People, my computer broke down, so I lost all the messages I had written to you. Sorry! So, now I have to redo them. They're all really short, sorry. But, I have a minute to write them. I'll answer the post pressing ones.
To:
AerinBrown: forget the *cough* *coughs* then. Maybe it's a Texan thing. And I was just being melodramatic, which I have a tendency to do.
Camp Writer: *In horror:* OH MY GOD!!!!! That never even OCCURED to me! Oh, that would be SO nasty!
ladyluck: SoHo Chic is my initials. I chose it for that reason. Usually, in everything else my sn is xuraiya, but I didn't want any of my friends to read my story so I thought, hmmm...why not do my initials?
smiley: People are so happy that Alanna is finally acting giggly that they prefer not to "look a gift horse in the mouth." And others simply didn't notice.
Lady Tarrilyn: Ugh. I for one am unhappy that you finally decided who you wanted Alanna to end up with. Now I have to worry about your opinion when i write that part.
LadyOfWater: *Winces from blow* Point taken. I will do that when I revise the story.
Lady Arianna: Shhhhh....don't spoil it for ev'ryone else!
LadyKeladryKnight: Thanks! And wow, I'm so flattered!
Xelena: Yes, you're right. See, I told ya I was just being melodramatic!
Eccie87: I'm trying to remember what I wrote to you on my other computer (the one that broke down!)...oH, now I remember! But it was totally irrelevant to your review, so never mind.
'Sir' Rhyet Ex-Queen of MArren: I didn't understand you review. And to tell you the truth, I didn't pay much attention to Alex at first, because Alanna was closer to the others.
Rosefyre, Karina, White-Wolf, faithful, sedai, and bblond07: So sorry that I don't have any responses for you guys!!! But I'm on a time crunch here. I feel really bad now...oh well, next time.
YAY YAY YAY YAY YAY YAY YAY YAY YAY! I have 150 reviews! Happy, happy, happy! Wow, when I first started this story, I never DREAMED I would have that many reviews!
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Chapter sixteen--
Bowen scowled at the map. No doubt about it; he was lost. Utterly and completely lost in snow-capped mountains somewhere in Galla. Glaring at the dying fire, Bowen drew his cloak tighter. How he hated snow. His reddish hair was wet, curling a bit and grazing his shoulders. He coughed, then cursed Devin. What could be so important that he had to reach Corus as soon as possible, crossing numerous mountains in the process? He hated mountains, too.
Taking the map in his hands again, he tried to read it again. There--he'd gone through that pass a few days ago, and he'd scaled that mountain only yesterday. Which meant that he was almost at the Scanra-Tortall border, but that couldn't be right...
"Lost, brother?"
Bowen stiffened at the voice. Turning slowly, he met the violet eyes of his younger brother, who wore leather. Brown leather, black leather, gray cloth...all to contrast with the falling snow. Not to mention that bright red hair, much purer than his own brown-tinted locks.
"No," he answered curtly. Elijah smiled, walking toward him. Bowen did his best not to shrink away. Instead he turned back to his map, ignoring his brother's approaching footsteps.
"I could send you to Corus in the blink of an eye," Elijah offered. Bowen snorted.
"I'd rather go the hard way."
"Still holding a grudge against me, Bowen?" Elijah asked with a sigh. Bowen still didn't look up, tracing the line of the mountains with his fingers.
"Always."
"Why?"
"You know why," Bowen retorted. Elijah across from him, yet Bowen didn't meet his eyes. As far as he was concerned, Elijah didn't deserve that courtesy.
"Did Devin put you up to this?" Elijah demanded. "You know what I think of him."
"He's an honorable man," Bowen snapped, finally meeting his brother's eyes in anger. "A man of his word. He saved my life, so I owe him. Devin is a knight of Tortall, and--"
"A thief," Elijah finished somewhat smugly. Bowen glared at him.
"What are you doing here Elijah?"
"What? Can't I offer my only brother a bit of help?" Elijah asked, shrugging. "You'll freeze to death up here. If you could just let me help you--"
"No sorcery," Bowen growled. "No help either. I can help myself."
"I never said you couldn't," Elijah replied. "You're obstinate to the point of foolishness, Bowen." He tapped on the map, pointing to a mountain in Tusaine. "You've admirable navigational skills, truly. Usually you could find your way through swamps, deserts, forests, over oceans better than anyone I've ever heard of. But put you in mountains and...this happens. You've already traveled too far south, brother. If I don't help you, you just might wander off the face of the earth."
