( the auction was due to start in under an hour giving river plenty of time to scope out the people that had arrived to attend, listening in on as many conversations as she could to see who might be after her item.
she'd arrived in a floor-length blue dress with a light sparkle to it, curls pinned up, cleavage a little deeper than usual in an attempt to draw attention to herself rather than the auction. the thing was, despite how obvious a show it was, it was working -- she was already drawing more than a few glances.
river had a glass of champagne in hand as she watched the room, finding her eyes slowly drawn to one attendee in particular, someone that didn't seem to fit in with the auction or the rest of the crowd. she was beautiful, short blonde bob and eyes that were appraising just as river's had been.
with a smile on her lips river steps over, leaning down to whisper-- )
I think there could be some interesting competition here.
( The thing about regenerating is that it takes time. Bodies take years and years to fully form and a Time Lord is doing all that in a split second. Bursting into creation in the blink of an eye. Death is traumatising in itself, but coming back --.
Coming back does something to a person.
And it's not just changing physically either. It's like becoming a whole, brand new being with quirks and habits that are new and sometimes frightening. She's done this thirteen times. Thirteen times. It never gets easier. In fact, she's still brewing even now, a day or so later. Part of her feels like a whistling kettle someone's left on the stove.
So she can be forgiven for blinking at River without much recognition. She knows she should know. She just doesn't know what she should know. )
Ooh, I like a good competition. Especially one where I get a free bat.
( Or whatever auctionees use. She doesn't quite know. )
( there's a low chuckle and river can't quite decide whether this woman has ever been to an auction before or if she's very good at being daft. it reminds her of someone that she knows, someone that she misses terribly.
(especially when an adventure is at hand)
river moves to the side of her, a sip of champagne as she continues to watch those around them )
I've heard a rumour about one of the pieces. ( not that she elaborates on it, instead pointing over to a very scaly humanoid ) He's someone to watch for.
( She's already decided this woman is someone she should be friends with. She's got the best hair, and gorgeous eyes, and her smile is a little wicked and that's interesting enough for the Doctor to lean in a little more, to look at the other person with wide, curious eyes. )
Why? What's he up to?
( The Doctor knows she's here for a reason. What that reason is she doesn't quite know. But she does want to bid on one of the items anyway. A little toy with a Celtic ( Gallifreyan ) knot. And besides, she likes shouting. )
Maybe he wants to spend all his money on the slimy thing that smells like peaches.
( she lets the question linger in the air for the moment, running her finger across the side of her glass )
Oh, I couldn't spoil the surprise.
( she absolutely could, though whether this woman is up for quite that sort of action-- )
It isn't peaches that he's after but myths.
( time lord, specifically. with gallifrey lost many people have stopped believing that time lords ever existed -- that they're just myth and legend. it's why, not knowing that this woman is also after that knot, she plans to fight for the same thing. fight him for it )
( The Doctor not so subtly seems to be eyeballing the man now. It's probably a good thing he's not looking her way, because it's probably quite rude. )
I'm good with myths. He wouldn't even have to pay me!
( A waitress walks passed and the Doctor reaches up to pluck a glass of the bubbly champagne. She sips it absentmindedly then pulls a face, offering the almost full glass to River. )
Bleugh. I'm already too bubbly to add more. I'd float away.
( Up front of the room, the latest piece gets sold off and she drops her gaze to catalogue in her lap. Another piece, and then the one she's here for will be up. Good. She's getting antsy. Too much sitting. )
( there's a chuckle and thankfully river's glass is empty enough that she can quickly drain it, leaving it on the table by them as she adjusts her new glass in hand.
she drops her voice, leaning in a little closer to add-- )
We couldn't have that.
( flirting, distracting, whatever you wanted to call it )
( look, it's river. this woman could have said something really not flirtatious and she'd have still been there -- she's into you and is half tempted to consider skipping dinner, though she's pretty certain that it'd be a little too forward for this woman.
though, considering how wrapped up she is in flirting river misses a big clue that she may have otherwise questioned. lifetime. very few people utter those words and she'll kick herself later for missing it )
I know a wonderful restaurant a few planets over. The view there is almost as spectacular as the food.
( The Doctor grins again, irrefutably pleased. ) You know, I keep feeling like we've met before.
( There's a moment where the answer seems to shiver between them. If only she could focus and grasp it. But there's a hush around the room as the final item is unveiled and she turns serious, somber as she looks up the auditorium.
