(Untitled)

[evryinchbut1]

Valerie has appropriated a spot by the fire -- an armchair, the perfect place for tucking up her feet and gazing into the flames, sipping tea, absently playing with her hair with her free hand.

It's going to be a while before the shine of this place's luxuries wears off.

Comments

[before_w]

It's strange.

He's aware some here are living and some aren't, and yet

(I love you)

that doesn't mean he ever thought he'd see this woman here.

[evryinchbut1]

It takes her a minute to notice that she's being watched. When she does, she looks around at him a little puzzled, a little curious.

It's not so often you see people around in full-face masks -- even here, as far as she can tell.

[before_w]

That's the beauty of a mask.

You can't see the expression beneath it.

And the voice is cordial and light as the man bows in Valerie's direction and says, "Good evening, madame. I must beg forgiveness for my gawking, but I do believe I'm something of a fan of yours."

[evryinchbut1]

She blinks, and then smiles, pleased.

"Oh! It's fine. Really?"

She had her share, of course, but she was never exactly a star.

[agreathunter]

A bald man plops down into the couch next to her, nods, and looks into the fire.

[evryinchbut1]

She starts, reverie broken, and gives him a smile and a nod in return.

[agreathunter]

"Evening."

Cheerful.

[evryinchbut1]

"Evening." She smiles over her teacup. "The fireside's fairly popular tonight, it looks like."