I should have just claimed I was doing a posting spree today.
Saberin: Good Saberin. Keep those spoilers under wraps :P
AER: You are VERY insistent that Crowley get a wife, huh?
Disclaimer: I'm not John Flanagan.
Seven Weeks Later
Lina packed up food for their journey. Lina had Charmed Battalion business to take care of, as she'd resumed her duties at the school for the Charmed Battalion on an administration level. She needed to report to Cassandra for a sign off and Liam had paperwork to ferry to Castle Araluen. Halt had 'forgotten' to write up the Special Task Force annual report that was due soon and only a Special Task Force member could carry it. Kane and Daniel were both coming along; Kane because it was time to rejoin to his parents and Daniel because Will and Alyss thought he could use a short trip away from the tense atmosphere of his home. Alyss' figure had swollen to the point she could barely leave bed and while Carissa was content to cuddle up and read storybooks with her all day Daniel's pent up energy created a nightmare for his mother.
Once they were ready, Liam lifted Lina onto Jarra. Lina didn't need help anymore but still it made Liam feel good to lift her up. Lina felt protected when he did so she allowed it. Liam lifted Scout into the space between Lina's saddle and Jarra's neck. Kane and Daniel played around impatiently while Liam went around and checked everyone's girths. Lina buckled her crutches onto the side of her saddle and readjusted her weight so Scout could lean back against her comfortably. Finally, Liam mounted and they headed for Castle Araluen. The boys rode up ahead. They were eager to arrive. It was Daniel's first trip without his parents so the younger boy felt anxious and eager to impress Kane, who had traveled without Halt and Pauline many times despite his young age.
They arrived at Castle Araluen a day early. Scout was sleepy from the trip but insisted she had enough energy to see everyone first. Liam carried her on his shoulder as her eyes drooped but smile never faded. Rosalina was entertaining a visiting princess from Celtica and therefore wasn't available the greet them. The young princes appeared the moment it was known Kane and Daniel were there. They obediently tended all the horses and then promptly ran off to do who knew what. Lina made her way to Halt and Pauline's new apartment in the castle to let them know Kane was back.
"Lina!" Pauline exclaimed. She embraced Lina warmly. Lina hugged her surrogate mother back as tightly as she dared. "Come in. Are you hungry? The chef just sent us a lamb stew."
"I just came to let you know that Kane's back."
"Your arms hurt, don't they?"
Lina didn't answer because she didn't have to. The long hobble on crutches up steps made her upper arms ache and Pauline knew it. "Come in," the retired diplomat demanded. Once Lina had sat in a chair Pauline relaxed and put on tea. "How have you been? Keeping busy?"
Lina nodded. "I'm well. Still adjusting but I'm well. I've got plans to visit Old Bob soon. He's been anxious to create a saddle that will make things easier for me and Jarra will be traded for a new horse as well."
"Pity. I know you're fond of her."
Lina nodded. "Yes, but she's getting old. She'll make a good broodmare for Old Bob and I can take a horse that isn't so tall."
"That'd certainly make getting into a saddle easier."
Lina ran her fingers through her hair. "It would."
"Are you still working with the Charmed Battalion?"
She nodded again. "Full retirement was too much to ask for. I was threatened with charges of treason if I tried to fully withdraw."
"Like those have scared you before."
Lina smiled, remembering Sir Rodney's empty threat when she'd suggested playing housewife just a little longer. "Have you and Halt settled into life here?"
Pauline shrugged. "For the most part. I just finished unpacking everything. Halt's enjoyed being closer to Crowley and the two have been teasing Gilan every waking hour."
"I'd think so," Lina laughed.
"What do the Charmed have you doing?"
"At the moment I'm just keeping records and designing a new uniform. While I'm here I'm supposed to recruit a seamstress and clear our basic outline with Cassandra."
"Simple enough chore."
Lina shook her head. "It's got to do with fashion and Princess Cassandra. I think I'd be better of recruiting Rosalina."
