this weekend's Wide World of Snark
In lieu of antiOTP, there was a bit of WTF in IC.
I now present to you an exhibition of snark and weaponry, hosted by Hermione Granger-Weasley, Alistair McKeon, and Raoul Courvosier. May you enjoy.
Hermione: *waddles in, dressed nothing like her usual self*
Hermione: *looks around for familiar faces*
Alistair: *is wearing something rather usual, for him* Oh, my goodness, Hermione!
Hermione: *outraged* Look at me!
Hermione: I was just -reading-! Minding my own business!
Alistair: I am. I can't help it.
Hermione: When this... this... -thing- flouces through and... and...
Alistair: Not another demon again...
Hermione: *raises hands in defeat*
Alistair: I knew staying upstairs and finishing off Armand's suit was a good idea.
Alistair: How long will it last?
Hermione: Not long, I hope!
Hermione: This is... is... -unacceptable-!
Alistair: I hope not too. Hopefully it's just a...Halloween prank. I heard they did things like this on that day.
Hermione: Not at my school, they don't!
Alistair: We don't have Halloween on Manticore. *shrugs*
Alistair: Well, you could loan me that dress when you're done. *grins*
Hermione: PLEASE!
Hermione: Burn it!
Hermione: You can have it, it's hideous!
Alistair: *laughs* I was thinking of wearing it.
Hermione: Well, someone might get a use out of it!
Hermione: I'll never wear it again, that's for sure!
Alistair: It's not really my color, though, nor my style. And I'll be happy to dispose of it for you.
Hermione: Use it to light a bonfire, please!
Alistair: We can do that for Halloween, then. *grins*
Hermione: Oh yes, please!
Alistair: Nice, warm, and toasty. I'll be wearing my warm dress instead. *winks*
Hermione: Oh I -wish-!
Alistair: *finds blanket on couch and wraps it around her* That should help.
Hermione: *is trying to keep the blanket around her, but it's struggling to fly away*
Alistair: Oh, great. Well, we could always sit by the fireplace over there?
Hermione: I just want my normal clothes back...
Alistair: You can't take this off?
Hermione: No... for some reason it won't come off...
Alistair: Then...let us march over to the fire. I see the blanket was repelled as well.
Hermione: *waddles over to the fire and tries to warm herself*
Alistair: Do you need help?
Hermione: No, I think I'm all right... thank you, though...
Alistair: No problem. Let's sit down. I'm warm, if you need me...I know that probably sounds wrong.
Hermione: Actually...
Hermione: Wouldyoumindterribly?
Alistair: Not at all, Hermione. *sits down*
Hermione: *sits down next to Alistair with a little effort and curls up to him*
Alistair: *puts his arm around her* Feeling warmer?
Hermione: Yes... thank you.
Hermione: ... Alistair?
Alistair: Yes?
Hermione: You're not afraid of blood and pain, are you?
Alistair: I'm rather wary of them in myself, as that's an indication that something in our operation's gone pear-shaped, but I've seen a lot of it in others. I can stand looking at it.
Hermione: ... would...
Hermione: I...
Alistair: *looks at her* Yes?
Admiral-Raoul: *le entering! Of Admiralness. Or something.*
Hermione: I... I want to have someone with me that I can trust... when I go into labour... Someone who I can trust not to faint...
Alistair: *blinks* You're asking me, aren't you? Are you sure...I fit the description, yes, but...
Hermione: ... I am, yes.
Alistair: I will. I promise.
Hermione: Alistair... I need someone there who's not going to panic if I'm in pain or losing blood...
Alistair: I promise I will not. I'll do whatever you need me to do.
Hermione: *lets out a sigh of relief* ... thank you.
Alistair: You're welcome. Still worrying about Ron?
Hermione: More worrying about giving birth...
Alistair: Well, meaning that he's useless at watching. I understand. I'm worried for you too.
Admiral-Raoul: *is lurking in a corner, or something*
Hermione: I'm sure I'll be fine...
Admiral-Raoul: *lurks his way on over somewhat near Alistair and Hermione, mainly because Alistair is the only person he knows. XD*
Hermione: I told Ron that I was asking two friends for back-up.
Alistair: Ah. Who else did you ask?
Alistair: I'm just nervous in general, but I need to watch because of...well. I think you know.
Hermione: I... can't tell you.
Alistair: Well, I'm sure I'll find out when I see him or her at the birth.
Hermione: ... Perhaps.
Alistair: Why, will they be cloaked or something?
Hermione: You might not recognise them, that's all.
Alistair: That's all right, I haven't met all of your friends yet.
