(Untitled)

[underwater_owl]

Random, Prince of Amber strides into the bar.

We mention the prince part today because he's moving like one. Furious, on his toes, like the world will fucking get out of his way if it knows what's good for it.

A deck of cards it clutched tightly in the palm of his left hand. He's settling into a seat and ordering, in clipped words, a scotch.

Comments

[poisonwine]

It's not his anger, but the cards that get her attention.

And today she is very much the assassin queen. The parts of her not covered in sharpened steel are clad in flexible black armor. "Someone piss in y' coffee?"

[underwater_owl]

"Have you seen this man in the bar?"

Practised fingers, dealer's hands, fan the deck and pluck, without looking, a picture of a man in white armour, fish scale, like marble. Black hair, dark eyes, Random's jaw but of a much taller build.

[poisonwine]

She shakes her head. "Non. Not too many in full plate 'round here dat I've seen."

In a way, she's just thankful he has his memories. "Family?"

[underwater_owl]

"Yes."

The card slips back into the deck, which, if you catch a glimpse, is full of other faces that share bits and pieces with Random. Eyes, mouths, whatever.

"Not for long, hopefully."

[scion_of_amber]

It would be nice to say that seeing Random in a Prince of Amber mood would change Fiona, make her answer in like.

Alas.

Her voice is as amused as ever, mild and yet there.

"Trouble in paradise?"

[underwater_owl]

"Don't fucking push me right now."

No malice. Just a cold, tight, coiled warning.

Don't, please.

[scion_of_amber]

She inclines her head, slightly.

"Can I inquire as to the occasion, though?"

[underwater_owl]

"You're fucking it, I should say you could."

He pushes a hand through his hair.

"That was crude of me, I beg your pardon. Julian and I simply disagree on more matters than one."

[song_tra_bong]

The furious entrance gets noticed.

"You doing okay?" Mary Anne asks, taking a seat that keeps the table between them.

[underwater_owl]

"Yes. No. Possibly."

He takes a gulp of scotch.

"There is alcohol, this helps."

[song_tra_bong]

"The next round's on me," she says, smiling.

"Want to talk about it?"

[underwater_owl]

"Actually? Please, no."

He shakes his head.

"I hate everyone, ever. Basically, is what it amounts to. At least, everyone with whom I share any blood ties."