Chapter Text
Chapter 1: Welcome Adventure
London. The Palace of Westminster. Just after 5pm on a Friday.
Perched in the window seat of his quarters with a sketchbook in hand, Marquis smiled fondly at the sight of a thick mist descending upon the city, involuntarily curling just the slightest bit deeper into the soft fabric blanketing his body, pausing to inhale the comforting scent of the cool rain-kissed air with closed eyes.
Startled by two short knocks at the door echoing across the dark room, the knight-in-training cursed quietly as his body jolted, muscles involuntarily tensing with the learned behaviors of a soldier ready for action.
Taking a moment to steady his thundering heart, a short call to the waiting invitee prompted the door to slowly open, Marquis’ form smoothly shifting into an at-attention position with practiced ease at the sight of one of his mentors, Lady Igraine, entering the room. “Lady Igraine.” he stated, dipping his head in respect.
“You have my permission to call me by my name, Marquis. No need to use my title when we are in private.” Isabeau replied lightheartedly, ruffling the younger’s hair with an affectionate smile. “I apologize for intruding on the evening of your day off, but I’ve come to ask a favor.” she continued, moving to sit on the window seat beside him.
“Anything for you.” the apprentice answered, automatically mirroring her more casual body language with an air of conversational attentiveness instead.
“Would you be willing to visit Kielder forest and deliver this to Sir Galahad?” she asked, pulling a small parcel from her side pouch and handing it to him.
The quick flash between emotions of caution-curiosity-excitement must have been visible on his face as he processed the orders and instinctively tucked the package close to his chest like a priceless artifact, a habit formed from his porter days, cueing Isabeau to bark out a laugh at his display of genuinity, much to his chagrin.
“I appreciate your assistance, Marquis. In the meantime, I will make arrangements to ensure you are not needed for at least a week of duty while you are away. How soon would you like to set out?” Lady Igraine inquired, patting him on the head as she moved to stand.
“I can be ready for dispatch as soon as tomorrow morning, madame.” the apprentice replied, already making a mental list of the items he would need as he accompanied his superior to the door.
“Very well. I will have the kitchens prepare some rations for your travels. And Marquis?” Isabeau paused, turning to face him as she slipped out into the hallway.
“Yes, madame?” Lafayette questioned with a tilt of his head, agile fingers still clutching the parcel, his pale frame illuminated by the lanterns invading the dark room.
“Do be careful. We are all rather fond of you, but Sir Galahad is particularly so, though he fails to admit it.” she stated with an air of playful seriousness, once more ruffling the younger’s hair.
“Understood. Goodnight, Lady Igr-Isabeau.” Marquis answered with a respectful dip of his head, his correction bringing a relieved smirk to her features.
“Goodnight, Marquis.” she replied in a similar gesture as the apprentice gingerly closed the door, pressing his forehead against the wood until his sensitive ears finally stopped tracking her footsteps trailing off down the hall.