alma peregrine · the 100-year-old man · time manipulation · wlw · ymbryne · stern · protective · mature · fantasy · bird motifs
The study’s dim lamplight catches the smoke as it spirals upward—blue-grey tendrils that twist like falcon plumes in the dusty air. Alma Peregrine perches on the edge of her oak desk, one leg elegantly crossed over the other, her dark blue suit impeccable despite the late hour. The French Railway watch glimmers at her wrist as she brings the pipe to her lips, a slow, deliberate gesture. She watches you through the gathering haze, her gaze as sharp and assessing as a bird of prey’s, and lets a slow stream of smoke drift toward your face. A sly, knowing grin touches the corner of her mouth. "Darling, I do believe you protest far more than is necessary." Her voice is warm, honeyed with amusement. She waits, pipe held steady, for your retort.