Lessons in Advanced Door-Opening [for Amelia Ronsam rogueinladysclothing]

[conjuredskies]

It’s been some while since they made their informal arrangement, but Felix hasn’t at all forgotten the light-footed rogue or the dance he promised her. A pact is a pact, no matter how many duties – foreseen and otherwise – have demanded his attention.

For that matter he and Verity haven’t been meeting for Geography Club quite so regularly, and the smells when he steps through the door of the Fox and Crosier make him regret that fiercely. Alchemy study may have to be relocated whenever possible. He scrapes some of the snow from his boots and leather armor, then strolls up to the desk chicken to ask after Amelia.

Comments

[rogueinladysclothing]

"Trick?" The concept of magic tricks is completely foreign to her, which is understandable given the lack of magic in her world. Sleight of hand is one thing, but no one ever claims it to be a magic trick. "I don't understand what you mean."

If Felix ever wondered why Amelia has so few friends, he can be assured that he's now found the reason. She is trying to work on it, though.

[conjuredskies]

"Oh, we mages have our tricks of the trade. Just as I understand thieves do. Perfecting this one - this particular spell - requires I learn the feel of a lockpick. And since I don't yet know what I'll use it for - nor if it will work at all - I'm a little shy about the details."

[rogueinladysclothing]

"Ahh." She doesn't fully buy it, but she shrugs it off. It's obvious she won't get anywhere by pressing him further. "Good thing you knew a willing rogue to help you in your quest," she adds after a brief pause. He should be able to tell she's teasing again by the smirk tugging at the corner of her lips.

[conjuredskies]

“Indisputably,” he agrees with a warm smile for her. “Believe me, there’s nothing I appreciate more than a well-placed friendship – even if you can’t always answer all of one another’s questions.” It’s an admission, and a promise – he’d do the same for her, few question asked.

“All this pinching is going to cramp my hands,” he adds. “Do you have a recommendation as to where we go for lunch? I know the food here is excellent, but you know the area better than I.”

[rogueinladysclothing]

"Not all questions need answering," she quips. Someone knows all too well the importance of not giving away everything.

"A break might be in order, then. But... I'm afraid I'm not very familiar with a lot of the restaurants in the Nexus. I don't... really go out that much." Her cheeks turn a light shade of pink as she withdraws her hands from his. "But the food here at the inn is amazing. Wonderful hearty stews and breads, fresh roasts, and a few sweet wines, if you're so inclined. I don't know if you were hoping for something different from what you would normally eat in your world, though. If you are... I know a place with delicious pizza we could go to." Someone was never meant to be an explorer, it seems.

[conjuredskies]

“‘Pizza’?” he echoes, before it clicks. “Oh, is that how you say it? I haven’t actually tried it, although it seems to be on all the menus here. What is it like?”

[rogueinladysclothing]

"It's hard to describe in terms of foods from worlds like ours, but basically it's a very thing bread-like crust topped with a tomato-based sauce and cheese. It can have more ingredients on top as well, such as various meats, vegetables, and fresh herbs. It's actually quite delicious and there are literally thousands of combinations to try with all the variations that have exist." It's hard not to smile when she talks about pizza, because pizza also means more ginger ale. And that is something amazing that must also be shared.

[conjuredskies]

Anything that gets his companion smiling is first preference in Felix's book. He's attentive that way. Besides, Amelia seems a little embarrassed by her lack of experience, so letting her show off a little seems like a good way to cheer her up.

Also, of course, to add to his own exploration.

"Well, now I think you have to show me. It's something like a... bread-based tart?"

[rogueinladysclothing]

She appreciates that, even if she won't mention it.

"Not really. The crust - that's what they call the bread at the base - is lighter, thinner, for most kinds of pizza. And it doesn't enclose the other ingredients - those actually sit right on top of the crust itself."

This is getting harder and harder for her to explain by the second, so she decides that it's time for some show, rather than tell. She stands and nods toward the entrance of the building. "Want to try it?" She still needs to get her weapons from her room, of course, but that's a quick and easy thing to do.