Alistair: And you haven't met all of mine, either.
Hermione: There is that, yes.
Hermione: But... thank you.
Alistair: I thought I just saw one, but I must have been dreaming.
Alistair: It's not a problem at all. And if the same is true for you, I'll be sure to ask you to be around for mine, if need be.
Theo: Raoul: *STILL HERE*
Theo: Raoul: ...*forces his typist to open a new window*
Hermione: I'm sure I'll be happy to return the favour...
Alistair: Thank you.
Alistair: And indeed, I did see him...I think...
Admiral-Raoul: *yes!*
Admiral-Raoul: *typist apologises*
Alistair: Admiral? Is that you?
Hermione: I'm sure everything will be fine, Alistair...
Alistair: I know. But you know how I worry.
Admiral-Raoul: Yes. *grins* Unless I've turned into a ghost or something.
Alistair: You never know around here. Come and sit by us.
Admiral-Raoul: Alright. *does so!*
Alistair: Hermione, this is Admiral Raoul Courvosier. Admiral, this is Hermione Granger-Weasley.
Admiral-Raoul: *manages to bow whilst sitting! It must be an Admiral thing* A pleasure, madam.
Hermione: Enchanté.
Admiral-Raoul: *headtilts and smiles* A friend of Admiral McKeon's, are you?
Hermione: Yes, sir.
Hermione: I do beg your pardon for my current... state.
Admiral-Raoul: *blinks* I don't mind.
Hermione: I had the unfortunate luck to run into someone who considered it great fun to change my clothing to... this.
Hermione: *points at her skimpy, bubble-gum pink, spaghetti-strapped dress*
Admiral-Raoul: *is attempting to hide a grin, and no doubt failing* Quite alright.
Alistair: It's why we're so close to each other. She's cold. I'm not.
Admiral-Raoul: I see.
Hermione: *eyes Admiral Courvosier and gets a twinkle in her eye*
Hermione: I see the same congratulations I am offered should be extended to you...? *eyes the Admiral's midsection*
Admiral-Raoul: *blinks amusedly* Pardon me?
Alistair: *has to keep from making any sort of reaction whatsoever*
Hermione: *tries to stiffle a giggle*
Hermione: My apologies...
Hermione: I sometimes make comments like that...
Hermione: *amused look*
Alistair: *laughs* Well, you know, Admiral, anything can happen here, and frequently does...
Admiral-Raoul: *is totally amused, but not showing it* So I see.
Hermione: One of these days... my comments will get me into trouble.
Hermione: I do apologise, Admiral.
Alistair: One of these days, Hermione? Haven't you learned from what happened to me?
Admiral-Raoul: *amused grin*
Hermione: *grins at Alistair* Nope!
Hermione: I can't help making smart comments like that...
Alistair: Well, I need to restrain myself, especially around someone who outranks me. And who has a similar issue to myself.
Admiral-Raoul: Well, I outranked you when I was alive. Does it count now?
Hermione: I would be horrified if I did this to Headmistress McGonagall!
Alistair: You still do, sir.
Admiral-Raoul: *shrugs* Alright.
Alistair: Until I hear differently. I realize discipline's lapsed here, but there were so few of us, and Admiral Harrington left for a while....
Admiral-Raoul: I see.
Hermione: *looks from Alistair to Raoul*
Hermione: *is confused*
Admiral-Raoul: *blinks at Hermione* Yes?
Hermione: Sorry, sir...
Hermione: I...
Hermione: Aren't you an admiral, too, Alistair?
Admiral-Raoul: *is wearing jeans and a black t-shirt, as his typist is horribly uninventive.*
Alistair: Only a rear admiral, Hermione. He still outranks me.
Hermione: ... Ah.
Hermione: I see...
Alistair: But as he's dressed as a civilian--in fact, as all of us are...
Alistair: There's no point in pretending anymore, is there, sir?
Hermione: ... except those of us currently dressed like a street walker?
Alistair: *snorts* You're not in the chain of command, Hermione.
Hermione: thanks, Alistair.
Hermione: *winks*
Admiral-Raoul: *is trying not to laugh, because, y'know, undignified for an Admiral and all that*
Alistair: Well, I could always dress up similarly, to make you feel better, except I'd make everyone else feel worse...
Admiral-Raoul: ......Lord knows I'd feel worse.
Admiral-Raoul: *smirks*
Hermione: *laughs*
Alistair: Yes. I'm currently in the entirely wrong body for it.
Hermione: *to Alistair* Oh... I like -him-.
Alistair: I knew you would.
