(Untitled)

[illgotten]

It has never been clear to Mordred why his sister does the things she does; least of all why she can dismiss him and all his sex as useless one day, and insist the next that he look for something for her, yes, him, no, she can't go herself, she's busy, stupid

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[lionbright]

Lleu starts a bit, coming across him in the snow, in the woods; whatever-it-is that makes Mordred so uncannily familiar hasn't gone away. But in Lleu's mind the events of his kidnapping were resolved three years ago, so it's not raw.

He's got a sword at the moment, too--he's borrowed Kay's. He wears it unselfconsciously, with as little fuss as you'd sling a backpack over one shoulder.

"Oh--" He struggles for an appropriate greeting. "Happy new year."

[lionbright]

"I was looking for the smith. Kay said there's one out this way."

[illgotten]

Mordred frowns, more puzzled than annoyed. "He knows more than I do, then."

[lionbright]

He says with bitter disgust, "Ah, God, nobody knows anything about this place. It's like being made to dance for trolls."

[illgotten]

"You can do a proper, scientific survey, then," dryly.

[lionbright]

"I just want to get these damned bracelets off."

He stamps snow off his feet.

"God, are you always in such a foul mood, or do you just save it for me? What are you looking for, anyway?

[illgotten]

"I'm in a foul mood?" He pauses, then. "...I'm not quite sure."

[lionbright]

Lleu laughs.

"At least I know what I'm looking for."

[illgotten]

"That's an advantage, yes. It helps to be doing your own business, and not a madwoman's." He pushes his hands through his hair. "Bit of vine, I think. Or something."

[lionbright]

"What for?"

[illgotten]

Wryly, "Haven't a clue."

[lionbright]

He really does laugh this time, with abandon.

After a bit:

"Well... I'd be fed up too."

(and adds one last choking giggle)

[illgotten]

Mordred does too, after a moment; it's hard not to. "Damned right, you would. This is my life, cousin, if you can imagine it." Cheerfully.

[lionbright]

"Why do it? Why dance for the trolls?"

[illgotten]

He sobers. "What do you mean?"

[lionbright]

"You make it sound like you spend your days like Sisyphus, being set impossible tasks for no discernible reward. I don't mean--I didn't mean your sister!"

He goes red, then white.

"But you all do seem to run around in circles."