"I said, I don't need your help!" Bowen grabbed the map away from Elijah, who held his hands in the air as a sign of surrender.
"Fine, fine. I just don't see why you have to be so independent. Help from others wouldn't kill you," Elijah remarked. Folding the map, Bowen didn't look at him again.
"Runs in the family," was his gruff reply. "You're independent, I'm independent. Mum and Da were independent."
"True." Elijah was silent for a moment. Then, he asked quietly, "Why d'you hate me so much?"
"What d'you think?"
"You still blame me, don't you?"
Bowen glanced sharply at his brother. "'Perhaps."
"Yes, you do." Elijah wore a tired expression on his face. "You always have. It's not your fault. I blame myself, too."
"If you knew the answer, why'd you ask?"
"Just to make sure." Finally Elijah stood, brushing the snow off of his pants. He glanced at the map again. "Well, since you don't want my help...keep an eye on the prince while you're in Corus."
"Heard he was in the desert," Bowen grunted. "And I'm sure the prince can take care of himself."
"Not with Duke Roger there," Elijah said. "Just keep an eye out for anything suspicious. Anyway, head south until you reach the Great Road East and follow it westward until you reach Corus."
Bowen grunted, placing the map into one of his many pockets. Elijah waited for his response, then sighed when Bowen said nothing. His skin began to glow violet.
"If you change your mind about that help..."
"Never," Bowen retorted. "I'll walk the entire way or I won't go at all."
"Suit yourself," Elijah said, shrugging. "Best get back to Scanra now or Vera would nag me about it for months."
Bowen felt a stab of old jealousy and hurt at the mention of Vera, but it soon passed. Raising a gloved hand, he shielded his face as Elijah disappeared in a shimmering light.
"Show-off," Bowen murmured, then poked at his fire.
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Alanna was running. The palace was suddenly a maze that she couldn't find her way through. She heard crying, and she was racing toward the sound. It never seemed to grow closer, however. The cries came from somewhere to her left. Pounding down the hall, Alanna was sweating and short of breath. With one hand she clutched her side. It seemed as if she had been running for forever.
Doubling over, Alanna gasped for air. The crying seemed louder than ever, and she fought the urge to cover her ears. Another voice joined the first, though Alanna couldn't tell if it was male or female. Grudgingly, she continued her search.
She tried to remember the last time she'd seen another person. Somehow the memory eluded her. Shaking her head, partly to clear her mind and partly to move the hair out of her eyes, Alanna continued. Now another voice joined the wailing. Alanna increased her speed.
The voices grew louder. Perhaps she was drawing nearer the source. Racing up a small flight of stairs, she reached another hallway. Suddenly, she paused. To her right was a door of strong oak.
Throwing her shoulder against it, the door tumbled open. So it had been unlocked. Glancing around, Alanna simply saw a common room. The wailing was gone, but a door in the back of the room was ajar. Voices floated from it. Tip-toeing closer, she peeked into it.
"Come in," a voice commanded. Surprised, Alanna pushed opened the door. Before her stood a tall, attractive man. In one hand he held a sceptor. On his brown hair was a crown. Flashing a smile at Alanna, he gestured. She noticed the jewel around his neck, the jewel that instantly caught and held her gaze.
"Duke Roger..." Alanna croaked. Squirming, Alanna attempted to pry her eyes away from that jewel, but somehow she couldn't. Her head ached and her eyesight blurred...
Then she woke.
Her lids flew open and she lay there, panting and soaked in sweat. Slowly, Alanna groped for the edge of the bed and stood shakily. Soft, pale pink light filtered softly through her curtains. Sunrise.
Hesitantly Alanna began to dress. She reached into her trunk and pulled out a soft gray riding gown. In no mood to fiddle with corsets, slips, or petticoats, much less laces, Alanna threw it over her head and grabbed a cloak. The black fabric would mask the fact that she wasn't properly dressed.
Eyeing her slippers with distaste, Alanna slipped out of her room barefoot. Locking the door behind her, she walked quietly through the palace. Self-consciously she ran fingers through her uncombed hair. She didn't even want to imagine what she must've looked like.
