"Good." Kiss. "I like you being happy."

And: homework. Cuddling Ellie is definitely best way to do homework.

It's definitely up there, as these things go.

Even better when there's a prize for finishing.

Mm. Fun for everyone.

So much fun.

Of course, sooner rather than later Ruby drifts off to sleep, head still a bit pleasantly hazy. She gets a good bit of homework done, though.

Sleep. Good.

The next week goes well, though Ruby's classes especially start ramping up the homework. She tries to get it mostly done by the weekend, though - more time for Ellie.

That Saturday - "Where to now? I'm in the mood for a bit of exploration..."

"How about London? See what empire looked like on the other side of the world."

"Sounds fun."

"So glad you approve."

Kiss.

And off to London? Ruby figures they can identify tourism sites once there.

No sense in taking too much time out for planning. They're adaptable.

And if they miss anything they want to hit, coming back is easy.

Magic is great.

So great!!!

And: tourism! The National Gallery seems like an obvious place to hit first, especially given Ruby's interest in art.

Ellie's on board.

She likes listening to Ruby talk about the art she likes.

Heeeeee.

She does chatter a lot, sometimes excited, sometimes scornful, sometimes joking. She knows more about - and comments more often on - things like color and composition than actual art history.

That's more knowledgeable than Ellie is.

It's really clear art is Ruby's passion, from how she talks. Close third to Ellie and magic, really.

Hee.

Best pet.

Best Ellie.

Alas, they do, after a few hours, begin to run out of paintings.

Alas.

It'd be a shame not to see the palace, while they're here.

Getting an idea of different imperial styles is certainly important.

Otherwise they won't be able to be comprehensively better than everyone else!

Exactly!

To the palace, then!