To:
bblond07: Maybe I'll make Gary fall for her. Maybe not. Stop asking me, people!!
Karina: You're "begging" not "bagging." =)
Bellerein21: "Imfao?" Please explain! And why would it be scary??
Ladyluck: Yep, that was fast. Yeah, I guess you know by now that I'm not gonna answer your questions. I can't say anything without giving the good stuff away. ;-)
Christine: Really, Cythea is a bitchy name? Hmmm...I just sorta plucked the name out of thin air. And yay---LOTR! You're right everyone (well, not EVERYONE!) is hott!
Lady Tarillyn: Yay! Another long review! Do that more often, it makes authors very very happy! And that review was FUNNY! Huh...not much more to say than that!
RoseFyre: "Hysterical?" Not how I would've described it. Glad you read all fourteen chapters of it, though!!
Xelena: Hehe. That's all I have to say.
Crown: How was it so very "Alannish?" Oh well, at least you wrote a longer review.
Eccie87: Yep, Legolas's picture is on my desktop! But I don't use bookmarks, so. But I have a BOOKMARK bookmark (the real kind, that you stick in books?) with him on it! Yeah, and Aragorn is hot too. But not the actor, ugh he looks bad in reality. He is hot in the movie though. Fanfiction (and LOTR) keeps me from going insane and commiting suicide. It is my life force!
White-Wolf: *sniffles* There. Now you've gone and hurt my feelings. And I LIKED that chapter! Well, you're right. It was a bit much for a joke, kissing a friend. But then again, neither of them are exactly completely sane, so...And it was just a lil' peck on the neck, jeez! And who knows? Maybe Gary thinks of Alanna as a more-than-friendly way.....just something to think about.
Now, as soon as you finish reading this chapter, I want you to write a chapter of your own. Is that understood? Or I will be very...um, mad.
AN: Ok. Did anybody notice how similar Alanna and Alex think? Their minds are so alike....well, not really. So never mind. Ignore those last...3 sentences. Anyway, I threw in the jealousy bit because it's always fun to make someone jealous--lol!
Also--Now I finally understand why everyone else is so quick to jump to a romance section of the story---they are SOOOOOOOO fun to write!! These last few chapters....so fun, so fun! *Sighs* Ok, I'm turning into a sappy romantic. So sue me.
And now I'm completely stuck about the whole Gary thing. Should I make him fall in love with her, or not??? Arg.
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Chapter fifteen----
If any member of the Bloody Hawk tribe had bothered to glance at the setting sun, they would've seen a man silhouetted by the firery sunset. This man stood atop a dune of sand, his perfect teeth exposed in a relieved grin. This man was, of course, Elijah the Sorcerror.
His work here was done. It had been a rather exhausting month for him, discretely protecting the Bloody Hawk tribe. How else would these Bazhir have lived through the raids? Now, here were the fruits of his labor. True, it was perhaps dishonorable to have aided Jon in his Ordeal of the Voice, but Elijah felt, somewhere deep in his being, that it was imperative that Jonathan become the Voice of the Tribes. Besides, it was only a small aid. All Elijah had done was give him a little bit of extra strength and perhaps a bit of knowledge that he had not had before.
His face twisted into a wry grin as he sensed another figure appear beside him.
"Here to scold me, Vera?" he asked, turning to the frowning bruntette. Her slim figure somehow made her appear taller though she was actually shorter. She glared at him, honey-colored eyes sharp beneath black lashes. In contrast to his pale skin, she possessed an olive complexion.
"You helped him," she accused, crimson lips pressed into a thin line. Elijah laughed.
"What does it matter to you?" His tone was not malicious; it was simply a question. "I'm sure he would've passed without my help."
"Then why did you give it?" Vera countered.
"It wasn't much," Elijah said, very matter-of-fact. Vera raised an eyebrow.
"Not much? NOT MUCH? Don't lie to me, Elijah. You performed four different spells on him, all of them so powerful that I felt them all the way from Scanra! And look at you! Bone-thin, baggy eyes, looking as if you haven't slept for weeks..."
"I haven't," he answered dryly. "Don't act as if I've just commited some infamous crime, Vera."
