The Roof: Sunday night, well after dark

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

The Beast was crouched on the corner of the roof, looking out over Fandom.

Half hidden in the shadows and the night, he was brooding - dramatically - and also for some reason humming under his breath.

Two days, and his life had changed dramatically -- because of Samantha.

It was unexpected. It was inexplicable.

Without really noticing, his humming segued into song. (Because the power of Disney narrative can not be denied.)

She glanced this way, I thought I saw
And when we touched
She didn't shudder at my paw
No it can't be, I'll just ignore
But no one's ever looked at me that way before.

If he'd realised what he was singing, he'd likely be horrified.

[ooc: open, as roofs are, but you'll probably need to get his attention. Lyrics twisted slightly. ]

Comments

[irulan-atreides.livejournal.com]

Irulan has not worn her hat headdress for days, and she thought it appropriate to wear now after all the strangeness, to have something familiar on hand. Headdress on hand Irulan decided to visit the roof again and... this may not be the best idea after all there was a creature was on the roof.

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

The Beast spotted her and stared in fascination at the...construction on her head, unconsciously creeping closer.

It's possible he was stalking it - he was a beast, after all.

[irulan-atreides.livejournal.com]

Irulan stared at the creature, wide-eyed as it crept closer. And began, unconciously reciting the Fear litany: "I will not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear... I will let it pass through me. Where it is gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.”

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

It pulled him up short. He did not want anyone to be afraid of him, unless he chose. Folding his arms, he dropped back to a crouch. "I won't hurt you," he rumbled.

[irulan-atreides.livejournal.com]

Irulan blinked. "Oh, you speak."

If a person could be a lion then perhaps this creature was a person too.

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

"I do speak." He sat back and curled his tail around his shins. "You do not have to be afraid of me."

[irulan-atreides.livejournal.com]

"I will try not to," Irulan said and took a little step forward, lifting her hand, "May I touch you?"

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

He blinked several times at he request, then bowed his head in acquiescence. "If you wish."

[irulan-atreides.livejournal.com]

Irulan reached out and touched the creature's fur, it was softer than it looked. She petted its head carefully but the creature didn't seem displeased.

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

Far from being displeased, his eyes had slipped part way closed, and he was on the verge of purring.

[irulan-atreides.livejournal.com]

In the imperial menagerie, they had a tamed tiger recalling the tiger Irulan moved her hand to scratch behind one of the creature's ear. "It has been the strangest day," she murmured.

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

This was surprisingly nice. It was different from Samantha touching him, but it was pleasant, and he pushed against her hand, tail moving to curl around her ankle.

[irulan-atreides.livejournal.com]

Irulan was suprprised by the reaction and smiled. "Do you have a name?"

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

He blinked and pulled away, the spell broken. "No, but tonight a small lion called me Mnyama."

[irulan-atreides.livejournal.com]

Irulan was surprised when she felt disappointed the creature pulled away, she turned her attention to other matters, "Mnyama." It was hard to pronounce. "I am the Princess Irulan."

No need to tell her full address, it would mean nothing to this creature after all.

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

"Princess. You are the second person of royalty I have met tonight." He tilted his head, considering her. "I think this has been a very strange few days."

[irulan-atreides.livejournal.com]

"Who is the second Royal person you met? Was it King Peter?" Irulan sat on the ledge, careful not to overbalance, it is a critical thing, balance. Especially with her big hat headdress.

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

He eyed her carefully, for the contraption on her head didn't look trustworthy. "A daughter of Seti, descendant of the sun god Amon-Ra, or so she claimed."

[irulan-atreides.livejournal.com]

That sounded familiar. "Was her name Evie? I do not know the name she is using now, though." She looked at the creature. "You look forlorn."

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

"I did not get her name. And no. I am fine."

[irulan-atreides.livejournal.com]

"As you say," Irulan said and unconciously reached out to pet the creature again.

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

He hesitated, then let her pet him, pushing into her hand.

It was good to be touched.

[irulan-atreides.livejournal.com]

"I think it will take me some time to get used to the occasional strangeness of this place," she confided to the creature. It felt like speaking to an old friend and reminded her of the tamed tiger she had in Kaitain.

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

He had talked more in the past two days than he could ever remember doing, so he was content to listen in silence. But his tail snuck out to curl once more around her ankle.

[irulan-atreides.livejournal.com]

"I miss my home," she continued, looking-up at the stars, "But the people here are far kinder. It is... solitude next to the inherent meanness of imperial life."