noteful | Birthday Party for Laura/X-23

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Birthday Party for Laura/X-23

It's a pretty low-key party, all things considered, and not significantly different than the one Parker or Meg would have thrown in a dorm room for a friend at home, not-exactly-traditional menu not withstanding.

There's music, low enough to talk over (and maybe with a little more folk in the mix than one expects to find a party). Balloons and streamers in purple and blue and red. A place to leave presents. People to meet or catch up with.

And, most importantly, a chance to wish X-23 (or Laura) a very happy birthday.

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"A good decision," Alanna says. "I'm glad I met her. She says what she means and means what she says. That's a rare treat."

"Oh, because people don't tell the truth sometimes, right?"

"Right."

Alanna wrinkles her nose in distaste.

"It's called court politics."

"I hate that stuff," she says.

When she grows up, she will hate it even more.

"That's because you are wise, and clever, and also very smart," Alanna grins. "I think it's always best to speak your mind, and if dull conservatives don't approve, they can stuff it."

"That's what I think, too. How are your kids? Did they come to the party, too?"

A firm nod indicates Alanna's approval. If it weren't for Megwyn, she'd be campaigning hard for Ingress to train in Tortall.

"No, they're at the palace with Adam. They were here, though, a few weeks back. I'm sorry you missed them. Grace would have loved to meet you."

Grace has become slightly obsessed with Milliways.

"You should bring her to the House for a tea party! Or I could take them out to see Mr. Julia."

Alanna thinks about this for a long moment.

"If they come back," she says, "I'll bring them to the House. Or you could come visit us. Say the word, and I'll bring it up with Tom the next time I see him!"

"I'd love to come! Oh, but I have school, and I had a lot of time away from school already this year."

Darn.

"Fair enough."

She understands duty well.

"I might bring it up anyway, should I see him." A wink. "For the future."

"I could come in the summer! Maybe right before I go to Valdemar again."

After a quick calculation, Alanna grins.

"We should still be at Pirate's Swoop with the Rider trainees. I think you'd enjoy it very much. We would!"

"Pirate's Swoop? What's that?"

It sounds like fun!!!

"Have you met George Cooper?" Alanna asks. "He's one of my oldest and dearest friends. Pirate's Swoop is his home. The Queen's Riders are using it for their annual training camp this year. It's by the sea."

It's not clear whether or not she thinks this is in its favor.

"It sounds neat. I like the sea. Is there a beach, too?"

It's been a while since she made a sandcastle.

"I think so."

A slightly shifty look: she hasn't been there as much as she should have over the years.

"There are all sorts of coves, and caves, I believe. We'll have to explore."

The triplets will be overjoyed.

"Oh, I love exploring! That would be so much fun, Alanna."

"You'll have to carry a sword or bow," Alanna warns, "in case we meet any pirates."

Or Stormwings, Griffins or Spidrens.

"They aren't all like Jack."

She nods, serious all of a sudden. "I can do that. I know that about pirates. It would be more fun if they were all like the jolly ones here, but I know that's not how it is."

"Good."

Alanna studies her young friend for a moment, thoughts unwillingly drawn back to the security meeting and what the others had said about those two villainous men. Her lips tighten into a thin line; she forces them to relax back into a gentle smile.

"I feel out of touch with everyone I've been gone so much. How are Tom and Door and all your friends?"

"I think we're good! I know when Tom and Door smile more that things are okay, and they're smiling plenty. And my friends are good, too. Momiji is a boy I just met, and we had a tea party, and we might play ping-pong soon. Oh, but Mary said flowers and fruits and vegetables cry and die when you pick them, and so I wouldn't eat them for a little while. Fruits and vegetables, I mean, not flowers. But I am again, because I like carrots."

Relaxing by degrees, Alanna laughs and tries to keep up.

"Mary might have been pulling your leg. Ping-pong?"

"That's what Door said, too. Ping-pong is a game with paddles and a ball and a table, and you must hit the ball back and forth. It sounds like fun, but Momiji said he had to find a table. He's nice."

And maybe he's a little cute. Just a little.