Disclaimer: Everything belongs to Tamora Pierce (except Madame Straunhill
and Emily who are mine for their few meagre lines!)
A/N - Oooooh - it's a new chapter. I wonder what's going to happen this chapter? Hmmmm, well I don't really know so I'd better start writing and find out.
Thankyou for the huge mass of cookies everyone - they were delicious!
A couple of specific notes to reviewers (Sorry if I haven't replied to you here - but be assured your review is appreciated just as much as everyone else's)
Sparkling diamonds:
Yes, the second Moulin Rouge soundtrack is very good - Spectacular, spectacular, no words in the…okay, going to stop singing now.
Starfire:
I am…gasp…not American! Nor am I Canadian…or English for that matter. I'm Australian (and sorry if I'm dispelling anyone's dreams but I don't have a pet kangaroo or live in the bush). And yes, we call them biscuits too, but I know to an American a biscuit is sort of like a scone, and I didn't want to confuse people. Also, sorry about the block reference, but I have always imagined Corus around the Dancing Dove to be a labyrinth of smalls streets and alley's leading into each other.
Lady Juliet:
Yes, that was my favourite chapter too!
Calicat:
What twist were you referring to - I haven't consciously twisted anything. Hmmm.
Lady Lucy A/J Forever:
Sorry about making Jon sound priggish - but he is, sometimes - although still very sexy and romantic!
Aer:
Alanna became Myles's heir in The Girl Who Rides Like A Man, before he and Jon returned to Corus - I'm just running on the assumption that the same thing happened before this fic.
Kalle:
Perhaps outwardly people were supposed to be virgins when they married - but I very seriously doubt that that was always the case And don't dismiss Alanna's abilities too quickly - some people would have said she couldn't be a female knight!
Tortall_lioness:
Thankyou for your constructive criticism(I am a strong believer in constructive criticism and am always happy to receive it). I agree - there were a couple of things in that chapter which were a bit out of place. I was looking for a good word to replace floozy but couldn't find one that I liked. Everything else seems so harsh (harlot, strumpet - and no way are we going as far as whore!) If anyone can think of something I'll write an amendment.
Thankyou once again to absolutely everyone who's reviewed!
Alanna's Baby by Blue Mariah
Chapter 5
Alanna's room at the dove was a scene of chaos. Dresses, tunics, shirts and burnouses had been thrown rapidly from trunks as she searched for something to wear to the ball.
"This isn't like you," commented faithful from his relatively safe perch on the foot of the bed.
"I know." Alanna appeared red faced from a pile of silk and brocade. "But it's not a crime to want to look nice is it?" she asked, glaring at her cat.
"'Course it's not." Said George from the door way, a puzzled look on his face.
"I was talking to Faithful." She sat down amongst a pile of shirts on her bed.
"Trust that man not to give me any notice. I have nothing to wear."
"There's something I thought I'd never hear you say." Mused George, smiling cheekily. Alanna threw a shirt at him.
"Go and buy a new dress then. It'll be costly, but you should be able to find a dress maker who can do something in time for tomorrow." George grinned at her wickedly, before he finished with the jibe, "If you're that worried 'bout how ye look." And ducked out the door before she had the chance to throw anything else at him.
* * *
Alanna looked worriedly through the window of the most prestigious dressmakers' in the city, where she had been directed by Mistress Cooper. She swallowed hard, feeling like she was about to go into battle, and pushed open the door.
"Tomorrow evening, m'lady?" asked the demure dressmaker's assistant in surprise, after Alanna had explained her situation.
"Yes," Alanna grimaced. "I know it's very short notice, but it's for the midwinter ball."
"Yes, m'lady, just a moment." She disappeared behind some curtains for a while. Alanna looked distractedly around the shop. She wandered over to a shelf, admiring a role of pale green material.
"That colour would suit you well, Lady Alanna." Said a crisp voice behind her
Alanna spun quickly. She looked at the head dressmaker who had appeared from behind the curtain.
"Thankyou. How do you know who I am?"
"I've heard some rumours, and when a noble born lady with violet eyes and red hair comes in wanting a dress in a hurry there's only so many conclusions one can come to." The stern looking lady smiled, tightly. She spoke with an educated accent and looked Alanna over as she spoke.
