milliways_bar | (no subject)

(no subject)

*Alanna walks in the front door and removes her dusty cloak, shaking it out behind her. Talking to herself, she knocks her boots against the door frame. Large chunks of mud come off, and she wipes her hands on her black breeches. She glances around with a blank smile, taking a seat at the bar and ordering a large breakfast with plenty of coffee.

It's raining rather heavily in Corus.*

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*Alanna grumbles, hooking her boot around the stool's leg in order to avoid kicking something.*

I finally met our resident terrorist. Ramon Salzar? We didn't exactly get along. In fact, I think I might have made it on to his list of people to kill. And I do not doubt for a moment that he has such a list.

*She curses in yamani.*

Shit.

Yes. *She agrees emphatically.* He's a patronizing ass, and I'm in no way worried about him hurting me, but others may not be able to fight back. Mithros, I wanted to clobber him.

*Glowering, she imitates Ramon.* You're quite right, Alanna. Doing that would get you killed. *She makes a face.*

*Adam's whole mind is on fire, and he only just keeps from asking Alanna if she wants him to do away with the guy.*

Do you think he'll try something?

*Alanna tilts her head and thinks, watching Adam. The foot not wrapped around the stool leg starts tapping impatiently on one of the rungs.*

No. *She grits her teeth.* I don't think he's that stupid. However, I sense his temper has a short fuse, and I wouldn't put anything past him in the heat of the moment. Frankly, I'm shocked he didn't lash out at me last night.

*Blushing, she averts her eyes.* I almost wanted him to.

*Adam glares at her, trying to will her to meet his eyes.*

What, so that you could get hurt?

*Both eyebrows shoot up, and Alanna meets his eye, grinning recklessly.*

No. So that I could punch him and not feel badly about it. Self defense, you see. He wouldn't be able to hurt me, Adam. I've dealt with far worse.

Yeah.

*He's still frowning, though, and his face is a bit red.*

*Alanna looks over her shoulder without turning her head much. There aren't many people around, so she scoots her stool closer and trails her fingertips over his cheekbone.*

What's the matter?

Nothing.

*He fiddles with his napkin, and the flush starts to fade, but he won't meet her eyes.*

Really nothing, or nothing you want to talk about?

*She lowers her head, trying to get him to look at her now.*

*He doesn't look over, and he lowers his voice even more, coughing.*

Just- heh. ApparentlymorebotheredabouttheideaofyougettinghurthanIthought.

*Yeah, look at that napkin. Fascinating.*

*Startled, she blinks at him. That certainly wasn't what she was expecting him to say. Smiling, she leans over and kisses his cheek.*

I certainly don't want to see you hurt either, you know. In fact, I suspect I would completely lose it on anyone who even tried to get at you.

*She flushes and bites her lip.*

Thank you, Adam. I promise I'll be fine. I'm not stupid. Occasionally reckl... impulsive, but not stupid.

*He turns to the side, looking up at her with a smile before looking around the rest of the bar and flushing.*

Okay.

Okay.

*Smiling fondly, she follows his gaze and backs up, sipping her coffee.*

How have you been? I hope your night was less of a disaster.

*She snickers.*

Although I did give Jon quite a start. That's always fun.

My night was... far less interesting than yours. Though it's possible I may have been enlisted as a, erm. Dancer.

...Dancer? *Alanna stares at him, trying not to laugh.* Well, you're better at it than I am at any rate, with far less practice.

*She groans.*

I have to attend a ball soon.

*He laughs*

Well, I don't know about this kind of dancing.

*eyebrows raised*

A ball?

*She furrows her brow and gives him a curious look.* If you say so. I've yet to come across any kind of dance that didn't confound me.

*A small smile plays about her lips.* Although... I did rather enjoy that dance in the lake.

Yes. A ball. Foreign dignitaries, gowns, diplomats, formal presentation... the works. I'm not looking forward to it. Jon hasn't told me when yet. He just ordered me to be there. Something along the lines of: "You will not miss this one, or I will have Buri come to the bar and drag you out by the hair attached to your hard head."

He's insane. Buri would sit down for a drink, and we would spend the night reminiscing. She loathes court functions as much as I do.

*Adam laughs, and tables conversation of that kind of dancing for a later time.*

I'm sorry you have to go to a ball. *he winks at her* I'll be thinking of you.

Gee, thank you. *Alanna sticks her tongue out and giggles.* It's alright. If I can persuade Jon that his subjects will revolt at the sight of his Champion in skirts, I'll survive. But I won't dance with any of the court ladies. Never again.

*Thinking, Alanna takes a bite of toast.*

Perhaps I can make it correspond with Arithon's trip. Yes, and he can distract everyone with his song. Perfect.

*Almost under his breath.*

You gonna dance with him?

*Alanna nods.* Probably. He's a good dancer, even if he is a bit shorter than me. As a stranger, it will help him ease into things to be seen dancing with the Lioness. Courtiers are odd that way. Half of them think I'm an unnatural freak, but by virtue of my title alone, Arithon's standing would increase.

*She sighs.* And that's one of many reasons why I do not care for court.

*Adam nods distractedly, frowning.*

...Adam? *Confused, she shoves her coffee mug toward him.* Need more coffee?