Her bare feet didn't make a sound as she traveled through the halls. In the dim light, the palace seemed just like her dream. A feeling of panic began to overtake her, as well as claustrophobia. She needed to be outdoors. Alanna began to walk faster, and then to run, as she had in her dream. The only difference was that she knew her way through the palace, though this was not much consolance.
As soon as she was outside, Alanna inhaled deeply. The morning air was crisper than usual. Glancing toward the trees, Alanna was surprised to see that the leaves were golden. Autumn had approached without her noticing it, or perhaps it had sneaked into the courtyard during the night.
For the first time in years, Alanna watched the sunrise and actually enjoyed it. Her breath caught in awe as the sky was painted in a lavender and peach glow. She'd long had the habit of awakening before dawn, but the last time she could remember paying attention to the sunrise was when she had been eight. Now she eyed the rosy clouds with appreciation. It would be a perfect day today. The beautiful sunrise was almost wonderful enough to make her forget the strange dream.
Almost.
A rider on horseback trotted toward her. She heard him approach from behind and then turn and stop beside her. Her lips curved involuntarily into a smile. Cocking her head, she addressed him without taking her eyes from the sunset.
"Beautiful sunrise, isn't it?" Alanna commented.
"It is. I hardly notice them anymore, though," admitted Alex as he slid down from the horse.
"Me neither. But we should stop to appreciate things like this more often." Her smile grew as he put his arms around her from behind, pulling her to him. Alanna leaned back and rested her head against his chest.
"You know I'm leaving, right?" he asked, his chin resting on the top of her head.
"Yes. Alex..." Alanna faltered. "There's something I should tell you. About Gary..." Alanna felt Alex stiffen. "He-He and I are...Gary's not really courting me."
Alex was silent for a moment as he felt hope rise. Could it be? Could it possibly be true? His pessimistic side attempted to squash the rising excitement, yet still it rose.
"What do you mean?" he asked slowly. Sighing, Alanna tilted her head back, looking up at him.
"It was all a joke. We were acting," she explained.
"It looked real to me," Alex said, his voice sharper than he'd intended. Alanna smiled happily.
"Good. That means that everyone else is convinced, too."
"Care to explain why you were acting?" Alex asked when she didn't elaborate. Laughing, Alanna twisted her head so that it was again resting against his chest.
"The First Daughter of the Convent is always pestering me about finding myself a husband. So, to get her to stop bothering me, I told her that Gary was courting me. I thought that if Gary and I could put on a big show, it would be all the more convincing."
Alex was silent for a long moment. Impatient to hear his response, Alanna shifted anxiously.
"Please say something."
"Well, this is a pleasant surprise."
"You can't mean that you were jealous!" Alanna laughed.
"I was," Alex responded truthfully. "After our first...after our first kiss, I spent a lot of time thinking about you. Avoiding you. I came across the two of you in the walkway by the courtyard, and...I didn't know what to think. I've never felt so enraged in all my life."
"So then what did you do?" Alanna asked curiously.
"I ran," Alex said with a smile. "I ran the other direction and I sulked."
"Doesn't seem like you, the great Sir Alexander of Tirragen, to sulk," said Alanna with a laugh. Alex laughed with her, his laugh rumbling softly from his throat.
"Well, now you don't have to lie any more," Alex said softly. Now it was Alanna who stiffened.
"What do you mean by that?" she demanded. Alex hugged her tighter.
"Well, now you can tell them that I'm courting you," he finished.
Immediately Alanna pulled from his grasp and faced him, eyes wild. The rising sun behind her colored her hair and shadowed her face, making her to appear almost inhuman, almost a god.
"But..you-you're not really c--" Alanna protested.
Alex silenced her with a kiss, sweet and tender. When he pulled away, Alanna was dazed and stood numbly as he mounted his horse and rode down the main road, waving to her. She waved back in response, watching him grow smaller as he traveled further away from her.
She was still in this trance-like state, grinning foolishly, when Gary found her.
"You're glowing!" he cried, placing an arm on her shoulder. At his touch Alanna started.
"What?" she asked, shaking herself. Holding her by the shoulders, Gary looked her over.
"You ARE glowing! What's the cause?" he asked. Alanna shrugged, freeing herself from his grasp.
"Nothing," she answered. "I'm not glowing." To prove her point, she held out her hands and looked them over. Gary rolled his eyes.
"No, I mean glowing as in that goofy smile on your face and that pink flush in your cheeks," he said impatiently. Alanna touched her cheeks with her hands. They were warm.