Hermione: Sassy, sarcastic and smart.
Admiral-Raoul: *half-bows* I do try.
Alistair: Ron needs watch himself, then, else the Admiral will steal you away.
Admiral-Raoul: You know me. Lady-killer and all that. *eyeroll*
Hermione: Don't make me sass you!
Hermione: *grins*
Alistair: Well, your charm isn't lost on me....what ?
Hermione: Make a suggestive comment, Alistair...
Hermione: and charm? -what- charm?
Admiral-Raoul: He -might- have charm.
Alistair: The overwhelming charm of the both of you, of course.
Admiral-Raoul: Ah, of course.
Alistair: *to Hermione* And get a wiseacre answer in return?
Hermione: *grins*
Hermione: Naturally!
Hermione: Part of my charm, isn't it?
Alistair: *squeezes her* Why, yes, it is.
Hermione: *grins again*
Admiral-Raoul: *is just ...rolling his eyes*
Hermione: *turns toward Raoul* No really... when are you due?
Hermione: *claps her hand over her mouth*
Admiral-Raoul: ......*laughs*
Alistair: Yes, Admiral, when? We've all been wondering.
Admiral-Raoul: Insubordination! *is still laughing, though, so, yeah*
Hermione: *sniggers*
Alistair: Well, here, it's a valid question, you see...*starts giggling anyway*
Hermione: *to Alistair* Any idea as to the father then?
Alistair: I haven't the faintest. I know it's not me.
Admiral-Raoul: *is still just -laughing-*
Alistair: Hmm. Do you have any ideas, Hermione?
Hermione: No... although I would recommend a slightly different garment... this can't be comfortable for the baby. *winks*
Admiral-Raoul: ...It's a t-shirt.
Hermione: the jeans, Admiral.
Admiral-Raoul: Ah. Well, I wouldn't know. *grins*
Alistair: We'll have to find you some nice loose dresses.
Admiral-Raoul: .....*raises an eyebrow* Somehow, I don't think you'd like that sight very much.
Hermione: What do you think, Alistair? Maybe a nice mauve colour?
Alistair: Yes. That would be lovely.
Hermione: I'm sure the Lady Nerdanel would be happy to help.
Alistair: We may not like to see it, but you have to think of the baby.
Admiral-Raoul: Of course I do.
Admiral-Raoul: *is trying to imagine the expression on Honor's face if she were hearing THIS conversation*
Admiral-Raoul: *and failing miserably.*
Hermione: it needs to -move-, Admiral!
Admiral-Raoul: Right. I knew that.
Hermione: *suddenly feels her own -real- babies kick*
Alistair: All right there?
Hermione: yes... I'm surprised you didn't feel that!
Alistair: Well, I didn't think I could, but that's what that was?
Hermione: *nods*
Alistair: *looks at Raoul* You see what you're in for now?
Hermione: The charm's starting to wear off...
Alistair: Oh, no.
Admiral-Raoul: ...Charm?
Hermione: *nods*
Hermione: I had a protective charm placed on my children, Admiral.
Admiral-Raoul: Ah.
Hermione: It needs to be renewed...
Alistair: *quietly* And I can't fix this for you, and I dearly wish I could.
Hermione: *squeezes Alistair gently* Don't worry... I'm fine with it.
Alistair: All right. If you say so, ma'am.
Hermione: *blinks*
Hermione: ... ma'am?
Hermione: When did I stop being plain Mione, Alistair?
Alistair: *grins* You reminded me of someone just then.
Admiral-Raoul: *eyebrows* Do I know this someone?
Alistair: Why, yes, in fact you do.
Admiral-Raoul: I thought so. *grins*
Hermione: ... who?
Alistair: Let's see if we were thinking the same thing, Admiral.
Admiral-Raoul: *grins* Honor Harrington.
Alistair: Got it. *laughs*
Hermione: *blinks*
Hermione: ... why?
Alistair: Well, she'd do the same thing to me, and then tell me everything is under control.
Hermione: ... Alistair...
Hermione: you -do- realise I only ever come out here if you or someone else I trust is here, right?
Hermione: You make me feel safe enough to do that.
Alistair: No, I didn't, and that's an amazing compliment.
Alistair: Thank you.
Hermione: You saved me from that man that tried to kill me... -twice-, Alistair.
Hermione: Not once... -twice-.
Alistair: I did? *blinks* Yes, I did.
Hermione: -and- you showed me how to defend myself.
Hermione: You do a lot more than you think, you know. *smiles*
Alistair: I suppose I do. *smiles
Admiral-Raoul: *is totally still here*
Hermione: Is this Admiral Harrington person the same one as the one you mentioned when you were teaching me how to fire your gun?
