(no subject)

[the_lioness]

Alanna has been in and out of the bar more than usual the last few days, armed with books and better warding spells from her communications with Numair. The latest spell has her better pleased than its predecessors, and she's not scowling quite as much this time when she returns from checking on the crime scene. She looks around and takes a seat at Bar, who promptly offers up a steaming cup of coffee and several notes.

She finishes off the coffee as she reads, apparently unconcerned by its temperature. Immediately she asks for pen and paper in order to write the following quick replies:



Dr. Cullen:

Thank you for your offer. Your services would be greatly appreciated, as we need a doctor to examine the remains. Currently the body (what's left of it) and crime scene are protected by a number of spells, but I can lower them for you to have a look. I'm easy to spot -- short, violet eyes, red hair. I'll keep watch for you, but in the meantime, feel free to approach anyone with a security badge about this matter.

Regards,
Sir Alanna



Tom,

Thank you. Would you be able to check the area for signs of magic? I have my own tests for such things, but the Goddess only knows if I'd be able to detect all magic from all worlds. I would appreciate it more than I can say. We should meet, so I can lower the spells currently protecting the scene from outside influence, and so you can speak freely about the possible suspect.

Is Ingress away, I hope?

Sincerely,
Alanna



Mr. Smith,

Thank you for your note and offer of assistance. I -- and any member of security -- would be interested to speak with you about your 'unique gift' and any ideas you might have on how to proceed. This is obviously a case we would like to solve sooner rather than later. Security members have security badges displayed, and Bar would probably be willing to help identify us.

Regards,
Sir Alanna

That done, Alanna settles back with a second cup of coffee and a lot to think about. Most of it concerns West, but she's also starting to wonder where Raph and Abigail are; they were due at Pirate's Swoop well before now. Curious.

[OOC: I have to run several errands, but I wanted to go ahead and get this up. I'll be back in 2-3 hours at the most. Feel free to tag, and I will reply ASAP. :) Back!]

Comments

[the_lioness]

"I'm sure he can say the same for you."

Alanna smiles knowingly.

"I have friends I would die for, too."

[will_scarlett]

"'ope so. May I ask where ye're from, Alanna?"

[the_lioness]

"Tortall, during the reign of King Jonathan the Third, and Queen Thayet. I'm a knight and king's champion."

And proud of it.

[will_scarlett]

"An ye know the Lady Marian 'ere?"

He's not terribly surprised, they seem the kind of women who would be quite a match.

[the_lioness]

Alanna nods.

"I do, though I don't recall having seen her since before I was locked out of the bar for seven years. Has she been in recently?"

[will_scarlett]

"Na sure, I 'avena seen 'er for a bit. Tis strange cause she's na the Lady Marian from me Sherwood."

[the_lioness]

"Are they very different?"

She's often wondered if anyone would come in here knowing a different version of herself. Milliways has made her think such things both possible and not entirely unexpected.

[will_scarlett]

"In some ways, aye, but in others na at all. Sheriff e'er causes trouble."

[the_lioness]

Much like Roger.

Alanna hopes that wherever he is, Roger is distinctly uncomfortable.

"Did Robin teach you the way of the sword, then?"

[will_scarlett]

"Oh aye, me Da taught me 'ow to fight with the staff but we're only peasants so could only learn the sword when I became Robin's squire."

[the_lioness]

Alanna nods. It's much the same in Tortall.

"I had to go out of my way to learn it, myself. At the time, girls weren't allowed to try for their shields."

The look in her eyes is unmistakably mischievous.

[will_scarlett]

"Oh aye, canna think o'any ladies who know 'ow to 'andle a sword in me 'ome."

[the_lioness]

"I had to disguise myself as a boy," she reveals. "For eight years."

[will_scarlett]

"Good lord, an now ye're the Lioness?"

[the_lioness]

"Indeed."

Her smile, once it starts, is wide and proud.

"After my Ordeal of Knighthood, the court discovered the truth. With a little help." It's wry. "Not as many people turned against me as I thought might. None of my friends."

And that had meant everything.

[will_scarlett]

"Course na, good friends shouldna."

[the_lioness]

"Good friends shouldn't lie, either," she points out. "And I had. About everything important."

Alanna smiles.

"Imagine if you found out Robin was a girl."

[will_scarlett]

"Na sure 'ow I'd feel, probably fairly angry."

[the_lioness]

"Exactly."

Will gets it. She supposes she should feel lucky that her friends didn't.

[will_scarlett]

"Sure ye 'ad a reason for it though."

[the_lioness]

"It was the only way," she agrees. "I had to be a knight. Learning to be a lady was never for me."

A faint smile.

"Though I never bargained on this type of murder investigation."

[will_scarlett]

"World does ne'er make things easy for ye but glad ye found what suited ye."

[the_lioness]

"And you as well, Will Scarlett," Alanna grins. "If you hear anything at all about West, will you let me know?"

[will_scarlett]

"Oh aye, I will. Thank ye for answerin' me questions."

He then gives her a small bow and moves off.