The auctioneer makes a big show, talking about the importance of it, how fascinating it is, how privileged they are to own some kind of proof that the Time Lords once lived and breathed. The Doctor's boot hits the chair leg in front of her, a scowl marring her features. Under her breath she mutters - ) All this for a toy.
( The man calls out a bid first, and the Doctor twitches, leaning forward on her knees. The bat taps against her shin as she watches the crowd. Then all of a sudden she's standing up and calling out. ) Double whatever he said!
( she's distracted from her flirting when the woman focuses on the item and this time river doesn't miss the comment. she knows that it is, seeming not too happy with it. it takes her attention momentarily from the fact that she was going to be bidding on it but, let's be real, river has a backup plan for getting the item.
that plan now involves this woman who she pulls back down into her seat, voice serious as she whispers-- )
( oh dear. maybe using this woman as part of her plan was going to be more work than she'd anticipated, though she's had challenges before.
she puts a hand on the woman's, the one holding the paddle, and whispers again-- )
Follow my lead.
( she waits for the man to bid again before whispering what to go up to, sliding her hand along her arm as she removes it. a little light attention never hurt catch someone's attention, bending them to your whims.
river had money, she had a large score from her last job, but if she could get this item another way... even better )
More touching than she's had in a while. It's nice though, it makes the Doctor feel solid and grounded. She does as River tells her to, her voice reaching an excitable pitch each time. Her bidding opponent doesn't seem to be enjoying himself. In fact he's getting more and more angrier as time goes on.
What does he want with the box? Surely it isn't that important. )
All this for a bit of myth. What's the point? Sometimes a story should stay a story.
( Except, not really. She's the kind of story that makes herself known wherever she goes. )
( her fingers still trace over the woman's arm, a little absent-mindedly now, focused on the auction, on that comment.
rather than bid this time she shakes her head )
Let him take it. ( she ducks her head down, turning towards her more ) Do you believe it's a myth?
( something told her that this woman didn't, not when she'd known that the item was just a toy rather than anything else. either she was a scholar, someone that had done extensive research like river or--
there was no or. the only answer was that she was very well read. for this auction, at least, river had another plan )
( It's sudden, but not accusatory. The Doctor swivels towards her, waiting for a sign. Trust has already found its way to her gut, something primal and real, something she knows deep down in her core. It's that and only that which makes her lower her bat, conceding.
Another feeling prickles along the edges of her conscience, and she turns to watch the man as he accepts his victory. Could there be something about this object she's just forgetting? Is that the reason she's here? )
( there's a light smile at the fact that she's cottoned on to what river is doing and, other than being absolutely gorgeous, river knew that she'd liked her for a reason.
she slips her hand from her arm, holding it out to her )
Come with me.
( as they step away from the seats river deposits her half-full champagne glass on a table, leading them from the room out into the hall. she keeps them going, only stopping halfway down the corridor. river only leaves a few seconds before she pulls the woman closer to her, wrapping an arm around her waist before full on snogging her.
she just happens to be leaning against the emergency exit door at the same time. anyone that comes looking due to the set off alarm will just find two lovely ladies a little preoccupied )
That's not usually part of her plans. The Doctor makes a soft surprised sound as River moves closer, hands flying into the air in shock. But it doesn't take her all that long to touch back. Actually, one ends up winding in the curl of the other woman's hair, another noise pulled from her this time.
Because she's a very, very good kisser. 10/10.
It maybe takes her a second or two to realise the alarm's going. )
( oh, she is a very clever thing. when river steps back, giving a quick check down the corridor before tugging them both quickly through the door she's grinning, though whether that's at the compliment or the kiss is anyone's guess.
(it was a very enjoyable kiss, though)
river keeps her hand on the mystery woman's, quickly leading her down this new corridor, someone that would normally be auction staff only )
We don't have long before they start to move the items.
( yes, the new plan is stealing it before it can be sold )
But maybe this new regeneration is a little bit starstruck and a lot forgetful and there's something about this woman that has he all a-flutter. )
Good thing I chose pockets!
( They reach the end of the corridor, the Doctor beaming at the thrill of it all. It freezes for a second when one of the auction employees strides into their path with a you shouldn't be here. )
Actually! We should. Auction inspectors. Didn't the boss tell you? Anyone could wander in and take stuff from the back. There's been a whole bunch of crimes. Someone's sticker collection got nicked. Tears everywhere.
