maskormenacelogs | (no subject)

[It still makes Lucy wonder, if this is madness, at the same time that she's so utterly pleased that they are here; the house is still a mess, the house is still under renovation, but she could not wait any longer. They have beds and the roof is sound, and the ground is safe to walk on, for all that there still lacks so much of what makes a house a home.

But so much of what lacks (and what made it so cheap) is no hardship for them - well water and poor indoor plumbing, those things do not need to be fixed right away, or the lack of electricity (what does it matter when they know how to burn candles, or when Lucy can create light as it's needed?) and so those fixes can go slowly, can be things that they take their time on.

It's early in the day when they arrive. The horses, they're already here, they've lived here the whole time, and Lucy wants to just go and go out and discover the lands - her lands, she thinks - but she knows there is too much to do.]

Atho-

[She comes out the door. They're outside, still, and she smiles when she sees them. She does not know how she could have managed without them, truly.]

No matter how you stand out there, the house will not step over you.

Edited 2015-07-22 14:18 (UTC)

[ He inclines his head towards her, a small inkling of a smile on his face. Truly Athos is happier since they started work here. It's refreshing to be away from the city and while there have been some mishaps - wielding tools is not the same as wielding a sword, it would seem - he's eager to learn and enjoying himself as he does so.

If he closes his eyes and listens to the wind in the trees and the snickering of far-off horses he can almost imagine he's home. ]

I do not doubt it, my lady. [ Still, he was not quite ready to enter. ]

[ D'Artagnan had been easily distracted, as they encroached on the land. He hadn't been able to help himself. Even the smells here were familiar. The smell of fields, of horses, of fresh plants. All of it feels like home, to him. He comes up from behind, having lingered to better take it all in. ]

What are you waiting for?

[ That's directed at Athos, while d'Artagnan casually moves up to him and past him, up to the front door. A smile breaks over his face as he comes up to Lucy. ]

It's beautiful here. I'm already glad that we came.

Yes, and quiet-

[She says it as she takes d'Artagnan's arm, to pull him in a bit, excited.]

I know it's not quite finished but I think it will suffice well for now, and, oh, I think if you wish to furnish the barn as a-

You and Athos, I mean, you both can, as a manner of training hall, look-

[She's clearly too excited for finishing sentences, for thinking everything out.]

But you, Athos, you and d'Artagnan must stay with me in the main house, please?

[ Her excitement is charming. He watches her tugging d'Artagnan along as she rambles and he feels something close to contentment at the picture they present. ]

We would like that, my lady. As long as you don't need the space. It would be good to have somewhere to train once more. [ He follows, obviously trying to gauge what she's saying in the spaces. And then she's asking them to stay with her inside of the house and Athos glances at d'Artagnan. He supposes it would be like having servants - they stay in the house all the time and so he doesn't feel too many boundaries are being overstepped. ]

If you would like.

[ D'Artagnan's smile is indulgent. He can't help it; Lucy's enthusiasm is infectious and he's all too happy to be dragged along.

He looks back, meeting Athos' eyes at the same time his friend looks for his. His first thought is that it seems improper, because of course she is a Lady, and more than that she is a Queen.

But she is also alone here, lacking her proper guard, her family, and her ladies in waiting. He nods. ]

We would be happy to.

[ His hand closes on Lucy's and he squeezes it, gently. ]

Provided you have plenty of space. We are used to making our beds in a garrison, my lady. We need little for ourselves.

[She shows it off as if they haven't been here, as if they haven't actually helped her make this place semi-liveable. But she can't help it, she can't help but pull them up the stairs.]

Yes look, I have spent a small time readying a pair of rooms, there are more than enough-

[Six bedrooms is almost absurd for a house, she almost thinks, as if she doesn't normally live in a palace, and she can't quite place where that thought might come from. She opens one door; it's very sparsely furnished, with a bed and a desk and a chair, but there's a bright red blanket on the bed.]