"Close enough," she growled. "If anyone were to get wind of this--"
"They won't," Elijah interuppted. "I'm good at covering my tracks, remember?" When she still did not look convinced, Elijah embraced her warmly. "Stop worrying about me, Vera. I'll be fine."
"How can I not worry with you always runing off without leaving an explanation? What if one day you never came back to me?" she whispered into his hair. He squeezed her tightly.
"Don't worry. I'm done here for now. I'll go back to Scanra with you, help you finish your research," he said soothingly. She pulled away and looked at Elijah questioningly.
"Ever wonder about all this roaming?" she asked. "Ever think about what it would be like if we settled down and raised a family like an ordinary married couple?"
"You're hardly ordinary," he said, his arm encircling her waist.
"Flatterer," Vera laughed. She rested her head on his shoulder. Her skin began to glow with a green light, as his did a violet color. The two colors twined together, burning brighter and brighter until it was blinding. Then, in the blink of an eye, they were gone.
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Stifling a giggle as she descended the stairs hanging on Gary's arm, Alanna smiled at the surprised faces and the amused glances. The petticoats of the gown swished, the gown that Gary had ordered for her. Maude had twisted her hair into a somewhat messy bun with loose locks trailing from it. In a hurry, a wire-thin silver circlet had been shoved over her brow, a similar piece around her neck. Alanna twirled one of her loose curls around with her finger.
"How is it?" she whispered in Gary's ear. He glanced at her.
"It's fine, Alanna," he whispered back. Smiling, she gestured toward the people.
"Amazing how much gossip can do in a week's time, isn't it?"
"Gossip spreads like wildfire," Gary replied. "And we've given them a lot to gossip about this last week."
Alanna laughed. The last week had been a busy one. In the mornings Gary would publically recite love sonnets to her, or sometimes they would walk around the palace holding hands, to further advertise the fact that Gary was "courting" Alanna. Afternoons were spent in the courtyard walkway, where they talked loudly in hopes that nearby couples would hear them, or at least spot them, and spread the news. Every evening they danced together, and in truth Alanna's feet hurt from it all.
"I know. I never thought that that could be a good thing!" She glanced around. "Ready?" Alanna whispered. Gary grinned.
"Of course." As they reached the bottom of the stair, he raised his voice, gesturing toward a man. "Marcus! Isn't she a vision?" Gary held Alanna out so that she could courtsey.
"Oh, Gary!" Alanna cried, then smiled at the other man. "He loves to tease." She giggled.
"Lady Alanna of Trebond," Gary introduced. "The fairest in the land, who captured my heart."
"My heroic knight who rescued mine," Alanna gushed. Marcus glanced at the two of them.
"We're in love," Gary stated.
"How he always states the obvious. I love that in a man!" cried Alanna. "Now, dance with me, my love!"
Gary twirled her around as the musicians began again. "A little subtelty?" he whispered into her ear.
"You flatterer!" Alanna squealed loudly. She grinned pointedly to the couple next to them. "My Gary does like to tease me so!"
"You've already mentioned that, dove," Gary commented. He whirled her 'round as the music started into a spirited waltz. "I'm getting a bit tired of this entire charade, though," Gary admitted as they turned to switch partners.
"I know," Alanna shouted over her shoulder. "But don't let anybody else know that!"
Her new dancing partner eyed her curiously. Tall and handsome, his hair was dark brown, and his attire seemed to play tricks on the mind, making Alanna dizzy. Those dark blue eyes and stubborn chin marked him unmistakably as one of the Conté line. Not knowing the reason for it, Alanna shivered.
"I don't believe we've met before. I am Duke Roger," he said.
"Alanna of Trebond," she answered, huffing. His legs were rather long, so she had a bit of trouble keeping up with him. After a moment, she caught herself staring at the large jewel hanging around his neck. "That's so pretty," she commented, to appear unintelligent. He beamed, his smile making him appear even more dazzling handsome.