( stealing, liberating. to river this relic was better getting stolen by her than being allowed to fall into that moron's hands.
the woman manages to jump in quicker with a response than she could and, with how beautifully spun it is, river can't help but be a little turned on by her. she had made a good choice in friend tonight.
the response has the desired effect though. whilst there's a little complaint, mostly some fluster, one of the guards does recall something being stolen not that long ago. though they're not entirely convinced, mentioning something about phoning to check it in, the fact that they do so, turning to go and find a phone to make the call, allows river to start swiftly moving them on again )
I'm a quick thinker! Maybe a little too quick. I don't know, everything's all a little --.
( She seems to almost skip down the hall, a bounce in her step and the love of the chase in her heart. It feels like she's running too many programmes at once, brain whirring away at a mile a minute. )
Wait, I think I know you. Do I? It's right at the tip of my tongue.
( But a shove through a door and there's the box with its little Gallifreyan knot and her attention snaps to it. It's sitting on a table and she's quick to cross to it, touching it gently with the edge of her fingertips. )
( river's about to question how this woman knows her, considering that she's never met her before (and she would remember) when they find the box.
river stays by the door watching whilst the woman moves over to it. part of her, for all that she's enamoured, is concerned. this woman knows what this item is but how? or maybe she doesn't, maybe she still thinks that it's celtic. whatever her story river knows one thing: she can't let her have it. this woman had been a means to an end, assistance in getting her to her prize and maybe a little fun.
she steps forward, picking the box up and moving to put it in her purse )
( Her hands fist in the short blonde of her hair, knuckles pressing against her temples. )
Think, think, think. What have I forgotten?
( For the first time frustration creeps more solidly into her voice. ) You'd hope I'd learn to take a nap when this happens! Maybe have a cup of tea before I go bounding about the universe, but nope! Always running.
( She hears the click of a gun before she sees the man who had been bidding, but her reaction is all instinct as she reaches for River's hand. )
Time to do that now! This way!
( The bullets fire on empty hair as she pulls the two of them down behind a large crate. They need to get to the TARDIS. They need to that now. And for some reason letting this woman get hurt, losing her - well it's not something the Doctor's going to let happen. )
Okay. Okay. You're going to have to trust me. There's a box. A different box. Big and blue and beautiful. It's below the ball room. Behind a fern. You won't miss it. But you have to run. And run fast. Because I've been having a lot of trouble with my stuff lately. Shorting out. 'Course I did make it with spoons. I'll distract him!
( it isn't until the click of the gun that river starts paying attention to anything back in the room again, seriously considering chiding the woman for her rambling.
but they're quickly behind a crate and the woman is still talking. god, she really isn't good under pressure )
Oh, shut up.
( she's digging in her purse again, pulling out a small weapon. just before she can aim it at the man the woman's words seem to register.
a blue box
it couldn't be. there was only one big, blue and beautiful box but it didn't belong to this woman. it absolutely couldn't be the tardis. there's a shake of her head before she pushes the woman a little, lifting herself up just enough to shoot )
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
no subject
she'd arrived in a floor-length blue dress with a light sparkle to it, curls pinned up, cleavage a little deeper than usual in an attempt to draw attention to herself rather than the auction. the thing was, despite how obvious a show it was, it was working -- she was already drawing more than a few glances.
river had a glass of champagne in hand as she watched the room, finding her eyes slowly drawn to one attendee in particular, someone that didn't seem to fit in with the auction or the rest of the crowd. she was beautiful, short blonde bob and eyes that were appraising just as river's had been.
with a smile on her lips river steps over, leaning down to whisper-- )
I think there could be some interesting competition here.
no subject
Coming back does something to a person.
And it's not just changing physically either. It's like becoming a whole, brand new being with quirks and habits that are new and sometimes frightening. She's done this thirteen times. Thirteen times. It never gets easier. In fact, she's still brewing even now, a day or so later. Part of her feels like a whistling kettle someone's left on the stove.
So she can be forgiven for blinking at River without much recognition. She knows she should know. She just doesn't know what she should know. )
Ooh, I like a good competition. Especially one where I get a free bat.
( Or whatever auctionees use. She doesn't quite know. )
no subject
(especially when an adventure is at hand)
river moves to the side of her, a sip of champagne as she continues to watch those around them )
I've heard a rumour about one of the pieces. ( not that she elaborates on it, instead pointing over to a very scaly humanoid ) He's someone to watch for.
no subject
Why? What's he up to?