See? I prepared two, although of course you can choose any room save my own, and decorate it how you please, it would please me so much to have you nearby, lest I grow lonely or afraid in the night, and then I would find you wherever you bedded down anyway, so you see, it's truly a favor-

[She is babbling, she knows she's babbling, but she can't help it. If they're sharp they'll see the rooms she chose for them bracket her own, as if she really cannot bear to be far from the sound of someone's breathing at night.]

[ Athos shakes his head fondly, leaning behind d'Artagnan to see into the room. It's sweet that she is so worried for them. It warms his heart to see a young royal like that, he imagines the people who know her are all the better for it. ]

We will stay within the house, of course. [ All the better to reach her if she has need of them. ] And you will find companionship in your wakeful hours, my lady. [ Athos barely sleeps. He sometimes has nightmares. It would nice to speak to someone during those times. ]

It is nicer than the garrison.

It's much nicer than the garrison.

[ That's not even an embellishment. The garrison is home, to d'Artagnan, but it's spartan. He'd felt bad about bringing Constance back there after they were married.

This place would be different. The rooms are large, and already, this is richer than anything he's used to in France. He would like to bring her here.

Of course, thinking of that makes him miss her all over again. ]

I'd value your company. [ He inclines his head a little, smiling at Lucy. ]

Thank you, for this. We'll help you decorate however you'd like.

Yes, excellent!

[She still hasn't let go of d'Artagnan.]

And you can outfit the barn however you like, if you want training yards, or whatever you deem best, I will support you in this, of course.

[There is a little money leftover from selling her jewels, she has enough to keep them well-endowed, certainly.]

And oh, of course-

[She reaches into her pocket - first one, then then the other, and fishes out two keyrings. The keys are modern keys, not the kind any of them are used to, but-]

Here. As, um.

The Captain of my guard, and, oh, as, as-

[She can't think of anything equivalent, so she just blurts out-]

-well, whoever you wish in my household, I don't care, d'Artagnan, but you may not refuse to carry your own set!

[ Personally Athos prefers Spartan. His room back home only holds a sword placed upon the walls and numerous empty bottles. It isn't exactly lived in as vaguely inhabited.

Thankfully he does not know ( yet! ) that Lucy sold her jewels for this. And so he is much happier in accepting her endeavours. ] We have saved a little money from our employment. You need not fear. [ He will need to figure how to earn once he leaves it. ]

He will not refuse. [ Nudging him with his shoulder to push him forward. ] And neither will I. Thank you for trusting us.

[ D'Artagnan nods agreement. ]

We have more money than we know what to do with here. It's not like this at home. We can support ourselves.

[ Hopefully. They haven't actually tried with their own business yet, and that's in their future. All the same, he dips into a little bow. ]

Thank you, my Lady. Truly. This means a great deal to both of us.

[ He takes his keyring, of course. It's remarkably kind of her to do this, to share with them, because that's what she's doing. He gives her arm a little squeeze, which is not a thing he would do to Queen Anne. He wouldn't be anywhere near that familiar.

But with Lucy, he is. ]

You've been very kind to us from the moment we arrived.

[She trusts them completely - they may realize it once they count the locks and see that there are keys to every door, even the one to her bedroom. She will allow them entry whenever they wish it, although she suspects that they will be more than polite about her space.

She is so used to her family, barging in, doors barely a barrier, that it seems so-

Natural.

She already thinks of them like family.]

I would like to think I am kind to everyone, but-

You make it very easy, to wish for your approval. You have taken such care and consideration of my personage and my person, and where I am from, we return such gestures as often as we can.

[It's said that Peter ensures Narnian safety, Susan their prosperity, Edmund their justice, and Lucy their loyalty. It's so clear to see how she does such a thing, when she thinks of everyone as her friend and equal.]

Well, I suppose, we should bring as much in as we can, shouldn't we?

But you are kind to everyone, my lady. I have never seen you as anything but.

We'll do the lifting.

[ He throws her a look, far too paternal to be mocking. He knows she'd want to get stuck in but he's not old and feeble yet. Instead he claps d'Artagnan on the shoulder as if to draw attention to how hearty and capable he is. ]

You need only tell us where you want everything to go.