"Thank you, Lady Alanna." They turned, and Alanna caught sight of the jewel again. It seemed to collect light, or maybe light bounced off of it. She didn't seem to be able to tear her eyes away from the jewel. Her eyelids drooped a bit, and she stifled a yawn. Suddenly, Alanna blinked, breaking eye contact and instead staring up at Duke Roger. He looked at her strangely. Now her head seemed to hurt, and the room began to spin a little. She shook her head, which served only to increase the headache. She staggered for a moment, falling out of step and trodding on Duke Roger's foot.
"I'm sorry," she cried. Duke Roger smiled.
"Think nothing of it," he answered. Alanna stared at her feet, embarrased. Fortunately they exchanged partners, and she found herself again with Gary.
"THAT'S the famous Duke Roger?" Alanna asked at once. Gary laughed.
"Why? Surprised?"
"Yes," Alanna admitted. "I expected him to be more...more...I don't know what, but he wasn't what I expected."
"I like him!" Gary said as they entered a polonaise.
"Well, something about him is...I don't know. I just don't like him," Alanna said honestly. Gary frowned.
"Don't let anybody hear you say that," Gary cautioned. "He's highly favored. Besides, you only exchanged a few words. You don't know him well enough to judge him.
"I know," Alanna sighed. "I'm probably just being paranoid."
"You ARE being paranoid," Gary replied swifly. As the music ended, he bowed to her. In response Alanna attempted a curtsey, but winced when her knees cracked.
"I'm a little tired," she said, rubbing her forhead. "I'll rest for a moment."
"What's wrong?" Gary was concerned. Alanna shook her head and smiled, aving her arm at the dancing people. "I'll be fine. I just feel tired all of a sudden, like I need to lie down. You just keep dancing."
"I'll walk you back to your room," Gary ionsisted. "You might faint along the way."
"Gary!"
"What?" he asked innocently. "It's true! You said so yourself--you felt tired all of a sudden. That's the first sign that you might faint."
"Oh, so you're a healer now," Alanna muttered under her breath. "I have never fainted before," she declared, "Except at the Convent when I wished to get out of my classes! I can find my way to my rooms just fine."
"If you insist," Gary shrugged. "See you tomorrow, love." The last part was said a decibel louder, to insure that those around them could hear. He raised her hand to his lips, eyes sparkling with mirth. Alanna struggled to keep a straight face.
"'Til tomorrow." She sturned slowly and glided out of the ballroom as ladylike as she could. Occasionally she glanced over her shoulder to smile at Gary. His brow was furrowed in thought as he watched her leave. She'd changed a little since he was her last. Every step she took seemed different. They were calculating, balanced steps, catlike almost. She reminded him of someone when she walked like that. Who did she remind him of?
Alex.
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Unknown and unseen by all in the ballroom was Alex. He stood in the outside the doorway and watched Alanna dance with Gary every night for the past week. His emotions tore him apart. Part of him couldn't bear to see her dancing with Gary, another part was curious and intrigued. He was filled with jealousy and rage, yet he was mesmerized by Alanna's every movement. The flow of her arms, the quickness of her steps, the flicker of her eyes. His heart pounded with the force of a slegehammer in his chest. She seemed so beautiful to him, especially tonight, so beautiful that he wondered how he had never seen it before. The creamy color of the gown was perfect for her, the simple jewelry accenting without drawing attention away from her face. After the waltz, more strands had worked their way free from the bun, her cheeks were spiritedly flushed.
She was walking his way.
Alex waited until she walked past him to approach her. They were alone in the small corridor, the one that led off from the ballrom and was seldom used. He did not step up to her until the noise from the ballroom was but a dull roar.
Alanna whirled to face him at his slight touch to her elbow. He'd intended to say many things then. What Alex wanted to do was explain that he was leaving for border patrol in the morning, that their kiss had been a mistake, that he wished her and Gary happiness.
Nothing came. His breath caught in his throat, and his mouth would not work. Instead of speaking he simply stared at her, taking her in, drinking the sight of her like a thristing man. Without thinking, he reached out and held her by the arms. She shrugged off his grip, and his arms fell to his sides.
"Alanna?" It was a tentative question, softly spoken.
She had also meant to say things to him. Alanna had intended to speak sharp words, reprimand him for following her. Perhaps she would have even insulted him, anything to let him know that she wanted nothing more to do with him. It was her intent to drive him away, cut at the bonds of their wary friendship. It was for his own good--she was only sparing him, and herself, future pain.