( The Doctor knows she's here for a reason. What that reason is she doesn't quite know. But she does want to bid on one of the items anyway. A little toy with a Celtic ( Gallifreyan ) knot. And besides, she likes shouting. )
Maybe he wants to spend all his money on the slimy thing that smells like peaches.
no subject
Oh, I couldn't spoil the surprise.
( she absolutely could, though whether this woman is up for quite that sort of action-- )
It isn't peaches that he's after but myths.
( time lord, specifically. with gallifrey lost many people have stopped believing that time lords ever existed -- that they're just myth and legend. it's why, not knowing that this woman is also after that knot, she plans to fight for the same thing. fight him for it )
no subject
I'm good with myths. He wouldn't even have to pay me!
( A waitress walks passed and the Doctor reaches up to pluck a glass of the bubbly champagne. She sips it absentmindedly then pulls a face, offering the almost full glass to River. )
Bleugh. I'm already too bubbly to add more. I'd float away.
( Up front of the room, the latest piece gets sold off and she drops her gaze to catalogue in her lap. Another piece, and then the one she's here for will be up. Good. She's getting antsy. Too much sitting. )
no subject
she drops her voice, leaning in a little closer to add-- )
We couldn't have that.
( flirting, distracting, whatever you wanted to call it )
Looking for anything interesting?
no subject
( She may not be able to match the sultry overtones, but she makes up for it with enthusiasm. )
Do you like food?
( Wait, no. Start at the beginning. )
I mean we could get some. After I figure out what Mr. Myth over there is up to. I haven't eaten this lifetime yet. I probably should.
no subject
though, considering how wrapped up she is in flirting river misses a big clue that she may have otherwise questioned. lifetime. very few people utter those words and she'll kick herself later for missing it )
I know a wonderful restaurant a few planets over. The view there is almost as spectacular as the food.
no subject
( There's a moment where the answer seems to shiver between them. If only she could focus and grasp it. But there's a hush around the room as the final item is unveiled and she turns serious, somber as she looks up the auditorium.
The auctioneer makes a big show, talking about the importance of it, how fascinating it is, how privileged they are to own some kind of proof that the Time Lords once lived and breathed. The Doctor's boot hits the chair leg in front of her, a scowl marring her features. Under her breath she mutters - ) All this for a toy.
( The man calls out a bid first, and the Doctor twitches, leaning forward on her knees. The bat taps against her shin as she watches the crowd. Then all of a sudden she's standing up and calling out. ) Double whatever he said!
( That's how it works, right? )
no subject
that plan now involves this woman who she pulls back down into her seat, voice serious as she whispers-- )
Have you ever done this before?
no subject
( Her gaze flickers from the box to the man bidding against her, ears tuning out the rumble of conversation around her. )
Also, I don't have any money.
( SURPRISE. )
But I like having a good shout. It usually clears my head.
no subject
she puts a hand on the woman's, the one holding the paddle, and whispers again-- )
Follow my lead.
( she waits for the man to bid again before whispering what to go up to, sliding her hand along her arm as she removes it. a little light attention never hurt catch someone's attention, bending them to your whims.
river had money, she had a large score from her last job, but if she could get this item another way... even better )
no subject
More touching than she's had in a while. It's nice though, it makes the Doctor feel solid and grounded. She does as River tells her to, her voice reaching an excitable pitch each time. Her bidding opponent doesn't seem to be enjoying himself. In fact he's getting more and more angrier as time goes on.
What does he want with the box? Surely it isn't that important. )
All this for a bit of myth. What's the point? Sometimes a story should stay a story.
( Except, not really. She's the kind of story that makes herself known wherever she goes. )
no subject
rather than bid this time she shakes her head )
Let him take it. ( she ducks her head down, turning towards her more ) Do you believe it's a myth?
( something told her that this woman didn't, not when she'd known that the item was just a toy rather than anything else. either she was a scholar, someone that had done extensive research like river or--
there was no or. the only answer was that she was very well read. for this auction, at least, river had another plan )
no subject
( It's sudden, but not accusatory. The Doctor swivels towards her, waiting for a sign. Trust has already found its way to her gut, something primal and real, something she knows deep down in her core. It's that and only that which makes her lower her bat, conceding.
Another feeling prickles along the edges of her conscience, and she turns to watch the man as he accepts his victory. Could there be something about this object she's just forgetting? Is that the reason she's here? )
What do we do now?
no subject
she slips her hand from her arm, holding it out to her )
Come with me.
