isleofavalon | So with a wonder and a wild desire \ I will crawl from under every weight

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So with a wonder and a wild desire \ I will crawl from under every weight

🧙 WHO: Sir Gareth and Lady Anri/Belguim
⚔️️ WHAT: It might be ill-advised, but Gareth agreed to a date without thinking, and a knight honors their word.
🕒 WHEN: Thursday evening
🗺️ WHERE: A public pavilion in one of Camelot's parks
⚠️ WARNINGS: What could *possibly* go wrong?

[ Okay, so.

Things had been a *little* rough. To say the least. The pressure of the delicate diplomatic problems going on in Camelot had not been lost on her, as they'd only seemed to just barely avoid war. Beyond that, the trials tore at her heart, seeing despair and others, and having to directly confront the value she put in her own life, and confronted with such by her brother. And then everything with Caster and...

Gareth was... not okay. She wasn't. She was able to keep dragging herself out of bed in the morning, but she wasn't doing okay at all. In the middle of it all, she'd managed to stumble her way into agreeing to a date with Anri. Certainly that should have felt like something that would be a pleasant diversion from all that was weighing on her.

But it... didn't quite feel that way. Nothing quite felt right, or even real, as she approached Anri's door. She felt like she was swimming through something, uncertain of where she was even headed. But she did know... she had to try to find something.

... Didn't she?

She knew the answers wouldn't come easily... but Anri, at least, deserved to be treated to something worthy of of her. She deserved to be courted properly. And if there was something Gareth was still good at... it was being a Good Knight.

She arrived dressed for the occasion, knocking at Anri's door with a gentle rapping. ]

My Lady! Sir Gareth of Orkney has come calling for you~!

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[Probably by complete contrast Anri was feeling incredibly chipper. Given the evident success in setting up a new shop here, and to quickly brew some rather nice ale (if she did say so herself). Things were going pretty swell, at least so far.

Of course for all the good there is also some bad.

She had an idea that something was eating away at her current date. But wasn't wholly certain what. Maybe that thing that happened with Medea and whatever was going on earlier.]

Coming!

[She came rushing to the door. It was difficult to decide what to wear, she didn't want to overdress or underdress. Knowing Gareth she probably picked out something that she considered as being proper. Probably something super nice.

In true, Belgium fashion, she settled on something not exactly flashy but also not too simple. But still nice. The door opened to an Anri who immediately squeed and clapped her hands.]

You're looking really handsome~!

[ Gareth's cheeks were pale enough that she always seemed to have some sort of blush on them, regardless of her mood, but there was a more pronounced flush at Anri's admiration, rubbing the back of her head. ]

Ah, it's... well it's the outfit I wore for the equinox masquerade. It seemed fitting, since I'm taking you out dancing.

[ Anri really did look lovely. She felt like a golden sunset... Gareth hesitantly extended her hand in offering. ]

Shall we, then? The musicians at the pavilion will start playing by the time we arrive, I think.

I'd say more than fitting. If you're not careful you'll cause more than a few hearts to flutter.

[She reaches her own hand out, taking note of the note of hesitance in Gareth's movement. Before very softly pressing her fingers and palm into the offered appendage, warm and welcoming. A more gentle smile on her lips forming alongside a light blush, even as she softly teased the other girl.]

But yes, lets go my daring, Sir Knight.

[Anri steps in close to her, letting Gareth guide her away. It was decidedly nice to be treated as a lady every now and then.]

[ The teasing felt like background radiation, honestly. A needling easily pushed past, given everything else she held in her heart at the moment. In general, she seemed surprisingly collected, despite that hesitance. Perhaps because, for the most part, she was playing that "Sir Knight" part... and that was familiar for her. Comforting in its nostalgia.

She almost didn't even think of it as herself holding Anri's hand as they made their way to the park, walking leisurely side by side. She thought of herself as Lancelot, at least the Lancelot that wasn't painful for her to remember... ]

It's a lovely evening tonight... not too hot, despite the season.

Mm, it's cooled off compared to earlier.

[She nods back, looking Gareth over for a moment, feeling her pulse in the palm of her hand. Resonating through their fingers. She was nice, warm and comforting, she still seemed a bit lost though. Anri gave her hand a small squeeze in return and looked her over for a moment.]

Perfect for a night of dancing.

Exactly. [ Gareth squeezed Anri's hand in turn. She was trying; she really was. She could do this. She could, at least, assure Anri had a wonderful night. She could do that much, still. She was still that sort of Knight... She could still at least be the same sort of Knight that had originally captured Lady Lyonesse's heart...

... Though that was part of the problem, wasn't it?

