(no subject)

[narnianknight.livejournal.com]

The Knight had meant to be going through to his Lady's sitting room. The door hadn't functioned as a portal to the strange tavern for days, and he'd almost given up on the place as a fever-dream, one of the hallucinations he gets during his hour. But here he is again.

He looks a little puzzled, then shrugs and moves further in so as not to block the door.

Comments

[the_seafarer]

People come, and people go, here.

Sometimes they go, and do not come back.

Caspian would have wished, perhaps, that this particular person might have been one of them. It is a wish he'd have regretted, had it come true.

And yet he'd have escaped seeing this--shadow of his son, again. He pales, at the knight's entrance, but does not speak.

[narnianknight.livejournal.com]

The Knight is again in a melancholy mood, as so often happens when his time grows close, and it has been a time since he was last here; he does not recognise the youth who pales at the sight of him, not at first.

And then recollection comes, and his expression turns to one of pity, and he bows slightly.

[the_seafarer]

Caspian stands, his sword still before him on the table, and bows back, just as slightly, keeping his gaze on the other man.

"My lord."

A greeting, of sorts. Not quite a warning.

[narnianknight.livejournal.com]

The Knight inclines his head.

"My Lord. I apologise if I startled you."

[the_seafarer]

"Nay--not startled," Caspian says, untruthfully. He takes his sword from the table and sheathes it, the bronze lion upon the pommel gleaming brightly in the room's firelight.

"It has been many longs days since I have had the pleasure of your company, sir knight. Come, would you share refreshment?"

[narnianknight.livejournal.com]

He eyes the lion pommel, but nods courteously enough.

"As you will, sir."

[the_seafarer]

Caspian goes to the bar, his mind whirring, and makes an order for he knows not what--wine, some bread and cheese and fruits that appear after a moment. He offers a goblet to the knight.

"I'd drink your health, good sir knight."

And not that of his lady.

[narnianknight.livejournal.com]

The Knight smiles, and raises his goblet.

"And to yours, my Lord."

[the_seafarer]

Caspian takes only the smallest sip, wetting his lips, and puts the goblet back down quietly, watching his son.

"I hope your days have been well and happy since last I saw you, my lord."

[narnianknight.livejournal.com]

"Well enough, all told, though my Lady's arts have yet to discern the way I may be released from my curse. I am amenable to waiting, however; a life with her, albeit one in which I must be bound each night, is better than a life without."

[the_seafarer]

"I wonder how much you remember of your life without her," Caspian replies, drily. Twice now he's seen this man who is Rilian-and-not, and helf his tongue against the witch. His patience is beginning to wear thin.

[narnianknight.livejournal.com]

"I remember nothing of my life before her," he says easily. "But my life with her has been but marred with my curse, little else."

[the_seafarer]

"Such a small flaw in the light of your lady's grace, is it?"

Caspian's tone is suitably easy, but a hand clenches at his side.

"I wonder that you leave her at all, then, for this. Is it so soon to your hour again, my lord?"

[thedisenchanter.livejournal.com]

Jill is people watching from a booth in the corner. Tea was in hand and now the cup has fallen with a clatter to the floor as Jill straightens up. The cup of course shatters as she sits there frozen. No manner of preparation could have prepared her for this day.

[narnianknight.livejournal.com]

He looks mildly alarmed at the sound of the shattering cup, turning to face her.

"Little maiden, are you injured?"

[thedisenchanter.livejournal.com]

Jill blinks for a moment and coughs, gathering her thoughts.

"Oh umm. No I'm fine, really."

She takes a deep breath to suppress a tear that is coming to her eye.

"I'm sorry if I alarmed you."

[narnianknight.livejournal.com]

He kneels, gathering the broken pieces of the cup.

"My presence here seems to discomfort many people. I am sorry that you are one of them."

[thedisenchanter.livejournal.com]

Jill shakes her head.

"It is nothing for you to be sorry about for there is nothing really that you can do to change it. I, on the other hand, have some things to work on obviously."

[narnianknight.livejournal.com]

"Nevertheless, I would not be the cause of discomfort to a lady."

He finishes cleaning up the broken cup, wrapping the pieces in a napkin, and starts clearing up the spilled tea, making sure it doesn't stain Jill's shoes.

[thedisenchanter.livejournal.com]

Jill sighs a bit.

"Thank you, sir,"
is all she can manage to say.

[narnianknight.livejournal.com]

He smiles up at her.

"It is my pleasure, little maiden."

[thedisenchanter.livejournal.com]

"So...what, if I might ask, brings you here?"

Simple question. Baby steps, Jill, baby steps.

[narnianknight.livejournal.com]

"The door to this place seems to find it meet to bring me here on random occasions. Had I the choice, I would arrive at a more convenient time, as I may not spend long here tonight."

[thedisenchanter.livejournal.com]

Jill nods and takes this in.

"The Lady might need you back soon?"

[narnianknight.livejournal.com]

"My hour will soon be upon me, and I dare not be unbound for it."