Finally, another party

[puppy_lancer]

Characters: ProtoLancer puppy_lancer, Zero Lancer oathshackledbird and anyone interested in attending a birthday party. Details here.
Setting: Meadow
Format: Anything goes
Summary: Lancer throws his brother a party. Everyone can come except for the Archer (meaning they can come crash the party anyways)! Feel free to tag into any of the threads set up or invent your own scenario.
Warnings: None yet!

[It had taken some preparing, but the party was finally set up in a satisfactory way. There was a table for food and drink dragged in from the cafeteria, a wooden bucket filled with water with fruit floating in it, a strange paper mache Jason head pinata stacked on a scarecrow body, and a board with a pig with a Ganon head scribbled on it along with several spiraling paper "tails" attached to thumbtacks. There are no party decorations, but Lancer figures the flowers and sunshine should be decoration enough.]

[Now it's just a matter of waiting for people to show up.]

Comments

[chevalier_mal_fet]

[In his suit, a glass of wine in one gloved hand, Lancelot makes his way through those gathered in the meadow. He exchanges glances or pleasantries with a few known to him, and stops to watch the antics of others engaged in games or animated conversation. His Master is never far from his mind. He has brought the man here against his will and can sense his distress and anger-- but still, he believes it to be for the best. He is doubtful that things between his Master and the Guest of Honor could worsen further in this place, at any rate. He takes care not to crowd Kariya. With their bond in place, he has no need to do so.

After his fashion, Lancelot lingers on the periphery. He sips his wine, enjoys the sunlight and the festival mood. He will wish Diarmuid the tidings of the Day when he may.]

[oathshackledbird]

Thank you.

[If Diarmuid seems a little pale, it's because he is still working through the emotions stirred up by his conversation with Kariya. The cheerful nature of the party is helping to sooth his emotions, but it is still going to take a while for him to completely settle down.]

I don't know if we really got anywhere, but we have at least talked now. That is more than we could say before.

[chevalier_mal_fet]

[To startle Lancelot is no mean feat. He must have let his thoughts drift far indeed to be surprised by the Lancer.]

If you thank me for escorting my Master here, then you are welcome enough, Diarmuid ua Duibhne.
In truth, he did not wish to come, but if you have spoken, then this at least is well.

[With his free hand, he reaches out, taking Diarmuid by the forearm in greeting. He does notice the man's pallor, but declines to mention it, in keeping with what he thinks of as being the spirit of the gathering.]

I do wish you good tidings this Day, whether it be the exact day of your birth or no.

[Since that day-- outside the man's rooms, with the blood of his own Master staining his hands, his encounters with Diarmuid have all been rather dire in Nature. Lancelot is determined that it should not be so here. His manner is reserved, but seemingly open.

[oathshackledbird]

[Diarmuid returns the greeting with his own and bows his head to Lancelot.]

I thank you for that, but also for how understanding and patient you have been through all of this. It can't have been easy to be stuck in the middle especially since whatever I did to hurt both my brother and Kariya I probably also did to you.

[He pauses, closing is his eyes for a moment before continuing.]

Kariya in particular has been deeply hurt as you can tell, and it is going to take some time for things to smooth over. I will do my best to stay in contact with him, but also give him time to think through his emotions. Unfortunately, there is something I very much believe to be complicating the matter and I really do not know what to do about it.

[Diarmuid steps closer to Lancelot, his voice dropping in volume. It is obvious he doesn't want others hearing this part of the discussion.]

Lancelot, for whatever reason I believe Kariya is still feeling the effects of my curse long after it has passed from almost everyone else. I do not know why it is lingering in him so...unless he wants it to and if that is the case, I do not know how to talk to him about it without hurting him more.

You are his servant. Do you have any idea what is going on? Does Kariya actually love me beyond what the curse is making him feel?

[Diarmuid is terrified of learning this is the truth because while he cares a great deal for Kariya, he will never love him in that way.]

[chevalier_mal_fet]

[Lancelot is not the man he was in life. In life he had been more joyful, less given to remember faults, more able to comfort a comrade in pain. The Black Knight has not fallen completely, but he has fallen no little distance away from himself.
He feels the pain of possessiveness as he never did in life-- and the slow seep of anger that comes with it. As much as he wants to see this resolved, as he wants for Diarmuid and his Master both to be comforted, it's with a certain relish that he speaks the truth. He knows it will not comfort the Lancer. But as his link with his Master has grown stronger, so has his desire, his right, to be all things to the Magus. He cannot see why Diarmuid, fine Knight though he is, should hold a higher place in his Master's Heart than he.

Diarmuid is close. They have not been so close since he truly comforted the man that Day. He feels a pang of loss at the memory, but the Loss is not that of Diarmuid. Lancelot understands all too well what Diarmuid's curse may do-- well enough that he knows his Master to be free of it.]


