Really long conversations (and shorter ones too)

[willow]

I will use the following colours in this record of strange conversations overheard or participated in:

Meeee

Marienna

The Professor

Eumelia

Nyala

[willow]

(I walk in as Marienna and Eumelia are sitting on my bed, giggling)

I see you two are getting on well. -notices something box-shaped up Marienna's sleeve- What've you got there?

Nothing

-jumps onto bed, trying to grab box-

-holds it out of reach-

-glares- Give me the camera.

-hands it over- How did you know?

I could see. What's so funny? -starts to look through pictures-

-points at a picture on the display- Your face! -laughs quite scathingly-

What about it? It's a 'neutral, passport-style' expression. For my NUS card.

But it looks hilarious!

Darling, -she elongates the a like it's written daaerling- you look gorgeous, but a little bit of expression does help that come across on photographs.

But it won't let me - if I'm smiling they make me send a different photo.

-almost snarling- Well, make it let you.

What you're thinking of is probably illegal, Eumelia.

Well, at some point we'll take some different photos for you - you'll want to record how you look now for when you're old and ugly. -wrinkles up her nose-

You've been spending too much time with old warlocks. Besides, how come you've picked up this whole technology thing so quickly?

I watch when you do not realise. You are good at technology.

And I suppose the Professor teaches you Marienna.

-blushes and clams up-

[willow]

-sitting down, staring into space-

-walks in- Stop worrying! -kisses my forehead, walks out-

[willow]

-walks in-

And exactly where have you been?

You know, here and there.

Where's that?

Tuscany this time.

Tuscany! And you didn't take me!

This is exactly the reason why I didn't tell you - you know you can't come! You have A levels to do.

And a fat lot of good that's doing me.

Patience. I remember when I was your age... A young werewolf caught my eye, and it hurt when I found out all she wanted was my lunar modulation distortion chamber. But I got over her.

Are you being serious?

Of course not! I was relatively normal at one time!

-runs in- Thomas!!! -hugs the Professor-

Did you tell her where you were? -concerned for his treatment of Marienna-

-kisses Marienna- I missed you! And yes, I did tell her.

But he didn't know when he'd be back.

Alright, I'll forgive you. It just would be nice to know when you're being sent off. I might miss you too, you know!

My dear, I will bear that in mind for next time.

-glares- See that you do. -interested now- What were you looking into this time?

Crop circles in vineyards. It's quite hard to pull off, actually.

[willow]

It's Christmas! Well, just about...

What's Christmas?

You know those celebrations you had in the Temple? Well, it's a bit like one of them.

-sighs- I'll go and get the incense. -turns round dejectedly-

Wait! You don't need incense for Christmas!

-eyes light up- Just a Sacrifice then! -pulls a long sharp knife from her belt- I'll go buy sheep.

NOOO! Christmas isn't a time for sacrifices either. -headdesks and goes to sob in despair in the corner-

People give each other presents. It's a really nice thing to do in the middle of winter when everyone's depressed because of the weather.

Sounds nice. Can I have a goat?

No you cannot have a goat.

-gives a heartmelting look-

Alright just the one. But you make the altar and you clean it up.

Thank you darling! -hugs- So who am I sacrificing it to?

Oh please no.

-explains the Christmas story, by this time I have completely tuned out-

It's a nice story. I suppose it's any excuse to celebrate with you.

There has always been a midwinter celebration, the religion it belongs to changes, that's all.

I see... tell me more...

[willow]

(so it's Valentines Day and the only loved-up couple I can stand, and only cos I set them up, are being just that)

-I walk in and Marienna is wearing a deep red dress, which is shocking since I've only ever seen her in blue and brown. Her hair and the hem of the long, figure-hugging (which is another shock) dress have little rose petals in them-

So how deep was the carpet?

The carpet?

Of rose petals. That the Professor made for you.

Oh! How did you know? -suspiciously- Did he tell you?

You know he never tells me anything! I just guessed from the petals you're trailing.

Oh. Does the dress suit me darling? I don't trust Thomas' judgement.

-I look at the dress. It's not exactly tight, more fitted. It's red silk, with little cap sleeves and the skirt is full and floor-length- It's gorgeous! Did he buy it for you?

-she nods-

I'M SO JEALOUS! I knew he'd be perfect for you! He's so romantic!

-goes into happy giggling fits-

-the Professor walks in in a TUX!-

...Speak of the devil... -grins at him-

Are you ready honey? -he gathers Marienna up in his arms and kisses her-

O.o where are you two going so poshed up?

It's a secret! -grins at me-

KFC then, obviously -I shoot him a joking look, and he's caught between looking daggers at me and laughing-

I'd love to stay and chat but as it is we'll barely make the reservation -Marienna's eyes widen-

Have fun! -I wave as they walk out-

-Eumelia walks in wearing red as well, though this looks like some sort of ceremonial robe, trimmed with gold thread. She walks over to me and kisses my forehead- Darling, I'm sorry, but I'm leaving you this evening too.

Why? -feeling a little left out-

Marienna and I have been watching some 'Rom Coms' on the Professor's tv screen thing. I'm going to sit on a park bench all night crying and see if a gorgeous dog walker takes pity on me. I'm testing if Cupid exists.

Okayy... -she walks out-

[willow]

...and well, she's just perfect. I love her so much! Have you seen the way she...

Nyala. SHUT UP about Rebecca!!! -clamps a pillow to my ears-

[willow]

The Unforgiving!

I know! Eeek!!

Press play then!

(some time later...)

And I go Faster, and Faster, and Faster, and Faster for liiiffeeeee

-amazing dancing from both of us-

(some time later...)

Ooooh Sinead, for the first time, life is gonna turn around

-more amazing dancing-

(some time later...)

From the ashes of hate, it's a cruel demon's fate

-and more dancing-

(some time later...)

Whenever you call for me, know that I'm only one step behind

...AGAIN!!!

[willow]

-the Professor and Marienna walking next to each other-

We did amazingly back there! -fives the Professor-

You did get quite close to getting us killed, though, darling.

Me? Err, I think you'll find I saved you. -slaps Thomas' arm-

Oh? And where would you be if I had not burnt through those shackles? -pushes Marienna lightly, grinning-

-stops dead- This is not a fight you want to be starting mister. -pushes a wall of pure energy at the Professor so he is thrown off his feet and into the wall-

-saunters off- I saved you!

-groans-