Alexander right after Argine's return (when he's sulking like a whipped puppy)

[livebytheclub]

[Alexander is furious. No word, no assistance for three months, then his queen returns and undermines or countermands everything he's worked for. The nerve! Some of that attention would have been nice when he was thrown to the political wolves with no experience or support! He's not a man prone to violence - not spontaneous, emotional violence at

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[diamonds4her]

[Noelle, for whatever reason, but probably for the sole purpose of seeing him again, happened to walk through the amphitheater.

And sees him, drinking and looking a bit disgruntled as she would put it.

She approaches him, smiling, but looking a bit worried at the same time.]

Good evening, Alexander.
[She hesitates.] How are you?

[livebytheclub]

[He turns and blinks at her a few times. When he replies, it's with arms spread wide, turning at the waist to face her, raising the bottle in one hand. His words are loud and drawn out, like a greeting meant to be seen from across a room]

"Noelllllle! So good to see you, m'lay-dee. Come. Have a drink."

[diamonds4her]

[She was very surprised, guessing from his speech and demeanor that he was no longer completely sober.]

It is nice to see you, too. And - I thank you for the kind offer, but I... don't usually drink. [Because she gets too drunk too quickly.]

Is... is everything all right?

[livebytheclub]

[He slumps back, hunching over his knees]

"Oh just same thing as always. Nobody wants a soldier's advice. Damned sure nobody wants a solder to lead like one."

[He takes another drink]

[cipherspeak]

[He's just planning on passing through on his way to his rooms really he is but then he sees the king.

Is that really Alexander? Elisha lifts a curious eyebrow and approaches.]

Your Majesty?

[livebytheclub]

[Alexander turns, looking at his visitor somewhat sleepily]

"Oh. Hello Elisha."

[cipherspeak]

Having a drink, sir?

[Anyone else would have gotten a mountain of snark in dulcet tones, but Elisha's no fool.]

[livebytheclub]

"Just a bit. Seemed like a day for it. And I'm not the only one on duty any more, so why not?"

[For emphasis, he takes another draught]

[clubyourselfto]

Leah just so happens to be exercising her propensity for popping up when you least expect being in the right place at the right time. She doesn't notice the King at first, having come here in search of somewhere quiet to practise her ballet skills. She's mid-battement when she spots him, and makes her way over.

"Hey, didn't realize I had an audience. Evening, my King."

[livebytheclub]

[Her dancing is quite good and he finds the movements at least a bit soothing]

"Good evening Leah. By all means, continue if you like."

[clubyourselfto]

[She does continue for a while -- just simple ballet steps, repetitive but graceful -- before ceasing again to indulge her curiosity.]

What brings you out here?

[livebytheclub]

[He shrugs]

"A bit of solitude and a place to drink. Not that I mind your presence."