The Galla Chronicles - Chapter One - Arrival of the Lady Knight
Disclaimer: I don't own The Song of the Lioness Series, The Immortals Series, or the Protector of the Small Series. Tamora Pierce owns 'em all, you know that. Now would you IRS people stop bugging me? God, this is the same thing like with the Harry Potter. Goddess, go away!
A:N/// OK, so this is my first Tamora Pierce ff, so don't butcher it too much. Kel's eighteen, and its right after her ordeal. Midwinter is half over and a new guest arrives. Who she is, we don't exactly know, but she's going to have some connection with the throne of Galla and George (why does everyone leave out George? He's so sweet!). If you're wondering, Neal found the letter to Cleon that Kel wrote before her ordeal. (No! This is not a K/N fic!) You just may have queries about it later in the chapter. That's all. Read the fic now!
"Now, Miss, hold still!"
Lalasa's voice rung thorough Kel's ears. She had been feeling woozy the past few days, why, she could not tell. She supposed it was just being so overtired, battling her way through the chamber. It had been so. . . so. . . *tiresome.* But it was worth it. It was all worth it.
"Kel! I can't fit you for your Midwinter Festival dress if you don't hold still!"
"Hupn? Oh, I'm sorry, Lalasa. My mind just isn't with me today, I suppose." Kel looked into the mirror. What she saw stunned her. She knew she could be pretty, but this was just unexpected. What she saw was a woman, but eighteen years old, standing perfectly in an almost sleeveless rose colored dress. Her hazel hair perked up prettily, accenting the features of her face; cool, milky skin surrounded calm brown-emerald eyes that danced in the light of the fire that flamed in her room. Her lips formed into a small smile that just tugged at the corners of her face. She wore small, dainty slippers that fit comfortably.
"Lalasa, you shouldn't have done all this for me," Kel started to protest until Lalasa placed a dainty hand over her mouth.
"Now miss, it was no trouble at all, you know that. Now, lift your left arm!"
* ~ * ~ * ~ *
Kel walked into the entrance hall, her and Cleon arm-in-arm. "Did I ever tell you that you are the sunshine in my day, the pearl in my life, the-"
"Oh Cleon, please stop. I know, I know. You've told me enough times already." Still, she blushed at his remarks. He sure knew how to flatter a girl, anyway.
"But teardrop, I need to tell you that-" The look on Kel's face silenced him as they walked down the thick plush carpeting that lead to their table near the rest of their friends: Neal, Merric, Owen, Faleron, and even Seaver.
"Hey, strangers!" Neal called to them. "What do I have the pleasure of seeing you two? I thought you would never come out of that room!" Kel turned a bright scarlet, while Cleon went straight for Neal.
"You take that back, you little-" Neal held up his hands and backed away from Cleon.
"Cleon, Cleon, old friend, I was just kidding. Come, sit down, have some food. If only that blasted king of ours would hurry up, we could get this party really going." Cleon and Kel took their seats; Cleon sat next to Faleron and Kel seated herself rather grudgingly next to Neal. "So, what are you planning on doing next, lady knight? Some adventuring, eh? Or maybe settling down with Kennen there and creating some additions of your own? That farewell note I found in your room was sure sweet. 'Oh, Cleon, I love you! Oh, Cleon, I miss you! Oh Cleon!" he mocked in a girlish voice. Cleon promptly pounded him on the head.
"Don't pay any attention to that one over there," Kel said to Cleon, pointing to Neal, who was rubbing his sore head.
"I never do," he shot back. "So, Owen, how's Wyldon treating you these days? I hear after Midwinter you two are going back to the northern border to fight off those heathens up there. 'S it true?"
"Yes, its true," he replied brightly. "My lord is so much better than it would have been with Myles. Not that I don't like Myles or anything, but I don't think I could stand it if I was stuck at a desk all day doing paperwork." Kel and the rest lit up phosphorescently, just as the king stood up.
"Ah, hello all. I trust it has been a most exceptional year?" Lords and ladies nodded appreciatively at his remark, while Neal elbowed Kel.
