San Francisco with Ysalwen

[heatherandsteel]

The door opens onto a park in the fading light of early evening, they're stepping out from a gazebo type area. Across from the park, beautiful painted houses stand, one in particular looks more lovely in the fading light than the others.

A mix of people walk around them, programmers home from a long day at work, the coffee shops and restaurants are active and there's the sound of music and the taste of sea salt in the air, "Here we are."

Comments

[heatherandsteel]

"Yes, just like that. Oh and all of these sauces are good on the fries and fish,"

The condiments are fairly simple, tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, oil, vinegar, salt and pepper.

[freedom_is_grey]

This time Ysalwen chooses to stick with salt, pepper, and vinegar.

Those she knows what to do with!

"It sounds like you have an interesting group of friends here. That's usually the best kind."

Not like she speaks from experience or anything.

[heatherandsteel]

"I do," None of them are who he expected to be friends with but he likes them.

[freedom_is_grey]

"I have the something similar back home. And I suppose in Milliways, too, but it's not quite the same, is it?"

She takes a careful bite of fish, mostly because it's hot and she'd hate to burn her tongue.

[heatherandsteel]

"No, not really, its still nice,"

Milliways is weird but kind of works.

[freedom_is_grey]

"Maybe not as nice as this food, just now."

Talking is definitely not as good as eating when you're hungry.

Ysalwen is just saying.

[heatherandsteel]

"Course not," And there's so much food.

[freedom_is_grey]

So much food and still Ysalwen has to sheepishly ask for seconds.

It's the Grey Warden thing.

And it's all so delicious.

But all good meals must eventually come to an end.

[heatherandsteel]

Phil beams at them and brings out more of everything and later, apple pie with whipped cream. Their slices are huge, he loves an appreciative audience. Quentin pays for it all leaving a generous tip and though no thanks yous are exchanged, its clear Phil knows his food is loved.

After that, Quentin walks them around the curve of the city to the Presidio and the Embarcadero where he knows the water is closer. As the night goes on, they see fewer people and Quentin's aware of how to dodge them and show off the Bay. He'd go to Golden Gate Park but then he'd probably have to explain Ysalwen and Milliways, that can happen later.

[freedom_is_grey]

Ysalwen relaxes as the streets get clearer, reaching down more often to ruffle Liranan's ears and scratch him under the jaw.

He is definitely enjoying their exploring, bouncing along from one tree to the next and keeping an eye out for birds and small mammals.

Also children! Kids are great! And other dogs!

But the water -- the water may be the best part.

"We live on the sea, too, Liranan and I. Amaranthine is a port town. I didn't think I could get used to the sound of the waves all the time, but apparently I can. I miss it when I'm gone, now."

It's strange how home works.

"And it's much better than a tower in the middle of a lake. More transportation options, for one."

[heatherandsteel]

"Oh yes, lots of options for how to get around here," As they walk, he points out places he knows and laughs at how much Liranan is having.

[freedom_is_grey]

She grins, quick and bright, listening to his stories and asking her own questions. A lot of them involve which things are his favorites.

She likes to know these things. So does Liranan!

But eventually all good things must wind their way down, and eventually it is time to head back to --

Well.

Somewhere else.

[heatherandsteel]

That's a long answer as he likes a lot of places and things with his favorites changing at times. As they get nearer to the house, he looks for which lights are on.

It would be simpler to go back through the house and heads to the door, if he has to explain, then hopefully it will go smoothly, "Here, we'll go in."

[freedom_is_grey]

Ysalwen hesitates, just for a second.

"Is that -- it won't cause problems for you, will it?"

They did come in by another way, after all.

[heatherandsteel]

"I don't know, Toby's not an early riser unless she has to be and depending on what's going on with Jazz, May might not be up. If the door's in the kitchen, it shouldn't be a problem and we have a hallway so I'll see,"

As they get closer to the house, the wards and subtle illusions can be felt, this house protects those inside it.

[freedom_is_grey]

"I'll live in hope," Ysalwen says, very quietly.

Even Liranan makes a great effort to soften his breathing.

Getting Quentin in trouble is bad!

[heatherandsteel]

He unlocks the door and listens to see if the television is on. Cagney and Lacey come down the hall and start twisting around his ankles then give Ysalwen and Liranan a long look, "Be nice, they're friends and we're just going to Milliways. Also I fed you before we went out, its not time for more food yet. I'm going to take off the illusion."

He leans down to pet the cats and there's the smell of his magic again as the illusion is lifted on all three of them.

[freedom_is_grey]

Liranan doesn't make a noise, just stands politely away from the cats and lets them do what they plan to do.

It has always worked with Ser Pounce!

Ysalwen smiles quickly, wriggling her fingers in the cats' direction.

(She is fond of Pounce, too.)

[heatherandsteel]

Cagney and Lacey come over and sniff Ysalwen, she doesn't smell familiar but she's with Quentin.

After some consideration, they come closer so she can pet them while Quentin leans against the wall with a smile, "I told you, nothing to worry about."

[shes_so_fetch]

May, only half awake, is dumping ground coffee in the machine when she hears Quentin talking to someone—Raj? Oak and ash, what've those two gotten into now?

"Oh, I worry plenty," she mutters, emerging into the kitchen doorway. "Isn't it awfully early for you boys to be awa..."

She spots Ysalwen and Liranan communing with the cats.

"Well, you're not Raj."

[freedom_is_grey]

"Also not a boy."

Ysalwen covers any and all surprise with a too-bright smile. Liranan whuffs a hello. It's May! He remembers May!

Did they know May would be here? Is it a duplicate May, like Cullen?

"Um. Hello."

[heatherandsteel]

Quentin starts to answer but stops when Liranan greets May,

"No, this is Ysalwen. Who you know?"

Not talking about Milliways was meant to keep things simple, May finding it is good but complicated.

[shes_so_fetch]

It is not a duplicate May. Duplicate Mays are bad news.

"Hi! I didn't expect to see you two here."

She shoots Quentin an 'explain' look. Were they expecting early evening guests? She would've put on actual pants.

Well, no. Possibly not.

[freedom_is_grey]

"Spontaneous visit."

Ysalwen's smile is crooked.

"Unfortunately not for fried ice cream, but the fish and chips were an acceptable substitute."

The look she gives Quentin is -- not actually sheepish, just assessing.

Is anything about to explode as a result of this interaction?

[heatherandsteel]

"Milliways surprised me before I was properly awake and then I thought Ysalwen might want to see the city while there was still some light. I didn't know you knew about Milliways or how to explain it. It sounds really bad, the whole unexplained magical portals but there's good food and I've made friends. I didn't want to worry anyone, there's enough to deal with,"

This is actually more than he meant to say, but portals are complicated.