Disclaimer: I do not own Tortall, or any of the Tamora Pierce characters- obviously. Only characters a hard core fan doesn't recognize are mine- IE Aaurie, Branic and Illean.
AN: I swear, as soon as I think I am done writing for the day Sphinx sends in another review and I have to run right back to the keyboard! As if Blip-Chan's awesome reviews didn't already have me plotting four chapters ahead! Unfortunately I do have school and work to deal with- sorry I didn't get this up to minute I finished it- bad, bad Gene.
Several of ya'll have sounded excited about the big fair in Cria- just remember it's not until the 'end of the month,' so you have a few chapters to wait!!
"We can camp here for the night- much further and we'll start running into towns. I'd prefer not explain a troupe of Tortallans to the townsfolk," Aiden announced, allowing the tired group to come to a halt.
'Here' was a small traveler's inn, the small sign outside promised 'security, discretion and the best brew in Galla.' Planted in the middle of no where, and somewhat significantly beyond the main highways, the Inn had a somewhat mysterious air- the kind of place that, in Tortall, would not be a place for good folk to stop.
"Please, don't worry ladies- it's perfectly safe and respectable," Aiden offered noticing the disapproving looks from the Tortallan group. "It was originally built so that the King could stop on progress- he hated tents. Since he's been ill the nobles have used it for- well, things better not seen by the whole court. The Inn is better guarded than most forts- the King spent a fortune on protective spells and a full guard on staff."
"Impressive," Liam whistled, looking over the building with new interest.
"It's grander inside I assure you, and we'll be the only visitors of course," Aiden continued, misinterpreting the surprised looks of the Tortallans.
"Oh, of course- really it's just fine. We're all rather used to cots or tents," Raoul chuckled.
"Well, then I imagine you're in for a rather nice night." Aiden smiled.
Hostlers rushed forward at Aiden's nod, moving to take the horses into the stables. The young boy who came forward for Aaurie's horse blushed when she smiled at him and nearly dropped the offered reigns.
"She's a rather easy horse, don't worry, she won't bite," Aaurie offered. The boy smiled, nodding his head and hurrying away with the mare.
"Don't talk to servants," Neal whispered as he led Aaurie to catch up with the rest of the group.
"What? Why?" Aaurie asked, somewhat alarmed.
"Gallans don't find it proper for unmarried women to speak to servants," Neal told her, wondering if anyone had caught her slip up.
"Noble women Neal- I'm not a noble," Aaurie countered.
"As far as they are concerned, you are with us- and a noble woman," Neal sighed. "Just play the part alright?"
Aaurie nodded, but wasn't happy as they joined with the rest of the group. Aiden was pointing out spells on the building to a very interested Alanna and Thom.
"It's fascinating, such detailed work," Thom said, running his fingers of the spelled wood.
"Best money could buy- the King was very serious about his safety- and his comfort," Aiden laughed, leading them inside.
Aiden had been understating the small Inn. The inside had all the making of a palace, lush window treatments and expensively made pieces of furniture trimmed in satins and gold plating. The room opened up like a traditional inn, with a long bar for food and drink, seating and a few side rooms, and then a grand staircase that led to sleeping rooms. Other than the layout though, nothing was traditional- a full staff of servants waited just behind the long counter and guards were stationed throughout.
"Mithros," Aaurie gasped. Her own utterance was covered by the awed mutterings of almost everyone else.
"I'll show you each to your rooms?" Aiden offered, nodding to the stairway. "You can bathe, change- get settled, and I'll see to dinner."
Aiden led them up the stairs, showing rooms first to Raoul, Dom, Lerant and Briggs, Higgins and Qasim. Alanna and Thom had connected rooms, Aiden explained that many of the rooms were connected and he hoped the mother and son would not mind. Kel's room was directly across from Alanna's.
"Prince Liam, you're room is just there," Aiden nodded to the door at the end of the hall, then shifted nervously looking at Neal and Aaurie. Liam watched with a raised eyebrow.
"Please don't find this rude of me- or forward, I was not certain if Sir Nealan and milady, well, if you would be sharing a room?" Aiden offered hesitantly. Liam nearly doubled over laughing seeing the shocked expressions on Neal and Aaurie's faces.
"Why- why would you ask that?" Neal squawked, unable to think of a response.