Yet he had spoken with pleading in his voice. His eyes were soft. In those dark eyes were so many emotions. Alanna could almost lose herself in those eyes if she wasn't careful. She couldn't bring herself to hurt him then. Her conscience, and her heart, would not allow it.
"Yes?" It was a sigh. They stood motionless, both of them trying to find the courage to say what they wanted. At last it was Alex who opened his mouth to speak.
"I-I'm leaving tomorrow," he managed to stutter. "Tomorrow morning, for border patrol. I-I just wanted to say goodbye before I left....You've been...you've been a good...friend." He'd choked out the last word.
"Oh." For some reason, her heart sank in disappointment. Alanna firmly scolded herself in her mind. This is what she wanted, right? It wasn't as if she wanted him to fall on his knee confessing love for her!
But it was. At that moment she wanted him to hold her, kiss her again. Her sensible mind protested, but she couldn't deny that her heart had started pumping faster when Alex had touched her elbow, that her skin still tingled where he had touched her.
"And...and I also--" Alex couldn't bring himself to say the rest, but he had to. Gathering his will he finished, "I also had something else to....to say...to do before...before I left." What? He wasn't supposed to say that!
Then, his self-resolve faltered. His arms looped around her body, and he pulled her close to him. Bringing his face down, he kissed her.
Alanna was too shocked to do anything but let it happen. His lips caressed hers, his tongue tracing the outline of her bottom lip. She gasped in surprise, and it entered her mouth. Shivers traveled through her body, and she shuddered. Her legs suddenly felt weak beneath her. His arms tightened around her. As if possessed by a demon, her arms reached up and circled around his head, pulling herself tighter against him, pressing his mouth harder against hers.
At last he pulled away and gasped. There, he'd done it again. He'd done what he'd detemindly set out not to do. Alex almost left as Alanna slid her arms from his neck, thinking that she was as embarassed as he. Instead, her arms wrapped around his torso, and she leaned up to kiss him again.
Instantly his arms encircled hers as they shared another kiss. He felt her shiver against him again, and again he tightened his hold. With one hand he toyed with her hair. Then after a moment he deepened the kiss.
Alanna felt warmth flood her body. She lost herself, in his arms, in the kiss. Colored sparkled beneath her closed lids. She wanted the kiss to last forever, for them to be this way forever like this, holding each other. At last his lips left hers. Out of breath, she leaned her head into the crook of his neck, breathing deeply and inhaling the scent of him, her eyes still closed. They stood that way for a long moment, happy.
Then, Alanna pulled back to gaze into his smiling face. Alex's eyes searched hers in a similar way. Her face was aglow, as if her eyes were stars themselves. Alanna noticed for the first time that there was a tiny sprinkling of freckles on his nose, so faint that they couldn't be seen except when she was this close to him.
They kissed again.
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Finally! I got that chapter off of my chest! Jeez, I kept thinkin' about it, and I started scribbling it on scraps of paper, and I ran home so that I could type it!
I FINALLY got her to meet Duke Roger!
And now with a slice of the romance section out of the way, I need to break into a more important part of the story. *cough*goddess*cough*
Now Alex is no longer embarrassed about being totally head-over-heels over Alanna! So, way to go for the happy couple! Well, happy for the moment. Hint, hint.
Somebody take a stab at why Alanna's starting to walk like Alex. Pretty obvious, and it's not important, but it sounded pretty melodramatic, didn't it??
And see...Alanna and Alex think so alike it's frightening!
I'll explain Vera some time later...maybe next chapter??
Oh, I'm so happy! I love writing romance scenes! Hehe!
Kinda stuck about what to do in the next chapter. Hmm. Maybe I'll just go right ahead into the important chapter *cough*faithful*cough* or maybe I need to ease into that chapter first. Like, get her to build up a healthy hatred for Duke Roger. Lol!
REVIEW!!!!!!! I LIVE OFF OF THEM!!!!!!!!!
