milliways_bar | (no subject)

(no subject)

And there's a waitress in the bar. Val bounces in from the House of Arch, an oddly pleased and happy smile on her face. She takes her tray from the bar, along with the mug of tea Bar produces for her, complete in her typical Star Wars-esque mug. She sits on a stool, and pulls a book from her apron pocket, something that would looks suspeciouly like a Muggle Studies textbook to the wizards in the bar. She's giggling hysterically and obviously resisting the urge to headbar about five times a minute.

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*Tom passes by Val on the way to his table and notices the book she's reading with such mirth*

Hullo, Val.

*He squints to read the title*

Is that... Is that a Muggle Studies textbook?

*He looks up at her, puzzled and amused.*

Val looks up from her book, a furious twinkle in her eyes. "Oh, hey Tom." She pulls a green ribbon from her apron, and marks the place. "It is, actually. Peter gave it to me, because he thought it would amuse me. It does. It just surprises me that wizards could live on the same planet as Muggles, in fact some are born to them, and they know so little."

I always thought some of the things in that book were off. However, I grew up in an orphanage, so I assumed Muggles in private homes really might do some of the things mentioned.

Needless to say, Muggle Studies was not a subject I enjoyed.

"Oh, they're off, alright. This one..." She shakes the green-ribboned book in her hand, "even has a bit of Muggle history in it. It's so bad. One would think that they could get -history- right, at least." She sighs, and opens it to a page near the beginning.

Martin Luther was nailed to the church door at Wittenberg for selling papal indulgences. He died a horrible death, being excommunicated by a bull.

She shakes her head. "Martin Luther nailed a -paper- to the door of the chuch, and he didn't die by a bull." She facepalms. "I can't help it. I've been studying history for years, I've -written- papers on history. It just cracks me up that they get it that wrong."

Yes, it's amazing how far apart the worlds can be, when they coexist together the way they do. It's a deliberate ignorance, I think. I'm sure the Muggles wouldn't be accurate with our history, either.

Val chuckles a bit. "I bet you're right. Granted, in defence of Muggles, we don't really know wizards exist." She smiles a bit. "I bet there are some, though, that would say there's no defence for Muggles."

Oh yes. Lucius Malfoy is one of them. I was one of them.

Her eyes darken. "I have no good words for that man. He deserves everything he wishes on others. Not you, Tom, of course."

*His eyes grow cold.*

Has he been bothering you?

"He hasn't said anything to me, no. However, the way he looks at me every time I walk by makes my skin crawl." Her eyes are dark. "It's a combination of a leer and a disgusted glance, as if I'm some sort of prostitute, and he wants me, but is to good for it." She shivers. "I can't stand him."

That's a patented Malfoy leer, I'm afraid. They're famous for it.

*He purses his mouth bitterly.*

Some of the women of the family found me fascinating. Good enough to bed, but not good enough to wed. Not that I was in love with any of them, but a marriage into that family would have been an excellent way to move up the ladder of Wizarding society.

If he ever tries anything, let me know. He'll regret it.

Val's eyes are serious, "I have a feeling if he tried anything, half of the bar would come down on him. Luke would go ballistic, You and Peter would turn him into various unsavory animals, and he might end up like swiss cheese from all of the gunslingers and swordspeople that I know." She sighs. "He's an ass. There's a reason I avoid him, other than getting leered at."

*He smiles.*

I'm glad to know you're well protected, then. How've you been? I don't think I've spoken with you since the Speaking.

She smiles back, but it's a bit of a tempered smile. "I'm here. It's been hard sometimes. I've had long talks with both Luke and Anakin, and, well, even though things hurt, they're going to get better." She sighs deeply. "Leia's the key, really. It's all hinging on her now, how she takes it all." She sighs. "I wish there was something I can do, something which would make things better, but there isn't. She and I, well, we don't get along that well, and I know this Speaking didn't help any."

I've not had the pleasure of meeting Leia, but I'm sure she needs more time to deal with meeting her father. I know I'd have trouble speaking with my father should he walk through the door. Of course, that's mostly because I... I murdered him, but at the time I hated him with a frightening intensity for abandoning me.

*He looks down, hoping he hasn't shocked her.*

In the past week, Val's had to re-live her fiance's arm being cut off, a planet exploding, bring back memories of -another- planet exploding years in her past, and watching her father die. Not much shocks her right now.

"She's... stubborn, and a politician. That explains a lot. I think she's determined to only see what she wants to see right now. She doesn't see a need to change her mind, so she won't." She looks at him, seriously, hoping to catch his eye. "Tom, do I have to give you the lecture I give Anakin almost weekly?" She smiles a bit. "I think you know what I'm going to say."

*He grins back up at her.*

Yes, I know. I don't make the habit of offering up that particular bit of information. It's a reflex, I guess. I mean, most people wouldn't be so understanding.

She smiles gently. "Hey, I'm an empath, and a Padawan Speaker. Understanding is my business." Her eyes twinkle. "I have the highest respect for you, Tom. I always will. Nothing you tell me about your past is going to change that."

I'm pleased to know it. You're a remarkable person to be so forgiving.

She shrugs. "I'm not that remarkable, really. I just know people well, and I can tell when they've changed. It's not fair to someone for others to dwell on their past, if they have truly made a change and turned their life around. The past is past. There's nothing anyone can do about it."

Truer words were never spoken. Listen, Val, I'm going to go work on a project of mine. I'm planning on expanding the House of Arch in order to give families more room. Associative wings, if you will.

She smiles, eyes twinkling. "Now that sounds neat." She giggles. "Just make sure the Skywalker wing has plenty of windows, and perhaps a skylight or two. None of us really like being cooped up."

I shall do my best. I'm not sure what rooms I'll have to choose from, but I'll keep a look out for windows.

Good night, Val. Take care of yourself, do you hear me?

Val smiles. "I know you'll do well." She blushes a bit. "And I will take care of myself. I promise." She waves to him as he leaves, with a smile on her face.

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