A/N: Hey everyone! I know I've left the TP fanfic realm for a while. I've kinda, um, been working on Harry Potter. *ducks* Anyhow, this story is my latest TP project-yay! It's based on A King's Mistake-go read it! Great story. Great pairing. Well, I hope you enjoy my story!
Disclaimer: Anyone you recognize was thought up the Goddess, Tamora Pierce. The story itself is based on A King's Mistake by Modern Guru and Lady Swathi. Thanks guys!
She bustled around the room, going from person to person. Finally, there was no one left, and she sat down to take a breather. She thought she would be bored without Kel around. Obviously, that wasn't going to be the case. Though working at the palace tailors' was giving her a good idea of what it would be like to own her own shop, which looked as if it was definitely happening soon and she couldn't wait. It had been one of her childhood dreams to be a businesswoman. Though in her household, that was what it would remain-a dream.
"Hello?" a male voice inquired, interrupting her reverie. She looked up. A man who looked to be a little taller than she was stood before her.
"Yes? How can I help you?" she asked meekly. Businesswoman or not, she was still shy and wary of men she didn't know.
"I need to be fitted. For the King's Own." He spoke brusquely.
"Fighting clothes?"
To her surprise, the man looked at the floor. "No. I work for King Raoul, that's all."
"Oh," she replied, not exactly sure of what to say. Instead, she just reverted to what she knew how to do. She pulled out a measuring tape. "Stand still," she commanded.
She raised her hands to measure him. She was curious about this man, and something he said had rung a bell in her mind. "If you don't mind me asking, sir, what is your name?" she asked rather quietly.
He looked up, and his hair fell across his eyes. "Can I raise my arm?" he asked, as if he was trying to force himself to be funny.
She tried to smile and nodded. He seemed nice enough, but didn't they all?
He brushed away his hair and answered, "My name is Lerant. I won't tell you where I'm from, because that will ruin any good ideas you might have about me." For some reason, she found this worthy of a laugh.
"What if I don't have any?" she asked, amazed at her boldness.
Lerant smiled, and she thought that it made his face look better. "Well, I'm still not telling you. What's your name?"
"Lalasa," she answered simply.
"I suppose you're not going to tell me where you're from either?"
She nodded again, and walked behind him to measure his bust. "Raise your hands," she told him.
He obliged. "I really can fight, you know. I have the capabilities."
Lalasa looked up at him. "I'm sure you do. You have the figure for it." As soon as she said it, she regretted it. "That is, I can tell, since I'm measuring you and all," she babbled.
Lerant laughed. "No good ideas, but definitely bad ones," he said, eyes twinkling.
Lalasa was sure her face was bright red. Desperate to change the subject, she said, "Well, I fight too."
Lerant looked at her, features twisted in surprise. "You do?"
Lalasa nodded, writing down Lerant's measurements. "My mistress K-," she stopped, deciding not to bring up Kel. "She taught me how to defend myself."
Lerant nodded. "Actually, Goddess forgive me, I lied. I know you fight. I've heard of your classes before. I didn't say anything in case you were the wrong Lalasa."
"You've heard of my classes?" she asked incredulously.
"They're quite popular, you know. The talk of Corus."
Lalasa ducked her head at this comment. She just wanted to do all young girls a favor. She told Lerant this.
He nodded. "I know how unwanted popularity is. And you should be commended on what you're doing. So many girls are prey to men," he said, making the sign against evil.
She wasn't sure what to say, so she just stepped away from him. "Well, that's it. Your clothes should be ready within the week. Come back then."
"Will you be here?"
Lalasa blushed for the second time. "No, my shop will be open by then. I'll be there."
Lerant's face fell for a split second, and then he smiled again. "Well, good luck with your shop and classes then. I'm sure we'll meet again."
Lalasa grinned back at him. He seemed genuine enough, and all he had done was talk to her. She did hope they could meet again. "Well, it was nice talking to you, Lerant."
"Yes, a pleasure." He looked unsure, and then he stuck out his hand. "I'll be going then."
Lalasa took his hand, and shook it. It was very warm, and callused from hard work. "Until we meet again then."
Lerant withdrew his hand. "Yes." He turned around and walked out of the room, rotating his head to make eye contact before he left completely.
Lalasa sat down. It definitely had been an interesting day. He's a very nice man. Though I'll probably never see him again. She refused to admit that this bothered her. Picking up a needle, she began to sew again.
Hope you enjoyed that!
Su