P.S. Sorry that this chapter was shorter than the last, but .....*shrugs*n.net
bblond07: Maybe I'll make Gary fall for her. Maybe not. Stop asking me, people!!
Karina: You're "begging" not "bagging." =)
Bellerein21: "Imfao?" Please explain! And why would it be scary??
Ladyluck: Yep, that was fast. Yeah, I guess you know by now that I'm not gonna answer your questions. I can't say anything without giving the good stuff away. ;-)
Christine: Really, Cythea is a bitchy name? Hmmm...I just sorta plucked the name out of thin air. And yay---LOTR! You're right everyone (well, not EVERYONE!) is hott!
Lady Tarillyn: Yay! Another long review! Do that more often, it makes authors very very happy! And that review was FUNNY! Huh...not much more to say than that!
RoseFyre: "Hysterical?" Not how I would've described it. Glad you read all fourteen chapters of it, though!!
Xelena: Hehe. That's all I have to say.
Crown: How was it so very "Alannish?" Oh well, at least you wrote a longer review.
Eccie87: Yep, Legolas's picture is on my desktop! But I don't use bookmarks, so. But I have a BOOKMARK bookmark (the real kind, that you stick in books?) with him on it! Yeah, and Aragorn is hot too. But not the actor, ugh he looks bad in reality. He is hot in the movie though. Fanfiction (and LOTR) keeps me from going insane and commiting suicide. It is my life force!
White-Wolf: *sniffles* There. Now you've gone and hurt my feelings. And I LIKED that chapter! Well, you're right. It was a bit much for a joke, kissing a friend. But then again, neither of them are exactly completely sane, so...And it was just a lil' peck on the neck, jeez! And who knows? Maybe Gary thinks of Alanna as a more-than-friendly way.....just something to think about.
Now, as soon as you finish reading this chapter, I want you to write a chapter of your own. Is that understood? Or I will be very...um, mad.
AN: Ok. Did anybody notice how similar Alanna and Alex think? Their minds are so alike....well, not really. So never mind. Ignore those last...3 sentences. Anyway, I threw in the jealousy bit because it's always fun to make someone jealous--lol!
Also--Now I finally understand why everyone else is so quick to jump to a romance section of the story---they are SOOOOOOOO fun to write!! These last few chapters....so fun, so fun! *Sighs* Ok, I'm turning into a sappy romantic. So sue me.
And now I'm completely stuck about the whole Gary thing. Should I make him fall in love with her, or not??? Arg.
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Chapter fifteen----
If any member of the Bloody Hawk tribe had bothered to glance at the setting sun, they would've seen a man silhouetted by the firery sunset. This man stood atop a dune of sand, his perfect teeth exposed in a relieved grin. This man was, of course, Elijah the Sorcerror.
His work here was done. It had been a rather exhausting month for him, discretely protecting the Bloody Hawk tribe. How else would these Bazhir have lived through the raids? Now, here were the fruits of his labor. True, it was perhaps dishonorable to have aided Jon in his Ordeal of the Voice, but Elijah felt, somewhere deep in his being, that it was imperative that Jonathan become the Voice of the Tribes. Besides, it was only a small aid. All Elijah had done was give him a little bit of extra strength and perhaps a bit of knowledge that he had not had before.
His face twisted into a wry grin as he sensed another figure appear beside him.
"Here to scold me, Vera?" he asked, turning to the frowning bruntette. Her slim figure somehow made her appear taller though she was actually shorter. She glared at him, honey-colored eyes sharp beneath black lashes. In contrast to his pale skin, she possessed an olive complexion.
"You helped him," she accused, crimson lips pressed into a thin line. Elijah laughed.
"What does it matter to you?" His tone was not malicious; it was simply a question. "I'm sure he would've passed without my help."
"Then why did you give it?" Vera countered.
"It wasn't much," Elijah said, very matter-of-fact. Vera raised an eyebrow.
"Not much? NOT MUCH? Don't lie to me, Elijah. You performed four different spells on him, all of them so powerful that I felt them all the way from Scanra! And look at you! Bone-thin, baggy eyes, looking as if you haven't slept for weeks..."
"I haven't," he answered dryly. "Don't act as if I've just commited some infamous crime, Vera."
