The Perk, Wednesday Afternoon

[dwarvenswagger]

Thorin could only spend so much time working on his crafts. Okay, that was actually a lie, he could spend all his time doing that. Because it was awesome.

But he was taking a break in his day to eye the baked goods and selection of tea at the local shop.

He was taking his time deciding, though. Much to the annoyance of the baristas.

[open!]

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[crimson_sister]

Lucille had had her class in the morning, so the afternoon seemed like a perfect time for tea and perhaps a piece of cake. Of course she had brought a book, this time with poetry. Her and Cassandra's recitation earlier this week had been inspiring.

She stopped once inside he Perk, when she noticed who was also there. Unlike what so many seem to think, though, she was not rude, unless that was called for.

"Good afternoon," she greeted. "I see we both found this a good day for tea and cake."

[dwarvenswagger]

"Good afternoon," Thorin replied stiffly. Because he was trying very hard not to be rude. But it just came so naturally to him!

Which is why he left it at a neutral 'good afternoon'.

[crimson_sister]

To be honest it came very natural to Lucille too, when she wanted to.

"So, what are you having?" Lucille looked at the cakes on display. "That one looks quite tasty, doesn't it?" She pointed at one, which did look delicious, but it was also a test to see if Thorin would contradict her.

[dwarvenswagger]

"I have yet to decide," Thorin replied. He eyed her choice speculatively. "Perhaps. I find the appearance hardly matters when it's meant to end in your stomach."

[crimson_sister]

"By what method do you chose, then?," Lucille replied with a deceptive smile. "And I have to disagree. I find that taste can be influenced by appearance, even if it's not the only thing that matters, obviously."

As Thorin seemed undecided, Lucille ordered a cup of tea and a piece of the cake. The barista seemed happy that at least someone here was able to make up their mind.

[dwarvenswagger]

Prudence was a virtue, you know.

"A fair appearance may yet hide rot beneath," Thorin replied, schooling his expression into something innocent.

But he could hardly allow her to show him up, so he picked a different tea and pastry from her. Because he was a stubborn little dwarf.

[crimson_sister]

Lucille would have been surprised if he had made the same selection as her. Ignoring his comment, she said:

"Would you care to join me at the table by the window?"

It would seem strange for them to choose separate tables, wouldn't it?

[dwarvenswagger]

At least he didn't try to pick the exact opposite tea and pastry. That would have been a step too far.

"If you would like," he said, incling his head because some royal manners were drilled into him.

[crimson_sister]

"Please." Lucille led the way to the table and took a seat. "Did you enjoy the trip?"

It was a good way to start a conversation.

[dwarvenswagger]

"It was similar to the towns of Men from my home," Thorin replied. The skeletons were... probably found in Gondor? Maybe. Look, he was more used to orcs.

[crimson_sister]

"I see. That must have reminded you of home, then," Lucille replied.

The skeletons had been quite disturbing.

[dwarvenswagger]

"A bit, yes," Thorin replied, taking a sip of his tea. "And you?"

Look at them being civil.

[crimson_sister]

It was almost as if they were talking about the weather.

"It was enjoyable," Lucille replied, stirring her tea.

"And how is your mining going?"

[dwarvenswagger]

That earned her a bit of a squinty stare over Thorin's cup of tea. But he recovered quickly enough. "Quite well. Thank you for asking."

[crimson_sister]

"I wasn't aware that there was a mine on the island. Or perhaps you go somewhere else?" Lucille smiled over the rim of her teacup.

They both owned mines, so it was a suitable topic, wasn't it?

[dwarvenswagger]

Perhaps if she insinuated less...

"There are some," Thorin muttered. "The the quality of stone and metal are lesser than my homeland."

Ya'll just keep being jealous of the Arkenstone. Carrying on the proud Tolkien tradition of pretty jewels driving people bugfuck nuts.

[crimson_sister]

There was nothing insinuating about mining.

"I am sorry to hear that," Lucille replied, making an effort to actually sound a little bit sorry, even if she didn't feel it. "What are you using them for?"

[dwarvenswagger]

Suuuuure.

"To craft armaments and such." For his roommate to sell on Etsy to fund her future college attendance. "Dwarves are the children of Mahal and we honor him with our crafts."

[crimson_sister]

"Oh, I see. Perhaps you can show me at some point. How is your cake?"

Hers was actually quite delicious.

[dwarvenswagger]

"My cake is fine." It was dry and he regretted his choice. "You have interest in smithing?"

[crimson_sister]

"I take an interest in most forms of art."

Which meant no, not really.

"Or perhaps you can show me your mine."

[dwarvenswagger]

"...that would not be a wise choice," Thorin replied, thankful to not have weird feelings going on this time. "Mines are dangerous places."

[crimson_sister]

"Oh? You think I'm reckless? Or prone to accidents?"

She wasn't really interested in the mine.

"My family do have a mine, you know, so I am not unfamiliar with them." Not that she had ever visited it.

[dwarvenswagger]

Thorin gave her hands a glance. "You have spent time in your family mine."

[crimson_sister]

"We employ people do work in it." She sipped her tea. "I understand that is not your custom. But I don't wish to impose, it was merely a suggestion. Have you recovered from our last meeting?"