Chapter four--
"Oh, Alanna, hold still," Meganne commanded as she tightened the corset. Alanna gripped the vanity until her knuckles were white. Her teeth were clenched in a deathlock to keep her from crying out in pain.
"There! Good work Meganne," Lara congradulated. "Now Alanna, was this one better than the other one?" She was answered by a blank look from Alanna. Sighing, Lara fished a gown out of her trunk.
"Oh, Lara, it's beautiful!" Meganne complimented. Lara blushed and nodded toward Alanna.
"Let's see if it fits on Alanna."
"Oh! But Lara, YOU should wear it!" Meganne protested.
"Have you no pity for poor Alanna?" Lara reprimanded. Alanna rolled her eyes, for Lara and Meganne had developed a habit of talking about her as if she weren't there.
"Pity?" Meganne asked questioningly.
"Yes. Poor Alanna doesn't have any new gowns for the banquet tonight! She didn't come with us when we measured for ours, remember? Now Alanna, lift your arms please."
Obediently doing as she was told, Alanna uttered not a word as they tried dress after dress on her. She had too many other thoughts on her mind. Elijah, for one, and George, another. Her mind was snapped back to the present when she felt the crushing weight on her ribs lessen.
"Sorry, but we couldn't find a gown that befitted you," Lara said apologetically. "But we'll take you into market today."
"Yes," piped Meganne. "There's this wonderful seamstress that I know. I'm sure she'll be able to create a gown for you. Now, put this on, and let's go."
Alanna nodded absentmindedly as she threw on the simple afternoon gown and allowed herself to be led out of the room. Expertly blocking out the chatter of Lara and Meganne, her returned her focus to George. Was he some powerful sorcerer, having guessed her name so easily? Could he read minds? For the first time in her life, Alanna regretted her little knowledge of magic powers and her Gift. She'd always been afraid of it, afraid of herself. A thought struck her. Perhaps she could ask Elijah for information. He was, after all, an all-powerful mage. Or sorcerer. Or whatever he was. Alanna growled at her own stupidity. Ignorance was a nuisance, an handicap, as her father had often lectured her. Alanna was now determined to know more about the Gift, despite that she was terrified of it.
"Where are you lovely ladies going this afternoon?" Gary asked, falling in step with the three of them. Lara smiled and rested her arm on his.
"We're taking Alanna out to be fitted for a new gown for banquet tonight. Meganne knows the only seamstress who could finish it before then," Lara explained sweetly. Gary glanced at Alanna, who was deep in thought. She hadn't noticed that he had joined them.
"What do you think, ALANNA?" Gary asked, emphasizing her name. Alanna looked up sharply, shaken out of her brainstorming.
"Uh...oh, hi Gary." Over Lara's shoulder, she mouthed 'Save me.' Gary grinned devilishly.
"Would you ladies care if I escorted you to market?"
"Oh, NO. We'd be delighted," Meganne gushed, moving to hold onto his other arm. Alanna glared at him. She turned so that she was walking behind him. Stretching up, she hissed in his ear.
"What are you DOING??"
"Well, you have to look nice for banquet, Alanna," he said in a normal-tone voice. "In fact, I already have a gown in mind--creamy peach silk with apricot sash."
"Oh, Sir Gareth, you have vision indeed!" Meganne said happily. "It would be a lovely dress!"
"I'm not wearing any fruit," Alanna grumbled under her breath. Lara gave her a stern look.
"You've already worn a red dress, a violet gown, so we need another color that would compliment you. Sir Gareth is correct. A gown in such tones would illuminate your skin."
"Why don't I wear a fruit basket on my head as well," Alanna mumbled under her breath.
"Vanilla silk petticoats," Gary continued. "That can be seen because of pretty patterns cut into the gown, edged in pale pink lace."
""Tis gorgeous!" squealed Meganne enviously. "Too bad I already have a gown." Gary smiled charmingly at her, flashing perfect teeth.
"Oh, but Milady, the most exquisite gown in the world would pale in comparison to your dazzling beauty."
"What about me??" demanded Lara. "I have a gown already, but I could always get another one. Tell me, Sir Gareth, what sort of gown would compliment me the most?"
"Silver. Shimmering gray with silver thread, sheer gauzy sleeves, a low neckline. Black lace sewn into the skirt. No embroidery. All to match your PERFECT silver eyes."
"Oh, flatterer."
They entered the marketplace and Alanna immediately ducked away, merging into the crowd. Sure that Lara and Meganne would keep Gary occupied so that they would not notice her disappearance, she wandered down the blocks, looking at the stalls. In truth, Alanna was hurt at the attention and excessive flirting that Gary had shown to Lara and Meganne, though she'd never admit it. She was angry at him for not helping her in the first place, and dragging her along to market. Her fists clenched and she stabbed the street with every step.