"I assume you two were, well, I mean- she looks to you before she says anything and stays relatively close. Honestly, I am young enough to understand certain- things- and not force you to adhere to such strict protocols as when we reach the palace- if you wish to share a bed it wouldn't be…"
"Mithros no!" Neal almost barked. "Please gods I wouldn't even want to imagine sharing a bed with Aaurie!"
Aiden looked confused.
"Neal is Aaurie's- um, teacher I suppose you could say," Liam offered. "They are not in any kind of physical relationship."
Aiden looked embarrassed, but not more than Aaurie.
"I'm sorry, I just assumed- I didn't mean any disrespect or to doubt milady's reputation," Aiden apologized profusely. Aaurie smiled weakly, her face almost pained.
"Lord Aiden- the staff needs a word," a servant called from somewhere down the hall. Aiden nodded, looking apologetic once more.
"Lord Nealan, you room is just there. There is one prepared for you milady just beside the Prince's. The adjoining door has been completely blocked off- you don't have to worry about rumors of impropriety. I will see you all at dinner, again- so sorry."
Once Aiden had left, Neal turned to his squire concerned.
"What's wrong squire?" Neal asked quietly.
"As much as I get accused of it I really ought to start bedding someone shouldn't I?" Aaurie sighed. Neal took a moment then laughed, alarmed by her statement.
"My dear, people were talking about Kel long before she had her first kiss- they love to gossip when women live in such close quarters with men," Neal offered.
"As I said, if my reputation is going to be dismal any way I should get something out of it," Aaurie grumbled.
"I'd really prefer not to have to explain things to you- as is my duty as your knight master," Neal replied seriously. Aaurie's eyes widened.
"I'd prefer to avoid that as well milord, I think I'll go change now," Aaurie squeaked, embarrassed, running into her room.
--
Aaurie sighed, sinking into the warm bath that had awaited her when she entered the room. Somehow, the servants had already gotten her things into the room and laid out a dress for her to wear for supper.
Aaurie eyed the dress warily from the tub, she wasn't sure she could figure out how to get everything on without making a fool of herself. Why can't I just wear breeches? Aaurie growled internally, pulling herself reluctantly from the tub.
Once dry Aaurie managed to successfully pull on her undergarments, she couldn't help but snort looking down at herself. The biggest difference between these and what she normally wore was that these were pretty- which meant they were supposed to be seen. Aaurie chuckled, there was no way anyone would catch her dead in these things. She glared down at the dress, unsure of how to go about putting it on.
Giving up she quickly pulled on a tunic to cover the frilly undergarments and snuck from her room, tiptoeing towards Alanna's door and knocking.
Alanna opened the door and appeared shocked to see Aaurie standing there, then laughed seeing her clothing or lack thereof.
"I don't think you can go to dinner like that my dear," Alanna chuckled. Aaurie groaned in frustration.
"I can't figure out beyond the underwear Alanna," to prove her point Aaurie pulled up the shirt to show the frilly underclothing.
"I think you should go in that," Aaurie turned red with anger and embarrassment. Alanna turned and growled at her son inside the room.
"Thom! Go back to your room, I taught you better than that didn't I?" Alanna growled at him. Aaurie snickered. "Come on, I will help you with the dress."
Back in Aaurie's room Alanna picked up the dress and smiled in approval.
"I suppose John has some taste- it's a beautiful gown my dear- you'll look dazzling," Alanna smiled. Aaurie thanked her for the compliment but seemed uncomfortable.
Alanna smiled, thinking to herself as she helped lace up the dress. The female knight liked the young squire- she was polite and sweet but shy and unsure of herself. Aaurie was exactly the kind of girl her son needed- if only they could sort themselves out, Alanna would be overjoyed to have her as part of the family.
"There, all done," Alanna said happily, looking over Aaurie. The dress was a gorgeous lavender color that complimented Aaurie's coloring perfectly. Alanna had pulled Aaurie's hair back into a loose knot, letting a few curls sweep across her shoulders and down the side of her face.
Aaurie looked at herself in the mirror hesitantly, pulling at the neckline of her dress. It dipped low, but tasteful, showing the tops of her breasts that skimmed the top of the bodice.
"What's wrong?" Alanna asked, noting Aaurie's hesitant glance. "You look lovely dear."
"I, is there a way to cover more?" Aaurie asked quietly, pulling at the top of the dress again.