"Nonsense," she snapped. "They're pink because I'm cold." Gary shrugged.
"Alright. Now explain the smile and the bright sparkle in your eyes. You're glowing, I tell you. You look just like Delia did after Jon proposed."
Alanna gave Gary a sour look. "I don't like to be compared to other court ladies, thank you," she told him. "And nobody's proposed to me. As for this 'bright sparkle in my eyes,' I'm sure it's just because of the wind."
Gary still looked unconvinced. Rolling her eyes, Alanna shivered, shifting her cloak. Without another word to him, she started walking back toward the palace. Falling in step next to her, Gary looked at her curiously.
"Why are you barefoot?" he asked, pointing to her feet. Alanna stopped and stared at them. They were now mud-caked with bits of grass attached to it.
"I completely forgot about that," she admitted as they continued. "I had a nightmare, and I came out for fresh air."
"Too lazy to dress properly, eh?"
"Naturally," Alanna responded, smiling. "And now I'm hungry." Gary laughed and placed an arm around her.
"What's our plan today? The usual? Flirt over breakfast and then another leisurely, romantic stroll through the palace?" he said, gesturing toward the gardens. Frowning, Alanna stopped.
"Gary," she began hesitantly, "Maybe we should just have knight lessons today. Like before you left for the desert. I'm getting a little tired of this..."
"Charade?" Gary finished, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes," Alanna said, nodding. "And I better start back on those fencing lessons if I'm to beat you," she added. Gary laughed.
"Alright. Whatever the lady wants. Fencing lessons it is! Now, my stomach is complaining, so we'd best head indoors quickly."
"And I'm COLD!" Alanna said, picking up her pace. "I HATE cold weather!"
"Alanna, afraid of the cold?" Gary said in mock-horror. Alanna slapped his arm.
"Don't tease," she scolded.
"Oh, but it's too FUN!" he protested, grinning.
"Fun for you, not for me," Alanna answered. "What is there to like about winter, anyway? You catch a cold, can't go outdoors--"
"But you can!" Gary interuppted. "The snow is--"
"Terrible? Freezing cold? A punishment sent by the gods?"
"Well, how about ice? Surely you like ice-skating?"
"When I was five, the ice broke beneath me and I fell into the water. I haven't skated since, Gary," Alanna said crossly. Gary was surprised.
"Well then, this winter I will be sure to take you ice-skating. There's a big lake that we always went to skate at when we were pages. Maybe I could even teach you how to do figure-eights!"
Alanna shuddered.
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Ok. I know, boring chapter. It's what you would call a "filler" chapter, there to take up space and/or give you useful info. for the future.
So, purposes of this chapter:
1). introduce Bowen, Elijah's bro (ha! Didn't know he had a brother, didja! Well, 'course not, but that's besides the pt.)
2). give Alanna bad vibes about Roger, for future purposes
3). send Alex off, and let Alanna explain to him 'bout the entire Gary thing
4). stop the whole Alanna-Gary thing (because I was getting tired of that...it's just more trouble than it's worth!)
5). start Alanna on her training again, for future purposes
6). pause all this romance stuff because there's more important parts of the story that REALLY need attention. (Roger, Thom, goddess, faithful, George, the queen, Jon, etc.)
Therefore, it can be concluded that this chapter was important. Ha!
And about Bowen...there used whole messy love triangle between him, Vera, and Elijah, which MIGHT be explained later. *Debating whether or not you actually care*
I'm pretty sure that Bowen becomes an important character later on, I'm just not sure where he fits into this whole puzzle. *ponders for a moment* Oh, I know how!!!!! Ok, never mind, I got it ALL figured out!! Yes, he is important later! So, pay attention to him!
I know how I'm going to end this story! Yes, yes, YES! Ok! Woo-hoo! I know how I'm going to end it! Just to let you know, as of right now this story will probably be thirtyish chapters long, ok?
After I finish this story, I'm going to go back and revise it as well as rewrite a couple of chapters (mainly the first ones). Possibly, there will be a sequel, but most likely not. As in 95% chance not. But if anybody feels like writing a sequel for me, sure, why not?
I already have another Tamora Pierce fanfic in mind. Yes, it has to do with Alanna. No, Alanna does not go to the convent. I'm not going to tell you what it's about until I finish this story, though.
