the_lioness | (no subject)

(no subject)

*Alanna doesn't sleep well without Adam any more. Perhaps it should annoy her, but when she growls in frustration and rolls out of bed well before the sun rises, she also can't help but smile. Dressing warmly, she gathers a few things and retrieves a thermos of coffee from the kitchen before setting off for Olau.

On the other side of the heavy black wood door, it's cold and dark still, but she takes a deep breath of fresh air and feels better. She navigates the ruins with the aid of her Gift light and is soon in the castle courtyard. Barony servants bustle about at their chores, and she greets as many of them by name as possible. Slipping inside, she hands her cloak to Ranulf, refuses his offer of a hot bath and decides to settle on hot tea and biscuits in the library.

The thermos remains hidden for the moment.*

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

*Adam couldn't sleep well in a bed without Alanna, but this is not really any big surprise. And so it also shouldn't be a surprise that, having snuck into the library in the middle of the night, he is now fast asleep with a book open upon his chest.*

*Alanna glances back over her shoulder in time to catch Ranulf's small smile. Her lips twitch, and she leaves the door cracked a little so that Ranulf can slip in with their food and leave just as quietly.

She carefully sets her things down by the fire. Watching Adam for a few minutes, she smiles and tries to take the book without waking him up, leaning down to place a soft kiss on his forehead.*

*He shifts, a bit, when she takes the book, and he opens his eyes when she kisses his forehead.*

Mmmph. Did I oversleep?

*Laughing quietly, she sets the book aside and drops to her knees in front of him with a smile. She reaches behind her and digs the thermos out of her pack.*

No, I suspect you under-slept. Here, I brought you some coffee from the bar.

*Adam glances blearily back and forth between Alanna and the thermos.*

It's true love.

You doubted it? *She smirks, unscrewing the top of the thermos.* Or were you expressing your undying devotion to coffee?

*Watching as she pours it, and then taking a cup (well, the lid) gratefully in hand, he smiles.*

The second part. Though it's nice to have reassurances.

*He winks.*

*Alanna smiles, watching him for another moment before looking round. The sun is starting to rise, and she sighs happily at the sound of horse hooves in the courtyard.*

Did you sleep at all?

Well, my legs insist I did.

*He stretches, and yawns.*

'time s'it?

Somewhere between six and half past.

*She rubs her hands back and forth on his thighs a few times and stands.*

I couldn't sleep.

Me, either. S'why I came here.

*She may try to stand, but he grabs her arm and topples her into his lap, pulling her in for a giant hug.*

Missed you.

*Laughing, she tumbles down and narrowly avoids the coffee. She wraps her arms around him tightly and breathes in, smiling against his shoulder.*

I missed you, too. Last night was awfully boring.

A boring night in the bar? Say it isn't so!

*He may not have gotten much sleep, but he's awake now, revelling in her warmth and her smell. Home.*

Nobody even tried to blow anything up? What a disappointment.

Well, I met someone named Hellspawn, but other than that, not much happened. Elaine's married. Faith's back, but not on security, obviously. The only security matter I had to deal with was someone turning himself in over something that truly wasn't his fault.

*Alanna yawns and snuggles closer, not particularly caring if Ranulf walks in and sees them.*

Although I did find your favorite jeans.

I'm glad.

*And he is, though he's kind of sad that it's not until he goes away from the bar that she would've had enough time to spend with him.*

Where were they?

*She makes a swirly motion with her index finger and looks perplexed.*

Balled up by the dresser. Puff was sitting on them and didn't look inclined to move, so there they stay. Maybe it's a sign that she missed you?

I certainly did. *Smiling, she kisses his cheek.*

*Adam just shakes his head and laughs.*

If she's going to commandeer them, perhaps I need a new pair.

I missed you, too, though I got a lot done here. Okay, that's a lie. I didn't. But I've discovered some things.

Have you? I can't wait to hear about it. I do hope I didn't drive you crazy with all those papers I left.

*Smiling, she nuzzles his neck.*

Well...

*He grins.*

Those were actually quite helpful. Once I figured out what they said.

*She laughs.*

Myles has lovely penmanship, really. It's just that sometimes he writes things after imbibing too much wine.

So? What did you discover?

I discovered...

that I know absolutely nothing about making cider.

*He smiles, and laughs.*

I'm going to have to do some research.

*That's not at all what Alanna was expecting to hear. She snorts, sitting up a bit when Ranulf enters with food and sets it on a side table. Trying not to blush, she thanks him and looks at Adam once more.*

I'll help you. I'm rather curious myself, and I'm sure Myles would love to investigate. Of course, it will be easier to do when it's apple picking season.

Let's...

*She trails off, running her fingers up and down his arm.*

*Adam nods along, turning to nod a thanks at Ranulf as he leaves.*

They haven't left me alone. I suspect you put them up to it.

*A grin, and a smile.*

Let's...?

I had a talk with Ranulf before I left yesterday, it's true. I didn't put him up to anything, but they all take great pride in serving Olau well. Ranulf in particular. If they bother you, just ask to be left alone.

*She clears her throat a little and looks sheepish.*

It's months off, but I got excited at the thought of being here when the apples are picked.

*Adam grins, then, and kisses her.*

We will be.

*It's not a question so much as a promise.*