(Untitled)

[a_lioness]

*Alanna is in the paddock, riding Mithros bareback. Humming softly, she puts him through his paces; the dull, rhythmic sound of his hooves striking wet grass is remarkably soothing. The cool breeze is enough to warrant a sweater, and she occasionally gives Mithros his head long enough to tug the sleeves over her chilled fingers

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[creator_raven]

Some things make sense, yes.

And then there is Raven.

Or rather, a Raven, perched in a nearby tree.

He is preening.

[a_lioness]

*Of course he is preening, for he is a pretty bird. Interest captured, Alanna tilts her head and rides over. Mithros snorts and paws at the ground. After a few moments of watching Raven, Alanna whistles.*

Hullo.

[creator_raven]

Raven continues to preen, a moment, then he looks up.

"Hello, Alanna."

Watch as the vain bird goes back to preening.

[a_lioness]

*She smiles, pleased.*

Ah, a lucky guess. *head tilt* It is good to see you. I don't think I've properly thanked you for glittering Thom.

*Swallowing, she glances toward the bar.*

[creator_raven]

Raven's eyes might sharpen, a little, and he tilts his head to regard Alanna out of one of them.

"You are very welcome."

[a_lioness]

I have missed our chats. More than you know. *She unconsciously mimics his head tilt.* I assume you have heard news of Meg?

[creator_raven]

"It has been some time, yes."

He ruffles his feathers, then.

"Yes. It is a thing that spreads quickly."

[a_lioness]

Aye, it is.

*Glancing down, Alanna fiddles with Mithros' mane, not quite sure what to say. She bites her lip.*

I'm... confused. Not thinking very clearly. M'sorry.

[creator_raven]

And then there is a man sitting in the branches.

He tilts his head, looking like the bird, for the moment.

"Why are you apologizing? It is confusing, I think."

His eyes, though, are still sharp.

[a_lioness]

*She shrugs.* Is it? I'm not sure. I feel like it shouldn't be, that it's my duty to make sense of all this, but I haven't slept well in quite some time, and everything feels a bit muddled.

*Leaning forward, she hides her face against Mithros' neck for a moment.*

Perhaps it is just disbelief warring with cold hard facts.

[creator_raven]

He drops lightly to the ground, and approaches.

There is another headtilt.

"It is not helpful, perhaps, but everything in the universe does not make sense. It was never a requirement, I do not think. So."

He shrugs, and mentions nothing about the facts. Not yet.

[a_lioness]

*Alanna nods, her twitchy fingers sinking into the gelding's mane and braiding a small section.*

No, not a requirement. Truthfully, I do not know why I am so set on finding reason here. Perhaps her death would be easier to accept if we had someone to blame without a shadow of a doubt. *She sighs, giving him a small smile.* It was always easy for me. I had a clear enemy, you see. A clear enemy, with an obvious motive.

At least... that was the case. Before.

[creator_raven]

"Well."

Raven watches her intently, eyes dark and oddly gentle.

"You grew up. It is a thing that happens, usually."

[a_lioness]

*Startled, Alanna regards him with wide eyes.*

Yes... it does, and perhaps I have. *slow smile* But it is good to cling to one's childhood in some respects.

[creator_raven]

Raven nods.

"It is good to keep bits, yes. Remembering is a useful tool, I think. So is letting go. It depends on the circumstances, perhaps."

He tilts his head, again.

"Which respects have you kept, if I may ask?"

[a_lioness]

Mischief, of course. *Her smile fades.* Ideals. Good and evil. The belief that most people are good underneath. If I abandon that, abandon chivalry... *She shakes her head.* Some consider it naive, or a waste of time.

Other worlds have moved on from such things. Grown more advanced in some ways, but colder in others, I think.