( as they step away from the seats river deposits her half-full champagne glass on a table, leading them from the room out into the hall. she keeps them going, only stopping halfway down the corridor. river only leaves a few seconds before she pulls the woman closer to her, wrapping an arm around her waist before full on snogging her.
she just happens to be leaning against the emergency exit door at the same time. anyone that comes looking due to the set off alarm will just find two lovely ladies a little preoccupied )
no subject
That's not usually part of her plans. The Doctor makes a soft surprised sound as River moves closer, hands flying into the air in shock. But it doesn't take her all that long to touch back. Actually, one ends up winding in the curl of the other woman's hair, another noise pulled from her this time.
Because she's a very, very good kisser. 10/10.
It maybe takes her a second or two to realise the alarm's going. )
Oh, you clever thing you!
no subject
(it was a very enjoyable kiss, though)
river keeps her hand on the mystery woman's, quickly leading her down this new corridor, someone that would normally be auction staff only )
We don't have long before they start to move the items.
( yes, the new plan is stealing it before it can be sold )
no subject
She knows that.
She really does, she swears.
But maybe this new regeneration is a little bit starstruck and a lot forgetful and there's something about this woman that has he all a-flutter. )
Good thing I chose pockets!
( They reach the end of the corridor, the Doctor beaming at the thrill of it all. It freezes for a second when one of the auction employees strides into their path with a you shouldn't be here. )
Actually! We should. Auction inspectors. Didn't the boss tell you? Anyone could wander in and take stuff from the back. There's been a whole bunch of crimes. Someone's sticker collection got nicked. Tears everywhere.
no subject
the woman manages to jump in quicker with a response than she could and, with how beautifully spun it is, river can't help but be a little turned on by her. she had made a good choice in friend tonight.
the response has the desired effect though. whilst there's a little complaint, mostly some fluster, one of the guards does recall something being stolen not that long ago. though they're not entirely convinced, mentioning something about phoning to check it in, the fact that they do so, turning to go and find a phone to make the call, allows river to start swiftly moving them on again )
That was quick thinking.
no subject
( She seems to almost skip down the hall, a bounce in her step and the love of the chase in her heart. It feels like she's running too many programmes at once, brain whirring away at a mile a minute. )
Wait, I think I know you. Do I? It's right at the tip of my tongue.
( But a shove through a door and there's the box with its little Gallifreyan knot and her attention snaps to it. It's sitting on a table and she's quick to cross to it, touching it gently with the edge of her fingertips. )
How did you get here?
no subject
river stays by the door watching whilst the woman moves over to it. part of her, for all that she's enamoured, is concerned. this woman knows what this item is but how? or maybe she doesn't, maybe she still thinks that it's celtic. whatever her story river knows one thing: she can't let her have it. this woman had been a means to an end, assistance in getting her to her prize and maybe a little fun.
she steps forward, picking the box up and moving to put it in her purse )
That's not important. Short on time, remember?
no subject
( Her hands fist in the short blonde of her hair, knuckles pressing against her temples. )
Think, think, think. What have I forgotten?
( For the first time frustration creeps more solidly into her voice. ) You'd hope I'd learn to take a nap when this happens! Maybe have a cup of tea before I go bounding about the universe, but nope! Always running.
( She hears the click of a gun before she sees the man who had been bidding, but her reaction is all instinct as she reaches for River's hand. )
Time to do that now! This way!
( The bullets fire on empty hair as she pulls the two of them down behind a large crate. They need to get to the TARDIS. They need to that now. And for some reason letting this woman get hurt, losing her - well it's not something the Doctor's going to let happen. )
Okay. Okay. You're going to have to trust me. There's a box. A different box. Big and blue and beautiful. It's below the ball room. Behind a fern. You won't miss it. But you have to run. And run fast. Because I've been having a lot of trouble with my stuff lately. Shorting out. 'Course I did make it with spoons. I'll distract him!
no subject
but they're quickly behind a crate and the woman is still talking. god, she really isn't good under pressure )
Oh, shut up.
( she's digging in her purse again, pulling out a small weapon. just before she can aim it at the man the woman's words seem to register.
a blue box
it couldn't be. there was only one big, blue and beautiful box but it didn't belong to this woman. it absolutely couldn't be the tardis. there's a shake of her head before she pushes the woman a little, lifting herself up just enough to shoot )
Just move.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)