about ... 12? months ago

[inanhour]

It's not so cold that Sebastian can't go hang out with his friends and need accompaniment unless he tipsily falls into a snow bank somewhere. (A gentleman does not get drunk, merely... indisposed.)

But it is cold enough for there to be snow on the ground, and after stabling his horse, Sebastian pats a pile of the stuff softly. It crunches, very nicely, under his hand.

"Huh." He kneels to start molding it.

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[livinginmyglass]

"So it would," she agrees at once.

When they reach the door she ducks gratefully inside, immediately shrugging off her now-sodden shawl. "'twas well enough-- we saw to making ready for the feasts to come, for Christmas and for twelfth night-- but thou dost not care for this, I will not bore thee. Where didst go?"

[inanhour]

"That trader who was to come visit Roderigo's father -- he came unexpected a day early, and Roderigo and I were tasked with his entertainment."

He removes his cloak. "I think not that I shall work with him, for he is over-generous with money -- though much I was pleased of it this evening. But I shall return tomorrow, as I was invited."

[livinginmyglass]

"Over generous... you think him imprudent?" Viola asks. "It may be he did but seek to impress thee with his largesse, not knowing thou wouldst take it amiss."

[inanhour]

Sebastian thinks about this for a moment, and grins.

"Thou shouldst surely be the business man, couldst thou only improve thy countenance. I shall keep thy words in mind, when we speak again tomorrow."

Maybe he shouldn't so quickly discard a potentially valuable contact, who speaks of routes extending into France.

"But this can surely only bore thee," he adds, before she can reply. He nudges her with an elbow. "What might I learn of the celebrations?"

[livinginmyglass]

"Amend my countenance?" she echoes, mock-indignant. Well... at least half mock. "And what wouldst improve in't, brother? For 'tis in every feature just as thine."

[inanhour]

Sebastian reaches out to gently poke at her cheek.

"Thou couldst smile now and then, and laugh even perchance at the occasional poor-told joke."

[livinginmyglass]

She swats at his hand with a scowl-- which she quickly transforms into a simpering smile. "Like so?"

[inanhour]

Sebastian flinches back.

"No," he exclaims. He flaps a hand at her face, careful not to come too close. "Thou lookst as though thy brains were left at home."

[livinginmyglass]

"Why, is this not how men would have us?" she says, attempting to flutter her eyelashes.

[inanhour]

"Wouldst have a man who thought so?"

[livinginmyglass]

"Why-- no, but..." She doesn't quite seem to know what to say. "I would not. But I think the most of men prefer a wife quiet and fair and naught else. Save thee, I am sure," she adds with a grin.

[inanhour]

"I am not so strange," he protests.

He shivers, sudden and violent. "I should change," he says, after a moment, "else I should marry no woman, be she clever as thee or otherwise."

[livinginmyglass]

"Go," she commands, releasing his arm and giving his shoulder a very demure, very lady-like smack. "And 'tis nearly time to sup."