"Ow," she protested in a hurried whisper. "What was that for?" Neal gestured towards a corner of the grand ballroom, where a slim, tall girl stood. She was of fair skin, with hair of ebony and dark eyes. She was dressed in a peasant's robes, and brandished bundles of scrolls underneath her arm. Kel looked at Neal quizzically. "What is it?"
He pointed to her belt hilt. On it was a copper sheath, outlined in fine gold, perfect for a knight. Coming from the sheath was the handle of a sword.
Kel stifled a gasp. In the background, the king droned on; men and women laughed occasionally. Kel and Neal, however, looked only at the young woman.
"Isn't it illegal for anyone but knights to brandish swords? I wonder who she is. I've never seen her before. Do you know who she is?" Kel asked gravely.
"No. I would have remembered her if I did, anyway."
"Why?" Kel asked. "There's nothing much special about her. Except for the sword, that is." Neal pointed to her face.
"See the scar? Right across her left eye? That's what I would have remembered." Kel's eyes moved to the girl's face, where indeed, a long scar protruded the otherwise attractive figure.
"Yes, I see it now. What do you think we should do about it?" Kel asked him, her gaze switching back to him.
"We don't want to do anything big. Just after the king finishes, we move quietly down to where she's standing and corner her. No quick movements. If she knows we're going after her, she might pull that sword on someone."
"And so, I suggest you all start the feast!" the king's voice resounded through Kel's head as she and Neal stood up off their chairs. She walked over to Cleon and tugged on his shirt. He gave he a questioning look, but followed her as she and Neal walked calmly and quickly to the woman. Kel saw the woman fidget rather nervously under her cloak; she was afraid of something, that was for sure. The trio made fast strides towards her, amid the glances of their friends, who wondered why they had gotten up. Neal reached the woman first, and met her gaze.
"Excuse me, my lady, but I have not seen you here before. Perhaps you could grace us with a name?" he asked. The woman glanced apprehensively at the three young knights, and moved her fingers closer to the hilt of her sword. She stared long and hard at Neal, her gaze moving down hard upon Kel, and then finally Cleon. She came out with a look of firm resolution in her eyes.
"I am Sir Melana of Cris, of the northern region of Galla. I have come to gain your king's audience, and establish possible ties with the nation of Tortall. Now, may I ask who you are?" The three stared at her flabbergasted, unaware of what to do.
"S-Sir?" Kel managed to squeak out. The woman narrowed her eyes in disapproval.
"Yes, what of it? Your own Lioness is the stuff of legends; why is so impossible to think that there would be another Lady Knight?" She flicked a spot of dirt off her cloak, and wrinkled her nose at it. "Now, I repeat, who are you?"
Cleon was the first to introduce himself. "I am Sir Cleon of Kennen." He held out his hand to shake, which she took.
Neal was next. "Sir Nealan of Queenscove." He held out his hand as well, and she shook it.
"Sir Keladry of Mindelan." Kel wavered in her speaking as she said it. Melana raised her eyebrows in amusement and arched her lips into a smile.
"Sir Keladry of Mindelan, eh? Well, that's an interesting one. Tell me, how old are you, madam?"
"I'm-I'm going on nineteen, Sir Melana," Kel said with much reverence. "Perhaps we should go somewhere more - private, eh? This is a bit too lively for a private conversation. Neal, would you mind getting his Highness? We'll be the smaller library in the west wing."
"Sure, stick me with the abject jobs. Ever since you and Cleon-" he rambled on as he trudged down toward the king's table.
"My - lady? Would you care to follow us?" Cleon asked Melana. She affirmed his invitation by holding up her hand, Cleon taking it. They walked out of the chamber, Kel bringing up the rear.
Cleon brought them to a small room in the library, and locked the door behind them. "Sir Melana-" Kel started.
