Ok, obviously the disclaimer ain't gonna change. Anything you don't
recognize is probably mine, but I'm not going into specifics-too lazy.
Thanks soo much to all who reviewed, I know I'm not the greatest writer out
there, but I'm trying and it makes me feel good when u guys review. I need
the ego boosters! My GPA is not looking great right now, so the majority of
my typing is done on Saturdays from noon to one-after my Saturday morning
cartoons and before I go into what I call 'homework mode' for the rest of
the weekend. Ok, well, I've delayed ur reading long enough. Here's chapter
8:
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Alanna woke up and mechanically got out of bed. The kitten was already up and exploring the room. Bleary eyed, she scooped up the kitten, sat him on the bed (so she wouldn't step on him as she moved about), fingered through the hated dresses in her wardrobe and chose a plain cream colored one with green edging, and just as mechanically as she'd gotten out of bed, put it on. She laced up the bodice and began to tame her flaming hair. The kitten watched all of this to his great amusement and then decided that he wanted to play. He looked around the room for a bit of string, but didn't find any so he mewed unhappily. Then he saw something shiny lying on Alanna's pillow. He pounced and sent the thing flying off the bed-he batted it and chased it around the room as it rolled away. The ember-crystal-slash- cat-toy rolled to a stop near the sleepy girl's foot. As Alanna turned around to find a pair of boots, she trod on the charm with her bare foot. "Ouch! Of all the gods-cursed, simple minded."she trailed off. She picked it up nervously, "Oh my. It's the same as in my dream.and you," she looked at the cat at her feet, begging to be picked up, "how is it that you show up at the same time as this, eh mister?" The cat gave her a blank look and meowed hungrily. Alanna sighed. She found her boots and sat on a chair as she put them on. Before she stood up, the kitten leaped first on top of the chair arm, then onto Alanna's shoulder. She stood up, realizing that she had a passenger. "Oh, no you don't. You are going to stay here while I find something from the kitchen for you." The kitten protested but in the end got down from her shoulder, grumbling, and Alanna left. Down in the breakfast room Alanna looked for Simone and found her at the back, talking to.Delia. Alanna calmly picked up a plate and sat down next to her friend. "Good morning, Simone. Delia." Simone nodded and smiled grimly, replying, "Good morning, Alanna." Delia simply ignored her attempt at good manners and said, in her very bossy, prissy voice, "Listen up, Lady Alanna because I'm only going to say this once." She put an emphasis on the word 'lady'. Alanna growled and she continued, looking down her pert little nose, "Stay away from Prince Jonathan. He's mine." With her threat made, she began to stand. "You can have him," started Alanna. Delia turned to face Alanna again, "He isn't mine to hold back. But if I recall correctly, he doesn't seem very interested in you, now does he?" she smirked. Delia sneered, "Only because of a little savage who pretends to be a noble lady keeps dancing in his way." "Who's the one dancing?" asked Simone with a smile, pointing to Delia's low neckline. The three of them knew what Simone was getting at-Delia had tried all sorts of things to win back Jonathan's favor since the night he and Alanna had left together, including wearing brightly colored dresses with less than modest necklines and flirting with him or his friends every chance she got. "I have better things to do with my time than converse with bitches like the two of you." Delia looked like she was prepared to say more, but a little black cat leapt onto Alanna's shoulder and hissed. Her eyes widened in fright-both Alanna and the cat glared at her with matching amethyst eyes. "I suggest you leave now, Delia." Said Simone. Delia didn't need to be told twice-she jumped from her chair and practically ran out of the room. No one but Alanna saw Simone whip out a short length of white cord and tie a quick knot. Delia tripped and fell flat on her face just as she reached the door. She untied the knot and Delia got up again, embarrassed as the room filled with laughter, and fled. Simone hid the cord in her sleeve again and smiled at her friend. Her eyes were dancing. The kitten calmed down and left Alanna's shoulder to sniff out the better parts of his friend's breakfast. "Hey, I'm not done with that yet, back off!" she pulled the cat off the table so no one would see him and stare. Then, guessing at what her pet would eat, she cut up a few pieces of sausage and bits of egg and put them in the bowl containing her half- finished porridge. Simone