[ D'Artagnan nods, and gently separates himself from Lucy's arm. He knows what all of this means; a lot of lifting and carrying, several hours of it at least.

Maybe more, considering he doesn't think Lucy ought to be doing any of it. ]

Let's start with the heaviest first. You can direct us, my Lady.

[ He jerks his head to beckon Athos back outside. This place will start to feel like a home before they're done. ]

[She raises both eyebrows, skeptical.]

I begin to suspect you think me very gentle indeed, my fine soldiers.

[She hums, and nods them outside. There isn't much in the way of things, not yet, but there are some pieces of furniture, in a truck that's parked out in front. She found them in an antique shop, charmed the owners, bought these heavy pieces, and didn't think that they would be delivered without anyone to carry them inside.]

If you move the heavy pieces, I'll make sure no one starves.

[ Athos doesn't argue to the contrary, only dips his head a little in acknowledgement. ]

If you're sure. [ He's been fed by one Queen before. It didn't go well. In fact he flashes d'Artagnan a glance. There won't be anywhere convenient for his friend to dispose of the food. Now if they had a dog. ]

Ah, I've been meaning to tell you both something. I may have accidentally found myself in charge of a couple of cats. [ "Acccidentally". No, he offered himself up. ]

[ To say d’Artagnan is skeptical is something of an understatement. He’ll never forget Queen Anne’s burnt fish. He tries not to show it, though, beyond the glance he exchanges with Athos. Of course, even that is quickly cut short at his friend’s sudden announcement. D’Artagnan stops in the doorway and turns back in surprise. ]

How can you have accidentally taken charge of some cats? [ He glances around, as if he expects to see one skittering across the floor. ] Where are they?

[Lucy is not quite as sheltered as Anne; she can cook passably good food, because she has often been at war or camping, and they are very practical, her family. She catches that look, but says nothing, until-]

Cats?

[She's looking around, too, like, clearly, they should be here]

Many? Are they small? Do they like to come indoors?

[She's perking up quickly, excited, she looks very young, for a moment.]

Two. Kittens.

[ Don't look at him like that, d'Artagnan. ]

I do not know. But there were children desperate to give them good homes. They had some sort of ... accident where they had too many and could not keep them safe. [ ... As far as Athos knows an owl was eating them. ]

One is called Mozzarella. [ He's so confused. ] I'm not sure if the other has a name. I aim to pick them up tomorrow.

I can't believe you've adopted cats.

[ He's still stuck on this. Athos, the man who barely likes to be around humans most of the time...

Maybe that's what prompted him. D'Artagnan reaches up to rub the bridge of his nose, apparently rubbing away his frown line while he's at it. ]

It's not as if we don't have room. Where are we picking them up? [ Because this is a 'we' situation now. ]

[Lucy's glow brightens and her smile widens-]

Can we pick them up now? Must we finish unpacking first?

[It is definitely a we situation, although-]

I do not know how Mozzarella is the name of a cat, however.

We do not want them to get trampled under foot, my lady. If we unpack first then they can have the lay of the land without worry.

[ A pause and then. ] Heropa, I think. I believe that is where the children live. Though one told me to stop by at a store in De Chima once. She wanted to have me try some of the delicacies there. [ After he showed off his swordsmanship for her but he won't mention that. He's already feeling like he's leading Lucy astray, let's not add Mabel to the mix. ]

I'm sure we can change it. I don't know what it is but it's a strange kind of name.

Cats and children. [ D'Artagnan shakes his head. ] Did you do anything else while I was missing?

[ He heads to the door again. The sooner they get this place ready, the sooner they'll be able to bring the cats. From Lucy's expression, he can tell she wants to see them too. ]

There's things we'll need for them. Bedding, at least, and milk if they're kittens. There was a store that sold things for animals in Heropa, wasn't there? We ought to go.

[She's clapping her hands, pleased, and, well-]

Oh, yes, here, you go-

[She's shooing them out the door]

And I will prepare the kitchen, I know you seem worried but I assure you, I'm not terrible at cooking.

