A Quest Completed, and a Prize

[vicioussweetie]

There are many things to be sought in life. Some universal, such as love and the fulfillment of necessities; some more individual, such as one person's desire to consume the perfect hamburger or another's compelling need to memorize every word in the dictionary. One of Ali's quests, for the better part of the last year, has been to find Jareth's

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[allaroundarthur]

The days in Camelot pass slowly for the knights, who are anxious to be out doing things, having adventures and proving their valor. At Arthur's urging, though, they have yet to depart, and have been contenting themselves by making sport in their idle time. Many are the contests of skill and strength they devise, and many are those who come to while away a few hours in watching these impromptu tourneys, and to cheer one or another of the champions.

[vicioussweetie]

Ali is often among the ladies in attendance, in the hours when the castle is too active for her to try and secretly discern things to come. As much as she enjoys watching strapping young men try to beat each other bloody in the name of sport, she's careful both to avoid any appearances of favoritism or boredom. But in truth, by the third day, she's rather wishing it would rain.

Ah, well; at least she gets to people-watch, and that is always an acceptable pastime in her opinion. Still, she can't quite keep from drumming her fingers on the arm of her chair...

[allaroundarthur]

Sir Kay, taking a break from the contests to eat, has taken it upon himself to sit near her. "Are you enjoying the contests, my lady?"

[vicioussweetie]

Recalled from whatever daydream she was visiting, Ali forces her hands into her lap and answers Kay with a smile. "Of course, my lord. There can be no doubt of the great physical prowess of Camelot's legendary knights."

[allaroundarthur]

"Indeed, you'll not find a better man in the world than those who stand by the king's banner." He sounds more than a little smug--perhaps congratulating himself for numbering among the banner-standers. "Has anyone distinguished himself in your eyes, lady? I'm sure I could make the introductions, if you like."

[vicioussweetie]

"And how could anyone hope to choose among so many fine men, my lord? Each has too many virtues to be found wanting." The delivery of these lines is so sweet, and her smile so even, that she doubts even Merlin would notice the double meaning.

Jareth will, of course, but he's pretty much made of entendre.

[allaroundarthur]

Kay smiles, picking up only one meaning of what Ali said. Jareth's sudden fit of coughing gets a look askance, though; Kay doesn't think much of the slight, poncy "protector" who has no interest in joining the men at their sport. "Perhaps you'd do well with a better guardian, my lady. Your man seems always sick."

[vicioussweetie]

At that, Ali's demeanor turns decidedly chill. "I do not believe you are in any position to have an opinion on the matter."

[allaroundarthur]

"I know a healthy man when I see him," Kay replies, "but as you will, lady. Perhaps you'll see something to change your mind." With that, he sets down his cup and goes to rejoin the fray. It's clear he's showing off all he can.

[vicioussweetie]

And she will be pointedly ignoring him.

"My love," she murmurs to Jareth, when Kay is gone, "I think next time you had better just laugh."

[labyrinthking]

"Next time," he replies, "I think I shall. If their little games wear on you, my dear, shall we turn our attention elsewhere?"

[vicioussweetie]

"Yes please." Her relief is almost palpable. "What do you have in mind?"

[labyrinthking]

"There is more to fair Camelot than the castle," he answers. "We might take a stroll through the town, or a ride through the fields beyond."

[vicioussweetie]

"I would like to explore the town," she admits, waiting for his offer of escort before she stands. She doesn't want people to think she's entirely without manners. "We can ride tomorrow, in the morning, if that suits you."

[labyrinthking]

"It very much does," he agrees, offering a hand in escort. He's been having a fine time, with Ali so often on his arm, and anticipates nothing less in the town below.

[vicioussweetie]

Ali has no complaints about his escort. In truth, she finds it very pleasant. Watching the smiths and weavers work seems to fascinate her--it's so familiar, and yet so foreign. Of course she pays for her entertainment, in the form of buying presents for the "servants" (who Ali is trying very hard to not think of as children she needs to save). Good sturdy daggers for the boys, and fabric enough for the girl to have a fancy new dress. And while she's examining the wares at the leatherworks, there's a bit of a scene developing across the square...