I am sorry to gainsay you, Diarmuid ua Duibhne, but I do not believe my Master to be under your spell. I believe him to be-- enamored of you.

My Master is a man of deep feeling-- what you say is true, he feels hurts keenly and long, and loves in the same way.
I have spoken long with him about this and I know not what may be done save to let time pass, as you say.

But I do beg of you, do not abandon him. No matter if it causes you pain to feel his displeasure. Only bear it. It lies with himself, as much as with you.
[Mean though he may have become in some ways, if telling the unvarnished truth can be considered to be mean, he would not tear a support away from his Master. Not does he truly wish to see Diarmuid suffer.]

[oathshackledbird]

[Diarmuid draws in a long breath as Lancelot speaks.]

You don't need to be sorry. Indeed, I thank you for speaking the truth. That is what I feared the answer to be and yet I could not make myself believe it without hearing it from another who was close to him.

[He looks at Lancelot, his expression steady despite the swirl of emotions in his eyes.]

I am not sure how I will handle this. That I will be honest with you on. However, you can be sure the last thing I will do is abandon him. I made a promise to him before you arrived here. I promised that I would always be there for him and aid him toward his goals. That will never change. Even if he decides he wishes to have no more to do with me, I will still do my best from afar to aid him.

I just pray it doesn't come to that. I...will miss him terribly if it does. We have been through much together.

[chevalier_mal_fet]

[There is an involuntary twitch to Lancelot's shoulders. He is well aware of the Lancer's history with his Master.

Indeed, he does feel for the man, and does foresee a reasonable chance of resolution to this circumstance-- but he knows all too well that some things of this kind cannot ever be mended.]

So long as you do not abandon him, it will be well, I think. Only do not think to spare yourself the pain of his displeasure and all will be mended soon or late. You are kind-hearted, so this is not an easy thing for you to bear. But bear it you must if you truly wish him well.

I am-- aware that you have been of much aid to my Master in the past, and I thank you, Diarmuid ua Duibhne. But my Master has a Servant now-- and if he cannot have your Love, and does not lack for Service, then let him have your Friendship. This is all my counsel to you.

[oathshackledbird]

You have said that to me before...that I should not act to spare myself the pain of his displeasure. Even if I may have been doing that before, I assure you I do not do it now. My only concern is what impact my presence will have on his health as it is not good for him to have to deal with strong negative emotions for any length of time. This you well know. That we were able to talk so long and so openly today gives me great hope even if we did not seem to get anywhere. It did not tax his health too much and for that I am very grateful.

I will gladly give him my friendship if he wants it and while I cannot love him the way he may wish, I would be glad to give him the love of a brother should he someday be comfortable accepting that...

[Diarmuid pauses suddenly and gives Lancelot a curious look having noticed...something as the other servant had talked. Something that he can't quite identify but is sure is there.]

Tell me, does it bother you all I have been through with your master? That he is so close to another servant?

[chevalier_mal_fet]

I would not say so, Diarmuid ua Duibhine.

[The words are stiff in his mouth. Diarmuid and his thrice-damned Curse will be his undoing. There it had started. He feels too much of late, and gives away too much of that in expression. Or perhaps it is the prolonged absence of his own Madness-- but whatever the cause, Lancelot is unused to being read so easily.

He has the presence of mind not to blush.]

It is merely that I-- take my responsibility for his well-being most seriously.
We are-- closely bonded here in ways that we were not able to be when I fought for him in my Madness.
The bond is fresh.

But I am-- grateful that you think to spare him pain.
My Master has few friends, it is true-- and I know that he does value your friendship. As do I.
I do say that I feel he will eventually shake himself free from the bonds he willingly wears. Only Time is needed.

[oathshackledbird]

[Diarmuid notices the slight stiffness in his tone but doesn't comment on it. He can tell that Lancelot is speaking the truth, just not all of it, and while he is curious as to what is going on in the other servant's mind, he also realizes that for now it is probably best not to ask. It would not be surprising for Lancelot to be struggling with his own feelings in relation to what had happened during the time Diarmuid's curse had been active and because he has been spending so much time trying to help Kariya it is also likely that those feelings are still very confused.

Diarmuid can only hope that Lancelot will take his own advice and when enough time has passed he will talk to whoever he needs to to sort things out.]

Time. That is what it always comes back to here, isn't it? The one thing we need and the one thing we so rarely get.

[He shakes his head.]

You are a good servant. It is odd for me to think back on how worried I was when you first arrived here. Just please be sure you remember something I told you back then. While taking care of him, do not forget to take care of yourself as well. Mental stress is a weakness for us all. If you need me to help out so that you can take some time to yourself, please do not hesitate to ask. And if I will not do for whatever reason, you know my brother will be glad to help.

Kariya's friends may be few, but we will do all we can to help both of you.

