(no subject)

[armoralchemy.livejournal.com]

Al is in the corner, his eyes dim and his posture slumped. This is as close as he ever gets to sleeping, but it's closer to meditation, a lowered state of consciousness that he's perfected after years of nights alone with his thoughts.

But he is awake, and would welcome conversation, or even confused bystanders. After all, bar decor doesn't usually include suits of armor.

Comments

[kitchen_maid]

Amy is always happy to talk to people, especially people she likes.

"Hello, Al. Merry Christmas. How are you?"

[armoralchemy.livejournal.com]

Al lifts his head, and the lights in his eye sockets brighten. "Hi, Amy. I'm fine. I was just thinking . . . how are you?"

[kitchen_maid]

"I'm very good," she says, cheerfully. "I'm not interrupting anything, am I?"

[armoralchemy.livejournal.com]

"Oh, no - not at all. I'd much rather talk to you than think to myself."

[kitchen_maid]

"All right," says Amy, sitting in the nearest chair, and producing a small wrapped package from her apron pocket.

"I have a Christmas present for you."

It's a music box. It was hard to think of something to give a person who doesn't eat or wear clothes.

[armoralchemy.livejournal.com]

Al takes off the wrapping paper, delicately with his huge hands. When he uncovers the music box, he winds it up and listens to the song.

"It's very nice," he says, appreciatively, holding the music box in his hands. Music is vibrations, and those he can almost feel through his armor. "Thank you very much for giving it to me."

[kitchen_maid]

Amy beams. "You're welcome. It's my favorite song," she says, as it plays. "It was my lullabye when I was little."

[armoralchemy.livejournal.com]

"Are there words to it?" Al asks, curious. He keeps the music box in his hands as it plays.

[kitchen_maid]

"Yes," says Amy. "Though not very many."

She waits for the music box to get back to the beginning of the song, and sings (in a voice that is pleasant if not extraordinary)

Lavendar's blue
Rosemary's green
When you are king,
I shall be queen.

A grin. "You can reverse the 'you' and the 'I,' if you ever want to sing it."

[armoralchemy.livejournal.com]

"I doubt it will apply," says Al, cheerfully. "I don't think I will end up as king of anything."

[kitchen_maid]

"Probably not," she agrees, equally cheerfully, "but I think you have even less of a chance of being a queen."

[armoralchemy.livejournal.com]

Al laughs.

"I could be a knight," he suggests, taking a stab at a gallant pose.

[kitchen_maid]

"Easily," she says, standing up to give him a very elegant curtsey. "I'd choose you as a champion in a minute."

A pause.

"Have you ever ridden a horse?"

[ways-lust.livejournal.com]

She saw a giant set of armor and her thoughts flashed to Charlie, and his 'little boy in a giant set of armor' comment. She walks over after a moment and taps Al on the arm. "Hello," she smiles.

[armoralchemy.livejournal.com]

Al looks up, and instantly his posture is defensive.

"You! What are you doing here?" he yells, his voice more surprised than accusatory.

[ways-lust.livejournal.com]

"You know me?" Her tone is also surprised, but much quieter. She doesn't tend to echo either.

[armoralchemy.livejournal.com]

"Know you?" Al repeats, bewildered. "How - what - you're dead!"

[ways-lust.livejournal.com]

She gives him a look. "You're mistaken, it seems. What do you think my name is?"

[armoralchemy.livejournal.com]

"You're Lust! You're that homonculus who follows Brother and I around!" Pause. "Aren't you?"

[ways-lust.livejournal.com]

"I'm Lust, but I've never met you before. Who are you and your brother?"

[armoralchemy.livejournal.com]

Al backs away from Lust, still prepared to defend himself if he has to.

"If you don't know who I am, then you should at least know that you won't end well if you know me."

[ways-lust.livejournal.com]

"Are you threatening me?" Her voice is soft and dangerous.

[armoralchemy.livejournal.com]

"No. But I am telling you what I know, and I won't say more. Where I am from, you are my enemy - mine and many others - and it brought you no good."

Al's slow anger is beginning to rise. "I'm sure you know the rules here. There is no business allowed. I won't trouble you, and I hope you will return the favor."

[ways-lust.livejournal.com]

Her eyes narrow slightly in focus. "The Stone."

She considers him a moment. "As I said before, I don't know you. As long as you don't get in my way, I won't trouble you either."

Another pause briefly, then she smiles to him. "We could be friends ..."

[armoralchemy.livejournal.com]

"No." Al says, softly. "I don't think we could be."

"Excuse me. I can not stay here forever."