To:
AerinBrown: *Shrieks* OMG--I SOO agree! I mean, Orlando Bloom (that's his name) looks much better with the wig. I like the wig, too! I thought that nobody agreed with me, cuz everyone was like "His hair's all curly and cute!" and I'm like...."Uh -un!" So yay! Somebody agrees with me!!
Lady Tarillyn: Your review for chp. 10 didn't work. You're right, making Alex evil wouldn't be good for Alanna's mental health. That doesn't mean I might not do it, though. And besides, as of right now, she's not attached to Alex or anything, so it would only be a tiny betrayal. See, none of my friends have read 2 Towers yet, cuz most of them dislike LOTR or are indifferent (You are SOOOOOO lucky that your friends support your LOTR obsessivism!!!) so no chance of them spilling anything for me! If you check on lordoftherings.net (which has very nice backgrounds, btw), it just says "Christmas 2002" and I don't really think it'll be out on Christmas Day. The ONE friend I have who loves LOTR is gonna throw a Christmas party and we'll go see LOTR together--yay!
And about the Gary thing--thanks for pointin' that out.
White-Wolf: *Gasps* You mean that threat would've WORKED????? Ohhhhh......
Well, two chapters are a good thing. Very happy, yep yep.
And big big bummer 4 U.
Dragon Girl: Hmmm....can you think of something other than a butcher's knife? How about a chainsaw?
smileypal4eva: It's just that the more I think about something, the more I begin to like it. When I first saw LOTR, i was like "yeah that was pretty good." Now I'm like, "I LUUUUUVVVVVVEEEEEDDDDDD IT!!!!!!" See? I'm like that with pretty much everything. After I read a book or watch a movie, ask me a few days later, and my respsonse will be much more positive.
LOTR IS SO COOL.
LEGOLAS IS SO HOT *AND* COOL.
AMEN.
Ladyluck: LORD OF THE RINGS!!!!! My prrreciousssss.
bblond07: I bet I'm more obsessed than you!!!! LORD OF THE RINGS LORD OF THE RINGS LORD OF THE RINGS LORD OF THE RINGS LORD OF THE RINGS LORD OF THE RINGS LORD OF THE RINGS LORD OF THE RINGS LORD OF THE RINGS LORD OF THE RINGS LORD OF THE RINGS LORD OF THE RINGS LORD OF THE RINGS LORD OF THE RINGS LORD OF THE RINGS LORD OF THE RINGS LORD OF THE RINGS LORD OF THE RINGS LORD OF THE RINGS LORD OF THE RINGS LORD OF THE RINGS LORD OF THE RINGS
Hah!
Everyone else: Luv y'all! 97 reviews--woo-hoo! Go me! You have no ideas how much this means to me. *starts tearing up*
------
AN:(9/1) *Sighs* LOTR! Sorry if my moaning is killing you guys--I can't help it!!
Anyway, I suddenly thought of an ending to this story. It's the least-complicated way to end the story (right now this story looks like it might be VERY LONGGGGG), but most of you probably won't like it, and it'd make Alanna look bad and unfaithful. So, most likely, I reserve this genius ending for a story where it will be appreciated! We're back at square one.
AN:(9/2) YAY!!! Due to my insistent ranting about LOTR, my good friend Vicky, who used to dislike it, has caught my contagious obsession and now also can't wait until the 2 towers comes out. Woo-hoo! *frowns* now if only I could get her to read TP.
AN: (9/7) Sorry guys that i took so long to update, but I've had tons of homework. Three big tests next week, so don't hold your breath for a new chap. For once, it's not writer's block. I've already got the next chapter idea.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter twelve--
Jonathan of Conte glared at his fiancee. She met his blue eyes with her green ones, chin pushed forward and every bit as stubborn as he. They were testing each other, seeing who would snap first. Standing on the opposite side of the tent from each other, both were clothed in Bazhir robes, though Delia of Eldorne wore a silk jewel-studded veil to cover her lower face.
