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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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?

No.

I don't need any coffee.

What did I say? *She frowns.*

Nothing! Just-

You. and the dancing. and Arithon. And-

I'm being stupid again.

Oh.

*She tries not to smile, really she does. Coughing, she reaches behind the bar and grabs two knives, lining them up parallel to each other beside her plate. She points to them.*

Most of our dances do not involve more than the occasional hand touch. Two rows, like so, or in a circle. Nothing like what... we did.

*Adam stares at the knife, resisting the urge to take one of them and start banging it against the table.*

Okay.

*Alanna bites her lip. Hesitating only briefly, she pokes him in his side.*

You know you have an open invitation, Adam. I'm just operating under the assumption that you would find it as mind numbingly dull as I do.

Well, yeah. But at least then I could make fun of your dress, and keep you amused.

*She lifts her chin proudly.*

If I wore a dress, it would likely be one I am quite fond of, and thus I wouldn't look that odd. *Smiling, she shakes her head.* But yes, you would definitely keep me amused. We could sneak off to the garden or something. Anything.

Maybe a closet.

*He winks at her, and grins.*

A closet? *She grins, eyes dancing with humor and a spark of anticipation.* That sounds interesting. Closet, secluded alcove... something.