(Untitled)

[a_lioness]

Dreams about Roger used to make Alanna worried, angry or cold. The latest astounded her, left her speechless as she reviewed each word and gesture and sound, true, but the worst that could be said of it is that since the dream, Alanna has been annoyingly quiet and introspective

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[ofthosegoodold]

Applegate is almost disappointed to find that his clothing was unchanged as he entered Milliways today. He rather liked that German naval uniform.

Still, though, the beginning stages of the war are moving along nicely. It'll be officially declared any day now.

And he does happen to be fond of the suit he is wearing. It goes well with the celebratory cigar he is not, in fact, actually smoking as he drops into a chair across from the young lady with the sword and the suggestion of very interesting magic.

[a_lioness]

Out of the corner of her eye, Alanna takes in the man's attire and thinks: Over dressed. One side of her mouth pulls up in a reluctant smile. She continues to stare at the flames, however, and it's a full minute before she asks, "Do you intend to smoke that?"

There's a flicker of interest in her tone and expression as she glances at him, then back at the fire.

[ofthosegoodold]

Applegate glances at the cigar, which lights itself.

"I might."

Now that it's lit, anyway. Not that Applegate has ever been the type to worry about being wasteful. Quite the opposite, in fact.

[a_lioness]

Intrigued, Alanna finally transfers all of her attention to the man sitting across from her, and nods at the cigar.

"I'm told it's enjoyable," she says, "though most people require help from matches."

She wouldn't.

[ofthosegoodold]

"Waste of effort," Applegate tells her. That is one thing he is mindful of conserving.

Usually.

Sometimes.

Or he might just be a showoff. Especially when said showing off is unlikely to cause panic. It's an aspect of Milliways he rapidly became very fond of.

[a_lioness]

Alanna lets out a husky laugh and sets her cup on the low table beside her chair. Something about this man makes her want free hands.

"I see. That tells me a great deal about your magic, then."

[ofthosegoodold]

Applegate turns an amused look on her.

"Does it?"

[a_lioness]

The amused look makes her consider the types of magic she's seen in the bar and reevaluate slightly, none of which shows on her face. Instead she adopts a look of mild interest and nods once.

"Aye. Lighting a cigar with magic rather than the simple flick of a wrist required to strike a match would take more effort for some. Not less," she points out.

[ofthosegoodold]

"Would it?" Applegate asks carelessly. "I'm afraid I don't have much basis for comparison on my world. I don't know what's supposed to be difficult and what isn't, as far as magic goes."

It's not something he's ever had to consider, in terms of others. Humans can't do magic on his world.

[a_lioness]

"For some, magic is tied to their life force. Using it makes them tired. As for difficulty..." A similarly careless shrug. "Certain people find it easier to manage and easier to accept than others."

It occurs to Alanna that he probably wasn't looking for a lecture on magic when he sat down, but she fails to apologize. Dropping her elbows to her knees, she leans forward and continues to watch him.

"What world?"

[ofthosegoodold]

Applegate listens with interest. New information is always welcome. It could come in handy somewhere down the road.

And aside from all that - to someone who's been around since quite literally before the dawn of time, it's also a refreshing novelty.

"Why," he asks, "do they have names?"

[a_lioness]

A faint smile is the only answer she gives. Then:

"Perhaps I would do better to ask if you're from Earth?"

[ofthosegoodold]

Applegate considers this question briefly.

"At the moment."

He doesn't really spend as much time in Hell as he should. It runs just fine without him, for the most part, and Earth is just so much more interesting. Especially with the very first world war getting underway.

[a_lioness]

Alanna's smile widens.

"Ah. Had I not spent years in this place, that might sound strange," she says. "My husband is originally from Earth. London. Lovely place, but a little too loud for me."

Modern civilization gives her a headache.

[ofthosegoodold]

Applegate is getting used to the blasé reactions to things here that would at home have humans staring in confusion. At best.

It saves explaining things.

"I've been in Berlin recently," he says. "Mostly. St Petersberg a bit, too. London later this year, I think."

Humans can pick up momentum quite nicely on their own, but a little nudge here and there can't hurt.

And if the nudging isn't needed, he can just sit back and watch. Either way, he wins.

[a_lioness]

"I've only been to London, New York, the jungle and Disney World."

And Las Vegas, but she prefers not to think about those trips.

She takes another moment to eye his suit, then asks, "What business are you in?"