"I can't stand this any longer," she hissed at last. "I've told you again and again--"
"I told you not to come," Jon shot back, voice dangerously low. "You insisted. This is your doing."
"Half of my ladies were killed!" Delia shrieked. "Three more were carried off by the hillmen. How am I supposed to manage without them?" Jonathan's response was to shrug inconsiderately. By now her constant nagging was driving him to the edge of his sanity. Whenever he could, Jon made oppurtunities to avoid her. Those times that he did have to face her usually ended in huge arguments. Lately, they had slept in different tents, far away from each other. Whenever they were in public, they would be sickly polite to each other, but both knew that it was only for show.
"You can leave any day," he reminded her. She fumed and threw off the veil, stamping it into the sand. The desert had not been kind to Delia. Her forhead was blistered and red, her facial skin flaking and peeling. A layer of sand caked her skin, her lips cracked and bleeding.
"This stupid sun is cooking me alive! You never have time for me any more! It's so hot here and the sand gets beneath your nails and into your eyes. How can you stand this? Not to mention all those fights!" Delia shuddered. Since she'd arrived with Jon in the desert, they'd already taken part in several skirmishes, most of them ending in heavy bloodshed.
Delia drew herself up to her full height, back straight, chin level with the ground. It was the posture of a queen, and Delia knew it.
"I am a noble lady," she said. "Noble ladies cannot stand this sort of..." she paused, searching for the right words. Jon crossed the tent to meet her. With his face only inches from hers, he could feel her hot breath, see the sweat roll down her face from her temples, creating paths in the layer of sand.
"Exactly. Exactly what I said from the beginning," he told her coldly. Her mouth dropped open unto a most unladylike gape. For a few moments she was shocked speechless at his statement. Then her lips formed into a scowl.
"Fine then," Delia spat. "So I'm just a burden to you, aren't I?"
"To be honest, yes. How do you expect you to negotiate with the Bazhir when you are constantly demanding my attention?" Jonathan told her bluntly.
"So it's wrong to want to spend time with my husband-to-be?" Delia yelled, voice rising into hysteria. Jon gripped her by the shoulders and shook her roughly.
"Don't make a scene," he growled. She pursed her bottom lip.
"Don't tell me what to do, Jonathan of Conte! If I want to make a scene, then I will make a scene!"
"You will do no such thing," Jon told her, voice quiet. "You've cause us enough delay and trouble already.
"If I'm so much trouble to you, then I'll just leave! I'll just leave you alone!"
She smiled triumphantly, expecting him to apologize and beg for her forgiveness, as he used to do. When this did not evoke the desired affect, Delia screamed with rage, beating at his chest and attempting to claw his face. Jon held her at arm's length, his own rage shown only in his stern face. She struggled against his iron grip, kicking sand into the air. Jon released one wrist to cover her mouth, smothering her yelling. In spite, she bit down on his hand. Jon leapt back, cursing.
"I'm leaving, do you hear me? I'm leaving you. I'm leaving you alone so that you never have to bother with me again. This is it! I'm leaving your life!" Twisting a golden ring from her finger, she tossed it and Jonathan, who made no attempt to retreive it. She studied his face for a moment, then realization lit her face.
"I understand. I'm too soft for you, is that it? You're upset with me because I can't defend myself when we're attacked, I can't help you bargain with Bazhir chiefs. Well, go find yourself someone less ladylike, if that would suit your tastes!" Having uttered these words, Delia stormed out of the tent. Jonathan sighed and followed her.
"Where are you going, Delia?"
"Back to Corus!" she answered. "To find myself a more suitable husband!" Jon frowned. If she were to return to Corus, who would it humiliate more--him or her? In one quick moment, Jon decided that he would suffer the worst of the rumors, as Delia would be sure to tell her side of the tale.
