thedispatch | (no subject)

[ He gives a nod, leading the horses to the front of the carriage to be hitched up. A few final checks to make certain they've gotten it all and he's doing just as he said. While the back of a carriage wouldn't seem like a comfortable place to nap, it's a vast improvement to the floor of a warehouse. William's out before long, not stirring once until Grell decides to wake him. ]

[ Once she does, it will soon seem apparent to William that they've simply paused to rest the horses. The town they've stopped in is positively quiet, save for the liveliness of the bar at the inn in which they've stopped. The horses are helping themselves to the trough in front. It's obviously quite late. ]

Darling... [ She whispers this pet name, not only to prevent William from becoming too startled, but for other obvious reasons, as well. Very gently, she nudges his shoulder. ] Hello there.

[ William groggily opens his eyes, squinting despite the sun being low in the sky. ]

Where have we stopped?

[ He pushes himself up to sitting, a look of discomfort on his face - most likely due to the sleeping arrangements. ]

[ Grell's look is one of empathy - and a yearning to reach out and touch him. ]

We're perhaps a few hours out from the coast. We could make it, if we wanted to.

Edited 2020-02-22 08:24 (UTC)

[ Making certain they're quite alone, he claims the seat at Grell's side. ]

You need to rest, as well. And I would hate to make you sleep in the cart. I'd say it's hardly worth it.

[ Having him even that little but closer has the corners of her mouth twinging into a smile. ]

Well, can you manage any more rest? It's hardly worth it to get a room if you can't sleep in it, as well.

I was of the thought we would need to get two rooms, as it was. So as to avoid any suspicion. I highly doubt we'd be able to pass off as being brothers.

[ It's a bit hard to tell in the low light, but he brushes her bangs aside just enough to get a good look at her eyes. She certainly looks tired. ]

Ah.

[ Grell tilts her head in the wake of his touch. While she is a bit disappointed that they won't share a bed, it's more the realization of his words that hits her. ]

Doubly so, then.

If you would like to go in first, then. I will wait a few minutes and make certain the horses are well tended to, then follow behind.

[ He gives her a reassuring pat on the hand before urging her off. ]

[ Shoulders rising as she breathes through her nose, she nods. Before she hops does from the wagon, however, she gives him a whisper. ]

Love you, darling.

[ Grabbing her bag from the back of the wagon, she looks back at him just once more. Checking in for a room is simple enough; after she's dropped her belongings, she'll go down to the bar to order ale and light food, in hopes that William might see her on the way to his own room, and join her. ]

Love you, as well.

[ He speaks equally as soft, watching as she ventures towards the inn. Finally settled into his own room, he meets her at the bar. ]

No issues, I take it?

Edited 2020-02-26 08:19 (UTC)

[ Leaning forward to rest her elbows on the counter, as she's seen so many men do, it appears she's trying to make the exchange look more casual as she slides her plate his way to share while he waits to order. ]

None to speak of. Not yet, anyway. Yourself, my-- friend?

[ Her attempts at acting more masculine are ironically adorable, but he doesn't let any of that show on his face. ]

None. Should things continue as they are, we should be able to reach the coast by midday, I would think.

[ The barkeep brings him a mug of ale and takes his order for food saying it should be out shortly. ]

[ Grell hums with a nod. ]

Hopefully we won't have trouble getting on a boat from there. I feel we will truly be at ease once we are.

I certainly will.

[ William sips at his drink. ]

What would you like to see while we're in France?

[ That gets a smile out of her. ]

Paris. Of course.

[ She knows she must speak more quietly of the things that excite her most, and so she's nearly mumbling as her fork pushes at the food on her plate. ]

The art, the fashion... perhaps I could get one of those fancy powdered wigs until my hair grows out again.

[ Thankfully, everyone else seems to be either too engulfed in their own conversations or passed out drunk. William frowns, giving her a side-eye as the barkeep places his food before him. ]

Those are a bit much, even for you.

[ Grell's face falls with a snicker. ]

Fine, fine. I suppose I'll learn how to live as I am.

[ Peeking over her glasses at him, she tilts her head. ]

What are you most looking forward to?

Even if you aren't as you wish, I think a bit of confidence with how you are now would help you feel stronger.

[ A bit of vague wording, should anyone be close enough to hear. ]

I would agree with you on art. The architecture, as well. There are so many beautiful churches that would be wonderful to visit.

[ A contemplative, although somewhat unsure hum follows; however, to his latter input, she shoots him an amused little look. ]

Churches, you say?

Notre Dame, of course. La Sainte-Chapelle is another. I've read descriptions of her breathtaking stained glass windows. It would be nice to take in the sight, myself.

[ Ah, perhaps William is a bit of a romantic deep at heart! ]

[ Such has her eyes softening. ]

And so you shall.

[ Sitting up with a roll of her shoulders, Grell sighs tiredly. ]

We might as well take in all that we can as we search for a place to settle, in any case.

[ A firm nod of agreement. ]

Keep in mind, we may have to settle with something less than desirable, at first.

[ Lips quirking as she dreads what such conditions could be, she glances about before muttering to him. ]

Well, though I might complain, know that I am content so long as we're together.

I don't want to hear any complaints, then.

[ It's unclear whether he's teasing or scolding, as his voice is so monotone. But there's no frown on his face, so that's saying something. ]