"We can make your dress, Lady Alanna."
"Thankyou." Alanna smiled in relief.
"What did you have in mind?" asked the severe dress maker.
"I really don't know, Madame…?"
"Straunhill." She smiled again. "Emily?" she called her assistant who appeared, imp-like, at the calling of her name.
"Madame?"
"Come and help me fit Lady Alanna."
Alanna allowed herself to be pushed, prodded and measured. The two dressmakers worked quickly, assembling the measurements for Alanna's gown and then briefly discussing design. A parade of materials were brought before Alanna who was overcome and wished desperately she'd brought Mistress Cooper along too.
"That." suddenly Alanna pointed to a roll of deep purple velvet. She fingered the material.
"Yes," agreed Madame Straunhill. "That'll do nicely. Come along Emily."
Emily bowed Alanna out of the shop, asking her to return the next morning for a fitting."
* * *
Alanna returned exhausted to the Dancing Dove. She looked in at the riotous crowd in the main room, flashed a smile to George and proceeded up to her room. She fell exhausted onto her bed, startling a sleeping Faithful grumpily awake.
"I will have a dress." She said with relief
"Good." Commented Faithful dryly. "Although if I'd told you three months ago that you'd be that pleased at having a dress you would have killed me."
She threw a pillow at her infuriating pet and rolled onto her front, to gaze at her few meagre dresses hanging from the wardrobe door.
"I believe I quite like getting to be a lady now and then." She commented. Her eyes were suddenly caught by a bunch of pale pink roses sitting on a chair by the window.
"What…?" she asked.
"I was wondering when you were going to notice them." Commented faithful, yawing wide and showing a long pink tongue and sharp teeth.
She walked over to the flowers, and picked up the letter that accompanied them. Opening it she read the contents. It was brief.
"A formal apology from your humble servant,
Love Jon"
She drew in her breath, examining the delicate pink petals of the roses. A smile curved her mouth and a tingle of warmth shot through her as she held the letter to her chest.
"Don't go all girlie and cry." Said Faithful.
"No one's ever given me flowers before." She said softly.
"Imagine what you would have done if they had. People are very willing to love you if you give them a chance." He said, nonchalantly licking a paw.
Alanna went to bed, her roses glowing softly in the moonlight, and her precious letter pressed under her pillow
* * *
"It's-" Alanna faltered, gently fingering the soft velvet of the dress in Madam Straunhill's fitting room. It was a flowing creation. The bodice was embroidered in gold with a flowery design and gold lacings up the back. The skirt was full and a soft silk shirt of a luminous white showed under the loose sleeves.
"-Beautiful." She finished.
"Try it on then." Instructed Madame Straunhill. Emily helped Alanna into the dress and turned her to face the mirror. Alanna gasped when she saw her own reflection.
"It's perfect." She assured Madame Straunhill, who fussed around the hem, tugging the skirt into line and straightening the bodice.
"It looks good on you." Emily smiled to Alanna, shyly. "You look beautiful, m'lady." Alanna smiled warmly to the girl, stroking the skirt admiringly.
* * *
Alanna returned to the Dancing Dove in a haze. George had insisted that she take some of his men with her after the attack. She accepted without fuss, knowing she'd be grateful of help if she should need any.
On returning to the Dove she found Myles sitting with George in the almost deserted tavern.
"Myles." She greeted her adoptive father. "What are you doing here."
"I just…here." he pushed a small package into her hands. "for tonight." He smiled lovingly at her.
"Myles, you shouldn't have."
"I knew you didn't have any jewels…and I thought, well," he waved a hand distractedly at the package. "Open it."
Alanna carefully unwrapped the small box and opened it. Inside were a pair of gold and amethyst earbobs*.
"Thankyou." she embraced him.
"An' this's from me." George pushed forward another box. Inside George's package was a choker made of black velvet ribbon, also trailing an amethyst.
Alanna smiled at them both, tears filling her eyes.
"Thankyou both so much." she hugged them both, wiping away tears and laughing.
* * *
"Alanna." George called up the stairs later that night.
"Yes?" she asked
"There's a carriage here for you."
