[OOM] Eiattu - Palace Roof

[fighting_mad]

Plourr likes this small section of the palace roof. It's quiet, for one thing, and it's flat which means that walking on it isn't too dangerous, but most importantly, she's never seen another soul up here. Solitude's getting hard to come by.

She slips off her shoes and makes her way past the glass of one of the Grand Hall's skylights, bare feet contrasting sharply with the formality of her clothes. She sets the shoes down and sits at the edge of the roof, letting her feet swing out into space. The courtyard is far, far below, but Plourr is a pilot; heights have never bothered her. She watches the capital city spread out before her. Her city. It's looking better; after nearly a month of work, it's becoming difficult to see signs of the fighting that had taken place. Most buildings have been rebuilt, the streets cleaned up, debris removed.

Still, Eiattu is not entirely healed. Plourr knows that.

She sits quietly, leaning back on her hands, and watches the sun set over the city and the jungle beyond.

Comments

[fighting_mad]

Plourr stares blankly at the skyline a moment, then says, "It is a beautiful city," without turning, and without mention of his second comment. Resigned: "Hello, Rial."

[eiattu_pride]

"Princess."

He crosses the roof until he's only a foot or so behind her, then stands. Almost-but-not-quite awkward.

"Is there something wrong?"

[fighting_mad]

"No. What are you doing up here?" It isn't nearly as unfriendly as it could be, but she's not exactly throwing out the welcome mat here, either.

[eiattu_pride]

"I came to watch the sunset."

And her. Maybe.

[fighting_mad]

"Yes?" she asks dryly. "Is this your usual sunset-watching spot, Count?"

[eiattu_pride]

"Well, it's one of them."

Evasive.

[fighting_mad]

She laughs despite herself, glancing over her shoulder at him. "I thought I last saw you in conference with one of the Priamsta. What's his name, the runty little one." She tips her head slightly to one side, still looking back at him. "It looked like you were going to be there for some time."

Unspoken: How did you get away, and teach me the trick.

[eiattu_pride]

"Did it appear that way?"

Mock surprise.

"Well, one picks up little tricks in diplomacy."

[fighting_mad]

Plourr is amused. She turns most of the way around, bringing one bare foot back up on the roof. "Do tell."

[eiattu_pride]

"It's a secret, Princess."

Smirk.

[fighting_mad]

She shoots him a baleful look, grumbles something that is probably obscene and highly unfit for a princess, and turns back to the sunset, shielding her eyes with her hand.

[eiattu_pride]

Raised eyebrow.

"Sorry, but I doubt that's physically possible. And the thuvasaur wouldn't tolerate it."

[fighting_mad]

She stares straight out, and she tries not to be amused. She really does.

"It's an expression," she complains, but she's laughing into her hand halfway through the last word.

[eiattu_pride]

"Well, it's an anatomically incorrect one."

He may be snickering. Just a little.

"Not to mention that if I did that with a speeder, I wouldn't be able to stand upright for a week."

[fighting_mad]

She gives in; throws her head back and laughs.

[eiattu_pride]

He laughs as well, helplessly, and sits down.

"It's good to hear you happy, Isplourrdacartha."

[fighting_mad]

"Didn't I tell you not to call me that?" she says immediately, but there's still a residual, faint smile.

[eiattu_pride]

"I'm afraid it's difficult to remember, when one ages."

A small smile playing about his lips.

"If you wish, however. Plourr."

[fighting_mad]

She nods. "Thank you." Then she rolls her eyes and glances over at him. "You're not that old." Implying with a hint of an impish grin, 'Just kind of.'

[eiattu_pride]

"Thank you for your confidence, then."

Straight-faced.

[fighting_mad]

"You're welcome." She falls silent, looking out at the city bathed in orange and gold light.

"It really is beautiful," she says quietly.

[eiattu_pride]

"As beautiful as the princess who watches."

It's like flame, running wild over buildings and setting light to far-away jungle.

[fighting_mad]

She rolls her eyes again. "Shut up, Rial."

[eiattu_pride]

"You wound me."

In a long-suffering fashion. But he obeys.

[fighting_mad]

She snorts quietly. "You can take it."