the_lioness | (no subject)

(no subject)

*Once the interviews are done and her papers are put away, Alanna is feeling almost as tense as she had before training with Liam. Adam still isn't back, so she takes her time getting ready, fiddling with her hair and slipping into the mostly backless green silk dress she'd purchased the last time they were in London.

By all rights, she should be tired, but her nerves are humming. When Adam returns, she grabs his hand and pulls him right back out the door again, bag in hand.

Walking through London, she breathes easier than she has in days. The air is crisp, the lights bright and the tension that has been lodged firmly in her shoulders dissipates. The hotel almost looks like a palace to her, and she stands in the lobby staring up at the chandelier while Adam checks in. Every now and then, a porter or butler of some sort bustles past, occasionally asking if she needs help.

No, she just likes the way the electric light plays on the deep red wood and bright marble. It's hard to explain how it looks when all you've known your whole life is candlelight.*

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

*Adam returns, key in hand - not that that was needed any more than a reservation, but sometimes it's fun to play along - Adam gives Alanna a kiss and takes her hand to lead her towards the elevators.*

I still can't believe you wore that. You look amazing.

Thank you. *It's a bit shy as she smiles at him and resumes her study of the lobby and the people in it. Her hand squeezes his for a moment as they step on the elevator.*

I did promise you a dress.

*He glances around as the elevator starts to move, grateful that there aren't any other people in it with them. He pulls her into his arms, and kisses her.*

You did. I wasn't expecting all this, though. It's not a ball or a party.

I know, but I don't get a chance to wear dresses enough, so I figured I should do it right.

*Smiling, she kisses him again and makes a startled sound as the elevator stops.*

Besides, it feels nice.

*Adam smirks as they pull apart.*

You can feel any of that?

*Squeezing her hand, they walk. The door to the room isn't much; it looks like every other door on the floor. Yet it feels almost as if it holds potential. All the ifs and maybes and futures. He hands her the key.*

Of course.

*She flushes as she laughs, eyes drawn to the thick, patterned carpet. Given the noise of the city, it's remarkably quiet up here, and she feels a need to whisper.*

What's this? Oh.

*The key is a small rectangular piece of plastic. Flipping it over in her fingers, she notices the arrows and smiles, fitting it in the door. On the third try, it works, and she pushes the door open.*

*Adam had thought about decorating the room. He'd thought about making it a big party. In the end, he'd settled for asking them to bring up a bottle of champagne.

...and perhaps making the bath a bit larger with a few more jet streams than typically came with such a room.*

It's not much, given the hotel, but-

*He closes the door behind them, watching Alanna with a smile on his face.*

Not much?

*Enthralled, Alanna stands near the door and just stares, her hand still holding the key at an angle.*

Adam, it's beautiful.

*It is beautiful, and when she finally feels as if her feet have come unglued from the floor, she turns around until her eyes land on the window. Biting her lip, she slowly pushes it open and gapes at all the lights.

At times like this, she realizes just how long it will be before any of this seems normal.*

*Coming up from behind, Adam wraps his arms around her.*

So you like it?

Silly question.

*Eyes on a large building near the river, she grins.*

I love it. This? This is exactly what we needed, and I refuse to think about anything but this room and you until tomorrow.

Okay, maybe Tortall, but only if we don't mention the word 'duty.'

*Turning in his arms, she kisses him and blinks at something over his shoulder.*

You might be right about the bed.

*Raising an eye and grinning as he looks at the bed-*

Want to give it a try?

*And he doesn't wait for her before he runs over and jumps, landing belly flop style on the mattress.*

*Laughing, Alanna shakes her head and kicks off her shoes.*

And wrinkle my dress this early? No, I shall resist the urge to partake in your antics.

*She resists for a grand total of thirty seconds before she's up on the bed and jumping carefully.*

Mmmmm, very soft.

*He's laughing, and rolls, pulling her into a full body hug.*

It's good to see you smiling.

It's good to smile and mean it. Or at least not be forcing it to some extent.

*That just makes her smile wider, and she leans down to kiss his nose.*

Thank you. *eagerly* Can I go investigate the bathroom now?

Of course.

*Adam lets her go and lays back on the bed, arms folded magnanimously behind his head.*

*Eyebrow quirked in suspicion, Alanna carefully gets to her feet and smoothes her dress as she walks. Flipping the switch in the bathroom, she gasps quietly.

Several minutes go by in silence.

Finally she reappears in the doorway, pointing rather insistently in the direction of the tub.*

It's-

Yes?

HUGE.

*She nods, eyes wide, and disappears again.*

*He laughs, and joins her in the bathroom.*

It's possible that I messed with that just a little bit. But that's the only thing, I swear.

*Alanna, meanwhile, has hopped into the bathtub and is standing there in her bare feet, counting the jets. Not that she really knows what they are for, but they seem intriguing.*

Goddess, that will feel wonderful.

Hmmmm. You might even fit in here with me.

*She smirks.*

*Adam laughs, and grins.*

That was rather the plan.

*There are fourteen of them. For the record.*

'Tis a grand plan.

*Lifting her skirt a bit, she jumps out and skids on the slick floor. She yelps, laughing, and tugs his head down for a kiss.*

Love you.

Mithros, I don't know what to do first.

*Adam laughs and complies, resisting the urge to pick her up and carry her immediately to the bed.*

How about food?

*Wrapping her arms around him and hiding her face against his shoulder, Alanna blinks back sudden tears. Happy tears, but she still feels silly about them.*

Food sounds wonderful. I don't think I've had a proper meal in days.

Wait. *She lifts her head.* We don't have to leave, do we?

Not in the least.

*And quick as can be, he's back, with a room service menu.*

They bring it to you.