"Oh, please Sir Keladry, call me Lana. Everyone does. It pesters me so when someone calls me Melana. What sort of knight has a name like Melana, anyway?" Kel smiled slightly, while Cleon glanced towards the door discretely. "This cloak is so heavy! How can your commoners live like this?" She thrust off the cloak, revealing the clothing she was wearing. She donned a white blouse, with red seams that illuminated the garment. She sported light brownish breeches, and soft-soled boots that barely made a noise as she walked down the stone-lined corridors. "It's so hot here down south. How can you stand it?" Kel and Cleon glanced at her, surprised.
"What are you talking about, 'hot?'" Midwinter started a few days ago, and its been freezing here since about a month ago!" Cleon exclaimed passionately. Lana shrugged it off.
"Up in Galla, our winters are ten times colder than they are here," she stated simply. "The high altitude makes it as such. We were born, bred, and raised to love the cold. It is part of our life style, and why we worship the goddess of frost. We hold a ceremony for her every year, similar to your midwinter festival." Kel nodded appreciatively, while Cleon gaped at her openly. Lana allowed herself a grin at his bewilderment, and turned to Kel.
"Lady Keladry, if you please, is your king going to be here soon? It has been a hard and toilsome journey, and I wish to get out of these garments in something more desiccated, if its not too much trouble."
Kel bowed cordially and nodded. "King Jonathan will be here soon, if Neal has any sense in him whatsoever. Do not worry, if you are an ambassador from Galla, you will be treated with the utmost care. What exactly caused you to come here? True, we have made attempts with Galla in the past to establish peace, but they have all fallen through. Why now? And with Tortall?" At this, Lana smiled.
"All in good time, Lady Knight. All in good time."
A:N/// Well, that's chapter one. I really hoped you liked it. Next chapter: Lana explains what the plans are for Galla and Tortall, Cleon and Kel share a moment, and Jon talks with Alanna about the new turn of events. If you haven't figured it out, it's a K/C ficcy, but it doesn't stress too much on it. OH, and please R&R!!! If you don't, I won't write any more chapters. I'm tired of not getting feedback and getting discouraged, not comitting myself to writing because of it, yadda, yadda, yadda. So please, please, please (!) review! Thank you!
Kaori
Disclaimer: I don't own The Song of the Lioness Series, The Immortals Series, or the Protector of the Small Series. Tamora Pierce owns 'em all, you know that. Now would you IRS people stop bugging me? God, this is the same thing like with the Harry Potter. Goddess, go away!
A:N/// OK, so this is my first Tamora Pierce ff, so don't butcher it too much. Kel's eighteen, and its right after her ordeal. Midwinter is half over and a new guest arrives. Who she is, we don't exactly know, but she's going to have some connection with the throne of Galla and George (why does everyone leave out George? He's so sweet!). If you're wondering, Neal found the letter to Cleon that Kel wrote before her ordeal. (No! This is not a K/N fic!) You just may have queries about it later in the chapter. That's all. Read the fic now!
"Now, Miss, hold still!"
Lalasa's voice rung thorough Kel's ears. She had been feeling woozy the past few days, why, she could not tell. She supposed it was just being so overtired, battling her way through the chamber. It had been so. . . so. . . *tiresome.* But it was worth it. It was all worth it.
"Kel! I can't fit you for your Midwinter Festival dress if you don't hold still!"
"Hupn? Oh, I'm sorry, Lalasa. My mind just isn't with me today, I suppose." Kel looked into the mirror. What she saw stunned her. She knew she could be pretty, but this was just unexpected. What she saw was a woman, but eighteen years old, standing perfectly in an almost sleeveless rose colored dress. Her hazel hair perked up prettily, accenting the features of her face; cool, milky skin surrounded calm brown-emerald eyes that danced in the light of the fire that flamed in her room. Her lips formed into a small smile that just tugged at the corners of her face. She wore small, dainty slippers that fit comfortably.
"Lalasa, you shouldn't have done all this for me," Kel started to protest until Lalasa placed a dainty hand over her mouth.
"Now miss, it was no trouble at all, you know that. Now, lift your left arm!"
