To:
Dragon Girl: Aww!! I liked the butcher's knife better! And yeah, waiting for the Two Towers is killing me slowly, a long and painful death.
AerinBrown: Yeah, cuz at the moment, fallin' in luv with George wouldn't make sense cuz he doesn't know her well enough. I'm still thinkin' on it though!
Galadriel Greenleaf: Go you! See, I WOULD do a LOTR ff, except that I'm afraid that I'd totally screw it up. See, I only saw the movie, cuz I read half the book and decided it was too boring and stretched-out (no offense to anyone!!) whereas the movie was prefectly well-paced.
Ladyluck: Yep. Completely and utterly addicted to LOTR. For the past months, it was Star Wars, then it was Tammy, and now it's LOTR. I think about it every waking moment. GRRR.
White-wolf: WHERE IS YOUR NEWEST CHAPTER???????? If you don't write one soon I'lll.....I'lll.....I'll not post anymore of MY chapters. Wait. I take that back. Damn, I'm no good at blackmailing. You get the idea. POST.
Karina, bblond07, crown, and everyone else: Your reviews are like food to a starving person!!
AN: The obsession continues. LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR!!!!!!!!!! Just to give you an idea of how obsessed I am!!!!
-----
Ok. On to THIS story!!!
Oh, one more note: I don't do disclaimers cuz, DUH I don't own any of this!!! That's why it's on a FANFIC site, not a printed book! *rolls eyes* However, if you really want me to, I can start doin' disclaimers. Anyone??
Chapter eleven--
George. For some reason, every moment of that next day and the evening before were consumed with thoughts of the thief. Alanna had, after all, no reason to be loyal to him. She should just turn him in to the Lord Provost, like she was supposed to. She'd already set out to do just that when her conscience got the better of her. He had, after all, trusted her. According to honor, she shouldn't betray his trust. With these thoughts, she wandered around the palace. At last, Alanna decided that she wouldn't tell for now, if only so she could learn more of his secrets.
When she bothered to look up again, she saw that her feet had taken her quite a distance. A ruddy-haired stranger was performing strange moves in the courts. There were a few people scattered around, admiring him. The man kicked out and punched at invisible opponents. Even to her untrained eye, Alanna could see the strength and technique in every move, the control and discipline that must have taken years to develop. She was transfixed by his fluid movements. He was so focused, so presise!
So intranced by his movements was she that it seemed to be only a few seconds before he stopped and wiped the sweat off his forhead. Alanna rushed forward instantly before anyone else could.
"You're--good!" Alanna breathed for lack of better things to say. The stranger smiled.
"Thank you."
"Where did you learn all of that?"
"I am a Shang Warrior," he explained simply. Alanna glanced around and saw that everyone else had already scattered.
"Could you--do you think you could teach me?" It was almost a whisper. Carefully she willed her heart not to grow too hopeful. Disappointment was never something that she was good at accepting.
The stranger cocked his head to the side, looking over her quizzically. Alanna clenched and unclenched her fists in anticipation.
"I know I'm not much to look at," she admitted, "but I would work hard, I really would!"
"I'm sure you would," the man said kindly, "but why would you want to learn the ways of the Shang?"
"You don't have to teach me much," Alanna said quickly. "Just a few basic things, or some useful tricks."
"Well, you're a bit too old to start," the stranger said slowly. Alanna slumped. She couldn't argue with that. After all, that's exactly what she'd said to Gary not too long ago.
"You're right," she said at last. She'd half turned when the man placed a large hand on her shoulder.
"But if you really insist," he began slowly, "meet me here tomorrow."
"When?" Alanna asked eagerly. The man chuckled.
"If you are as earnest as you say, you will figure it out."
Alanna puzzled over his words, watching him collect his belongings and leave. Then she shrugged. She'd just show up as early as she could and wait for him. Nearly humming to herself, she played his moves over in her head and imagined herself doing them.
"Who needs to be a knight when I could just be a Shang Warrior?" she murmured under her breath.
-----------------------------------------------
"He's called the Wolf," Alex explained irritably as she stretched. He frowned at her atttire, boy's breeches, a simple tunic, and thin shirt. Somehow it didn't surprise him, though he was curious as to how she'd obtained them.
"The Wolf," she repeated. "What would that make me? The Cub?"
