Artistic Endeavors

[somany_names]

Into that lightless place bled a tiny streak of color, weak and pale. Bit by bit it spread, seeping up into a sky streaked with a few wisps of cloud. Tenuous as it was, the light above began to illuminate the shape of the land below; gradually hills and plains gained definition, gathering color as children gather wildflowers, until the greenery was

Comments

[vicioussweetie]

Ali's first afternoon (not spent asleep) was, for someone in her condition, busy. Over lunch, she'd asked Taramis if he knew anything about this mysterious girlfriend about which Merv had been complaining. He didn't, and was clearly distracted by concerns over what she'd like and how to best prepare the kitchen. The staff was perfectly able to cater to more whims than two ladies and an Endless, but constant vigilance is key to maintaining quality

[somany_names]

Although he is the monarch of much, and although he has many duties which he cannot ignore, Dream is also a conscientious host, paying Ali a visit before dinner. After asking the doorwardens where she may be found, he wills himself to her door and knocks.

[vicioussweetie]

There's a moment's silence (or actually, a great deal of rustling-of-cloth with a lack of speaking) before she answers the door, giving Dream a warm smile when she sees him.

"Good evening."

[somany_names]

"Good evening," he replies. "Have you felt any improvement?"

[vicioussweetie]

"No," she admits, "but these things usually feel worse the day after." Ali opens the door fully and steps back as she answers, in case he wants to come in.

"And how has your day been?" Why yes, that is a sly smile, now that you ask...wonder what it's doing there?

[somany_names]

He takes her movement as an invitation to do so, gliding into the room. "It has met my expectations. Is there anything I may offer, for your comfort? It is not my wish that you should suffer here."

[vicioussweetie]

"The only thing really suffering is my curiosity," she admits, leaving the door open (wouldn't want to give anybody the wrong idea) and going to sit on the bed. "And I know why I can't go exploring where-the-heck I feel like here, even if I don't like it. Although..."

And there's that smile again. "There's quite a lot of talk going around the palace today, you know. When were you planning to tell me?"

[somany_names]

"Telling you?" What is she up to, he wonders. "Telling you what?"

[vicioussweetie]

Mischief! Nothing, really!

"Oh, the innocent act, hmm? Fine, fine. But somebody's going to find out eventually. And until then, I suppose I can't expect your company at dinner."

[somany_names]

"Do you... not wish my company at dinner?"

[vicioussweetie]

"Of course I do!" There's a brief moment of honesty, there, without mischief. But it doesn't last long. "But rumor has it there's someone with whom you'd rather spend your time."

[somany_names]

Clearly, she is playing some kind of a game. Just as clearly, he has no idea what it is. "...Whom?"

[vicioussweetie]

He is so difficult sometimes.

"I don't know! I've been trying to get you to tell me! Merv said you have a new girlfriend, and nobody seems to know who she is."

[somany_names]

"A new girlfriend?" This is news to him.

[vicioussweetie]

"Well..." Okay, now she's confused again! "That's what he said. I spent all afternoon trying to find out who she is so I could decide if I should offer to go home early or not. I wouldn't want to be in the way."

[somany_names]

"I have taken no new companion," he assures her, "and would not ask you to hasten your departure in either case."