. I did not ask because I am hurt, but because I know I am not an easy person."

[timebethine]

Mirth crinkles the corners of Laertes's eyes. "Nor is Greek an easy language, but well worth knowing all the same."