* ~ * ~ * ~ *
Kel walked into the entrance hall, her and Cleon arm-in-arm. "Did I ever tell you that you are the sunshine in my day, the pearl in my life, the-"
"Oh Cleon, please stop. I know, I know. You've told me enough times already." Still, she blushed at his remarks. He sure knew how to flatter a girl, anyway.
"But teardrop, I need to tell you that-" The look on Kel's face silenced him as they walked down the thick plush carpeting that lead to their table near the rest of their friends: Neal, Merric, Owen, Faleron, and even Seaver.
"Hey, strangers!" Neal called to them. "What do I have the pleasure of seeing you two? I thought you would never come out of that room!" Kel turned a bright scarlet, while Cleon went straight for Neal.
"You take that back, you little-" Neal held up his hands and backed away from Cleon.
"Cleon, Cleon, old friend, I was just kidding. Come, sit down, have some food. If only that blasted king of ours would hurry up, we could get this party really going." Cleon and Kel took their seats; Cleon sat next to Faleron and Kel seated herself rather grudgingly next to Neal. "So, what are you planning on doing next, lady knight? Some adventuring, eh? Or maybe settling down with Kennen there and creating some additions of your own? That farewell note I found in your room was sure sweet. 'Oh, Cleon, I love you! Oh, Cleon, I miss you! Oh Cleon!" he mocked in a girlish voice. Cleon promptly pounded him on the head.
"Don't pay any attention to that one over there," Kel said to Cleon, pointing to Neal, who was rubbing his sore head.
"I never do," he shot back. "So, Owen, how's Wyldon treating you these days? I hear after Midwinter you two are going back to the northern border to fight off those heathens up there. 'S it true?"
"Yes, its true," he replied brightly. "My lord is so much better than it would have been with Myles. Not that I don't like Myles or anything, but I don't think I could stand it if I was stuck at a desk all day doing paperwork." Kel and the rest lit up phosphorescently, just as the king stood up.
"Ah, hello all. I trust it has been a most exceptional year?" Lords and ladies nodded appreciatively at his remark, while Neal elbowed Kel.
"Ow," she protested in a hurried whisper. "What was that for?" Neal gestured towards a corner of the grand ballroom, where a slim, tall girl stood. She was of fair skin, with hair of ebony and dark eyes. She was dressed in a peasant's robes, and brandished bundles of scrolls underneath her arm. Kel looked at Neal quizzically. "What is it?"
He pointed to her belt hilt. On it was a copper sheath, outlined in fine gold, perfect for a knight. Coming from the sheath was the handle of a sword.
Kel stifled a gasp. In the background, the king droned on; men and women laughed occasionally. Kel and Neal, however, looked only at the young woman.
"Isn't it illegal for anyone but knights to brandish swords? I wonder who she is. I've never seen her before. Do you know who she is?" Kel asked gravely.
"No. I would have remembered her if I did, anyway."
"Why?" Kel asked. "There's nothing much special about her. Except for the sword, that is." Neal pointed to her face.
"See the scar? Right across her left eye? That's what I would have remembered." Kel's eyes moved to the girl's face, where indeed, a long scar protruded the otherwise attractive figure.
"Yes, I see it now. What do you think we should do about it?" Kel asked him, her gaze switching back to him.
"We don't want to do anything big. Just after the king finishes, we move quietly down to where she's standing and corner her. No quick movements. If she knows we're going after her, she might pull that sword on someone."
"And so, I suggest you all start the feast!" the king's voice resounded through Kel's head as she and Neal stood up off their chairs. She walked over to Cleon and tugged on his shirt. He gave he a questioning look, but followed her as she and Neal walked calmly and quickly to the woman. Kel saw the woman fidget rather nervously under her cloak; she was afraid of something, that was for sure. The trio made fast strides towards her, amid the glances of their friends, who wondered why they had gotten up. Neal reached the woman first, and met her gaze.
"Excuse me, my lady, but I have not seen you here before. Perhaps you could grace us with a name?" he asked. The woman glanced apprehensively at the three young knights, and moved her fingers closer to the hilt of her sword. She stared long and hard at Neal, her gaze moving down hard upon Kel, and then finally Cleon. She came out with a look of firm resolution in her eyes.
