"Meandering thoughts in Istanbul" for Vive la France

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

“Ah, Istanbul, how I remember it well,”  the Russian said, as he and his partner moved deliberately among the many spice and fruit vendors on the outside of the Egyptian bazaar; a view of the principal mosque of Istanbul, the Hagia Sophia, loomed in the distance behind it.

“Yes,” Napoleon agreed, ”the pungent odor of something that hasn’t been cleaned since....ever.”

“Fruit flies and spiced meats, a lovely combination.” Illya crinkled his nose and sneezed.  “Yes the red pepper, mint, cumin do add to it.

“Don’t forget the sumac and cinnamon...what a combination,” the American said, sniffing the air. “They add a certain saveur to the place.

“Watchout! “Illya yelled, pushing his partner out of the way.

The roar of a motorbike barely alerted the agents as it sped past the two, nearly knocking them over.

“I do not miss that either,” Illya mumbled, sneezing again. “I think the drivers here are the worst.”

“I think Morocco,” Napoleon countered, swatting a fly away from his face.

They both looked at each other, “Egypt,” announcing it at the same time.

“Well maybe Paris should be included,” Illya added.

“Aaaah Paris,” Napoleon sighed blissfully, “The Eiffel tower, the Moulin Rouge....les girls. What I wouldn’t give to be in Paris right now,” he tugged at his collar, feeling the heat.

Illya tried not to breathe in the current scents too deeply as he envisioned the boulangeries and bistros. He wiped his sweaty brow with his handkerchief.

"Right now I would prefer Moskva."

“You would...”

“You do not like being cooler than we are here?”

“Yes, but Paris would be comfortable enough and there’s so many ladies there to occupy my time,” Napoleon smiled again, letting his thoughts drift.

“Tsk.” Illya shook his head at his partner’s one-track mind. “Someday, when this world has straightened itself out, I would show you Moskva.”

“Too cold for my taste,” Napoleon smiled.”I’ll stick with Paris.”

“Not when you have one or two of our beautiful Russian women to warm your bed.” Illya elbowed him with a serious look, pointing to a man standing in an alcove across the square.

“Nope, Paris...L'amour toujours.”

“Love always? My friend you are too much the romantic when it comes to France.”

“Vive la France,” Napoleon grinned.

“You know your accent is still awful.”

“Smart Russian.”

“There is our target,” Illya said ignoring his partner’s remark. “The man in the white linen suit.”

“Yes, back to work,” Solo nodded, his demeanor changing instantly as he reached for his Special;  though thoughts of the can-can and les girls still ran through the back of his mind.

                                               

Comments

[laurose8.livejournal.com]

Thanks for sharing this moment with us. A very enjoyable bit of scene setting.

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

Thank you. Just a conversation that takes place in the 'lull before the storm,' so to speak. I wanted to be able to show how they can turn themselves on in and instant and be ready to act.

Vive la France, Vive la Svetlanacat et Vive le Je suis Charlie.

[lindafishes8.livejournal.com]

From their conversation, it appears they are lost in their surroundings and memories, then we see them snap into action at the drop of a hat! Always on the job, those two. Well done.

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

Yes, always aware...not matter what the topic of conversation. Very astute comment, thank you and glad you liked this.

Did you read 'Gargoyles' yet?

[jantojones.livejournal.com]

Sweet scene :-)

I can tell you, from first hand experience, that the drivers of Paris are terrible, LOL

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

Thank you! A little reminiscing before the before the 'storm.'

We have terrible drivers here too! I think in the story that Glenna rec'd in the reading room has a perfect description of those Paris drivers in it. (and Illya imitating them)