(Untitled)

[markedcard]

Merlin wanders down the stairs, fresh from a nap and some work on a set of new Trumps he's creating, which explains the tired expression on his face. At the bottom of the staircase, he's suddenly seized by an inexplicable urge to sing:

Comments

[didntseeit]

How about the very attractive Mexican lady, shaking her brown hair free of its bun?

Once she's done, she applaudes.

[markedcard]

"Erm, thanks."

Merlin offers a somewhat shaky smile, because she is pretty, then turns his attention to the glass of alcohol.

[didntseeit]

"You're welcome."

[markedcard]

He's torn between ignoring her or remembering his manners. Guess which one wins out?

"Merlin." A hand is politely extended - not the one with the drink.

[didntseeit]

"Ajedrez," and she shakes his hand.

[markedcard]

"Don't think I've seen you here before. Either you're new, or haven't been around the last month."

[didntseeit]

"I haven't been here since last October."

[markedcard]

"Which explains my oversight."

She is very beautiful, after all.

[didntseeit]

He gets a grin.

"Hardly an oversight if I haven't been here, is it? No, I...haven't been back for years my time...and when I do, the Bar's been infected by singing. It figures."

[markedcard]

He's still trying to control his blush.

"I've heard of the things that happen here from time to time. Was my intention to never get involved in one."

Sigh.

[didntseeit]

"Woke up one day here, and I was a teenage boy."

Beat.

"Trying to avoid doesn't work."

[markedcard]

Merlin restrains the urge to say something inappropriate.

"Just noticed that."

Beat.

"Where do you hail from?"

[didntseeit]

"Culiacan, in Mexico. Yourself?"

[markedcard]

"Berkeley, California most recently."

[didntseeit]

"Move about?"

[markedcard]

"Not so much in the last few years. I attended college there."