[Open] Such a tragic fairy tale

[tricky_bowman]

Out in the clearing by the lake, there walks a lone knight. For those who do not know Sir Tristan de Lyonesse, a prince of Cornwall and Britanny, he looks, very likely, like a lone ranger.

His heart has been heavy, burdened by the knowledge of his renewed solitude, but the magic nature of the Manse has made his own rationalizations easier to accept

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[77th_earl]

He may not be solitary for long, as Titus is out and about, bundled up in a heavy grey greatcoat, riding the white horse he's chosen as his steed along the trails through the woods. He's decided he needs to get out and about more, rather than waste cold days on reading...questionable books.

He's found his way to the lake and has paused, still mounted, to gaze over the icy waters, admiring the view.

[tricky_bowman]

Tristan, on the other hand, is on foot, and might be a solitary figure sitting on a rock by the frozen lake, perhaps.

His dark clothes certainly make him stand out in the surrounding whiteness.

[77th_earl]

Spotting the figure seated on the rock and nudging his horse with his knees, Titus guides the animal to approach the stranger, slowly, the snow crunching under the horse's hooves.

"It is a lovely view, isn't it? Like a painting in white and blue and grey," he says, hedging for a way to start a conversation.

[tricky_bowman]

"Aye," the lone knight replies, eyes still on the blinding landscape. "So it is."

Would that my lady be here to see it, he doesn't add.

[77th_earl]

"if I were an artist, I would put brush to canvas to capture it," Titus says, turning his gaze out over the ice again. Then he turns back to Tristan. "You seem troubled, sir. Might I ask what weighs on your mind?"

[tricky_bowman]

"It is naught," Tristan lies, "but the cold chilling me a touch, my lord."

His tone is ever polite.

[77th_earl]

"It has been quite cold," Titus says, not convinced, but being polite. He's seen a look similar to Tristan's expression, in a mirror, after Fushcia's death. "But you were close in addressing me as 'lord', though I set aside my crown and my title and left my realm. I am Titus Groan, formerly the seventy-seventh earl of Gormenghast."

[tricky_bowman]

Tristan has no idea what or where Gormenghast is, but he nods politely.

"I am Sir Tristan," he replies, "formerly heir to the throne of Cornwall, though I have lain down my claim."

He doesn't say, well met, or lovely to make your acquaintance, or any other such courtesy. It's not because he's impolite, but rather because he's out of it.

[77th_earl]

He smiles empathetically. "Then we are kinsmen, after a fashion, you and I. We have both relinquished titles which we once bore. Might I ask how this came about?"

[tricky_bowman]

"The tale is old and buried," Tristan replies. "I would sooner not unearth it, if you please, my lord."

[77th_earl]

"I know what it is like to live a tale that should not be told," he says, empathetically. "I shan't trouble you for the particulars. But I must say, I've not heard of your country before."

[tricky_bowman]

"Nor I of yours, my lord, if truth be told. Pray not hold it against me, alas."

Tristan is ever polite, though his demeanor is a touch more subdued than usual.

And I meant to ask, was there anyone of mine that you wanted for Tsuzuki in the x-mas mingler? Also, Merry x-mas! <3

[77th_earl]

He almost laughs, but stops himself. "I would not, or rather, I could not hold this against you,," he says. "Few outside of Gormenghast have heard of it, nor has Gormenghast heard much of the world outside."

Can has a Robin for Tsuzuki??

[tricky_bowman]

"A hidden kingdom, then," Tristan replies, "as many are. Mayhap Sir Parsifal will have known of it, as he has traveled over much, and not in the pursuit of the Questing beast."

Ask, and you shall receive! ^^

[77th_earl]

"I'm afraid I've not heard of that name before," he replies. "Might he be a fellow knight of your company, and what manner of beast is a Questing Beast?"

[tricky_bowman]

"He is a fellow knight, and my brother of the Table Round, my lord. As for the Questing Beast, would that Sir Palomides be about to inform you. Alas, his tale is not mine to tell."

Tristan actually got on well with Palomides, last time there was a Saracen knight around. Then again, they were both drunk. It probably helped.