~TAMING THE LIONESS~
Disclaimer: I own none of the character or the setting, but if you believed that...well you know what they say-- no, NO! not that...go BIG or go HOME! yeah, i know that makes no sense, but when has anything I said made sense? YOu're used to it right? Oh Oh! Wait! I do own my own emotional retardation which at the moment is bursting...to tell or not to tell? BTW-- this is a long chapter, I'm kinda proud of it and myself so reward me after being gone so long with some lovin' reviews Okie Dokie?
+*¬ CHÄPTéR §éVéñTééñ +*¬ é
Emotional Retardation
Despite of, or maybe because of, her "late night" with the King of Thieves, George Cooper, Mandy awoke earlier than usual. She dressed simple and swiftly, then Mandy set a steady pace down the bustling streets of Corus. To any passerby on the crammed dusty roadways, Mandy appeared determined and in control, but not in any particular rush. She was obviously not someone who would be easily distracted. Even at this early hour, the capital city was alive with movement and the clamor of innocent people going about their every day business. And that's what Mandy was, a normal and innocent person going about her every day business- at least that's how things were in her mind. George, on the other hand, might see things differently, because at that very moment, Mandy arrived at her predetermined destination. Mandy nodded confidently and with a firm hand opened the door to a small but adequate home. Mandy stepped in with soft barely audible footsteps. Gently she shut the wooden door behind her. A small metal sign hung from the aged door. Metal rattled against wood as the door clicked shut. The sign was what had made Mandy nod so self- assuredly before. The metal piece was finely crafted and hand made. It read:
'*`~`Mistress Eleni Cooper - - Healer `~`* '
`*~*`
Half of the day was gone and it was well into the heat of afternoon before Mandy finally made her way out of the coolness of Mistress Cooper's cottage. Eleni fallowed Mandy out of the door and they stood on the front step finishing their conversation.
"Well, Mandy, it was really good to meet you." Eleni said with sincerity and a genuine smile on her face. Mandy was a sly one all right.
"Yes." Mandy reached out and clasped Eleni's right hand. The girl returned the smile with a dazzling one of her own. "I really enjoyed spending time with out today. I'm just sorry it couldn't be longer."
Eleni squeezed Mandy's hand gently and reassuringly. "Me too. So where are you headed to now?" The healer questioned.
A larger smiled overcame Mandy's face. A look of pure joy softened her delicate features; Eleni's heart warmed instantly to the young girl. "I'm planning, well I'm pretty sure unless some- thing more important arises, which now that I think about it, nothing could be much more important..." the talkative part of Mandy was now showing herself. The harder Mandy tried to control the words that came out of her mouth, the faster nonsense made its way forth. Eleni wondered what the girl was so nervous about. Mandy took a deep calming breath. "I'm going to journey to the Dancing Dove..." She paused wondering what Eleni and even her son's reaction would be. "-to see George." Mandy forced a blush for the added effect.
"You're smitten aren't you?" Mistress Cooper demanded. Mandy nodded, but said nothing in response.
"That's great!" Eleni exclaimed. "I was hoping someone would come along and tame the savage beast."
"Savage beast?" Mandy repeated questioningly.
"Yeah, that's my pet name for George. He likes everyone to thing's he's tough and no one can bring him down , but when you get to know him, and when you've known him as long as I have, you really know that he's a sweetheart. A real romantic looking for someone to love and take care of. And that's all he really wants in return. Don't get me wrong here, he absolutely loves ruling the rogue court, but he's realistic. George knows he can't carry on the way he is now forever, and he truly does want more from life. He wants to clean up and go straight eventually. But you know, he'll always have some loyalty to the rogue. But that's great! I'm glad you feel that way for him. He needs it, it'll be good for him to have someone caring and loving like you in his life."
"Yea," Mandy looked up and met Eleni's gaze. "I'm twitter patted." Mandy smiled, a satisfied sigh escaping her soft pouty lips.
"Well here," Eleni started, then she turned and disappeared back into the reserve house. Scraping noises and some rummaging followed. Mandy, unsure of what to do, simply stood where she was on the front stoop waiting for something to happen that would give her an idea of how to react. Moments later, the healer emerged from the narrow door frame carrying a large woven basket. The tan basket was full and neatly covered with a folded light blue cloth. "Here," Eleni said extending the hand that held the basket. "Since it's well past noon now and you haven't eaten, take this. If I know George, which I should, I'm his mother, he probably hasn't eaten yet either. He's probably either too busy or tired to eat. Some make sure he eats something, even if you have to bully him into it. There's enough in there for you and George to share a small, private lunch with each other. But be warned, my Georgie is hearty eater."
