(Untitled)

[sai_delgado]

She comes out of the staff quarters, carrying in one hand what looks to be several thin leather cords looped together. A quick stop by the bar for hot chocolate-- the good kind, the best kind-- and Susan goes to the couch and curls up there

Comments

[clumsy_auror]

"Hi." Her voice is quiet, warm, and her hand brushes Susan's shoulder briefly before the witch sits down beside her on the couch.

[sai_delgado]

"Hey, 'Dora," she answers quietly, but with a real smile. "Long days and pleasant nights."

[clumsy_auror]

"And may you have twice the number." She settles into the couch, perching her elbow on the arm and leaning her head on her hand. "How're you?"

[sai_delgado]

Her wince at the traditional answer is tiny, but clear.

"I'm-- I'm well enough." She holds out a hand toward the other woman, almost blindly.

"And thee, and the others?"

[bad_in_latin]

Mal comes in through the lakedoor to the bar, immediately going to the bar for some hot chocolate. He has a grin on his face that radiates betterment of horse-owner relations.

Seeing Susan on the couch, Mal joins her, still beaming.

"Wèi, meimei. How're you?"

[sai_delgado]

"I'm all right," she tells him softly, with an answering smile. "How do'ee fare-- and yer new horse?"

[bad_in_latin]

Mal nods, a generally happy enough sign.

"Shiny, to tell true. Though I want to run somethin' by you..."

Mal produces a small sheet of paper.

[sai_delgado]

"An'ye like," Susan says, stopping her work. The delicate plaiting gets tucked back into her shirt-pocket, and she leans forward curiously.

[kitchen_maid]

"Good evening, Susan," says Amy, cheerfully. Mr. Pemberthy is perched on her shoulder and Simon Perryvall is peeking out of her apron pocket.

She also has a plate of muffins. Just in case.

"May we join you?"

[sai_delgado]

"Of course thee may, Amy," she says, smiling fondly as she carefully coils her plaiting away from the clever claws of frisky squirrels. "Long days and pleasant nights."

[kitchen_maid]

"Thank you, Susan," she says, settling onto the couch and setting the muffins on the nearest table. "And may you have long days and pleasant nights as well."

She knows the correct response. It just doesn't feel quite right to use it any more.

"What are you making?"

Mr. Pemberthy hops off her shoulder and goes to investigate the muffins.

[sai_delgado]

"A-- a bracelet," she says quietly. "For-- it's to be a gift, Amy."

She casts an amused glance at Mr. Pemberthy. "Thee greedy thing."