"Careful. Cassandra just might take you up on that offer."
Lina laughed again. The door opened and her grim-faced uncle came in. "Lina, I was wondering when your family would arrive. Is Kane with you?"
"He's off doing who knows what with Daniel and the princes."
"Oh dear. Alyss didn't travel did she?" Pauline asked in horror.
"No. Just Daniel came from the Treaty family. He came with us."
"Good."
"Is there coffee?" Halt asked. Pauline pointed to the pot she'd set aside for him.
"You're addicted," Lina teased him. He ignored her. Liam came in still holding Scout.
"I thought you'd be here," he said to Lina.
"Coffee's still hot," Halt announced. Liam automatically handed his daughter to her mother and made himself a cup.
"Someone's a sleepy little girl," Pauline noticed. Scout didn't bother to greet her grandparents. She just slumped over in Lina's lap.
"Not me," the toddler protested even though her eyes were closed.
"Would you please let her stay the night with us?" Pauline begged.
Lina didn't answer. For some reason, she almost immediately felt light headed. She blinked several times before it went away but her keen uncle and husband caught the lapse.
"Everything alright?" Halt asked slowly.
"I'm fine I just got dizzy for a moment."
"You must be worn out from the journey," Pauline rationalized. "Riding must be harder when you can't use one of your feet."
Lina shrugged. "I suppose so."
"Have you unpacked in your apartment?" Halt asked. Liam shook his head.
"Not yet."
Halt sipped his coffee and directed his words to Liam though his eyes stayed on Lina. "Good, you're staying here. I think its best you get your girls to bed right about now."
Liam nodded. "Fair enough." He drained the last of his cup and set it back on the table. He went around the table and picked up Lina. Lina quickly tightened her grip on Scout as the two were carried to Halt and Pauline's spare bedroom.
"I think it's so sweet when he carries her like that," Pauline sighed as she watched Liam kick the door closed behind him.
"You want me to carry you to bed every now and again?" he asked. She shook her head.
"Somehow I think it's one of those things that's only sweet when they do it."
Liam set Lina on the bed. "You sure you feel alright?"
Lina nodded. "It was literally just a few moments. I feel fine now."
The next morning Lina got busy. She and Liam had plenty to do during their stay at the capitol. The trip was as much a social and family visit as it was business. Rosalina was promptly recruited to watch Scout for the day. Cassandra hoped to teach her daughter some responsibility and Scout was easy to look after. Lina had business all over the castle but Liam would be going right by Rosalina's room as he went to meet the girl's father. He packed a bag with everything Scout could possibly need and carried her to the royal family's apartment in their personal wing. While there he mentally made note to stop by his and Lina's wedding-gift apartment and pick up Lina's herbs there.
Lina steadied on her crutches after dressing and went to meet the head seamstress of Castle Araluen. She'd been the lead designer for the Ranger's cloak and the original Charmed Battalion cloak, however Lina's injury and several other reports from the handful of Charmed Battalion ladies that were in existence were evidence for the need of a new uniform. None of the ladies were terribly interested in fashion so the task fell to their leader…and the one that was unable to perform the more enjoyable duties. She had a list of the major recommended modifications and problems to present and hopefully by the end of the meeting a new design would be nailed down.
Tina, the seamstress, came in right on time according to the water clock. She was a broad woman with frizzy hair confined into a misshapen bun on top of her head. She wore an apron with pockets stuffed with bits of fabric, needles, and pins. Tina took out a pen and set a stack of blank parchment in front of her.
"Shall we begin Lady Nerilina?" Tina asked in that impatient tone artists were notorious for. Lina nodded. She knew how temperamental seamstresses could be…another reason nobody else wanted to handle the task. "Now, what did you have in mind dear?"
"We need to do away with dresses. They're bothersome and skirts are risky."
"But the skirt conceals so many of your weapons."
"It's harder to move in skirts. We need something between leggings and trousers. They need to be tight and fitted but durable and easy to move in."
