The vegetable wingman.

[tire_moi_mes_bottes]

Do you know who'd enjoy being trapped by mischievous mistletoe, collecting kisses from pretty girls and others? Do you know who would enjoy making himself a profession of rescuing helpless mistletoe victims?

BOSSUET WOULD DAMNED WELL ENJOY THAT, is who.

But every time he looks up, there's no sprig of greenery above his head, and every time he spots a mistletoe victim, someone else gets there first. (Often, he has noticed, Bahorel.)

Well, that's luck for you, and it's not as though it's the first time a lonely Laigle has taken matters into his own hands. Now he's in the bar with a potted plant, a potted plant with warning signs.

Warning: Do Not Pull The Mandrake Mistletoe.

and then a newer sign

MISTLETOE. It may resemble a mandrake, but I assure you it is mistletoe and it has me in its relentless vegetable grasp.

...which is all very well and good, and he sets it prominently on the bar next to him while he orders a bottle of wine and an extra glass or two. (He also has a book to read, of course. He wouldn't want to look desperate.) But another part of his mind is working away at the (annoying and probably useless) conversation with Hannibal Lecter, and he's got an eye out for anyone he's seen with the man.



((I'm going on slowtimes, but it's still open! OH MAN I'M SORRY, I fell asleep on the couch mid-sentence, back in the saddle today.))

Comments

[starrydome]

"Trapped - till kissed?"

He smiles.

"That sounds harmless enough, I suppose. And you - have not been thus trapped?"

[tire_moi_mes_bottes]

"Until kissed," Lesgle confirms. "And clearly I am the latest victim." He taps one of the so-convincing signs on his potted mandrake.

[starrydome]

"...yes," Elrond says, not entirely convinced.

"And you are now waiting for someone to set you free?"
A special someone prehaps?
It is not a terribly clever ruse, but whomever it is intended for might find it charming.

[tire_moi_mes_bottes]

"Something of the sort." He grins unabashedly at Elrond. "I am pining in captivity; will no one pity my sad condition?"

[starrydome]

"Is - it a specific someone who will hopefully take pity on your condition?" Elrond asks.
Somewhat amused.

[tire_moi_mes_bottes]

Lesgle opens his mouth and closes it again, and now does look a bit abashed. "Why, I hardly know how to answer that." Which may be a yes.

[starrydome]

Elrond smiles.
"So perhaps, you would prefer not to be freed at this exact moment?"

If not, he will not mind helping.

[tire_moi_mes_bottes]

"Well..." He laughs suddenly. "You needn't go out of your way, Monsieur. But I won't reject a kind gesture."

[starrydome]

"Very well," Elrond replies and steps closer.
Though not too close. He has no desire to be glued to the floor.

Up close, he looks less human. The brightness of his eyes, the agelessness of his face. He smells of wild forests and warm fires. Spices and apples.

His lips, smooth and warm, touches Lesgle's cheek.
It's the kind of kiss he would exchange as greeting. Not lingering, but not left hanging in the air either.

He takes a step back.
"Did it achieve its purpose?"

[tire_moi_mes_bottes]

Elrond remains miraculously not glued to the floor. MIRACULOUSLY.

Lesgle holds still for the kiss, and smiles wryly at Elrond when it's done. "Well, ah--why, yes. Yes, I seem to be free to go." He's not quite sure who's teasing whom at this point. "Do you know, though, I might stay put, just in case?"

((ELF SMOOCHES! SCORE!!! :D))

[starrydome]

"I am glad to hear it," Elrond smiles, with as serious a demeanor as had Lesgle truly been entrapped by a magical plant.

"But I can understand staying out. Just in case."
And the parting smile he gives can only be described as mischievous.