"Gary and Raoul will accompany you," he told her, his tone daring her to argue. She didn't rise to the bait. Jon gestured to a tent to their left. "Tell them that I will stay behind with Sir Myles." At least this way Gary and Raoul could tell the court the truth. Now in a foul mood, Jonathan returned to his tent without any further words to Delia. He had more important things to think about.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Elijah watched three horses leave the camp, one of them bearing a woman and the other two carrying tall men. A relieved smile crossed his face. Now they would not foil his plans.
Elijah the Sorcerror, Elijah the Ysandir Slayer, the Burning-Brightly One, Elijah the Healer, Elijah the Wise, Elijah the Nomadic, Elijah a Master of the Mithran Light, had a great many secrets. Mostly he kept to himself and avoided people. He had few friends, even less enemies, but was famous not only in Tortall. What people knew of him was that he was an eighteen year-old redhaired violet-eyed man who possessed a powerful Gift--and was well trained to use it--and shrouded in mystery. And he intended not to enlighten them any further than that.
One of his secrets was his extensive knowledge of the heir to the Tortallan throne. Indeed, Elijah had kept a close eye on Jonathan for many years now. Elijah knew all of Jon's friends, his enemies, what he liked and disliked, what would cause him to lose his temper, what made him easily ill, and so on and so forth. It was he who saved Jonathan of Conte from the sweating sickness, he who indirectly prevented Jonathan from visiting the Black City, counteracting Duke Roger's power as well as killing the Ysandir.
Elijah frowned at the thought of Duke Roger. The man was dangerous, and Elijah kept close watch on him whenever he could. Yet Elijah did not report him. He could have turned in the wax images to the King and Queen, but he had not. Some part of him willed him to wait.
Now he was watching Prince Jonathan once more. He would become the Voice of the Tribes, Elijah would make sure of that. Elijah smiled to himself. He felt awkward, being so protective of the Prince. It was almost as if he were a--dare he think it?--guardian angel. He chuckled. His first joke.
Elijah himself could not fathom why he did what he did. Tortall was not really his home, for Elijah the Nomadic had no real home. What matter what it be to him if this Prince were to die? Why should he protect him. The only answer Elijah had was that it felt right. It was as if divine forces demanded it from him. And one does not ignore the gods.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Alanna was sorry to hear that the Shang Wolf had left. She had learned so much from him in little time. Their lessons together in the morning was the highlight of her day, though afterward she was too sore and tired to do much. The knuckles on her hands were calloused enough by now that it barely pained her when she landed punches. Alanna had always been quick on her feet, but now she developed an almost catlike ability to stay on them. No matter how she was tossed or hit, Alanna always landed lightly on her feet. In the few weeks under the Wolf's watchful eye, she was quickly gaining on Alex, who as a knight never received adequate training in hand-to-hand combat. In these lessons, Alanna had even started to tolerate Alex, and his obsurd nickname for her.
She waited for him the entire morning until Alex told her that he had gone the night before.
"It's just as well," he said to comfort her. "People were beginning to talk, anyway."
"Like I care," she snapped. Alex frowned.
"You should care. You would care if you heard what they said of you."
"Do you agree with them?" she asked.
"It's just that it isn't right for a woman to learn these things," he replied slowly, then braced himself for a verbal attack from Alanna. It was, he now new, to be expected.
"The Shang don't seem to think so," she answered, not half as angry as he thought she would be. She was instead gloomy and depressed. Alex sat down next to her and put a friendly arm around her shoulders. To his surprise, she didn't shrug it off.
"But you're not Shang."
"I might be," she answered. "In fact, I think I'd like very much to be a Shang. Travel the lands, fight."
"It takes years of study," Alex pointed out. "You're much too old to start."
"You sound like me now," Alanna said with a laugh. "I guess I'm starting to rubb off on you, huh?" Alex laughed along with her. They shared a moment of silence, lost in memories of their former teacher.
"He didn't even say good-bye," Alanna whispered. To this, Alex gave her a tight squeeze. "He should have."
"You're right, he should have," Alex agreed.