"I'll speak to the weavers about fabrics."
Lina nodded. "The top should be a tunic of some sort that could easily fit over a base layer for when it's cold."
"You're not leaving much room for concealment."
"I'm getting there. Rather than a cloak, I think we need a long coat."
The seamstress began sketching. "A coat, you say?"
Lina nodded. "The cloaks were a natural choice, but only the Ranger's style suits our purpose but we're supposed to be more elegant. I think the color was a good choice but the cloaks don't really do us much good for agility. We need to be able to move more precisely. In Hibernia we had a style I'd like to model these from."
"What about ground concealment?"
"That's the tricky part. Even fitted a long coat would act as a cloak and add a hood it's just the same as we've got…but our arms would be exposed."
"Maybe some gloves, then?"
Lina sat back. "Full gloves restrict movement."
"Fingerless gloves?"
Lina nodded. "That would work."
"What of footwear, then? The same knee-high boots?"
Lina nodded. "The pants should be enough to go inside the boots. It's more functional."
"Same belts?"
"Same belts."
"But over a coat?"
Lina nodded again. "I know it will be challenging."
Tina shrugged. "That's my job. I'll get a few examples draped and you can come by this afternoon to examine them."
"Thank you."
Tina hovered. "There's a rumor that you were injured for good during your latest assignment."
Seamstresses tended to be women and a room full of women who were so experienced in their work they didn't need to concentrate fully tended to gossip. However, Lina liked this particular seamstress. She played a bigger role than anyone gave credit in defending the kingdom. Lina pulled up the hem of her dress and stuck out her forever twisted foot.
"Is it painful?" Tina asked as she examined the deformity.
"It used to be. Now it's more of a dull discomfort."
"How are you getting on?"
"I'm learning."
They said their farewells and went about business. Lina found a secretary's assistant and sent the boy to tell Cassandra the meeting time and location. Secretary's assistants were always in a hurry. The boys and girls both wore white leggings and dark blue tunics bearing the symbol of Araluen laced in silver. Since they rarely left the castle and were always running they had no need for heavy winter gear. When it was warm out, they wore lightweight cotton. When it was cold, they wore the same thing made from wool. They carried long knives on their belts in order to fend off anyone trying to intercept the papers they ran around with.
The assistants tended to fall into the range of age 11-17. It was meant for younger people, usually the children of other castle staff. They scurried around the castle each day with sealed documents, delivering them from one to the next. They carried a flip book of blank sheets. Several areas of the castle they could get to without trouble but for the more sensitive areas they had to get their book signed and sealed for entrance. Lina didn't envy their lives. They could be pulled aside at any moment and their work stack up in a hurry. Their job depended on their ability to prioritize, plan, navigate, and run. The assistant Lina had stopped already held four sealed notes. The boy scribbled out her message on his notepad and Lina signed her name and stamped her seal.
Lina hobbled her way to the lowest level. Her next meeting would begin in forty minutes and sadly with all the stairs it took her thirty to get there. It was worth it, though. Lina took a seat in a private room in Jenny's new café. As expected, she'd announced plans to relocate just a week after Gilan's promotion. Her original space at Redmont had been taken over by one of her apprentices though she still owned it.
Several years ago she'd moved to the capitol fief in order to expand, opening her new location in conjunction with an inn. With Gilan's promotion she quickly expanded again, opening her café at the base of the castle. She served only simple soups and salads here, as there wasn't a proper chef's kitchen. The café was convenient to castle staff and was quickly gaining popularity for its quick service. Jenny spent most of her time at her restaurant but her café would give her more opportunities to run into Gilan.
When Lina stepped in, the headwaiter Rafe, who had come with Jenny from Redmont, recognized her instantly. "Lady Lina! I'll fetch Mistress Jenny right away."
"Thank you Rafe," Lina told him. She barely had the chance to stretch out her sore arms before Jenny arrived with a warm embrace.
