(no subject)

[iustus_rex]

Kitty's gone.

It is, therefore, perhaps not entirely surprising that Edmund is bored, and furthermore is actually out and about in Milliways this evening.

The fact that the Junior Extremely Allegorical Messianic Kitten has taken to demolishing wrapping paper may possibly have something to do with this. Perhaps.

The scraps of wrapping paper still sticking to the ankle of one leg of his trousers is almost certainly the only way to tell that, however.

Meanwhile, Edmund finds a pot of tea and his sketchbook, taking them to a seat in the middle of the room. It's been quite some time since he's drawn anything other than Kitty, after all.

Comments

[iustus_rex]

He blinks up at her.

"... What?"

And then glances down, and groans in exasperation, and reaches down to brush the wrapping paper away before looking up again, more ruefully.

"Hullo, Alanna."

[the_lioness]

*Alanna laughs, reaching down to grab a stray piece and examine it critically.*

Do I want to know? *She smiles.* Good evening, Edmund. As we have not seen each other in quite some time, might I offer my congratulations?

[iustus_rex]

"The cat," he says, glumly, before smiling again as he reaches for his tea. "And thanks, Alanna. It's been entirely too long, you're right."

[the_lioness]

*Alanna closes her eyes and shakes her head, smiling wryly.* Say no more. I have two, and they have been up to more than their fair share of mischief as of late.

*She eyes the tea and the sketchbook.*

May I sit? You look busy.

[iustus_rex]

"On the contrary," he replies, "I'm bored to the point of madness, I think. Hence coming out here this evening in the first place. Please, do."

[the_lioness]

*Pleased, Alanna flops inelegantly into the nearest chair and grins.*

Well, that won't do. We have enough madness around here without cultivating more. Are you working on anything special? My brother has renewed his interest in art lately, but I've yet to give it a try.

[iustus_rex]

He shakes his head, sitting up and dropping the sketchbook on the table next to his tea, pencil placed on top with somewhat more in the way of care.

"No, just... practice, a little, and the hope that I can come up with an idea for a present for my siblings. Especially Lucy."

[the_lioness]

*Alanna sits back, eyes glazing over. After a moment, she looks toward the fire.*

That would be a wonderful gift, I'm sure. I still say you should draw things for her stories. *absently* You could draw her a picture of Cair Paravel, with the sun striking it in the morning.

[iustus_rex]

"... I might, at that," he says, taking another sip of his tea, studying her.

"How have things found you, lately, Alanna? It seems as though I've either been entirely too busy bartending, or I've been hiding myself away in the House of Arch, I've not the faintest of ideas of what's happened recently."

[the_lioness]

*Shaking herself, she smiles. It's a touch over-bright.*

Goddess, one wonders where to begin. I've been well enough save a family squabble that's mostly resolved. I think. *She swallows.* Angered my King and got sent on border patrol. That was exciting, albeit very, very cold. I'm taking Adam to Tortall for our Midwinter Festival.

*She pauses for a breath and laughs at herself.*

A lot has happened, that's for certain.

[iustus_rex]

"So it seems," he murmurs, eyebrows raised.

"I spoke with Thom the other day, and he didn't mention anything like that, but I suppose I'm on somewhat better terms with you. And I admit I'm curious what you said to Jonathon, for all that I've not seen him since that incident in the stables."

[the_lioness]

*Recalling the incident in question, Alanna snickers.*

That was a fun afternoon, wasn't it? Well, it wasn't so much a question of what I said as what I did. I confronted Duke Roger and forced his hand a bit. In the end, we uncovered his plans, but Jon was under the impression that I endangered my country and people. Truthfully? *She grins.* I think he was more upset that I did it alone and didn't ask for help.

[iustus_rex]

Edmund quirks.

"Duke Roger?"

[the_lioness]

Aye.

*Alanna rubs her nose and manages a small smile.*

Jon's cousin. I've... killed him twice. The first time, he was trying to murder the Queen and desired trial by combat. The second, he arranged a coup and tried to destroy Tortall herself.

Roger and Thom are... close. Hence the familial strife.