(1938-10-20) A Toast to Bacon!
Details for A Toast to Bacon!
Summary: Rhyeline comes to visit Laurence in his shop to make sure he eats and doesn't sink too deep into depression.
Date: Sunday, October 20, 1938
Location: Flights of Fancy, South Verdic Alley, London
Related:
Characters
LaurenceRhyeline

Flights of Fancy Broomshop

Stepping into a dream, the atmosphere in the room show room has polished white pine floors and soft creamy white carpets embroidered with exotic designs of gold, silver and black thread. when visitors look up, the ceiling has been bewitched to resemble the sky just above the clouds and there's a faint breeze in the room, cooler during the summer and warmer during the winter, adding to the fantasy of being up there amongst the clouds. Seats are provided around tables, each table about the length of a broomstick and the seats cushioned like lounge chairs with soft white upholstry and they match the two couches in the waiting area near the entrance of the shop. Daily periodicals and Quidditch magazines can be found and are easily accessible along with some thicker books about the history of Quidditch and other broom related topics. Exotic and fragrant teas are offered to customers as they browse or sit in consultations.

The backdrop for the front desk are all images of modern day Quidditch players who have agreed to try, use, and model certain broom models that were made for them or their teams. There are also large sketches and drawings of brooms and the like framed and placed within strategic view, displaying the artist's talent and appreciation for the crafts that are for sale. The front desk is made from the same polished white pine that the floor is, a sturdy flat surface long enough to rest several brooms upon and wide enough to service and examine things as needed.

The broom displays are the stars of the room however, sorted by function and price…there are racing brooms, brooms made for families, even brooms made for young children to name a few. Pre-Made brooms can be found on display in various points in the room but the majority of brooms that are on display are samples of the base designs that customized brooms can and will be made from based on customer need or demand. Moving pictures and posters are framed and placed strategically on the walls between, beside or above displays showing images of Quidditch players in history and other notable flyers. There are desk displays with little Quidditch accessories and Momentos, the occasional pairs of gloves or goggles for sale along with some sort of baked good…cake or pie, sometimes even tarts and the like under a glass cover for customer access.


There's a tiny turtledove sitting on top of a stack of completed order forms, all folded up in an envelope and prepared to be sent out for the day and there's the faint spicey citrus scent of the tea that was put on at this time. Laurence can be found, cringing a bit as he kneels behind a display case, idly wiping down the glass of the display. His hair is still wet from his bath, combed back out of his face in a way that is usually considered 'stylish' to some. Seriously…he's just still wet. He wears a loose fitted linen shirt with a pair of light grey trousers, feet bare at this time.

Shivering due to an early morning chill in the air, little Rhyeline scurries up the path, careful not to slip on any ice. The lidded wicker basket she carries looks rather heavy for her as she slips into Laurence's shop at last and sets it down. Wearing a cloak and a crimson scarf wrapped around her neck and nose, only her dark, expressive eyes peek out at the world as she searches for Laurence in the shop. She doesn't notice him just yet behind the display case.

There's a soft cooing charm that sounds when the door opens and it causes the turtledove on the desk to fluff up before fluttering her wings and making her way over towards Rhyeline, landing on the floor and actually walking up to the woman, cooing.

Laurence hears the charm as well, peeking out from around the case to notice Rhyeline and his eyebrows raise with some surprise before he straightens up and blinks. "Miss…Diderot? Little Fairy Queen is that you your highness?"

Rhyeline gives a little squeak when the turtledove flutters towards her. But the, as it coos and walks up to her, she can't help but smile down at it. Laurence's voice and sudden appearance causes the girl's shy reserve to deepen. The poetic compliments draw out a subtle blush in her soft, snow-white cheeks as they always do. "Hello Laurence…" she murmurs, rather softly. "I… I brought you some things to eat…"

Laurence ahhs softly and sets the cloth down beside the bottle of cleaner before tsking at the little turtledove who fluffs up again and then turns in a circle, obviously showing off her tricks as she opens her wings and flaps up, hovers and zooms over to the desk, landing with a little skid. "…Belisma, dear heart…you adorable little flirt." He chuckles lowly before turning back to Rhyeline. "Come in, come in…. thank you…how kind of you, you didn't have to but at least I'll have some company for breakfast and something more substantial than tea?"

