Alanna of Trebond (
the_lioness) wrote2006-05-20 05:30 pm
(no subject)
London is noisy, even below ground.
This isn't exactly news to Alanna, but the sheer din of rush-hour traffic echoing through the tunnels -- tunnels for people, tunnels for trains -- has Thom pressed up against her side as they wait their turn on the platform.
A train leaves with a loud whoosh of air, the sound of high heels clicking disappears down one of the tunnels, and the noise abates somewhat. Wrapping her arm around her brother's waist, Alanna turns her head and smiles.
They had left the bar early this morning with Adam. After a few cautionary words, Adam had gone his way to the bookshop and left them free to explore the city at their leisure. Half an hour later, they found themselves someplace called ‘Piccadilly Circus,’ courtesy of a largely unhelpful bus driver. It was loud, confusing and very bright.
Alanna had an itinerary, of course. The Tower of London, Churchill's war rooms, the Imperial War Museum: they were going to do it all. She took one look at Thom's face as he was nearly mowed down by a motorbike and stuffed said itinerary into a trash can. Grabbing his hand, she pulled him towards the nearest tube sign.
They still don't know where they're going. Alanna had simply chosen the line that looked vaguely purple on the map.
This isn't exactly news to Alanna, but the sheer din of rush-hour traffic echoing through the tunnels -- tunnels for people, tunnels for trains -- has Thom pressed up against her side as they wait their turn on the platform.
A train leaves with a loud whoosh of air, the sound of high heels clicking disappears down one of the tunnels, and the noise abates somewhat. Wrapping her arm around her brother's waist, Alanna turns her head and smiles.
They had left the bar early this morning with Adam. After a few cautionary words, Adam had gone his way to the bookshop and left them free to explore the city at their leisure. Half an hour later, they found themselves someplace called ‘Piccadilly Circus,’ courtesy of a largely unhelpful bus driver. It was loud, confusing and very bright.
Alanna had an itinerary, of course. The Tower of London, Churchill's war rooms, the Imperial War Museum: they were going to do it all. She took one look at Thom's face as he was nearly mowed down by a motorbike and stuffed said itinerary into a trash can. Grabbing his hand, she pulled him towards the nearest tube sign.
They still don't know where they're going. Alanna had simply chosen the line that looked vaguely purple on the map.

no subject
no subject
Her gaze sweeps up and down the platform, landing on a thin, balding man holding some sort of satchel. He twitches under her scrutiny and moves further down towards the tunnel's mouth. A faint rumbling signals an approaching train.
"I wonder if we're blending in well."
no subject
no subject
The rumbling grows closer and closer, a whistle echoing down the tunnel. She grips his hand tightly, almost as if she expects they will have to jump on while the train is still moving.
Luckily for everyone involved, it stops.
People shuffle off, people shuffle on. Alanna leads the way, grabbing a brightly colored pair of seats near the door.
no subject
"I think I'm going to like this more than horses."
no subject
"At least you know there's no chance it's going to buck you off?"
no subject
no subject
"Right. I think the signs said Piccadilly. Unfortunately, I have no idea which way we are going on the line."
She crawls up on her knees in order to get a better look and nearly loses her balance when the train starts abruptly.
no subject
"Graceful."
no subject
She may not be sure of their destination, but she's certain of one thing - they are not facing the correct direction. Why would anyone construct seats facing the rear of the train? They pick up speed at an incredible rate, and Alanna goes a bit green.
"I'm not sure I remember it going this fast," she comments morosely.
no subject
no subject
Alanna breathes deeply as the train slows. She's all curiosity again as they pull into the Green Park station.
no subject
no subject
"Yes, I don't think that would be fun for anybody." Once the train leaves the station behind, she wraps her hand around his. "Are you sure you don't mind that I don't have a plan?
no subject
He grins and nudges her. "It's an adventure."
no subject
Hyde Park Corner comes and goes. There certainly are a lot of parks in London.
"Did Adam seem particularly nervous this morning? I can't imagine why. It's not as if we're going to get into any trouble."
no subject
no subject
no subject
He elbows her gently in the side.
no subject
Knight's bridge? PERFECT.
"Here! We get off here!"
no subject
no subject
"Come on," she pleads. "It's like a sign!"
The train stops abruptly, throwing Thom into his sister. Thankfully, she manages to keep them both upright.
no subject
Almost as soon as the words are out of his mouth, he brightens. "On second thought . . . "
no subject
"Whatever works. Careful you don't lose me."
no subject
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)