A Night on the Town
"Okay, so you're sure you can cover for me tonight" Brilliant violet eyes met startling blue in a staring contest.
"Yes, yes. Of course. I've got it all planned out." The males voice was light, relaxed and an easy baritone for one to listen to. "You don't worry about a thing."
"Humph. That what you always say." The answering voice was a gruff female. "Well, I suppose I'll see you tomorrow."
At that a stocky, red-haired squire exited his rooms with a rucksack while his handsome, black-tressed knight master watched, his brow furrowed.
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Alanna stepped down the road to the city at a brisk walk. The cool spring air was a refreshing breeze in comparison to the damp, stuffy castle. Not that Alanna particularly cared but her life at the castle had been…strained that winter. The ever-impending ordeal and a certain raven-haired someone had dominated her thoughts that winter. Everything was confusing to a 16-year-old's mind. Alanna just needed to escape even if it was just for a night.
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Shortly she had arrived at the healer, Mistress Cooper's, house.
"Alanna! To what do I owe this pleasure?" Mistress Cooper asked as the door was shut.
Alanna smiled shyly. "I needed a break and George had invited me to a small get-together at the Dove so I decided to dress as a lady tonight." The older lady only smiled and nodded while Alanna paused. "So I guess I was wondering if you could perhaps help me dress like we do on Market Days?"
Mistress Cooper chuckled. "Of course, child. Let's go get you washed up now. Then, we can decide about a dress and hair."
--
Alanna studied her reflection in the mirror. Though she would never admit it, it felt good, even natural to be in a dress and wear face paint. She pursed her lips. Her dress of choice that night was pale ivory, cut off just below the knees with a flowing skirt. The bodice was jewel studded and her neckline was a tad lower than what was "proper." Alanna examined the inch of exposed cleavage. At least she had some.
"Stop starin' at yourself so much, girlie! You'll become a vain noble lady." Alanna turned to make a face at Mistress Cooper.
"Not this noble lady." She commented as she reached out to take the black wig from Mistress Cooper. "This noble lady won't change for nothing or no one!"
The older lady only smiled and with a hand adjusted the wig. "Before you go though…" She trailed off and abruptly went into her workroom and returned with a winking gem that matched Alanna's dress. "Wear this close to your heart and it'll darken your violet eyes to nearly brown." She grinned. That should help avoid some awkward questions Alanna thought as her eyes nearly filled with tears of gratitude. Mistress Cooper smiled again and patted Alanna's arm in a no nonsense type of manner. "You'd best head out the door. You wouldn't want to be late, now would you?"
Alanna shook her head and started to step out the door before turning back. "Thank you. You know. For everything."
"Go!" Mistress Cooper said not unkindly. In a rush she added, "Don't forget to get the gem close. When it doesn't touch your skin the charm won't work!"
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Alanna stepped inside the door of the Dancing Dove. A roar of warmth, light, and sound greeted her at once. She glanced around the room quickly and saw only the usuals. George was visible from his seat by the hearth but as soon as he spotted her, he rose from where he sat and came over to greet her.
"Lana!" He embraced her warmly. "I'm so glad you could be makin' it tonight." See that they were receiving stares, George raised his voice to call out to the room. "Everyone, this here's my cousin Lana visitin' from Port Caynn. She's apprenticed to a noble healer and she was sent to get some things from me own mother. She-" A bell tinkled and the door opened once more. Alanna turned to see who it was and with a squeak jumped behind George. None other than Jon, Gary & Raoul had entered the door.
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AN: I've had a lot of fun writing this one. : Please review though and tell me your opinion! I have the next chapters ready so whenever I get enough reviews... ;)
Cowgirlgotskills