Making sure Laurence eats enough seems to be the little mouse's top priority at present. Though he might have thought she was staying for breakfast the other day, in her eyes she was staying to make sure he ate. This morning as well, she nods with a soft, shy smile. "Yes, I- I brought enough for both of us this time… Shall I- shall I set the table?"

Laurence glances to the tables around the room before nodding quickly to Rhyeline. "Ah, yeah…of course dear I'll just go find some shoes and get some cups and the tea…do you need any china?" He runs his fingers through his hair and stretches an arm over his head, yawning and giving his head a quick shake.

"Yes, please… they only sent serving bowls and- and they will vanish once empty…" murmurs Rhyeline. Having set down the basket when she first stepped inside, the girl does her best to pick it back up. So heavy. Biting her lower lip and furrowing her brow in concentration, she carries it over to the nearest table.

Laurence takes a step forward prepared to help Rhyeline out but he sees she has made it to the table and he smiles softly to himself before jogging towards the back of the shop, returning a few minutes later, wearing shoes…using his wand to levitate a tray with a couple of plates, bowls, cups, and pieces of silverware laid out carefully on it and he carries the other tray with the tea service with his other hand…shoes now on his feet as he sets the trays down on the table.

In hindsight, Rhyeline should have used her wand to levitate the basket onto the table. That would have been easiest. Or perhaps the girl is pushing herself physically on purpose. A magnificent breakfast has been laid out on the table by the time Laurence returns. A bowl of warm oatmeal, fresh sliced french bread with marmelade and butter. Bacon, some still steaming scrambled eggs, as well as a fresh pitcher of orange juice, some coffee, and some tea. All this is laid out on a pristine tablecloth the color of the clear winter's sky. With a soft, warm little smile up at Laurence, the girl silently begins to serve the food- healthy helpings for him and much more moderate ones for herself.

"…sweet mother of Merlin…" Laurence blinks slowly as he looks at the spread as his hands move automatically to begin setting out the tea cups and the pot of tea, lips parted with a hint of surprise. "…I think you've outdone yourself your highness…wow." He blinks and holds out a hand for the tiny turtledove who flaps over and walks up to his shoulder to get a better look at what's going on and he smiles slowly, moving to tug a chair out a bit for Rhyeline and he takes a deep breath. "This is a plot isn't it? To fatten me up?"

"Ah… you've caught me in my devious plan to keep you healthy…" murmurs Rhyeline with a soft smile as she takes a seat at the table. She has poured herself a cup of tea and this is what she takes up first. Peeking up at Laurence, she hides her soft, impish litle smile behind the cup as she takes a sip.

"I'm not sure about devious…" Laurence replies teasingly as he settles down in his own seat, leaning forward to scoop up a bit of oatmeal and eggs together, shoving it into his mouth and chewing while mmmmmming appreciatively. After swallowing and going for me he finishes. "But it certainly is delicious…normally is fruit and bacon for me, maybe a couple of biscuits if I'm feeling naughty."

Rhyeline nudges a bowl of fresh strawberries and blueberries towards him before starting on her little bowl of oatmeal. "Well… I hope that this all sticks to your bones today…" A peculiar turn of phrase, one she might have heard from the handful of healers that tend to say it. Peeking around the closed store front, she murmurs, "So… do you suppose you might open again today?"

Laurence's eyebrow raises a fraction. "Ahh, dunno about me bones but certainly other bits of me will ended up comfortably padded if I'm not careful." He winks before sprinkling some berries onto his oatmeal while taking a bite of bacon and he shrugs a shoulder at the question. "Probably, I have some…measurements to do and an Italian visitor who was having their broom repaired here before preparing to return home you see…heh, but…" He lowers his eyes. "Its good, to work…keep your mind off of things." He clears his throat. "How about you, what are your plans for the day?"

Rhyeline gives a small nod. "I… I also have work… to keep me busy. I was a bit worried for you… because- you haven't opened your shop… I would be lost without my work…" she murmurs rather softly before hiding behind her cup of tea once more, cheeks a bit pink.

"May I ask, what type of work you do?" Laurence asks curiously as he sips from his tea and then he bites his bottom lip. "I…I appreciate your concern, really haven't had anybody else come by. Save for Philomena…"

"She… has been by then? That's… that's good… I let her know that… that you were in St. Mungo's…" murmurs Rhyeline rather hesitantly as she broaches a painful subject. Her dark, expressive gaze shines with empathetic pain as she watches him. Her eyes linger upon his, trying to read his emotions.

