~*~*~*~ The Pride of the Convent ~*~*~*~

Chapter Seventeen: Summer Days, Driftin' Away

Genre: General/Action/Romance

Rating: PG-13.

Disclaimer:  If I was Tamora Pierce, I wouldn't be in the midst of reading my very own book, Lady Knight. In this one instance, I'm glad I'm not Tammy!  But, then I remember, these characters and places and some events aren't mine!

Author's Note:  ::dodges rotten vegetables and fruit that is being thrown at her.:: Okay! Okay! I'm sorry! I know it took me forever to update, but I've started school again! NO!!! Well, I think things have settled down a bit now, but I can no longer promise a chapter a week. I'm very sorry. I'll try to post as quickly as possible! Okay, chapter time!

~~~

The summer days past quickly, most of the time with no more than a care. Things were happy at the palace, for the most part. Jon and Alanna spent a great deal of time together. What time was not spent with Jonathan, or practicing swords with her knighted friends, she spent down in Lower Corus with George. The Court of the Rogue had grown to respect Alanna. A few of the politer rogues would talk to her and occasionally throw daggers with her. Though nights at the Rogue often involved business dealings, they were much less complicated then the nights she spent at balls.

Alex of Tirragen had taken a definite interest in her, and Alanna wasn't the only one to notice. Jon noticed. Thom noticed. Gary and Raoul noticed. All of the ladies noticed it, including Delia, who was sure to point it out one evening.

"Oh, Alanna! It sure seems you've captured the heart of Sir Alex," Delia said, with a smile that made Alanna uncomfortable.

Alanna cleared her throat, nervously. "I suppose."

Delia smirked, though beautifully. "Don't tell me that you don't like the attention," the taller girl said. "We both know you love it."

Alanna did her best to glare at the girl, though it was difficult to do so and still appear polite to the rest of the nobles that were at the ball. "Well, you love it enough for the both of us, Delia," she replied coolly. "So, what does it matter if I do or not?"

Delia sniffed, turned her head and walked away, immediately attaching herself to the Prince's arm. Jon sent Alanna a tormented look over his shoulder. She only grinned at him, which caused him to scowl and mouth something obscene at her. Still, Alanna smiled, and with a laugh, was whirled out onto the dance floor by Raoul.

"Having fun?" he asked.

"Oh of course!" Alanna lied, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Raoul grinned, and with an almost unnoticeable nod in Alex's direction asked, "How many dances so far tonight?"

"Four," Alanna replied. Out of six.

Raoul chuckled, which caused Alanna to smile. She really did like the big knight. "He seems to be very interested in you," he remarked.

Alanna rolled her eyes as politely as she could. "He just doesn't seem like a dashing romantic," she mused.

"He isn't!" Raoul said flatly, eyes flashing.

Alanna quite nearly laughed. "Are you jealous Raoul?"

"Of course not!" he said, quickly, which caused Alanna to grin. He continued. "But think of my life, with Prince Charming, over there-" He nodded in Jon's direction. "-always worried. No one's ever given him a run for his nobles when it came to courting ladies. Sure, Gary and I try, but-" He shook his head. "Nothing ever happens. That, and, I don't quite understand the sudden change in Alex."

Alanna bit her lip. "Me either. I've seen him more in the past few nights then I have my whole summer."

"He's been on a mission from his Lord.  Getting something from Port Caynne, as  I've heard."

"He's a full knight, is he not?" Alanna asked, brows knit in concentration.

"Of course, but he's still rather close to his knight master."

"Who?" Alanna asked quickly.

Raoul only winked at her, as Duke Roger came by, and asked her to dance.

Alanna's eyes widened, and Raoul caught the look before going off to harass Thom, in the friendliest of manners of course.

"My lord," Alanna said, pleasantly.

"Lady," he said with a nod, and led her to the center of the dance floor. They danced, Roger questioned her of her romances, which Alanna found to be too personal a question, though answered it all the same, being doubly careful not to say anything against the Duke of Conte's one time squire, which proved quite difficult as the duke was very curious.

***

Jon stalked around his room, causing Thom to peer in through the adjoining door, which Jon had left open.

"Jon?" he asked, walking to stand in the doorframe. Jon looked up at his squire quizzically.

"What are you doing?" Thom asked, amused.

Jon scowled at him. "Thinking."

Thom gave him a dramatically fake look of surprise. "You, my lord?!?!"

Jon started toward Thom, a look of murder in his eyes. Thom stood his ground, looking with further amusement at his knight master. "Jon," he said, his voice soft. "What's bothering you?"

"Your sister."

Thom sighed, and went in and sat in a chair in Jon's study, watching Jon pace some more. "What'd she do now?"

"It's just that, Thom! She hasn't done anything!" Jon exclaimed.

