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The night that the squires were to visit Alanna spent tossing and turning. Getting up she looked as Cythera slept on peacefully and Delia kept muttering something about the color blue in her sleep. Shaking her head Alanna wrapped a dressing gown about her¬¬ ¬and decided that if she couldn't sleep that she may as well take a walk. Casting another look at her sleeping friends Alanna slipped out the door.
As she walked the dark corridor barefoot she felt as if she was once again thirteen and sneaking out to the kitchens for ice cream. Thinking of Faye led to thoughts on what it was Faye was doing that night, the night where she could have used the most sleep. Quietly tiptoeing down the hall Alanna made her way to the large oak door that she had first entered as a young novice. Being friends with Delia had led to many lectures by either First Daughter or one of the other Daughters as the two of them had gotten into a lot of mischief over the years. Gently pushing open the door Alanna stifled a chuckle as she recalled pretending to be a ghost to try and scare the cook so she and Delia could get the tarts. At the thought of tarts Alanna's stomach growled in a reminder that her last meal had been far too many hours ago. Scowling at it Alanna missed Faye's walking in on her. "Alanna," she said quietly, "What are you doing here?"
"I was up and thought I'd visit," Alanna said demurely, shuffling her feet. Using her chin she pointed to the door, "How is she?"
Faye signed. As much as she hated to admit it, the night had drained her. "Better," she admitted, "But I can only do so much at this point."
"Why don't you let me use my Gift? It might help," Alanna suggested. She was loath to use the horrible thing but when it truly was necessary, she would.
However Faye shook her head. "At this point, there isn't anything you can do. I'm sorry," her voice cracked ever so slightly, "It's nothing like I've ever seen before. It simply drains a person and there is no fever. Only pain." Alanna's eyes softened. While she didn't know what it was like to lose her mother, she did know what that loss had done to her father. Walking over to where Faye had slumped into a chair Alanna wrapped her arms around the shaking girl's shoulders. "Why do I get the feeling we've done this before?" she asked. Despite her tears Faye chuckled softly.
"I'm such a watering pot," she joked.
Alanna grinned, "Well at least you're roses will never dry out." Her smile widened as it got the effect she had aimed for—Faye smiled.
Much to Alanna's dismay it didn't last long as Faye's smile fell as soon as it rose. "I'm sorry," she whispered, "I don't know what to do. I've never seen something like this. There's only pain. Only pain, Alanna. And if a healer does try to use the Gift their only drained. I-I, I don't know what to do anymore."
"Do?" asked Alanna. She could not believe that her once smart friend had become so stupid. Kneeling down by Faye's side she placed a hand on the other girl's knee. "You don't do anything," she said, "All you can do is be there for them. I'm sure it eases the pain, knowing that her daughter is there. And you're strong, Faye, far more than you know." Taking a breath Alanna continued, "You're the one who got your mother to teach us how to fight. And you didn't run when that bear charged. That takes guts. I don't think even those prissy knights coming to visit have that much courage."
Faye smiled softly. "You think so?"
"That their prissy?" Alanna asked, "Of course. My brother's with them." The two exchanged smiles. The story of how Alanna had used to dunk Thom in the duck pond was famous amongst the Convent girls.
Suddenly, the door to the office swung open once again. Standing in the doorway looking flustered the Daughter who taught embroidery looked around until she spotted Faye. Eyes meeting Faye immediately sat up the way she had been taught. "Yes?"
"Oh thank goodness," breathed the Daughter, "They have arrived."
There was no need for clarification on which 'they' were. "Goodness," Alanna said, "Is it dawn already?"
"They are early," Faye frowned, "Nevertheless, has anyone welcomed them yet?"
The Daughter shook her head. She had seen the large group of people and had run to First Daughter on order for what to do. In her haste she had forgotten that First Daughter was indisposed, but thank goodness Faye was there. As the young girl sat mulling over what to do the Daughter tried to catch her breath.
Finally having decided Faye looked up from the rug. "Have the servants begin breakfast, the one we usually have during Midsummer. Also, take the maids and make sure that the guest wing is indeed ready. It should be, but open windows or dust to make sure. "The Daughter nodded as Faye continued issuing orders on what to do. Once finished the Daughter curtsied and hurried on her way.