"What?" Alanna hurried down the stairs, frantically trying to fasten an ear bob.
She looked out the front window of the Dove, where a grinning George was similarly staring out into the street.
"Merciful mother!" she exclaimed upon seeing the gilded creation awaiting her. George watched her, noticing the blush creeping over her face, and the pleased look she was trying desperately to hide.
The carriage was an incredible creation of gilded and dark wood. It was drawn by two plumed horses, and accompanied by two uniformed footmen.
George cast his eyes over Alanna's form.
"You look lovely." He said and Alanna blushed still further. Her dress accentuated her slight figure and made her look delicate and womanly and her face was touched delicately with colour. Her hair, which had grown quite long, was trailing down her back, a mass of red and gold in the candle light, and Myles' and George's presents glinted at her throat and ears.
She smiled and hugged George.
"Well, I'd better go. Wish me luck?" she asked
"You won't need it." smiled George, wanting to ask if she intended to tell Jonathan tonight, but keeping silent. Alanna kissed his cheek and went out to be helped into the carriage by a footman. She waved to George and the carriage pulled away.
* * *
(Would I be so cruel to stop here?…Maybe…well, not quite!)
* * *
Alanna grew nervous as she approached the palace, butterflies fluttering in her stomach. She swallowed and bit her lip.
The carriage rolled into the Palace courtyard, and she waited for a footman to open the door. The door opened and she stepped down, taking the offered hand of the footman as she did so.
"My lady." Jonathan, smiled into her face as he helped her down. Alanna smiled back as he bowed and kissed her hand delicately, not insensible to the compliment he openly paid her by meeting her personally. He looked up into her eyes and she felt as if her heart had stopped.
"Thankyou." she smiled nervously and he took her arm and lead her up the carpet towards the ballroom.
The palace was a glittering spectacle. Candles floated in shallow dishes of water throughout the garden, turning it to a mass of floating light. Music and light spilled out of the ballroom and down onto the terrace. All around the nobility were dressed up in fine fabrics and rich jewels.
Alanna turned to smile at Jonathan who was watching her, entranced.
"You look beautiful."
"So do you," flustered Alanna. "Well, you know, gallant, or…" Jonathan silenced her with a smile.
"Come and greet my parents and then I want you all to myself for a few minutes until all your old friends descend on you."
* * *
Jonathan pushed through a crowd around his parents with a considerably nervous Alanna.
"Your Majesties," he began. Alanna looked at all the eyes on her, feeling more nervous than she ever had. Their majesties were smiling pleasantly at her, oblivious to who she was. There was a faint whispering in the crowd. It was obvious no one recognised her, and everyone seemed to think that the prince had found some new favourite. "May I present," Jon turned to grin at her "Sir Alanna of Trebond and Olau." There was a murmuring amongst the crowd. The king pursed his lips, but Jonathan shot him a warning look and the Queen, seeing the exchange, placed a hand gently upon her husband's arm.
"La…Sir Alanna," the Queen corrected herself. "We are very pleased to welcome you back to our court." The Queen graciously extended a hand, which Alanna kissed. The king rose as well, and Alanna looked up into his eyes. He looked towards his son, who proud, hopeful, and nervous was watching the exchange.
"Welcome, Sir…" the king broke off. "I hardly think 'Sir' is appropriate under the circumstances, Lady Alanna. Save that title for the battle field, for your certainly not dressed as a knight this evening." He smiled gruffly at her and Alanna smiled back.
"Thankyou, your majesties." She said breathlessly. Beside her, Jon was grinning widely.
"We must have a little talk later, dear." The Queen whispered quietly in her ear as Jonathan lead her away.
* * *
* we're just pretending Alanna has had her ears pierced at this point!
* * *
A/N - Ahhh, I am cruel, that's all for today.
I'm sorry to end it here - I didn't really want to break the ball into two pieces, but it could go on indefinitely. Also sorry that there has been so much mushy fussing with dresses and roses in this chapter - I have a feeling next chapter will be stronger.
Next Chapter: The rest of the ball. Who else is there? Will she tell him? How will he react? - you'll just have to wait!
(hopefully not too long)
Please leave a review, you know how much I appreciate it! Or email me if you want to at skysong91@hotmail.com
Thankyou all again!