[ He rolls his eyes at d'Artagnan - he can talk to children about cats if he wants - before Lucy is trying to remove them from the house. They still have furniture to bring in, they can't go and set up for small animals just yet. But he indulgently makes his way to the truck outside. ]

We have every faith, my lady.

[ Jostling d'Artagnan a little. ] Come on. The desk first.

I would never suggest such a thing, my Lady.

[ Which d’Artagnan says, while ducking beneath the door frame and not quite meeting anyone’s eyes. He doesn’t think the furniture will take all that long. ]

The last time we moved this amount, we were building a barricade. Into the front room with this?

[ He takes one end of the desk, which in fairness is heavier than it looks. ]

[She's already slipping into the kitchen. Let the men do this, they can bring things in, and she can make them move it about until she's satisfied after they're fed.]

[ Athos just follows and takes the other end of the desk. Stop showing off. ]

Practise your delighted face. [ He says it quietly enough that it can't be heard from the kitchen, aiding d'Artagnan in placing the desk down. He takes a step back to study it and then moves it a little to best take on the light in case any of them needs to write or read by it. ]

Perhaps it will not be as big a disaster as you fear.

I don't know what you mean. I have every faith I'll enjoy it.

[ He lifts his eyebrows, a silent challenge for Athos to say he's wrong. In truth, Lucy doesn't have a high bar to pass here - all she needs to do is cook something better than blackened fish.

He shuffles the desk on into the house, carefully directing them when the ground is uneven. Once in the room, he moves to set it down against one of the walls. ]

We'll probably have to move it around later, anyway. [ Raising his voice. ] My Lady? Is this where you want it?

[She pops her head out around the corner-]

Ah, along the far wall! And the chairs, there, where you have that now, and-

No one will protest if we have no screen, will they?

[She means a television god, please let them not have a television.]

[ He looks confused until he catches her drift. ]

Ah. I have no interest in one.

[ Athos probably has no interest in much of the decor as long as he has a roof over his head. But D'Artagnan has been more accepting of the modern world than he. He does not know how he feels about the television. ]

[ D'Artagnan looks up, frowning at first because he assumes she means the kind of screens that give privacy in bedrooms. It only occurs to him as Athos speaks that she may mean something else. ]

The televisions. No, I have no interest either. The small devices are enough for me. [ He can still barely work the network here. ] I don't know why everyone is so fascinated with those things.

Boredom and a firm inability to read, likely.

[Wow, that was almost mean, coming from Lucy, who is, in general, very nice all the time. But whatever. No TVs is a good thing.]

Then there, right there near the window, as we have no need to plan for such a thing as televisions.

[ Athos' lips twitch in amusement as he helps d'Artagnan move the furniture as instructed. ]

There are so many of them. And things that work like the devices only of varying sizes. They are practically glued to the machines.

I can't see how they will catch on.

[ D'Artagnan helps, guiding the desk and setting it where Lucy directs. Then, standing back, he nods at their work. ]

Now the beds, perhaps? I'm not leaving the heaviest for last.

Move yours first!

[She yells that, although hers is...the heaviest, because it's the largest. It's a king size. Even though she is tiny.]

[ Athos gives d'Artagnan a small glance and then starts moving back towards the outside of the house. ]

Shall we?

[ D'Artagnan sighs, but goes anyway. The prospect of lifting Lucy's bed is not a pleasant one, and it's significantly big. They're going to have to get to it at some time or other. ]

Very well. We can get the smaller ones out of the way. I'm starting to regret that I didn't just build them, in the first place.

[ Surely it would have been faster than this. But regardless, he goes to move the end of one of their beds. They can get Lucy's afterwards. ]

[She laughs from the kitchen. That's all you get for your whining, d'Artagnan!]

( ooc: hey friends would you be all for fading to black with the rest of this? i imagine they'll just finish bringing stuff in and then discovering that lucy is better than anne at cooking. we can do something new with the household this month if it strikes your fancy! )

(ooc: this is ok by me!)

[me too!]

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