She didn't dwell on it long. The stringed lights of the park pavilion came into view. It was a fairly popular social spot, with simple food vendors having parked their carts there, and the band in the gazebo playing some energetic jigs. ]

I feel as if this, more than anything else in this Avalon, is a sort of magic...

[Belgium gave a look around as they arrived at the chosen spot. In truth she hadn't done too much exploring on the overall party life of the city. Having spent more time working and saving up some serious scratch than going out and about. The food, of course, grabbed her attention almost immediately.

But it was only quickly there and then back to Gareth.]

Partying, celebrating and simply relaxing and enjoying yourself has a magic in its own. Especially when you're with someone you enjoy being with.

[Her voice was soft, even as it picked up in volume to be heard over the hustle and bustle. She always did love festivals and celebrations. Honestly Gareth couldn't have picked a better place to take her. It helped to breath life into her and make her feel a bit of excitement rising up.]

Oh, but where should start first?

[ Gareth had caught that glance, inspiring a small giggle. ]

No sense in dancing on an empty stomach! Everything from the good trucks smells great, and they've got some experimental foods, too!

[ The one that caught Gareth's eye? Bread cones stuffed with bacon, apple, celery, and cheddar. ]

Not much escapes you.

[She gave herself a small chuckle in return before following Gareth's gaze. Goodness but those do look good! It was a bit difficult to pick out the smell as it mingled with everything else around them.]

But yes, it's a bit difficult to do much of anything with an empty stomach. Even harder with so many pleasant smells around.

[Green eyes glance around at the other options, elephant ears, lemonade, things that would probably make your body hate you but are to delicious to ignore.]

Hm, so which one should we try?

[ Gareth's eyes strolled over everything, and she hummed in thought. There were definitely a lot of great options, to be sure, but one caught her eyes in particular. ]

Pulled pork... waffles?

Pulled pork... waffles?

[Belgium's eyes immediately snapped over to where she was looking. What sort of sacrilege was this? Something she expected from Mr. America... they must investigate. Sorry Gareth, excuse her as she's going to be dragging you over to the said stand, a slightly scary and intense look on her face. Oh my!]

[ Oh boy, she knew what that look meant, and with the strength Anri suddenly had in her grip, she felt like she immediately had to intervene to keep her date from getting into a fist fight with a food truck cook. ]

I-I'm sure they're using the waffle as bread, in this case, my lady!

Hm? We're just going to... have a look.

[Just a look, just a look at this cardinal sin to waffle kind. Besides, chances are high that they're going to get some delicious pulled pork anyway?]

[ That look seemed as dangerous as a live stick of dynamite. Gareth resigned herself to possibly needing to stop a fight from breaking out and let Anri lead them to the food stand.

Well, if nothing else, this would be a funny story to tell later. Hopefully. Assuming no one died. ]

[Don't be silly no one's going to die. ~~Probably.~~]

Excuse me sir I couldn't help but notice that you were selling some subpar waffles here. Topped with...

[A wrinkle of her nose.]

...Pulled pork.

[Smiling so sickeningly sweet with that scary glint in her eyes to make the guy shiver in fright. Oh my....]

We'll have two.

[ The cashier had been just about to protest the "subpar" note there when he looked into the woman's eyes and found himself feeling like he was staring his own mortality in the eyes.

So he thought better of it, and just silently rang up the order. Gareth, for her part, was quick to offer an apologetic smile, but otherwise felt like she was probably best off saying nothing...

At least until the food was ready. ]

[Sorry Gareth, but a gourmet is gonna gourmet. And she goes ahead and pays for the food; still looking scary as all get out!

Though when they do get their food she goes ahead and switches to smiling all sweet like at them and hands Gareth her waffle-disaster. Maybe she calmed down???]

Well at least they smell nice.

[ It almost seemed like a crisis averted, but she was keenly aware Anri hadn't tried it, yet, which had her at least a little more on edge. Even so, she had to nod in agreement, examining the culinary experiment in her hands. ]

It does have that good aroma. I can tell from the browning they at least used a good quality batter for this...

[ But would it work with the pork and sauce? Well, she took a bite... ]

I mean, the pork smells good.

[But could she really fault Gareth, or the food cart guy for not knowing how to make a proper waffle? She bites into it, taking some time to chew it before swallowing.]

The pulled pork is good... but the waffle....

[Probably just tastes like a waffle to everyone else. But for her....]

It's really not that good... and doesn't go well with the pork I don't think. They should have either stuck with a normal sandwich, or an American waffle than... this.

[But, well she takes another bite. Beggars can't be choosers!]

[ Well that was... a lot more well-rounded a criticism than she expected, to be honest. It was pretty thoughtful, actually. Everything tasted fine, as far as Gareth was concerned, but she was worried the whole meal would be ruined.