Mandy took the basket with grace. Mandy's heart was warmed by the woman's friendly gesture. In fact Mandy was grateful for it because it now gave her even more of a reason to visit George. "Thank you so much! Oh! That will be so fun to share a small intimate lunch with him. Thank you." She repeated. Mandy reached out and gratefully hugged the kind healer with her one free hand.
"Well you're welcome. I hope you two really enjoy it." Then Eleni smiled crookedly. "But don't get too carried away, if you know what I mean." She winked playfully at the younger girl with reassurance.
"Oh we will." Mandy said before thinking.
"What?" Eleni asked stunned.
"Oh!" Mandy yelled realizing what she had said. "I didn't mean that! I was responding to what you said before that...about us enjoying the meal. I meant that I was sure we would enjoy that."
Mandy literally blushed scarlet. This time she was really embarrassed. "We wouldn't do anything else, but eat. We really wouldn't!" Mandy defended nervously; her face still red.
"Oh! I'm sorry to embarrass you. I didn't mean to. I was just joking. I know you wouldn't do anything bad, I trust both of you to use your good judgement."
This didn't help resolve Mandy confusion and shame, but she played it off calmly. Mandy thanked Eleni once more and turned sharply on her heel wanting to get away. Mandy walked confidently down the crowded street once more. The basket swung simply from Mandy's right hand as she walked hurriedly towards the Dancing Dove. A smile was still upon Eleni's lips as she watched the slender form of this unknown but pleasant stranger walk away. As the healer returned to the house and closed to door. One thing was obvious: Eleni was impressed. And that's what Mandy had intended all along.
`*~*`
Optimistically, Mandy entered the now less crowded, Dancing Dove. The young girl was positive, that because of her confidence and prior experience with the people here at the Dove, that no one would question her being there. Mandy stood in the doorway a moment letting her eyes adjust to the sudden dimness from inside the inn. Then she strolled over to the main stair way that led upstairs and stood at its base. Mandy searched the downstairs of the Dove for any sign of George. There weren't as many faces in the room as there was the night before, so the search only took a few short seconds.
A sleepy Solom watched the girl whom he recognized from the night before. The young girl seemed distracted as if looking for someone, and Solom had a good idea of who she might be seeking - George. Abruptly Mandy turned and began to make her way upstairs. Most likely to George's room. Solom couldn't remember the girls name, nor did he really care, but, he knew that he had to react. "Miss! Miss!" He called louder the second time. "Miss, you can't go up there!"
The beautiful girl turned. "My name is Mandy. Mandy, not Amanda. Got that? Mandy." She repeated, "don't forget it." She said fiercely.
"I'm sorry Mandy." Solom started with a lie. He wasn't all that sorry, but he didn't like her attitude. "But," he continued. "You can't go up there."
"Yeah, actually I think I can. I was up there last night." She retorted.
"Yes," Solom was trying to remain in control, but he couldn't take much more of her sass. "But someone took you up there with them, did they not?" The inn keeper asked knowing quite well that the youthful perky girl had been up where the rooms were the previous night with none other than George.
"Yes, they did, but I believe George is expecting me," she smiled bitterly.
"He didn't tell me he would be having company today."
"Well...does he tell you everything?" She demanded.
Solom shrugged the comment off. It was too early in the afternoon to get riled up. "What's in the basket?"
"Minthros!!" She exclaimed. "I'm not a known felon or thief, and even if I was-wouldn't I fit in just perfectly here?"
"What's in the basket?" The stern old man persisted.
"Food!" She yelled. Then she regained her composure. "Lunch for George from Mistress Cooper. . . his `mother`. I promise on my life, that it's not poisoned."
"That's not funny." Solom warned. "Don't even joke about that. Many people would jump at an opportunity to kill the king. Threats to off George need to be take seriously especially when they come from people that haven't known the king that long. I take about teaching George a lesson now and then, but everyone knows that wouldn't happen. It couldn't happen. George would whip me into shape real quick."
"Well, I some how doubt that you need to be concerned when it's his fiancee we're talking about." She replied with stern defiance.
Solom laughed out loud. "I know George. George does not have a fiancee."
"He does now."