"Close enough," she growled. "If anyone were to get wind of this--"
"They won't," Elijah interuppted. "I'm good at covering my tracks, remember?" When she still did not look convinced, Elijah embraced her warmly. "Stop worrying about me, Vera. I'll be fine."
"How can I not worry with you always runing off without leaving an explanation? What if one day you never came back to me?" she whispered into his hair. He squeezed her tightly.
"Don't worry. I'm done here for now. I'll go back to Scanra with you, help you finish your research," he said soothingly. She pulled away and looked at Elijah questioningly.
"Ever wonder about all this roaming?" she asked. "Ever think about what it would be like if we settled down and raised a family like an ordinary married couple?"
"You're hardly ordinary," he said, his arm encircling her waist.
"Flatterer," Vera laughed. She rested her head on his shoulder. Her skin began to glow with a green light, as his did a violet color. The two colors twined together, burning brighter and brighter until it was blinding. Then, in the blink of an eye, they were gone.
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Stifling a giggle as she descended the stairs hanging on Gary's arm, Alanna smiled at the surprised faces and the amused glances. The petticoats of the gown swished, the gown that Gary had ordered for her. Maude had twisted her hair into a somewhat messy bun with loose locks trailing from it. In a hurry, a wire-thin silver circlet had been shoved over her brow, a similar piece around her neck. Alanna twirled one of her loose curls around with her finger.
"How is it?" she whispered in Gary's ear. He glanced at her.
"It's fine, Alanna," he whispered back. Smiling, she gestured toward the people.
"Amazing how much gossip can do in a week's time, isn't it?"
"Gossip spreads like wildfire," Gary replied. "And we've given them a lot to gossip about this last week."
Alanna laughed. The last week had been a busy one. In the mornings Gary would publically recite love sonnets to her, or sometimes they would walk around the palace holding hands, to further advertise the fact that Gary was "courting" Alanna. Afternoons were spent in the courtyard walkway, where they talked loudly in hopes that nearby couples would hear them, or at least spot them, and spread the news. Every evening they danced together, and in truth Alanna's feet hurt from it all.
"I know. I never thought that that could be a good thing!" She glanced around. "Ready?" Alanna whispered. Gary grinned.
"Of course." As they reached the bottom of the stair, he raised his voice, gesturing toward a man. "Marcus! Isn't she a vision?" Gary held Alanna out so that she could courtsey.
"Oh, Gary!" Alanna cried, then smiled at the other man. "He loves to tease." She giggled.
"Lady Alanna of Trebond," Gary introduced. "The fairest in the land, who captured my heart."
"My heroic knight who rescued mine," Alanna gushed. Marcus glanced at the two of them.
"We're in love," Gary stated.
"How he always states the obvious. I love that in a man!" cried Alanna. "Now, dance with me, my love!"
Gary twirled her around as the musicians began again. "A little subtelty?" he whispered into her ear.
"You flatterer!" Alanna squealed loudly. She grinned pointedly to the couple next to them. "My Gary does like to tease me so!"
"You've already mentioned that, dove," Gary commented. He whirled her 'round as the music started into a spirited waltz. "I'm getting a bit tired of this entire charade, though," Gary admitted as they turned to switch partners.
"I know," Alanna shouted over her shoulder. "But don't let anybody else know that!"
Her new dancing partner eyed her curiously. Tall and handsome, his hair was dark brown, and his attire seemed to play tricks on the mind, making Alanna dizzy. Those dark blue eyes and stubborn chin marked him unmistakably as one of the Conté line. Not knowing the reason for it, Alanna shivered.
"I don't believe we've met before. I am Duke Roger," he said.
"Alanna of Trebond," she answered, huffing. His legs were rather long, so she had a bit of trouble keeping up with him. After a moment, she caught herself staring at the large jewel hanging around his neck. "That's so pretty," she commented, to appear unintelligent. He beamed, his smile making him appear even more dazzling handsome.