"Being a Shang would be much better than being a knight," Alanna mused aloud. She laughed softly.
"I don't understand," Alex said slowly. Was this supposed to be an insult?
"I used to want to be a Lady Knight," Alanna confessed. "Did you know that Tortall used to have them? Women, as knights! My father told me all about them."
"Oh," Alex said dumbly, then cursed himself for not having said something more intelligent. Why did her presence make his mind stop functioning?
"But I guess being a Shang would be better. More suited for me, anyway," she explained. "After all, they're loners, like me. What do you think if I ran away and became a Shang warrior?" It was a joke, but there was a hint of seriousness to it.
Alex gave her an affectionate squeeze. "I would miss you, that's what I think." She searched his face.
"Really?" she asked in surprise. "You know what, Alex? You're not that bad." It was the first time she'd hadn't called him 'Ander.' He supposed this was her sign of finally accepting him as a friend. He smiled.
"After all," he added, "with you gone I'd have no one to hate me."
She laughed. "I do not hate you."
"Really?" Alex raised an eyebrow. Alanna giggled and mock-punched his arm. Pretending to be hurt, Alex fell back on the ground. When Alanna leaned over to inspect him, Alex knocked her lightly in the stomach. Alanna's eyes widened as she wobbled off balance and landed atop him, pressing the air from his lungs.
Alex felt his heart skip a beat. She was lying with her head on his chest. No doubt she could feel his heart hopping like a frightened rabbit. Inside his head, he reminded himself that Alanna was a friend. She was Gary's good friend and his somewhat-friend, but nonetheless, he was supposed to have no romantic notions whatsoever, despite that she WAS a lady. His heart completely ignored his mind's reasoning. Alex clenched his fists, fighting the impulse to hold her. She was so warm, and the contours of her body seemed to fit perfectly against his...
Alanna laughed and sat next to him. She brushed her hair out of her eyes and waited for him to follow suit. When he saw that she seemed not to think anything of the situation, Alex sat up as well. Part of him was relieved, but the other half was disappointed that she had not felt what he had. Alex quickly shook his head to rid himself of these thoughts.
Sighing, Alanna stood, then offered him her hand. He ignored it, not trusting himself to touch her. Alanna shrugged as he rose off the floor by himself.
"So, what do we do now?" she asked conversationally. "I mean, with the Shang Wolf gone, I really don't have anything to do." Alex shrugged. Alanna laughed and, without waiting for him to extend his arm, she looped her arm in his. "How about a grand tour of the palace? I never really had one, you know."
Alex felt his mouth go dry, and he looked down at their linked arms. Since when was this a regular occurance? He glanced up and smiled weakly.
"Why not?"
---------------------------------------------------------
AN: OMIGOSH!!!!!!
I had no idea that was coming, I swear! I just started typing, and the next thing I know, Alex is falling for Alanna!
Sorry guys. Well, I guess now i have to decide if Alanna should return Alex's feelings or not. As you can tell, I myself have yet to decide since i didn't plan for Alex to fall for her. Alex is just quick to fall in love, I guess.
*Mutters* These characters have minds of their own, I swear.
Hmmm...maybe when Gary gets back he'll get jealous and then he and Alex could have a fight over Alanna....LOL! Just kidding! Or not. Haven't decided yet.
And part of the mystery of Elijah was solved. Now we know, since Alanna wasn't there to save Jon from Duke Roger's magical "suggestion" to go to the Black City (and die!), Elijah intervened. And killed the Ysandir, the Nameless Ones.
We also know about his unnerving obsession with Jon.
And Delia and Raoul and Gary are heading back to Corus!
Instead of (as in the actual series) Jon breaking up with Alanna because she's to unfeminine [well, that's not the real reason, we all know that, but...], Jon breaks up with Delia BECAUSE she's too soft.
