~*~*~*~ The Pride of the Convent ~*~*~*~
Chapter Eighteen: And With a Puff Of Smoke…
Genre: General/Action/Romance
Rating: PG-13.
Disclaimer: Do I look like a critically acclaimed young adult fiction writer? Nope.
Author's Note: Guess what? This is the last chapter of "The Pride of the Convent." Now, before you flame and yell, or possibly celebrate, be aware that there will be a sequel! It will be called, "Dreams of A Lady." Look for it to come out soon! You all know I couldn't possibly end my fic here, but I think we've come to a break off point. Now it is time for the second part! My evil plan hasn't even been put into play yet…so don't look at it as something different, look at it as a continuation of this. Just under a different name. Anyway, the this is the "Pride of the Convent" legacy:
~~~
Alanna was in a bad mood—to say the least—when she walked into the Dancing Dove for the last time that summer. George, of course, noticed immediately and led her up to his room where they could talk privately.
"Alright, darlin'," George said, pouring her a brandy, "What's wrong?"
"Alex of Tirragen kissed me and Jon just happened to see it," she said with a sigh.
"Great Mithros…so he wants more then just a dance, eh?"
Alanna nodded. "He asked if he could talk to me, and as a lady," George laughed softly, "I couldn't refuse. Things got close, far too close for my liking, but what was I to do? He only knows me as a lady."
"The lady who publicly humiliated the Prince."
She gave him a look and continued, "But I had to be respectful…and I…I had no idea he was going to do that George!" Tears rolled down her cheeks and he quickly put a hand on her shoulder as she began to sob.
"It's not your fault," he comforted softly, taking the glass from her hands so that he might hold them in his own.
She hiccupped a sob, but quieted a bit. "Jon won't even look at me."
"He has to hear the truth Alanna. But he can't hear it from you. He has to hear it from Alex. I suggest you talk to Alex tomorrow and very flatly tell him where your heart is. Then put a dagger to the bastard's throat and tell him to tell Jon the truth." He finished angrily, which surprised Alanna. She blinked at him, her teary eyes wide.
"No one should do such a thing to a fine young lady like yourself." He squeezed her hands, and she look up into his kind hazel eyes. She swallowed a sob and said, her voice shaky, "You're too nice to me, George. Look at me, crying on your shoulder."
"As long as you don't make it a habit," he teased with a grin and a wink.
She smiled shakily and hiccupped and then hugged her friend and whispered, "Tomorrow morning, I'm waking Alex up bright and early with some rather loud curses and threats."
George couldn't help but give her a rather wide grin. "That's my girl."
* * *
Several hours later, Alanna bid all the patrons of the Dancing Dove goodbye for the year and followed George out into the streets of Corus.
"I can't believe the summer is over," Alanna mused softly.
George sighed. "I know. But, you're needed back in Treven, and it'll be like old times. I'll be sure to send messages your way."
"If you don't, you'll be sorry. I'll be dying to be back here, so you' best tell me everything that's going on."
He nodded.
"Everything," she affirmed.
Bells tolled off in the distance, signaling the passing of the first hour.
"You'd best be getting back," George said softly.
She sighed her agreement.
"Alanna, I-" he began, stammering. "I'll…I'll miss you Alanna." He embraced her tightly, cursing himself for messing up his chance again.
"And I you," she murmured, before squeezing him and with a sad look back, slipped down the dark street.
* * *
Alanna was sure to wake early, to go in search of Alex. She quietly slipped on a dress and slid out into the quiet hallway. She reached Alex's room—Thom had told her where it was—and knocked on the door. There was no response at all, so she knocked again, harder. After several minutes of knocking, Alanna got fed up and tried peering through the keyhole, but could see nothing.
With a wicked sigh, she removed a metal strip from her sash and expertly picked the lock and quietly swung the door open. The room was empty. She cursed and stomped from the room, closing and locking the door behind her.
Her next stop was Thom's room. She banged on the door loudly. A few seconds later, Thom answered the door, staring at his sister through tired, bleary eyes.