A strange stone caught her eye and she fingered it.
"Black ice," said the owner of the stall. "Very rare, but it's almost worthless because it's ugly."
"How much?" Alanna asked curiously. She'd heard of Black Ice before, but never actually seen it.
"Eh...just a coin or two."
Alanna gave the man a copper coin and brought the Black Ice closer to her face. It looked just like a fragment of coal, with a thin layer of clear rock around it. She slipped it into her pocket and continued looking over the stalls.
Alanna soon found herself in a old section of Corus. The buildings here were older, and some looked ready to crumble at any given moment. There were less people here, though, which Alanna liked. The items for sale were also more interesting, such as old antiques and special potions. On impulse, she purchased a charm that guaranteed her everlasting health, though she didn't believe it. Haggling for prices here was harder, but she managed to pry away a vintage lamp from an old lady for only three copper coins. When she glanced up again, she was standing before a building with a round sign that read: "Dancing Dove Inn."
Alanna stood there for a long time, remembering George and trying to decide if she should step inside. She didn't trust the man, especially the fact that he had the Gift. Finally, Alanna had about made up her mind to enter when someone tapped her on the shoulder. She whirled around.
"Why so jumpy?" Gary asked. "We've been all over for you. Luckily, we already had your measurements, so Meganne put in the order for the gown."
Alanna glared at him and didn't say anything. She instead stepped forward, walking into the inn. Gary grabbed her shoulder and pulled her back roughly. Alanna shrugged her shoulder to loose herself from his grip and faced him.
"That hurt!"
"I wouldn't go in there if I were you," Gary warned. "It doesn't look safe."
"Don't tell me what I can or can't do!" snapped Alanna irritably. "Besides, I can look out for myself."
"Well, you should stay out of this part of town. It's full of thieves. Come on, we better start going back," Gary said reasonably.
"Ohhh, worried about Lara and Meganne? If I were you, I wouldn't bother."
"You wouldn't bother what?"
"I wouldn't bother trying. None of the ladies would even give you a second thought, Gary. Face it--they all want the prince. They want to be queen someday. You are nothing to them," Alanna spat, her anger and hurt making her nasty.
Gary was silent.
"You spend ALL of your time wooing after ladies that have NO interest in you in the first place! You can flirt with them all you want, but it won't make a difference!"
Silence.
"Well? Are you just going to stand there like the idiot that you are?? Say something!"
"This is about the gown isn't it? Peach isn't you color."
"WHAT gown? No, GARY it's not about that!"
"Look, Alanna, it was just a joke. I know you're mad at me because I didn't take your side, but you do need a new gown. Don't take everything so seriously. It's not healthy."
Alanna gaped at him, aghast.
"What?" asked Gary.
"You...you--I...you're not mad at me?"
"Mad at you for what?" Gary asked quizically. "I thought you're the one that's upset."
"I just said some of the meanest things I could think of, and you didn't even get the least bit upset."
"Oh, so those were the cruelest insults you could think up? Alanna, I'm disappointed."
Alanna laughed sharply and hugged Gary.
"Thanks. You really are perfect. I'm sorry about what I said. You're right, I was just mad at you because you had to drag me out here for a dress, and...and..."
"And what?"
"And what you said to Meganne and Lara," Alanna mumbled.
"Alanna!" Gary said in mock-shock. "Are you...JEALOUS?"
"What? Who me? Jealous?? No, of course not!"
They laughed heartily together, the damage repaired.
-------------------------------------------------
Thank you guys SOOOOO much for your reviews! I checked for them first thing this morning, and I was ECSTATIC when I found I had 10, and knew that I had to award you pronto.
Before you start ratting on me about how this is a bad chapter, let me first explain the purpose of it: So far, you knew nothing about Lara and Meganne, and I wanted you to know them better in case they become important later on. Also, I wanted to show the depth of Gary's friendship, and other sides of his personality. I ALSO wanted to show Alanna's feelings for Gary. She's not romantic toward him, but naturally jealous when she sees him flirt and flatter other ladies. Because he's the first real friend she'd had, she tends to be possessive of him, too, and somewhat feels that because SHE doesn't have any other friends, neither should he, which is kind of why she's hurt when he takes interest in Meganne and Lara. ARG. I am so bad at explaining this!! Just ask a psychiatrist if you're still confused.
And this chapter was pretty much eventless because it's a bridge chapter between semi-important events. So, if you thought this chp was boring, the next one should be better.
I'll answer all your questions at the top of the next chapter. Or the bottom. Wherever the mood hits me to put it.