"You're doing that wrong," Alex pointed out as she attempted to twist her body into an opposing position. She glared at him.
"You didn't have to come, you know Ander," she pointed out. Alex winced at the nickname, and Alanna sneered, mission accomplished.
"How could I stay in bed when I had the chance to see you fall flat on your face?" Alex muttered under his breath. Bending over, Alanna chose to ignore the comment.
"Admit it, you're here because you're just as curious as I am."
"And if I am?" Alex prodded.
"Then you have no right to complain," Alanna finished.
"It's two hours before dawn. I have every right to complain," Alex said pointedly.
"You sound so much like Gary."
"Oh, so he gets to be called 'Gary' whilst I have 'Ander?'"
"That's what you deserve," Alanna called cheerfully. Alex suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. For some reason, being around Alanna made him seem to loose his usually cool calm and resort to childish habits that he had long ago discarded. He didn't like this feeling and shifted on his feet.
"There he is!" Alanna breathed. Alex glanced around and saw the Shang warrior smile merrily at them from a distance. Grumbling at how refreshed the Wolf looked, he nodded an aknowledgment.
"So, there are two of you," he said as he approached. "Ah, Master Alexander."
Alanna glanced from him and then to Alex in surprise. Clearly enjoying Alanna's confusement, Alex bowed in return.
"I'm accompanying Firetop. I feel quite confident that you will tutor her as well as you did Jon."
"'Firetop?' Strange yet so common. Firetop you shall be called then," he said to Alanna.
"No!" Alanna protested. "I--" The Wolf waved his hand dismissively.
"We cannot waste time with such trivialities. We must begin immediately."
Alex grinned wickedly as Alanna fought the urge to throttle him. She contented herself with the thought that if she paid attention, she could later give him a sound thrashing.
In the morning that followed, the Wolf taught her the simplest elements of hand-fighting. Alanna was given many an oppurtunity to punch at Alex, but much to her dismay, he blocked every one with expertise. Afterward, she was to practice blocking as Alex swung at her. He managed to sock her eye, though by accident or intentionally none of the onlookers could tell, for many had gathered. Ignoring people was a talent Alanna had developed, so she was able to block them out.
After her eye was swelling, her punches faltered a little. The Wolf spent more time correcting her stance, guiding her arm through the air, adjusting her fists. Finally she was able to execute a solid punch. It nicked Alex in the chin, who gave her a sour look. Before Alanna could celebrate, however, the Wolf was telling her to ready herself for Alex's attack. She was determined not to allow him a another connection to her face, but it seemed almost as if the harder she tried, the easier it was for Alex. At last, in frustration, she threw a punch at the Wolf. He held her fist steadily and raised an eyebrow.
"It's no use!" Alanna burst. "I'm trying, I really am, but--"
"You're trying too hard," the Wolf explain. "You're overthinking, overanalyzing so that you're not seeing things clearly." He offered her a kind smile. "I used to do the same. Don't overanticipate everything. Improvise a little. Use your gut instincts. Watch for a pattern in his attack. There usually is one."
After several deep breaths, Alanna faced Alex again. She tried to do as the Wolf told her. Sure enough, she saw that there was a pattern to Alex's punches. Right, upward from the left, left, upward from the right, left, upward from the right, right, upward from the left, left, and so on. Soon she was blocking them effectively. Alanna even saw the slight twitch of his neck (it was barely there, but she saw it) when he changed his pattern of attack, and she was ready for it. The Wolf watched them with approval.
Next followed other forms of punches. How to execute them, how to predict them, and even small tricks that the Wolf had picked up over the years. By the time the sun was high overhead, Alanna was covered in sweat. Short strands of hair had fallen out of the already-messy braid. All in all, she looked as if a tornado had just blown past her. A very large crowd was surrounding them and, noticing them for the first time, Alanna was thoroughly annoyed. Now her secret was out at last. She was learning the fighting arts instead of searching for a husband. Wonderous, she thought bitterly. Just what the First Daughter wants to hear.
"Thank you for the lesson. See you tomorrow," Alanna murmured before pushing her way through the crowd. "Move, don't gawk. There's nothing to see. I'm trying to walk here!"
"She's like that," Alex told the Wolf apologetically. "Do forgive her." The tall man shook his head and chuckled.