What a relief. Anri could literally see the tension leave Gareth as she chewed and nodded along. ]

[Of course, food's food, and no matter how... interesting it is. It all deserves to be enjoyed in its own way! She goes ahead and munches along happily next to Gareth.]

...It also helps that I get to eat it alongside someone I like.

[A smile towards her.]

[ A smile that brings even more rose to Gareth's perpetually apple'd cheeks. She ducks her head slightly, wanting to finish what was in her mouth before responding. ]

I suppose that is true. Good company is the finest spice...

[Now that reaction gets a giggle from her. She just can't help it, and has to keep herself from ruffling her head.

Dang it Gareth, why do you have to be so darn cute!?]

Hm, I think my current company is more sweet than actual spice.

[She moves in closer, shoulder brushing up against shoulder, munching away at her own with a bit more abandon, giving a few more giggles in between bites.

Really Anri just couldn't help herself.]

But yes, it is. And I couldn't ask for better.

[ It was partly a consequence of being so short, most of the time, but that gentle gesture of having her hair ruffled was something deeply nostalgic, too. It was Gawain's most favored form of affection for her, and it warmed her all over like a familiar blanket. It helped her relax, considerably.

It didn't take long to finish the sandwich, washing it down with a nice, cold ale (at least this time she made sure Anri approved it, first). It would take awhile to settle, and the dancefloor was calling, but for the moment, she was just content to sit there and watch the band...

... as well as hold Anri's hand. ]

I'm... glad I had the gumption to do this. I think I really needed this.

[Her own was soon finished and washed down with her own cup of cool ale. Seriously, what more could you want from a summer's eve festival?

It made her a little home sick in all truth. Oh, but that was holding onto hers. It gets a small squeeze in return, soft and warm.]

Mm, I think so too. It's been quite an eventful hasn't it? I'm sure you've had a lot on your mind.

[A soft, small smile appears on her lips.]

You know, it's sort of funny... adjusting to a new place, a time and world so different from the one you knew in life, is just part of what being a Heroic Spirit is, right?

[ A small laugh, though it didn't seem to be that sincere, shifting her gaze to the evening sky above. The colors of the sunset were fading away to deep blues and purples, and the twinkle of the early twilight stars were starting to come out. ]

Yet... this place in particular has been pretty rough for me to get used to. I have no Master here, no prize to fight for, a goal that seems... nebulous and vague, in how we're meant to achieve it. All these different people from different worlds...

I've had to confront some things I don't think I would have, before...

[She listens to her quietly, watching Gareth against the backdrop of the sunset, hand still held in her own. Letting the other girl know she was still there, still listening to her. She was feeling directionless was she? Directionless, anxious, and uncomfortable overall. Potentially surrounded by people that she did know, and was unfamiliar with; in a world just as unfamiliar.

Anri kept her small, warm smile with a thoughtful look in her eyes as she continued to listen to Gareth speak.]

It is quite a bit to take in. A lot of pressure to be placed on someone. And quite a bit to take in at once and overcome. Not only that, but to be taken away suddenly from those you care for.

[Perhaps especially for someone with romantic ideals. There was another light, comforting squeeze of her hand; letting Gareth know she can continue if she'd like, and Anri would still be there to listen.]

I think... it's important to not lose one's sense of self. I think I did, there for a moment... I didn't really put enough value in myself, just in what I thought I symbolized, you know?

[ Gareth let out a heavy sigh, leaning against Anri' shoulder to shoulder. ]

I'm really glad I met you, Lady Anri... But I don't think I should be courting anyone until I figure myself out a little more...

I think so too Gareth, to keep your own sense of self. Holding onto your own sense of self-worth is important, and healthy. There's nothing wrong with that. You're far more than just what you want to symbolize, and worth far more....

[She snuggled in when Gareth leaned against her. Letting the knight place her weight against her.]

...But I know.... Still I'm more than happy I've been able to meet you as well, Gareth. You've been a great friend since we first arrived.

[She breathed in deeply, green eyes closing, hand still holding hand.]

Just... relax. And take your time, enjoy yourself, and be yourself. If you ever need someone to talk to... well you know how to find me. I don't know how much help I can be. But I'll do my best.

Edited (idk still don't like how I wrote this) 2021-07-13 02:21 (UTC)

I'll promise the same... With gratitude and grace, not as a knight but... just as "me".

[ Which was getting easier to say, bit by bit. However... ]

But I'm not letting this night end without dancing you you, all the same.

I wouldn't want it any other way.

[Right, the whole reason why they came here!]

The dance floor is calling us! And I've got to work off that pork somehow now.

[She gave a laugh before going ahead to lead them out to dance.]

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So with a wonder and a wild desire \ I will crawl from under every weight

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