[ Video; Both Courts ]

[knightscode]

[ This video feed is focused mostly on a Lancelot's dog, so all that is really seen of him is his hands holding her still. She's terribly curious about it, but he's restraining her from licking it or chewing it.

His voice is distinctly tired, and anyone who is paying attention will notice that you can just about see a line of red, raw skin on his wrists -- leather guards covering how heavy the damage might be. ]

Is anyone good with names? I'm afraid my friend here has gone too long without one. She's brave, curious but cautious, much cleverer than I am...

[ She's also turning to nudge his hands. He lifts one gently and pets at her ears. She squirms a little, shakes her head -- then makes a quiet, high-pitched sound and...

... hiccups a tiny fireball. The dog's ears flatten back, perhaps unhappy or apologetic (maybe embarrassed, it wasn't very elegant) but Lancelot just huffs amusement and strokes her again. ]

Forgive me, I almost forgot, it seems these -- [ He reaches out of the frame and his hand comes back holding a small, blue feather. ] -- have some kind of magic in them. It appears it does not discriminate in who it grants it to.

[ Which means he now has a small, magically inclined dog. ]

Thank you for your time.

Comments

[gordianknots]

Thank goodness.

The question is, what now?

[knightscode]

I admit, I have not planned past making it back to Caer Glaem.

[gordianknots]

It might be worth mentioning to both of our crowns what Reynard's up to.

[knightscode]

Of course, I had not considered doing otherwise.

[gordianknots]

It may force them to act together.

[Ha ha, fat chance.]

I'll have to do mine by proxy, but it will still get passed on.

[knightscode]

[ Another pause, then Lancelot seemingly gives in -- gathers up his puppy and turns the locket so Waver can see him. He has cuts all over his face. He looks... terrible, really, but he's outwardly calm about it. ]

Can you think of any good names, then? I'd be in Unseelie hands if not for her.

[ Yes. The dog. ]

[gordianknots]

[Waver's eyes go wide at seeing the state of Lancelot, but that's the advantage of audio on his end - his reactions can't be seen.]

Victoria comes to mind.

But...how did she contribute to your freedom?

[knightscode]

She went for help. Then she came back for me.

[ Brave little friend, isn't she? He's so proud. ]

[gordianknots]

--She is a very smart dog.

[knightscode]

Cleverer than I, as I said.

[ He gathers her close, a touch protectively, and smiles down at her.

It's a little like an adoring parent and a child, really. ]

[gordianknots]

[That's oddly normal for dog owners though.]

In this case, I may be inclined to agree with you.

[knightscode]

You should be glad to have someone on your side, perhaps she will learn to speak and the two of you might berate me together.

[gordianknots]

We say it because we care.

[knightscode]

[ ... Oh. Lancelot's expression does something complicated, a little frown that morphs into a faint smile. ]

You are kinder than I deserve. I have learnt much from you, my lord. I hope I can repay the care you have shown me. I will be your sword, if you ever need me.

[ Says the tough knight who tried to kill an overpowered fox man and is now... cuddling... a puppy... Lancelot why... ]

[gordianknots]

Hopefully I'll never need to take you up on that overly generous offer.

[knightscode]

Hopefully not, but it will stand come what may.

[ He shifts the dog in his arms, cradles her against his chest and smooths fur on the top of her head. ]

Any other ideas? For names, I mean.

[gordianknots]

Well, if fire-spitting was a regular thing for her, I'd suggest Thais, but I don't think you want a dog that will encourage people to burn down palaces.

[knightscode]

[ Lancelot gives a faint huff of amusement at that. ]

No, I think not. She is hardly a dragon.

[gordianknots]

No, unless she's wearing a very, very good disguise.

[knightscode]

She might be clever enough to.

[ He doesn't really think that. He does think she's clever, though, and his fingers work through her fur in a little sort-of-massage as she curls contently against him.

His voice drops a little quieter. ]

Reynard was transporting me to Caer Scima. She led a pack of direwolves to us. The soldiers had no chance.

[gordianknots]

---You're right she might be clever enough to do that. Although I don't know if direwolves would trust a dragon.

[Waver's glad to have a better idea of what's happened, but he doesn't dare prod further at that statement. It's enough to just know.]

[knightscode]

[ Lancelot huffs in amusement again. ]

They might if she was pretending to be a dog.

[ More than just a dog. A very important dog! She leans up and licks at his face, and he winces as her tongue scrapes over a cut -- gently discourages her. ]

I'll be fine.

[ That's for both of them, really. Slightly anxious guard dog and the other slightly anxious guard dog. ]

[gordianknots]

I know that you will be.

[Waver considers names again, yet again drawing a blank.]

Have anyone else's suggestions clicked for you?

[knightscode]

Not especially. Someone suggested names that take their meaning from her stronger traits, in their language. Sartë to mean 'loyal one', or Verië to mean 'bold one'. It feels strange to name her from something so unfamiliar, but the thought is a good one. A name should have a meaning.

[gordianknots]

It should. Are there any legends from your time period that match up to your friend's traits?