To Lady Tarillyn: Well, forget what I wrote at the top. NOW if Alex were evil, it would very much affect Alanna's mental health. Maybe I'll still do it....*grins evilly*
AerinBrown: *Shrieks* OMG--I SOO agree! I mean, Orlando Bloom (that's his name) looks much better with the wig. I like the wig, too! I thought that nobody agreed with me, cuz everyone was like "His hair's all curly and cute!" and I'm like...."Uh -un!" So yay! Somebody agrees with me!!
Lady Tarillyn: Your review for chp. 10 didn't work. You're right, making Alex evil wouldn't be good for Alanna's mental health. That doesn't mean I might not do it, though. And besides, as of right now, she's not attached to Alex or anything, so it would only be a tiny betrayal. See, none of my friends have read 2 Towers yet, cuz most of them dislike LOTR or are indifferent (You are SOOOOOO lucky that your friends support your LOTR obsessivism!!!) so no chance of them spilling anything for me! If you check on lordoftherings.net (which has very nice backgrounds, btw), it just says "Christmas 2002" and I don't really think it'll be out on Christmas Day. The ONE friend I have who loves LOTR is gonna throw a Christmas party and we'll go see LOTR together--yay!
And about the Gary thing--thanks for pointin' that out.
White-Wolf: *Gasps* You mean that threat would've WORKED????? Ohhhhh......
Well, two chapters are a good thing. Very happy, yep yep.
And big big bummer 4 U.
Dragon Girl: Hmmm....can you think of something other than a butcher's knife? How about a chainsaw?
smileypal4eva: It's just that the more I think about something, the more I begin to like it. When I first saw LOTR, i was like "yeah that was pretty good." Now I'm like, "I LUUUUUVVVVVVEEEEEDDDDDD IT!!!!!!" See? I'm like that with pretty much everything. After I read a book or watch a movie, ask me a few days later, and my respsonse will be much more positive.
LOTR IS SO COOL.
LEGOLAS IS SO HOT *AND* COOL.
AMEN.
Ladyluck: LORD OF THE RINGS!!!!! My prrreciousssss.
bblond07: I bet I'm more obsessed than you!!!! LORD OF THE RINGS LORD OF THE RINGS LORD OF THE RINGS LORD OF THE RINGS LORD OF THE RINGS LORD OF THE RINGS LORD OF THE RINGS LORD OF THE RINGS LORD OF THE RINGS LORD OF THE RINGS LORD OF THE RINGS LORD OF THE RINGS LORD OF THE RINGS LORD OF THE RINGS LORD OF THE RINGS LORD OF THE RINGS LORD OF THE RINGS LORD OF THE RINGS LORD OF THE RINGS LORD OF THE RINGS LORD OF THE RINGS LORD OF THE RINGS
Hah!
Everyone else: Luv y'all! 97 reviews--woo-hoo! Go me! You have no ideas how much this means to me. *starts tearing up*
------
AN:(9/1) *Sighs* LOTR! Sorry if my moaning is killing you guys--I can't help it!!
Anyway, I suddenly thought of an ending to this story. It's the least-complicated way to end the story (right now this story looks like it might be VERY LONGGGGG), but most of you probably won't like it, and it'd make Alanna look bad and unfaithful. So, most likely, I reserve this genius ending for a story where it will be appreciated! We're back at square one.
AN:(9/2) YAY!!! Due to my insistent ranting about LOTR, my good friend Vicky, who used to dislike it, has caught my contagious obsession and now also can't wait until the 2 towers comes out. Woo-hoo! *frowns* now if only I could get her to read TP.
AN: (9/7) Sorry guys that i took so long to update, but I've had tons of homework. Three big tests next week, so don't hold your breath for a new chap. For once, it's not writer's block. I've already got the next chapter idea.
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Chapter twelve--
Jonathan of Conte glared at his fiancee. She met his blue eyes with her green ones, chin pushed forward and every bit as stubborn as he. They were testing each other, seeing who would snap first. Standing on the opposite side of the tent from each other, both were clothed in Bazhir robes, though Delia of Eldorne wore a silk jewel-studded veil to cover her lower face.