"Oh, Alanna, hold still," Meganne commanded as she tightened the corset. Alanna gripped the vanity until her knuckles were white. Her teeth were clenched in a deathlock to keep her from crying out in pain.
"There! Good work Meganne," Lara congradulated. "Now Alanna, was this one better than the other one?" She was answered by a blank look from Alanna. Sighing, Lara fished a gown out of her trunk.
"Oh, Lara, it's beautiful!" Meganne complimented. Lara blushed and nodded toward Alanna.
"Let's see if it fits on Alanna."
"Oh! But Lara, YOU should wear it!" Meganne protested.
"Have you no pity for poor Alanna?" Lara reprimanded. Alanna rolled her eyes, for Lara and Meganne had developed a habit of talking about her as if she weren't there.
"Pity?" Meganne asked questioningly.
"Yes. Poor Alanna doesn't have any new gowns for the banquet tonight! She didn't come with us when we measured for ours, remember? Now Alanna, lift your arms please."
Obediently doing as she was told, Alanna uttered not a word as they tried dress after dress on her. She had too many other thoughts on her mind. Elijah, for one, and George, another. Her mind was snapped back to the present when she felt the crushing weight on her ribs lessen.
"Sorry, but we couldn't find a gown that befitted you," Lara said apologetically. "But we'll take you into market today."
"Yes," piped Meganne. "There's this wonderful seamstress that I know. I'm sure she'll be able to create a gown for you. Now, put this on, and let's go."
Alanna nodded absentmindedly as she threw on the simple afternoon gown and allowed herself to be led out of the room. Expertly blocking out the chatter of Lara and Meganne, her returned her focus to George. Was he some powerful sorcerer, having guessed her name so easily? Could he read minds? For the first time in her life, Alanna regretted her little knowledge of magic powers and her Gift. She'd always been afraid of it, afraid of herself. A thought struck her. Perhaps she could ask Elijah for information. He was, after all, an all-powerful mage. Or sorcerer. Or whatever he was. Alanna growled at her own stupidity. Ignorance was a nuisance, an handicap, as her father had often lectured her. Alanna was now determined to know more about the Gift, despite that she was terrified of it.
"Where are you lovely ladies going this afternoon?" Gary asked, falling in step with the three of them. Lara smiled and rested her arm on his.
"We're taking Alanna out to be fitted for a new gown for banquet tonight. Meganne knows the only seamstress who could finish it before then," Lara explained sweetly. Gary glanced at Alanna, who was deep in thought. She hadn't noticed that he had joined them.
"What do you think, ALANNA?" Gary asked, emphasizing her name. Alanna looked up sharply, shaken out of her brainstorming.
"Uh...oh, hi Gary." Over Lara's shoulder, she mouthed 'Save me.' Gary grinned devilishly.
"Would you ladies care if I escorted you to market?"
"Oh, NO. We'd be delighted," Meganne gushed, moving to hold onto his other arm. Alanna glared at him. She turned so that she was walking behind him. Stretching up, she hissed in his ear.
"What are you DOING??"
"Well, you have to look nice for banquet, Alanna," he said in a normal-tone voice. "In fact, I already have a gown in mind--creamy peach silk with apricot sash."
"Oh, Sir Gareth, you have vision indeed!" Meganne said happily. "It would be a lovely dress!"
"I'm not wearing any fruit," Alanna grumbled under her breath. Lara gave her a stern look.
"You've already worn a red dress, a violet gown, so we need another color that would compliment you. Sir Gareth is correct. A gown in such tones would illuminate your skin."
"Why don't I wear a fruit basket on my head as well," Alanna mumbled under her breath.
"Vanilla silk petticoats," Gary continued. "That can be seen because of pretty patterns cut into the gown, edged in pale pink lace."
""Tis gorgeous!" squealed Meganne enviously. "Too bad I already have a gown." Gary smiled charmingly at her, flashing perfect teeth.
"Oh, but Milady, the most exquisite gown in the world would pale in comparison to your dazzling beauty."
"What about me??" demanded Lara. "I have a gown already, but I could always get another one. Tell me, Sir Gareth, what sort of gown would compliment me the most?"
"Silver. Shimmering gray with silver thread, sheer gauzy sleeves, a low neckline. Black lace sewn into the skirt. No embroidery. All to match your PERFECT silver eyes."
"Oh, flatterer."
They entered the marketplace and Alanna immediately ducked away, merging into the crowd. Sure that Lara and Meganne would keep Gary occupied so that they would not notice her disappearance, she wandered down the blocks, looking at the stalls. In truth, Alanna was hurt at the attention and excessive flirting that Gary had shown to Lara and Meganne, though she'd never admit it. She was angry at him for not helping her in the first place, and dragging her along to market. Her fists clenched and she stabbed the street with every step.