My monitor broke down. Which means that I can only update on weekends until I get it fixed.
REVIEW, s'il te plait!
To:
AerinBrown: forget the *cough* *coughs* then. Maybe it's a Texan thing. And I was just being melodramatic, which I have a tendency to do.
Camp Writer: *In horror:* OH MY GOD!!!!! That never even OCCURED to me! Oh, that would be SO nasty!
ladyluck: SoHo Chic is my initials. I chose it for that reason. Usually, in everything else my sn is xuraiya, but I didn't want any of my friends to read my story so I thought, hmmm...why not do my initials?
smiley: People are so happy that Alanna is finally acting giggly that they prefer not to "look a gift horse in the mouth." And others simply didn't notice.
Lady Tarrilyn: Ugh. I for one am unhappy that you finally decided who you wanted Alanna to end up with. Now I have to worry about your opinion when i write that part.
LadyOfWater: *Winces from blow* Point taken. I will do that when I revise the story.
Lady Arianna: Shhhhh....don't spoil it for ev'ryone else!
LadyKeladryKnight: Thanks! And wow, I'm so flattered!
Xelena: Yes, you're right. See, I told ya I was just being melodramatic!
Eccie87: I'm trying to remember what I wrote to you on my other computer (the one that broke down!)...oH, now I remember! But it was totally irrelevant to your review, so never mind.
'Sir' Rhyet Ex-Queen of MArren: I didn't understand you review. And to tell you the truth, I didn't pay much attention to Alex at first, because Alanna was closer to the others.
Rosefyre, Karina, White-Wolf, faithful, sedai, and bblond07: So sorry that I don't have any responses for you guys!!! But I'm on a time crunch here. I feel really bad now...oh well, next time.
YAY YAY YAY YAY YAY YAY YAY YAY YAY! I have 150 reviews! Happy, happy, happy! Wow, when I first started this story, I never DREAMED I would have that many reviews!
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Chapter sixteen--
Bowen scowled at the map. No doubt about it; he was lost. Utterly and completely lost in snow-capped mountains somewhere in Galla. Glaring at the dying fire, Bowen drew his cloak tighter. How he hated snow. His reddish hair was wet, curling a bit and grazing his shoulders. He coughed, then cursed Devin. What could be so important that he had to reach Corus as soon as possible, crossing numerous mountains in the process? He hated mountains, too.
Taking the map in his hands again, he tried to read it again. There--he'd gone through that pass a few days ago, and he'd scaled that mountain only yesterday. Which meant that he was almost at the Scanra-Tortall border, but that couldn't be right...
"Lost, brother?"
Bowen stiffened at the voice. Turning slowly, he met the violet eyes of his younger brother, who wore leather. Brown leather, black leather, gray cloth...all to contrast with the falling snow. Not to mention that bright red hair, much purer than his own brown-tinted locks.
"No," he answered curtly. Elijah smiled, walking toward him. Bowen did his best not to shrink away. Instead he turned back to his map, ignoring his brother's approaching footsteps.
"I could send you to Corus in the blink of an eye," Elijah offered. Bowen snorted.
"I'd rather go the hard way."
"Still holding a grudge against me, Bowen?" Elijah asked with a sigh. Bowen still didn't look up, tracing the line of the mountains with his fingers.
"Always."
"Why?"
"You know why," Bowen retorted. Elijah across from him, yet Bowen didn't meet his eyes. As far as he was concerned, Elijah didn't deserve that courtesy.
"Did Devin put you up to this?" Elijah demanded. "You know what I think of him."
"He's an honorable man," Bowen snapped, finally meeting his brother's eyes in anger. "A man of his word. He saved my life, so I owe him. Devin is a knight of Tortall, and--"
"A thief," Elijah finished somewhat smugly. Bowen glared at him.
"What are you doing here Elijah?"
"What? Can't I offer my only brother a bit of help?" Elijah asked, shrugging. "You'll freeze to death up here. If you could just let me help you--"
"No sorcery," Bowen growled. "No help either. I can help myself."
"I never said you couldn't," Elijah replied. "You're obstinate to the point of foolishness, Bowen." He tapped on the map, pointing to a mountain in Tusaine. "You've admirable navigational skills, truly. Usually you could find your way through swamps, deserts, forests, over oceans better than anyone I've ever heard of. But put you in mountains and...this happens. You've already traveled too far south, brother. If I don't help you, you just might wander off the face of the earth."