"Sorry I didn't have time to say goodbye before I left Redmont. Everything just happened in such a rush," Jenny spilled as she led Lina to the private space in the back. The two sat at the table side by side.
"Sure it did. Has Gilan proposed yet?" Lina set her crutches against the wall and rested her injured foot on her leg, rubbing at it through her boots.
Jenny frowned and shook her head. "I don't know what he's waiting for. His career is good, he's got stability, I followed him here after his promotion. It just isn't coming together."
"It will," Lina assured her.
"Speaking of Gilan, I noticed his name on the reservation."
"Yes. He insisted we meet here to talk about the Battalion and Rangers sharing training procedures."
"Would you mind doing a girl a favor when he arrives?"
Lina grinned. "I'll see what I can do."
About that time Gilan came in. He hugged Jenny and nodded to Lina.
"How was your trip?" he asked.
"It was alright."
"Well I'm sure you two have important things to talk about," Jenny said quickly as she ushered herself away. She shot Lina a desperate look over her shoulder, hesitating a bit.
"You're not going to tell us the specials?" Gilan gently teased. Jenny waved her hand at him.
"You're both getting lamb stew."
"She's good," Lina told Gilan as they settled down. The table had been already set. In the center of the table was a small basket filled with soft rolls next to a small dish of honey butter. Gilan pushed the chair opposite of Lina in so it touched the table. Lina stretched out her leg so her bad foot rested on its cushion.
"You wanted to see me about something?" Lina asked as he sat diagonal to her.
"Yes. I wanted to know what it'd take to get those tessen things from Nihon-Ja you've favored into the hands of Rangers."
Lina tilted her head. "I'm not so sure the Rangers want to learn tessenjutsu," Lina told him, referring to the style of fighting used when wielding Nihon-Ja war fans. "They consider it a woman's defense."
Gilan held up his hand. "Not at all. They are practical and discreet weapons."
"You're certain?"
Gilan nodded. "Very certain. Every Ranger needs to be carrying a set."
"Where? They dangle and your group wants everything secure."
Jenny came in personally and set food in front of them. She served up the lamb stew with sides of fresh fruit and spinach "Dessert will be plum tart," she informed them.
"How long will it take?" Gilan asked.
"An hour. Will that be enough time for your meeting?"
"It should be. Thanks Jenny. You're the best."
Jenny gave him an agitated smile and turned her back. She slipped Lina another desperate look before closing the door and leaving them alone. Lina had barely lifted her fork before Gilan leaned forward. "I need your help, Lina," he said in an almost desperate tone.
"Yes, tessens. Gilan, they're fine for the Charmed Battalion but I don't think…"
"Forget the tessens. They're for women."
Lina sat up a little straighter. She slowly took a bite of the stew. Once again, Jenny proved herself a wonderful chef. Gilan had used tessens as cover until he was sure they wouldn't be interrupted. "What is it?" Lina asked once she'd swallowed.
"It's Jenny. I need help thinking of a good way to propose to her."
Lina relaxed and smiled. "Just ask the question after she's made you dinner one night."
"If I wanted that answer I would have gone to Lady Pauline for advice. Please, Lina. I need something cleverer."
"And I'm supposed to be cleverer than the commandant of the King's Rangers?"
"By a long shot."
Lina laughed. She took another bite. "You better start on your stew. If Jenny sees you didn't eat she'll be upset."
Gilan wolfed down a sizable portion by bringing the bowl to his lips and drinking it straight. "Alright Lina. Help me."
Lina let her mind race. "You're going to have to make sure no food is involved. Serving a chef another's work is insulting."
"No food. Check."
"I know she enjoys dancing with you. Maybe you could take her somewhere to dance."
"Brilliant. What else you got?"
"I'm not planning out the whole event for you."
Gilan sighed with disappointment. "Damn."
Lina saw his distress so she offered a small gleam of comfort. "You're a romantic, are you not? Just take it one step at a time. First, where would you like to do it?"