A/N - Oooooh - it's a new chapter. I wonder what's going to happen this chapter? Hmmmm, well I don't really know so I'd better start writing and find out.
Thankyou for the huge mass of cookies everyone - they were delicious!
A couple of specific notes to reviewers (Sorry if I haven't replied to you here - but be assured your review is appreciated just as much as everyone else's)
Sparkling diamonds:
Yes, the second Moulin Rouge soundtrack is very good - Spectacular, spectacular, no words in the…okay, going to stop singing now.
Starfire:
I am…gasp…not American! Nor am I Canadian…or English for that matter. I'm Australian (and sorry if I'm dispelling anyone's dreams but I don't have a pet kangaroo or live in the bush). And yes, we call them biscuits too, but I know to an American a biscuit is sort of like a scone, and I didn't want to confuse people. Also, sorry about the block reference, but I have always imagined Corus around the Dancing Dove to be a labyrinth of smalls streets and alley's leading into each other.
Lady Juliet:
Yes, that was my favourite chapter too!
Calicat:
What twist were you referring to - I haven't consciously twisted anything. Hmmm.
Lady Lucy A/J Forever:
Sorry about making Jon sound priggish - but he is, sometimes - although still very sexy and romantic!
Aer:
Alanna became Myles's heir in The Girl Who Rides Like A Man, before he and Jon returned to Corus - I'm just running on the assumption that the same thing happened before this fic.
Kalle:
Perhaps outwardly people were supposed to be virgins when they married - but I very seriously doubt that that was always the case And don't dismiss Alanna's abilities too quickly - some people would have said she couldn't be a female knight!
Tortall_lioness:
Thankyou for your constructive criticism(I am a strong believer in constructive criticism and am always happy to receive it). I agree - there were a couple of things in that chapter which were a bit out of place. I was looking for a good word to replace floozy but couldn't find one that I liked. Everything else seems so harsh (harlot, strumpet - and no way are we going as far as whore!) If anyone can think of something I'll write an amendment.
Thankyou once again to absolutely everyone who's reviewed!
Alanna's Baby by Blue Mariah
Chapter 5
Alanna's room at the dove was a scene of chaos. Dresses, tunics, shirts and burnouses had been thrown rapidly from trunks as she searched for something to wear to the ball.
"This isn't like you," commented faithful from his relatively safe perch on the foot of the bed.
"I know." Alanna appeared red faced from a pile of silk and brocade. "But it's not a crime to want to look nice is it?" she asked, glaring at her cat.
"'Course it's not." Said George from the door way, a puzzled look on his face.
"I was talking to Faithful." She sat down amongst a pile of shirts on her bed.
"Trust that man not to give me any notice. I have nothing to wear."
"There's something I thought I'd never hear you say." Mused George, smiling cheekily. Alanna threw a shirt at him.
"Go and buy a new dress then. It'll be costly, but you should be able to find a dress maker who can do something in time for tomorrow." George grinned at her wickedly, before he finished with the jibe, "If you're that worried 'bout how ye look." And ducked out the door before she had the chance to throw anything else at him.
* * *
Alanna looked worriedly through the window of the most prestigious dressmakers' in the city, where she had been directed by Mistress Cooper. She swallowed hard, feeling like she was about to go into battle, and pushed open the door.
"Tomorrow evening, m'lady?" asked the demure dressmaker's assistant in surprise, after Alanna had explained her situation.
"Yes," Alanna grimaced. "I know it's very short notice, but it's for the midwinter ball."
"Yes, m'lady, just a moment." She disappeared behind some curtains for a while. Alanna looked distractedly around the shop. She wandered over to a shelf, admiring a role of pale green material.
"That colour would suit you well, Lady Alanna." Said a crisp voice behind her
Alanna spun quickly. She looked at the head dressmaker who had appeared from behind the curtain.
"Thankyou. How do you know who I am?"
"I've heard some rumours, and when a noble born lady with violet eyes and red hair comes in wanting a dress in a hurry there's only so many conclusions one can come to." The stern looking lady smiled, tightly. She spoke with an educated accent and looked Alanna over as she spoke.