"Ah," said Thom, knowingly. He knew of course, why Jon was upset. One of his best friends was courting his girl. But, Thom just wanted to hear Jon say he was scared, or jealous, or what have you. Thom just wanted to hear Jon admit it. "It's all the attention Alex has been paying her, isn't it?"

Jon nodded. "She seems to enjoy it," he remarked glumly.

Thom laughed, which earned him another glare from Jon.

"You're not being helpful, Thom!" Jon said, in a scolding voice.

"Of course I'm not. You wouldn't learn a thing if I told you what to do. If this is bothering you, figure out how to fix it. You're bright enough, I suppose." Jon scowled, and Thom quickly jumped from the chair and dodged a fist, still grinning. He then turned serious. "If it's bothering you, do something Jon. Just don't go and kill Alex, okay?"

Jon gave Thom a look that clearly said, "You're dismissed, Squire."

With half of a chuckle, Thom left to go find Trycia. She wasn't being courted by one of his friends.

***

Thom found Trycia in the gardens, talking to Alanna. Alanna nodded to him, and when Trycia saw him, she leapt to her feet, bounded over to him and hugged him. Thom smiled at the blonde and hugged her with one arm, waving to Alanna with the other. Trycia and Thom exchanged sweet words, and when they finished, Alanna asked her brother to join them in the small rose garden.

There they sat talking about court and this and that for a good portion of the afternoon, all of them enjoying it. For Alanna, it was time spent with the dearest person in her life, her brother. For Thom, it was time spent with both his sister and the girl he fancied. For Trycia, it was an afternoon spent with her best friend and the young squire she loved. But, the peace ended soon enough.

"Alanna?" came a soft call from the other side of the hedges that shielded the secluded garden.

Alanna frowned a small bit.

Jon.

As happy as she was to spend time with him, she would have rather spent the afternoon with her friends. She'd see Jon at the next ball… But would she dance with him? Perhaps not. It seemed that Alex liked to occupy her time at the balls. With another frown, Alanna bid goodbye to her brother and friend and stepped from the garden.

Seeing her, Jon rushed over and kissed her softly on the cheek.

"Hello, love," he said softly.

Alanna smiled and kissed him. "Hello."

Jon wrapped an arm around her. "It feels as though I haven't had you to myself for ages!"

Alanna looked up at him. "You've had your hands full," she comforted, with a wicked grin.

Jon rolled his eyes. "She won't leave me alone."

"I think I know how you feel!" Alanna agreed.

Hearing this, Jon turned to her, surprised. "I thought you were enjoying being courted by Alex."

Alanna looked at him levelly. "You know fair well that I'm not much to be courted at all, Jon. And besides, he pays far too much attention to me. As nice as it is, to know I have a suitor, I'd rather some time to myself, or time to spend with you, or Thom and Trycia or Gary and Raoul."

"And you don't fancy him?" Jon asked quickly.

Alanna grinned at the Prince. "You're worried, aren't you?"

Jon looked away, and nodded.

Alanna slid her hand into his large one. "Thank you for caring so much, Jon."

Jon was a bit baffled, so he didn't say anything, which was probably a good thing, for, had he spoken, it would have been incoherent mumbling.

***

Alanna sighed. "I'm leaving in just two weeks, George," she said sullenly.

George nodded, not saying anything. He knew. Of course he did. How could he not know when the one he loved was leaving? It was inevitable.

Again Alanna sighed. "I'm really gonna miss it here."

"It certainly won't be the same with out you."

She grinned, despite herself. "How could it be?"

He thumped he on the shoulder. "It couldn't be. But, I suppose you'll be needed back in Treven, anyway."

She nodded. "As much as I trust Quick, I worry about the lads."

George laughed. "You would."

"What's that supposed to mean?" she asked, an edge to her voice.

He grinned at her. "Nothing, nothing. It just means that I know you too well."

"You sure do," she said with a rueful grin.

He ruffled her hair, as he so often did and said, "You come back next year, or I'll send someone after you."

She gave him a false look of fear. "Then I suppose I'd better come quietly?"

He stared at her, and burst out laughing. "You!!?!?!?!"

She punched him on the shoulder, grinning.

***

Rispah stared at her cousin, and sighed. She knew well that George hadn't said a word of his feelings to Alanna, and didn't plan to in the near future. How she wished she could push him along, just the smallest bit! She sighed. There wasn't really anything she could do. And even if there had been, George would have scowled her into the Black God's realm had she done it. George was very private about his feelings, at least he was when they came to Alanna.

George looked up, at caught his cousin staring at him, and strode over.

"What?" he asked flatly.

She looked up and batted her eyelashes innocently. "What ever do you mean, cousin dear?"