"Alanna," he began. "What are you doing here this early?"
"I came by to talk to my favorite brother," she said dryly.
"Nice try, Alanna," he said, with a yawn.
"I was wondering if you know where Alex is."
Thom rubbed his eyes. "He left very early this morning, perhaps even before you woke up."
Alanna swore. "Just my luck."
"Why?"
"Surely you heard. He kissed me, and Jon saw it."
Thom grimaced. "Jon might have mentioned it."
"And I wanted to talk to Alex and get him to explain everything to Jon, so maybe Jon and I could be on good terms when I left."
"He's stubborn," Thom remarked. "I've tried reasoning with him. It's impossible."
Alanna sighed. "And look where that leaves me."
"You certainly don't have luck when it comes to love," Thom agreed.
Alanna sent her brother a dark look and leaned against the doorframe, chewing on her lower lip thoughtfully. "I suppose I'm not."
It was then that Jon stepped out of the room next to Thom's and without so much as a look at Alanna, he started off down the hall.
"Jon! Wait!" Alanna cried, running after him, trotting to keep pace as he hurried to wherever he was going.
"Won't you at least listen to me?" she exclaimed, stepping in front of her. He sidestepped her, and continued down the hall.
"Jon, please!" she said firmly.
He turned on one heel to face her. "What do you want?" he asked coldly.
"A chance to explain myself!"
"I understand perfectly Alanna," he said, his voice icy. "You're a less then scrupulous lady, Alanna. I should have suspected this from you."
Alanna looked at him, outraged. "What?!"
"You heard me. I knew from the start you weren't a proper lady! I should have stayed away from you like Roger recommended!"
Alanna was speechless.
"I guess now I don't have to worry about you, seeing as you certainly don't worry about me."
All she managed was, "That's not true!"
He shook his head, and left her alone, standing in the hall staring at his retreating form. When she finally moved again, it was harsh and jerky.
"I can't believe he said that!" she growled, storming back to her room, where she quickly packed so that she'd be ready when the carriages left. Thom knocked at the open door and came in.
"I told you he was hardheaded."
"He's just rude!" Alanna hissed.
"Alanna, look. You know Jon didn't mean those things! It really is all Alex's fault. I'm sure that Alex will be back this autumn and then everything will get sorted out."
Alanna grumbled, but didn't disagree.
"That's better," Thom said. "Now, how about you let me spell your sword for you, so it won't rust?"
"I take good care of it, Thom."
"Nevertheless."
"You just want to try out a spell."
He grinned boyishly.
"Fine!"
Alanna continued to pack when there was another knock on the door. Gary and Raoul walked in, somber looks on their faces.
"Please! O fair lady! Don't leave us!" Raoul pretended to sob, while hugging her roughly.
She grinned at her large friend and hugged him in response. "You know I wouldn't if I didn't have to."
Gary laughed. "You know, it's just Raoul. He's fallen in love with you, and he can't bear to see you leave!"
Alanna couldn't help but laugh. "Gods, I'm going to miss you guys!"
Raoul pretended to look highly flattered.
"Then again, how could I not?" Alanna asked.
"Knowing Raoul," Gary said. "How could you?"
Raoul punched his friend in the shoulder, which earned him a punch in response.
"Well. We wanted to make sure we got our goodbyes," Gary explained. "I imagine you'll be swept up in the emotion when the carriages are leaving."
Alanna rolled her eyes. "Just imagine how much Trycia will miss you Thom!" she teased.
Thom blushed, which caused Raoul and Gary to laugh until they couldn't breathe.
There was another knock at her door and Daughter Alice stepped in. "We'll be leaving in half an hour. I suggest you get your bags down to the carriages and say your final words."
Alanna made a face at her retreating back and hefted her bag, which both Gary and Raoul tried to take from her and failed.
* * *
In front of the palace, a small crowd was gathered. Alanna noticed that the Prince wasn't there, nor was the Duke of Conte. But, her closest palace friends were there, and that was all that mattered to Alanna.