"I said, I don't need your help!" Bowen grabbed the map away from Elijah, who held his hands in the air as a sign of surrender.
"Fine, fine. I just don't see why you have to be so independent. Help from others wouldn't kill you," Elijah remarked. Folding the map, Bowen didn't look at him again.
"Runs in the family," was his gruff reply. "You're independent, I'm independent. Mum and Da were independent."
"True." Elijah was silent for a moment. Then, he asked quietly, "Why d'you hate me so much?"
"What d'you think?"
"You still blame me, don't you?"
Bowen glanced sharply at his brother. "'Perhaps."
"Yes, you do." Elijah wore a tired expression on his face. "You always have. It's not your fault. I blame myself, too."
"If you knew the answer, why'd you ask?"
"Just to make sure." Finally Elijah stood, brushing the snow off of his pants. He glanced at the map again. "Well, since you don't want my help...keep an eye on the prince while you're in Corus."
"Heard he was in the desert," Bowen grunted. "And I'm sure the prince can take care of himself."
"Not with Duke Roger there," Elijah said. "Just keep an eye out for anything suspicious. Anyway, head south until you reach the Great Road East and follow it westward until you reach Corus."
Bowen grunted, placing the map into one of his many pockets. Elijah waited for his response, then sighed when Bowen said nothing. His skin began to glow violet.
"If you change your mind about that help..."
"Never," Bowen retorted. "I'll walk the entire way or I won't go at all."
"Suit yourself," Elijah said, shrugging. "Best get back to Scanra now or Vera would nag me about it for months."
Bowen felt a stab of old jealousy and hurt at the mention of Vera, but it soon passed. Raising a gloved hand, he shielded his face as Elijah disappeared in a shimmering light.
"Show-off," Bowen murmured, then poked at his fire.
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Alanna was running. The palace was suddenly a maze that she couldn't find her way through. She heard crying, and she was racing toward the sound. It never seemed to grow closer, however. The cries came from somewhere to her left. Pounding down the hall, Alanna was sweating and short of breath. With one hand she clutched her side. It seemed as if she had been running for forever.
Doubling over, Alanna gasped for air. The crying seemed louder than ever, and she fought the urge to cover her ears. Another voice joined the first, though Alanna couldn't tell if it was male or female. Grudgingly, she continued her search.
She tried to remember the last time she'd seen another person. Somehow the memory eluded her. Shaking her head, partly to clear her mind and partly to move the hair out of her eyes, Alanna continued. Now another voice joined the wailing. Alanna increased her speed.
The voices grew louder. Perhaps she was drawing nearer the source. Racing up a small flight of stairs, she reached another hallway. Suddenly, she paused. To her right was a door of strong oak.
Throwing her shoulder against it, the door tumbled open. So it had been unlocked. Glancing around, Alanna simply saw a common room. The wailing was gone, but a door in the back of the room was ajar. Voices floated from it. Tip-toeing closer, she peeked into it.
"Come in," a voice commanded. Surprised, Alanna pushed opened the door. Before her stood a tall, attractive man. In one hand he held a sceptor. On his brown hair was a crown. Flashing a smile at Alanna, he gestured. She noticed the jewel around his neck, the jewel that instantly caught and held her gaze.
"Duke Roger..." Alanna croaked. Squirming, Alanna attempted to pry her eyes away from that jewel, but somehow she couldn't. Her head ached and her eyesight blurred...
Then she woke.
Her lids flew open and she lay there, panting and soaked in sweat. Slowly, Alanna groped for the edge of the bed and stood shakily. Soft, pale pink light filtered softly through her curtains. Sunrise.
Hesitantly Alanna began to dress. She reached into her trunk and pulled out a soft gray riding gown. In no mood to fiddle with corsets, slips, or petticoats, much less laces, Alanna threw it over her head and grabbed a cloak. The black fabric would mask the fact that she wasn't properly dressed.
Eyeing her slippers with distaste, Alanna slipped out of her room barefoot. Locking the door behind her, she walked quietly through the palace. Self-consciously she ran fingers through her uncombed hair. She didn't even want to imagine what she must've looked like.
Her bare feet didn't make a sound as she traveled through the halls. In the dim light, the palace seemed just like her dream. A feeling of panic began to overtake her, as well as claustrophobia. She needed to be outdoors. Alanna began to walk faster, and then to run, as she had in her dream. The only difference was that she knew her way through the palace, though this was not much consolance.