"Either her restaurant or by the river."
"Why her restaurant?"
"Because she loves it here."
"Why the river?"
"Because that's an escape from both our work…it's private and peaceful."
"So which is your decision?"
Gilan paused just briefly. "The river."
"Alright. How will you get her to the river?"
"Well, she likes riding Blaze with me…"
"And what will be your reason for stopping at the river while riding Blaze?"
Gilan sat back and thought for a few moments. "Usually we have a picnic but that would involve her having to cook."
"Would going there for a bottle of wine be sufficient?"
He nodded. "I guess so…if it were at night and I surprised her."
"Do you surprise her often?"
Gilan smiled slyly. "As often as time allows."
"Alright. Plan finished."
"Why was that so much simpler after talking to you?"
Lina shrugged. "Because I'm a woman I guess."
"You're a good friend."
"I have to be. You're my daughter's godfather."
Gilan took a long drink of the coffee Jenny had served him in her rush. He nodded to the crutches that still rest against the wall behind Lina. "Have you gotten a good idea of your range of mobility?"
Lina nodded. "Ankle down is useless. I'm getting back to my usual level riding a horse, but Jarra's getting old. I'm going to see if Old Bob will trade her for a younger and shorter horse…and if he knows how to modify a saddle."
"Modified saddle…for what? Don't you just need to take off a stirrup?"
Lina shook her head. "I thought that'd be it but it seems I need more. Both stirrups removed would be ideal. Guiding with just one foot confuses Jarra. But I still need something to push up from if I'm going to ride defensively. And I need some sort of handle on the front and back of the saddle. Hopping high enough on one foot is difficult and if the ground's muddy or icy impossible. I tried sidesaddle for a week and it was a failure."
"Will you ever really need to ride defensively again?"
Lina shrugged. "It's more on principle. Would you want to never have the ability to ride defensively simply because you didn't need to?"
Gilan thought about it and shook his head. "No. I guess I'd be trying to get a modified saddle too."
Lina ate the last of her stew. "Who knows? Maybe we'll figure something that could become standard issue after all this."
"You think so?"
"I could see advantages if Rangers and Charmed Battalion ladies could ride without stirrups. The riders would have a greater range of motion even at full gallop."
Gilan thought about it. "Interesting idea. You'll have to let me know how that goes."
"I will."
Liam playfully tickled Scout as he carried her to Rosalina's bedroom. He knocked lightly on the door. A maid answered. Of course, Rosalina never answered doors herself. She had a personal maid who followed her everywhere. The servant curtsied at the sight of a Ranger.
"Is Princess Rosalina here?" he asked even though he knew she was. The maid nodded.
"Yes sir. Should I fetch her for you?"
"No need. I'm right here." Rosalina stepped into view. The maid opened the door wider so Liam could come in.
"'ose'ina!" Scout chanted excitedly. Liam set her down and she dashed to the princess. Rosalina was dressed in a simple soft pink gown made from expensive fabric. Her thick blonde hair was combed back, braided, and wrapped back behind her head from one ear to the other. On top of her head was a silver tiara that had been pinned into her braids to keep from shifting.
"Good morning Scout."
Liam could see Rosalina wasn't happy about sacrificing her day to entertain the young child but knew deep down the Araluen princess loved Scout. She'd be in good hands.
"Bring her back before dinner," Liam instructed Rosalina. She nodded.
"I will, Uncle Liam."
"Bye bye Papa!" Scout said as Liam turned. He waved to her.
"Good bye Scout."
She put her tiny hand to her mouth and blew a loud kiss to him. He smiled and blew a kiss to her. The gesture wasn't typical of a King's Ranger, but his adorable daughter with her dark hair and pale green eyes was too endearing.
He went down the hall to an office Horace used for meetings. Liam knocked lightly. Once he heard Horace's voice he opened the door and stepped inside. "Good morning," he told he friend who just happened to be a future king.
