cinq: there's a pain goes on and on (open)

[untamedantinous]

The cafe is generally empty, this early in the morning. Enjolras is grateful for that; he did not sleep well and is in no mood for company. He looks --not quite as tired as he had upon his arrival, but certainly rough, unshaven and bleary. It has been slightly over a month since their unexpected visitors, the two friends he had longed most for, and he still sees them in his dreams. Last night's were particularly vivid; he had been out with his musket before it had gotten dark, the lingering smell of gunpowder had done him no favors. There was Combeferre with three bayonets to the chest, still trying to help a guardsman despite it all; Courfeyrac standing at his side as the national guard advances upon them.

They are all covered in blood and gunpowder. Everything is, even him, though he was unwounded at the time. At the end, everything had gone silent. It was strange, to be surrounded by so much blood and gunfire and all the chaos that comes with a battle; and yet Enjolras had felt as though he was moving through a haze. He feels similarly now, sitting in a dark corner of the cafe with a mostly drunk cup of coffee nearby. He would rather be awake than chance more dreams. Perhaps someone will come along and distract him from this bout of melancholy.

Comments

[lanselos_du_lac]

This is a usual time for Lancelot to be up and about, and recently he's gotten into the habit of starting coffee and having a cup before he goes out to do his morning drills.

He almost doesn't notice Enjolras -- usually the café is pretty empty around this time -- but when he does, he says, in a level tone, "Good morning, Enjolras."

[untamedantinous]

It takes him a moment to respond, and when he does, it's a little lost sounding. "Good morning."

[lanselos_du_lac]

Lancelot gentles his tone a little, trying to leave space for Enjolras to tell him to go away. "Would you like some coffee, once it's done?"

[untamedantinous]

"I suppose I have finished mine." He doesn't particularly sound as though he wants Lancelot to leave; but he's also not quite in a mood for conversation.

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Very well," easily, and in a manner that suggests he is perfectly content not to converse. "I shall bring it over."

[untamedantinous]

"Thank you," he allows, with a small yawn. "You are up early."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Oh, 'tis ever thus," easily.

[untamedantinous]

“Mm, that is why I do not see you training during the day, then.”

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Just so," with an easy smile, "It is best to start with routine, I find. Then the rest of the day goes easier."

[untamedantinous]

"Mm. Mine usually begins here, but a bit later than this."

[lanselos_du_lac]

Lancelot smiles, "That is well, except-- are you unsettled?"

[untamedantinous]

He shrugs. "I did not sleep well."

[lanselos_du_lac]

By now, the coffee is close enough to done for Lancelot to finagle a cup for Enjolras. "I am glad to listen, if it helps. And if not, no harm done."

[untamedantinous]

"Mm, I do not know what to say. Suffice to say I had nightmares, but that is apparent enough."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Aye, that does seem obvious." He returns to the coffee maker to let it finish so he can pour a mug for himself. "I'm sorry to hear it."

[untamedantinous]

He shrugs. “They will pass soon enough, I have had them before.”

[lanselos_du_lac]

Lancelot nods, "I have experienced something similar."

[untamedantinous]

"Have you?" He sips at the coffee absently. "What did you do?"

[lanselos_du_lac]

"About the dreams, do you mean?"

[untamedantinous]

"Yes. How did you deal with them?"

[lanselos_du_lac]

Lancelot gives a wry, quiet laugh, "I am sorry to tell you that I don't believe I dealt with them in any way. Now and again, one comes -- not always the same. And I... rise and go to drill and hope that my head is empty by the time I'm done."

[untamedantinous]

"Mmmn. That is what I am hoping for, but it will not come." Maybe he needs to go exhaust himself, later. (That is not the answer anyone should resort to, but Enjolras has ever been a stubborn man.)

[lanselos_du_lac]

"I am happy to spar with you, however you like, if you think that will help," he says, warmly. His tone turns sympathetic. "But-- this asks for a routine. In early days, that's hard to come by."

[untamedantinous]

"Mm. I have already been thoroughly trounced by Laertes, and I do not think I have the fortitude for it just now. But I may accept your offer at some point."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"I am at your service," he turns, coffee in hand, and gives Enjolras a wry smile. After a pause he says, "I understand. Know this-- anytime you ask, I will spar with you, or keep time with you, or-- whatever you need."