[4th Floor Common Room: Monday afternoon]

[savedfornow.livejournal.com]

Claire did nothing all week, and this was OK by her. She wandered town, she hung out in her room. And quite amazingly, not once did she break a leg or another bone almost die or actually die or have to be rescued or anything.

She could get used to this.

She wasn't so sure she could get used to the smell of smoke that was beginning to permeate her room. So while her roommate was in class, she opened the windows as far as they would go, switched on a fan to get the air circulating, and decamped to the common room, where she was now curled up on the couch, channel surfing for sitcoms and painting her fingernails.

Comments

[savedfornow.livejournal.com]

"They're... uh, these little cowboy dolls with oversized heads on springs. And when they're nudge or jostles or something their heads nod."

Claire grimaced. "They're really freaky."

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

"They sound appalling," he agreed, satisfied with the strength of the tea, and he retrieved two glasses, carefully pouring half into each. "Perhaps I could find you one of those?" Karal was smiling in amusement as he made the offer. "It could sit on your desk."

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"Ew!" Claire declared, pulling a face. "Don't you dare!"

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

He grinned as he added lemon and sugar to each glass, then retrieved the ice cubes from the freezer. "No, I think I must bring you one of those. I think it would be remiss of me not to."

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"So unfair picking on the new girl," Claire pointed out. "I don't even know if you're kidding."

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

Karal said nothing while he added ice cubes and topped the glasses off with water. Nor while he walked over.

"I am kidding," he said once he reached her, and offered her a glass. "I would not to do such a thing, I promise."

[savedfornow.livejournal.com]

She still tried to hit him on the arm with the hand that wasn't taking the tea.

Not very hard at all, but it's the thought that counts.

"OK, good. I'm glad you're not that mean."

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

Karal made a sad face as she hit him, even though it wasn't very hard. "To make up for it, I will bring you something not horrible."

[savedfornow.livejournal.com]

"You really don't have to," Claire insisted, sitting back now. "You made me iced tea, I think that's enough."

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

"All right," he said, and took a seat nearby. "Anything that is a not nodding head cowboy is a good thing, and this," he held up his glass, "is not." Karal fidgeted with his glass for a bit. "Although, may I ask, what is a cowboy?"

[savedfornow.livejournal.com]

After a confused beat, Claire laughed.

"Kind of a macho cultural icon," she explained. "Guys who ride around on horses hustling up cattle... I think you're better off watching the movies."

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

His eyes lit up. "Herders! We have those in Karse." The picture of a nodding head cowboy in Karal's head was now even stranger, seeing as it included a nodding head horse to go with it. "Why in the Sunlord's name would someone make such a thing?"

[savedfornow.livejournal.com]

"Souvineers."

Claire shook her head sadly. "Don't try to understand."

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

"That may be the best advice I've yet received." He smiled and raised his glass to her. "Thank you."

[savedfornow.livejournal.com]

Claire raised her own in return. "You're totally welcome."