"I can't stand this any longer," she hissed at last. "I've told you again and again--"
"I told you not to come," Jon shot back, voice dangerously low. "You insisted. This is your doing."
"Half of my ladies were killed!" Delia shrieked. "Three more were carried off by the hillmen. How am I supposed to manage without them?" Jonathan's response was to shrug inconsiderately. By now her constant nagging was driving him to the edge of his sanity. Whenever he could, Jon made oppurtunities to avoid her. Those times that he did have to face her usually ended in huge arguments. Lately, they had slept in different tents, far away from each other. Whenever they were in public, they would be sickly polite to each other, but both knew that it was only for show.
"You can leave any day," he reminded her. She fumed and threw off the veil, stamping it into the sand. The desert had not been kind to Delia. Her forhead was blistered and red, her facial skin flaking and peeling. A layer of sand caked her skin, her lips cracked and bleeding.
"This stupid sun is cooking me alive! You never have time for me any more! It's so hot here and the sand gets beneath your nails and into your eyes. How can you stand this? Not to mention all those fights!" Delia shuddered. Since she'd arrived with Jon in the desert, they'd already taken part in several skirmishes, most of them ending in heavy bloodshed.
Delia drew herself up to her full height, back straight, chin level with the ground. It was the posture of a queen, and Delia knew it.
"I am a noble lady," she said. "Noble ladies cannot stand this sort of..." she paused, searching for the right words. Jon crossed the tent to meet her. With his face only inches from hers, he could feel her hot breath, see the sweat roll down her face from her temples, creating paths in the layer of sand.
"Exactly. Exactly what I said from the beginning," he told her coldly. Her mouth dropped open unto a most unladylike gape. For a few moments she was shocked speechless at his statement. Then her lips formed into a scowl.
"Fine then," Delia spat. "So I'm just a burden to you, aren't I?"
"To be honest, yes. How do you expect you to negotiate with the Bazhir when you are constantly demanding my attention?" Jonathan told her bluntly.
"So it's wrong to want to spend time with my husband-to-be?" Delia yelled, voice rising into hysteria. Jon gripped her by the shoulders and shook her roughly.
"Don't make a scene," he growled. She pursed her bottom lip.
"Don't tell me what to do, Jonathan of Conte! If I want to make a scene, then I will make a scene!"
"You will do no such thing," Jon told her, voice quiet. "You've cause us enough delay and trouble already.
"If I'm so much trouble to you, then I'll just leave! I'll just leave you alone!"
She smiled triumphantly, expecting him to apologize and beg for her forgiveness, as he used to do. When this did not evoke the desired affect, Delia screamed with rage, beating at his chest and attempting to claw his face. Jon held her at arm's length, his own rage shown only in his stern face. She struggled against his iron grip, kicking sand into the air. Jon released one wrist to cover her mouth, smothering her yelling. In spite, she bit down on his hand. Jon leapt back, cursing.
"I'm leaving, do you hear me? I'm leaving you. I'm leaving you alone so that you never have to bother with me again. This is it! I'm leaving your life!" Twisting a golden ring from her finger, she tossed it and Jonathan, who made no attempt to retreive it. She studied his face for a moment, then realization lit her face.
"I understand. I'm too soft for you, is that it? You're upset with me because I can't defend myself when we're attacked, I can't help you bargain with Bazhir chiefs. Well, go find yourself someone less ladylike, if that would suit your tastes!" Having uttered these words, Delia stormed out of the tent. Jonathan sighed and followed her.
"Where are you going, Delia?"
"Back to Corus!" she answered. "To find myself a more suitable husband!" Jon frowned. If she were to return to Corus, who would it humiliate more--him or her? In one quick moment, Jon decided that he would suffer the worst of the rumors, as Delia would be sure to tell her side of the tale.