"Oh- I don't think so dear. Honestly, it's fine though- very tasteful," Alanna assured her.
A knock sounded at the door, and Alanna went to answer while Aaurie continued tugging at the bodice of her dress.
"Alanna! Good, you're both here then. Dinner is ready- they'd like us down stairs," Prince Liam said, bowing to Alanna with a grin.
"Don't you look dashing Liam- trying to make sure one of those pretty serving girls goes to bed with you?" Alanna laughed. She knew her godson's reputation and loved how shy he could be.
"Aw, come on Alanna- you and your son always giving me a hard time," Liam laughed.
"Oh, you earned it Liam- just like your father," Alanna pointed out. Liam nodded in agreement, and then looked up at Aaurie.
"Does it not fit?" Liam asked Alanna quietly, watching Aaurie tug at her dress. Alanna turned to look at the younger girl.
"Oh Aaurie, come on. It's fine I promise," Alanna sighed, pulling Aaurie away from the mirror.
Liam couldn't help but stare a little longer than was considered polite upon seeing the normally mud covered squire all dolled up.
"You look wonderful- the dress is in Gallan fashion of course, it suits you," Liam offered kindly. Aaurie sighed, giving up and following Alanna and Liam down stairs.
--
When they arrived, Aiden and his two Lords were already seated, along with Kel and Dom who were talking animatedly. Raoul, Lerant and Briggs were standing at the bar laughing about something. Thom and Qasim were sitting on one of the small sofas, examining an old book they found somewhere. Upon seeing them Aiden leapt to his feet, greeting Prince Liam and Alanna before bowing to Aaurie.
"Please, take a seat," Aiden offered kindly. Liam pulled out Alanna's chair, leaving Aiden to do the same for Aaurie.
"I wanted to apologize again for the earlier confusion milady," Aiden whispered, staring apologetically into Aaurie's startled eyes.
"It's fine milord- really," Aaurie replied, smiling at him nervously. He bowed before taking his seat once more.
"So, what's this Crown Prince like Aiden?" Raoul asked, sitting down with the group. Aiden smiled, giving off a much more light hearted air than his companions who were half scowling.
"He's young, some say perhaps too young to be king. Stubborn; well educated- went to university; has an odd fascination with Tortallan history," Aiden summarized thoughtfully.
"So you mean we have a chance of getting on his good side then?" Raoul chuckled, feeling at ease with the young man. Aiden laughed.
"I would imagine so- it's his advisors you will have trouble winning over," Aiden admitted. "Not to be rude, but I imagine having the ladies with you will help greatly."
Alanna raised an eyebrow.
"How is that?" Alanna asked curiously.
"His highness' advisors are all young, single men- some of his friends from university. He insisted on making them his advisors since he believed they'd not lie to him and could be forward thinking. They are not easily swayed by politicians and diplomats- pretty women on the other hand…" Aiden shrugged.
"Mithros help us; we brought the only three women in Tortallan who can't flirt to save their lives!" Dom barked out laughing, earning glares from Kel and Alanna. Aaurie just shrugged, agreeing with him to an extent.
Aiden laughed politely, watching a blush creep over Aaurie's cheeks.
"I think you'll all do just fine," Aiden replied with a chuckle. "Now, let's dig in before it gets cold!"
--
"Hey, you alright?" Aaurie jumped, scared by Thom's sudden appearance behind her. Thom watched as she struggled to calm herself down.
"You shouldn't sneak up on people Thom," Aaurie sighed.
"Sorry." Thom said sincerely, watching her with concern. "You ok? You were quiet at dinner, now you're trying to slip off somewhere…"
"I'm fine Thom, just a little out of it. This is all a bit overwhelming you know?" Aaurie sighed, allowing him to walk with her. After dinner she'd decided to go for a walk, upon asking the guards she'd been told there was a short path that was safe to walk. Thom walked quietly beside her.
"I missed you," Thom said suddenly. Aaurie looked at him and frowned.
"Thom, I don't want you to-" Aaurie began, but Thom cut her off.
"Just, when you finally meet someone who makes you feel like this- will you tell me? That way if he hurts you, I can get rid of him?" Thom smiled. Aaurie laughed, and nodded in agreement.
"Plan on it taking a while though Thom," Aaurie sighed.
"I can only hope."