"She came by." Laurence offers as he pushes some eggs around on the plate before taking another bite of bacon. "She told me she was sorry…she was sorry that she wasn't the one to tell me and I wished her the best in life and love." He takes another sip of tea. "I didn't tell her that she broke me heart."

"That was kind of you…" murmurs Rhyeline rather softly. After taking a nibble of a strawberry, she tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. Peeking back over at him, she adds, "I'm sure your heart will mend… it already seems to be…"

Laurence smiles a bit sadly and he clears his throat, shaking his head. "My heart has already been broken before, more than once…eventually, you stop wishing for the pain to end and just live with it, dear. You see, I'm a rather silly man with silly notions and just when I couldn't see my life without someone…when I'm as happy as could be…I forget that that's the sign, the signal that everything is about to come crashing down." He taps the side of his nose. "And so, I fly away." He taps his head. "Up here…"

Rhyeline gives a small nod of understanding. For a moment, she keeps her gaze averted. So far, this is the most that the little one has said to him. Peeking up at him through her lashes, she murmurs rather softly, "I don't think that it's silly to want to matter to others…"

Laurence eats slowly and thoughtfully before tilting his head to the side when Rhyeline speaks up once more and he leans in a bit to make sure he hears her before he ahhs and takes a sip of tea, lips curving in a hint of a smile. "Well then, that makes two of us little bit." He holds up a teacup like a wine glass. "A toast…then to hmm, what should we toast to? Bacon?" He reaches for a piece of bacon and holds it up. "Because it is pretty good bacon…"

A cheerful little smile appears upon the girl's lips and lifting her tea, she agrees, "Bacon!" As she takes a slow sip, she studies Laurence over the brim. "It's good to be cautious in love as well… I've watched from the shadows and- and seen so many broken hearts… But- yours will mend… you are strong."

Laurence grins and winks before taking another bite of his Bacon. "To Bacon!" Then he lowers his lashes at the comments and sighs softly. "You know when you get stabbed, the wound may heal, but you always bear the scars."

"Yes… I- I suppose that's true… but… the pain will fade… you will endure… and… and one day… with great care… I'm sure you will find another to love…" Rhyeline offers him a brief, warm little smile before hiding once more behind her cup of tea.

Laurence chuckles softly and gives a small nod, taking another bite of bacon before offering a piece to Rhyeline. "Maybe…little bit, maybe. But until then, I shall always have Bacon. It'll be our little secret. When all seems lost…we will always have bacon."

Rhyeline can't help but give an impish little grin as she accepts and nibbles on the bacon. "Yes… for now… the small pleasures… And- and our work… Losing yourself in your work… it is better than staying at St. Mungo's…"

"It is the petite pleasures that often lead to the larger ones." Laurence purrs lowly before quickly taking a sip of tea. "Aye…I…heh, yeah. Staying there would be like being forced to stand naked in a freezer with your wrists tied above your head and being forced to watch two hags try to and fail to make a baby using /alot/ of tongue…" He trails off and blinks. "And…I just completely horrified myself." Blink blink. "You must forgive me…whew, what is in this tea." Cough Cough.

Rhyeline's cheeks flush with scarlet warmth at such, uh- intense imagry in her fragile, innocent mind. Her tea remains poised in mid-air, halfway to her lips. The little one seems a bit frozen in shock.

Laurence just slooowly leans over to stick a strip of bacon into the woman's teacup and eases back into his eat, coughing and looking up and then down and then back to the table before he carefully selects a blueberry and tosses it towards the woman. "In my defense, I have never actually witnessed this in my life…but I did see a Turkish muscle man shoot eggs out of a part of his body that I didn't even know that control…"

Rhyeline blinks when Laurence places a strip of bacon into her empty teacup. Peering across the table at Laurence, she flinches with an adorable kitten squeak at the blueberry that bounces off her. She hesitates a moment, peeking over a the young man, not sure what to make of him at all. And then, his next comment leaves her once again staring at him wide-eyed in shock, blushing furiously at the vivid and rather crude imagry in her mind.

Laurence arches an eyebrow and just watches Rhyeline. "Och..jest git ye a saucer of milk and a set of whiskers and-" He frowns as his accent slips into his natural Scottish and clears his throat. He laughs and then selects another berry and offers it to Rhyeline. "Ahem, and you'd be like a little kitten, here…you throw it at me now."

