milliways_bar | (no subject)

(no subject)

ENTER one LILYMAID, in jeans, T-shirt and sneakers.

LILYMAID crosses stage right to BAR, takes TRAY from surface.

LILYMAID: Good even...might I help you?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

*Chair tilted at an alarming angle, Alanna sits near the fireplace, deep in thought. Something startles her out of her reverie, and she offers Elaine a small smile and a wave.*

Elaine heads over to Alanna's table with her tray in hand. She's been serving for a while and she hasn't seen her swordplay teacher in quite some time. "Good even, Sir Alanna...might I get you something?"

Do you have a moment, Elaine? *Wasting no time, Alanna glances around the room.* I don't think anyone is trying to get your attention. I have news I think you should hear, and I rather you hear it from me than idle gossips.

Elaine nods. "I can take a break." She sits down and leans forward to hear what Alanna has to say.

*Suddenly Alanna doesn't know what to say. It had been a long night, and the sense of dread hanging about the bar makes her feel like someone is choking her, slowly but surely.*

The horns of Asgard sounded yesterday. Svava left for Ragnarock. She's gone.

Elaine's eyes widen. "Gone?" she repeats faintly. "Oh, Jesu..." She covers her mouth with her hand. "When?"

Late last evening. *She turns her head slowly and stares at Lecter for a moment.* Goddess, Elaine. I felt so bloody helpless. But there are some here who think they can bring her back.

Tears are slipping down Elaine's cheeks, and for a woman who has rarely cried since she came here, it's a lot. "However will they do that?"

I don't know. *The sight of Elaine's tears -the first she has really seen over Svava as everyone was so damn stoic last night- makes her tear up as well. She leaves her seat and slides in next to Elaine, awkwardly hugging her friend.* I do not know that it can, or should work. Sometimes it's foolish to try and change fate. However, I will not abandon hope that we will see Svava again. Somehow.

Elaine nods, wiping tears away with her hand. "I should finish the picture of Asguard for her...she and I were working on it..."

Really? *This earns a small smile.* I think she would like that, Elaine. I know I'd like to see it.

I wish I could see her in the fire.

"I'm sure she will be..." Elaine casts about for a word, "...magnificent." She tries to stop crying, but it's hard, she's just heard about Tonks and Bill, and Jack is also leaving, and will die when he leaves the bar, and now Svava.

*Alanna blinks back her own tears and sighs.*

It's too bad she didn't take her drink tray with her. She was so good at inflicting bodily harm with it. *a pause* She will be wonderful.

Elaine nods. "I wish it were not so uncertain, her fate. It might be easier if there were no hope at all of her return."

I wish I could stand and fight beside her. *Alanna nods.* But I can not believe fate would be so cruel as to have Svava and Archie find each other, and then rip them apart forever. It just... *She shrugs helplessly.*

"Unfair," Elaine finishes. She dries her eyes. "I wish for happy endings for everyone...but I know so well that they do not end that way all the time."

No. No, they don't. *Alanna winces, patting Elaine's arm. She remains quiet for a minute.* I owe you lesson upon lesson, don't I, Elaine?

Elaine smiles a bit at this. "Aye, a few. Whenever you like, Alanna. I've kept up my practice."

*She smiles.* This week then. Tomorrow or Wednesday - whenever I see you first? I think it will do us both good.

"Maybe during the day, yes...I work the other two days, as well. I like it, though. It's a good job."

Perfect. *She smiles, studying Elaine.* Are you going to be alright?

"I think so." She rubs at her face. "I should get back to work, anyway."

*Alanna nods, hugging her around the shoulders again.* I will look for you. Take care, Elaine.

"And you as well, Alanna." And she returns the hug, gets up and looks around for other patrons to serve.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only