"I would not worry about that. Nobody else tolerates my sense of humour quite as well as you do."

In truth, Faolan might believe it more to the reverse -- that Lancelot tolerates him far better than others -- but Lancelot has come to be used to Faolan's friendship so much as the man has become used to him. His teasing is fond rather than pointed, and he would miss the other man so much as Faolan might miss him.

"I'll get Lily to keep your seat warm," he offers finally, "she can bark at anyone who tries to take it."