☣ 02

[separateways]

[Now that Halloween is safely over, Ada can be found sitting in the kitchen, a hot cup of tea in front of her, untouched. It's more of an excuse to people watch, really.]

I can already say that I've had much more accommodating stays. You people get back to it quickly, don't you? Cats taking body parts or castle tricks, I'm still impressed I haven't seen anyone lose it yet.

[Unfortunately, she's getting the feeling there will be plenty of time for that.]

On the subject of sanity... I should probably find a job to keep me occupied, hmm?

[Just for appearances, of course.]

Comments

[nihilo]

[ What shame to abuse a perfectly good cup of tea for such a silly purpose!

Alice comes into the kitchen to make her own, complete with milk, and a pack of biscuits to go with it before sidling over to sit on the table beside the woman. ]

[separateways]

[Ada watches her in between flipping through the journal. Boring, boring.

When she sits next to her, Ada lifts an eyebrow, but says nothing. The look alone says "excuse you?"]

[nihilo]

[ Alice breaks open that packet to take one biscuit, offering to the other woman by raising her eyebrows. ]

[separateways]

[Ada lifts a hand.]

I'll pass.

Can I help you with something?

[In other words: you can go away now.]

[nihilo]

[ She proceeds to dip that biscuit into her tea and enjoying it leisurely. ]

What made you think you can?

[separateways]

[Well, isn't that voice familiar?]

You're sitting here.

[As opposed to the 2342354234 other seats in this castle.]

[nihilo]

[ She takes time chewing her food before replying. ]

I wasn't aware this seat is taken.

[separateways]

It isn't. None of the others are taken, either.

[nihilo]

[ Alice looks at her, as if really noticing her for the first time. ]

We're not strangers.

[separateways]

What makes you say that, Alice?

[nihilo]

[ She takes a sip of tea first. ]

Well, for one I wouldn't share biscuits with you.

[separateways]

And why would you share anything with me?

[nihilo]

Circular. Because you're not a stranger.

[separateways]

Who exactly are you?

[FINE. She'll make conversation.]

[nihilo]

[ YEAH. She offers a hand and even a giddy smile. ]

Alice, Morgan.

[separateways]

I know that. That isn't what I'm asking.

[nihilo]

[ She makes a mock pout instead. ]

Now you are being horrible and the Grinch is coming soon.

[separateways]

Is that something I should be worried about?

[nihilo]

Certainly. I've heard he is meaner than you are.

[separateways]

[Just called mean. Is she in elementary school?]

Oh, that just breaks my heart.

[nihilo]

[ Forever! ]

Not only that. Coal is quite troublesome on clothes.

[separateways]

Coal from imaginary men?

[... though she has to wonder, in Paradisa...]

[nihilo]

I think he prefers legendary.

[separateways]

I hope I don't have to be the one to break it to you that he's not real.

[nihilo]

You wouldn't have the heart for it.

[separateways]

That's a big assumption.

[nihilo]

There's no measure for the size of an assumption.

[separateways]

It's a very personal assumption, then.

[nihilo]

So. Why would you like me to leave?

[separateways]

[Because she's harshing Ada's mellow, man. She finally sips her tea.]

Why are you so intent on staying?

[nihilo]

Curiosity. You haven't answered my question.

[separateways]

Why do I owe you an answer?

[nihilo]

Rules of conversation.

[separateways]

I'm not much of a fan of rules or conversation, I'm afraid.

[nihilo]

Ah. [ Alice smirks. ] A rebel.

[separateways]

I don't really like that term, but I suppose.

[nihilo]

[ She leans against the counter and smiles mischievously. ]

What will you do? Drag me away and throw me out?

[separateways]

[Ada doesn't like that >8( ]

No. I'm not a bouncer at a club.

[nihilo]

[ She makes a mock pout. ]

Now that's no fun.

[separateways]

I'm not here to be fun.

[nihilo]

What are you here to be for?

[separateways]

I don't think there has to be a reason.

[This conversation is giving her the beginnings of a headache.]

[nihilo]

That's the tragedy, isn't it?