[chevalier_mal_fet]

[Diarmuid names him a good Servant. It surprises Lancelot that he feels gladdened by it. Such simple words. It has been longer than long since any such pronouncement from one to whom he was not bound brought him any pleasure.

There is only one to whom Lancelot would speak of what is in his Heart, such as it is-- who knew him best in all the worlds and times, who would Care for him. But to see Her brought to this place would surely break him-- and so he keeps certain counsels to himself.]

I thank you for your words.
If I should have need of another, Diarmuid ua Duibhne, rest assured you will be first to spring to mind-- and your brother as well.

I will endeavor to remain strong in Spirit-- for my Master and for myself as well.

What of your Master, then? He is a most-- compelling conversationalist. How do you fare with him?
[Lancelot thinks Waver Velvet powerful, practical, and more than a little reckless-- and he is fond of the Magus, in his way.]

[oathshackledbird]

My words are merely the truth. Probably one you don't hear nearly often enough.

[Diarmuid gives Lancelot a curious look.]

You have talked with him since what happened? He...

[Diarmuid gaze drops and he blushes slightly, lips curling into a fond smile.]

This may sound odd but he is perfect for me. We are so much alike both good and bad, but we are not afraid to tell each other what needs to be done. I am told we were not always like that...or at least the version of me he knew on his world.

May I ask what you two talked about? Or was it something you would rather not discuss?

[chevalier_mal_fet]

[Lancelot is well-satisfied with Diarmuid's reaction to the mention of his Master. Something unwinds within him and there is an easiness to his stance. He sips at his wine and offers Diarmuid a placid, if slight, sort of smile.]

I have indeed, at length and in this very Meadow. He is a Reckless man, but a Canny one-- qualities which are improved in the combining. It is a fine thing that you are so suited to one another.

It was not always so between my Master and I, but this place has at least given me this one boon, that we should be able to enjoy a true bond here. It is a novel thing-- for me.
This I did discuss with your Master-- as well as matters of a Magical nature.
[Lancelot asked the Magus if he felt the Mad Enhancement could be removed completely from his summoning spell-- not simply rendered inactive.]

There was mention of our previous encounter-- but we have both us left it behind.
As I hope you have done, Diarmuid ua Duibhne.
[Lancelot and Waver find the memory much more wrly amusing than Diarmuid would be likely to-- with this in mind, Lancelot makes sure to be as earnest as he is able.]

[puppy_lancer]

Hey.

[Lancer walks up to the knight.]

Sorry I couldn't get a stage set up for the music. Though, I guess if anyone sings now, the entire party can hear.

[chevalier_mal_fet]

[Lancelot greets Cu Chulainn with a slight smile and a gloved hand on his shoulder.]

Well met, Cu Chulainn. Even as a host you excel.

[There is somewhat of a wink in Lancelot's voice.]
Alas, I did not bring my Lute. Though I will require considerably more drink before I am moved to fetch it.
Even then, melancholy songs have no place here, I think.

How fare you?

[puppy_lancer]

You thinks so? Thanks!

[Lancelot plays the lute? He'll need to remember that for future occasions.]

I'm pretty fine. For the most part.

[chevalier_mal_fet]

I do think so. The drink is fine, as well as those assembled.

I am gladdened to hear of it. Your trials have been many of late-- and I have felt the lack of your company.
[He is fond of Cu Chulainn.]

[puppy_lancer]

I'm glad to know that you like hanging around me so much. Hey, how about we do something together tomorrow if you're free? If we bring Diarmuid, the two of us can teach you how to play hurley. Or did they still have it at around your time?

[chevalier_mal_fet]

[Lancelot feels an unexpected rush of pleasure at the idea. Spending time with-- friends. A novelty indeed.]
No, you have the right of it-- I do not know the playing of "Hurley". I will certainly join you, if it pleases you.
Is it a sport of the Irish, then? Or of the olden days?

[That might just be a twinkle in Lancelot's eye.]

[puppy_lancer]

Both. It was really common during my time.

[He notices Lancelot's interest. He's glad. It's been a very long time since he could play sports. Especially with friends who could keep up with his quick movements.]

[chevalier_mal_fet]

Ah, very good. Then I shall meet with you and be content to be schooled by you, Cu Chulainn.

Is there a particular mode of dress one should follow in the playing of Hurley?

[puppy_lancer]

Nothing that you would trip over. Just dress simply.

[chevalier_mal_fet]

It is fortunate then that I have no clothing which would cause me to trip.

I look forward to the game-- where should I find you then?

[puppy_lancer]

Let me ask Diarmuid about that. He's gonna be helping me teach you. Besides, He's got a better idea about all the floors.

[chevalier_mal_fet]

[Lancelot places his free hand on his chest and makes a nod of his head. He smiles yet, however faintly.]
I await your word then-- as well as my assured defeat at your hands.