Despite the intense shyness glowing in the little one's dark, expressive eyes, she reaches out and accepts the berry from him. Peeking down hesitantly at it, and then up at him, she gives it a hesitant little throw.

Laurence takes a berry to a cheek as he was turning his head in an effort to catch it in his mouth. "Ack…okay…again, try again, I'll get it this time." He offers her another berry and rolls his shoulders, opening up his mouth.

Rhyeline blinks, realizing that the goal of this little game is to land the berry in his mouth. This seems to strike her, leaving her almost dazed for a moment as she stares at Laurence. But just as the man might wonder if she is going to attempt another toss, a soft smile illumines her shy features and with no further warning, she tosses it at Laurence's mouth.

Laurence is waiting…he's waiting and he keeps his mouth open, like one of the three rings at a Quidditch game and he finally catches the berry in his mouth when its tossed, almost dropping it though as he closes his mouth a second too soon and barely catches it with his lips and he pumps his fists in the air, sucking the berry into his mouth and chewing. "Aha!"

Rhyeline's laughter comes impish and delighted when Laurence manages to catch the blueberry in his mouth. "You make an excellent Quidditch goal," she says, eyes shining in a brief, unguarded moment. But at once, she seems to remember herself and settles into a more reserved, shy smile.

Laurence waggles his eyebrows. "I know, it has always been a dream of mine…seriously, I had a dream once that I was a Quidditch goal. But I knew it was never the right career path, so much pressure!" He sighs and winks before pouring himself a glass of orange juice and taking a sip. "The eyes are the windows to the soul, little queen…thank you for letting me glimpse a bit of joy in them."

Once again, Rhyeline's cheeks grow rather warm as Laurence hints at the glimpse he caught of her bright innocence. Averting her gaze, she tucks a strand of hair self-consciously behind her ear as she murmurs, "So… you've always been interested in… in Quidditch? And brooms?"

Laurence chuckles and nods slowly as he takes another sip of his juice, lowering his eyes and mmhming. "I love…the freedom there is in flying, I have since I was a wee thing actually…there's a sort of solitude and purity to being up in the clouds, surrounded by sky or rain or just stars and moon or the light of the sun…and knowing that for once…your petty cares and worries and fears matter not at all because if you don't ever get to see another thing in your life, you know you've stared into the soul…of what it means to be free…and it is /beautiful/." A long pause. "Its a fantasy for most, but if it must start as a fantasy…I want to help any and everybody achieve it."

Rhyeline keeps her head bowed a bit, but smiles up at Laurence through her lashes. Though that brief, unguarded glimpse he caught of her does not return, her smile seems no less sincere- only shy. "That is beautiful… A wonderful purpose to devote yourself to…"

Laurence smiles softly to Rhyeline and nods a bit as he finishes his glass of juice. "And you…what life's work have you dedicated yourself to?"

"Well, I… When- when I first left Hogwarts… I realized that… I wanted to do something that- that would matter… So… I joined the I.M.C. and… as an apprentice, I served as an Ambassador's assistant in Berlin… But… when I witnessed how our- our secret negotiations fail… I realized that… the only way to avert the growing storm over Europe… it would be more… more direct intervention…" Having said so much, the girl's cheeks burn rather bright. However, her gaze is steady, unwavering, as if she is certain of her path and isn't at all scared whether Laurence will approve or not. Once again he catches a glimpse of the girl who darted out from hiding behind the shelves and went to check his pulse.

"Hmm, then you really are a fairy queen, delicate as a snowflake it would seem, but you have a strength inside. I can tell." Laurence points a pinky at Rhyeline as he takes a sip from his tea and then tilts his head to the side. "And you're obviously very intelligent as well, it is an honor to have met you then. All proper like."

At the compliments, Rhyeline's cheeks grow warm with her predictable blush. "It's… I'm pleased to have met you as well… You are… are very kind with your compliments…" The girl is about to take up her teacup when she realizes that the bacon is still there. Hesitating, she peeks almost cautiously over at Laurence. Then, in a display of unusual playfulness, the girl takes up her teacup and nibbles a bit on the bacon.

"I just look for the best in people and like to remind them that even if nobody ever else gets the chance to tell them…there is something good inside them." Laurence replies softly and waves a hand vaguely then his face breaks into a bright grin at the bacon nibbling and he lifts his tea cup in another toast. "To Bacon!"

Rhyeline grins a bit when she sees Laurence's smile lighting up his striking features. "To bacon!" she agrees.

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