"That's horse manure. I've know George since he was a wee tot. He doesn't have a fiancee. And..." The man added. "Even if he did, which he doesn't mind you, it would be a dwarf lass like yourself."
"And why not?" Mandy demanded rather upset.
"Because, that's not the way George does things. He's too young to wed, but if he did he would tell all his closest friends before her even asked the gal, and it would be someone he's know for awhile. At least longer than a day."
"Well, people can surprise you, and it's not good to stereo type people. Maybe you don't know him as well as you though." Then Mandy paused wondering what to say or do next. She continued. "Besides, I can be a very persuasive person when I try."
"Well, that may be true." Solom replied. "But it ain't gonna have any affect on me, so don't even bother. Now, if you really want to see him, let me go upstairs and tell him you're here." Solom pleaded as he stepped out from behind the bar counter.
"NO! You've already wasted too much of my- our- mine and George's -time!" She said tersely. Before Solom could react further, Mandy raced up the stairs and continued up the creaky wooden steps and hall without a backward glance. Solom let her go. He was getting too old for this shit he decided. The innkeeper shook his head. Besides, he was sure George could defend himself against a small fifteen year old girl.
A/N: Hehe Haha Hoho Humhum! Never I repeat NEVER! underestimate the power of fifteen year old girls. Again, I have no idea where that come from. oh, I heard it through the Grape Vinr that Dee was reading this...so now I have this sinking feeling that the next time I see her... I'm gonna get my butt whiped! Oh ye of little faith. I can take her... no No that's where your wrong...NEway. I heard you're not supposed to change for anyone. Right? RIGHT? So I wont. I had a blast at camp bytheway... hot guys.. the whole deal-- Hehe...my dad keeps coming in here trying to see what I'm typing so I better go. Oh and if you REVIEW, like I know you will, cuz you're such good people, don't be surprised if you get an E-mail from me B- cuz I'm a lonley person well not really, but when I tell people about my writing they either think I'm weird, or want to read it...and I don't think I'm ready for people I know to read this and see their expressions. It's much easier to handle and face strangers on a computer screne...(don't you hate it when you completely go off and have a converstation with yourself? I do that often, have you noticed?)
Laugh Hard
Live Life
Be You
and SMILE BIG! (oh! I forgot one! REVIEW)
--(_x_) Lady Daffodil of Queenscove
Disclaimer: I own none of the character or the setting, but if you believed that...well you know what they say-- no, NO! not that...go BIG or go HOME! yeah, i know that makes no sense, but when has anything I said made sense? YOu're used to it right? Oh Oh! Wait! I do own my own emotional retardation which at the moment is bursting...to tell or not to tell? BTW-- this is a long chapter, I'm kinda proud of it and myself so reward me after being gone so long with some lovin' reviews Okie Dokie?
+*¬ CHÄPTéR §éVéñTééñ +*¬ é
Emotional Retardation
Despite of, or maybe because of, her "late night" with the King of Thieves, George Cooper, Mandy awoke earlier than usual. She dressed simple and swiftly, then Mandy set a steady pace down the bustling streets of Corus. To any passerby on the crammed dusty roadways, Mandy appeared determined and in control, but not in any particular rush. She was obviously not someone who would be easily distracted. Even at this early hour, the capital city was alive with movement and the clamor of innocent people going about their every day business. And that's what Mandy was, a normal and innocent person going about her every day business- at least that's how things were in her mind. George, on the other hand, might see things differently, because at that very moment, Mandy arrived at her predetermined destination. Mandy nodded confidently and with a firm hand opened the door to a small but adequate home. Mandy stepped in with soft barely audible footsteps. Gently she shut the wooden door behind her. A small metal sign hung from the aged door. Metal rattled against wood as the door clicked shut. The sign was what had made Mandy nod so self- assuredly before. The metal piece was finely crafted and hand made. It read:
'*`~`Mistress Eleni Cooper - - Healer `~`* '
`*~*`
Half of the day was gone and it was well into the heat of afternoon before Mandy finally made her way out of the coolness of Mistress Cooper's cottage. Eleni fallowed Mandy out of the door and they stood on the front step finishing their conversation.
"Well, Mandy, it was really good to meet you." Eleni said with sincerity and a genuine smile on her face. Mandy was a sly one all right.
"Yes." Mandy reached out and clasped Eleni's right hand. The girl returned the smile with a dazzling one of her own. "I really enjoyed spending time with out today. I'm just sorry it couldn't be longer."
Eleni squeezed Mandy's hand gently and reassuringly. "Me too. So where are you headed to now?" The healer questioned.