A strange stone caught her eye and she fingered it.
"Black ice," said the owner of the stall. "Very rare, but it's almost worthless because it's ugly."
"How much?" Alanna asked curiously. She'd heard of Black Ice before, but never actually seen it.
"Eh...just a coin or two."
Alanna gave the man a copper coin and brought the Black Ice closer to her face. It looked just like a fragment of coal, with a thin layer of clear rock around it. She slipped it into her pocket and continued looking over the stalls.
Alanna soon found herself in a old section of Corus. The buildings here were older, and some looked ready to crumble at any given moment. There were less people here, though, which Alanna liked. The items for sale were also more interesting, such as old antiques and special potions. On impulse, she purchased a charm that guaranteed her everlasting health, though she didn't believe it. Haggling for prices here was harder, but she managed to pry away a vintage lamp from an old lady for only three copper coins. When she glanced up again, she was standing before a building with a round sign that read: "Dancing Dove Inn."
Alanna stood there for a long time, remembering George and trying to decide if she should step inside. She didn't trust the man, especially the fact that he had the Gift. Finally, Alanna had about made up her mind to enter when someone tapped her on the shoulder. She whirled around.
"Why so jumpy?" Gary asked. "We've been all over for you. Luckily, we already had your measurements, so Meganne put in the order for the gown."
Alanna glared at him and didn't say anything. She instead stepped forward, walking into the inn. Gary grabbed her shoulder and pulled her back roughly. Alanna shrugged her shoulder to loose herself from his grip and faced him.
"That hurt!"
"I wouldn't go in there if I were you," Gary warned. "It doesn't look safe."
"Don't tell me what I can or can't do!" snapped Alanna irritably. "Besides, I can look out for myself."
"Well, you should stay out of this part of town. It's full of thieves. Come on, we better start going back," Gary said reasonably.
"Ohhh, worried about Lara and Meganne? If I were you, I wouldn't bother."
"You wouldn't bother what?"
"I wouldn't bother trying. None of the ladies would even give you a second thought, Gary. Face it--they all want the prince. They want to be queen someday. You are nothing to them," Alanna spat, her anger and hurt making her nasty.
Gary was silent.
"You spend ALL of your time wooing after ladies that have NO interest in you in the first place! You can flirt with them all you want, but it won't make a difference!"
Silence.
"Well? Are you just going to stand there like the idiot that you are?? Say something!"
"This is about the gown isn't it? Peach isn't you color."
"WHAT gown? No, GARY it's not about that!"
"Look, Alanna, it was just a joke. I know you're mad at me because I didn't take your side, but you do need a new gown. Don't take everything so seriously. It's not healthy."
Alanna gaped at him, aghast.
"What?" asked Gary.
"You...you--I...you're not mad at me?"
"Mad at you for what?" Gary asked quizically. "I thought you're the one that's upset."
"I just said some of the meanest things I could think of, and you didn't even get the least bit upset."
"Oh, so those were the cruelest insults you could think up? Alanna, I'm disappointed."
Alanna laughed sharply and hugged Gary.
"Thanks. You really are perfect. I'm sorry about what I said. You're right, I was just mad at you because you had to drag me out here for a dress, and...and..."
"And what?"
"And what you said to Meganne and Lara," Alanna mumbled.
"Alanna!" Gary said in mock-shock. "Are you...JEALOUS?"
"What? Who me? Jealous?? No, of course not!"
They laughed heartily together, the damage repaired.
-------------------------------------------------
Thank you guys SOOOOO much for your reviews! I checked for them first thing this morning, and I was ECSTATIC when I found I had 10, and knew that I had to award you pronto.
Before you start ratting on me about how this is a bad chapter, let me first explain the purpose of it: So far, you knew nothing about Lara and Meganne, and I wanted you to know them better in case they become important later on. Also, I wanted to show the depth of Gary's friendship, and other sides of his personality. I ALSO wanted to show Alanna's feelings for Gary. She's not romantic toward him, but naturally jealous when she sees him flirt and flatter other ladies. Because he's the first real friend she'd had, she tends to be possessive of him, too, and somewhat feels that because SHE doesn't have any other friends, neither should he, which is kind of why she's hurt when he takes interest in Meganne and Lara. ARG. I am so bad at explaining this!! Just ask a psychiatrist if you're still confused.
And this chapter was pretty much eventless because it's a bridge chapter between semi-important events. So, if you thought this chp was boring, the next one should be better.
I'll answer all your questions at the top of the next chapter. Or the bottom. Wherever the mood hits me to put it.