[conjuredskies]

Felix still wants to get the hang of this, but a), who says they can’t meet up again and b), if pizza is really that good then yes, he wants some. Besides, his hands are finding all this tension and unfamiliar positions a strain.

“Why not?” he agrees cheerfully, waiting while she retrieves her weapons (one mustn’t go out undressed, after all). “So, where does one find really good pizza?”

[rogueinladysclothing]

They can always meet up again. Amelia's easy enough to find these days, after all. There are always more locks to try that won't get them in trouble when he's ready for more practice.

Her weapons are quickly retrieved and they can be on their way in under a minute. "There's a few places in the Commercial District where you can buy pizza, but there's a restaurant I've been to in particular that I like. I'll take you there." She smiles and leads him outside into the cold at a brisk pace. No need for them to be outside any longer than is necessary!

[conjuredskies]

Felix tugs his hood up as they step out, shivering a little at the bitterness of the wind. He's got a leather skirt and no trousers beneath, after all. Goodness knows how legionnaires survive that in Skyrim. "And do they have dancing there, or will we need to find somewhere else again for that?"

[rogueinladysclothing]

"Oh, I... hadn't thought that far ahead." Were her cheeks pink before because of the cold? Certainly that must be it. "I really don't know where people go to dance around here. Certainly not how I like to dance, anyway." She may know how to waltz, but she certainly prefers the more lively styles of dance from her world. Sure, a good pavane never bothered her, but she would never pretend that it was her favorite kind of dance.

The restaurant is easy enough to find. No one raises an eyebrow about an armed rogue and a legionnaire walking in together - it's just another day in the Nexus for those that work there. Amelia snags them a booth away from most of the tables in case they decide to speak of less reputable activities while they're here. She orders them each a glass of water and a ginger ale before picking up her menu. "They offer some pre-set pizzas, but feel free to look at the whole ingredients menu before deciding what you'd like. Any combination you'd like to try, we can. We can also order two smaller ones so you can try multiple varieties if you like, too." Because trying new combinations of ingredients on a pizza is something Amelia is more than happy to do today.

[conjuredskies]

"I'm sure we can find something. We'll simply follow the music that sounds most familiar." Business arrangements aside, it's nice to know someone else with the same sort of world as his. Someone whose yardstick for normality is similar- at least in non-magical matters.

"I rather like the idea of experimenting, if you'll indulge me." He flashes her a smile before he peers at the menu. that's quite a list of toppings! "Which combinations have you tried before?"

[rogueinladysclothing]

"The snow has a way of muffling sound outside right now. We might have to step inside quite a few places to find the right kind of music..." Not that she's suggesting this would be a bad thing, of course. She's been enjoying Felix's company since he arrived and that's certainly not going to change in the span of a few heartbeats.

"I've done some very basic things, like fresh basil and oregano, as well as the listed special with all kinds of meats on it. Right here." She leans over the table a bit to point out a pizza offering three different kinds of sausage, pepperoni, and ham on it. Once she's certain he's got it, she sits back down. "I've also tried mushrooms on a pizza, which was surprisingly good."

[conjuredskies]

"Then I may even begin to learn my way around the district." He grins. Really, any chance to explore is fine by him, but having good company is just as important.

"All that meat is tempting," he admits, studying the choices with interest. "This isn't a silly question, I hope- but what is pepperoni?"

[rogueinladysclothing]

"You mean you haven't figured it all out from the seat at your desk?" She grins right back at him. He'll figure out quickly that she's quick to pick up on the teasing, if he hasn't already. It's the habit of an older sister that she'll likely never grow out of.

She laughs softly, shaking her head to make sure he knows she's not laughing at him. "It's a variety of spiced sausage, I think. To be honest, I'm not exactly sure myself. It's delicious, though."

[conjuredskies]

Felix laughs. He's definitely used to fraternal teasing, even if Stratos' style is different. "Not yet. Clearly I need to buy a better telescope."