A larger smiled overcame Mandy's face. A look of pure joy softened her delicate features; Eleni's heart warmed instantly to the young girl. "I'm planning, well I'm pretty sure unless some- thing more important arises, which now that I think about it, nothing could be much more important..." the talkative part of Mandy was now showing herself. The harder Mandy tried to control the words that came out of her mouth, the faster nonsense made its way forth. Eleni wondered what the girl was so nervous about. Mandy took a deep calming breath. "I'm going to journey to the Dancing Dove..." She paused wondering what Eleni and even her son's reaction would be. "-to see George." Mandy forced a blush for the added effect.
"You're smitten aren't you?" Mistress Cooper demanded. Mandy nodded, but said nothing in response.
"That's great!" Eleni exclaimed. "I was hoping someone would come along and tame the savage beast."
"Savage beast?" Mandy repeated questioningly.
"Yeah, that's my pet name for George. He likes everyone to thing's he's tough and no one can bring him down , but when you get to know him, and when you've known him as long as I have, you really know that he's a sweetheart. A real romantic looking for someone to love and take care of. And that's all he really wants in return. Don't get me wrong here, he absolutely loves ruling the rogue court, but he's realistic. George knows he can't carry on the way he is now forever, and he truly does want more from life. He wants to clean up and go straight eventually. But you know, he'll always have some loyalty to the rogue. But that's great! I'm glad you feel that way for him. He needs it, it'll be good for him to have someone caring and loving like you in his life."
"Yea," Mandy looked up and met Eleni's gaze. "I'm twitter patted." Mandy smiled, a satisfied sigh escaping her soft pouty lips.
"Well here," Eleni started, then she turned and disappeared back into the reserve house. Scraping noises and some rummaging followed. Mandy, unsure of what to do, simply stood where she was on the front stoop waiting for something to happen that would give her an idea of how to react. Moments later, the healer emerged from the narrow door frame carrying a large woven basket. The tan basket was full and neatly covered with a folded light blue cloth. "Here," Eleni said extending the hand that held the basket. "Since it's well past noon now and you haven't eaten, take this. If I know George, which I should, I'm his mother, he probably hasn't eaten yet either. He's probably either too busy or tired to eat. Some make sure he eats something, even if you have to bully him into it. There's enough in there for you and George to share a small, private lunch with each other. But be warned, my Georgie is hearty eater."
Mandy took the basket with grace. Mandy's heart was warmed by the woman's friendly gesture. In fact Mandy was grateful for it because it now gave her even more of a reason to visit George. "Thank you so much! Oh! That will be so fun to share a small intimate lunch with him. Thank you." She repeated. Mandy reached out and gratefully hugged the kind healer with her one free hand.
"Well you're welcome. I hope you two really enjoy it." Then Eleni smiled crookedly. "But don't get too carried away, if you know what I mean." She winked playfully at the younger girl with reassurance.
"Oh we will." Mandy said before thinking.
"What?" Eleni asked stunned.
"Oh!" Mandy yelled realizing what she had said. "I didn't mean that! I was responding to what you said before that...about us enjoying the meal. I meant that I was sure we would enjoy that."
Mandy literally blushed scarlet. This time she was really embarrassed. "We wouldn't do anything else, but eat. We really wouldn't!" Mandy defended nervously; her face still red.
"Oh! I'm sorry to embarrass you. I didn't mean to. I was just joking. I know you wouldn't do anything bad, I trust both of you to use your good judgement."
This didn't help resolve Mandy confusion and shame, but she played it off calmly. Mandy thanked Eleni once more and turned sharply on her heel wanting to get away. Mandy walked confidently down the crowded street once more. The basket swung simply from Mandy's right hand as she walked hurriedly towards the Dancing Dove. A smile was still upon Eleni's lips as she watched the slender form of this unknown but pleasant stranger walk away. As the healer returned to the house and closed to door. One thing was obvious: Eleni was impressed. And that's what Mandy had intended all along.
`*~*`
Optimistically, Mandy entered the now less crowded, Dancing Dove. The young girl was positive, that because of her confidence and prior experience with the people here at the Dove, that no one would question her being there. Mandy stood in the doorway a moment letting her eyes adjust to the sudden dimness from inside the inn. Then she strolled over to the main stair way that led upstairs and stood at its base. Mandy searched the downstairs of the Dove for any sign of George. There weren't as many faces in the room as there was the night before, so the search only took a few short seconds.