He sat down next to her, and leaned over the table. "You've got a very calculating look in your eyes, Rispah."

"Not I, cousin. You're the plotting one in the family."

"Sometimes I wonder… What were you thinking about Rispah?"

She sighed. "You. And Alanna. You haven't said a word to her!" She said softly.

"I know…I am just so worried about what she will say Rispah. What is she does go off and wed some noble? Then what?"

She shook her head. "If you told her, then maybe you'd have a chance."

"It's just not that easy!"

Rispah sighed. "George, if love was easy, would it be any fun?"

He didn't say anything, but by the look on his face, Rispah could tell that he was sincerely thinking about what she'd said.

***

With a dejected sigh, Alanna took her last walk around the gardens for the summer. Today was her last day in Corus and that night would be her last night at the Dove. Tomorrow, the young ladies left for the convent. She bit her lip as she strolled past bushes of roses. How she's miss the Rogue, and its king. She would now grudgingly admit to herself that she was in love with him, but only grudgingly.

"Alanna!" came a soft exclamation from a far door.

She quickly looked up and found the source of the call. Alex of Tirragen. He quickly strode over to her, and kissed her hand. "Lady," he murmured.

She tried her hardest not to roll her eyes. She forced her cheeks to color. "My lord."

"Walk with me, would you, Alanna?"

"Of course. I'd be absolutely delighted!" I'd just as soon kiss a pig…she thought, but followed after him, smiling charmingly and acting as feminine as she could. Jon, Gary, Raoul and Thom had warned her that Alex wouldn't take too kindly to her secret.

He smiled handsomely and escorted her through the gardens, to a secluded spot between two poplars. He sat down on a stone bench and offered her a seat. She sat, crossing her ankles.

"Alanna," he said softly, taking one of her hands.

Her breath caught. She had never imagined Alex doing anything like this. But, she couldn't pull her hand away. It'd be disrespectful. "I think you're beautiful Alanna," he said, squeezing her hand. This time, she really did blush, and murmured her thanks. This was all too odd for her. "And," he continued, "I'm really going to miss you this winter. Surely you'll come back to court next summer?"

She nodded, her eyes downcast. He took her chin in a hand and gently lifted it until their eyes met. He smiled, and kissed her, just in time for Jonathan of Conté  to come into the small corner, searching for Alanna.

When he saw one of his best friends kissing his love, he said nothing, only stormed from the gardens. Alanna yanked herself from Alex's hold and ran after him. But he wouldn't even look at her.

***

Author's Note: School AND writer's block. What an awful combination! But, here it is! The next chapter will be about her last night at the Dove, and the ride back to Treven. Then, time will pass quickly. Well, hope no one is too sorely disappointed with this chapter. Again, very sorry it came so late! Okay, reader thanks. Then post! Yay! Sorry if thanks are shorter. I have a couple weeks worth to do! ::dodges rotted veggies::  ::looks at list of reviewers and bangs head on desk::

To:

Lady of the Lost: I will so read your fics! (See note below!) Thanks for reading/reviewing!

Silenttina: Thanks for the praise. As always, your ideas are welcomed with open arms. But, you'll soon see, she just can't be a rouge. Oh, the plans I have. Sorry for all the mistakes! Thanks for reading! I'll try to find someone to behead, mmkay? Thanks!

The Dark Lady Adrienne: You're my favorite friend! Lol, thanks for all your wonderful quizzes. YOU MUST ALSO POST SOON! Well, summer over! Yay! Thanks!

Raie: You'll just have to keep reading! You can probably catch up easily, as it takes me forever to post cuz I'm a slack…Thanks!

Keziah: My other favorite friend! Ah yes…the package. It seems you are one of the few that really remember it. You'll find out…in about three chapters. Promise. You are a very cool reader. You give awesome feedback! Thank you so much for the review and the praise!!!

Myuu: Thanks! Glad you like it!

M'cha: He will. And I know how and when. I don't know when you'll get your happy A/G fluff. My goal is about three chapters…I hope! I don't like Alex either, but, as you can see, he moves the plot along! Ha ha. And Francis, who cares about him anyway? Convent time will mainly be spent down in Treven, with notes from our favorite Rogue. ::wink:: Thanks!

Anonymous: No! Heavens no! Okay, you can't know how much Roger knows. Sorry, and as to the beta, e-mail me a description and a chapter. I'll read, review, correct grammar and that rot and send it back! Sorry for the delay! Thanks!

Glacial Phoenix Mystiara: Slick is the name of the game! Ha! Thanks!

Lady Jen Wildmage: Thanks!!!! And please don't hurt me!!!!!!

Alana: Thanks! Glad ya like!

Mistress Sock: thanks! Sorry for the lateness!!!!! Thank soo much!

