(ALANNA AND JON FOREVER!!)

(Alanna reflects on her fight (and loss) in the desert, after she finds out about Josiane. The song is by the Dixie Chicks)

Alanna rubbed her eyes in fatigue and sorrow. Unpacking her things at House Azik, the Lady Knight had unearthed a small portrait of Prince Jonathan. It was now clutched in her fist as she choked down sobs and fought tears. Moments ago she had discovered that Jon had found a new Lady, someone pretty and feminine, just like he wanted. Yet she had a hard time accepting it.

Can't find a reason to let go
Even though you've found a new love
And she's what your dreams are made of
I can find a reason to hang on

Alanna didn't know what to think. Her fight in the desert with Jon had been intensified by each of their stubborn pride, but she regretted it.

What went wrong can be forgiven
Without you it ain't worth livin' alone

Everyone around her knew that Alanna hadn't recovered from the fight, and didn't question her about it. They knew it would bother her. Alanna appreciated this, but it was reminded of her sorrow every night in her tormented dreams. Nothing could fill the gap that Jon had filled in her heart, and his absence tortured her.

Sometimes I wake up crying at night
And sometimes I scream out your name
What right does she have to take you away
When for so long you were mine

Slowly the lady opened her hand and let the portrait drop, its delicate, silver chain snaking through her fingers. It dropped to the floor, the lifelike picture of Jonathan smiling up at her, daring her to pick him up again. Everyone said he was Josiane's now, but Alanna wanted to deny it.

I took out all the pictures of
Our younger days
It was a time of love and laughter
Happy ever after
But even those old pictures have
Begun to fade
Please tell me she's not real
And that you're really coming home to stay

George opened the door to see the Lioness frowning at something on the floor, eyes bright. Her hands trembled.

"Lass," he whispered, worried.

She looked up at him, copper tresses falling into grief-stricken eyes, and attempted a smile.

"I'll be okay, George, I just need to be alone right now."

Sometimes I wake up crying at night
And sometimes I scream out your name
What right does she have to take your heart away
When for so long you were mine

Determinedly Alanna dried her eyes and picked up a tunic. Her sleeve slipped down to reveal a long, red scar that she had obtained from her joining with the Bazhir. It brought forth a rush of indignation and feeling.

I can give you two good reasons
To show you love's not blind
The Bazhir saw what happened before and you know
We adore you
So how can I tell them you've changed
Your mind?

"So now it's just me," Alanna whispered. "Who's going to be there to hold my head for me?"

Sometimes I wake up crying at night
And sometimes I scream out your name
What right does she have to take your heart away
When for so long you were mine
I remember when you were mine