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: This chapter is dedicated to Sphinx, and of course hixy! Sorry this took so long, I had it finished shortly after recieving your awesome reviews but somehow just neglected to post it for everyone! Working on the next few I swear! So sorry for the wait! Next chapter will be more exciting.
"I really do hate mathematics," Aaurie sighed, looking over the sheet of figures Neal had given her. After her walk Neal had insisted that Aaurie do some 'school' work, and the pair sat in the small common area downstairs.
"Yes, well, it's important to learn. That and you don't get a choice," Neal replied. "Besides, we can't win all battles with flowery prose can we?"
"That's what my sword is for," Aaurie replied indignantly, making Neal smile to himself.
"Just finish that page and then you may go to bed alright?" Neal offered. Aaurie grinned, handing him the paper. "You little cheat," Neal laughed, seeing that all the figures had indeed been finished.
"Night!" Aaurie laughed, picking up the work books and running up the stairs.
Not paying attention to where she was going, Aaurie yelped when she ran into a solid form half way up the stairs and dropped her books. Preparing to fall on her arse once more she was surprised to be held up by strong arms.
"It has been my experience that clumsy persons should never run- particularly up stairs," Aiden said kindly, still holding Aaurie.
"I am so sorry," Aaurie squeaked, mortified to be in this position yet again.
"It's quite alright, I suppose it is an occurrence I could get used to," Aiden laughed, flashing her a smile. Aaurie watched his lips, realizing that it was rather hard pretending not to be attracted to him.
"Mithros, I've gone daffy," Aaurie muttered, realizing she was still pressed tightly against Aiden's chest. "Um, I should- um, go upstairs."
Aiden didn't seem to hear her for a moment, then let out a small 'oh,' before letting her go and picking up her books. Offering them back to her and moving out of her way he smiled.
"See you next time then."
--
Aaurie decided she hated riding. When she'd woken up her leg had been stiff and rather tense, making her grit her teeth every time her horse moved beneath her. It was a relief to be in breeches and a tunic- her dresses packed up until they reached the capital, but Aaurie was fairly certain she would wear a dress every day until she died if her leg would stop hurting.
"Are you alright milady?" Aaurie looked up at Aiden and gave a weak smile.
"Yes, just a little tired is all," she said quietly, noticing that Neal was watching her with equal concern.
"Would you like to stop?" Aiden offered, noting the small grimace that passed over her features.
"No, it's fine, really," Aaurie repeated. Aiden ducked a quick nod, hesitating before returning to Raoul.
"What's wrong squire?" Neal asked in his 'authoritative' voice.
"My leg, it hurts," Aaurie winced as the horse's muscles bunched under her thighs sending pain shooting up her leg.
"If you don't tell me these things I can't help," Neal almost growled, unhappy to see his squire in pain. Looking around to see that no one was watching, he scooted closer and rested his hand on Aaurie's thigh, sending his gift directly into the old wound.
Aaurie breathed out a sigh of relief as the pain dulled to something bearable.
"Thank you," Aaurie said gratefully. Neal nodded.
"I should speak with Alanna about a daily tonic to help with the pain," Neal said, nudging his horse forward towards Alanna.
--
With the pain gone, the ride through Galla went much more smoothly for Aaurie. The group stuck mainly to side trails, trying to keep out of the towns and villages for as long as possible. Aiden informed them that when they neared the capital it would be hard to stay out of sight and they'd have to join a royal procession- a public welcome arranged by the crown Prince.
Aaurie decided that so long as she could soak her leg when they arrived, she didn't care what she had to put up with. She spoke very little on the ride, instead watching and catching bits of conversation from the others. Liam and Aiden spoke constantly, friendly but not completely comfortable. Raoul on the other hand was completely at ease with the young man, joking and laughing with Aiden at every turn.
Kel seemed angry with Dom for some unknown reason, refusing to talk to the blue eyed sergeant despite his best attempts. Aaurie found it somewhat funny and wondered when they would finally get together.
"Don't you think they're perfect for each other?" Aaurie looked over at Prince Liam and smiled.
"Yeah, they are," Aaurie replied, watching the 'should-be' couple.
"The men have started a pool- betting on when they will finally get together," Liam admitted, making Aaurie laugh out loud.
"I don't doubt it," Aaurie smiled.
"I feel bad, you're the only person in the group I don't really know," Liam said suddenly. Aaurie looked at him questioningly.
"What is there to know?" Aaurie halfheartedly.
"All I really know is that you're trying for your shield- like your brothers, I just don't understand why," Liam admitted.
"Because we're Scanran?" Liam nodded. "Tortall's like this bedtime story back where I grew up. All these stories about how different things are- how could anyone not want to be a part of it?"
"Thom's right," Liam said thoughtfully, "you're interesting."
Aaurie laughed.
"I suppose. Speaking of, looks like Thom's getting lonely," Aaurie nodded towards a disgruntled looking Thom. Liam laughed.
"I should go see what has him so peeved," Liam nodded politely before moving to catch up with Thom.
Aaurie swallowed, realizing she was now alone. Her breathing hitched slightly, a feeling of loneliness choking her. Aaurie shook her head, pulling out of her own head and moved up to ride alongside Alanna.