As soon as she was outside, Alanna inhaled deeply. The morning air was crisper than usual. Glancing toward the trees, Alanna was surprised to see that the leaves were golden. Autumn had approached without her noticing it, or perhaps it had sneaked into the courtyard during the night.
For the first time in years, Alanna watched the sunrise and actually enjoyed it. Her breath caught in awe as the sky was painted in a lavender and peach glow. She'd long had the habit of awakening before dawn, but the last time she could remember paying attention to the sunrise was when she had been eight. Now she eyed the rosy clouds with appreciation. It would be a perfect day today. The beautiful sunrise was almost wonderful enough to make her forget the strange dream.
Almost.
A rider on horseback trotted toward her. She heard him approach from behind and then turn and stop beside her. Her lips curved involuntarily into a smile. Cocking her head, she addressed him without taking her eyes from the sunset.
"Beautiful sunrise, isn't it?" Alanna commented.
"It is. I hardly notice them anymore, though," admitted Alex as he slid down from the horse.
"Me neither. But we should stop to appreciate things like this more often." Her smile grew as he put his arms around her from behind, pulling her to him. Alanna leaned back and rested her head against his chest.
"You know I'm leaving, right?" he asked, his chin resting on the top of her head.
"Yes. Alex..." Alanna faltered. "There's something I should tell you. About Gary..." Alanna felt Alex stiffen. "He-He and I are...Gary's not really courting me."
Alex was silent for a moment as he felt hope rise. Could it be? Could it possibly be true? His pessimistic side attempted to squash the rising excitement, yet still it rose.
"What do you mean?" he asked slowly. Sighing, Alanna tilted her head back, looking up at him.
"It was all a joke. We were acting," she explained.
"It looked real to me," Alex said, his voice sharper than he'd intended. Alanna smiled happily.
"Good. That means that everyone else is convinced, too."
"Care to explain why you were acting?" Alex asked when she didn't elaborate. Laughing, Alanna twisted her head so that it was again resting against his chest.
"The First Daughter of the Convent is always pestering me about finding myself a husband. So, to get her to stop bothering me, I told her that Gary was courting me. I thought that if Gary and I could put on a big show, it would be all the more convincing."
Alex was silent for a long moment. Impatient to hear his response, Alanna shifted anxiously.
"Please say something."
"Well, this is a pleasant surprise."
"You can't mean that you were jealous!" Alanna laughed.
"I was," Alex responded truthfully. "After our first...after our first kiss, I spent a lot of time thinking about you. Avoiding you. I came across the two of you in the walkway by the courtyard, and...I didn't know what to think. I've never felt so enraged in all my life."
"So then what did you do?" Alanna asked curiously.
"I ran," Alex said with a smile. "I ran the other direction and I sulked."
"Doesn't seem like you, the great Sir Alexander of Tirragen, to sulk," said Alanna with a laugh. Alex laughed with her, his laugh rumbling softly from his throat.
"Well, now you don't have to lie any more," Alex said softly. Now it was Alanna who stiffened.
"What do you mean by that?" she demanded. Alex hugged her tighter.
"Well, now you can tell them that I'm courting you," he finished.
Immediately Alanna pulled from his grasp and faced him, eyes wild. The rising sun behind her colored her hair and shadowed her face, making her to appear almost inhuman, almost a god.
"But..you-you're not really c--" Alanna protested.
Alex silenced her with a kiss, sweet and tender. When he pulled away, Alanna was dazed and stood numbly as he mounted his horse and rode down the main road, waving to her. She waved back in response, watching him grow smaller as he traveled further away from her.
She was still in this trance-like state, grinning foolishly, when Gary found her.
"You're glowing!" he cried, placing an arm on her shoulder. At his touch Alanna started.
"What?" she asked, shaking herself. Holding her by the shoulders, Gary looked her over.
"You ARE glowing! What's the cause?" he asked. Alanna shrugged, freeing herself from his grasp.
"Nothing," she answered. "I'm not glowing." To prove her point, she held out her hands and looked them over. Gary rolled his eyes.
"No, I mean glowing as in that goofy smile on your face and that pink flush in your cheeks," he said impatiently. Alanna touched her cheeks with her hands. They were warm.