"Thank you, Lady Alanna." They turned, and Alanna caught sight of the jewel again. It seemed to collect light, or maybe light bounced off of it. She didn't seem to be able to tear her eyes away from the jewel. Her eyelids drooped a bit, and she stifled a yawn. Suddenly, Alanna blinked, breaking eye contact and instead staring up at Duke Roger. He looked at her strangely. Now her head seemed to hurt, and the room began to spin a little. She shook her head, which served only to increase the headache. She staggered for a moment, falling out of step and trodding on Duke Roger's foot.
"I'm sorry," she cried. Duke Roger smiled.
"Think nothing of it," he answered. Alanna stared at her feet, embarrased. Fortunately they exchanged partners, and she found herself again with Gary.
"THAT'S the famous Duke Roger?" Alanna asked at once. Gary laughed.
"Why? Surprised?"
"Yes," Alanna admitted. "I expected him to be more...more...I don't know what, but he wasn't what I expected."
"I like him!" Gary said as they entered a polonaise.
"Well, something about him is...I don't know. I just don't like him," Alanna said honestly. Gary frowned.
"Don't let anybody hear you say that," Gary cautioned. "He's highly favored. Besides, you only exchanged a few words. You don't know him well enough to judge him.
"I know," Alanna sighed. "I'm probably just being paranoid."
"You ARE being paranoid," Gary replied swifly. As the music ended, he bowed to her. In response Alanna attempted a curtsey, but winced when her knees cracked.
"I'm a little tired," she said, rubbing her forhead. "I'll rest for a moment."
"What's wrong?" Gary was concerned. Alanna shook her head and smiled, aving her arm at the dancing people. "I'll be fine. I just feel tired all of a sudden, like I need to lie down. You just keep dancing."
"I'll walk you back to your room," Gary ionsisted. "You might faint along the way."
"Gary!"
"What?" he asked innocently. "It's true! You said so yourself--you felt tired all of a sudden. That's the first sign that you might faint."
"Oh, so you're a healer now," Alanna muttered under her breath. "I have never fainted before," she declared, "Except at the Convent when I wished to get out of my classes! I can find my way to my rooms just fine."
"If you insist," Gary shrugged. "See you tomorrow, love." The last part was said a decibel louder, to insure that those around them could hear. He raised her hand to his lips, eyes sparkling with mirth. Alanna struggled to keep a straight face.
"'Til tomorrow." She sturned slowly and glided out of the ballroom as ladylike as she could. Occasionally she glanced over her shoulder to smile at Gary. His brow was furrowed in thought as he watched her leave. She'd changed a little since he was her last. Every step she took seemed different. They were calculating, balanced steps, catlike almost. She reminded him of someone when she walked like that. Who did she remind him of?
Alex.
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Unknown and unseen by all in the ballroom was Alex. He stood in the outside the doorway and watched Alanna dance with Gary every night for the past week. His emotions tore him apart. Part of him couldn't bear to see her dancing with Gary, another part was curious and intrigued. He was filled with jealousy and rage, yet he was mesmerized by Alanna's every movement. The flow of her arms, the quickness of her steps, the flicker of her eyes. His heart pounded with the force of a slegehammer in his chest. She seemed so beautiful to him, especially tonight, so beautiful that he wondered how he had never seen it before. The creamy color of the gown was perfect for her, the simple jewelry accenting without drawing attention away from her face. After the waltz, more strands had worked their way free from the bun, her cheeks were spiritedly flushed.
She was walking his way.
Alex waited until she walked past him to approach her. They were alone in the small corridor, the one that led off from the ballrom and was seldom used. He did not step up to her until the noise from the ballroom was but a dull roar.
Alanna whirled to face him at his slight touch to her elbow. He'd intended to say many things then. What Alex wanted to do was explain that he was leaving for border patrol in the morning, that their kiss had been a mistake, that he wished her and Gary happiness.
Nothing came. His breath caught in his throat, and his mouth would not work. Instead of speaking he simply stared at her, taking her in, drinking the sight of her like a thristing man. Without thinking, he reached out and held her by the arms. She shrugged off his grip, and his arms fell to his sides.
"Alanna?" It was a tentative question, softly spoken.
She had also meant to say things to him. Alanna had intended to speak sharp words, reprimand him for following her. Perhaps she would have even insulted him, anything to let him know that she wanted nothing more to do with him. It was her intent to drive him away, cut at the bonds of their wary friendship. It was for his own good--she was only sparing him, and herself, future pain.