A sleepy Solom watched the girl whom he recognized from the night before. The young girl seemed distracted as if looking for someone, and Solom had a good idea of who she might be seeking - George. Abruptly Mandy turned and began to make her way upstairs. Most likely to George's room. Solom couldn't remember the girls name, nor did he really care, but, he knew that he had to react. "Miss! Miss!" He called louder the second time. "Miss, you can't go up there!"
The beautiful girl turned. "My name is Mandy. Mandy, not Amanda. Got that? Mandy." She repeated, "don't forget it." She said fiercely.
"I'm sorry Mandy." Solom started with a lie. He wasn't all that sorry, but he didn't like her attitude. "But," he continued. "You can't go up there."
"Yeah, actually I think I can. I was up there last night." She retorted.
"Yes," Solom was trying to remain in control, but he couldn't take much more of her sass. "But someone took you up there with them, did they not?" The inn keeper asked knowing quite well that the youthful perky girl had been up where the rooms were the previous night with none other than George.
"Yes, they did, but I believe George is expecting me," she smiled bitterly.
"He didn't tell me he would be having company today."
"Well...does he tell you everything?" She demanded.
Solom shrugged the comment off. It was too early in the afternoon to get riled up. "What's in the basket?"
"Minthros!!" She exclaimed. "I'm not a known felon or thief, and even if I was-wouldn't I fit in just perfectly here?"
"What's in the basket?" The stern old man persisted.
"Food!" She yelled. Then she regained her composure. "Lunch for George from Mistress Cooper. . . his `mother`. I promise on my life, that it's not poisoned."
"That's not funny." Solom warned. "Don't even joke about that. Many people would jump at an opportunity to kill the king. Threats to off George need to be take seriously especially when they come from people that haven't known the king that long. I take about teaching George a lesson now and then, but everyone knows that wouldn't happen. It couldn't happen. George would whip me into shape real quick."
"Well, I some how doubt that you need to be concerned when it's his fiancee we're talking about." She replied with stern defiance.
Solom laughed out loud. "I know George. George does not have a fiancee."
"He does now."
"That's horse manure. I've know George since he was a wee tot. He doesn't have a fiancee. And..." The man added. "Even if he did, which he doesn't mind you, it would be a dwarf lass like yourself."
"And why not?" Mandy demanded rather upset.
"Because, that's not the way George does things. He's too young to wed, but if he did he would tell all his closest friends before her even asked the gal, and it would be someone he's know for awhile. At least longer than a day."
"Well, people can surprise you, and it's not good to stereo type people. Maybe you don't know him as well as you though." Then Mandy paused wondering what to say or do next. She continued. "Besides, I can be a very persuasive person when I try."
"Well, that may be true." Solom replied. "But it ain't gonna have any affect on me, so don't even bother. Now, if you really want to see him, let me go upstairs and tell him you're here." Solom pleaded as he stepped out from behind the bar counter.
"NO! You've already wasted too much of my- our- mine and George's -time!" She said tersely. Before Solom could react further, Mandy raced up the stairs and continued up the creaky wooden steps and hall without a backward glance. Solom let her go. He was getting too old for this shit he decided. The innkeeper shook his head. Besides, he was sure George could defend himself against a small fifteen year old girl.
A/N: Hehe Haha Hoho Humhum! Never I repeat NEVER! underestimate the power of fifteen year old girls. Again, I have no idea where that come from. oh, I heard it through the Grape Vinr that Dee was reading this...so now I have this sinking feeling that the next time I see her... I'm gonna get my butt whiped! Oh ye of little faith. I can take her... no No that's where your wrong...NEway. I heard you're not supposed to change for anyone. Right? RIGHT? So I wont. I had a blast at camp bytheway... hot guys.. the whole deal-- Hehe...my dad keeps coming in here trying to see what I'm typing so I better go. Oh and if you REVIEW, like I know you will, cuz you're such good people, don't be surprised if you get an E-mail from me B- cuz I'm a lonley person well not really, but when I tell people about my writing they either think I'm weird, or want to read it...and I don't think I'm ready for people I know to read this and see their expressions. It's much easier to handle and face strangers on a computer screne...(don't you hate it when you completely go off and have a converstation with yourself? I do that often, have you noticed?)
Laugh Hard
Live Life
Be You
and SMILE BIG! (oh! I forgot one! REVIEW)
--(_x_) Lady Daffodil of Queenscove
