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There’s no denying that Sir Lancelot, the Knight of the Lake, has always been his mother’s child first and foremost. And when he needs advice? He comes to her. Even if he regrets it later, squirming in his seat, rolling a cup of tea in his hands and avoiding her knowing look.
“I’ve waited so long for this moment! My boy coming to me about the matters of the heart,” Lady Nimue coos, pressing her hands to her cheeks.
“I didn’t even say anything yet…”
“No need,” she says and takes a sip of her tea. “I know everything.”
“EVERYTHING!” Lancelot manages to choke on air, glad he wasn't drinking tea at the moment, but his mother only waves her hand in a vague manner.
“Nevertheless, tell me about him.”
“Why? If you know everything,” he tries to deflect the best he can, but she only gives him a look that makes the hedgehog remember how she always wanted to hear his story and his perspective whenever he’d get in trouble in his childhood.
“He is my king,” he starts like it’s a condemnation, his voice heavy, and finally takes a sip from his cup. “He’s kind, honourable. Skillful. Insufferable at times, especially when it comes to making him follow protocol and etiquette. I don’t always understand the words he says. His smile still brightens up my day.”
Lancelot places the cup on the table and raises his hands in front of his eyes, gripping one of his own wrists and clenching his fist as the golden bracelets reflect the light.
“He accepts all of me,” the knight makes a pause, letting the weight of this statement settle in, and softly continues:
“And he cares so, so much.”
Nimue leans forward, conspiratorially, and places her elbows on the table like a little girl would:
“And he’s also very pretty, correct?”
Her son covers his face, and with a dull thud his head meets the table – his teacup almost jumping into the air but politely staying in place under the enchantress’ gaze.
“Too pretty…” he groans.
The Lady giggles and reaches out to pet the black and red spines soothingly.
“You are in love. What prevents you from courting him?”
“Wouldn’t it be the most foolish endeavor – to pursue romance with a king? And more importantly, with him who will not stay forever?”
“Few things in this world are forever, my child,” she points out, continuing to run her fingers through the long strands. “Have you spoken to Sir Sonic himself about this?”
Lancelot leans into her touch and shakes his head, careful not to dislodge his mother’s hand.
“There was something he said to Lady Merlina… To live life to the fullest in the time we have. I am certain he would say the same thing again.”
“Well, here is your advice – from the man himself,” she laughs like dozens of little bells ringing at the same time. “Go on then, be a fool, be in love and be happy. As long as you can.”
He leaves after finishing his tea, and she sighs with motherly fondness, nursing her own fresh cup in her palms. If only he knew of the royal visitor she had a couple of days ago, wishing to court her son, seeking advice as well. And it wasn’t really her who he wanted to see, but Nimue could understand a call for familiarity. She sent him off with the same advice – to open his heart and let what could happen happen.
Ah young boys, so foolish indeed…, she muses, expecting to see both of them at her pavilion soon.