"Nonsense," she snapped. "They're pink because I'm cold." Gary shrugged.
"Alright. Now explain the smile and the bright sparkle in your eyes. You're glowing, I tell you. You look just like Delia did after Jon proposed."
Alanna gave Gary a sour look. "I don't like to be compared to other court ladies, thank you," she told him. "And nobody's proposed to me. As for this 'bright sparkle in my eyes,' I'm sure it's just because of the wind."
Gary still looked unconvinced. Rolling her eyes, Alanna shivered, shifting her cloak. Without another word to him, she started walking back toward the palace. Falling in step next to her, Gary looked at her curiously.
"Why are you barefoot?" he asked, pointing to her feet. Alanna stopped and stared at them. They were now mud-caked with bits of grass attached to it.
"I completely forgot about that," she admitted as they continued. "I had a nightmare, and I came out for fresh air."
"Too lazy to dress properly, eh?"
"Naturally," Alanna responded, smiling. "And now I'm hungry." Gary laughed and placed an arm around her.
"What's our plan today? The usual? Flirt over breakfast and then another leisurely, romantic stroll through the palace?" he said, gesturing toward the gardens. Frowning, Alanna stopped.
"Gary," she began hesitantly, "Maybe we should just have knight lessons today. Like before you left for the desert. I'm getting a little tired of this..."
"Charade?" Gary finished, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes," Alanna said, nodding. "And I better start back on those fencing lessons if I'm to beat you," she added. Gary laughed.
"Alright. Whatever the lady wants. Fencing lessons it is! Now, my stomach is complaining, so we'd best head indoors quickly."
"And I'm COLD!" Alanna said, picking up her pace. "I HATE cold weather!"
"Alanna, afraid of the cold?" Gary said in mock-horror. Alanna slapped his arm.
"Don't tease," she scolded.
"Oh, but it's too FUN!" he protested, grinning.
"Fun for you, not for me," Alanna answered. "What is there to like about winter, anyway? You catch a cold, can't go outdoors--"
"But you can!" Gary interuppted. "The snow is--"
"Terrible? Freezing cold? A punishment sent by the gods?"
"Well, how about ice? Surely you like ice-skating?"
"When I was five, the ice broke beneath me and I fell into the water. I haven't skated since, Gary," Alanna said crossly. Gary was surprised.
"Well then, this winter I will be sure to take you ice-skating. There's a big lake that we always went to skate at when we were pages. Maybe I could even teach you how to do figure-eights!"
Alanna shuddered.
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Ok. I know, boring chapter. It's what you would call a "filler" chapter, there to take up space and/or give you useful info. for the future.
So, purposes of this chapter:
1). introduce Bowen, Elijah's bro (ha! Didn't know he had a brother, didja! Well, 'course not, but that's besides the pt.)
2). give Alanna bad vibes about Roger, for future purposes
3). send Alex off, and let Alanna explain to him 'bout the entire Gary thing
4). stop the whole Alanna-Gary thing (because I was getting tired of that...it's just more trouble than it's worth!)
5). start Alanna on her training again, for future purposes
6). pause all this romance stuff because there's more important parts of the story that REALLY need attention. (Roger, Thom, goddess, faithful, George, the queen, Jon, etc.)
Therefore, it can be concluded that this chapter was important. Ha!
And about Bowen...there used whole messy love triangle between him, Vera, and Elijah, which MIGHT be explained later. *Debating whether or not you actually care*
I'm pretty sure that Bowen becomes an important character later on, I'm just not sure where he fits into this whole puzzle. *ponders for a moment* Oh, I know how!!!!! Ok, never mind, I got it ALL figured out!! Yes, he is important later! So, pay attention to him!
I know how I'm going to end this story! Yes, yes, YES! Ok! Woo-hoo! I know how I'm going to end it! Just to let you know, as of right now this story will probably be thirtyish chapters long, ok?
After I finish this story, I'm going to go back and revise it as well as rewrite a couple of chapters (mainly the first ones). Possibly, there will be a sequel, but most likely not. As in 95% chance not. But if anybody feels like writing a sequel for me, sure, why not?
I already have another Tamora Pierce fanfic in mind. Yes, it has to do with Alanna. No, Alanna does not go to the convent. I'm not going to tell you what it's about until I finish this story, though.
My monitor broke down. Which means that I can only update on weekends until I get it fixed.
REVIEW, s'il te plait!