--
They stopped early at a small inn, this one was less posh than the first, and open to the public but was located far enough off the beaten path that there was little worry about the other residents.
Liam and Thom, like the others, shared a room and immediately threw themselves into warm baths.
"God that feels nice," Thom sighed, sinking into the hot water happily. Liam laughed and nodded in agreement.
"I've often debated what I preferred- a woman's touch or a hot bath," Liam joked. Thom looked at the ceiling thoughtfully.
"Wouldn't know to compare properly I suppose," Thom whispered. Liam sat up looking at him.
"You mean you've never…I mean…really?!" Liam asked, amazed.
"I messed around a little once, but, well it was a mistake," Thom sighed. Liam watched him then nodded in understanding.
"Aaurie." It wasn't exactly a question but Thom nodded.
"We were both a little drunk I think," Thom explained. "And well, afterwards it was kind of clear she didn't see me that way…"
"Sorry," Liam replied, Thom just shrugged.
"It's fine- she had a crush on Owen of Jesslaw, it didn't work out though," Thom flinched, recalling the exact reason why.
"Little old for her- he's around my age isn't he?" Liam asked surprised.
"That's what I told her, she got a little mad," Thom laughed.
"She's gorgeous," Liam said suddenly, making Thom stop laughing and stare at his friend.
"What does that mean Liam?" Thom demanded.
"Nothing, just that she's attractive," Liam sighed, realizing he'd upset his friend.
"Yes, but I know what you DO when you find someone attractive!" Thom fumed.
"Thom, cut me so slack alright? I don't plan on doing anything."
Thom glared at his older friend, until he couldn't help but laugh at the half panicked look on Liam's face.
"It's fine 'master prince,' I don't think Aaurie'd go for you any way," Thom said honestly to which Liam raised an eyebrow.
"Oh ya, and why is that?" Liam half barked, his pride wounded.
"Have you seen how nervous she gets around you? Or your parents- anyone of nobility really…she's too nervous to really be herself."
Liam considered this then realized that Thom was probably right. Aaurie put on a good show, but she was almost as good as Kel at hiding herself in plain sight. When she knew she was being watched, she became nervous, clumsy and stuttering. Liam doubted that his father would have let her become a page if that's all she was- some skittish girl.
"Is she herself around you then Thom?" Liam asked quietly. Thom sighed, dunking his head under the water for several moments, much to Liam's amusement. Upon resurfacing Thom considering the question.
"I'd like to think so."
---
"Ready for dinner squire?" Neal asked, knocking on Aaurie's open door. She turned around and glared at him.
Neal looked at her surprised, then flushed.
"Do I look ready for dinner milord? I mean honestly- these clothes are ridiculous! I literally cannot dress without a whole troupe of servants to help me!" Aaurie said, exasperated as she stood in her shift, the gown itself discarded at her feet.
"Well don't yell at me. It's not like I picked out all this nonsense…I'll get Alanna for you," Neal said, very nearly stuttering.
"You have something there milord- so I'll go to the source," Aaurie picked up the dress and shoes and left a stunned Neal.
Aaurie marched down the hall to the furthest room and knocked impatiently.
"That must be the servants with our pressed clothing," Liam muttered to Thom, enjoying his still delightfully warm bath. Thom nodded, but felt no reason to get out of his own warm bath.
"Come on in- it's unlocked," Thom called.
Thom nearly screamed like a woman when the door opened and a half dressed Aaurie stormed in, a large mass of fabric tucked under her arm.
Thom grabbed for a towel, trying to cover himself as he slunk low in the tub. Liam raised an eyebrow, watching the girl stomp up to him, her eyes carefully avoiding looking down into the bath water and what it covered.
"Kindly inform his Highness that I refuse to wear clothing which I cannot even get on by myself. Should he intend for me to wear such nonsense when we reach the capital he ought to send a servant for the specific purpose of dressing and undressing me!" Aaurie huffed, tossing the clothes in a pile beside Liam's bath.
Liam looked up at her amused, watching as she began to realize the scene she'd made. Aaurie swallowed, feeling that she'd perhaps gotten a little carried away yelling at the prince.
Liam smirked, standing up. Aaurie squeaked and averted her eyes as the prince shook off some of the bath water then wrapped his towel around his waist.
"I'm at your service."
"Liam of Conte! Really!" Alanna scolded from the doorway. Aaurie flushed bright red as the older woman gathered up the dress and pulled her from the room, glaring at Liam like a disapproving godmother should.
"I can't believe you just did that," Thom gaped. Liam grinned, feeling quite proud of his cheeky response.
"Pretty brilliant huh?" Liam laughed. Thom however did not find it funny.
"You can't just do stuff like that with Aaurie alright? She's, she's not like that- its not ok. She's not one of your risqué court ladies who expect that kind of thing!" Thom rambled, flustered. "She's probably scarred for life now!"
"Hey now! I've never had a complaint!" Liam growled, having been insulted by his friend for the second time today.
"I don't mean like that you over sensitive prat. She's just not used to that kind of thing- you can't play with her Liam."
"She deserved it- rushing in here like she owned the place," Liam sulked, behaving like a child being reprimanded.
"Fine. Just don't do it again," Thom growled. Liam laughed, promising Thom he'd behave.