Admiral-Raoul: That would be her.
Alistair: Yes, he's right. Just by hearing the word "gun", right?
Admiral-Raoul: *grins* Yes. You forget, I -did- teach her.
Hermione: ... I'm missing something here, aren't I?
Hermione: And... well...
Hermione: *eyes Alistair shrewdly*
Hermione: He would be able to judge then, wouldn't he?
Alistair: You've met her, remember? The pregnant lady in the kitchen?
Hermione: If he taught this Admiral Harrington as well?
Alistair: Yes, he would.
Hermione: Oooooo! Is -that- Admiral Harrington?
Alistair: Yes, it is. *laughs*
Hermione: *looks confused for a minute, but smiles again*
Admiral-Raoul: *grins, because Honor is YAY*
Hermione: *smirks*
Alistair: I keep forgetting that she's not exactly been at her normal form here.
Admiral-Raoul: That's right. I nearly forgot, too. *grins* But then again, I've only seen her once.
Hermione: If I wasn't dressed like -this-... I'd issue the challenge...
Alistair: A shoot-off?
Hermione: *nods*
Admiral-Raoul: Against whom?
Hermione: Anyone you choose.
Admiral-Raoul: Ah.
Alistair: We'll certainly keep it in mind for a more opportune moment.
Hermione: You know...
Hermione: I do wonder if I'll get my knives back when this curse wears off...
Alistair: You should, hopefully.
Alistair: Why, going to use them on someone?
Admiral-Raoul: *amusedly* I'm afraid to ask.
Hermione: *matter of factly* I throw knives, Admiral.
Hermione: Or use them in self-defence.
Admiral-Raoul: Ah. A formidable young woman, then.
Alistair: I've never seen her do it, but I'd like to.
Hermione: ... Do you have a knife?
Hermione: I can show you...
Admiral-Raoul: *looks at his clothes and grins* Not at the moment, I'm afraid.
Alistair: *searches pockets* Here's my pocket knife. In the pocket with the tissue.
Alistair: Luckily Suzie didn't give me back the used one.
Hermione: *takes the knife and gets up*
Hermione: This locks, right?
Hermione: The blade doesn't fold in on itself?
Hermione: *folds out the blade and tests the knife for balance and weight*
Alistair: It locks. Usually.
Hermione: *tests the knife's hinge*
Hermione: *takes the tip of the blade in between her fingers, satisfied with the weight*
Hermione: ... Pick your target...
Alistair: Try that couch over there, the one with the coffee stain.
Hermione: Hmmm...
Alistair: Too soft a target?
Hermione: *turns her back to the couch*
Hermione: No, it'll do...
Hermione: Stand clear, please...
Alistair: *sits back down, out of range*
Hermione: *takes a deep breath to focus*
Hermione: *whirls around and throws the knife, right in the middle of the coffee stain*
Alistair: Holy crap...
Admiral-Raoul: *eyebrows, impressed* Excellent.
Hermione: *eyes her own attempt distastefully* I can do better with my own knives...
Hermione: *holds out her hand toward the knife* Accio knife!
Hermione: *watches the knife sail into her hand, folds it and returns it to Alistair*
Alistair: *blinks* And one trick as adept as the other.
Alistair: Thank you.
Hermione: No... thank -you-.
Hermione: Now you've seen it.
Hermione: *grins*
Alistair: I am never, ever, messing with you.
Hermione: *grins some more*
Admiral-Raoul: I wouldn't either.
Hermione: Lady War taught me.
Alistair: An excellent teacher for that sort of thing, no?
Hermione: Ro taught me blade work... and you taught me how to fire a gun.
Hermione: I only pick the best...
Alistair: *blushes*
Admiral-Raoul: *amusion*
Alistair: Well, two out of three isn't bad, Hermione!
Hermione: *arches her eyebrow* I'm sure neither Lady War, nor Elrohir would appreciate being called anything but the best, Alistair.
Alistair: You knew who I meant by the two. Neither of them include me. Honor's much more adept at that than I am.
Alistair: But she wasn't there to teach you, and I suppose that's what counts the most.
Hermione: And I must insist you are wrong.
Alistair: That means so much to me...
Admiral-Raoul: Well, you two, it's been fun, but I'm being dragged away. Typist says I need to find out what Honor's been up to since I've died.
Alistair: That would be a good call. Be sure to check with Honor, too, to see if the stories match. Good night, sir.
Admiral-Raoul: Good night! *salutes* *and bows to absent!Mione* It was a pleasure, madam.
