Flea and Marina

[The Stranger]

There came a gentle rapping on the door of the Falgrave apartments in King's Landing.

[Teirney Lannister]

Marina sprang to her feet and straighed out her skirts fastidioudly, touching a hand to her hair before sweeping towards the door. Nemesis flattenhed her ears at the door as the girl swung it open. She had almost begun to regret her decision to stay behind, as Alyssa was always out--probably drinking herself into some drunk's sheets--and Nemesis cycled through periods of lethargy and irritation, leaving Marina in a state of desolation.

[The Stranger]

Before Marina stood a skinny young boy with short black hair, and deep blue/black circles around his eyes. He was wearing a black robe with a cowl, although it was down. Except for the small sigil of a white weasel on his breast, he looked like a young septon's assistant.

"Hello Marina.." said Flea, "It is good to see you... again."

[Teirney Lannister]

It took a moment for Marina to recognize the scrawny figure before her, and a look of puzzlement passed across her face. Nemesis flicked her tail lazily, and it was then Marina realized who the boy was. "Flea! It has been very long since I've last seen you. You've grown!" Genuine excitement buzzed about her words, her face glowing. She really had been lonely here. "What brings you here?" She continued eagerly.

[The Stranger]

Flea nodded, "You've also grown Marina, I can scarcely recognize you... I know its been a long time, but I thought I would thank the Falgraves for letting me into their home when I was... alone. I left on somewhat strange terms, and I never apologized for that."

[Teirney Lannister]

"Ohh..." Marina hesitated, feeling rather abashed by his unexpected apology. "Well, never mind that. They harbor no ill-will against you, especially over such trivial matters. Consider yourself forgiven. I would have them tell you themselves, but they are both in the Reach at the moment. I'm here with Alyssa. And Nemesis," she added with a smile.

[The Stranger]

Flea smiled at the cat warily, "You're all by yourself in King's Landing? That must be terribly boring. Does Alyssa make a decent host and keep you entertained?"

[Teirney Lannister]

"She is very kind to me," Marina said loyally, though her tone was less than enthusiastic. "But...I do miss all the old adventures sometimes. Remember Gulltown? That was such an enjoyable time." Marina smiled at the amusing memories. "Are you still alone?" she continued more seriously.

[The Stranger]

"Yes. Pretty much." Flea said, honestly. "I was going to... get some... um.. dinner, at a place I know, if you would like to come... I don't know, if maybe, you've.. and you know, already eaten.. but if not?"

[Teirney Lannister]

"What?" Marina laughed, cocking her head at his jumbled words. "I'm going to guess that you're attempting to invite me to dinner. In that case, I would love you accompany you." Her expression was innocent, utterly unaware of the existence of anything more than a friendship in this conversation.

[The Stranger]

Flea smiled, "Good." He gave an exaggerated bow of courtesy, and gestured for Marina to follow him.

He led her through the streets of King's Landing like he could do it blindfolded, dodging aside carts and peddlers, true to his urchin roots, until they were at a small tavern called "The Belly of the Beast." He held the door open for her, and smiled pleasantly.

[Teirney Lannister]

Marina followed him with surprising skill, half giggling half squirming nervously as they scurried across the busy streets. When they finally approached the small tavern, Marina swallowed a twinge of doubt. Opposing forces squabbled within her for a fraction of a second before the girl took a deep breath and walked through the door, wielding an uncertain smile.

[The Stranger]

The inside was teeming with activity, as a variety of sailors, sellswords, thugs, whores and general ne'er-do-wells are holding a raucous evening. As the door opens, everyone in the place seems to stare for a moment at Marina, before Flea follows her.

"Oi! Flea! Welcome back!" cries a heavy set bartender. A Tyroshi sailor is playing dice with a sellsword, whose shield features what seems to be a chicken on it.

"Hello milord." The man says to Flea.

"Hello Scav, things going well?"

"Wonderful." The man's grin was missing teeth.

Flea took Marina by the hand delicately, and guided her through the room, although the people seemed to part like a sea before the boy, until he reached the back of the bar, where there was a small door.

"I'm sorry about all that." Flea said, "But they are nice people."

[Teirney Lannister]

Marina followed his lead gratefully, averting her eyes from the blunt stares of the tavern's raucous occupants. She was tempted to heave a sigh of relief when the door finally formed a barrier between her and the sea of intent eyes, but Flea's assurances distracted her. I know, she wanted to say. The words were heavy and persistant upon her lips, but she could not make them come. Those days were in her past, burning in the dark fires that had consumed her life. She only nodded, taking the time to give the room a quick once-over. "They all know you," she said slowly, turning to look at him.

[The Stranger]

Flea nodded, "Well of course they do, its my tavern." Inside was a small room, with a single round table, where two chairs were found. Flea lit the candles on the walls, and pulled out the chair for Marina to sit.

"I wish I could have taken you somewhere... for... Lords and ladies. You deserve that much, for putting up with me in Gultown. I was a perfect bastard." He frowned.