"Morning," Horace replied. "Have a seat."
Liam sat across from Horace. "Seems like you've got a lot of paper to push."
Horace grimaced. "How are Will and Alyss? I noticed Daniel running around with my boys earlier."
Liam shrugged. "Lina and I took Daniel off their hands for a couple of weeks. They're both fine. Alyss is getting to that difficult point in her pregnancy and Will's worried sick. You know, the usual."
Horace smiled. "Easy for you to pick at. You were away when Lina carried Scout."
Liam frowned. "I know and I hate that."
Horace's smile disappeared. "You know that, had Lina let us know about Scout before she was born, we would have sent for you immediately?"
"I know. I have a feeling that's why she didn't tell you."
Horace nodded. "Possibly. Cassie wanted to have Gilan flogged when she found out he kept that all a secret."
"So what am I here for?"
Horace sat up straighter. "No. There are rumors I need Rangers to be aware of."
"Isn't it usually Gilan's job to do this stuff?"
"Yes but this is more up your alley."
"I have an alley?"
Horace smirked. Liam leaned back comfortably as Horace pushed a thick file towards him. "I need you to read these and write up a report on the validity of what they consist of."
Liam undid the leather ties that closed the royal file and turned over the cover page that read 'Restricted'. The next page gave a detailed report of a notorious criminal that was possibly going towards Redmont. "This could take weeks to sort through," Liam said as he examined the stack.
Horace smiled. "I know. You'll be in your cabin for quite some time."
Realization came in. He'd be spending more time with his family simply because he wouldn't be called to some far off duty. "Thanks Horace."
"Just don't tell Gilan about it."
"You want me to lie to my commanding officer?"
"You bet your cloak I do."
Liam smiled. "Whatever happened to the good upstanding citizen of Araluen it takes to be a king?"
"I named my son, the crown heir, after a Ranger."
"Fair enough."
Horace picked up a second file. "This one we need to discuss while you're here. It concerns the Charmed Battalion and the Special Task Force."
Will watched warily as Alyss moved around the kitchen preparing food. He'd gotten Carissa to delay his wife's getting out of bed that morning by slyly encouraging the girl to beg her mother to no end for complicated braids that took over an hour to finish. Alyss had complied to please Carissa but saw through the tactic and had been upset with him ever since.
"Daddy can I come with you to the castle today?" Carissa begged. Will had a large stack of paperwork to turn into Baron Arald's secretary and Carissa loved going into town. Every time Will took her they'd pay a visit to the pastry chef who used to work under Jenny. She'd sold her restaurant to her assistant chef before abruptly moving to Araluen fief and so far the changes were moderate.
"Sure," he told her, "If you finish your chores."
Carissa set to the simple tasks he and Alyss had assigned their still very young daughter. By the time Will had finished gathering his things she had her cloak fastened and was struggling to lace her boots. Will laughed at her attempt and knelt down to do it for her.
"Daddy we go to Jenny's?"
"You do know Jenny isn't here anymore, right? She's moved to Castle Araluen."
Carissa looked at him with the beautiful eyes Halt said came from Will's mother. "But I thought she left her store here?"
Will kissed Carissa's forehead as he finished. "She did."
"Is it not Jenny's anymore?"
Will shrugged. To Carissa, the restaurant would always be Jenny's. "It is and yes we can."
Carissa squealed with excitement. Will let Alyss know their daughter was coming with him and lifted her onto Tug's back. Carissa shrieked with excitement. Tug rolled his eyes.
Really?
"Really," Will told his horse softly before mounting up himself. He was sure Tug liked Carissa. The shaggy gray horse would watch the girl as she ran around picking flowers and singing songs with the most amused smile a horse could muster.
"Daddy can I give Tug an apple when we get there?"
Tug's ears perked. Will smiled smugly. "Only if he does a good job," he told his daughter. She squealed with happiness. Tug's ears flicked forwards again with annoyance. Will smiled. "All good things come at a price."