"What for? She's done nothing wrong. Rather, she's a good student. Determined and hungering to learn, the perfect traits in a student." Here he frowned. "Though she does grow frustrated and quit easily. Those characteristics could use improvement."
"Yes, she is quite hot-tempered. 'Firetop' seems even more appropriate."
The two men shared a good laugh. Soon the curious crowd pressed the Shang with questions, allowing Alex to slip away. As he did, he rubbed his chin, thinking long and hard about Alanna. They say that your friends shape who you are, and indeed Alex's curiousity was carved to a shocking similarity of Gary's, for he felt the same need to puzzle Alanna out, as if she were the greatest mystery in the world. Quickly, he bounded after her.
---------------------------------------------------
So, what'dya think??? Short, I know. But what'd you expect for such a quick update, huh? But come on, I posted ONE DAY LATER. That's a good thing, right?? Well unfortunately for you, the next one won't be so quick. (I think.)
90 reviews. Much more than I ever dreamed I could have!!! (Though pretty pathetic compared to everyone else, but hey, I'm not complaining!)
I don't really know what I'm gonna do next though. I'm kinda....uh.....stuck. I think I might introduce Roger next. Maybe not. But sometime soon, very soon.
And I don't really know where the story is going to go from here, but I figured out who I want Alanna to fall in love with!!! *Does crazy lil' dance* Yep, I do. *frowns* Or maybe I don't.
WAIT!!!!! I remember now!!!! Ok: coming up---Delia and Gary and maybe Raoul too come back from the desert. WHAT HAPPENED??? Wait and see.
LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR
*SIGH*
Anybody notice how obsessed with LOTR I am??? *Sighs* I miss seeing Frodo's face, Aragorn's....aragorn-y-ness, Pippin's cute accent, Legolas's hotness (yep-yep!! *Swoons and sighs*), and Gimli's funny dwarfness, and I even miss Sam's sweet loyalty, and Merry's....merry attitude?? ARG. Here I am, contemplating what's going to happen in the Two Towers (because I purposely didn't read the book cuz I didn't wanna spoil the movie, which I find more interesting, no offense!!!!)
Anybody notice that I changed my bio?? It now fits my LOTR-obsessed mood. hehe
Dragon Girl: Aww!! I liked the butcher's knife better! And yeah, waiting for the Two Towers is killing me slowly, a long and painful death.
AerinBrown: Yeah, cuz at the moment, fallin' in luv with George wouldn't make sense cuz he doesn't know her well enough. I'm still thinkin' on it though!
Galadriel Greenleaf: Go you! See, I WOULD do a LOTR ff, except that I'm afraid that I'd totally screw it up. See, I only saw the movie, cuz I read half the book and decided it was too boring and stretched-out (no offense to anyone!!) whereas the movie was prefectly well-paced.
Ladyluck: Yep. Completely and utterly addicted to LOTR. For the past months, it was Star Wars, then it was Tammy, and now it's LOTR. I think about it every waking moment. GRRR.
White-wolf: WHERE IS YOUR NEWEST CHAPTER???????? If you don't write one soon I'lll.....I'lll.....I'll not post anymore of MY chapters. Wait. I take that back. Damn, I'm no good at blackmailing. You get the idea. POST.
Karina, bblond07, crown, and everyone else: Your reviews are like food to a starving person!!
AN: The obsession continues. LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR!!!!!!!!!! Just to give you an idea of how obsessed I am!!!!
-----
Ok. On to THIS story!!!
Oh, one more note: I don't do disclaimers cuz, DUH I don't own any of this!!! That's why it's on a FANFIC site, not a printed book! *rolls eyes* However, if you really want me to, I can start doin' disclaimers. Anyone??
Chapter eleven--
George. For some reason, every moment of that next day and the evening before were consumed with thoughts of the thief. Alanna had, after all, no reason to be loyal to him. She should just turn him in to the Lord Provost, like she was supposed to. She'd already set out to do just that when her conscience got the better of her. He had, after all, trusted her. According to honor, she shouldn't betray his trust. With these thoughts, she wandered around the palace. At last, Alanna decided that she wouldn't tell for now, if only so she could learn more of his secrets.
When she bothered to look up again, she saw that her feet had taken her quite a distance. A ruddy-haired stranger was performing strange moves in the courts. There were a few people scattered around, admiring him. The man kicked out and punched at invisible opponents. Even to her untrained eye, Alanna could see the strength and technique in every move, the control and discipline that must have taken years to develop. She was transfixed by his fluid movements. He was so focused, so presise!
