Revenge

Disclaimer: unfortunately I don´t own anything…

A/N: please read and review, okay? But be nice…*grin*

One night Alanna sat with Myles and George by the fire in the living room. Her back was

nearly healed, few days ago she had strated to train again; thankfully Eleni´s and finally her

own healing had closed the wounds completely and even the scars were thinner and not as

puffy as they would have been without – one day they would hopefully be hard to see at all.

Suddenly they heard loud voices and steps before a scared-looking servant stuck his head

through the doorway.

"Excuse me, my Lords, my Lady? Sir Raoul of Goldenlake wishes to –"

"That´s okay, they know me! We have no time for that stuff right now!"

 The servant was pushed aside and Raoul stormed in.

 "Sorry, if I disturb you with anything…?"

After the three of them shook their head he smiled and took a seat.

 "I´m in kind of a hurry, the Own leaves in an hour or two." He made himself more 

comfortable, then his face turned serious. "Look, why I come: Alanna, it looks like some of

those beasts, that did…that…to you…" He waved his hand in her direction. She nodded,

frowning. "Looks like some of those beasts attacked a village in the Royal Forest. They

settled themselves there, taking the few survivours as captives. One was able to escape and

make his way here, otherwise we wouldn´t even know by now. But the thing is, he´s

completely traumatized, he´s just brabbling…things. What we need is concrete information!

And that´s why I came to you – we need to know what these things are like, what weapons

would be the ones most useful…"

Alanna´s frown deepened.

"All right. I´m coming with you!"

Raoul sighed. "I knew you would want to. That´s why I actually didn´t want you to know."

She glared at him and thrust her chin forwards.

"I *am* going with you!"

Raoul grimaced as George did the same. They knew this look far too well.

"Alanna", Myles inquired from the backround, "I don´t think you should go. You can´t risk to

reopen your back!"

Now it was him Alanna glared at.

"It. Is. Closed! I can´t just sit here and do nothing!"

"You won´t do nothing! Your information is –"

Raouls voice was cut off by an angry snore.

"Great! Thanks! I s *anyone* on my side!? Wonderful! I am defenitely of more

use, if I come with you! You can´t deny that!"

Raoul, who just wanted to say something, closed his mouth.

"I´m going to pack!"

With that she stood and and rushed out of the room, slamming the door behind her. George

sighed and looked at Raoul, who held his hands up in defense.

"I told you I didn´t want her to know! We needed the information to save those people!"

George sighed again and rose

"Sure. Nor yer fault."

He smiled and followed Alanna, leaving the door open.

When he entered their rooms, Alanna looked up, then returned to stuffing things in a

saddlebag. He went over to the wardrobe, opened it, took out a fresh tunic , breeches, two

loinclothes and an undyed shirt and placed them onto the bed, then took his own saddlebag

and began to pack.

"What exactely are you doing there !?", Alanna snapped, looking slightly confused.

"I´m packin´." His calm response made her frown.

"For what?" She tried to keep her voice harsh but he knew her anger was already fading

again. He met her eyes.

"I´m goin´ with you."

Her frown deepened.

"What?" Now her confusion was obvious.

"Ye heard me. I´m goin´ with ye."

"Do you think I need someone to protect me!?"

She spat the words out, clentching her fists. He eyes flew up from the bags, staring straight

into hers, holding her glare furiously.

"No." His voice was firm, making her keep her mouth shut. " I do *not*  think you need

protection, I just don´t want to let you leave again. The past weeks were hell, ok? Not just for

you! I just want to be with you and look after you! And if you dare to get yourself killed out

there, I will *never* forgive you!!" His voice became louder as he spoke.

Now she was finally able to look away, kind of ashamed of her selfishness.

"Ok." She said quietly, returning to her packings. He sighed and stuffed his things in the bag

before him.

She was unsure of what to say, all she knew was that she had to say something.

"George?"

"Ye don´t have to say anything, lass. Just – be careful, ´right?"

 His voice was calm and soft again, a tone, she thougth, that seemed to be reserved for her

these days. He closed his saddlebags and hung them over one arm, the other one he held out

for Alanna. She smiled, took her bags and came towards him. He laid an arm around her

shoulders and she snuggled close as they went to fetch their swords and other equiment,

which might be useful.

One and a half hour later the Third Company left the court in a full gallop, thundering into the

Royal Forest. George and Alanna rode next to Raoul at the top of the group. After a few miles

they slowed down, they had to be careful now. Once they had a break, studying a map to

chose where to place the squads. Raoul, George and Alanna rode one with each group. At the

crossing they had to part they stopped to slit up the supplies into three parts. While she was

shuffling through the papers on which the supplies were listed, Alanna felt a hand on her back

and turned. George stood behind her.

"Got a second?", he asked smiling.

She returned the papers to the commander and follwed him into the shadow of a tree. He

turned her to face him and rested his hands on her shoulders.

"Just wanted to remind ye of what I said. Take care of  ye, ok?"

He presented her one of those charming smiles that made her heart jump.

"Of course I do", she answered, "you too, understand?"

He nodded then pulled her close and kissed her passionately. When they broke apart, the

suplies were disributed and they went to their horses.

After sharing one more loving look they rode in opposite directions to join their groups.