[Actiony Post]

[winter-queen.insanejournal.com]

[It was the true New Year, so Mab had stayed awake to honor it. Not that it was a hardship for her. Her time was the night. Then the house had done something slightly... disconcerting. At midnight, it changed. As she was descending the large double staircase, the house took on a decidedly run down appearance. The lights flickered and the once silent steps began to creek under her feet.

She stopped to puzzle over the change. that's when she realized she felt suddenly almost imperceptibly lighter. She glanced down to find herself wearing not her smart business chic attire, but a delicate, yet intricate creation of what she recognized as spider's silk and the softness of thistle down.

Her lips pursed. She had just about had it with the surprises her hosts were dropping on her head. And a colorful swear came out of her mouth, in Gaelic.]


Téigh trasna ort féin!

Comments

[aegletes.insanejournal.com]

[There's a chuckle, and, dressed in a gold chiton, Apollo is leaning against a door jamb]

Caught by surprise, are we?

[winter-queen.insanejournal.com]

[She whipped toward the sound and narrowed her eyes upon seeing who it was.]

I am tired of these games they play.

[aegletes.insanejournal.com]

"They could have done far worse," Apollo pointed out. "It's a good look for you."

[winter-queen.insanejournal.com]

"If it were worse, it would not be so utterly childish. This is just annoying." [She ignored the compliment as if he hadn't even said it.]

[aegletes.insanejournal.com]

"Well. If it's anything like their other little laughs, it's only temporary," Apollo pointed out cheerfully. "May as well make the best of it while it lasts."

[winter-queen.insanejournal.com]

She made a little 'hmph' and began walking again, on newly bare feet. Her destination was now changed, and she was heading for the kitchen.

[aegletes.insanejournal.com]

Apollo followed, merrily humming to himself.
"It's a bit late for a tea, don't you think?"

[winter-queen.insanejournal.com]

She was mostly ignoring him, or making the effort to anyway. She used the ceramic kettle, filling it with water and setting it on the burner. "Don't have any then."

She then turned to fetch what she would need for the rest of the set up. The tea itself, milk in its proper china containers, and honey. No lemon, no regular sugar. And no asking him what he'd like either.

[aegletes.insanejournal.com]

"Now, now. A proper Englishman never turns down a spot of tea. You know, I think there may still be some cakes that Sif made..." He rummmaged a bit, and soon produced a few small, buttery, biscuit-like confections. "Ah! Perfect."

[winter-queen.insanejournal.com]

Since he was apparently going to join her, with no invitation on her part to do so either, she did take down two china cups and saucers.

The water whistled, and she fetched the kettle. She poured hot water into one cup, but barely half way full before setting the kettle down. It was in arms reach of Apollo, but she had no intentions of pouring for him.

She added a tea bag, then came rather large portions of honey and milk. She stirred delicately with a silver spoon.

[aegletes.insanejournal.com]

[Whistling jauntily, Apollo fetched some lemon from the fridge, and added it, plus a little bit of golden honey, to his own cup after he poured it.]

It always does taste better with real china, don't you think?

[winter-queen.insanejournal.com]

She made a small hum of acknowledgement as she leaned back against the counter, legs crossing at the ankles putting her balance on one foot, bringing her cup to her lips to sip.

[aegletes.insanejournal.com]

[He sips nonchalantly]
So. Any special reason you're prowling around at night?

[winter-queen.insanejournal.com]

[ She eyed him coolly, but decided to answer his question.]

Night is my time. It is also Samhain. I was observing the New Year.

[aegletes.insanejournal.com]

Auld Lang Syne and all that, love.

[He peers at his glass]
Not much of a New Year's toast. There should be champagne. Or at least a good brandy.

[winter-queen.insanejournal.com]

I'm certain you could avail yourself of the stores here if you must. This is perfectly satisfactory for me.

[aegletes.insanejournal.com]

[He gets a bottle from one of the cupboards--it's a very fine mead that he chooses and he pours a small glass.]

You're sure you don't want any?

[winter-queen.insanejournal.com]

[ She notes what he chooses. It was something she would actually drink, but she was in no mood to encourage him.]

What I have is perfectly serviceable.

[aegletes.insanejournal.com]

[He shakes his head and pours a second glass, which he sets before her.]

"Serviceable" is absolutely no way to ring in a holiday. Toast with me.

[winter-queen.insanejournal.com]

[That sounded suspiciously like a command. Her eyes narrow slightly.]

If I wanted something else, I'd have gotten something else.

[aegletes.insanejournal.com]

It's just a little mead. What, afraid that the extra honey might sweeten your disposition, love?

[winter-queen.insanejournal.com]

It takes more than a little alcohol to gain my favor, sun god.

[aegletes.insanejournal.com]

Such as?

[winter-queen.insanejournal.com]

[She scoffs]

And I should give you assistance why? It hardly behooves me to make your way simpler.

[aegletes.insanejournal.com]

Because you know you're just baiting me. Any good angler knows you give a little line now and then.

But first, I insist. [he raises his glass] A toast to the new year. May it bring everything we hope for.