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[shelley_winters]

Shelley could almost be put out, that V'Saine is so beautiful. No prison should be so lovely, she feels.

The perfection of the afternoon heightens it, the sights and scent of the rose garden. The only noise the delicate splashing of the fountain. The girl sits on the edge and gazes into gently rippling water, down past her reflection into the cool blue depths as the sun warms her shoulders.

Comments

[always-a-liar.livejournal.com]

A slightly amused look on his face, a touch of a half-smile. His arms folded loosely.

"A simple curiosity. No need to get irate."

[shelley_winters]

"Why not? It beats being calm and content all the time," she bites out.

Anger does feel good, a little at a time, in its way. It is a reminder she is still alive, still herself.

[always-a-liar.livejournal.com]

A tilt of the head. Still that amused grin.

"Then should I not be irate? Should I not let slip the reins of my control?"

[shelley_winters]

"...You do from time to time, as I recall," she says detachedly, face still turned away from him so he can't see the fleeting terror in her eyes.

[always-a-liar.livejournal.com]

Elan studied his fingernails idly. His lips pursed as he picked at the cuticle. His voice level.

"Then I will not blame you for your own outbursts."

A smile.

"It is only fair."

[shelley_winters]

Her expression twists a little - nothing about this is fair - but she says nothing.

Shelley only shrugs, watching ripples in the water as she drags her fingertips slowly through the surface.

[always-a-liar.livejournal.com]

A slight frown as he considers the shape of the cuticles on his left hand. Again, Elan spoke in a calm voice.

"Is something the matter, Lady Shelley?"

[shelley_winters]

"Is there ever not?" she counters coolly.

Her hand trails through the water again with deliberate unconcern.

[always-a-liar.livejournal.com]

A calm shrug. Blue eyes turn and study her face. Such pretty eyes.

"Sometimes, you seem content enough..."

[shelley_winters]

A slight splash before her hand trails smoothly again.

"Seeming isn't always true."

[always-a-liar.livejournal.com]

A light chuckle as Elan turned and dipped his own delicate hand in the water.

"You speak truly."

[shelley_winters]

Shelley says nothing, possibly feeling her point is made.

Her eyes dart to his hand momentarily before looking back down. Always caution.

[always-a-liar.livejournal.com]

Elan pulled his hand from the fountain and flicked his wrist, sending water droplets at Shelley's face.

His face was calm and composed.

[shelley_winters]

She gasps, putting a hand automatically up to deflect any more.

"Elan."

The girl glares at him, wiping her face. "Aren't you supposed to be hundreds of years old and all mature and superior?"

[always-a-liar.livejournal.com]

A calm look on his face. He folded his arms. His voice cool.

"I am not supposed to be."

A pause with a slight inclination of his head.

"I am."

[shelley_winters]

"You really don't come across that way at times."

Water drips off the ends of her hair, and she flicks irritably at them to get rid of it.

[always-a-liar.livejournal.com]

A slight smirk as he rests a hand on his jawline. A touch of a shrug.

"Even someone as important and busy as I am can have their lighter moments. Attaining a balance in one's life is part of maturity."

[shelley_winters]

"And you do this by... splashing. I see."

Her tone is flat.

[always-a-liar.livejournal.com]

A slightly cool glance. His voice cooler than it usually was.

"And you do this by being obtuse. I see."

[shelley_winters]

"I don't try. I consider it pretentious to try and justify childish behaviour with false depth."

Shelley is looking back at the water now as she dries off her glasses on her sleeve.

[always-a-liar.livejournal.com]

A long sigh. His arms crossed in front of him. His voice slightly weary.

"And I consider it silly to spend every waking moment attempting to antagonize someone else."

[shelley_winters]

"It carries a certain satisfaction, let's say," she says softly, staring into the water.

[always-a-liar.livejournal.com]

Trailing his hand in the water, he flicked a finger. Droplets of water flew towards Shelley.

"And splashing you with water carries a certain satisfaction after spending hours upon hours perusing internal memos of the Hall of Servants."

[shelley_winters]

Shelley looks up at him coldly.

"Of course," she says after a while.

Then sits, just looking at him.

[always-a-liar.livejournal.com]

A slightly annoyed smile. His voice cool. His blue eyes watching her closely.

"I appreciate your attempt to usher in the cooler weather with your gaze, but I find it pleasant as it is."