445 HE

[the_lioness]

It's that time of year again. The trees are blooming and the air is sweet. Twilight comes late, and with it the many nocturnal sounds of spring. The world feels more alive, somehow.

And Alanna and Raph are in a tavern, observing their annual tradition; if you can call something that has only happened twice before a tradition.

(They do.)

“Shall I order more?” Alanna asks her companion, eyeballing the bottom of her tankard. It's only her second, so the question is largely rhetorical in nature.

Comments

[mnt_raph]

He belches before overturning his own tankard.

"Yup. Moment of silence for the dead soldiers before us."

[the_lioness]

"They sacrificed themselves for the greater good," says Alanna, solemnly, holding a hand over her heart.

The silence is broken when she surreptitiously slips a finger under her short black wig and scratches.

"Okay. Time to do in another round."

She throws an arm in the air and is ignored. The wig is a very effective disguise. Either that or the types of people who frequent this tavern are far more concerned with the taste of their ale than the person sitting next to them.

[mnt_raph]

Raph rolls his eyes.

"That ain't the way you get attention."

He puts his thumb and forefinger into his mouth and whistles....loud. So loud one half expects a yellow cab to pull up outside.

Provided that One is from a land where there are cabs.

[the_lioness]

"...ow."

So loud the previously slumbering dog by the fire is now beside Raph's chair, wagging his tail expectantly.

Alanna grins. "I don't think he can carry a tray."

[mnt_raph]

"You don't know that. Might be like...frickin' Lassie or some shit."

He turns to the dog.

"Right? Timmy been kidnapped by circus folk again?"

[the_lioness]

"Timmy?"

The dog barks and puts a paw in Raph's lap; and another. Isn't it scruffy and adorable?

It stands on its back legs and noses an empty tankard until it tips over, then flicks its tongue inside to get at the few remaining drops of ale.

Apparently it's done this before.

"Oy, Bounder. Only in the kitchen! Now, I heard yer whistle. Expect all of the country did. What can I get fer the Masters?" It's said wryly.

Alanna, watching the dog, wonders if it would be rude to request clean tankards.

[mnt_raph]

Far as Raph's concerned a good quick shake is all his his tankard needs. What? It's just dog spit.

"More of the same, an' keep'em comin'."

His tone is flat and only vaguely hints at bad things to come if the request isn't filled.

See? He's learning.

[the_lioness]

Alanna turns her head only slightly and smiles at the woman's ample midsection.

"I'll have the same," she answers mildly, "with some bread." Sensing a glare on the top of her head, she adds, "My thanks."

The woman leaves, muttering to herself. Bounder stays. His ears get a good scratching from the disguised knight.

"Remember when you used to tease me for my 'leggings', Raph?" This can't be going anywhere good.

[mnt_raph]

He groans.

"No. No I don't. Not at all. An' I certainly don't remember havin' this conversation before. Ever."

Raph wonders if maybe he can bribe Bounder into changing the subject.

[the_lioness]

"Good! Then we can have it again."

Beaming, she leans down under the table and pulls on the tight fabric covering one of his thighs until it snaps back.

"Funny, isn't it?"

[mnt_raph]

He flops forward, forehead making a giant thud on the table in front of him.

"yeah. laugh riot. lemme know when are beers get here."

Stupid leggings.

[the_lioness]

Stupid breeches.

"Here're yer ales, then. And a loaf o' bread."

Alanna jerks, hitting her head on the underside of the table. Bounder barks near her ear; it sounds suspiciously like laughter. Scowling and rubbing her head, she disentangles herself in order to sit up as slowly as possible, just in case the table attacks her again.

"Raph. Ale."

She flips the woman a coin; these occasions are always her treat.

[mnt_raph]

He doesn't lift his head, but rather gropes around on the table for his - or hers, he's not picky - tankard.

Nothing.
Nothing.
splash

"found it."

He sits up, hair askew.

[the_lioness]

His new hairstyle reminds her of her own uncomfortable wig situation. As she drinks, she goes back to scratching.

"Itches," is offered in unnecessary explanation. She sighs, "I don't think Adam approves of my new hair.

"Haircut." A gesture upwards. "Not this thing."

[mnt_raph]

"Makes you say that?"

Asks Raph after a rather big gulp. He's begun to eye her bread.

[the_lioness]

Alanna notices. Suspicious, she curls her arm protectively around the hearth baked loaf and takes a bite from the end.

While chewing: "Dunno. He got that wrinkle in his forehead. Disappointment, I think. He always liked my hair long."

Her eyes shift sideways, and there's nothing innocent about her sudden smile.

[mnt_raph]

"Long hair is nice."

Raph conceeds between sips.

[the_lioness]

"Hmph. Gets in the way." Beat. "Maybe he thinks I look too much like my brother."

Although with Adam, you never can tell. That might be a good thing.

She starts to say something else, but it's lost in her tankard.

[mnt_raph]

Oh yeah, that last gulp? Totally went down the wrong pipe. Coughing up booze is alcohol abuse.

[the_lioness]

Alanna continues undeterred.

"Did I ever tell you about that time I caught them making out?" She wrinkles her nose. "Wasn't pleased 'bout that, Goddess knows."

[mnt_raph]

Facepalm.

"Can we go back to makin' fun o' my pants again? Please."

[the_lioness]

"Prude."

Holding up a finger, she finishes her drink in a loud gulp.

"Of course we can. Always and forever." She smiles sweetly. "First, though. You should make out with someone."

Alanna appreciates the phrases she's picked up from Adam. Some of them are very useful.

[mnt_raph]

Yup. Face down on the table again.

"Wrong brother."

[the_lioness]

She looks around, brow furrowed in concentration. They're the youngest people in the tavern.

"Well. Maybe not with anyone here. In general."

To Bounder: "Go get your mistress. We're dry."

The dog wags his tail and barks again. Very helpful.

[mnt_raph]

"Ain't lonely. Got plenty of stuff to keep me company."

The part of stuff will be played by drinking, sulking and occasionally babysitting.

"Plus, there's Cloud."

Oh yes, the pony.