I now present to you an exhibition of snark and weaponry, hosted by Hermione Granger-Weasley, Alistair McKeon, and Raoul Courvosier. May you enjoy.
Hermione: *waddles in, dressed nothing like her usual self*
Hermione: *looks around for familiar faces*
Alistair: *is wearing something rather usual, for him* Oh, my goodness, Hermione!
Hermione: *outraged* Look at me!
Hermione: I was just -reading-! Minding my own business!
Alistair: I am. I can't help it.
Hermione: When this... this... -thing- flouces through and... and...
Alistair: Not another demon again...
Hermione: *raises hands in defeat*
Alistair: I knew staying upstairs and finishing off Armand's suit was a good idea.
Alistair: How long will it last?
Hermione: Not long, I hope!
Hermione: This is... is... -unacceptable-!
Alistair: I hope not too. Hopefully it's just a...Halloween prank. I heard they did things like this on that day.
Hermione: Not at my school, they don't!
Alistair: We don't have Halloween on Manticore. *shrugs*
Alistair: Well, you could loan me that dress when you're done. *grins*
Hermione: PLEASE!
Hermione: Burn it!
Hermione: You can have it, it's hideous!
Alistair: *laughs* I was thinking of wearing it.
Hermione: Well, someone might get a use out of it!
Hermione: I'll never wear it again, that's for sure!
Alistair: It's not really my color, though, nor my style. And I'll be happy to dispose of it for you.
Hermione: Use it to light a bonfire, please!
Alistair: We can do that for Halloween, then. *grins*
Hermione: Oh yes, please!
Alistair: Nice, warm, and toasty. I'll be wearing my warm dress instead. *winks*
Hermione: Oh I -wish-!
Alistair: *finds blanket on couch and wraps it around her* That should help.
Hermione: *is trying to keep the blanket around her, but it's struggling to fly away*
Alistair: Oh, great. Well, we could always sit by the fireplace over there?
Hermione: I just want my normal clothes back...
Alistair: You can't take this off?
Hermione: No... for some reason it won't come off...
Alistair: Then...let us march over to the fire. I see the blanket was repelled as well.
Hermione: *waddles over to the fire and tries to warm herself*
Alistair: Do you need help?
Hermione: No, I think I'm all right... thank you, though...
Alistair: No problem. Let's sit down. I'm warm, if you need me...I know that probably sounds wrong.
Hermione: Actually...
Hermione: Wouldyoumindterribly?
Alistair: Not at all, Hermione. *sits down*
Hermione: *sits down next to Alistair with a little effort and curls up to him*
Alistair: *puts his arm around her* Feeling warmer?
Hermione: Yes... thank you.
Hermione: ... Alistair?
Alistair: Yes?
Hermione: You're not afraid of blood and pain, are you?
Alistair: I'm rather wary of them in myself, as that's an indication that something in our operation's gone pear-shaped, but I've seen a lot of it in others. I can stand looking at it.
Hermione: ... would...
Hermione: I...
Alistair: *looks at her* Yes?
Admiral-Raoul: *le entering! Of Admiralness. Or something.*
Hermione: I... I want to have someone with me that I can trust... when I go into labour... Someone who I can trust not to faint...
Alistair: *blinks* You're asking me, aren't you? Are you sure...I fit the description, yes, but...
Hermione: ... I am, yes.
Alistair: I will. I promise.
Hermione: Alistair... I need someone there who's not going to panic if I'm in pain or losing blood...
Alistair: I promise I will not. I'll do whatever you need me to do.
Hermione: *lets out a sigh of relief* ... thank you.
Alistair: You're welcome. Still worrying about Ron?
Hermione: More worrying about giving birth...
Alistair: Well, meaning that he's useless at watching. I understand. I'm worried for you too.
Admiral-Raoul: *is lurking in a corner, or something*
Hermione: I'm sure I'll be fine...
Admiral-Raoul: *lurks his way on over somewhat near Alistair and Hermione, mainly because Alistair is the only person he knows. XD*
Hermione: I told Ron that I was asking two friends for back-up.
Alistair: Ah. Who else did you ask?
Alistair: I'm just nervous in general, but I need to watch because of...well. I think you know.
Hermione: I... can't tell you.
Alistair: Well, I'm sure I'll find out when I see him or her at the birth.
Hermione: ... Perhaps.
Alistair: Why, will they be cloaked or something?
Hermione: You might not recognise them, that's all.
Alistair: That's all right, I haven't met all of your friends yet.
Alistair: And you haven't met all of mine, either.
