Save The Last Dance
by Lady of the Wolves
Dedicated to Madeline
The vivid desert sun, ablaze with crimson and gold fire, peeked up from behind
the endless dunes of saffron sand. Riders in blue and white robes flew across the terrain like the wind on their fierce mounts, bred for conditions such as these. Slowly, as the sun ascended, the group slowed the horses to a brisk walk to keep them cool. The entire party, consisting of all males save for one, began to scout for the next oasis.
Alanna of Trebond and now Olau, the only female knight and member of this group, patted her horse's neck gratefully. Moonlight, her golden mare, had been running since the previous evening, when the group had departed from the tribe of the Bloody Hawk on their way to Corus, the capital of Tortall.
Jonathan of Conte(?), the heir for the throne and the lover of Alanna, rode quickly to catch up to Moonlight. His ebony hair shone in the mid-morning sun and his white, even teeth flashed as he smiled with love at Alanna, who returned the gesture weakly.
"You're quiet this morning, Lioness," he commented as they continued to ride together. "Something the matter?"
"Ye-um, nothing's wrong, Jon," she replied in a fake but convincingly pleasant manner. "I'm just, um, thinking."
Jon smiled. "My Princess can't wait to say 'I do', now can she?" he teased. "I knew it was only maidenly shyness that delayed your consent," he said arrogantly.
Alanna's grip on her reins clenched for a moment in anger. This behavior, which sometimes dominated his loving nature towards her, usually caused arguments. "Yes, I'm dreaming about becoming Queen," she replied sarcastically. Jonathan shot her a hard look and she faced her other side.
"Alanna," he warned. She turned to face him defiantly, but softened as he kissed her gently and smiled again. "I'm sorry. But you are looking forward to the wedding, are you not?" he persisted.
Alanna hesitated, but replied, "Of course." Satisfied, Jonathan rode ahead to the front of the group to talk with some official.
Alanna sank back into the saddle and sighed. She was still unsure about the whole marriage-to-royalty thing. The previous evening, things had gotten tense when they had a fight about the same subject. But I love him, she told herself. And if I don't take him now, he'll never be mine. He'll marry some beautiful princess and be done with the likes of me, she told herself firmly.
But the thought of having a child soon after marriage still made her uneasy. She was young and strong, and didn't want to be slowed down by motherhood. Well, maybe I can talk to Jon about it, she thought worriedly.
Myles of Olau, the Lioness's newly adoptive father, frowned at the young female
knight. She was obviously debating something with herself. He wasn't too sure about her answer to Jon's proposal. She had told him that she wasn't quite ready for marriage, and here she was, off to become Princess. Was something the matter?
Myles urged his horse forward so he could speak with his daughter. Alanna was deep in thought. As he placed his hand on her shoulder, the young woman jumped, startled. A laugh from Jonathan sounded in front of them.
"Congratulating the bride-to-be, Myles?" asked Jon. Myles gave a swift, happy nod and Jon faced forward again.
"Alanna?" asked Myles gently. The Lady Knight's cheeks were red with embarrassment.
"What?"
"Are-are you sure about marrying Jon? You told me that you didn't think you were ready for marriage, and I don't want you to be unhappy. Maybe you should reconsider-"
"Myles, I'm not quite sure about anything now! Don't make me start regretting my decision now! I'm not exactly in the mood!" With that, the Lioness galloped to another place to ride, where she could think, her red hair flying out behind her.
Disclaimer: I don't own the Tamora Pierce characters, they belong to *gasp* Tamora Pierce! I own the plot. Special thanks to Madeline!
Everyone, I am really getting sick of some of the disgusting fics under this section. Kel and Alanna and Daine being prostitutes or lap dancing? (No offense everyone)
COME ON! How do you think Tamora Pierce would feel? So I'm trying to help make this meaningful again.
Author's Note: Hi people I'm back! Maybe I've been confusing you with my writing; you know, I started out with "I Do" and "What's Meant To Be", two serious D/N fics, then I started with humor, and then that awful one about the offspring of Alanna...heh heh heh? Well, I'm on the serious track again, but look out for a Quest of Tortall, a funny ficcy, by me coming soon! Thanks!
*Lady of the Wolves