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

[beaumains]

🧙 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~!

Comments

[resistetmords]

[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.]

[beaumains]

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...

[resistetmords]

[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.]

[beaumains]

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...

[resistetmords]

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.

[beaumains]

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.

[resistetmords]

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.]