So intranced by his movements was she that it seemed to be only a few seconds before he stopped and wiped the sweat off his forhead. Alanna rushed forward instantly before anyone else could.
"You're--good!" Alanna breathed for lack of better things to say. The stranger smiled.
"Thank you."
"Where did you learn all of that?"
"I am a Shang Warrior," he explained simply. Alanna glanced around and saw that everyone else had already scattered.
"Could you--do you think you could teach me?" It was almost a whisper. Carefully she willed her heart not to grow too hopeful. Disappointment was never something that she was good at accepting.
The stranger cocked his head to the side, looking over her quizzically. Alanna clenched and unclenched her fists in anticipation.
"I know I'm not much to look at," she admitted, "but I would work hard, I really would!"
"I'm sure you would," the man said kindly, "but why would you want to learn the ways of the Shang?"
"You don't have to teach me much," Alanna said quickly. "Just a few basic things, or some useful tricks."
"Well, you're a bit too old to start," the stranger said slowly. Alanna slumped. She couldn't argue with that. After all, that's exactly what she'd said to Gary not too long ago.
"You're right," she said at last. She'd half turned when the man placed a large hand on her shoulder.
"But if you really insist," he began slowly, "meet me here tomorrow."
"When?" Alanna asked eagerly. The man chuckled.
"If you are as earnest as you say, you will figure it out."
Alanna puzzled over his words, watching him collect his belongings and leave. Then she shrugged. She'd just show up as early as she could and wait for him. Nearly humming to herself, she played his moves over in her head and imagined herself doing them.
"Who needs to be a knight when I could just be a Shang Warrior?" she murmured under her breath.
-----------------------------------------------
"He's called the Wolf," Alex explained irritably as she stretched. He frowned at her atttire, boy's breeches, a simple tunic, and thin shirt. Somehow it didn't surprise him, though he was curious as to how she'd obtained them.
"The Wolf," she repeated. "What would that make me? The Cub?"
"You're doing that wrong," Alex pointed out as she attempted to twist her body into an opposing position. She glared at him.
"You didn't have to come, you know Ander," she pointed out. Alex winced at the nickname, and Alanna sneered, mission accomplished.
"How could I stay in bed when I had the chance to see you fall flat on your face?" Alex muttered under his breath. Bending over, Alanna chose to ignore the comment.
"Admit it, you're here because you're just as curious as I am."
"And if I am?" Alex prodded.
"Then you have no right to complain," Alanna finished.
"It's two hours before dawn. I have every right to complain," Alex said pointedly.
"You sound so much like Gary."
"Oh, so he gets to be called 'Gary' whilst I have 'Ander?'"
"That's what you deserve," Alanna called cheerfully. Alex suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. For some reason, being around Alanna made him seem to loose his usually cool calm and resort to childish habits that he had long ago discarded. He didn't like this feeling and shifted on his feet.
"There he is!" Alanna breathed. Alex glanced around and saw the Shang warrior smile merrily at them from a distance. Grumbling at how refreshed the Wolf looked, he nodded an aknowledgment.
"So, there are two of you," he said as he approached. "Ah, Master Alexander."
Alanna glanced from him and then to Alex in surprise. Clearly enjoying Alanna's confusement, Alex bowed in return.
"I'm accompanying Firetop. I feel quite confident that you will tutor her as well as you did Jon."
"'Firetop?' Strange yet so common. Firetop you shall be called then," he said to Alanna.
"No!" Alanna protested. "I--" The Wolf waved his hand dismissively.
"We cannot waste time with such trivialities. We must begin immediately."
Alex grinned wickedly as Alanna fought the urge to throttle him. She contented herself with the thought that if she paid attention, she could later give him a sound thrashing.
In the morning that followed, the Wolf taught her the simplest elements of hand-fighting. Alanna was given many an oppurtunity to punch at Alex, but much to her dismay, he blocked every one with expertise. Afterward, she was to practice blocking as Alex swung at her. He managed to sock her eye, though by accident or intentionally none of the onlookers could tell, for many had gathered. Ignoring people was a talent Alanna had developed, so she was able to block them out.