Gary wrapped her in a hug. "Until next year Alanna! Life certainly will be dull with out you! Oh, and work on your high blocks. You might just have to spar with someone taller someday," he whispered.
It was then Raoul's turn to embrace her, and he did so tightly. "Remember the high blocks," he whispered.
"Must both of you point that out?" Alanna muttered.
He grinned and let her go. "Enjoy your autumn, winter and spring. Try not to run away before next year."
She laughed. "I'll try my hardest."
She then hugged her brother wordlessly.
"I'll miss you most, Alanna," Thom said softly. "Try not to get into too much trouble, and keep in touch!"
"I'll be sure to! I'll miss you Thom!"
And before she could say anything more, she was helped into a carriage and the door was closed behind her.
She found herself with the same three girls she'd traveled with at the beginning of the summer, something that seemed so far away now. With a dejected sigh and look back at her friends, she dug out her book on war as the carriage slowly pulled away.
As they rode through the city, Alanna took one last look at the now familiar surroundings. Alanna managed to pick out a figure hidden in the shadows, and smiled as she caught a wink.
* * *
From his place in the shadows, George sighed. He'd missed his opportunity to tell Alanna how he really felt, but somehow, he knew he'd see her again sooner then she planned.
* * *
Author's Note: And so "The Pride of the Convent" comes to an end. You'll all probably be a bit shocked to know that I've only barely tipped the iceberg on this saga. Oh do I have plans. I'm sorry to all those who wanted to see A/G fluff before this ended, but there was now way it would have worked here and now. I promise you much more, but I'm afraid that I cannot promise it to you right away. I will try to post as soon as possible, but I've been fairly bogged down with school and the like! So reviewer thanks:
To:
Siren: You're such a good fan….I'm such a bad one…You always come and read, and I never get to go online anymore. I HAVE to get caught back up in your story! I'm very sorry for being a sucky fan! Sorry sorry!
Silenttina: Plot development? Me? Right….you must be nuts….I'm sorry about the overly large amount of The Prig. At least he didn't say a whole lot this chapter, eh? ::grins:: That evil erm….you know what I would say, if not for the kiddies. Well, back to Treven she'll go! Thanks for reading! You're the bestest!
Mandy: Thanks!
Hoppuschick: Oi! So, ya like? Thanks!!!!! I'm in a super mood! I just got three new CDs! Including the great Good Charlotte and Mest. J Thanks!!!!!1
Anonymous: Oh! For the beta, thing, please email me!!!!! I'm noplainjane19@yahoo.com! Thanks! And no, Jon can't blame Alanna, yet he is. Cuz he's a jerk in my story. :o) Thanks!!!!!
Keziah: Hola mi reader muy great! School. Ugh. Yes yes, it all happens soon! Promise! And Alex. How could I resist throwing another suitor Alanna's way? J I'm glad you feel bad for Jon. That means the trechary is working! I guess you'll have to read the sequel to find out what happens to Alanna….. Thanks so much! Hope to see you in the reviewer thanks next story!
Krazy Kitty: My beta! ::hugs:: Yes! You're my wonderful (one of) beta! I'm so glad you wanted to do it! Sorry I haven't gotten anything out to you about that yet! I'm working on it….It's gonna be rather a twisted set of stories. But anyway, thanks so much for being a rockin reader and reviewer!
Lady Phoenix: Sorry it took sooooo long! Thanks for reviewing! I'm super duper glad you like it!!!!!!1
Lady Arianna: I won't stop writing my Alanna story till it's done! Promise!!! I have a devoted fan. ::blushes:: Thanks you made my day!!!!! And tell Lady Jen thanks so much for me! I'll definitely check out your fic when I can! Thanks!!!!!!!!! OH ya. No A/J final endingy thingy. Sorry. I just couldn't write that….
Angel of Darkness: He he! Fluffy all around eh? Like a bunny…. Thanks!
