the_lioness | (no subject)

(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.

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Thom holds her hand as if it might disappear at any moment, looking wildly around him as they go and trusting Alanna not to let him walk into anything heavy.

"If I recall correctly," Alanna whispers, "we must move quickly when the doors to the train open."

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."

Smugly, "I hope not."

"A fundamental difference, that."

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.

Thom sits down and throws his arm around her shoulders, surveying the other passengers on the train with distinct interest.

"I think I'm going to like this more than horses."

Alanna bursts out laughing.

"At least you know there's no chance it's going to buck you off?"

"Mithros, I hope not."

Giving his hair a quick ruffle, she cranes her neck around in search of a map.

"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.

Thom laughs and clutches at the edge of his seat.

"Graceful."

Just for that, she slumps heavily against him as she resituates herself.

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.

He glances at her and asks, "Better or worse than boats?"

"I haven't been sick all over your shoes." Surely this explains enough.

Alanna breathes deeply as the train slows. She's all curiosity again as they pull into the Green Park station.

"Well, thank Mithros for small favors."

Busy people watching, she nods.

"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?

"Not at all."

He grins and nudges her. "It's an adventure."

"Exactly," she replies, mouth twisting into a crooked grin.

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."

"That's Adam for you," he says solemnly. "Always worrying for nothing."

"Not always for nothing," she says loyally. It would be more believable if she didn't grin quite so much. "Occasionally, I give him reason."

"Not enough, I think."

He elbows her gently in the side.

She elbows him back, laughing, when someone announces they are approaching Knightsbridge station.

Knight's bridge? PERFECT.

"Here! We get off here!"

"Uh," says Thom, thoroughly aware of the still-moving train.

Much to the amusement of their fellow passengers, she pulls Thom to his feet as the train slows. Tourists.

"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.

"Like a warning? Violence-seekers, enter here?"

Almost as soon as the words are out of his mouth, he brightens. "On second thought . . . "

Alanna rolls her eyes, grabbing his hand as they are swept up in a mass exodus.

"Whatever works. Careful you don't lose me."

"I think that's my line."