Yet he had spoken with pleading in his voice. His eyes were soft. In those dark eyes were so many emotions. Alanna could almost lose herself in those eyes if she wasn't careful. She couldn't bring herself to hurt him then. Her conscience, and her heart, would not allow it.
"Yes?" It was a sigh. They stood motionless, both of them trying to find the courage to say what they wanted. At last it was Alex who opened his mouth to speak.
"I-I'm leaving tomorrow," he managed to stutter. "Tomorrow morning, for border patrol. I-I just wanted to say goodbye before I left....You've been...you've been a good...friend." He'd choked out the last word.
"Oh." For some reason, her heart sank in disappointment. Alanna firmly scolded herself in her mind. This is what she wanted, right? It wasn't as if she wanted him to fall on his knee confessing love for her!
But it was. At that moment she wanted him to hold her, kiss her again. Her sensible mind protested, but she couldn't deny that her heart had started pumping faster when Alex had touched her elbow, that her skin still tingled where he had touched her.
"And...and I also--" Alex couldn't bring himself to say the rest, but he had to. Gathering his will he finished, "I also had something else to....to say...to do before...before I left." What? He wasn't supposed to say that!
Then, his self-resolve faltered. His arms looped around her body, and he pulled her close to him. Bringing his face down, he kissed her.
Alanna was too shocked to do anything but let it happen. His lips caressed hers, his tongue tracing the outline of her bottom lip. She gasped in surprise, and it entered her mouth. Shivers traveled through her body, and she shuddered. Her legs suddenly felt weak beneath her. His arms tightened around her. As if possessed by a demon, her arms reached up and circled around his head, pulling herself tighter against him, pressing his mouth harder against hers.
At last he pulled away and gasped. There, he'd done it again. He'd done what he'd detemindly set out not to do. Alex almost left as Alanna slid her arms from his neck, thinking that she was as embarassed as he. Instead, her arms wrapped around his torso, and she leaned up to kiss him again.
Instantly his arms encircled hers as they shared another kiss. He felt her shiver against him again, and again he tightened his hold. With one hand he toyed with her hair. Then after a moment he deepened the kiss.
Alanna felt warmth flood her body. She lost herself, in his arms, in the kiss. Colored sparkled beneath her closed lids. She wanted the kiss to last forever, for them to be this way forever like this, holding each other. At last his lips left hers. Out of breath, she leaned her head into the crook of his neck, breathing deeply and inhaling the scent of him, her eyes still closed. They stood that way for a long moment, happy.
Then, Alanna pulled back to gaze into his smiling face. Alex's eyes searched hers in a similar way. Her face was aglow, as if her eyes were stars themselves. Alanna noticed for the first time that there was a tiny sprinkling of freckles on his nose, so faint that they couldn't be seen except when she was this close to him.
They kissed again.
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Finally! I got that chapter off of my chest! Jeez, I kept thinkin' about it, and I started scribbling it on scraps of paper, and I ran home so that I could type it!
I FINALLY got her to meet Duke Roger!
And now with a slice of the romance section out of the way, I need to break into a more important part of the story. *cough*goddess*cough*
Now Alex is no longer embarrassed about being totally head-over-heels over Alanna! So, way to go for the happy couple! Well, happy for the moment. Hint, hint.
Somebody take a stab at why Alanna's starting to walk like Alex. Pretty obvious, and it's not important, but it sounded pretty melodramatic, didn't it??
And see...Alanna and Alex think so alike it's frightening!
I'll explain Vera some time later...maybe next chapter??
Oh, I'm so happy! I love writing romance scenes! Hehe!
Kinda stuck about what to do in the next chapter. Hmm. Maybe I'll just go right ahead into the important chapter *cough*faithful*cough* or maybe I need to ease into that chapter first. Like, get her to build up a healthy hatred for Duke Roger. Lol!
REVIEW!!!!!!! I LIVE OFF OF THEM!!!!!!!!!
P.S. Sorry that this chapter was shorter than the last, but .....*shrugs*n.net