Hermione: There is that, yes.
Hermione: But... thank you.
Alistair: I thought I just saw one, but I must have been dreaming.
Alistair: It's not a problem at all. And if the same is true for you, I'll be sure to ask you to be around for mine, if need be.
Theo: Raoul: *STILL HERE*
Theo: Raoul: ...*forces his typist to open a new window*
Hermione: I'm sure I'll be happy to return the favour...
Alistair: Thank you.
Alistair: And indeed, I did see him...I think...
Admiral-Raoul: *yes!*
Admiral-Raoul: *typist apologises*
Alistair: Admiral? Is that you?
Hermione: I'm sure everything will be fine, Alistair...
Alistair: I know. But you know how I worry.
Admiral-Raoul: Yes. *grins* Unless I've turned into a ghost or something.
Alistair: You never know around here. Come and sit by us.
Admiral-Raoul: Alright. *does so!*
Alistair: Hermione, this is Admiral Raoul Courvosier. Admiral, this is Hermione Granger-Weasley.
Admiral-Raoul: *manages to bow whilst sitting! It must be an Admiral thing* A pleasure, madam.
Hermione: Enchanté.
Admiral-Raoul: *headtilts and smiles* A friend of Admiral McKeon's, are you?
Hermione: Yes, sir.
Hermione: I do beg your pardon for my current... state.
Admiral-Raoul: *blinks* I don't mind.
Hermione: I had the unfortunate luck to run into someone who considered it great fun to change my clothing to... this.
Hermione: *points at her skimpy, bubble-gum pink, spaghetti-strapped dress*
Admiral-Raoul: *is attempting to hide a grin, and no doubt failing* Quite alright.
Alistair: It's why we're so close to each other. She's cold. I'm not.
Admiral-Raoul: I see.
Hermione: *eyes Admiral Courvosier and gets a twinkle in her eye*
Hermione: I see the same congratulations I am offered should be extended to you...? *eyes the Admiral's midsection*
Admiral-Raoul: *blinks amusedly* Pardon me?
Alistair: *has to keep from making any sort of reaction whatsoever*
Hermione: *tries to stiffle a giggle*
Hermione: My apologies...
Hermione: I sometimes make comments like that...
Hermione: *amused look*
Alistair: *laughs* Well, you know, Admiral, anything can happen here, and frequently does...
Admiral-Raoul: *is totally amused, but not showing it* So I see.
Hermione: One of these days... my comments will get me into trouble.
Hermione: I do apologise, Admiral.
Alistair: One of these days, Hermione? Haven't you learned from what happened to me?
Admiral-Raoul: *amused grin*
Hermione: *grins at Alistair* Nope!
Hermione: I can't help making smart comments like that...
Alistair: Well, I need to restrain myself, especially around someone who outranks me. And who has a similar issue to myself.
Admiral-Raoul: Well, I outranked you when I was alive. Does it count now?
Hermione: I would be horrified if I did this to Headmistress McGonagall!
Alistair: You still do, sir.
Admiral-Raoul: *shrugs* Alright.
Alistair: Until I hear differently. I realize discipline's lapsed here, but there were so few of us, and Admiral Harrington left for a while....
Admiral-Raoul: I see.
Hermione: *looks from Alistair to Raoul*
Hermione: *is confused*
Admiral-Raoul: *blinks at Hermione* Yes?
Hermione: Sorry, sir...
Hermione: I...
Hermione: Aren't you an admiral, too, Alistair?
Admiral-Raoul: *is wearing jeans and a black t-shirt, as his typist is horribly uninventive.*
Alistair: Only a rear admiral, Hermione. He still outranks me.
Hermione: ... Ah.
Hermione: I see...
Alistair: But as he's dressed as a civilian--in fact, as all of us are...
Alistair: There's no point in pretending anymore, is there, sir?
Hermione: ... except those of us currently dressed like a street walker?
Alistair: *snorts* You're not in the chain of command, Hermione.
Hermione: thanks, Alistair.
Hermione: *winks*
Admiral-Raoul: *is trying not to laugh, because, y'know, undignified for an Admiral and all that*
Alistair: Well, I could always dress up similarly, to make you feel better, except I'd make everyone else feel worse...
Admiral-Raoul: ......Lord knows I'd feel worse.
Admiral-Raoul: *smirks*
Hermione: *laughs*
Alistair: Yes. I'm currently in the entirely wrong body for it.
Hermione: *to Alistair* Oh... I like -him-.
Alistair: I knew you would.
Hermione: Sassy, sarcastic and smart.