took a quick look around to make sure no one was looking and nodded to Alanna. She shoved the bowl under the table and put the cat down there with it. When she'd finished with her own breakfast, (pretty fast I might add) she spoke to Simone. Simone started, "Why would Delia make threats? I was under the impression that Jon told her off." "Yeah, well she's jealous. She hasn't been invited to go anywhere with Jon or his friends since we showed up. From what I've heard, she was with the prince for a short time, but never really got the hint that he can't stand her. As far as she's concerned, Jon is ignoring her now because of me." Explained Alanna. "That explains the attitude I guess. But I know Delia's type-she wouldn't threaten you unless she, well, had an advantage. She's been rather aloof these past few days, what do you think she's up to?" Alanna shrugged, "Don't know, and don't care. As far as I'm concerned, whatever she throws at me won't matter. I can handle her." "I know, but still.it worries me." "Yeah. Me too. Oh well. We'll deal with it when it happens-if it happens. Hey, cat! Are you done down there? We're ready to go." The kitten emerged from under the tablecloth, licking his lips. That was pretty good, he said. Alanna blinked. Did I just hear the cat talk? Nah. "Common, you." She scooped him up and put him on her shoulder, under her left ear. She picked up the bowl and giggled. "I had no idea cats liked porridge." Simone laughed and led the way out the door. "Let's find the boys. We need to find a name for your faithful little shadow." "Ok." After much searching, they found the young knights in Thom's rooms. They all looked up sheepishly as the girls walked in. "You were talking about us, I can tell." Said Alanna. She settled herself on the couch next to her twin. The ember stone was on a chain around her neck-she thought it made a good piece of jewelry, so she'd worn it. He noticed it but didn't say anything about it in front of his friends. The cat, however, was another story. "We were just talking about what we're going to do about the two of you when we go off to fight in the war.Whoa!" Raoul noticed the cat at the same time Thom did, but he didn't see its eyes, "New pet, Alanna?" "Yeah. It just sort of showed up. I guess he belongs to me now. I can't figure out how he got out of my rooms though." "Does it have a name?" asked Gary and Jon at the same time. "Not yet. We weren't creative enough to think up one." Said Simone, scratching the kitten's chin. Alex got a good look at the cat's eyes, "Bright Mithros! Would you look at its eyes! It's like Thom was turned into a cat or something." "I haven't been turned into a cat, how could I? I'm right here!" grinned Thom. "Wow, do you think the thing is immortal?" "It isn't a thing-he's a cat. And he needs a name." "Blackie?" suggested Raoul. "How about Tigger?" asked Gary. "Are you crazy? What kind of a name is 'Tigger'? The cat doesn't even have stripes! How about Fluffy?" asked Alex. "Fluffy is an even stupider name than 'Tigger', you dolt!" said Thom. "Oh shut up Thom." "You shut up!" "No. I like 'Fluffy'." "Both of you shut up." Said Simone, "You're giving me a headache. How about Shadow? I mean, he's been following you around all day, just like your own shadow." "I don't know."Alanna thought for a moment. She was remembering something that Simone had said earlier: "Let's find the boys. We need to find a name for your faithful little shadow." "I rather like the name 'Faithful'." She decided at last, scratching the cat in her lap. "Yeah, that's a perfect name!" said Alex. "It suits him." Stated Gary. "Yes, it does." Decided Simone. She smiled, "Well, it looks like that problem is out of the way.Jon, what are you doing?" "I dub thee Faithful." Jonathan had unsheathed his dagger and was tapping Faithful's head and both shoulders solemnly. Faithful just purred happily. "Jon, can you really knight a cat? Are you crazy?" grinned Alanna. Jon grinned back at her, a mix of laughter and something else in his eyes, "Maybe." He replied. Everyone laughed. "So, what were you talking about when we came in?" The boys stiffened. Gary spoke up first, "Well, um, it's war. With Tusaine." "What?!?" shrieked Simone, "You can't be serious! You aren't going, are you?" "We all are." Commented Thom quietly. "Duke Hilam and his troops have invaded the Drell River Valley. We're going to drive them back-." "Duke Hilam. Wait-I've heard of him," commented Alanna, "isn't he one of King Ain's brothers?" "Yes-there's King Ain, and his brothers Duke Hilam and Count Jemis." Confirmed Alex, "King Ain would rather be left alone with his wives, but Hilam has the ambition." "Due to the current state of things, you ladies will stay here at the palace and will not be sent back to the convent