[OOM: In the rafters]

[creator_raven]

The rafters are cool and dark and quiet--well, quieter than the bar beneath, at least.

For the moment, it will serve well enough.

It is the dark and the quiet that have Raven perched on one of the beams, beak tucked beneath his wing.

He might be sleeping.

Comments

[gramarye1971]

Considering who the order is coming from, Merriman doesn't even bother to take his teacup with him.

It's the work of a moment before he is also perched on a nearby rafter, awkwardly trying to keep his balance, gripping the wood in an attempt to keep from pitching over backwards or slipping forwards. It takes a few seconds for him to find a position that feels secure, but he makes the best of it.

'Well?' he says quietly, all traces of humour gone from his voice.

[creator_raven]

"She is still breathing. It is vexing, perhaps."

Raven's feathers look a little ruffled.

Literally.

"Also she is very good at following me."

There are reasons for that.

This does not mean Raven is less pissed.

[winged-defender.livejournal.com]

...Great, because nobody's gonna notice an old British man sitting on the damn rafters...oh, forget stealth. Bigger things to talk about now.

"I've been watching her from up here for the last week or two," she explains. "She's not doing much. Walking in the woods, talking with that Narnian kid, annoying people."

She claws at the rafter in frustration. "All the same," she says, "it's not gonna go on like this. Storm's coming."

[gramarye1971]

People sit on the rafters all the time, Merriman would point out. It would be far more noticeable if there were three birds sitting on the rafters like some makeshift parliament of non-owls.

'She is building strength before Midsummer,' Merriman mutters. 'I somehow doubt she will wait that long.'

[creator_raven]

Raven huffs out a sharp breath, tucking her knees up.

"I am not so good with patience, either, I do not think."

She shrugs.

"Also she is fond of stockpiling, is she not? That is even more troublesome."

[winged-defender.livejournal.com]

"We'll have to stockpile ourselves."

Peach is bent over, gnawing introspectively at the wood she perches on - not watching anyone on the floor, just staring downward into the middle distance.

"We're gonna need a tank," she says after a minute, and looks up toward Merriman. "Protection. You'll have to get ready; there's no time." Beat. "Don't be afraid to ask for what you paid for."

[gramarye1971]

The look he gives her at first is curious, and a little puzzled. The puzzled expression fades slowly, as he turns her words over in his mind.

'Very well,' he says at last. 'There are possibilities. And not necessarily unorthodox ones, either.'

[creator_raven]

Raven snorts, resting her chin on her knees.

"Sometimes it is better not to be predictable."

She cracks a slight smile, showing a hint of teeth.

"Or deliberate."

[winged-defender.livejournal.com]

Peach glances over at her. "You're the opposite," she says seriously. "Drop your baggage before you go in."

[creator_raven]

Raven's grin broadens, sharpens.

"My hands, I think, are entirely empty."

She holds them up, palms out, fingers spread.

Call it a gesture of intent.

[gramarye1971]

A quick glance at Raven's hands confirms the statement, though it doesn't do much for reassurance.

'Have you any other thoughts on this matter?' he says to Peach, quietly. 'If not, then there is work I ought to be doing elsewhere, in preparation.'

[winged-defender.livejournal.com]

The parrot shakes her head quickly, ruffling her feathers. "That's all I got."

[creator_raven]

Raven's feet drop to hang over the edge of the beam, swinging idly.

"I have thoughts, perhaps, but they are not helpful ones."

Her shoulders twitch.

"And we have spoken of them before. So. I think I will go flying."

And she drops neatly to the ground, striding toward the lakeside door.

[gramarye1971]

Merriman nods a farewell to Raven, then turns back to Peach.

'I will remember,' he says, with a grave nod. 'And thank you, for the reminder.'

And then he is also gone.