"We can make your dress, Lady Alanna."
"Thankyou." Alanna smiled in relief.
"What did you have in mind?" asked the severe dress maker.
"I really don't know, Madame…?"
"Straunhill." She smiled again. "Emily?" she called her assistant who appeared, imp-like, at the calling of her name.
"Madame?"
"Come and help me fit Lady Alanna."
Alanna allowed herself to be pushed, prodded and measured. The two dressmakers worked quickly, assembling the measurements for Alanna's gown and then briefly discussing design. A parade of materials were brought before Alanna who was overcome and wished desperately she'd brought Mistress Cooper along too.
"That." suddenly Alanna pointed to a roll of deep purple velvet. She fingered the material.
"Yes," agreed Madame Straunhill. "That'll do nicely. Come along Emily."
Emily bowed Alanna out of the shop, asking her to return the next morning for a fitting."
* * *
Alanna returned exhausted to the Dancing Dove. She looked in at the riotous crowd in the main room, flashed a smile to George and proceeded up to her room. She fell exhausted onto her bed, startling a sleeping Faithful grumpily awake.
"I will have a dress." She said with relief
"Good." Commented Faithful dryly. "Although if I'd told you three months ago that you'd be that pleased at having a dress you would have killed me."
She threw a pillow at her infuriating pet and rolled onto her front, to gaze at her few meagre dresses hanging from the wardrobe door.
"I believe I quite like getting to be a lady now and then." She commented. Her eyes were suddenly caught by a bunch of pale pink roses sitting on a chair by the window.
"What…?" she asked.
"I was wondering when you were going to notice them." Commented faithful, yawing wide and showing a long pink tongue and sharp teeth.
She walked over to the flowers, and picked up the letter that accompanied them. Opening it she read the contents. It was brief.
"A formal apology from your humble servant,
Love Jon"
She drew in her breath, examining the delicate pink petals of the roses. A smile curved her mouth and a tingle of warmth shot through her as she held the letter to her chest.
"Don't go all girlie and cry." Said Faithful.
"No one's ever given me flowers before." She said softly.
"Imagine what you would have done if they had. People are very willing to love you if you give them a chance." He said, nonchalantly licking a paw.
Alanna went to bed, her roses glowing softly in the moonlight, and her precious letter pressed under her pillow
* * *
"It's-" Alanna faltered, gently fingering the soft velvet of the dress in Madam Straunhill's fitting room. It was a flowing creation. The bodice was embroidered in gold with a flowery design and gold lacings up the back. The skirt was full and a soft silk shirt of a luminous white showed under the loose sleeves.
"-Beautiful." She finished.
"Try it on then." Instructed Madame Straunhill. Emily helped Alanna into the dress and turned her to face the mirror. Alanna gasped when she saw her own reflection.
"It's perfect." She assured Madame Straunhill, who fussed around the hem, tugging the skirt into line and straightening the bodice.
"It looks good on you." Emily smiled to Alanna, shyly. "You look beautiful, m'lady." Alanna smiled warmly to the girl, stroking the skirt admiringly.
* * *
Alanna returned to the Dancing Dove in a haze. George had insisted that she take some of his men with her after the attack. She accepted without fuss, knowing she'd be grateful of help if she should need any.
On returning to the Dove she found Myles sitting with George in the almost deserted tavern.
"Myles." She greeted her adoptive father. "What are you doing here."
"I just…here." he pushed a small package into her hands. "for tonight." He smiled lovingly at her.
"Myles, you shouldn't have."
"I knew you didn't have any jewels…and I thought, well," he waved a hand distractedly at the package. "Open it."
Alanna carefully unwrapped the small box and opened it. Inside were a pair of gold and amethyst earbobs*.
"Thankyou." she embraced him.
"An' this's from me." George pushed forward another box. Inside George's package was a choker made of black velvet ribbon, also trailing an amethyst.
Alanna smiled at them both, tears filling her eyes.
"Thankyou both so much." she hugged them both, wiping away tears and laughing.
* * *
"Alanna." George called up the stairs later that night.
"Yes?" she asked
"There's a carriage here for you."
"What?" Alanna hurried down the stairs, frantically trying to fasten an ear bob.
