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[markedcard]

There is a college student in Bar, diligently working on school projects.

No, really. Honest.

Okay, fine. There's a college student stretched across one of the couches, eyes closed and breathing almost even.

His homework is on the coffee table in front of said couch, along with a plate of chili fries and a glass of soda.

Probably botherable.

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[winter_arrows]

It can be dangerous to be so unguarded in a public place, thinks Skaði as she approaches the couches with some venison and beer, but if anyone can manage to sleep with all the activity going on around them, more power to them.

The homework and student each get a wary glance as she settles in nearby to eat.

[markedcard]

It can be, the narration allows, but being in that this particular student is, in fact, armed - although no one can see Frakir right now, she is awake and scrying the room for those who wish harm to her master. Sentient strangling cords come in more useful than one might think.

That said, Merlin opens his eyes a little while later, taking in the newcomer.

[winter_arrows]

She's a little scruffy, barefoot and in faded jeans and t-shirt, but at least she's clean. Her table manners may leave something to be desired, though--but really, forks just get in the way.

"I hope I didn't disturb you," she says quietly.

[markedcard]

She looks a lot like many of the campus residents Merlin sees on a daily basis, but that's Berkeley for you.

"You didn't." He eyes his fries, then reaches out and snags a couple while simultaneously sitting up.

[winter_arrows]

"Good," she says, and takes a bite of venison.

And then, after a few moments, when it seems to her that further conversation is probably called for, she adds "Some people are light sleepers. But then I don't think you could be, not if you can sleep in here. It's only quiet very early in the morning, in my experience."

[markedcard]

That produces a smile, albeit a vaguely sleepy one. "I can sleep just about anywhere, if the situation calls for it."

[winter_arrows]

"I can't when there are too many people around. Or by the ocean, for some reason--but outside, here, or in my room upstairs, I sleep very well. You get used to a certain set of sounds, and... it's all about the familiar."

[markedcard]

All about the familiar. "I can appreciate what you're saying." Merlin sits up a little straighter, pushing hair out of his eyes. "For me, it's more of a 'grab it while you can get it' mentality.

PatternFall isn't that far into his past yet.

[winter_arrows]

"I understand that," she says with a nod, and takes a sip of beer. "I tend to be like that when I'm at war. But the rest of the time, I don't have anything that needs to be done that can't be done at almost any other time, if I'm tired."

Not that she gets that tired that easily.

[markedcard]

There's a small chance his mouth tightens at a particular word, but someone would have to possess sharp eyes to catch the movement, and then connect it to one portion of the conversation.

"Try college. You'll find that every professor thinks their class is the most important, and woe if you don't turn assignments in on time."

Luckily, Merlin actually wants to be there, and has managed to keep a good record of such things in general.

[winter_arrows]

"I've never tried that," she muses. "I doubt I'd do very well in college--I'm not much of a scholar, and it seems to me that'd be a more regimented lifestyle than I prefer. I like my space."

And the venison.

"It must be exhausting."

[markedcard]

"Depends on the school, I think. Mine's pretty laid back, for being one of the better universities."

He shrugs, taking a sip of his soda.

"Doesn't everyone like space?"

[winter_arrows]

"Some people don't," she says. "Some... very strange people. Not only do they not seem to need space themselves, they think there's something suspicious about other people who do. I don't trust them--so I suppose it's all right that it's mutual."