[semi-open post: It's a kindness that the mind can go where it wishes]

[greentara]

Dark is winding its way to an end but Constance has been tolerating it well enough. She is used to eating sparingly and spending long amounts of time indoors, getting lost in threads of research and exploring the corners of the mansion. Having discovered three wooden crates filled with interesting looking papers, she promptly moved them into the room she has co-opted as a meditation room, not wanting to either lose them or bring any dust or debris into her own room.

The room is small and sparse, lit with a small brazier and a handful of candles. There are tatami mats covering the floor, bordered in a light green color that complements the cream wallpaper. A small wooden table holds some meditation supplies and a Tibetan mandala hangs on the wall but otherwise there isn't much else. Some marks on one of the wooden columns indicate that knife practice has also been an occupation of this room.

The brazier is lit and Constance unwittingly has a piece of cobweb stuck in her hair at the moment as she sifts through a handful of papers.

Comments

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Miss Greene," says Susan, in lieu of knocking on the open doorway.

[greentara]

"Miss Pevensie." Constance sets her current stack of papers down and brushes her hands off. "I was about to come and find you. I've discovered more papers that you might be interested in."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Oh? Do tell," says Susan, coming into the room.

[greentara]

"I've discovered some more paperwork. Most of it appears to be meaningless -- ticket stubs, weekly food menus, and other detritus of daily life -- but there could be something of meaning in here."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"I do so enjoy looking through the papers I find here," Susan says, lips quirking into a partial smile. "Wherever did you find these?"

[greentara]

"I was down in one of the sub-basements and found a storage closet in one of the tunnels. I can show you next time, if you'd like."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"I should like that very much." Susan glances around the room and does not mention the cobweb stuck in Constance's hair, so as not to embarrass her. "Shall I help you with these now? I've got the time."

[greentara]

"If you'd like. Most of these papers make some semblance of sense, resembling a paper trail of some mysterious individual's life. This folder, however, is incredibly puzzling." Constance offers the folder to Susan.

[quote_gentle_unquote]

Susan takes it, but hesitates before opening. "What has it got? It isn't another sleeping arrangement, is it?"

[onthewillowsthere]

Having seen Susan in this exact pose more than once, Galahad pauses in the door, making sure he actually understands who he's looking at. After a long silence, he says, "Constance?"

[greentara]

Constance looks up, her movement sharper than Susan's. "Galahad. How have you been faring during Dark?"

[onthewillowsthere]

"I'm all right. Claudius has been less well," he answers truthfully. "How are you?"

[greentara]

"Well enough. I came from a time and place where there wasn't enough. This is familiar." Constance gestures at the room. "I was doing some cataloging before I meditated."

[onthewillowsthere]

"What have you found?" He stays in the door; she hasn't invited him in.

[greentara]

"Some receipts and assorted lists." She looks up and notices him still standing in the doorway. "Do you want to see?"

[onthewillowsthere]

"Yes, please."

[greentara]

"Please, come in. I discovered this room a few months ago and co-opted it as my meditation space."

[lightbearinglord]

Lan Wangji, naturally, would not intrude on Constance's quiet and private space without an invitation, but he has one, and he would be just as averse to arriving late for their appointment. He slips out of his boots at the door before coming quietly inside in his white socks, waiting just beyond the threshold for Constance to notice his arrival.

[greentara]

Constance almost immediately notices him and sets the papers down, brushing off her hands. "Lan Wangji. Are you ready?"

[lightbearinglord]

"I'm ready." For politeness' sake, he puts his hands together for a little bow, just dipping briefly with respect for her.

[greentara]

"My meditation room," Constance says, with a slight gesture. "Make yourself comfortable. Would you like to join me in a ten minute session to start?"

[lightbearinglord]

"I would." Once he's come closer into the center of the room, Lan Wangji sits, drifting down to the matted floor with his legs neatly crossed. It's an easy, longstanding habit. His hands rest lightly atop his knees.

[greentara]

Constance settles herself down on one of the cushions as well. She is wearing a longer skirt today and able to cross her legs, dropping into a meditative state with ease. Chongg Ran will be more difficult -- and a memory crossing even more complicated -- but she does not let that bother her at this moment.

[lightbearinglord]

Lan Wangji shuts his eyes, draws a measured breath, and releases it. His own meditative state is not difficult for him to access. Qi flows and cycles. The ten thousand things are always at hand, alongside the Tao itself; there is, ultimately, no difference between the two.

[greentara]

Constance finds darkness when she closes her eyes and she lets herself become become one with it. In this darkness, there is always a flickering light that keeps her tethered. After ten minutes have passed, she opens her eyes again.