milliways_bar | (no subject)

Edmund smiles, calmly enough.

"You're right, of course. It's not my concern, no. It's rather the horse's. Why don't you ask him what he'd like?"

*Jon turns back to Alanna, rolling his eyes. He sees Alanna's tears and sighs deeply. He knows a battle lost when he sees one.*

You win this time, Lioness. *He hands the lead back.* Mithros take those tears of yours. *At the word, Mithros raises his head and whickers at Jon. He groans.* And you were right about that. *He pinches the bridge of his nose*

*Mutters*It was Thayet's idea, you know.

*Alanna wastes no time launching herself at him and grinning at Edmund over Jon's shoulder.*

Tears? What tears? I don't cry. I can't believe you would even suggest that I might. *She laughs.* I should have known you wouldn't do that. It's alright. I'll pardon the Princess as she is not a native of Tortall.

Faith thinks we should name him Bob.

*She sighs and backs up.* Thank you, Jon. You have no idea how much this means to me. *a grimace* I'll sit in on Council meetings for a week if it will soften the blow any.

Edmund chuckles quietly, glancing again at Alanna, and turns back to Rachât again.

He'd be more than happy to speak with Jonathan further, but perhaps barging in now would be less than wise.

*Jon hugs her back* You're welcome, Lioness. It's the least I can do, anyway. I don't think I'll ever be able to fully repay you for saving my kingdom AND my life. I guess a horse will have to do.

*He grins* What would you do if I took you up on that Council offer? No, it's fine. Just take good care of him and let me ride him once and a while. Now, I need to get back. Stephan and I need to have a little chat. *He turns to the horse and gives him a final pat.* Goodbye, Mithros. Don't let them rename you "Bob" - what kind of a strange name is that?

*He goes back out into the main area and peers back at Edmund. He bows to him* I'm sorry if I was short-tempered earlier, Sir Edmund. Perhaps I can remake your acquaintance some other time.

*He turns back and gives Alanna one last smile as she clings to Mithros' lead rein* Good day, Lioness. I'll see you soon.

*Alanna watches him go with a fond smile. Now that her heart has stopped racing, she remembers that she adores him and would do anything for him.

She wraps her arms around Mithros and rubs her cheek against his soft neck.

Well, almost anything.

Turning back to Edmund, she smiles sheepishly.*

Right. That was Jon. He's not normally so... upset with me.

"I'm sure that normally he's not tracking you down to accuse you of stealing his horse, either," he says calmly, and amusedly.

Not usually, no. *Patting Mithros one last time, she walks back toward Edmund.* I really had no idea it was his horse.

If I had, I never would have said his owner had an inferiority complex.

Edmund laughs.

Quite a bit, actually, to the point where he's leaning against Rachât's shoulder to keep his balance.

*For all that she's blushing, her lips twitch.*

...Or that he was trying to compensate for... something.

*The blush intensifies, and she snickers.*

Yeah, he's still laughing.

"I'm completely unable to form an opinion on the matter either way, of course, you know... hardly know the man, only met him once..."

Still laughing.

Rachât sighs, and turns his neck, lipping at Edmund's shoulder.

I'm quite sure I should feel worse about this than I do. *She smiles, offering Rachat another apple.* I think you will like each other once you meet under different circumstances. Jon would appreciate speaking with another young man who had encountered the pressures of ruling a kingdom.

"I shouldn't be surprised if he'd rather like Peter, as well. And I've no reason not to wish to make his further acquaintance."

Rachât, greedy creature that he is, is more than pleased to take the apple.

*Alanna wipes her now slobbery hand on her breeches and grins.*

Then I hope we shall all share a drink soon and not worry about such things as... horse theft. Thank you for your help, Edmund. Mithros thanks you too. He's much happier here, I'm sure of it. *Bowing, she gestures toward the bar.* Perhaps I will see you inside later?

"Yes, of course, Alanna." He nods to her, smiling, not quite deep enough for an informal bow.

"Also, my thanks for your part in getting Ghost for Alex - I'll admit I hardly know him, but I do rather like him, and he looked absolutely thrilled."

He did, didn't he? *She beams.* It was worth it for that alone. Good day, Edmund.

*Waving cheerfully, she stops for a whispered word to Mithros and heads back to the bar.

Judging by the look on Mithros' face, that word was "Firestorm."*