Admiral-Raoul: *half-bows* I do try.
Alistair: Ron needs watch himself, then, else the Admiral will steal you away.
Admiral-Raoul: You know me. Lady-killer and all that. *eyeroll*
Hermione: Don't make me sass you!
Hermione: *grins*
Alistair: Well, your charm isn't lost on me....what ?
Hermione: Make a suggestive comment, Alistair...
Hermione: and charm? -what- charm?
Admiral-Raoul: He -might- have charm.
Alistair: The overwhelming charm of the both of you, of course.
Admiral-Raoul: Ah, of course.
Alistair: *to Hermione* And get a wiseacre answer in return?
Hermione: *grins*
Hermione: Naturally!
Hermione: Part of my charm, isn't it?
Alistair: *squeezes her* Why, yes, it is.
Hermione: *grins again*
Admiral-Raoul: *is just ...rolling his eyes*
Hermione: *turns toward Raoul* No really... when are you due?
Hermione: *claps her hand over her mouth*
Admiral-Raoul: ......*laughs*
Alistair: Yes, Admiral, when? We've all been wondering.
Admiral-Raoul: Insubordination! *is still laughing, though, so, yeah*
Hermione: *sniggers*
Alistair: Well, here, it's a valid question, you see...*starts giggling anyway*
Hermione: *to Alistair* Any idea as to the father then?
Alistair: I haven't the faintest. I know it's not me.
Admiral-Raoul: *is still just -laughing-*
Alistair: Hmm. Do you have any ideas, Hermione?
Hermione: No... although I would recommend a slightly different garment... this can't be comfortable for the baby. *winks*
Admiral-Raoul: ...It's a t-shirt.
Hermione: the jeans, Admiral.
Admiral-Raoul: Ah. Well, I wouldn't know. *grins*
Alistair: We'll have to find you some nice loose dresses.
Admiral-Raoul: .....*raises an eyebrow* Somehow, I don't think you'd like that sight very much.
Hermione: What do you think, Alistair? Maybe a nice mauve colour?
Alistair: Yes. That would be lovely.
Hermione: I'm sure the Lady Nerdanel would be happy to help.
Alistair: We may not like to see it, but you have to think of the baby.
Admiral-Raoul: Of course I do.
Admiral-Raoul: *is trying to imagine the expression on Honor's face if she were hearing THIS conversation*
Admiral-Raoul: *and failing miserably.*
Hermione: it needs to -move-, Admiral!
Admiral-Raoul: Right. I knew that.
Hermione: *suddenly feels her own -real- babies kick*
Alistair: All right there?
Hermione: yes... I'm surprised you didn't feel that!
Alistair: Well, I didn't think I could, but that's what that was?
Hermione: *nods*
Alistair: *looks at Raoul* You see what you're in for now?
Hermione: The charm's starting to wear off...
Alistair: Oh, no.
Admiral-Raoul: ...Charm?
Hermione: *nods*
Hermione: I had a protective charm placed on my children, Admiral.
Admiral-Raoul: Ah.
Hermione: It needs to be renewed...
Alistair: *quietly* And I can't fix this for you, and I dearly wish I could.
Hermione: *squeezes Alistair gently* Don't worry... I'm fine with it.
Alistair: All right. If you say so, ma'am.
Hermione: *blinks*
Hermione: ... ma'am?
Hermione: When did I stop being plain Mione, Alistair?
Alistair: *grins* You reminded me of someone just then.
Admiral-Raoul: *eyebrows* Do I know this someone?
Alistair: Why, yes, in fact you do.
Admiral-Raoul: I thought so. *grins*
Hermione: ... who?
Alistair: Let's see if we were thinking the same thing, Admiral.
Admiral-Raoul: *grins* Honor Harrington.
Alistair: Got it. *laughs*
Hermione: *blinks*
Hermione: ... why?
Alistair: Well, she'd do the same thing to me, and then tell me everything is under control.
Hermione: ... Alistair...
Hermione: you -do- realise I only ever come out here if you or someone else I trust is here, right?
Hermione: You make me feel safe enough to do that.
Alistair: No, I didn't, and that's an amazing compliment.
Alistair: Thank you.
Hermione: You saved me from that man that tried to kill me... -twice-, Alistair.
Hermione: Not once... -twice-.
Alistair: I did? *blinks* Yes, I did.
Hermione: -and- you showed me how to defend myself.
Hermione: You do a lot more than you think, you know. *smiles*
Alistair: I suppose I do. *smiles
Admiral-Raoul: *is totally still here*
Hermione: Is this Admiral Harrington person the same one as the one you mentioned when you were teaching me how to fire your gun?
