milliways_bar | (no subject)

(no subject)

Anthy is sitting at a small round table, with a cup of tea and a bowl of soup in front of her. She's knitting something small and green, slowly, and watching the rest of the bar.

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*Tom smiles and wanders over.*

Taken up a new hobby, have you?

Anthy smiles back, cheerfully, and glances at her knitting. "It's not new, really, but Blodwen reminded me of something I wanted to make."

Ah, Blodwen...

I haven't seen her about for a while.

*Thank goodness he thinks*

What are you making?

She holds the bit of knitting up happily. "A sweater for Joanie. Have you met her? Susan's little elephant?"

Oh yes, Ingress was quite taken with her. I've tried scores of charms on magical toy elephants to make them eat peanuts in exactly the same way, to no avail.

Anthy beams. "She's adorable, isn't she? I thought I'd make her something to keep her warm, so she doesn't catch cold. The climate here is chilly for elephants."

She considers. "Desire give me a little elephant just like Joanie, but pink. Maybe you could ask her?"

Desire? Of the Endless?

Do you know, I don't think I've ever met the, er, lady.

"Yes, that's her. My fiancee." She tilts her head. "You've never met her? Really?"

Really. Of the Endless, I've only met Dream and Death, and Death only briefly. They, er, make me a tad nervous, you see.

Your fiancee?

*Tom misses out on a lot down in the House of Arch.*

Yes. Poor Tom.

"Do they really?" Anthy says curiously. "Why? And yes, we're engaged."

They're Endless.

*Really, that's enough of an explanation for Tom*

Um, well, congratulations! Have you set a date?

"Well, yes," Anthy agrees. "That's why they're called the Endless."

She blinks. "A date for what?"

Your wedding. A date for your wedding.

"Oh, no," she says, blinking at him. "We're not getting married."

*He blinks back.*

But... she's your fiancee.

"Yes," Anthy says unhelpfully. And, taking pity, adds, "She won the last duel."

Duel?

No. Never mind. I'm certain I'd not understand even if you told me.

How have you been lately?

"Oh, I've been fine, thank you. It's nice that the weather's getting warmer." Outside, a gust of wind shakes lingering raindrops from the scraggly trees to the mud, just to spite her.

She smiles cheerfully. "How have you been?"

Busy, as usual, but good. Is it getting warmer? It's quite cold and dank in most parts of London Below, still.

"I think it is." She glances at the window. "It's not snowing all the time anymore, at least."

Instead it's muddy. Tricky thing, mud. Anthy changes the subject.

"Spring will be good for the roses, I think."

Roses... still growing those, are you?

*He raises an eyebrow.*

Anthy looks back blankly.

"Yes, of course."

Her voice goes up a little at the end, questioningly.

*He stares. Must be Blodwen's bad influence making her like this again. She'd been almost... normal the past few conversations. He sighs.*

Well, perhaps I'll see you Sunday, if you'd like to read more of my paper.

Anthy looks a little sheepish. "I'm sorry . . . I can get my own, after all."

"But -- I'll see you Sunday, then." This smile is a little less forcefully cheerful, and a little more friendly.

*He smiles warmly.*

No, Anthy - I rather like giving it to you. No one else enjoys it as much as you and I do.