After her eye was swelling, her punches faltered a little. The Wolf spent more time correcting her stance, guiding her arm through the air, adjusting her fists. Finally she was able to execute a solid punch. It nicked Alex in the chin, who gave her a sour look. Before Alanna could celebrate, however, the Wolf was telling her to ready herself for Alex's attack. She was determined not to allow him a another connection to her face, but it seemed almost as if the harder she tried, the easier it was for Alex. At last, in frustration, she threw a punch at the Wolf. He held her fist steadily and raised an eyebrow.
"It's no use!" Alanna burst. "I'm trying, I really am, but--"
"You're trying too hard," the Wolf explain. "You're overthinking, overanalyzing so that you're not seeing things clearly." He offered her a kind smile. "I used to do the same. Don't overanticipate everything. Improvise a little. Use your gut instincts. Watch for a pattern in his attack. There usually is one."
After several deep breaths, Alanna faced Alex again. She tried to do as the Wolf told her. Sure enough, she saw that there was a pattern to Alex's punches. Right, upward from the left, left, upward from the right, left, upward from the right, right, upward from the left, left, and so on. Soon she was blocking them effectively. Alanna even saw the slight twitch of his neck (it was barely there, but she saw it) when he changed his pattern of attack, and she was ready for it. The Wolf watched them with approval.
Next followed other forms of punches. How to execute them, how to predict them, and even small tricks that the Wolf had picked up over the years. By the time the sun was high overhead, Alanna was covered in sweat. Short strands of hair had fallen out of the already-messy braid. All in all, she looked as if a tornado had just blown past her. A very large crowd was surrounding them and, noticing them for the first time, Alanna was thoroughly annoyed. Now her secret was out at last. She was learning the fighting arts instead of searching for a husband. Wonderous, she thought bitterly. Just what the First Daughter wants to hear.
"Thank you for the lesson. See you tomorrow," Alanna murmured before pushing her way through the crowd. "Move, don't gawk. There's nothing to see. I'm trying to walk here!"
"She's like that," Alex told the Wolf apologetically. "Do forgive her." The tall man shook his head and chuckled.
"What for? She's done nothing wrong. Rather, she's a good student. Determined and hungering to learn, the perfect traits in a student." Here he frowned. "Though she does grow frustrated and quit easily. Those characteristics could use improvement."
"Yes, she is quite hot-tempered. 'Firetop' seems even more appropriate."
The two men shared a good laugh. Soon the curious crowd pressed the Shang with questions, allowing Alex to slip away. As he did, he rubbed his chin, thinking long and hard about Alanna. They say that your friends shape who you are, and indeed Alex's curiousity was carved to a shocking similarity of Gary's, for he felt the same need to puzzle Alanna out, as if she were the greatest mystery in the world. Quickly, he bounded after her.
---------------------------------------------------
So, what'dya think??? Short, I know. But what'd you expect for such a quick update, huh? But come on, I posted ONE DAY LATER. That's a good thing, right?? Well unfortunately for you, the next one won't be so quick. (I think.)
90 reviews. Much more than I ever dreamed I could have!!! (Though pretty pathetic compared to everyone else, but hey, I'm not complaining!)
I don't really know what I'm gonna do next though. I'm kinda....uh.....stuck. I think I might introduce Roger next. Maybe not. But sometime soon, very soon.
And I don't really know where the story is going to go from here, but I figured out who I want Alanna to fall in love with!!! *Does crazy lil' dance* Yep, I do. *frowns* Or maybe I don't.
WAIT!!!!! I remember now!!!! Ok: coming up---Delia and Gary and maybe Raoul too come back from the desert. WHAT HAPPENED??? Wait and see.
LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR LOTR
*SIGH*
Anybody notice how obsessed with LOTR I am??? *Sighs* I miss seeing Frodo's face, Aragorn's....aragorn-y-ness, Pippin's cute accent, Legolas's hotness (yep-yep!! *Swoons and sighs*), and Gimli's funny dwarfness, and I even miss Sam's sweet loyalty, and Merry's....merry attitude?? ARG. Here I am, contemplating what's going to happen in the Two Towers (because I purposely didn't read the book cuz I didn't wanna spoil the movie, which I find more interesting, no offense!!!!)
Anybody notice that I changed my bio?? It now fits my LOTR-obsessed mood. hehe