until the worst of the fighting is over," said Jonathan, plainly worried about them both. Alanna put a hand on his arm, "You don't have to worry about us, Jon. But how can they expect me to sit around all day around here? I want to go with you guys!" Thom turned to his sister, who looked stoked. I forgot-war's not a good thing to talk to her about. Anything that has anything to do with fighting and there's no going back for her. I guess I have to be the one to tell her she isn't coming, he thought gloomily. He sighed, "Don't go getting ideas in that pretty head of yours, dear sister. I'll not have you out in the thick of things. You are to stay here, understand?" "No way!" she cried, "I'm not staying here and worrying my head off about you when you're out fighting without me." "You don't have a choice." "I always have a choice-you know that best Thom." The twins glared at each other, visible sparks flying in the air between them." Raoul spoke up, "Listen, both of you. Alanna, I agree with Thom in that at least you shouldn't be fighting." Alanna growled at him, "But hear me out; Thom, Alanna has a healing gift, don't you Alanna?" she nodded, somewhat grimly (she was still a bit afraid of her Gift), knowing what he was leading up to, "She-could-maybe-work-in-the-healer's-tent-with-Duke-Baird. At least Gary and Jon could make arrangements. You will, right you guys?" Gary and Jonathan looked at each other and nodded. "That way she'll be out of the fighting and still be able to go and see what was going on for herself. And she'd also be close enough for you (talking to Thom here) to keep an eye on her." Thom grumbled, but finally agreed to the plan. "I still don't like the idea of you going with us. It isn't right for a lady to be going." Alanna frowned at the mention of 'lady', "Shut up Thom. I'm going, whether or not I'm invited." Faithful nodded-he was going too. "Well, I guess that's settled then. We leave for Fort Drell in two days time." "I'd better go then. I'll have to put my things in order and make sure everything is taken care of.well, I'll see you all at the fort." Alanna jumped up happily and hugged Raoul, then left without waiting for Simone and walked back to her rooms. A dark look crossed Jon's face, then quickly disappeared. Faithful followed her out, just like a shadow. Simone gave Gary a quick kiss on the cheek and went back to her rooms to help Alanna get ready.
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yes! I still watch Saturday morning cartoons even though I'm a sophomore in high school.goes to show that I have issues.aw well. Cartoons rock! *starts humming various tunes to rock songs* heh, heh, heh.I'm so crazie. ~Linz~
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Alanna woke up and mechanically got out of bed. The kitten was already up and exploring the room. Bleary eyed, she scooped up the kitten, sat him on the bed (so she wouldn't step on him as she moved about), fingered through the hated dresses in her wardrobe and chose a plain cream colored one with green edging, and just as mechanically as she'd gotten out of bed, put it on. She laced up the bodice and began to tame her flaming hair. The kitten watched all of this to his great amusement and then decided that he wanted to play. He looked around the room for a bit of string, but didn't find any so he mewed unhappily. Then he saw something shiny lying on Alanna's pillow. He pounced and sent the thing flying off the bed-he batted it and chased it around the room as it rolled away. The ember-crystal-slash- cat-toy rolled to a stop near the sleepy girl's foot. As Alanna turned around to find a pair of boots, she trod on the charm with her bare foot. "Ouch! Of all the gods-cursed, simple minded."she trailed off. She picked it up nervously, "Oh my. It's the same as in my dream.and you," she looked at the cat at her feet, begging to be picked up, "how is it that you show up at the same time as this, eh mister?" The cat gave her a blank look and meowed hungrily. Alanna sighed. She found her boots and sat on a chair as she put them on. Before she stood up, the kitten leaped first on top of the chair arm, then onto Alanna's shoulder. She stood up, realizing that she had a passenger. "Oh, no you don't. You are going to stay here while I find something from the kitchen for you." The kitten protested but in the end got down from her shoulder, grumbling, and Alanna left. Down in the breakfast room Alanna looked for Simone and found her at the back, talking to.Delia. Alanna calmly picked up a plate and sat down next to her friend. "Good morning, Simone. Delia." Simone nodded and smiled grimly, replying, "Good morning, Alanna." Delia simply ignored her attempt at good manners and said, in her very bossy, prissy voice, "Listen up, Lady