Sometimes, we need a few people in our lives who will calmly call our bluff.

[ritsu_kouyou]

Characters: Akiha and Claire
Date: 1/7
Summary: Akiha has no one to talk to about certain things, so she seeks out the stranger that has served as a listening ear before.
Warnings: none

Comments

[persical]

Claire was in the kitchen when she heard the door open, making stew for any guests that needed something besides alcohol to warm them up. She ventured out to the bar when she heard someone come in--it was a little less lively after the holidays, and moving around in the snow and cold was difficult.

It took a moment for her to recognize the young woman, but when she did, she smiled.

"Welcome, Akiha." The gruff tone of address didn't seem to bother her at all. "Of course, just a moment."

She took down a glass she knew was clean because she had cleaned it--Reno really knew nothing about this sort of thing, or else she was just too lazy. Claire suspected the latter.

"Did you want ice with it?" After months in the Gardens she'd finally gotten used to the idea of a refrigerator and freezer.

[ritsu_kouyou]

"No. I want it straight," Akiha replied, piling her coat, scarf and gloves on the seat next to her after leaning the red staff against the counter. Then she grabbed her scarf again to wrap about her.

"When is this damn cold going to end?"

[persical]

Her patient smile remained as she poured out the glass, sliding it across the counter to her guest.

"Not a fan of winter, then? We still have several months to go, I'm afraid. If the Queen doesn't get tired of it sooner."

[ritsu_kouyou]

"I hate the cold." Akiha catches the glass and takes a long drink. Then she sets it down and rests her chin on her arms in a very uncharacteristic slouch.

"Why would anyone want to go out in this cold, much less do something as pointless as hunt?"

[persical]

"I guess I'm just used to it. And hunting is important if you need the food, but here I can't see why...since everything is provided for us."

She pulled up her own stool behind the counter, realizing that Akiha seems to have come for company and not just a drink.

[ritsu_kouyou]

"If it was hunting for food, I would understand. Some people like to be self-sufficient. But it's not; it's for sport."

Akiha grumbled and stared at her glass, poking it with a finger to watch the ice settle. "And it's not even good sport. It's bloodsport. I can't believe that idiot went when I told her I didn't want her to go."

She scowled at her own reflection in the glass. "But no... she never listens to me, even when it's for her own good."