"Gary and Raoul will accompany you," he told her, his tone daring her to argue. She didn't rise to the bait. Jon gestured to a tent to their left. "Tell them that I will stay behind with Sir Myles." At least this way Gary and Raoul could tell the court the truth. Now in a foul mood, Jonathan returned to his tent without any further words to Delia. He had more important things to think about.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Elijah watched three horses leave the camp, one of them bearing a woman and the other two carrying tall men. A relieved smile crossed his face. Now they would not foil his plans.
Elijah the Sorcerror, Elijah the Ysandir Slayer, the Burning-Brightly One, Elijah the Healer, Elijah the Wise, Elijah the Nomadic, Elijah a Master of the Mithran Light, had a great many secrets. Mostly he kept to himself and avoided people. He had few friends, even less enemies, but was famous not only in Tortall. What people knew of him was that he was an eighteen year-old redhaired violet-eyed man who possessed a powerful Gift--and was well trained to use it--and shrouded in mystery. And he intended not to enlighten them any further than that.
One of his secrets was his extensive knowledge of the heir to the Tortallan throne. Indeed, Elijah had kept a close eye on Jonathan for many years now. Elijah knew all of Jon's friends, his enemies, what he liked and disliked, what would cause him to lose his temper, what made him easily ill, and so on and so forth. It was he who saved Jonathan of Conte from the sweating sickness, he who indirectly prevented Jonathan from visiting the Black City, counteracting Duke Roger's power as well as killing the Ysandir.
Elijah frowned at the thought of Duke Roger. The man was dangerous, and Elijah kept close watch on him whenever he could. Yet Elijah did not report him. He could have turned in the wax images to the King and Queen, but he had not. Some part of him willed him to wait.
Now he was watching Prince Jonathan once more. He would become the Voice of the Tribes, Elijah would make sure of that. Elijah smiled to himself. He felt awkward, being so protective of the Prince. It was almost as if he were a--dare he think it?--guardian angel. He chuckled. His first joke.
Elijah himself could not fathom why he did what he did. Tortall was not really his home, for Elijah the Nomadic had no real home. What matter what it be to him if this Prince were to die? Why should he protect him. The only answer Elijah had was that it felt right. It was as if divine forces demanded it from him. And one does not ignore the gods.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Alanna was sorry to hear that the Shang Wolf had left. She had learned so much from him in little time. Their lessons together in the morning was the highlight of her day, though afterward she was too sore and tired to do much. The knuckles on her hands were calloused enough by now that it barely pained her when she landed punches. Alanna had always been quick on her feet, but now she developed an almost catlike ability to stay on them. No matter how she was tossed or hit, Alanna always landed lightly on her feet. In the few weeks under the Wolf's watchful eye, she was quickly gaining on Alex, who as a knight never received adequate training in hand-to-hand combat. In these lessons, Alanna had even started to tolerate Alex, and his obsurd nickname for her.
She waited for him the entire morning until Alex told her that he had gone the night before.
"It's just as well," he said to comfort her. "People were beginning to talk, anyway."
"Like I care," she snapped. Alex frowned.
"You should care. You would care if you heard what they said of you."
"Do you agree with them?" she asked.
"It's just that it isn't right for a woman to learn these things," he replied slowly, then braced himself for a verbal attack from Alanna. It was, he now new, to be expected.
"The Shang don't seem to think so," she answered, not half as angry as he thought she would be. She was instead gloomy and depressed. Alex sat down next to her and put a friendly arm around her shoulders. To his surprise, she didn't shrug it off.
"But you're not Shang."
"I might be," she answered. "In fact, I think I'd like very much to be a Shang. Travel the lands, fight."
"It takes years of study," Alex pointed out. "You're much too old to start."
"You sound like me now," Alanna said with a laugh. "I guess I'm starting to rubb off on you, huh?" Alex laughed along with her. They shared a moment of silence, lost in memories of their former teacher.
"He didn't even say good-bye," Alanna whispered. To this, Alex gave her a tight squeeze. "He should have."
"You're right, he should have," Alex agreed.