Alanna because I'm only going to say this once." She put an emphasis on the word 'lady'. Alanna growled and she continued, looking down her pert little nose, "Stay away from Prince Jonathan. He's mine." With her threat made, she began to stand. "You can have him," started Alanna. Delia turned to face Alanna again, "He isn't mine to hold back. But if I recall correctly, he doesn't seem very interested in you, now does he?" she smirked. Delia sneered, "Only because of a little savage who pretends to be a noble lady keeps dancing in his way." "Who's the one dancing?" asked Simone with a smile, pointing to Delia's low neckline. The three of them knew what Simone was getting at-Delia had tried all sorts of things to win back Jonathan's favor since the night he and Alanna had left together, including wearing brightly colored dresses with less than modest necklines and flirting with him or his friends every chance she got. "I have better things to do with my time than converse with bitches like the two of you." Delia looked like she was prepared to say more, but a little black cat leapt onto Alanna's shoulder and hissed. Her eyes widened in fright-both Alanna and the cat glared at her with matching amethyst eyes. "I suggest you leave now, Delia." Said Simone. Delia didn't need to be told twice-she jumped from her chair and practically ran out of the room. No one but Alanna saw Simone whip out a short length of white cord and tie a quick knot. Delia tripped and fell flat on her face just as she reached the door. She untied the knot and Delia got up again, embarrassed as the room filled with laughter, and fled. Simone hid the cord in her sleeve again and smiled at her friend. Her eyes were dancing. The kitten calmed down and left Alanna's shoulder to sniff out the better parts of his friend's breakfast. "Hey, I'm not done with that yet, back off!" she pulled the cat off the table so no one would see him and stare. Then, guessing at what her pet would eat, she cut up a few pieces of sausage and bits of egg and put them in the bowl containing her half- finished porridge. Simone took a quick look around to make sure no one was looking and nodded to Alanna. She shoved the bowl under the table and put the cat down there with it. When she'd finished with her own breakfast, (pretty fast I might add) she spoke to Simone. Simone started, "Why would Delia make threats? I was under the impression that Jon told her off." "Yeah, well she's jealous. She hasn't been invited to go anywhere with Jon or his friends since we showed up. From what I've heard, she was with the prince for a short time, but never really got the hint that he can't stand her. As far as she's concerned, Jon is ignoring her now because of me." Explained Alanna. "That explains the attitude I guess. But I know Delia's type-she wouldn't threaten you unless she, well, had an advantage. She's been rather aloof these past few days, what do you think she's up to?" Alanna shrugged, "Don't know, and don't care. As far as I'm concerned, whatever she throws at me won't matter. I can handle her." "I know, but still.it worries me." "Yeah. Me too. Oh well. We'll deal with it when it happens-if it happens. Hey, cat! Are you done down there? We're ready to go." The kitten emerged from under the tablecloth, licking his lips. That was pretty good, he said. Alanna blinked. Did I just hear the cat talk? Nah. "Common, you." She scooped him up and put him on her shoulder, under her left ear. She picked up the bowl and giggled. "I had no idea cats liked porridge." Simone laughed and led the way out the door. "Let's find the boys. We need to find a name for your faithful little shadow." "Ok." After much searching, they found the young knights in Thom's rooms. They all looked up sheepishly as the girls walked in. "You were talking about us, I can tell." Said Alanna. She settled herself on the couch next to her twin. The ember stone was on a chain around her neck-she thought it made a good piece of jewelry, so she'd worn it. He noticed it but didn't say anything about it in front of his friends. The cat, however, was another story. "We were just talking about what we're going to do about the two of you when we go off to fight in the war.Whoa!" Raoul noticed the cat at the same time Thom did, but he didn't see its eyes, "New pet, Alanna?" "Yeah. It just sort of showed up. I guess he belongs to me now. I can't figure out how he got out of my rooms though." "Does it have a name?" asked Gary and Jon at the same time. "Not yet. We weren't creative enough to think up one." Said Simone, scratching the kitten's chin. Alex got a good look at the cat's eyes, "Bright Mithros! Would you look at its eyes! It's like Thom was turned into a cat or something." "I haven't been turned into a cat, how could