"I am Sir Melana of Cris, of the northern region of Galla. I have come to gain your king's audience, and establish possible ties with the nation of Tortall. Now, may I ask who you are?" The three stared at her flabbergasted, unaware of what to do.
"S-Sir?" Kel managed to squeak out. The woman narrowed her eyes in disapproval.
"Yes, what of it? Your own Lioness is the stuff of legends; why is so impossible to think that there would be another Lady Knight?" She flicked a spot of dirt off her cloak, and wrinkled her nose at it. "Now, I repeat, who are you?"
Cleon was the first to introduce himself. "I am Sir Cleon of Kennen." He held out his hand to shake, which she took.
Neal was next. "Sir Nealan of Queenscove." He held out his hand as well, and she shook it.
"Sir Keladry of Mindelan." Kel wavered in her speaking as she said it. Melana raised her eyebrows in amusement and arched her lips into a smile.
"Sir Keladry of Mindelan, eh? Well, that's an interesting one. Tell me, how old are you, madam?"
"I'm-I'm going on nineteen, Sir Melana," Kel said with much reverence. "Perhaps we should go somewhere more - private, eh? This is a bit too lively for a private conversation. Neal, would you mind getting his Highness? We'll be the smaller library in the west wing."
"Sure, stick me with the abject jobs. Ever since you and Cleon-" he rambled on as he trudged down toward the king's table.
"My - lady? Would you care to follow us?" Cleon asked Melana. She affirmed his invitation by holding up her hand, Cleon taking it. They walked out of the chamber, Kel bringing up the rear.
Cleon brought them to a small room in the library, and locked the door behind them. "Sir Melana-" Kel started.
"Oh, please Sir Keladry, call me Lana. Everyone does. It pesters me so when someone calls me Melana. What sort of knight has a name like Melana, anyway?" Kel smiled slightly, while Cleon glanced towards the door discretely. "This cloak is so heavy! How can your commoners live like this?" She thrust off the cloak, revealing the clothing she was wearing. She donned a white blouse, with red seams that illuminated the garment. She sported light brownish breeches, and soft-soled boots that barely made a noise as she walked down the stone-lined corridors. "It's so hot here down south. How can you stand it?" Kel and Cleon glanced at her, surprised.
"What are you talking about, 'hot?'" Midwinter started a few days ago, and its been freezing here since about a month ago!" Cleon exclaimed passionately. Lana shrugged it off.
"Up in Galla, our winters are ten times colder than they are here," she stated simply. "The high altitude makes it as such. We were born, bred, and raised to love the cold. It is part of our life style, and why we worship the goddess of frost. We hold a ceremony for her every year, similar to your midwinter festival." Kel nodded appreciatively, while Cleon gaped at her openly. Lana allowed herself a grin at his bewilderment, and turned to Kel.
"Lady Keladry, if you please, is your king going to be here soon? It has been a hard and toilsome journey, and I wish to get out of these garments in something more desiccated, if its not too much trouble."
Kel bowed cordially and nodded. "King Jonathan will be here soon, if Neal has any sense in him whatsoever. Do not worry, if you are an ambassador from Galla, you will be treated with the utmost care. What exactly caused you to come here? True, we have made attempts with Galla in the past to establish peace, but they have all fallen through. Why now? And with Tortall?" At this, Lana smiled.
"All in good time, Lady Knight. All in good time."
A:N/// Well, that's chapter one. I really hoped you liked it. Next chapter: Lana explains what the plans are for Galla and Tortall, Cleon and Kel share a moment, and Jon talks with Alanna about the new turn of events. If you haven't figured it out, it's a K/C ficcy, but it doesn't stress too much on it. OH, and please R&R!!! If you don't, I won't write any more chapters. I'm tired of not getting feedback and getting discouraged, not comitting myself to writing because of it, yadda, yadda, yadda. So please, please, please (!) review! Thank you!
Kaori