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.*

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

*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.

*He shifts a little closer to her on his chair, still grinning.*

I'm sure nobody would miss you for a little while...

*She leans toward him, whispering.*

Are you kidding me? They might very well be relieved that I'm missing. I'm too frank for most people and give Jon headaches.

*Beaming, she winks.*

Well, then, I guess that's settled. I'll simply have to go with you to a ball some time.

Apparently so. Besides, you'd look good in a tunic and hose.

*Her lips twitch.*

*Adam stops. And nearly chokes.*

In what?

Tunic and hose. *She smiles innocently.* It's what all gentlemen wear to court functions.

*This is not strictly true, but she's having fun.*

*He looks down at his legs, as if assessing them.*

I don't know if that's such a good idea.

Nonsense. I think it's a grand idea.

*She glances at his legs with a smirk.*

Don't worry, we'll work something out.

I'm not going to get out of this now, am I?

*Laughing, Alanna ducks her head and wraps her hands around her coffee mug.*

I won't force you to do anything. As I recall, you're the one who brought it up.

*Smirk, smirk, smirk*

I know, I know.

*He smiles*

Just-

no photographic evidence.

There are no cameras in Tortall, that I can promise you. *She leans over and tousles his hair.* I hope you can meet Jon here before this comes to pass.

*Adam looks at her, an open and inquiring look on his face.*

To prep me, or him?