creator_raven | (no subject)

*Up the tree is a boy.

No, it's not a boy. It's a girl, dressed as a boy.

She climbs up the tree sometimes to think. Stretched out on a sturdy limb, she stares down at the man, feet swinging. A few minutes later, several leaves drift down and land in the man's hair.*

His eyes do not open.

He is probably still asleep.

*She grins, tilting her head and thinking he is very pretty when he sleeps. More leaves fall, this time on his face.

The girl has good aim.

However, the girl is also impatient, and thus the man gets thoroughly pounced when she drops from the tree.*

He is awake, now.

He is awake, and flailing.

Also he might have squeaked.

Poor man.

*The girl is utterly delighted, and not at all repentant. She pushes herself up and tickles him a tiny bit.*

Good morning, my friend. You looked as if you were bored.

Raven squeaks again, and attempts to tickle back.

He has a fairly good reach, really.

"It is a good word, that. Not entirely accurate, here, but it will serve."

*Alanna shrieks and flops sideways, squirming. Her reach is not nearly as impressive, and thus she curls up, trying to minimize vulnerable spots.*

Stop! I'm sorry. *She snickers.* I could not leave you here alone, bored, or something close to it.

Raven tickles her a moment more, then stops, settling himself comfortably.

"I appreciate your efforts to amuse, perhaps."

He smiles.

*Her smile is gone. She rubs her eyes and stretches out beside him, staring at the sky.*

If I am to be honest, I suppose I must admit it was more for my benefit than yours.

Raven sobers, too, and looks at her.

"It is a thing to speak of, perhaps?"

*Nodding, she grabs a handful of dirt and lets it sift through her fingers.*

Perhaps.

Remember the nightmares? *She licks her lip, eyes narrowing.* Roger... he was here last night.

Raven blinks.

"Ah. The Duke? We met."

He wrinkles his nose.

"His hair is silly, I think. Also he tries to hard to be clever."

*Eyes wide, she gapes at him.*

You... His hair?

*Alanna dissolves into near hysterical laughter, gripping her sides.*

He does, doesn't he? Goddess, Raven. *She giggles, leaning over to kiss his forehead.* You are good for me. Thank you for that. I suspect I shall treasure your words always.

*She starts laughing again.*

Raven nods.

"It was very flat. He said it was water, but I do not think I believe him. His type, I think, is fond of hair gel."

He wrinkles his nose, and pokes her in the shoulder.

"You would do well to remember all I say to you. I am very wise."

He nods, satisfied.

Jon has much better hair. I suspect Roger is jealous.

*The laughter fades, and she turns to look at him, serious now.*

I know. What did you two discuss?

Raven considers.

"His hair, I think. And his bathing habits."

He frowns, thoughtfully.

"He attempted to get my measure."

Raven snorts.

"His questions were odd, perhaps."

*Alanna gives him a small, crooked smile and nods.*

Always. He is not entirely sane. Dying and being brought back to life... addled him somewhat, I think.

The few times we have spoken here, he either flirted outrageously, purposefully poked my temper, acted insane or oozed charm. There's no consistency. It is hard to tell what is real, and what is not.

I do know this is real - he is a very serious danger to the bar and those I love. I will not let him win.

Raven looks at her steadily.

"The thing to keep in mind, perhaps, is that they might all be real."

He shrugs.

"It is difficult to tell, perhaps."

I think I agree, Raven. Which is why I am... preparing, if you will.

*Groaning, she rubs her hands over her face.*

If only I could bloody well sleep at night.

Raven blinks at her, eyes sharp.

"How long has it been? Too long, at least, I think?"

*She makes a strangled sound, avoiding his gaze.*

I did sleep a bit yesterday. Adam brought me to London, and we took a nap.

It's just...

*Face red, she rubs her eyes again.*

Raven is not smirking.

Not at all.

"It is just that--"

There is a pause.

"I do not follow, perhaps."

*Grumbling, she turns even more red as she folds her arms under her head, struggling to appear nonchalant.*

I only seem to be able to sleep when he's there.

It is weak, I suppose. But if he's not there, I keep myself awake because I'm... the nightmares.

Raven looks at her.

"He will not stay with you?"

*Her eyebrows shoot up.*

No, that's not what I meant. He does! Sometimes. But lately he's been busy, I guess. It happens. *She shrugs, biting her lip.* I don't want to impose, you know. He's got his own life to lead, and doesn't need my problems to boot.