Morrigan: ::eyes scan down screen:: whoa. That's approximately 16,735.876 pleases. :o) I'm not much of an Alex fan either, but I'm not a Jon fan at all. Plus, I'm a fan of evil things, so evil/suave Alex…writeable. Barely. That kiss….ugh. No one knows my pain….Update daily. Ha ha. I barely have time for homework daily. Ha ha. Yikes that's a lot of pleases……Wow! That review left me with a warm fuzzy feeling! Thanks!!!!!!
M'cha Araem: You do happy dances when people update too? He he. Okay, I know George is being a dork. I might have to go into Tortall and tell her… Well, it'll all even out in the end. Mwahahaha. Thanks!!!!! Sorry for slow updates…..
Merky: Why is she with Jon? Well, he asked her first. She wants to be loved!!!! So do I!!! ::runs from room yelling and crying:: Anyway. You're now on my email list! Thanks!
Bblond07: Poor Jon?? What about poor Alanna? She got kissed by it. Chronicles not coming out too soon. I mean, I have a lot to write….Well, thanks!
ROSE ANGEL: What was Alanna thinking when she was with Jon? GOSH! Can't she tell that George is better and treats her like an equal? Alanna would never end up with Jon in a fic of mine. I promise you that.
Temptress: Jon should go away, but alas, he's a necessity down the road, and so are the evil people. Sorry! Thanks for reading!
Bellerein21: Thanks!
Xelena: ::secretive grin:: Keep reading! Thanks!
The Pen Mage: You'll have to forgive George. He's scared. I feel like hitting Jon and Alex. Hmm. I remember people recommending your fic. Hmm…I've always wanted my fic read by you. I always see your name in reviewer thanks. Know who else I want my fic read by? Opal Dragon. EVERYONE loves her! Gosh. Anyway. MAKE ME YOUR BETA!!!! Please!!!!!!! Please!!!!!!! Btw, thanks for the nice long review!
Smileypal4eva: Thanks!
Mistress Sock: Expect the unexpected! Alex is always overlooked. Poor, evil, thing. Thanks!!!
Witch Child: It's not Alanna's fault that everyone loves her! George and Raoul, probably my fave TP characters! J Thanks!!!!
The Dark Lady Adrienne: My other favorite beta! ::hugs:: I'll send stuff through soon! Promise!
PotterMania22: I'm trying! Thanks!
White-wolf: Tears? REALLY? Getting emotion out of my writing is like a dream…..Thanks so much!
Punk Princess: Hey! Glad you like it!!!! George'll fess…..maybe… haha. Sorry for the wait! Thanks! Lady Knight needed to be longer…..
Babooshka: I cannot wait to write the A/G scenes….I wub George…..Thanks for you review! It was a delight to read.
Lady Kel of Masbolle: I love your name. J Kel and Dom Forever!!!! Woo!!! I'm so glad you like it! Thanks for you wonderful review!
Silverthorn: Thanks!!!!
Pbwin: I'm so glad you did stumble upon it!!!!! Super glad that you like it!!!! Thanks!!!!!
Bookmaggot: ::blushes:: Thank you… That was a very very nice review!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Saphire: ::bows theatrically::
Sitine: Thanks!
Seach4somethinmore: Thanks man! You're a fave fan too…. UPDATE!
Dandylioness: Everyone loves Alanna. That's how it goes. She really likes George, and mildly likes Jon. She doesn't know that George likes her and Jon's there. She wants someone to love that loves her back. Little does she know that George likes her…
Brenavae: Thanks!
Eve: Thanks so much!
Nameless one: Yeah, she should flirt some with Gary and Raoul.
Lady Arabian Knight: Thanks!!!
Christie Lee: It's a LONG story. This part is done. Cackle cackle.
Lady Taliana: Neat name! Thanks for telling someone about my story!!!!! Thank you thank you thank you!!!!!!!
Lillie: Sorry!!!!!!
Devilkitti8: Sorry!!!
Author's Note Some More: Thanks you guys!!!! Catcha later!!!!!!! Look for my new story with in the next few weeks!
Much wub to all,
Sara