In the silence that followed Alanna whistled. "And you're not royalty?" she asked shocked. Faye shook her head. "No," she said, "What I am is wearing a dressing gown."
Eyes widening Alanna saw that Faye was wearing her rose pink dressing gown. While decent for nightly visits to her mother it simply would not do to welcome the Prince. "What are you going to do?" breathed Alanna.
"Nothing," Faye's voice was steady. "I can't do anything because there is no time." Suddenly the panic in her eyes showed. "Alanna, will you come with me?" Alanna looked down at herself. She too was not dressed to welcome anyone. Yet, the fear in Faye's eyes decided things. Let them see her in her royal blue fluffy bathrobe, she thought. Suddenly with a grin Alanna said, "At least it'll prepare Sir Gareth for married life."
Imagining her intended's reaction to the sight of her in her bathrobe Alanna laughed. Faye too laughed as soon as she got the joke. "Oh, that will be priceless," agreed Faye. Suddenly the door swung open a second time that night. There in the doorway stood Delia, dressed in her finest morning gown. "What are you two doing?" she asked indignitly. "And who's meeting our visitors?"
Straightening up to her full height, Faye held her head regally. "I am."
"In that?" Cythera wondered aloud. She too was dressed prettily in a peach colored morning gown. Faye said nothing but instead walked out head held high to the receiving room. Exchanging glances Cythera bowed out from following by making some excuse about having to help get the Convent girls ready, and Delia simply followed. Sighing at her friends Alanna too lifted her head and followed Faye as quickly as a lady would. Which meant galloping through the hall.
Seeing the looks on their visitor's faces was indeed priceless Faye decided. "You're Highness," she curtsied, "It is a pleasure." Just as Prince Jonathan was due to bow as well Alanna burst into the room. Looking quickly around she straightened, patted her hair and swept in to stand next to Faye. Not missing a beat Faye smiled sincerely. "May I introduce Alanna of Trebond?"
Ignoring her brother's and fiancées shocked face Alanna curtsied prettily. "A pleasure, You Highness," she purred.
"A pleasure indeed," Jonathan murmured in response. His lips swept the back of Alanna's hand quickly. Straightening he tried not to stare at the lady who was speaking. He couldn't recall is she had said what her name was, but it truly didn't matter. She had the loveliest violet-blue eyes he had ever seen. And her lips, lush and red were perfect for kissing. "My lord?" asked those lips. Snapping out of his reverie Jonathan bowed, "Of course."
Faye smiled. Something told her he hadn't listened to a word that she had said. Feeling slightly malevolent Faye continued, "Wonderful. Breakfast on the veranda it is." Pausing to see what the handsome prince's reaction to that would be she was disappointed to find none. "My lord, you are housed in the guest wing and," stepping on a small button the floor, "Miranda here will show you the way. Breakfast is at eight sharp."
"Wonderful," Jonathan smiled. The rest of the party also smiled. Only Thom did not smile. What in Mithros name was Alanna doing dressed in a bathrobe?
Letting Miranda take the lead Faye watched as Thom tried to mouth words to Alanna. "My lord?" she inquired of him, "Are you feeling alright?"
Blushing slightly Thom nodded. "Yes, thank you. I was simply wondering why my sister is dressed in such an informal manner."
Alanna widened her eyes in an attempt at innocence. "Oh, Thom didn't you know? Today is pajama day."
Not sure what to say Thom did the safest thing and agreed. With another bow towards the lady next to Alanna he followed an inpatient Jonathan out.
As soon as the door was closed Faye fell onto the sofa. "Oh, Mithros," she breathed, "What in heaven's name are pajamas?"
"I have no idea," Alanna gasped between fits of laughter. Tears rolled down her cheeks, "But did you see the eminent Sir Gareth? He looked as if he was going to either die of misery or thrash me!"
Laughing Faye agreed. "Oh my goodness, your right! And Thom, why he looked as if he was about to have kittens!"
Nodding her head Alanna couldn't say anything for fear of chortling.
A/N: I really really really love it when people review. It literally makes my day. Plus it tells me I'm doing a good job. Otherwise I end up feeling discouraged. So please, if you do want me to update: Review.