I? I'm right here!" grinned Thom. "Wow, do you think the thing is immortal?" "It isn't a thing-he's a cat. And he needs a name." "Blackie?" suggested Raoul. "How about Tigger?" asked Gary. "Are you crazy? What kind of a name is 'Tigger'? The cat doesn't even have stripes! How about Fluffy?" asked Alex. "Fluffy is an even stupider name than 'Tigger', you dolt!" said Thom. "Oh shut up Thom." "You shut up!" "No. I like 'Fluffy'." "Both of you shut up." Said Simone, "You're giving me a headache. How about Shadow? I mean, he's been following you around all day, just like your own shadow." "I don't know."Alanna thought for a moment. She was remembering something that Simone had said earlier: "Let's find the boys. We need to find a name for your faithful little shadow." "I rather like the name 'Faithful'." She decided at last, scratching the cat in her lap. "Yeah, that's a perfect name!" said Alex. "It suits him." Stated Gary. "Yes, it does." Decided Simone. She smiled, "Well, it looks like that problem is out of the way.Jon, what are you doing?" "I dub thee Faithful." Jonathan had unsheathed his dagger and was tapping Faithful's head and both shoulders solemnly. Faithful just purred happily. "Jon, can you really knight a cat? Are you crazy?" grinned Alanna. Jon grinned back at her, a mix of laughter and something else in his eyes, "Maybe." He replied. Everyone laughed. "So, what were you talking about when we came in?" The boys stiffened. Gary spoke up first, "Well, um, it's war. With Tusaine." "What?!?" shrieked Simone, "You can't be serious! You aren't going, are you?" "We all are." Commented Thom quietly. "Duke Hilam and his troops have invaded the Drell River Valley. We're going to drive them back-." "Duke Hilam. Wait-I've heard of him," commented Alanna, "isn't he one of King Ain's brothers?" "Yes-there's King Ain, and his brothers Duke Hilam and Count Jemis." Confirmed Alex, "King Ain would rather be left alone with his wives, but Hilam has the ambition." "Due to the current state of things, you ladies will stay here at the palace and will not be sent back to the convent until the worst of the fighting is over," said Jonathan, plainly worried about them both. Alanna put a hand on his arm, "You don't have to worry about us, Jon. But how can they expect me to sit around all day around here? I want to go with you guys!" Thom turned to his sister, who looked stoked. I forgot-war's not a good thing to talk to her about. Anything that has anything to do with fighting and there's no going back for her. I guess I have to be the one to tell her she isn't coming, he thought gloomily. He sighed, "Don't go getting ideas in that pretty head of yours, dear sister. I'll not have you out in the thick of things. You are to stay here, understand?" "No way!" she cried, "I'm not staying here and worrying my head off about you when you're out fighting without me." "You don't have a choice." "I always have a choice-you know that best Thom." The twins glared at each other, visible sparks flying in the air between them." Raoul spoke up, "Listen, both of you. Alanna, I agree with Thom in that at least you shouldn't be fighting." Alanna growled at him, "But hear me out; Thom, Alanna has a healing gift, don't you Alanna?" she nodded, somewhat grimly (she was still a bit afraid of her Gift), knowing what he was leading up to, "She-could-maybe-work-in-the-healer's-tent-with-Duke-Baird. At least Gary and Jon could make arrangements. You will, right you guys?" Gary and Jonathan looked at each other and nodded. "That way she'll be out of the fighting and still be able to go and see what was going on for herself. And she'd also be close enough for you (talking to Thom here) to keep an eye on her." Thom grumbled, but finally agreed to the plan. "I still don't like the idea of you going with us. It isn't right for a lady to be going." Alanna frowned at the mention of 'lady', "Shut up Thom. I'm going, whether or not I'm invited." Faithful nodded-he was going too. "Well, I guess that's settled then. We leave for Fort Drell in two days time." "I'd better go then. I'll have to put my things in order and make sure everything is taken care of.well, I'll see you all at the fort." Alanna jumped up happily and hugged Raoul, then left without waiting for Simone and walked back to her rooms. A dark look crossed Jon's face, then quickly disappeared. Faithful followed her out, just like a shadow. Simone gave Gary a quick kiss on the cheek and went back to her rooms to help Alanna get ready.
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yes! I still watch Saturday morning cartoons even though I'm a sophomore in high school.goes to show that I have issues.aw well. Cartoons rock! *starts humming various tunes to rock songs* heh, heh, heh.I'm so crazie. ~Linz~