BRAND NEW CHAPTER SEVEN! I took out the whole bit about the bandits, and rewrote the whole thing as a filler chapter of fluff. The bandit bit will be reinserted later in the story. I'm sorry it took five months; I was just really busy! Go read it!

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Chapter Seven

Alanna and George left the palace, with a royal order to return within the month for the Midwinter festival and royal wedding.

As they rode, Alanna noticed that George seemed very nervous. She let him be though. A winter chill was in the air, and she was freezing.

"You do know where we're going." At first, it took her a moment to realize he had indeed spoken.

"Tell me again." She had been wondering, though she was sure that he had said something, before.

He sighed. "Pirate's Swoop. My, and your, new home."

Alanna started. She had forgotten that she would be moving in with him. She had heard Pirate's Swoop was beautiful, though she had never seen it.

The old lord had died without a single friend or family member to inherit, leaving the King free to give the title of Baron to George at his ennoblement. When she married him, she would become the baroness of Pirate's Swoop. Lady Alanna of Pirate's Swoop and Olau. It had a nice ring to it.

A week or so later, the sun was just beginning to set when Alanna and George rode over a hill, and out of the forest. Immediately, bright light, and the roaring of a crashing sea assaulted Alanna. Nestled on a cliff high above a cove sat a sparkling castle, complete with three towers.

"It's beautiful, George," Alanna breathed, overcome by it. It looked like a place out of legends.

"I'm glad you like it," he grinned. "I've an even better surprise for you, once we get inside."

Alanna narrowed her eyes. "Is it stolen?"

George laughed merrily. "Must you ask that every time I get you something? No, my love, it is not stolen."

Then at the front gate of the castle, George signaled to the watchman in the tower, and whistled a peculiar tune. The watchmen whistled something in return, and the huge gate began to open. Alanna and George rode into the courtyard, and dismounted, as hostlers came to take their horses. Alanna looked around, shielding her eyes from the sun. George watched one particular tower as if waiting for something. Alanna turned to look at it.

Another whistle sounded, and a flag was run up the tower, a brown field with a gold key. George grinned. "My own personal insignia."

Alanna punched his arm. "Starting to like our new status, aren't we?"

He grinned. "Not a bit. Come inside, my Lioness. I've something else to show you."

He showed her into a large oak door. Inside was a dimly lit formal dining room, with a large table. Alanna sent her Gift into the candles and torches, lighting them. As the room came in view, she noticed a large red cloth laid out over the table. Inspecting it, she saw a golden, rearing lioness, with a small KC embroidered in the corner. "The personal flag of the King's Champion," George smiled softly. "Had it 'specially ordered from the finest flag-makers in the land for you. Consider it a movin' present."

Alanna's eyes filled with tears. "I love it."

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Thank you to all of my lovely reviewers, who waited so patiently for this! If you reviewed more than once, you have more than one answer awaiting you in the list.

Thelastsilmaril: No, my computer is fine, I'm just lazy.

Death Goddess Assassin: I feel loved.

Nessa Elanesse: I buy my books are Barnes and Noble.. and... what did I say to your offer of beta-ing?

gray rain: Thank you... I feel...so... loved!

milky way bar: Hi!

Arianla: Er.. now?

Robinwyn: Thank you... Um, when you notice that I've updated, hehe please beta it and send it back.. unless I sent it to you already and I forgot... thanks..

Mage424: Thank you! September, I believe..

Evilstrawberry: How does a computer get struck by lightning? Anywhoo... thanks!

Saharian: Yay, I'm so loved...

MunkeyLynne: Hi again......

MunkeyLynne: And again... (don't worry, I love you anyway...)

shattered amethyst: Woot!

Peachy Garlic: My fic is tasty? Yay!

Peachy Garlic: Yes, I did get rid of it. reminds Did you read it, Randy?

Nayhleii: I'm your'e hero? Wow... I feel so special...

Galia: 'allo!

Galia: And again, thanks!

Andi G: Thank you! Don't you like poofy Numairs? Anyways.. he's jut back at the palace.

Robinwyn: Hi!

Verasilyn: Of course it was nice, it was me, wasn't it? Lol, jk

champion of thunder: Thank you... feels special again

Santapaws: I shall keep that in mind... calls beta

carmen12341: er.. now?

CrystalLili: I am.. I am... even if it takes me forever cough five months

Leeread: Yes, I can wait a month. Five of them. Sorry, lol.

Leeread: Thank you!

Nip: Yes, they did have an infirmary, think bandit attack in WWRLAM. I'm glad you liked it!

Fire Mage6: Huh? Thanks and your welcome!

Goddess Of The Moon: Ehee, and thank you!

ArizonaBay: Happy dances are good.. Is five months soon?

Lady Myranel: Yup, meloves Les Mis.

Alcapacien: Out loud? Here's more.

Innocence8: Although this chapter is now fluff where it was action, it will return, but I felt it fit better later in the story... You're welcome, and thanks again for your review!

Lady Slone of Snow Mt: I'm writing, I'm writing...

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Chapter Eight will be out... Eventually! Expect slightly more writing in the summer, and a whole lot less in the fall. Expect nothing in the fall, because I'm starting an new school, pointe classes, regular ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and dance line. So I will barely have enough time for homework, much less fan-fiction. But this summer I will try to put out at least three more chapters. I promise! Thank you for waiting! FlamingKnight