Punk Princess: The underlining did work! Who knew!  Woo….lol!!! Glad you like the wooing! Please don't hurt me!!! Sorry for lateness!!! Thanks!!!

Michelle: I know, you never see A/A. Then again, you don't seem some of the rest of the stuff in my fic….Thanks!!!

Babooshka: Holy moley!!!! Look at that review! Ah, what a predicament you're in. You know what. There's nothing that says you can't join the marines after normal college, is there? I mean, people can't expect you to live a dull life. Me, see my dreams are sharing a flat with my pal and being a penniless writer. I'm not too far from…well. I hope things get okay…in your future…Well, glad you like my suave Alex. How'd ya like him in this chapter? Lol. Thanks!!!!!

Temptress: What does Roger know? Well, you're not allowed to know! Just remember, at this point, Delia is a spy as well, and she is more open in court. That, and think of how hard it would be to sneak out…No, George isn't slacking, and if he is, then I'll cuff him on the side of the head. It's just that…mistakes are made. Thanks!

Lady Arianna: Thanks!

Siren, ole buddy, ole pal: I like your story….Thanks!

Rya: You shouldn't worry. It won't end any other way. I'm an A/G shipper by heart and will be forever until the end of time. (See note below!) Thanks!!!

Daine: When the time is right!

Daemon: (See note below) Glad to help!

Diva Bear: Thanks!

Dandylioness: What books….hmm…Sorry about out of character-ness! Okay…as far as books you'd like…well, besides Tammy, what do you read? I can try to recommend some stuff then! Thanks!

Bubblegum*girl: Glad you like it!

Bblond07: Thanks!

White-wolf: NO! I'd kill myself if she ended up with Alex. Only a diversion….thanks!

Lady Alanna: I'm sorry! Thanks!

Undiscovered Actree: You better write!!! And, glad you like, much thanks! When you write, tell me!!!! Or else! Okay, YOU FINALLY WROTE! JOI! I love the concept of your story! Okay, to post, you must go to document manager, and upload your document. (actreesgreatchap1.htm or html.) Then, go to "Create Story." Select everything. It should allow you to upload then. If you're still having difficulty, e-mail me!

Lady Phoenix: Golly! Thanks!!!! Such a lovely review!!!!! Yay!!!!

Naavi:  Glad you like it!!! Thanks!

ThePenMage: Aren't you the person that everyone loves and the person that I have SO wanted my fic read by. Well, yes you are!!! Joi!!!!!!! ::does the happy dances::  You looking for a beta? Is that what you're trying to say? Of course! Sorry if I haven't read Lighting lately. I haven't been doing much ficcing! (See note below!) Oooooh! Thank you!!!!!

DragonLady: Finished Lady Knight…(sigh) Thanks! Sorry for slowness!

Xelena: Thanks!

Tasidia: I do write my own stuff. Currently I'm in the midst of a fic called "The Shadow of Eternity," and that's posted, and, I'm working on a big project *non posted* called "The Chronicles.* It's basically the stories of all these people that pass in and out of a pub called "The Green Door." Thanks!!! Glad you like it!!!!

Sitine: Why thank you!!!

Sound of the Skies: Oh my gosh!!! Thanks!!!!! ::blushes:: Yes, my reader thanks… And as to why Alex is a bit OCC. I just don't like him, and needed a bit more evil. Plus, just think about how Prince Charming will feel? Thanks for all the praise!!!!! Yours was SUCH a nice review to read! I'd love to read those fics! Thanks!

Pickzee: I can't make sense of the acronym. What does it mean? Sorry for lateness!!!!!! MUCHO SORRY!

Witch Child: Thank you!!! I'm glad you like it!

Done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

More Author's Note:

The note Below: If you want me to read your story, I will be happy too, but I am very forgetful!!! Please e-mail me and I will check it out! I'm noplainjane19@yahoo.com or zeepunkeepixie13@aol.com !! Thanks!!! Sorry if I haven't gotten to yours yet! I've lost me list!

Okay, the more note. I am starting a writing project called "The Chronicles." It's an original, but is similar to the Court of the Rogue. It will follow all sorts of characters through their stories. Included are knights, maidens, Elves, thieves, spies, sailors and more! But, since it's so large, I will be posting each character's tale separately. But, I need a long-term beta. Someone that will put up with me for a long time….  I won't be sending you anything for a bit, but I need someone smart and someone that loves fantasy and likes to read and someone who will tell me the truth and all that rot. If you're interested, please e-mail me! I don't think it will take a ton of time out of your life. For one, I'm in no hurry with it. I just need a good beta! Please! If you will! My e-mails are up there! ^^^ Thanks!!!

Okay. I'm going to bed. It's late. I'm tired! But it's done!  

Much love to all!


Sara