"Being a Shang would be much better than being a knight," Alanna mused aloud. She laughed softly.
"I don't understand," Alex said slowly. Was this supposed to be an insult?
"I used to want to be a Lady Knight," Alanna confessed. "Did you know that Tortall used to have them? Women, as knights! My father told me all about them."
"Oh," Alex said dumbly, then cursed himself for not having said something more intelligent. Why did her presence make his mind stop functioning?
"But I guess being a Shang would be better. More suited for me, anyway," she explained. "After all, they're loners, like me. What do you think if I ran away and became a Shang warrior?" It was a joke, but there was a hint of seriousness to it.
Alex gave her an affectionate squeeze. "I would miss you, that's what I think." She searched his face.
"Really?" she asked in surprise. "You know what, Alex? You're not that bad." It was the first time she'd hadn't called him 'Ander.' He supposed this was her sign of finally accepting him as a friend. He smiled.
"After all," he added, "with you gone I'd have no one to hate me."
She laughed. "I do not hate you."
"Really?" Alex raised an eyebrow. Alanna giggled and mock-punched his arm. Pretending to be hurt, Alex fell back on the ground. When Alanna leaned over to inspect him, Alex knocked her lightly in the stomach. Alanna's eyes widened as she wobbled off balance and landed atop him, pressing the air from his lungs.
Alex felt his heart skip a beat. She was lying with her head on his chest. No doubt she could feel his heart hopping like a frightened rabbit. Inside his head, he reminded himself that Alanna was a friend. She was Gary's good friend and his somewhat-friend, but nonetheless, he was supposed to have no romantic notions whatsoever, despite that she WAS a lady. His heart completely ignored his mind's reasoning. Alex clenched his fists, fighting the impulse to hold her. She was so warm, and the contours of her body seemed to fit perfectly against his...
Alanna laughed and sat next to him. She brushed her hair out of her eyes and waited for him to follow suit. When he saw that she seemed not to think anything of the situation, Alex sat up as well. Part of him was relieved, but the other half was disappointed that she had not felt what he had. Alex quickly shook his head to rid himself of these thoughts.
Sighing, Alanna stood, then offered him her hand. He ignored it, not trusting himself to touch her. Alanna shrugged as he rose off the floor by himself.
"So, what do we do now?" she asked conversationally. "I mean, with the Shang Wolf gone, I really don't have anything to do." Alex shrugged. Alanna laughed and, without waiting for him to extend his arm, she looped her arm in his. "How about a grand tour of the palace? I never really had one, you know."
Alex felt his mouth go dry, and he looked down at their linked arms. Since when was this a regular occurance? He glanced up and smiled weakly.
"Why not?"
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AN: OMIGOSH!!!!!!
I had no idea that was coming, I swear! I just started typing, and the next thing I know, Alex is falling for Alanna!
Sorry guys. Well, I guess now i have to decide if Alanna should return Alex's feelings or not. As you can tell, I myself have yet to decide since i didn't plan for Alex to fall for her. Alex is just quick to fall in love, I guess.
*Mutters* These characters have minds of their own, I swear.
Hmmm...maybe when Gary gets back he'll get jealous and then he and Alex could have a fight over Alanna....LOL! Just kidding! Or not. Haven't decided yet.
And part of the mystery of Elijah was solved. Now we know, since Alanna wasn't there to save Jon from Duke Roger's magical "suggestion" to go to the Black City (and die!), Elijah intervened. And killed the Ysandir, the Nameless Ones.
We also know about his unnerving obsession with Jon.
And Delia and Raoul and Gary are heading back to Corus!
Instead of (as in the actual series) Jon breaking up with Alanna because she's to unfeminine [well, that's not the real reason, we all know that, but...], Jon breaks up with Delia BECAUSE she's too soft.
To Lady Tarillyn: Well, forget what I wrote at the top. NOW if Alex were evil, it would very much affect Alanna's mental health. Maybe I'll still do it....*grins evilly*