She looked out the front window of the Dove, where a grinning George was similarly staring out into the street.
"Merciful mother!" she exclaimed upon seeing the gilded creation awaiting her. George watched her, noticing the blush creeping over her face, and the pleased look she was trying desperately to hide.
The carriage was an incredible creation of gilded and dark wood. It was drawn by two plumed horses, and accompanied by two uniformed footmen.
George cast his eyes over Alanna's form.
"You look lovely." He said and Alanna blushed still further. Her dress accentuated her slight figure and made her look delicate and womanly and her face was touched delicately with colour. Her hair, which had grown quite long, was trailing down her back, a mass of red and gold in the candle light, and Myles' and George's presents glinted at her throat and ears.
She smiled and hugged George.
"Well, I'd better go. Wish me luck?" she asked
"You won't need it." smiled George, wanting to ask if she intended to tell Jonathan tonight, but keeping silent. Alanna kissed his cheek and went out to be helped into the carriage by a footman. She waved to George and the carriage pulled away.
* * *
(Would I be so cruel to stop here?…Maybe…well, not quite!)
* * *
Alanna grew nervous as she approached the palace, butterflies fluttering in her stomach. She swallowed and bit her lip.
The carriage rolled into the Palace courtyard, and she waited for a footman to open the door. The door opened and she stepped down, taking the offered hand of the footman as she did so.
"My lady." Jonathan, smiled into her face as he helped her down. Alanna smiled back as he bowed and kissed her hand delicately, not insensible to the compliment he openly paid her by meeting her personally. He looked up into her eyes and she felt as if her heart had stopped.
"Thankyou." she smiled nervously and he took her arm and lead her up the carpet towards the ballroom.
The palace was a glittering spectacle. Candles floated in shallow dishes of water throughout the garden, turning it to a mass of floating light. Music and light spilled out of the ballroom and down onto the terrace. All around the nobility were dressed up in fine fabrics and rich jewels.
Alanna turned to smile at Jonathan who was watching her, entranced.
"You look beautiful."
"So do you," flustered Alanna. "Well, you know, gallant, or…" Jonathan silenced her with a smile.
"Come and greet my parents and then I want you all to myself for a few minutes until all your old friends descend on you."
* * *
Jonathan pushed through a crowd around his parents with a considerably nervous Alanna.
"Your Majesties," he began. Alanna looked at all the eyes on her, feeling more nervous than she ever had. Their majesties were smiling pleasantly at her, oblivious to who she was. There was a faint whispering in the crowd. It was obvious no one recognised her, and everyone seemed to think that the prince had found some new favourite. "May I present," Jon turned to grin at her "Sir Alanna of Trebond and Olau." There was a murmuring amongst the crowd. The king pursed his lips, but Jonathan shot him a warning look and the Queen, seeing the exchange, placed a hand gently upon her husband's arm.
"La…Sir Alanna," the Queen corrected herself. "We are very pleased to welcome you back to our court." The Queen graciously extended a hand, which Alanna kissed. The king rose as well, and Alanna looked up into his eyes. He looked towards his son, who proud, hopeful, and nervous was watching the exchange.
"Welcome, Sir…" the king broke off. "I hardly think 'Sir' is appropriate under the circumstances, Lady Alanna. Save that title for the battle field, for your certainly not dressed as a knight this evening." He smiled gruffly at her and Alanna smiled back.
"Thankyou, your majesties." She said breathlessly. Beside her, Jon was grinning widely.
"We must have a little talk later, dear." The Queen whispered quietly in her ear as Jonathan lead her away.
* * *
* we're just pretending Alanna has had her ears pierced at this point!
* * *
A/N - Ahhh, I am cruel, that's all for today.
I'm sorry to end it here - I didn't really want to break the ball into two pieces, but it could go on indefinitely. Also sorry that there has been so much mushy fussing with dresses and roses in this chapter - I have a feeling next chapter will be stronger.
Next Chapter: The rest of the ball. Who else is there? Will she tell him? How will he react? - you'll just have to wait!
(hopefully not too long)
Please leave a review, you know how much I appreciate it! Or email me if you want to at skysong91@hotmail.com
Thankyou all again!