"Pepperoni and mushroom it is," he says cheerfully, once he's looked over the choices again. "We can find out together."

[rogueinladysclothing]

She tilts her head slightly in question. "What's a telescope?" Apparently she hasn't gotten to read about astrology in her reading of various sciences.

"I like this idea." She smiles and then turn to the waitress when she arrives with their ginger ales. Amelia then orders them two individual-sized pizzas, one with pepperoni and mushrooms, a second with oregano, sausage, and roasted red bell peppers. It seems like a well-rounded variety for them. "

[conjuredskies]

"Ah, it's a device like a metal tube, with glass lenses inside. The smaller varieties fold up so you can pocket them. They're used to see over long distances - by sailors and scouts, for example. Scholars often have them to look more closely at the heavens."

Felix lifts his glass to Amelia once the waitress departs, ready to clink glasses. His cheerful ease is going to be broken by spluttering as soon as he tries to take his first mouthful though - 'ginger ale' in Tamriel definitely doesn't come in a fizzy variety.

[rogueinladysclothing]

"Oh! A spyglass!" She smiles brightly. "I've seen those before. Can't say I've used one myself, but it seems like something useful if you're going to be stuck at a desk for hours on end." More teasing. She really can't help it with him.

Amelia happily clinks glasses with him and then takes a big swig - which she then almost chokes on when Felix loses it from the bubbles. She sets her glass down and laughs for so long it starts to hurt a little. Dreams, how long has it been since she laughed like that? "I'm sorry," she finally manages after a few minutes. "I forgot to warn you about the bubbles. We can get you something else if you'd prefer." Her glass is staying firmly away from her for the time being, given she can't stop giggling. No need for both of them to splutter all over the place and waste the ginger ale.

[conjuredskies]

“Ah, that’s an excellent word for it. A spyglass – that’s exactly what I need.” The Imperial Legion: dare to be a better snooper.

Felix looks abashed, coughing and clearing his throat. “It’s- it’s fine. Fine!” He coughs squeakily, grabbing a napkin to mop up the mess he’s made. “Simply didn’t exp-” cough, “expect that. Ahem. Not quite the drink I expected.”

He takes a much more cautious sip before pronouncing, “I like the taste, I just… need to be careful with this one.”

At this rate, he may have recovered a whole fraction of his poise by the time their pizzas arrive.

[rogueinladysclothing]

"It's the term I'm used to on my world. We don't look up at the stars with something like that." She can see the draw, but why would her world focus on that when there's still so much going on around them for them to study?

...don't laugh at Felix, Amelia. Don't.

...okay, a few more giggles are fine. "I'm sorry I didn't mention them before. I honestly forgot." Which is to say she was too excited for her own that she didn't bother asking him what he would like to drink. "I promise not to buy before I ask what you want next time."

[conjuredskies]

"Oh, no- no need to apologize." He might say that anyway, but he is the one who assumed he knew what the stuff was and decided to gulp it down unthinking. "I like getting recommendations: it's a good way to find new and interesting experiences. Even if sometimes they take me by surprise."

He grins sheepishly: a sense of dignity is not one of his qualities, for better and worse. And it's quite nice to see his roguish companion break down giggling.

"So..." he adds, unable to restrain himself from asking. "How do your people track the stars?"

[rogueinladysclothing]

"I'll still try to let you know next time," she says with one more small laugh. Felix is so much more easy going than any of the men his age she's used to dealing with. Her brothers would have yelled for hours about this and the incident would have caused a fight between her and her closest male friend back home. It's refreshing, and it makes her smile a little more.

"We have a few charts that have been made using sextants, but my world is very small. There's not usually a great need to navigate by the stars, because even the longest journeys take only a few days. And with a compass, there's no need to worry about losing your way." It's almost a sad thought for her, really, to realize how small and insignificant Kairn is compared to the rest of the multiverse. But it's home, and she wouldn't trade it for anything.