Admiral-Raoul: That would be her.
Alistair: Yes, he's right. Just by hearing the word "gun", right?
Admiral-Raoul: *grins* Yes. You forget, I -did- teach her.
Hermione: ... I'm missing something here, aren't I?
Hermione: And... well...
Hermione: *eyes Alistair shrewdly*
Hermione: He would be able to judge then, wouldn't he?
Alistair: You've met her, remember? The pregnant lady in the kitchen?
Hermione: If he taught this Admiral Harrington as well?
Alistair: Yes, he would.
Hermione: Oooooo! Is -that- Admiral Harrington?
Alistair: Yes, it is. *laughs*
Hermione: *looks confused for a minute, but smiles again*
Admiral-Raoul: *grins, because Honor is YAY*
Hermione: *smirks*
Alistair: I keep forgetting that she's not exactly been at her normal form here.
Admiral-Raoul: That's right. I nearly forgot, too. *grins* But then again, I've only seen her once.
Hermione: If I wasn't dressed like -this-... I'd issue the challenge...
Alistair: A shoot-off?
Hermione: *nods*
Admiral-Raoul: Against whom?
Hermione: Anyone you choose.
Admiral-Raoul: Ah.
Alistair: We'll certainly keep it in mind for a more opportune moment.
Hermione: You know...
Hermione: I do wonder if I'll get my knives back when this curse wears off...
Alistair: You should, hopefully.
Alistair: Why, going to use them on someone?
Admiral-Raoul: *amusedly* I'm afraid to ask.
Hermione: *matter of factly* I throw knives, Admiral.
Hermione: Or use them in self-defence.
Admiral-Raoul: Ah. A formidable young woman, then.
Alistair: I've never seen her do it, but I'd like to.
Hermione: ... Do you have a knife?
Hermione: I can show you...
Admiral-Raoul: *looks at his clothes and grins* Not at the moment, I'm afraid.
Alistair: *searches pockets* Here's my pocket knife. In the pocket with the tissue.
Alistair: Luckily Suzie didn't give me back the used one.
Hermione: *takes the knife and gets up*
Hermione: This locks, right?
Hermione: The blade doesn't fold in on itself?
Hermione: *folds out the blade and tests the knife for balance and weight*
Alistair: It locks. Usually.
Hermione: *tests the knife's hinge*
Hermione: *takes the tip of the blade in between her fingers, satisfied with the weight*
Hermione: ... Pick your target...
Alistair: Try that couch over there, the one with the coffee stain.
Hermione: Hmmm...
Alistair: Too soft a target?
Hermione: *turns her back to the couch*
Hermione: No, it'll do...
Hermione: Stand clear, please...
Alistair: *sits back down, out of range*
Hermione: *takes a deep breath to focus*
Hermione: *whirls around and throws the knife, right in the middle of the coffee stain*
Alistair: Holy crap...
Admiral-Raoul: *eyebrows, impressed* Excellent.
Hermione: *eyes her own attempt distastefully* I can do better with my own knives...
Hermione: *holds out her hand toward the knife* Accio knife!
Hermione: *watches the knife sail into her hand, folds it and returns it to Alistair*
Alistair: *blinks* And one trick as adept as the other.
Alistair: Thank you.
Hermione: No... thank -you-.
Hermione: Now you've seen it.
Hermione: *grins*
Alistair: I am never, ever, messing with you.
Hermione: *grins some more*
Admiral-Raoul: I wouldn't either.
Hermione: Lady War taught me.
Alistair: An excellent teacher for that sort of thing, no?
Hermione: Ro taught me blade work... and you taught me how to fire a gun.
Hermione: I only pick the best...
Alistair: *blushes*
Admiral-Raoul: *amusion*
Alistair: Well, two out of three isn't bad, Hermione!
Hermione: *arches her eyebrow* I'm sure neither Lady War, nor Elrohir would appreciate being called anything but the best, Alistair.
Alistair: You knew who I meant by the two. Neither of them include me. Honor's much more adept at that than I am.
Alistair: But she wasn't there to teach you, and I suppose that's what counts the most.
Hermione: And I must insist you are wrong.
Alistair: That means so much to me...
Admiral-Raoul: Well, you two, it's been fun, but I'm being dragged away. Typist says I need to find out what Honor's been up to since I've died.
Alistair: That would be a good call. Be sure to check with Honor, too, to see if the stories match. Good night, sir.
Admiral-Raoul: Good night! *salutes* *and bows to absent!Mione* It was a pleasure, madam.